Monday, August 18

Restaurant Review: Top 10 Best Devour Downtown Summer 2014

Tavern on South
Devour Downtown Summerfest 2014 has returned and the number of Indy restaurants participating has increased to more than 60 for the foodie event running August 18-31. Some will create special menus just for the event, while others simply offer their usual food items at a reduced price.

The Daily Gift Card Giveaway is precisely what it says. Every day you can enter your email address and have a chance to receive a giftcard for one of the restaurants in this year's events.
Daily Gift Card Giveaway (click to fill out the form)

Continuing are the various price ranges, 2-for-1, and special menu options, such as gluten-free and vegetarian. When looking for who is truly giving a great discount, check out their DD menu and compare the items to their regular menu's prices. Just add the items up and you will see whether you are getting a so-so deal or one worth the drive.What's New?
Several restaurants are new this time, including the much anticipated Plow & Anchor, equally anticipated Union 50, and new to the event P.F. Chang's, a downtown staple.

I love how so many of the restaurants are creating a drink and meal combination menu, adding special-priced cocktails and/or noting wine and beer pairings to complement the menu options. The restaurants are having with this and that, in turn, creates a more exciting venture for the restaurant patrons. With GenCon finished, the summer continues to sizzle with the offerings of the downtown eateries.

Again this DD ~ rather than putting out a separate post for the Top 10 Best menus I am linking to their menus and highlighting the "Top 10" restaurants in green.

The criteria includes those that seem to be the best combination of good value, innovative menu and going above the others (ex. offering beer or wine also). And, so I give you the ...

Top 10 Devour Downtown List 
Summer 2014

120 West Bar & Grill

1913 Restaurant

Acapulco Joe's

Adobo Grill

BARcelona Tapas

Bazbeaux

Black Market

Bluebeard

B's Po Boy

Bu Da Lounge

Buca di Beppo

The Capital Grille

Cerulean 

Champions

Champps Americana 
Menu not available

Chef Joseph's

Circle City Bar & Grille 

Claddagh Irish Pub

Colts Grille 

Columbia Club

Dick's Last Resort

Dunaway's

Eagle's Nest

Elbow Room 

Ember Urban Eatery

End of the Line Public House

Fogo de Chao Churrascaria

Forty Five

Giorgio's Pizza

Granite City Food & Brewery

Greek Islands

The Grub House

Harry & Izzy's

High Velocity

Iaria's

Iozzo's

Libertine

Maxine's Chicken and Waffles

McCormick & Schmick's
Mesh on Mass

Milano Inn
Menu not available

Morton's

Mo's

Napolese Pizzeria

Nine Irish Brothers Irish Pub

Oceanaire

O'Reilly's Irish Bar

Osteria Pronto

Palomino

P. F. Chang's

Pearl Street Pizzeria

Pizzology

Plat 99

Plow & Anchor

Pure Eatery

Rathskeller

R Bistro

Rock Bottom

Ruth's Chris Steak House
Menus
Website

Santorini'sMenu not available
Website

Scotty's Brewhouse

Severin Bar at Omni Hotel

Shoefly Pub House

Shula's

Skyline Club

Slippery Noodle Inn

Smokehouse on Shelby

St. Elmo

Tavern on South
(image at top)

TGI Fridays
Union 50
Menu
Website

Weber GrillMenu
Website

Winner's CircleMenu
Website

For more details, visit DevourDowntown.org
Images: E.J.Musgrave
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.
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Sunday, August 17

Top 10 Best Summer Inspired Cocktails 2014


Summertime brings forth thoughts of hammocks, vacations and heat. Cold cocktails help to beat the temps and give backyard parties a little more pizzazz.

Once again I have invited experts in the world of spirits, wine and beer, including sommeliers, mixologists, restaurants, pubs, distillers and manufacturers to send their Summer-inspired cocktails. The responses were filled with heat-beating concoctions dedicated to the season of fun and sun. The list was compiled and narrowed down to the ones most in spirit with the theme and representing uniqueness, great taste and visual appeal.

I present to you the...

Top 10 Summer Inspired Cocktails 2014

(1)
Dirty Martini by the Sea
(see image above)
Who: Harbor View Hotel
Where: Martha's Vineyard
Website: Harbor-View.com
Twitter: @HarborViewMV
Inspiration: Evenings on the beach
Recipe: Housemade sour mix: Mix two cups of simple syrup to one cup of lemon juice, one cup of lime juice, and 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice, 1 2/3 oz. housemade seaweed vodka (see directions below), 2 tsp. vermouth, 1 Greek olive. Combine vodka and vermouth in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain liquid into a martini glass and garnish with olive. Housemade seaweed vodka (yields 8 cups): 14 oz. of washed, purple seaweed. 8 cups of vodka. Place seaweed and vodka into a sealed vacuum bag and cook sous vide at 125 degrees F for 20 minutes. Remove and chill, then filter the mix through cheesecloth and bottle.

(2)
Eden's Garden
Who: Plat 99 ~ William Mohring (Lead Mixologist)
Where: Indianapolis
Website: TheAlexander.com
Inspiration: What I especially love about summer is being able to plant a garden in my backyard. Sometimes it’s both vegetables and herbs; this year it was just herbs. I really enjoy the process of gardening from planting to cooking with fresh herbs from my backyard. There is just something so rewarding about the spoils of our toil. It’s also a similar enjoyment in creating cocktails. I have the chance to work with so many ingredients that once started in soil, and I pay homage to all the freshness that summer offers with the ingredients chosen for this drink.
Recipe: 1oz Death Door’s gin, .5oz Carpano Bianco, .75oz homemade cucumber-infused vodka, .75oz Lemon Juice, .75oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Bitter Truth Lemon Bitters, 3-4 basil leaves, club soda to fill. Muddle basil in a cocktail tin and all ingredients, except the club soda. Add ice to the tin, shake for a minimum of 10 seconds and double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Add club soda to top, and swirl one rotation with a mixing spoon. Garnish with a large basil leaf and cucumber slice.

(3)
Door County Cherry Juice Margarita
Who: Fred and Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill ~ Fuzzy Sunstrom
Where: Sister Bay, WI
Twitter: @FredandFuzzys
Inspiration: Summer sunsets
Recipe: Golden Tequila (preferred type of tequila for margaritas as it is mellowed with a hint of caramel flavoring), Door County Cherry Juice, margarita mix, lime: Rim a 16 oz glass with salt (optional), fill the glass with ice, add 2 oz of golden tequila, fill the rest of the glass with a 50/50 mix of Door County cherry juice and margarita mix. Stir until perfectly blended. Garnish with a slice of lime.

(4)
Rosso Peach Smash
Who: Venturi ~ Troy Pippenger
Where: Gosehn, IN
Website: EatVenturi.com
Twitter: @PizzaVenturi
Inspiration: Co-Owner, Justin Venturi, created a peach dessert that blew my mind. I created the drink by playing with the same flavors from the dessert in the form of a cocktail.
Recipe: 1.5 oz vodka, 1oz Grotta del Sole Lacryma Christi dei Vesuvio Rosso or similar red wine, 1 oz peach puree (we use Monin), 1 barspoon simple syrup, 1 lemon wedge (1/4 of a lemon), 2 sprigs mint. Muddle lemon, peach puree and leaves from one sprig of mint & simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Add wine & vodka. Shake well. Fine strain into rocks glass. Garnish with lemon slice & mint.


(5)
Rose' Piscine
Who: Shelburne Restaurant & Pub ~ Laurie Anderson
Where: Seaview, WA
Inspiration: All the rage in France in the summertime is a drink called Rosé Piscine, which means pool of rosé. It’s simply rosé wine poured over ice. We have enhanced this drink. 
Recipe: Plum syrup: 1 c sugar, 1 c water, bring to a boil and add: 1 lb unpitted plums. Simmer the plums in the simple syrup until they are thoroughly cooked down, about 20 to 30 minutes. strain through a fine mesh strainer to render the syrup. Refrigerate. Jumbo ice cubes: 1 c peeled and seeded cucumber cut in chunks, 1 c watermelon, seeded and without rind, cut into chunks, 2 tb freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 c plum syrup. Puree the above ingredients and pour into jumbo ice cube trays and freeze solid. Pour a good quality Rosé wine over one jumbo ice cube and enjoy.

(6)
Smoky Strega Smash
Who: Italian Village ~ Ryan Wichmann
Where: Chicago
Twitter: @ciaofromchicago
Inspiration: Our inspiration for this cocktail was not only the Italian Immigrant origins of Italian Village founder, Alfredo Capitanini, but also the Anish Kapoor sculpture Cloud Gate, commonly known as "The Bean", in Chicago's beautiful Millennium Park just a few blocks away. Kapoor, himself an immigrant, has said that in his art, "The experience of opposites allows for the expression of wholeness" and that is what I have tried to achieve with this cocktail. At first thought, the sweet, fragrant and herbaceous qualities of Strega seem an unlikely match for the burly and smoky/peaty nature of Islay Scotch, but it is exactly this duality that allows the qualities of one to complement and provide balance to the other so as to create a more complex and harmonious union. The same can be said for "The Bean" on clear, cloudless days, when sky and highly-polished metal appear to lose their seams and meld together in a singular vision of uniquely Chicagoan beauty.
Recipe: 2 oz Strega, 1/2 oz Laphroaig 10 year Islay Single Malt Scotch, 2 orange wedges, club soda, crushed ice. Combine Strega, Scotch and one orange wedge in a shaker filled halfway with crushed ice (it is ideal to squeze the orange wedge into the shaker beforehand) and shake. Dump the contents of the shaker into a large glass (do not strain). Fill the remainder of the glass with crushed ice and top with club soda. Garnish with the other orange slice and serve with a straw.

(7)
Summer Passion
Who: Camus Cognac
Website: Camus.fr/us
Twitter: @CamusCognacUS
Inspiration: This cocktail is sure to be a hit at this summer’s family BBQ.
Recipe: 8 oz. CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac, 4 oz. passion fruit liqueur, 4 oz. triple sec, 4 oz. sparkling water, 4 oz. sweetener, juice of 1 lemon, 1 c strawberries, 1 c ice. Add strawberries, lemon juice and sweetener into a blender and pulse slowly. Place mixture in a pitcher and add remaining liquid ingredients and ice. Pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

(8)
Spring Peeper
Who: Cielo at Four Seasons ~ Jorie Taylor (Bar Manager)
Where: St. Louis
Website: CieloStLouis.com
Twitter: @FSStLouis
Inspiration: While living in Atlanta a former employer of mine who was (and is) a great lover of a good cocktail would often ask for a cocktail of my choice at the bar. His wife, however, always chose a glass of red wine. Atlanta can get awfully hot, so on one particularly hot day she wanted to sit on the patio and my boss delighted in the rare occasion to share with her the cooling effects of a well mixed cocktail. Inspired by the heat, he asked if I would mix her a proper julep. I mixed one, but he took it for himself and asked me to go ahead and create her something -- in his words, "Like a julep, but sexy." I thought first of some of the original juleps, made with brandy or cognac in the 1800's before phylloxera caused barmen to switch to corn based beverages. Nectarines (plump and juicy in summer) bring a round, nectar-like quality to the booze while freeze dried strawberries add an acidic fruity layer. Campari and lemon add just enough bite to keep the cocktail balanced, and the saffron (my herb/spice component in place of mint) imparts an indescribable exotic floral background. Like a julep, just sexy. The cocktail is named for the bullfrogs which croaked along the river banks outside the restaurant."
Recipe: Mix1/2 oz Campari, 2 oz Nectarine, freeze-dried strawberry infused Cognac, 3/4 oz fresh lemon, 1/2 oz saffron syrup, orange wheel garnish.

(9)
Strawberry Mojito Martini
Who: Brasabana ~ Mike Kiefer (Bar Manager)
Where: Lexington, KY
Website: Brasabana.com
Twitter: @Brasabana
Inspiration: Growning up we always had a strawberry patch growing in our backyard. As a result I have always loved strawberries and they always remind me of my summers growing up in Lexington. As a bartender I consider martinis one of my specialties and love creating new, interesting ones. Here at Brasabana our specialty is mojitos. This drinking is a represention of the best parts of Brasabana and summer with a little personal flair.
Recipe: 2 oz Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, 1 oz strawberry and mint infused simple syrup (Muddle 4-6 strawberries, 2 oz mint leaves, and 8 oz granulated sugar, add 8 oz of boiling water and stir thouroughly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours then strain out muddled strawberries and mint.). Shake rum and simple syrup over ice then strain into a martini glass. Add a splash of club soda for a refreshing fizz. Rim the glass in raw sugar and added a stick of sugar cane for garnish

(10)
The Porch Swing
Who: Oliver Winery ~ Drew Kincuis
Where: Bloomington, IN
Inspiration: “Summertime, and the drinkin’s easy”
Recipe: 4oz lemonade. 4oz Oliver Moscato, 2oz strawberry simple syrup, splash of club soda, fill Mason jar with ice, place lid on jar, shake, garnish with lemon wedge.

Images furnished by entries
Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes food and wine magazine columns ~ Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, is a magazine and newspaper journalist and photographer covering travel, food, wine & spirits, luxury, hotels, spas, et al, as well as a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Fox 59 Morning News Show's Travel & Leisure expert. Find her also at GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com and FoodDigital.com. Follow on Twitter @GottaGo,  LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Friday, August 15

White River Festival Sept. 1-14 2014


INDIANAPOLIS – The annual White River Festival, a two-week long celebration of the White River and the area’s land, wildlife, plants, streams and people, occurs September 1-14 with multiple events at venues and locations throughout central Indiana.
With the recent opening of new trails along the White River and Fall Creek, recreation encompasses all that the Indianapolis community is looking to do this year. The two-week celebration will feature the following events, most of which are free to the public, with more additions to the lineup in coming weeks:
 

White River Festival Events 2014

August 29 – September 1
White River Arts Music and Recreation Festival (WARMfest), Friday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Broad Ripple Park. Tickets: warmfest.org.

August 30 – January 4, 2015
Exhibit: Water’s Extreme Journey – Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie, Ind. FREE with admission ($5 public, free for members).

September 2 – 30
A River Runs through Us: Exhibit about the importance of the White River – Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center in Carmel. FREE to the public.

September 4
DamNation Community Film Screening – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Tickets are $9 for the public, $5 for IMA members.

September 5
Shoreline Fishing Trip down White River, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Public Access Points, Noblesville to Mooresville, Ind. FREE to the public.
Primitive Skill Building in a Riparian Habitat, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center Boat Launch. FREE to the public.

September 5
Justin Riney and Mother Ocean: One Man, One Paddleboard, and 365 Days
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are FREE.

September 6
Walk Indiana, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Cardinal Greenways Historic Wysor Street Depot in Muncie, Ind. Tickets are $35.

Daleville to Anderson Appreciation Paddle, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Canoe Country in Daleville, Ind. FREE except for canoe/kayak rental.

The White River Is My Home Too, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum. FREE to the public. 

Family Fun Day at Minnetrista: Blue Planet, Noon – 4 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie. FREE for members, $5 for the public.

White River is Migration Station! Bird Hike 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to the public.

September 6
White River Festival Community Fun Day – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at White River State Park. FREE to the public.
2nd Annual White River Festival Walk and Fun Run – 10 a.m. at White River State Park. Dogs are welcome, with special opportunities for them throughout the event.

Justin Riney and Mother Ocean: One Man, One Paddleboard, and 365 Days
1 p.m. at Minnetrista in Muncie, Ind. FREE with admission ($5 for public, free for members).

September 6-7
White River Past and Present, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Ind. FREE with general admission.

September 7
Mounds State Park Hike, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Ind. FREE with park admission.

September 8
Abstract Landscape Painting Pop-Up, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $25.

September 11
Family Fun at the White River, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at River Road Park in Carmel, Ind. FREE to the public.

Film Screening: DamNation, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Anderson University in Anderson, Ind. FREE to the public.

September 12
The Magic behind the Screen: Screenprinting Pop-Up – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets are $35.

September 13

Noblesville White River Celebration:

20th Annual White River Clean-Up, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Moose Lodge and Renner’s Body Works in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to the public.
Fun on the River, Noon – 4 p.m., 17180 River Ave. in Noblesville, Ind. Costs vary, some are FREE.
Bridge Fair, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Logan Street Bridge, City Parking Lot in Noblesville, Ind. FREE
1 Million Dollar Duck Race, 5 p.m. – race time at the Logan Street Bridge in Noblesville, Ind. FREE to attend (ducks are $5).

Delaware County 8th Annual White River Clean-Up:
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Westside Park in Muncie, Ind. FREE to the public.

Family Fishing Day, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Riverside Park, Indianapolis. FREE to the public.

8th Annual Indiana Bat Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at IUPUI. FREE to the public.

Celebration Fall Creek, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Fall Creek Parkway in Indianapolis.

8th Annual Indiana Bat Festival Evening Event, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Garfield Park in Indianapolis. FREE

September 16
4th Annual White River Alliance Stewardship Awards Celebration – 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Indianapolis Yacht Club on Geist Reservoir. Exceptional stewards of our rivers and lakes are recognized.

About the White River Festival
Each day of the festival, multiple venues and locations welcome the public with a range of events and activities. For registration information and details on all events, visit whiteriverfestival.org.

The Festival is a project of the White River Alliance, a non-profit coalition of local governments, educators, allied organizations, industries and citizens working together to improve and protect water resources throughout Central Indiana. The watershed of the upper White River extends from the river’s source in a farmer’s field in Randolph County across 16 counties into the tips of Brown, Owen and Monroe counties.

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.
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Sunday, August 10

Theatre Review: Karen Irwin: A Piece of Her Heart, A Tribute to Janis Joplin

Karen Irwin tore up the stage at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club July 25 and 26. The Indianapolis native is well known for her bluesy rasp vocals and excellent coverage of Janis Joplin tunes. So popular is Irwin, the entire weekend was sold out for both performances, matching her prior visit to this stage.

Paying tribute to her inspiration, Irwin hit all the right notes and the right songs including, “Mercedes Benz,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Turtle Blues,” "Bye, Bye Baby," "Piece of My Heart," and "Cry Baby."

There is no doubt the soul of Pearl might be found reincarnated within Irwin. The audience relived memories, finding in the local talent a true Joplin fan. Although the show could easily have become a cheesy sound alike, the wailer brought her own childhood into the mix sharing her personal connection to the sounds of Joplin. Reflections of feeling out of place due to her "not pretty" voice and height at an awkward age.

Sharing the stage were band members: Sean Baker (piano), Bryan Van Vlyman (bass), Erich Anderson (guitar), and Alex Van Bergeijk (drums).


Bottom Line: The Cabaret at The Columbia Club scores a perfect 10 with Karen Irwin ~ I predict we will see her on next year's calendar.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes food and wine magazine columns ~ Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, is a magazine and newspaper journalist and photographer covering travel, food, wine & spirits, luxury, hotels, spas, et al, as well as a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Fox 59 Morning News Show's Travel & Leisure expert. Find her also at GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com and FoodDigital.com. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo,  LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Saturday, August 9

Restaurant review: Pizzology Mass Ave

Pizzology has earned a good reputation in its first location and it is no surprise the second location is doing just fine as will the third location opening soon with name-to-remember Ed Sawyer  caretaking spot 3 in the Village of West Clay.

Having the restaurateur with the golden touch, Neal Brown, at the helm locks in high quality, locally sourced food and craft beer options.

Located in the old Aesop's Tables premium spot, Pizzology offers a window seat to virtually everyone and an outdoor eating area, which is always appreciated in this town. The decor is stark (as seems to becoming the norm) and playful.

The staff on ~ Every. Single. Visit. ~ was over-the-top professional, friendly, efficient and worked as a team. From the front door's hostesses to seating to ordering and the remainder of each visit the service was impeccable. No waiting for a check, no searching for a server who disappeared... because they were attentive and on-the-spot with refills, suggestions off the menu and the one time a server did not have an answer, he immediately found out and returned with it. I can easily say this is the hands-down best service I have seen in the casual dining group in a long time.
Ed Sawyer
Smack dab in the middle of the Arts & Theatre district, at 608 Mass Ave., makes it convenient for those attending live performances at Old National Centre, Phoenix Theatre, Theatre on the Square, and First Friday art patrons.

Hostess ~ Sara Brady
I stopped in several times. The first couple of times we ended up not trying the pizza somehow, so I went back with a fellow pizza fan and we tried one. Then (naturally) another trip was needed to try different toppings. Altogether I have tried out this eatery six times since they opened (May 20) through August 1.

So, let's get to what you really want to know...
Salads. I love a truly great salad. I do. These didn't hit the mark of greatness. And, oddly enough, the portions were rather small compared to all the other dishes on each visit.

This pizza is not going to be for everyone. It is Napolese style, so it is thin crust. If you are like me then you like a variety and this spot serves it hot with a nice selection of specialties.
Here is a key factor with Pizzology, however. The pizza, although fine, isn't my favorite selection on
the menu.

Whaaaaat? Yes, I said that out loud in front of God and everybody.

So what do I recommend you select off the menu?

Mussels. PEI mussels so tender and juicy they will call your name when you least expect it. Served as an appetizer built for two, this could easily be served as an entree. As the menu reads: Italian Mussels, one pound of fresh PEI mussels, salumi, garlic, white wine, olive oil, fresh herbs. No matter what else happens, request an extra order of bread sticks with this. You will thank me later.

Bottom Line: Go counter intuitive and order the non pizza items for the best of what Pizzology has to offer.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes food and wine magazine columns ~ Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, is a magazine and newspaper journalist and photographer covering travel, food, wine & spirits, luxury, hotels, spas, et al, as well as a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Fox 59 Morning News Show's Travel & Leisure expert. Find her also at GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com and FoodDigital.com. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Friday, August 8

ANNIE Seeks New Leading Lady for Broadway Across America on Broadway Balances America


ANNIE, presented by Broadway Across America at the Old National Centre will take center stage on the award-winning morning show The Balancing Act on Lifetime Channel Tues., August 12.

The show hits the road to go on location in Manhattan as the touring production of ANNIE looks for its new leading lady in this first of a special six-part series, “Broadway Balances America.” The show will re-air Aug. 19.


“Broadway Balances America” provides behind-the-scenes excerpts and interviews highlighting the shows that are featured on Broadway Across America’s 2014-2015 Broadway series nationwide - from Boston to Costa Mesa, from Houston to Minneapolis, and everywhere in between. The Balancing Act’s hosts get up close and personal with the casts and crews, even experiencing what it’s like to dance in their shoes.
In this segment, special correspondent Amber Milt takes viewers to Pearl Studios in Manhattan where young hopefuls are vying for the lead in the upcoming touring revival of ANNIE, the musical that tells the beloved story Little Orphan Annie. The ANNIE segment puts a spotlight on young kids and their parents going through the audition process to show what it takes to play one of Broadway’s most cherished roles, and how families keep the balance in their lives with child actors.

Viewers will get a glimpse of one young lady’s dreams coming true as Charnin offers her the coveted role of Annie. The young actress also makes a special guest appearance at The Balancing Act studios where the casting of the new touring production’s “Orphans” will be exclusively revealed.

ANNIE’s Martin Charnin, Lyricist/Director, and co-creator and original director of ANNIE in 1977, Liza Gennaro, Choreographer and Joy Dewing, Casting Director share what they look for in the auditions and famed Broadway animal trainer William Berloni talks about what he looks for when the young ladies audition with their furry co-star, “Sandy”. 

About The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television:
Now in its 7th year, The Balancing Act continues to empower women in all aspects of their lives. The mission at The Balancing Act is simple - the show strives to help today’s modern woman balance it all by bringing them positive solutions to enrich and empower them. Entertaining, educational and trusted by women, viewers can tune in to America’s premier morning show The Balancing Act on weekday mornings at 7:00 am (ET/PT) airing on Lifetime television. For information or to view a segment visit: TheBalancingAct.com

To learn more about the Broadway Balances America series, visit

About Broadway Across America:
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com . BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

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.
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4th Annual Indy Hula Luau August 9, 2014

Please join us for our 4th Annual Luau! This year we will be honoring "Our Kupuna" (Our Elders)

He Aloha I Nā Hulu Kūpuna –

Love for our cherished ancestors

This enchanting evening will include Polynesian style meal plus non alcoholic beverages followed by song and dance!

Our Menu will include authentic Polynesian foods…
Main Entrée
Kalua Pig
Chicken Long Rice
Shoyu Chicken
Steam Rice
Lomi Salmon
Salads
Macaroni
Green Mixed Greens
Dessert
Haupia
(Coconut Pudding)
Marble, Chocolate and White Cake
Beverage
Lemonade

We are looking forward to presenting you with a wonderful luau and entertainment presented by Indy Hula dancers.

For details and tickets, visit IndyHula.org 

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Tuesday, August 5

Top 10 Coolest Midwest Museums 2014

Grohmann Museum Rooftop Sculptures
Museums are more than just somewhere you are forced to go on an elementary school field trip. After you grow up (and are no longer required to go) you find out they are nice. Even tasty in some cases.

Whatever your interests there is a good chance a museum devoted to it exists somewhere. Unfortunately many museums have little or no budget available for marketing and go unknown. Food, music, military, fine and performing arts, outer space, underground and on land, water and wheels ~ pretty much anything goes. Below are the ones I believe should make someone's bucket list.

Top 10 Coolest
Midwest Museums 2014

GROHMANN MUSEUM
More than 1,000 paintings, mosaics and sculptures line the walls, floors and rooftop paying homage to the laborers throughout history in the Eckhart G. Grohmann "Man at Work" collection, located in Milwaukee. The passion of Dr. Grohmann encompasses works (from 1580 through post WWII era) depicting farmers, glass blowers, miners and other trades people he had watched as a child in Germany. Dr. Grohmann happened to be in the museum when I visited and proved to be a delightful and gracious host, passionate in his respect to working men and women, stemming from his days spent at his grandfather's marble processing plant.

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM
Is there anyone who hasn't had a hot dog slathered with the bright yellow goo known as mustard? With literally hundreds of flavors, mustard is the new black in the world of condiments. Located near Madison, in Middleton, Wisconsin is the coolest of quirky when it comes to museums. From the hundreds of different types of mustard to try (and purchase), to Poupon U mustard university, to the fresh pretzels and hot dogs in house to eat for lunch with, what else, mustard, this is the only museum devoted to the yellow spread. Spicy, sweet, maple ~ even chocolate ~ can be found in a jar, bottle or tube, along with mustard serving spoons and dishes dating to the beginning of mustardom.

CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Michigan's Museum of Natural History
This is one of those museums adults love to go to even though they'll pretend it's really for the kids. The scientific section of the Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills (metro Detroit), is the ultimate spot for learning about the world around us. Featuring, among many other areas, a Bat Zone, planetarium theater, observatory, and plant gardens, summer programs are also popular, along with overnights and themed lectures and galeries.
Science.Cranbrook.edu


ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM
From The Everly Brothers to The Beatles and on to Van Halen, music has been a part of American history as the inventor of the rock and roll genre. The coolest list would not be complete without the Cleveland, OH music pillar. Fans flock from around the world to see thousands of artifacts including, concert posters, instruments and rockers' jewelry among other items. Exhibits, live entertainment and inductee ceremonies give music lovers a one-stop venue to enjoy all that is Rock and Roll.

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF MAGIC
Highlighting the masters of magic through thousands of artifacts, the Marhsall, MI shares the history, memorabilia and artifacts of such famous magicians as Harry Houdini and Harry Blackstone, among others. Children and adults alike will find fascinating items in this educational and fun museum. Gifts, books and magicians' coins are available in the gift shop. Supported by the National Endowment of Arts, research appointments are available at the archive center which houses more than four centuries of information about magic and magicians.
AmericanMuseumofMagic.org

INDIANA MEDICAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Located in Indianapolis, this museum is one which will surprise you with the background story. The history of the Old Pathology Building places it on the campus once used as the Central State (Mental) Hospital. The National Register of Historic Places building features an autopsy room, amphitheater lecture hall and three clinical laboratories used in the beginning era of psychiatric medicine. On the grounds, also, is the Medicinal Plant Garden, featuring more than 90 medicinal plants for education and demonstration purposes. It is maintained by Purdue Master Gardeners of Marion County.

CITY MUSEUM
St. Louis is the home to the Cardinals, the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi River, it's true. However, this hands- and feet- on interactive museum might be even more popular. The 10-story spiral slide begins on the rooftop where you'll find a school bus hanging off the building's edge and various midway equipment (still working and safe). It will wind you down through floors of enchanted caves, the shoelace factory and MonstroCity. Tours, educational programs and age-appropriate activities solidify the learning-through-fun premise.
CityMuseum.org

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM
Few literary figures elicit a museum, and this is a personal favorite author from my childhood. A town of sorts, complete with Grant's era-replicated drug store, Becky Thatcher's home, Twain's boyhood home and father's law office. Merging Twain's actual childhood and literary characters creates a 3D historical situation. Interactive events (whitewashing the famous fence) free outdoor musical concerts and walking tours of the eight building compound make this a family friendly museum.

FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM AT CANTIGNY
Located just west of Chicago is Cantigny Park, 500 acres of gardens, golf, camping and picnic grounds open to the public, along with two museums. First Division Museum preserves, interprets and presents the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, "in order to promote understanding of American military history and affairs." Gardens, live music evenings and exhibits, such as "WE NEED YOU! Propaganda of the Great War," and the Historic Military Vehicle Collection make this a museum, gardens and park not just for military, history and vehicle buffs.
ELLWOOD HOUSE
Step back in time to a world changing rapidly at the 1879 home of barbed wire entrepreneur, Isaac Ellwood, situated in Dekalb, IL. The three-story mansion features original Victorian style architecture and Gothic Revival, Georgian and Colonial Revival styles through subsequent remodeling projects. Gardens, exhibits and the home are open to the public for tours, events and an extensive interactive youth program, which focuses on art, history and nature. Children will be able to hunt for replicas of sea life, dragons and other creatures within paintings, carved into wood and throughout the mansion.


Images were provided~

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.


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