Showing posts with label places to go. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places to go. Show all posts

Friday, May 31

Mayberry Café Owners Honored by Lt. Governor for Tourism Contributions

*Press Release*
DANVILLE, IN – The creators of an iconic Central Indiana attraction known for its down-home cooking, replica police cruiser sitting out front and other charms that pay homage to the legendary 1960s sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show,” received statewide recognition for their service to Indiana tourism on Wednesday.

Brad and Christine Born, owners of the Mayberry Café in Danville, were one of 18 recipients of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Hoosier Hospitality Awards during an afternoon ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.

Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann presented the Borns and other honorees with their awards in conjunction with Visit Indiana Week, May 5-11, which is also National Tourism Week.

“Indiana has a national reputation for Hoosier hospitality, and the men and women we acknowledge exemplify excellence in service,” Ellspermann said. “It is with great pleasure that we honor the best of the best in an industry vitally important to Indiana’s economy.”

Since 1992, the Borns have not only served food and plenty of nostalgia on the Historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, but they also have been a tourism fixture for Hendricks County and the state. Lovers of the “Andy Griffith Show” come in droves every year from all over the U.S. and other countries to visit the Mayberry Cafe.

Visit Hendricks County shares places to go and things to do in Hendricks County.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Friday, December 16

6 Best Spots to Take Kids During Holiday Break 2011 Indy

Every year parents, grandparents and fun-loving adults ask for my opinion of places to go in the Indy-metro area with kids over holiday break from school. Here are the Top 6 Best Spots.
Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg through Jan. 8. Image/RRImages
  1. Jingle Rails: Where: Eiteljorg Museum. What it is: Thirteen overhead walk-under bridges, replicas of downtown Indianapolis, The Great West and national treasures as seen via seven trains traveling throughout the display. When:  The "coolest exhibit I've ever seen," according to one child at the exhibit, is open through Jan 8. Website: Eiteljorg.com
  2. Willy Wonka: Where: Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. What it is: Roald Dahl's classic children's story. When: This is a great way to introduce kids to live theater through Jan. 7. Website: CivicTheatre.org.
      Willy Wonka                     Image/BTCivicTheatre
  3. Jolly Days: Where: Children's Museum: What it is: Listed consistently as a national must-see museum, Jolly Days is still fun after Christmas with activities for children of all ages, including a play castle, "ice skating" and theater. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: ChildrensMuseum.org.
  4. Hearthside Suppers: Where: Conner Prairie. What it is: Enjoy helping prepare an early 1800s dinner and eating it by candlelight. When: Starts Jan. 6. Website: ConnerPrairie.org.
  5. Conservatory Crossing: Where: Garfield Park Conserrvatory. What it is: Running train models, and a train village in partnership with The Indiana Railroad Company. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: GarfieldGardensConservatory.org.
  6. Ice skating: Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds. What it is: A great way to introduce kids to a new sport or keep active during the winter. When: Through April. Website: In.gov/StateFair
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: SouthSider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Monday, June 6

Restaurant Review: Square Rootz Deli



Square Rootz Deli, located in the heart of Indy's historic Fountain Square neighborhood, was recommended to me by New Day Meadery owner, Tia Agnew. The deli is located at 1110 E. Prospect St., just two doors down from Circle City's newest winery.
My first trip to Square Rootz was a quick stop in for a take-out order. When you enter the deli, the laid back attitude steps up to greet you. Concerned with giving back, owner Jeff Reuter makes room for a local vinyl record dealer's wares on the left side of the dining area and artwork from an Indy-area school on the right-side walls.
The Beefy sandwich
I ordered the Beefy sandwich ($8) and a side of a grape salad ($1.85). The sammy came wrapped in butcher paper and was marked BEEFY, I like that.
It was piled with juicy beef and served on grilled rye bread. Pepper Jack cheese blends in with the horseradish sauce, lettuce and red onions, taking it up notches from most zesty sandwiches. The grape salad includes grapes coated with a cream cheese dip and nuts. This meal could prove to be addicting.

The second visit happened, unfortunately, while the owner (Reuter) was in and upfront so I was spotted during my review. If you know me, you'll know that won't alter the rating a bit, however. I just prefer to let you know when it happens. He is as personable as his staff and the service proved as friendly and helpful (and patient) during the subsequent visit.
My order, a Reuben sandwich ($8), came with 4 oz. corned beef, 1000 Island dressing, and sauerkraut. The dressing is mixed with the kraut to prevent dripping.
  
The Reuben sandwich
I was more impressed with the Beefy than the Reuben. The Beefy was juicier, seemed more filling and more of a value as I had plenty for leftovers. If you are comfortable paying $8 for a Reuben, and the dripping of sauerkraut juices has been problematic, then you might want to try this one. I have a difficult time recommending $8 for any sandwich, even the Beefy. Although...it was large enough for two, which justifies it in my mind.
The website (www.squarerootzdeli.com) is fun, informative, loads quickly and promotes the personality of the eatery online. In fact, I would say it is one of the best I have seen for a restaurant. The one drawback is the events tab which has no listings for the current or upcoming months. It may have been discontinued and not deleted. Otherwise, it is a great site with directions, map, and contact information (including the owner's name) listed prominently, along with complete menus.
Bottom Line: Offering great sandwiches with unique twists, Square Rootz Deli is located conveniently to bring good deli food to the Fountain Square area.
Rating
3.5 out of 5

Reviews are based on the traditional 1-5 stars in six separate categories: Appearance, Menu, Service, Product, Style and Website. Why websites? My unofficial poll revealed the majority of people check a site before deciding where to put their money.

Photos: Elizabeth J. Musgrave
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Email: elizabeth@gottago.us.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Saturday, May 21

VIntage Indiana Wine Festival Schedule 2012


June 4, 2011
11am - 7pm
Military Park

Taste the Experience!
Join us at the 12th annual Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival
June 4, 2011 in downtown Indianapolis!
~ An award-winning festival promoting Indiana wine and food ~

Celebrate with the Indiana wineries as they offer samples of more than 200 award-winning wines
(Adult sampler ticket only ~ ID required ~ First 10,000 receive etched wine glass!)

Adult Tickets:
$22 in advance/ $25 at the gate
Designated Drivers:21 and older
$10 in advance/ $10 at the gate
Age 6 to 20:
$5
Children 5 and under:
FREE
Phone Orders
1-800-359-2968

  • Enjoy delicious food from some of Indiana's top culinary experts
  • Visit the Wine & Food Experience Pavillion for food and wine sessions with chefs and winemakers
  • Tap your foot to Indiana's most popular musicians LIVE throughout the day
  • Browse through the artists booths
  • Take your kids to the KidZone for some interactive fun

BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIRS AND BLANKETS!


OUTSIDE COOLERS, FOOD AND BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED! These items will be confiscated at the gate or if found on the grounds.No re-entry, no pets, no refunds, no outside food/beverage RAIN OR SHINE!! No Refunds! Quick Info

2011 Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Pavillion Line Up- We cook and pour. You taste and enjoy:

Noon

The Dinner Rush
Any busy parent knows that getting a meal on the table before your kids break out into the “I’m starving” chant can be a headache! However, quick and easy recipes from The American Dairy Association, Red Gold and Indiana’s Turkey Producers can help prevent those grumbling bellies. And once you get the meal on the table, we’ll talk Traminette for the grownups. Indiana’s Signature Wine goes great with many meals!

1:30 p.m.

Invite the Neighbors!
Nothing says summer like inviting your neighbors and friends over for a dinner party! But does the idea of cooking fro a crowd scare you? It doesn’t have to! We’ll showcase recipes featuring turkey, dairy and tomatoes that all can be made into great dishes and served to friends! The wineries from the Indy Wine Trail will offer their best pairing ideas.

3:00 p.m.

Recipes and Pairings to Celebrate Your Dad
Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away! What better way to celebrate Dad than with some of his favorite things to eat and drink! Turkey, Tomatoes, and Dairy all go together to create a perfect meal for that special Dad! Pair that meal with some great wines from he Indiana Wine Trail. They’ll join us to highlight the many great wineries on their Trail in southeastern Indiana.

4:30 p.m.

Get our Your Grill
Warm summer days mean our grills are busy! Join the chefs from Clarks Appliance as they showcase their cooking talents and show us what they grill during the summer months! We will also announce the winner of the contest for those Indiana Uplands Wine Trail trekkers who participated in the year long tasting event!


Entertainment
12PM ~ 2:00PM: Brigid's Cross
2:30PM ~ 4:30PM: Jennie DeVoe
5:00PM ~ 7:00PM: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Participating Wineries
- Best Vineyards
- Brown County Winery
- Buck Creek Winery
- Butler Winery & Vineyards
- Carousel Winery
- Cedar Creek Winery
- Chateau de Pique
- Chateau Thomas Winery
- Easley Winery
- Ertel Cellars Winery
- French Lick Winery
- Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyard
- Indian Creek Winery
- Lanthier Winery
- Mallow Run Winery
- Oliver Winery
- Rettig Hill Winery
- River City Winery
- Satek Winery
- Simmons Winery
- Thomas Family Winery
- Turtle Run Winery
- Whyte Horse Winery
- Wildcat Creek Winery
- Winzerwald Winery

Food Vendors
- AlliCart Catering
- Barto's Banquets and Catering
- Baskin Robbins
- Bazbeaux Pizza
- Blue Lagoon Catering
- Boone County Pork Producers
- Cobb's Cajun Cooking
- Emkay Enterprises, LLC
- Glodo's Original Kettle Korn
- Jr. Chapter of the American Culinary Federation
- Port-a-Pit Catering of Indy

Artists and Vendors
- A+ Images, Inc.
- Cannon Gallery
- Craig Helming
- Dave's Nepal Attire
- Evochi, LLC
- Hats by Patricia
- Heavenly Dips
- Iron Kettle Restaurants
- Mushroom Gear
- Nature's Bling
- Scentsy
- Seven Lemons
- The Village Experience
- The Wishing Well
- Trinkets From the Heart
- Vintage Indiana Shoppe
- Wine Girl Apparel
- Xocai Healthy Chocolate

Sponsors
Marsh Supermarkets, WISH TV, MyNdy 23, Clark Appliance, American Dairy Association of Indiana, Indiana's Family of Farmers, 92.3 WTTS, NUVO, National Turkey Federation, Pepsi, Indiana State Poultry Association

- Copyright © 2000 - 2011, Vintage Indiana. All rights reserved. -

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on www.AroundIndy.com and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Thursday, January 27

Long Beach Peninsula, Washington

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
There’s a beauty that comes with youth. Carefree and playful, unmarred by life’s experiences ~ The summer's beauty. Another beauty grows from those experiences of life. The inner beauty of ... winter.

Just as with people, a landscape or town can bring forth an unconventional beauty from within during its later seasons.

The 28-mile stretch in Washington, Long Beach Peninsula, is a frolicking, topical beauty in the summer. Once winter sets in, its inner beauty — and strengths — awaken while summer hibernates.
Cranberry vine baskets

Gone are the tourists who arrive for the International Kite Festival, boating or to visit Oysterville Sea Farms for oyster shooters. Remaining are the locals to embrace the untold pleasures of the off-season.

Oysterville Sea Farms
Villages are strung along, one after the next, like a strand of cranberries gathered from nearby bogs and made into a Christmas tree garland. Ilwaco, Ocean Park, Long Beach, Oysterville, Nahcotta, Seaview...each awash in the muted hues of late December, casually meandering along the longest continuous sand beach in America. Each seemingly identical until, upon second glance, it's clear each has a separate identity and is interwoven with the others similar to the cranberry vine baskets available at Bay Avenue Gallery.

Showing no fear against the onslaught of 30-foot waves is Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, standing watch over the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean juncture. Pewter waves tipped in white become crashing cymbals against the cliff of Washington's oldest lighthouse, thinner sprays of silver beat as steel drums, the misty-green over spray balances the oceanic orchestra with its rhythmic droplets.
Sticky English Toffee Pudding

Widely recognized as pioneers of the sustaining food movement, Jimella Lucas and Nancy Main have down-sized from their previous eatery of 22 years, world-renown Ark Restaurant, to Jimella's Klipsan Seafood Market & Cafe. Lucas, widely recognized as the goddess chef of seafood, and Main, both classically trained chefs, weather all seasons equally with local, freshly caught seafood, including salmon, oysters and clams.

Main's decadent (especially the Sticky English Toffee Pudding) desserts, more often seen in an over-priced NYC eatery, are a sweet surprise to find in the laid back cafe. Local wines and gourmet food items are available in the market section (also the lobby) including in-house made sauces and necessities for all self-respecting gourmet cooks.

The Depot
The Depot, owned by executive chef Michael Lalewicz and Nancy Gorshe, manager and wine expert, is an old train station refurbished into an upscale, casual eatery. Relishing in its age, much like a favorite uncle or grandfather, the historical stop has stories to tell as you sip Washington reds and nibble Willapa Bay fried oysters with roasted garlic aioli sauce; fig-glazed, bacon-wrapped quail or local comfort food, crab mac 'n cheese.

China Beach Retreat
China Beach Retreat is at peace with summer's tourists and winter's serenity seekers. With a deck for the frolickers and a fireplace for the snugglers, the cottage, tucked away in a cove, allows sweeping views of the Columbia River from each of three enchanting guestrooms. Herons and deer keep watch should you venture out for a horseback ride on the beach, a clam bake or a pint at the retreat's sister B&B, The Shelburne Inn, Hotel, Restaurant & Pub.

Innkeepers David Campiche and Laurie Anderson restored the 1896 hotel to its former old world elegance, including rescued antique, stained glass windows dating from the late 1800′s. Lingering by the cozy fireplace after a gourmet breakfast, you'll notice the pottery of Campiche with colors reflective of the seasons found in the peninsula...and the artist.

Pelicano Restaurant
The Shelburne Inn
Winter boat enthusiasts know the pleasure of the off-season, vying for prizes at the lighted boat event each December. After slipping into the dock outside, it seems only natural to slip inside the upscale Pelicano Restaurant for local-fresh-meets-gourmet cuisine. The simplistic metropolitan decor and Mediterranean-inspired menu are enhanced by the panoramic views of the nearby port.
With the absence of summer, time becomes a friend as chefs, museum curators, sea farmers, and gallery, shop and restaurant owners share their love of peninsula life. Sipping a (locally grown) cranberry champagne cocktail at casually hip 42nd Street cafe, absorbing history at the World Kite Museum (WWII combat kites) or the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, seems a richer and more mellow experience ensconced in the winter's cloak.

In searching the seaside haven of Long Beach Peninsula for a solution to the winter blues, I found a deeper understanding of winter's hidden beauty.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.
Photos by EJMusgrave/Izzy Evans