Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival returns to Indianapolis June 14-15, 2013

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis, will once again open its hearts and grounds to the festival lovers of Indiana. Having to cancel last year's event, the parish released a statement promising to come back this year with the beloved event.

And they are fulfilling that promise.

Located in the Fletcher Park neighborhood, the little parish that could is rolling out the red carpet with its annual fundraiser.

The family friendly event offers a mini-Midway alongside the parish and includes rides and games. You can find rubber ducky games, dart-throwing and basketball tossing. Rides include a carousel for the little ones as well as older kid's rides.

Families, friends and strangers will come together to raise much-needed money for the tiny church through food, drinks, snacks, games and rides.

Every year dedicated volunteers roll up their sleeves (figuratively and literally) in the 90+ degree weather and the scorching sun to dish up meatballs, spaghetti and cannoli. No good Italian festival is good without Italian beer and wine, however, and there wills plenty of beer chilling on ice and wine being uncorked.

This year, two stages are added for musical entertainment in the form of the The Indy Nile Band and Cooking with Nonna on the main stage. A side stage will feature Theotokos.

The best part of this festival is the spirit of the people who hold it and those who attend. Everyone's spirits are high and welcoming, joking and laughing while they dish up hundreds upon hundreds of their goodies for those wanting to capture the flavor of the Italian cuisine and culture.
Hours: Friday , June 14: 5-11 pm; Saturday, June 15: 5-11 pm rain or shine
Website: www.HolyRosaryParish.org
Note: The Italian Street Festival is held the 2nd weekend of June annually.

Photos: Elizabeth 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, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Wanted Top 10 Indianapolis (Indy) 500 Inspired Cocktails 2013

Infused is the spirits/wine/beer lifestyle column infusing the art of spirits/wine/beer with culinary and creative arts and can be found on 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 Indianapolis 500 2013 quickly approaching, once again, 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, 2013. The company, mixologist, sommelier, restaurant, or bar's name will be featured, along with the bartender, recipe and image for the drinks chosen. Those selected as the Greatest Spectacle in Cocktails will be announced online with the image, recipe and contact information.

Here's the format for information needed:

 Cocktail: Smoke-n-Milk

Company: Drambuie

Creator: Anthony Caporale, spirit ambassador

Inspiration: After winning his second Indy 500 race in 1933, Louis Meyer requested a glass of buttermilk. He requested another glass in '36 after winning his third title, but instead received a bottle. With three fingers raised, he was captured by a photographer while drinking from that bottle, and the marketing opportunity wasn't lost on a local dairy executive. Unaware that Meyer was drinking buttermilk, the executive offered a bottle of milk to the winners of all future races, and milk has been presented at the conclusion of almost every Indy 500 since then. In honor of that tradition, Drambuie offers up an homage to this classic racing libation.

Recipe: In a shaker tin, half filled with ice, add 1 oz DRAMBUIE, 1/2 oz Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch, shake until the tin is frosted, add 1 oz milk, swirl to chill thoroughly. Pour into a rocks glass, add 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters, garnish with an orange twist. Serve with a cocktail stirrer.

Where: w: Drambuie.com
Twitter: @drambuie

The main objective is the drink MUST contain alcohol, wine and/or beer and MUST be inspired by the Indy 500.

Not just any drink will do. We receive lots of fun cocktails with great stories and we are looking forward to showcasing yours!

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

And, just like with that bold and daring great race ~ Anything goes....

Tickets, schedule and directions: IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts, libations 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 a regular guest Indy’s Lifestyle & Entertainment Adviser on Indy Style television program. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Wanted The Best Valentine's Day Inspired Cocktails

Think you or your mixologist have the best recipe for a cocktail inspired by Valentine's Day? I will be featuring Valentine's Day-inspired cocktails in Infused, giving readers the Top Ten best entries to enjoy and create.

All recipes, images and contact information for the submission need to be in via email at elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com, by Monday, February 4, posting will occur the week of February 14. This will be a fun way for readers to enjoy cocktails made with great products and inspired by a romantic holiday.

All entries must include images for the cocktail and all of the below information. Please remember to send the Twitter handle/link and website link. This helps the readers go immediately to you and check out how wonderful your company, bar, restaurant, et al, is and follow you on Twitter.

No stress, just fun!

Those chosen will be featured in Infused, on GottaGo.us and Food Digital. E-mail submissions only are required, no physical attendance needed for this one.

Please send an email for shipping address if sending samples.

Include (in order and completely) the following information:

1) Cocktail's themed name

2) Bar/company/restaurant/mixologist/winery name and location

3) Website and Twitter handle so readers can check you out!

4) Recipe, including measurements, garnish and glassware

5) Inspiration for drink-obviously Valentine's, but what exactly inspired you to make this particular drink?

6) Image-Please make sure it is a good quality.

This is open to anyone within the spirits/wine/beer/restaurant realm including mixologists, bars, fine dining, bartenders, sommeliers, hotels, companies, spirit entrepreneurs, et cetera. The idea is to feature cocktails inspired by Valentine's Day and all the romantic feelings about the holiday. Let your imagination run wild with this one...it can go many directions: Candy hearts, chocolates, Cupid, roses, romance, romantic vacation spot with your sweetheart, lace, romantic movies or songs...you get the idea!

***Special Note***

Several cocktails were disqualified for the last Top 10 cocktail lists due to the drink name and/or inspiration missing or not applicable to the theme. Let's see your best THEMED drink! Sending in a cocktail with a non-themed name and/or inspiration will make it on the naughty list and won't make it on the nice list.
(Ex. sending a chocolate martini with the liqueur brand as the name or stating it is inspired by your love of chocolate has nothing to do with Valentine's Day. However, a chocolate martini with a heart-shape floating in it ~ named and inspired by Godiva chocolates ~ would work.

Feel free to email or call with questions and comments.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, 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.

Infused: Wanted: The Best Christmas-Inspired Cocktails

Think you or your mixologist have the best recipe for a cocktail inspired by Christmas? I will be featuring Christmas-inspired cocktails in Infused, giving everyone the Top Ten best entries to enjoy throughout the 2012 holiday season. All recipes, images and contact information for the submission need to be in via email at elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com, by Monday, December 17. This will be a fun way for readers to enjoy cocktails made with great products and inspired by a fun holiday.

All entries must absolutely include images for the cocktail and all of the below information. Please remember to send the Twitter handle/link and website link. This helps the readers go immediately to you and check out how wonderful your company, bar, restaurant, et al, is and follow you on Twitter.

No stress, just fun!

Those chosen will be featured in Infused, on GottaGo.us and Food Digital the week of December 19. E-mail submissions only are required, no physical attendance needed for this one.

Include (in order and completely) the following information:

1) Cocktail's themed name
2) Bar/company/restaurant/mixologist/winery name and location
3) Website and Twitter handle so readers can check you out!
4) Recipe, including measurements, garnish and glassware
5) Inspiration for drink- obviously Christmas time, but what exactly inspired you to make this particular drink? Why a red and white layered cocktail? Are candy canes your favorite holiday candy? If inspired by a holiday movie or song, why? Have fun with it!
6) Image-Please make sure it is a good quality.

This is open to anyone within the spirits/wine/beer/restaurant realm including mixologists, bars, fine dining, bartenders, sommeliers, hotels, companies, spirit entrepreneurs, et cetera. The idea is to feature cocktails inspired by Christmas and all the fuzzy, warm nostalgic feelings about the holiday. Let your imagination run wild with this one...it can go many directions: Christmas candy, jolly old St. Nick, Santa Claus, elves, Frosty the snowman, a favorite holiday carol, a holiday movie (numerous options there!), gift wrap...you get the idea!

***Special Note***
Several cocktails were disqualified for the last two Top 10 cocktail lists due to the name and/or inspiration missing or not applicable to the theme. Let's see your best THEMED drink! Sending in a cocktail with a non-themed name and/or inspiration won't make it in the list. (Ex. sending a chocolate martini with the liqueur brand as the name or stating it is inspired by your love of chocolate has nothing to do with Christmas. However, a chocolate martini with a maraschino cherry floating in it ~ named and inspired by Rudolph ~ would work....)

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, 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.

Infused: Top 10 Halloween Inspired Cocktails

Caramel apples, parties and kids dressing as little characters is what comes to mind when October rolls around. Leaves are painted with the autumn palette of plum, russet, burgundy and gold and thoughts turn toward Halloween.

This holiday represents many things to people, but perhaps it most defines fun in the form of dressing up as something other than your day-to-day personality, signifying your inner angel, devil or celebrity self. Fortunately the fun of childhood follows us into adulthood with bigger costumes, grown up snacks and adult "witches' brew" in the form of fun cocktails.

I invited experts in the world of spirits, wine and beer, including sommeliers, mixologists, restaurants, pubs, distillers and manufacturers to send their Halloween-inspired cocktails. The response was overwhelming with recipes pouring in from across the United States. I compiled the list and narrowed it down to the ones most in spirit with the holiday and consisting of uniqueness, great taste and visual appeal. I present to you the...

Top 10 Halloween Inspired Cocktails 2012

(1) Jack the Ripper

(image above)

Who: Blush Ultraloung in Le Merigot Hotel at Casino Aztar (Steven Lagenourand Catherine Daters)

Where: Evansville, IN

Website: CasinoAztar.com

Inspiration: Jack the Ripper- Lurking in the dark shadows of the cocktail, a mysterious phantom may appear when you least expect it!

Recipe: 1 ¼ oz Absolut Orient Apple, ½ oz Goldschlager, ¼ oz Lucid Absinthe, 2 oz of Apple Juice, Splash of Cranberry, 3 Blackberries, 1 honey dew melon chunk: Muddle 1 blackberry in bottom of shaker, pour all ingredients into shaker with two more blackberries. Shake well. Carve face in honey dew, put in bottom of a high ball glass. Fill glass ¼ full with ice, pour in ingredients and serve.

(2) Zombie Brain Hemorrhage

Who: Cock & Bull Public House 

Where: Cincinnati, OH

Website: CandBPublicHouse.com

Inspiration: Our Zombie Cock & Bull-O-Ween Fest

Recipe: Use a shot glass and fill it half-way with Peach Schnapps, Add 1 oz. Bailey’s, splash of Blue Curacoa and Grenadine.

(3) Jack O' Lantern

Who: Texas Grill

Where: Phoenix, AZ

Website: TexazGrill.com

Inspiration: Jack O' Lanterns

Recipe: 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 2 shots Jack Daniels: Combine all ingredients in a blender and pour into a decorative glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a pumpkin Peep.

(4) Apple Spice Martini

Who: W Hotel (Sushi Roku)

Where: Scottsdale, AZ

Website: WScottsdaleHotel.com

Inspiration: Everyone's favorite snack to bob for at Halloween parties.

Recipe: 3/4 oz Sour Apple Schnapps, 3/4 oz. Tuaca, 3/4 oz. Jack Honey, 1 oz. Apple Cider, 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup: Shake and serve in a white chocolate drizzled martini glass with a graham cracker rim.

(5) Eye for an Eye

Who: Last Drop at The Hermosa

Where: Scottsdale, AZ

Website: LastDropBar.com

Inspiration: A witch's potion

Recipe: 1.5 oz Veiux Carre Absinthe, .75 oz Luxardo maraschino, .75 oz lemon juice: Shake/strain into chilled martini glass, top with float of Peychaud's bitters, garnish with an eye ball (blueberry inside lychee).

(6) Southern Scream

Who: Southern Comfort

Where: Louisville, KY

Website: SouthernComfort.com

Inspiration: Blood floating after a Halloween monster attack.

Recipe: In a tall glass with ice, add: 1½ ounces Southern Comfort, 4 ounces orange juice, Drizzle of Grenadine. Add a black straw for sipping.

(7) Zuccaween

Who: Davanti Enoteca

Where: Scottsdale, AZ

Website: DavantiScottsdale.com

Inspiration: Zucca is Italian for pumpkin and this cocktail shares an Italian-infused Halloween drink.

Recipe: 1.5 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon, 3/4 oz Amaro Montenegro, 1/2 oz Faretti Biscotti Famosi Liqueur, 3 drops of AZ Bitter's Lab "Figgy Pudding", tsp. of pumpkin puree: Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and pour into cocktail ups glass. Garnish with pumpkin biscotti

(8) Pumpkin Margarita

Who: Crema Restaurante/Partida

Where: New York City

Website: CremaRestaurante.com ~ PartidaTequila.com

Inspiration: This cocktail honors the pumpkin, what we believe is one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween. For a holiday surrounded by pumpkin-spiced everything (lattes, cakes, soups and even sausage) it's a wonder pumpkin cocktails aren't the No. 1 drink. We hope this cocktail changes that.

Recipe: 2 oz Partida Reposado Tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, splash of pumpkin puree, sesame seeds, lime wedge: Rim a cocktail glass with lime juice and sesame seeds. Mix ingredients well in a shaker with ice. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

(9) Blood Orange Martini

Who: Aria at Fairmont (Daniel Freedman)

Where: Chicago

Website: AriaChicago.com

Inspiration: For those longing for in-season citrus in the fall season.
Recipe: 1 1/2 ounces orange vodka, 1 1/2 ounces Campari, 1 1/2 ounces orange juice: Shake with ice, strain into martini glass, garnish with blood orange wheel.

(10) Pumpkin Pie Martini

Who: Brasserie JO (David Ciciarella)

Where: Boston, MA

Website: BrasserieJO.com

Inspiration: Autumn's seasonal flavors

Recipe: 2 ½ oz Three Olives Vanilla Vodka, 1 ½ oz Tito Pepe Fino Sherry, 3 oz Pumpkin Butter, ½ Teaspoon Grated Nutmeg: Combine vanilla vodka, sherry and pumpkin butter in shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Sprinkle nutmeg over top of martini.

Images furnished by entries

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read 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.

5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012: Now Accepting Submissions

5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012

The 5th annual “Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide” is quickly coming upon us, sharing holiday and Christmas gift ideas. Nov. 6  is this year's deadline for entries. The list will be published online at GottaGo.us during the week of Nov. 19-23, 2012.

Entries will be selected by a three-judge panel.

Those submitting winning entries will be notified by the email address sent with the entry. Purchasing and contact information should be included with entry, along with bio of product and company. Images should be submitted via email.

Categories

• Wine/spirits/beer

• Food

• Nonfood 

Rules and tips: 

• Entries must be EXACTLY as the consumer would purchase. Ex. gift packs, gift baskets, monthly club items, etc. 

• Submissions must include enough for 3 judges.

• Information for purchasing must be included (website, retail locations, etc.).

• Include social media information (Twitter, Facebook) in email.

• No pornographic, sexual, illegal or hate items will be accepted.

• Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

• Ship entries to: “Gotta Go” 2960 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn.: Ultimate Gift Guide 2012-Elizabeth J. Musgrave.

• Send all questions to elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com.

• Items cannot be returned.

• No monies, by way of donation, fee or otherwise, will be required or accepted by any judge.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to a variety of gift ideas again this year.

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.

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.