Things to do in Indianapolis March 2017

It's warm, it's cold, it's raining, then snowing, then sunny.... strange winter in Indianapolis indeed. You just decide it is a good time to go hiking, when the temps drop and the snow falls. As March rolls its way in, the weather will continue to flip flop. Outside, or in, there are always things to do in Indianapolis.

Here are my TOP 5 recommendations for March 2017.

Broadway in Indianapolis
If you have not seen it, now is the perfect time as Broadway in 

Indianapolis brings a return performance of Jersey Boys to Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University February 28 - March 5. This will be my third time to catch it, because it is worth it (read my review here). Then, March 30 – April 2, Motown the Musical takes over The Murat Theatre at ONC. Two great eras of music ~ life is good.

WFYI Ice Miller Wine Fest 2017

Hosted by Ice Miller this wine event will be held Fri., March 3, and has been moved to Old National Center. Still the preeminent fundraiser for WFYI, this annual tasting soiree' is THE wine event for Indy.

Livery Stable
Livery has a rooftop dining experience with spectacular views of Mass Ave's splendor, Lockerbie, Chatham Arch and other historic neighborhoods. This most recent restaurant addition to the Mass-College corner is impressive in its simplicity. The understated urban décor, efficient and friendly service (an important detail to many), and trendy, well-executed menu ~ both culinary and cocktails ~ make this THE place to catch sunlight, starlight and wonderful views.

Central Canal
The best way to break out of those winter blahs is to take a stroll, bike ride, or brisk walk, along downtown's canal. From war memorials, to fountains and fauna, to people watching, there is always something to do along the waterway.

Cabaret
Moved into its new home (for now), The Cabaret is a perfect reason to dress up. Great talent is brought in from all over for the cozy, intimate club-style ambiance. Fri., March 10, Judy Kuhn performs two shows at Cabaret's new location.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Chef Joseph’s at The Connoisseur Room: Summer 2016 Line up

As you may have guessed, Chef Joseph's, 115 E. Ohio St., is one of my favorite restaurants and hangouts in Indianapolis. Now, they have heard the cry of theater goers' needs for needing a place to go after the curtains close and have opened their posh place for late diners.

The downtown hot spot is pleased and honored to be named as one of Indy's 2016 Top 10 locations for Jazz in Indianapolis. The RAT pack-ish eatery has announced its live, local entertainment schedule.

Beginning in June, additional hours will be added to their Thursday and Friday evenings from 11 pm – 2 am. Featuring Jan & Casey's Groove Machine, the Charlie Balentine Trio, King Crabb, Ferris, the Yeager Swing Quartet, the James Knott Trio, Cozy Myers, Xenobia Green, Nancy Moore, Matthew Houghland, Yvonne Allu and Co., the late-night favored spot accepts reservations at ChefJosephs.com/reservations.

For more information about Chef Joseph’s at The Connoisseur Room, go to ChefJosephs.com

Images: Provided

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Best Chefs of America List 2013 Includes Indianapolis Chefs

Best Chefs America has named the inaugural Best Chefs of America List as determined by their peers, interviews and a software application. Just as we all want to be tended to by the doctor other doctors use, we want to dine where the chefs congregate...

Analysts conducted more than 5,000 confidential telephone interviews with chefs who were nominated by other chefs, culinary professionals and food enthusiasts across the country. The interviews consisted of a series of proprietary questions, and software was used to aggregate the data. Chefs earning the highest scores among their peers in their region were included in the guide. The process dictated that only chefs who received the requisite number of mentions by fellow chefs made it into the book, whether interviewed or not. The results were compiled into a 386-page coffee table book, with chef listings broken down both geographically and alphabetically.

Best Chefs of America List ~ Indianapolis

Abbi Adams

Bluebeard

653 Virginia Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46203

John Adams

Bluebeard

653 Virginia Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46203

Eli Anderson

H2O Sushi

1912 Broad Ripple Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Neal Brown

The Libertine

38 E Washington St

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dan Dunville

10-01 Food & Drink

1001 Broad Ripple Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46220

Micah Frank

Black Market

922 Massachusetts Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Greg Hardesty

Recess

4907 N College Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Tyler Herald

Patachou

4923 N College Ave #25

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Erin Kem

R Bistro

888 Massachusetts Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Regina Mehallick

R Bistro

888 Massachusetts Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Thomas Melvin

Mo's

47 S Pennsylvania St

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ryan Nelson

Late Harvest Kitchen

8605 River Crossing

Indianapolis, IN 46240

Steven J. Oakley

Oakleys Bistro

1464 W 86th St

Indianapolis, IN 46260

Layton Roberts

Meridian

5694 N Meridian St

Indianapolis, IN 46208

Anass Sentissi

Saffron Cafe

621 Fort Wayne Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Chutikan Souvannachack

Siam Square

936 Virginia Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46203

Denis De Staic

Woodstock Club

1301 W 38th St

Indianapolis, IN 46208

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 fine-living Adviser on WISH CH. 8's Indy Style. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Savor the Southside 2013 Runs August 5-18

Savor the Southside restaurant weeks allows diners to take advantage of three-course value-priced
menus from Monday, Aug. 5 – Sunday, Aug. 18. Similar to the Devour Downtown restaurant week, during the two week Indianapolis event, guests will be able to experience culinary treats from more than 15 south side restaurants.

Participating Restaurants

*Click on name for their menu*

Arni's

Augustino's

City Barbeque

Detour American Grille

Hal's Fabulous Vegas

Patriot Grille

Pipers

Review: Definitely get Will's favorite salad. If you get the house salad ask for the spicy dressing-it's got nice pizzazz. Their Bourbon Bread Pudding puts me in a difficult situation, as this might possibly beat out my No. 1 favorite for the last several years. It's that good.

Also, on Wednesdays they have 1/2 price bottles of wine, and considering their price point is already much lower than I find in other restaurants...it's a good thing. I got a marvelous Chianti for $12.50.

The upstairs overlooks the aquarium and dining room, seating 35. The banquet room is adorned elegantly and with those cool sconces from The Shining. Jack Vettriano prints adorn every wall.
I recommend checking it out during Savor and trying several share plates.

Pipers is one of those places you discover and become a regular. The decor is (somehow) elegant, urban-industrial and homey simultaneously. A non pretentious atmosphere where they will remember your name ~ and most likely your favorite cocktail. 

Stone Creek Dining

Vito Provolone's

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.

Chow Down Midtown: June 10 - 23, 2013

Indianapolis-area foodies will be able to chow down for the 3rd annual Chow Down Midtown June 10 – 23. Pasta, burgers, ribs pizza and more will be offered in three-course meals at special prices at more than 35 restaurants showcasing the diverse culinary experiences Midtown has to offer.

Where: Midtown serves 65th St. to the north, Fall Creek Parkway to the south, Illinois St. to the west and Keystone Ave. to the east.

Participating Restaurants

10-01 Food & Drink 

Ambrosia 

Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant

Avec Moi 

Bazbeaux 

Bebop Pizza Kitchen

Binkley's Kitchen & Bar 

Brics 

Broad Ripple Brewpub

Broad Ripple Tavern 

Corner Wine Bar 

Delicia

Egyptian Café 

Fat Dan's Deli 

Fire

Good Morning Mama's 

JT's Grille & Bar 

Mama Carolla's

Marco's 

Mediterra 

Meridian

Moe & Johnny's 

Northside Kitchenette 

Oh Yumm! Bistro

Petite Chou 

Recess 

Riviera Club

Sabbatical 

Sahm's Place 

Read a review of Sahm's here

SoBro Café

The Jazz Kitchen 

The Northside Social 

Thr3e Wise Men Brewery

Union Jack Pub 

Usual Suspects 

Za Pizza

Zest 

Check back for reviews and to leave comments on your favorite restaurants and menu items.

For menu options, visit chowdownmidtown.com. Also, updates will be listed on Facebook on the Chow Down Midtown page and on Twitter under the handle @chowdownmidtown.

Images: Elizbaeth J. Musgrave

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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.

Restaurant Review: Ruth's Chris Offers Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Regular Menu Options for Devour Downtown Winterfest 2013

Devour Dinner Menu Winterfest 2013

                           JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 3

Restaurant reviews of the various Devour Downtown Winterfest 2013 eateries are definitely a delicious part of my work. Whereas my first review was for casual, downtown pillar The Elbow Room, with its comfort-food menu, (Read review here) this second review is for an Indianapolis favorite steak spot that is giving three options for the DD foodies.

Ruth's Chris offers three separate menus this go-round with vegetarian, regular and gluten-free options. With the $35 per person reduction, the steakhouse gives choices galore, pleasing everyone's palate.

I checked out the tomato basil bisque, 10 oz. rib-eye steak and mashed potatoes, along with the cheesecake ~ Chocolate Pecan Bark dessert.

Here's the thing when you dine at a restaurant like Ruth's Chris ~ you expect a certain level of quality in the food, atmosphere and service. And you receive it.

Tomato Basil bisque is a great salad alternative for a winter's meal. The steak was tender, juicy, and sizzling as it was brought to the table. Dessert of a duo of cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan Bark was tasty enough to tempt me, but I chose to take it to go. A nice reminder of the evening's meal.

At this reduced cost, this quality of cuisine and the spectacular service ~ I will most likely return during Devour Downtown...or even after.

Let me know which restaurants you have tried and whether you've been, or are going, to Ruth's Chris before DD ends.

REGULAR MENU

$35 per Person

(Gratuity & Tax not included)

STARTERS

(Please choose one)

Steak House Salad

Tomato Basil Bisque

ENTRÉES

(Please choose one)

6 oz. Filet

10 oz. Ribeye

Stuffed Chicken

Salmon

SIDE ITEMS

(Please choose one)

Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

DESSERT

Duo of Cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan bark

----------------------------------------------------------------------

VEGETARIAN MENU

$35 PER PERSON

(Gratuity & Tax not included)

STARTERS

(Please choose one)

Steak House Salad

Tomato Basil Bisque

ENTRÉES

(Please choose one)

Pasta Primavera

Vegetable Platter (Choose 3)

Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach, Broiled Tomato, Fresh Spinach,

French Fries

Baked Potato

DESSERT

Duo of Cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan bark

----------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUTEN-FREE MENU

$35 PER PERSON

(Gratuity & Tax not included)

Steak House Salad

STARTERS

(Please choose one)

Steak House Salad

Choice of dressing: Creamy Lemon Basil, Thousand Island, Remoulade, House Vinaigrette

Tomato Basil Bisque

ENTRÉES

(Please choose one)

6 oz. Filet

10 oz. Ribeye

SIDE ITEMS

(Please choose one)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Sauteed Mushrooms

DESSERT

(Please choose one)

Berries with Sweet Cream Sauce

Ice Cream - Chocolate or Vanilla

Raspberry Sorbet

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Restaurant Review: The Elbow Room offers Comfort Food During Devour Downtown 2013 Winterfest

January 21 - February 3 is the time frame foodies in the Indianapolis metro-area have been waiting for since last August.
Devour Downtown Winterfest 2013 kicks off with more than 50 eateries around the Circle City's inner circle sharing their menus at reduced prices. While some will attempt to impress with gourmet goodies, others will comfort you this winter with the foods your mother made you as a child.

The Elbow Room, 605 N. Pennsylvania St., serves up a two-for-$25 deal that will make anyone, and their wallet, pleased. I stopped in over the weekend for a quick check up on their DD menu.

Although it didn't make the finals of the Signature Drink Competition, the Dream Beam martini was a blended ice cream martini that would work for dessert in a glass or after drink easily. They also offer a hot buttered rum drink which I could easily go for again and again.

The Devour Downtown menu offers one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert for the fixed price of $25. Drinks, tip and tax are not included.

Appetizer choices are Texas Skins, potato skins with homemade chili, shredded cheese, jalapenos, onions and sour cream or Crab-stuffed Mushrooms made and baked in house.
Entrees are Pulled Pork Sandwich on Pretzel Bun with potato pancakes, Country Fried Steak, with mashed potatoes and green beans, or Spinach-stuffed Chicken Breast with baked potato and green beans.

Dessert is a Grilled ~ yes, I said grilled ~ Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Topping. (See photo above.)

This menu is perfect for the freezing weather as a stick-to-your-ribs winter meal. An idea I like very much when the cold wind is blowing.

The brandy, Jim Beam and ice cream martini was tasty and the hot toddy of buttered rum was even tastier with the buttered rum being made in house ~ no pre-mix here.

The Texas skins were filling, hot and not overly topped. This is the perfect amount of food to split between two.
The chicken breast meal easily could have been split also, but is meant for one. The cream sauce and spinach in the breast were a balanced amount.

The angel food cake was unique with the chef's take by grilling the soft cake on two sides and topping it with fresh strawberries, glaze and whipped topping. I have never had angel food cake grilled...They have it listed as DD menu only at this point. Here's to hoping it remain a fixed item.

Bottom Line: The Elbow Room's Devour Downtown menu just might be the best deal in town.

Images: E.J.Musgrave

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Devour Downtown 2013 Winterfest January 21-February 3

Devour Downtown Winterfest 2013 has started and the usual restaurants are opening their doors for everyone to get a taste of their menus from January 21 - February 3. Some will create special menus just for the event, while others simply offer their usual food items at a reduced price.
New this year is the differing prices, as opposed to years past wherein all had the $30 prix fixe menu. Now, depending on where you dine, the price could be as high as $35 (like at FOGO) or as low as 2 for $25 (like at Elbow Room). The main thing to remember is check out the links, menus and prices before venturing out.

I have put an asterisk next to any restaurants I have dined at and would recommend.

Participating Restaurants

120 West Market Fresh Grill 

1913 Restaurant 

Acapulco Joe's

Adobo Grill 

* BARcelona Tapas 

* Bluebeard

* Buca diBeppo 

BuDa Lounge 

California Pizza Kitchen

* Cerulean 

* Champions Sports Bar 

* Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room

Circle City Bar & Grille 

* Columbia Club 

Creation Café

Dunaway's 

* Eagle's Nest 

* Elbow Room

* Fogo De Chao 

Forty Five Degrees 

Greek Islands

* Harry & Izzy's 

High Velocity 

Iaria's

Indianapolis Colts Grille 

* Iozzo's Garden of Italy 

Kilroy's Bar & Grill

Libertine 

Lorenzo's Ristorante 

Maxine's Chicken & Waffles

McCormick & Schmick's 

Mesh 

Milano Inn

Morton's the Steakhouse 

Osteria Pronto 

* Palomino

Pearl Street Pizzeria 

* R bistro 

Rock Bottom

* Ruth's Chris Steak House 

* Sahm's Tavern 

* Scotty's Brewhouse

* Severin Bar 

* Shula's 

Skyline Club

Slippery Noodle 

Smokehouse on Shelby 

* St. Elmo Steak House

Tavern on South 

The Capital Grille 

The End of the Line Public House

The Oceanaire Seafood Room 

The Rathskellar 

* Turner's at the Canterbury

Weber Grill 

* Winner's Circle

For more details and menus, visit DevourDowntown.org

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Devour Downtown Winterfest 2013 Signature Drink Winners

Grandpa's Apple Pie

The Signature Drink Competition has been shaken, stirred and judged and the results are in. Vying for the top drink for the Devour Downtown event, bartenders and mixologists muddled, garnished and poured their own secret recipes for the judging panel. The competition was held at The Conrad, Indianapolis. Three category winners and one Best of Show were named.

Indianapolis readies for two things in the winter, cold weather and Devour Downtown. The biannual event continues its tradition of offering menus at a reduced cost from Indianapolis-area restaurants. The eating fest, which takes place each winter and summer, has become a mecca for foodies ~ many who attempt to hit each eatery. The 2013 Winterfest runs from Jan. 21 - Feb. 9, and includes almost 50 eateries in the downtown area.

For a prix fixe menu, guests can dine on specially selected three-course meals. Devour Downtown, originating in 2005, is hosted by the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Lodging Association and sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company. For full list of restaurants and menus, visit DevourDowntown.org. Information is also available on Facebook or Twitter @DevourDowntown.

Accompanying the cuisine are the winners of the Signature Drinks competition. I am always pleased to be invited to be one of the judges of this distinguished competition. It brings out the best mixologists in Indianapolis for cash prizes and bragging rights.

The three categories' liquors, Jim Beam, Sailor Jerry and Grey Goose, are required as the main ingredient in the new recipe, created specifically for the Devour Downtown event.

Winners

Jim Beam
and
Best of Show

Drink: Grandpa Jim’s Apple Pie

Mixologist: Cassie McKinney

Restaurant/Bar: The Severin, Omni Hotel

Recipe: 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon, ½ oz. Goldschlager, ½ oz. apple juice. Add graham cracker crumbles around rim the rim of a martini glass. Combine ingredients into shaker. Shake and serve with apple garnish.

Sailor Jerry

Drink: Sazerac Lafitte

Mixologist: Jordan Ward

Restaurant/Bar: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Recipe: 2 oz. Sailor Jerry Rum, 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters, 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup, ¼ oz. Absinthe, lemon peel garnish. Fill highball glass with ice to cool it. Build all ingredients except Absinthe in pint glass and stir contents. Empty highball glass and pour in Absinthe to line the glass. Dump extra Absinthe. Pour ingredients into highball and garnish with the lemon peel.

Grey Goose

Drink: Bloody Posmo

Mixologist: Kenny Garner

Restaurant/Bar: Tavern on South

Recipe: 2.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka, 1.5 oz Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, 1.5 oz Pom Juice, 3 wedges of blood orange, 1 Rosemary sprig. Muddle the blood orange with Solerno. Add Grey Goose Vodka and Pom Juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with blood orange and torched Rosemary sprig.

Images: You are Here Photography (Cassandra and Damian Salimeno)

For sponsor information, visit Republic National Distributing Company

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Orchids at Palm Court at Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Named One of Top 100 Restaurants

 *Press Release*
CINCINNATI – Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is pleased to announce that the hotel’s fine-dining establishment, Orchids at Palm Court, has been recognized as One of the Top 100 Restaurants Overall in the U.S.A. by OpenTable. The list of winners is derived from nearly five million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The best overall restaurants award is based on reviews collected from OpenTable diners between December 2011 and November 2012. For more information about all of the restaurants on this list, visit OpenTable.com.

Orchids at Palm Court and Chef Kelly have been honored with numerous awards including the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) coveted four-diamond award for excellence for eight consecutive years; Polly Campbell, The Cincinnati Enquirer’s restaurant critic, gave the Orchids a five-star (extraordinary) rating; Zagat Survey named Orchids Cincinnati’s “Top Overall Restaurant” for 2013, 2012 & 2011; Cincinnati Magazine named Orchids #1 restaurant in the city for the fourth consecutive year (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009); Chef Kelly was named the American Culinary Federation’s 2011 Chef of the Year, the highest honor given in the 50,000+ chef national organization, and he is one of Hilton Hotel and Resorts’ Signature Chefs, just one of six in the USA.

Click link to order Chef Todd Kelly's Cookbook Todd Kelly's Orchids at Palm Court.

About Orchids at Palm Court and Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Orchids at Palm Court is part of The Restaurants at Palm Court which also includes The Bar at Palm Court and The Grille at Palm Court. They are located in Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West Fifth Street, downtown Cincinnati. Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza opened in 1931 and is one of the world’s finest examples of French art deco architecture, while the restaurant features rare Brazilian rosewood walls with German silver-nickel metalwork and lighting fixtures.
The two-story ceiling features large Romanesque murals and on the north end of the restaurant is an original Rookwood Pottery fountain flanked by two large seahorses which illustrates the magnificent examples of art deco in the restaurant. The hotel is a charter member of Historic Hotels of America, is a registered National Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Website: Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Website: OrchidsatPalmCourt.com

Images furnished by Hilton-Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

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, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

10 Best Things to do While in Indianapolis for SATW 2012

A few suggestions for the several hundred travel writers in Indianapolis for SATW 2012. Traditions, unique shops and more wait for your discovery and delight.
Below is a list of 10 you don't want to miss. Welcome to Indianapolis!

1) The Canal-With arguably the city's most peaceful scenery, paddle boats and walkways, this three-mile popular spot at White River State Park is the perfect place to go for exercise, photo ops and relaxation.

2) Indiana Repertory Theatre-(400 W. Washington St.) Within steps of many hotels downtown, IRT as locals call it, is currently offering its 2012-13 season opening show Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde which has opened to rave reviews.
3) Teapots n' Treasures-(7 E. Market St.) The very definition of eclectic, this tiny shoppe is still a secret from most and is filled to the rim with fresh teas, a diverse collection of teapots and more.

4) St. Elmo Steakhouse-(127 S. Illinois St.) The world famous shrimp cocktail draws the rich and powerful, celebrities and locals alike to prove they can handle the heat.

5) War Memorials-As the city with the most war memorials outside of Washington D.C., Indy's memorials can be found throughout the downtown area, including along the canal and on The Circle, many within walking distance.

6) The Elbow Room-(605 N. Pennsylvania St.) Hit this place up between 4-7 p.m. for their $5 and under menu, including pulled pork nachos, antipasto/hummus plate and trio dip tray containing Bo-Bo's spicy crab dip.

7) Eiteljorg Museum-(500) W. Washington St.) Quest for the West exhibit (through Oct. 7) features 50 of the nation's top Western artists. Go in time to lunch outdoors overlooking the canal.

8) The Canterbury-(123 S. Illinois St.) Serving authentic high afternoon tea is just one more way the historic hotel sets itself apart. Lush interior and attentive waitstaff make the scones and tea even more luxurious.

9) Mass Ave-For boutique shopping, including Silver in the City,  Mass Ave Wine Shoppe and Mass Ave Toys tucked in between a variety of eateries.

10) Shapiro's Delicatessen-(808 S. Meridian St.) Another world-famous eatery, this one creates sandwiches, including the locals' must-try Reuben sandwich since 1905.

Images: Izzy Evans/The Cnaterbury/IRT

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

6 Best Reasons to Return to Cincinnati

What does the general population really know about Cincinnati?

WKRP in Cincinnati?

Okay, granted that immensely popular show brought the spotlight to this Midwest city, but there is more to it than a sleepy town harboring aging disc jockeys.

So much more.

When visiting a city, it is next to impossible to see everything in one visit. Mentally you make a list, often forgetting the majority of it by the time you reach home. Attempting to remember all you wanted to go back and delve into six months, or years, later is nearly futile. What if, instead of a mental list, you had an actual list?

A recent visit to the city along the Ohio River proved that it is revitalized, re-energized and revamped. Sampling various hot spots, eateries and attractions, I made an actual list of reasons to go back.

Six reasons to be exact.

1) World Choir Games- The ONLY city in the United States ever slected to host the annual "Olympic of Choirs" which is currently taking place (July 4-14). More than 400 choirs from around the globe will descend upon the town, bringing choral music in a gigantic way.

2) Cincinnati Museum- A Day in Pompeii, the limited-time exhibit provides a goose-bump inducing atmosphere of the ancient town covered in a matter of hours by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Available only through Aug. 12, it is a must-see. The museum center (worth the drive alone) houses many museums in one and an OMAX-similar to IMAX except it wraps around you in an oval.

3) Netherland Plaza Hotel- Tinkling ivories, opulent French Art-Deco decor and soft-spoken, attentive staff ready to cater to your every whim create the ambiance every fan of old Hollywood glamour desires. Whether waiting for the elevator to whisk you to a suite, dining in the National Historic Landmark hotel's Orchids at Palm Court or sipping a Fleuri 75 cocktail at The Bar at Palm Court, you'll catch yourself glancing around for a glimpse of Bogey and Bacall.

4) Over-the-Rhine- The quirky, fun section of Cincinnati known as OTR to locals and those in the know, is the original brewing district started by a wave of German immigrants. Once the prohibition wiped out beer happenings, the settlement became more like a ghost town. Revitalization efforts give a younger generation a high-energy place to live, work and play, with restaurants, eclectic shops and live theater venues opening in historic buildings made of Italianate architecture.

5) Food- OTR's hip eateries, gourmet gastropub fare at Moerlein Lager House, award-winning menus from Orchids at Palm Court's Executive Chef Todd Kelly and Pastry Chef Megan Ketover, the Cincinnati-style guacamole at Nada, must-have Flying Pig Wings and Armadillos on the menu at sports bar & grill Cincy's on Sixth, Pompilios lasagna, the list goes on and on...Cincinnati culinary experts are striving to be considered a foodie's destination once again and they are definitely well on their way.

6) Christian Moerlein Lager House- If you haven't heard about this castle of beer baron Gregory Hardman yet, you are way behind the times. Hardman has resureccted the brewing heritage that once made Cincinnati one of the four kings of beer prior to that horrible blight on history known as Prohibition. Read review here.

These are just six of my reasons to return to Cincinnati although there are many more. Please leave your comments and questions about your own favorite reasons to return to Cincinnati.

Photo credits: E.J.Musgrave; Cincinnati Museum; World Games

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

INFUSED: Wanted: Indianapolis 500 Inspired Cocktails

Infused is my new column infusing the art of spirits/wine/beer with the culinary and creative arts in a rather delicious way. It can be found at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com.

I hope you will indulge with me and enjoy a life that is Infused...


Indianapolis is currently infused with the annual excitement that surrounds 500 miles of fast-paced adrenaline. With the Indianapolis 500 quickly approaching, I've decided to dedicate a column to drinks inspired by the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Anyone wishing to submit a recipe, along with contact information and an image, please do so by May 13, 2012. The mixologist, sommelier, restaurant, company or bar's name will be featured, along with the bartender, recipe and image for the drinks chosen.
The main objective is the drink MUST contain alcohol, wine and/or beer and be inspired by the Indy 500. Not just any drink will do.

Questions can be sent to me at elizabeth@gottago.us or elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com.

And, just like with that bold and daring great race,

Anything goes....

Tickets, schedule and directions: IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com
Photo credit: EJMusgave
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Infused, a column dedicated to connecting the art of spirits, wine and beer infused with the culinary and creative arts, can be found at FoodandDrinkDigital.com.

Gotta Go is published on GottaGo.us and BroadwayWorld.com, and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Northside Nights: March 8-18 Restaurant List

NORTHSIDE NIGHTS RESTAURANT WEEK

MARCH 8th – 18th 2012
If you are looking for Northside Nights 2013 Click HERE

Mini indulgences/Seasons 52                  Image/IzzyEvans

What: Northside Nights Restaurant Week

When: March 8-18

Who: 27 northside Indianapolis restaurants

Where: Various northside Indianapolis restaurants-see list below

Cost: 3 courses: $30 per person or $30 for two people

Website

For a complete list of menus, visit NorthsideNightsIndy.com

Participating Restaurants

Arni’s

Bonefish Grill

Chef Mike’s Charcoal Grill

Cobblestone Grill

Eddie Merlot’s

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Hall’s Castleton Grill

Harry & Izzy’s

Hellas Café

Kincaid’s

Michael’s Southshore

Mitchell’s Fish Market

Oakley’s Bistro

Peterson’s

Pizzology

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Sahm’s Bar & Grill

Sahm’s Restaurant & Bar

Sangiovese Ristorante

Seasons 52
For a review of Seasons 52, click here.

Stone Creek Dining Noblesville

Stone Creek Dining Zionsville

Sullivan’s Steak House

The Melting Pot
For a review of The Melting Pot chocolate martini, click here.

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 the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

List of Devour Downtown Restaurants Winterfest 2012

Winner's Circle

Devour Downtown begins today with the event running through January 22. $30 menus (for one or two

depending on location) give foodies and regular diners alike the ability to try out three courses at more than 40 restaurants in the downtown Indianapolis area. This year select eateries are also offering $20 lunches.

Devour Downtown Winterfest 2012

Participating Restaurants

To check out each restaurant's menu, visit DevourDowntown.org

120 West Market Fresh Grill 

14 West

Adobo Grill

Barcelona Tapas

Bella Vita at Circle Centre

The Capital Grille

Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant

Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room

The Columbia Club

The Circle City Bar & Grille

Colts Grille

Columbia Club

Creation Café

Dunaway's

Eagle's Nest

Elbow Room

Fogo De Chao

Forty Five Degrees

Goose the Market

Greek Islands

Hard Rock Café

Harry & Izzy's

High Velocity

Iaria's Italian Restaurant

Iozzo's Garden of Italy

Kilroy's

Libertine

Lorenzo's Ristorante

McCormick & Schmick's

Mesh

Milano Inn

Miguel's Southern Kitchen

Morton's The Steakhouse

The Elbow Room

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Osteria Pronto

Palomino

Pearl Street Pizzeria

The Rathskellar

R Bistro

Rock Bottom

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sahm's Tavern

Scotty's Brewhouse

Sensu

Severin Bar & Grille

Shula's Steak House

Skyline Club

Slippery Noodle

Smokehouse on Shelby

Smoking Goose

St. Elmo Steak House

Tavern on South

The End of the Line Public House

Turner's at the Canterbury

Weber Grille

Claddagh

Winner's Circle

Since 2005, the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association (IDRHA) has hosted Devour Downtown. Originally an annual event, Devour Downtown now is held twice a year – in the winter and summer.

To view the list of participating restaurants and their specific prix fixe menus, visit www.devourdowntown.org.

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