Wanted: 6th Annual Ultimate Gift Guide 2013 Submissions Now Being Accepted

6th Annual Gotta Go
Ultimate Gift Guide 2013

The 6th annual “Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide” is quickly coming upon us, sharing holiday and Christmas gift ideas.

*Special Note*

As Indy Style's Personal Lifestyle Adviser, appearing regularly on the popular show, this year's winning selections will be featured by me on Indy Style television program on WISH TV 8 (CBS) December 10, 2013. Wishtv.com/indy-style

The chosen items will be given away to viewers. Entries must include two of each entry, one for judging purposes and one for presentation on television (if selected).

December 3  is this year's deadline for entries. The list of winners (with image and website) will be published online at GottaGo.us during the week of December 10, 2013.

Entries will, once again, be selected by a three-judge panel.

Those submitting winning entries will be notified by the email address sent with the entry. A link to the online post and television segment will be sent by email.

Purchasing and contact information should be included with entry, along with bio of product and company. Images should be submitted via email. A hi-res image (or two) of each entry must be included via email with information.

All questions can be answered by elizabeth@gottago.us or call her at 317-457-3221.

Categories

• General
(May be separated into subcategories as needed.)

• Wine/Spirits/Beer

• Stocking Stuffers

Rules and tips: 

• Entries must be EXACTLY as the consumer would purchase ~ size, package everything. Ex. gift packs, gift baskets, monthly club, size, etc.

• Submissions must include 2 (two) of each item: 1 (one) for judging and 1 (one) for presentation on television and giveaway (if selected).

• PR firms may submit for as many clients as they wish.

• Only three different items may be submitted per product company.

• Food items are allowed.

• Perishables are accepted, but please send to arrive the day before judging for best presentation.

• Children and pet items are being accepted this year.

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

• MSRP must be included.

• Include social media information (Twittter, Facebook) in email for inclusion on website.

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

• Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday, December. 3, 2013.

• Ship entries to: “Gotta Go” 2960 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn.: Ultimate Gift Guide 2013-Elizabeth J. Musgrave.

• Send all questions to elizabeth@gottago.us or elizabethjmusgrave@gmail.com.

• Due to the quantity of items received annually, all items cannot be featured and will be chosen by judges.

• Items cannot be returned.

• No monies, by way of donation, fee or otherwise, will be required or accepted by any judge. This is not a media buy or advertising project. It is strictly editorial.

• All decisions by judges are final. Judging will be held Thursday, December 5, 2013.

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 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 Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Devour Downtown Summerfest 2013 Signature Cocktail Winners & Recipes

Morning Glory by Palomino

The Signature Drink Competition 2013 Summerfest has been shaken, stirred and judged for the Devour Downtown event. Bartenders and mixologists muddled, garnished and poured their own secret recipes for the judging panel. I was honored to be invited to once again be one of the judges for this fun competition. The competition was held at The Conrad, Indianapolis.

Three category winners and one Best of Show were named.

Indianapolis' biannual event continues its tradition of offering menus at a reduced cost from downtown-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 Summerfest runs from Aug. 19 -Supt. 1, 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, Bacardi Sauza and Grey Goose, are required as the main ingredient in the new recipe, created specifically for the Devour Downtown event.

Winners ~ 2013

Sauza

and

Best of Show

Drink: Morning Glory (See above for image)

Mixologist: Curtis McGaha

Restaurant/Bar: Palomino

Recipe: Ingredients-2 oz Sauza Reposado, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 1 oz. Lillet White, orange peel, and Thyme garnish. Directions-Mix all ingredients in mixing tin and shake vigorously. Strain into old-fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with thyme.

Bacardi

Drink: Blackberry Mojini

Mixologist: Sara Yager

Restaurant/Bar: Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room

Recipe: Ingredients-Five fresh blackberries, 5 sage leaves, 1 TB mint bitters, 4 tsp sugar, 1 TB fresh lime juice, 1 lime wedge, 2 oz. Bacardi Superior rum, 2 oz Bacardi Oakhart Spiced rum. Directions-Prepare a simple syrup of muddled blackberries, sage leaves, sugar, lime juice, mint bitters and water. Cool, shake vigorously over ice, syrup, and rums. Pour into martini glass and garnish with blackberry, sage leaf and lime wedge.

Grey Goose

Drink: Crystal Peach Cosmo

Mixologist: Corie Metzler

Restaurant/Bar: Tavern on South

Recipe: Ingredients-1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka, 1 oz Luxardo Triple Sec, 1.5 oz White Craanberry Juice, .5 oz clarified lime juice, 2 white peach slices, orange peel slice for garnish. Directions-Muddle fresh white peaches, add remaining ingredients, shake, strain into martini glass and garnish.

For remaining finalists, drinks and recipes, click here.

Images: E.J.Musgrave

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.

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.

Heartland Film Festival 2011 Announces Winners

Heartland Film Festival 2011 celebrates its 20th anniversary with well known directors, such as Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers, Rudy), Corbin Bernsen (Carpool Guy, Donna on Demand) and Emilio Estevez (The Way, Bobby) alongside high school first-timers. The Indianapolis-based festival, which runs through Saturday, Oct., 22, is designated as the "festival with heart" supporting films which touch viewers emotionally.

Martin Sheen, David Alexanian and Emilio Estevez of The Way

Cash prizes accompany the awards, including $100,000 grand prize for the Narrative Feature category, which tops the prize money given at Sundance, Tribeca and Toronto film festivals. Winners were announced Saturday, October 15, at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, Indianapolis.

2011 Winners

Award for High School Film Competition
($2,500) "Sacrifices of my Father" (Miguel Lopez)

Vision Award for Best Short Film

($10,000) "Thief" (Julian Higgins)

Award for Best Documentary Feature

($25,000) "Crime After Crime" (Yoav Potash)

Grand Prize for Narrative Feature

($100,000)-"Red Dog" (Nelson Woss)

Red Dog, an Australian film by Nelson Woss, is about a dog loved by all who loses its owner. The true tale  has touched the hearts of more than Aussies. It has crossed the pond and looks toward being release, possibly, in the U.S. It can be viewed at AMC Showcase 17 Wednesday, Oct., 19 and Saturday, Oct., 22; and at AMC Castleton Square Friday, Oct. 21.

Rohan Nichol and Nelson Woss of Red Dog

For a full time schedule and list of films of Heartland Film Festival 2011,
visit TrulyMovingPictures.org.

Photo Credit: Izzy Evans

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.