The Blue-Eyed Bettys Perform at Chilly Water Brewing

Free is good.

Usually.

Well ~ sometimes. 

This time it is great.

Sarah Hund, who you will remember as one of my Destination Actors and regular on the Indianapolis stage, has a side addiction. It is called The Blue-Eyed Bettys.

What is "The Blue-Eyed Bettys"? A folk music group of three musicians and singers expressing their love of theater, music and America with audiences across the nation. Daniel Emond and Ben Mackel,  are the two other blue-eyed band members.

This love brings them to Indy Friday, June 26 to perform at 8 p.m. in the trendy Fletcher Place~Fountain Square neighborhood. The free show will be held at local brewery spot Chilly Waters, 719 Virginia Ave., #105.

Hund will reprise her critically acclaimed role as June Sanders, the (ironically) non-singing family member of a singing church group in Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming. Running July 9-August 16, the smash hit live show has proven to be a sell out production time and again at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

I believe June 26 will be just about the time there will be a need to try out the Chilly Water brews with a friend or two, and catch some folk music by the multi-talented Ms. Hund. Join me, won't you?

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.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards: The Drowsy Chaperone

The Drowsy Chaperone, continuing at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, may seem misleading at first glance. One might imagine the show jumping from the vinyl record (remember those?) onto the stage is the story. It isn't, however.

The true story is the gentleman sitting to the left of the "show" playing out on stage. "Man in the Chair" as he is billed, is portrayed flawlessly by David Schmittou. His wistful, almost pleading, connection with the audience touches the heart. Completely ignoring the fourth wall, Schmittou opens his most prized possession with us: his favorite musical.
As he explains the meaning behind the show, his tenderness and affection for the memories it stirs will stir your own memories of favorite songs, musicals, plays, films and books. The ones which shape your character and which you are so desperate to share with others so that they, too, may be forever uplifted, touched, and changed by it.

Without leaving his chair, well not often, Man in the Chair introduces us to "his" show and its cast. Set in the Jazz Age, a starlet (Laura Douciere) and tycoon (Timothy Ford) are to be wed, if only the stage star can decide whether to return to the life which beckons her or break from the thrill of stardom forever and say, "I do."

A fun romp through a memorable time with pastry chefs who are actually gangsters (Craig Underwood, Sam McKanney) and the up and coming starlet Kitty (Deb Wims). Self-loving Italian playboy Adolpho (Alan M-L Wager) meets his match with the title character, portrayed deliciously by Victoria Weinberg.

Keep your eye on the narrating man in the well worn chair throughout, however, if you are able, as he is the true story and a rather wonderful one at that.

Bottom Line: Check out Beef and Boards' The Drowsy Chaperone for the fun side and remember it for the sentimental side.


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.

Theater Review: Dear Henry: When Loves Blows Up

Unable to make it to NYC for the debut of "Dear Henry," written
 and directed by Arthur Wooten, I asked a fellow critic, John Simmons, to step in for me as he has reviewed theater in Miami and now NYC.

~~~~~

With the house lights still on – and with the audience at Christopher Street’s cozy Cabaret Theater amiably chatting and sipping wine – a tall, thin, bespectacled young man begins re-arranging the furniture in his apartment for what appears to be a dream date. He pours two glasses of wine, compulsively rearranges the furniture, and constantly primps in front of an imaginary mirror – all while trying on shirt-after-shirt, in an effort to capture just the right “look” for the evening’s extracurricular activities.

The young man is Clark Compton Lowell III (Luke Doyle) who, when the house lights go down, will spend the next hour or so telling us about his relationship with the love of his young life: a man named Henry.

We really never see Henry. Instead, we learn of their on-again-off-again love affair through a series of letters the two have written to one another – all read (and accompanied by some very funny commentary) by Clark himself. These letters tell us that, while Clark is a sexual naïf whose first sexual experience was with a rubber raft named “Ken,” Henry is a mess ~ for starters, Henry is seriously into leather and bondage and is rumored to have done jail time for selling drugs.

As the evening progresses, the story of their relationship becomes wilder (and stranger) as we learn that Henry – among his many shortcomings – comes equipped with a prosthetic penis, the result of carnivorous fish nibbling off his penis after he drunkenly fell overboard during a gay cruise that he and Clark took together. It is all very outrageous and over-the-top (with Doyle playing multiple characters), when suddenly the mood changes …

In a spotlighted soliloquy, we learn that Clark loves Henry because Henry accepts himself for who he is, while Clark spends countless hours mercilessly judging others – including Henry and, especially, himself. Clark wishes he were more like Henry and, tonight, intends to ask Henry to marry him (if only he hadn't kept pushing Henry away).

Without giving away too much, the play has a happy ending. It’s all very touching … but because so little time has been spent drawing realistic characters placed in realistic situations (in an effort to earn big laughs), it doesn't feel earned. In fact, it feels tacked on.

Dear Henry is often funny and touching where and when it needs to be. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that in 2015, in a trendy theater in the heart of New York City … you expect a little more.

Dear Henry continues Sun., May 3 at 7 pm, and Sat., May 9 at 7 pm at The Duplex, located at 61 Christopher Street at 7th Avenue.

Details and tickets: (212) 255-543, ASDMedia.co/dear-henry.html

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 radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

2015 Symphony on the Prairie Schedule Includes Blues Traveler, Ol' Blue Eyes and Boogie Nights

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 34th annual Symphony on the Prairie season includes Blues Traveler, Ol' Blue Eyes and Boogie Nights.

Beginning June 19 and running through Sept. 6. This year the orchestra performs the first six weekends and brings in their musical guests for the remaining shows of the popular summer series.

Located at Conner Prairie, the outdoor music series is perfect for families, friends and company outings. Grassy areas are available for those wishing to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Tables for 10 are available at an additional cost. Food, alcohol and candles are allowed also.

2015 Symphony on the Prairie Schedule

June 19-20

College & Alumni Night, Friday, June 19

70s: Disco Days & Boogie Nights

Jack Everly, Conductor

Opening weekend at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie puts the 1970s front and center. No matter what crowd you ran with during that era, Jack Everly’s got the music to match—from disco anthems like “I Will Survive” and monster rock hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the singer-songwriter tunes like “American Pie.”

June 26-27

Pictures at an Exhibition

Fawzi Haimor, Conductor

Nareh Arghamanyan, Piano

Experience the soaring music of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition performed by the ISO under Fawzi Haimor, resident conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

July 2-4

Salute to America’s Military – all three nights!

Star Spangled Symphony

Alfred Savia, Conductor

Celebrate America’s birthday with the ISO’s annual patriotic performance and salute to our military service members. All the traditional favorites return, including a spectacular fireworks show to cap off each concert.

July 10-11

Police and Firefighter's Night – Friday, July 10

The Music of Journey

Brent Havens, Conductor

Guest conductor Brent Havens is back with a symphonic rock tribute to the band Journey. The ISO will have you swaying to some of classic rock’s greatest hits like “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believin,’” and “Any Way You Want It.”

July 17-18

Teacher's Night – Friday, July 17

Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

Daniel Meyer, Conductor

Anne Akiko Meyers, Violin

While enjoying the evening sunset, travel through the idyllic sounds of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of the best known and most beloved of the composer’s works.

July 24-25

Scout's Night – Friday, July 24

Music of John Williams

Stuart Chafetz, Conductor

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs all the hits by the maestro of cinema, John Williams. Williams wrote and composed music for more than 80 films including such classics as Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the original Star Wars trilogy.

*July 31-Aug. 1

Nurse's Night – Friday, July 31

The Music of Genesis Starring Daryl Stuermer

Daryl Stuermer, guitarist for both Genesis and the Phil Collins Band, performs some of both groups’ biggest hits in this concert with his own live band. Relive the music of the late 70s, 80s and 90s, including “I Can’t Dance” and “Throwing it All Away.”

*Aug 7-8

Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles

The Classical Mystery Tour is back with their annual Marsh Symphony on the Prairie tribute to the band that changed rock and roll forever. Be sure to make your way to the stage to dance and sing along to your favorite Beatles classics.

*Aug. 14-15

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

They’re back! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns and brings its high-voltage sound and feel-good energy to the stage. You are guaranteed a show that blends jazz, swing, Dixieland and big band into a night to remember for the whole family.

*Aug 21-22

Steve Lippia’s Centennial Celebration:

A Frank Sinatra Tribute

Steve Lippia, Vocalist

Nothing says classy and cool like the songs of Frank Sinatra. Join crooner Steve Lippia for an evening of magical “Ol’ Blue Eyes” hits, including “Strangers in the Night,” “Summer Wind” and “My Way.”

*Aug. 28-30

Blues Traveler

The chart-topping blues/folk/southern rock band Blues Traveler makes its debut at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre. Look for the Grammy Award-winning group to present a mix of favorites from their 25-year career, including “Run Around” and “Hook,” and songs from their newest album, Blow Up the Moon, – all led by the signature harmonica playing of lead singer John Popper.

*Sept. 3-4

The Hit Men:

Studio Legends of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Back by popular demand, the former performing and recording members of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons take audiences on a walk down memory lane to the 60s, 70s and 80s with mega hits “Oh What a Night (Dec. ’63),” “Sherry,” “Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” “You’re so Vain,” “Mony Mony” and many more.

*Sept. 5-6

The King: A Tribute to Elvis

Elvis Presley changed American music forever, and this tribute concert honors that legacy. These are no Elvis impersonators, but four singers dedicated to honoring the entire range of Elvis’ music with new arrangements of iconic rock ‘n’ roll classics.

*The ISO does not perform in these concerts.

Single tickets go on sale Monday, April 20 the following ways:

• Marsh Stores: Discount adult tickets may be purchased at all Indiana Marsh locations for $24, with a Marsh Fresh Idea Card.
• Online at IndianapolisSymphony.org $25/adults $12/children
• Conner Prairie Amphitheater Gate: $29/adults, $14/children
Single tables: $69

Single tickets for premium concert weekends

For the Star Spangled Symphony and Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles concert weekends, advance single tickets can be purchased at Marsh and the ISO Box ~ $31/adults, $12/children. Premium gate: $35/adults, $14/children

Premium tables: $89 

For more information on all Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra indoor and outdoor presentations, contact Hilbert Circle Theatre at (317) 639-4300 or at IndianapolisSymphony.org.

Images: provided by ISO

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic, as well as writing two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Rum Review: Papa's Pilar Blonde and Dark Rum

We all knew it would eventually come to this. Once the craft and quality of bourbon, whiskey and tequila was embraced by the consumer, rum had to be next.

Thank goodness.

Rum has long been on the back of the bar humiliated by its forage into umbrella-ed drinks, cruise-line frozen concoctions and as a diet coke additive. Not known as worthy of sipping and discussing its subtle nuances, its popularity diminished alongside the more masculine spirits.

Ernest Hemingway stated, "Before an attack who can say anything that gives you the momentary well-being that rum does?"

What indeed?

And to have it arrive in a wood box, as these two bottles of Papa's Pilar rum did for review, makes life even more pleasant. The small crate was stamped with Republica Dominicana 14 Nov 2012. The aroma of the wood, the straw-like packing material and the two bottles gave me a flash of the style.

The Hemingway Estate sanctioned this rum, named after Ernest "Papa" Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Pilar, the writer's beloved boat in which he had numerous adventures. With the rum's bold spices and a canteen-designed bottle, it's easy to tell the respect (and knowledge of) of the late veteran and outdoorsman by all involved.

Rums from  the Caribbean, Central America and the United States were pot- and column-distilled. They were then aged in bourbon and port barrels then finished off in sherry casks and blended in Kentucky. See Solera aging for the full process.

Swirling the amber liquid in a glass, aromas of caramel, spice and vanilla waft out. Although Hemingway was known for being succinct, the flavors of spice and nuts linger for a nice finish.

Giving the blonde a swirl, I notice notes of citrus on the nose. Slight flavors of vanilla are quickly followed by sheer heat and taper off into citrus.

Both will work well in cocktails, I particularly imagine the dark with mango nectar. However, they will equally satisfy the palate sans mixers.

Although Papa's Pilar rum has been on the market since 2013, it sneaked in stealthily so as not to disturb the bourbon revolution, I suppose. Now, it seems to be making some noise and I applaud it. Hemingway did not go quietly into that dark night and neither shall his namesake rum.

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 a restaurant and performing arts 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.

Theatre Review: Beef and Boards: Crazy for You

In what can be considered the time of resurgence for the old-school
 musicals, the king of the movement is easily playwright Ken Ludwig. Ludwig's Crazy for you, opens to a packed house as Beef and Boards, Indianapolis, continues its 2015 season.

For the remaining shows' schedule, click here.

Based on Girl Crazy, with lyrics and music by Ira and George Gershwin, this production brings to stage the over-the-top antics, dancing and songs enjoyed for generations.

Heavy hitters Erin Cohenour, Jeff Stockberger, Eddie Curry, Blake Spellacy (even John Vessels makes a brief appearance)  are brought on board to match the needed talent and quality of choreography by Ron Morgan and classic musical numbers such as, "I've Got Rhythm," and "You Can't Take That Away From Me."

When Bobby Child (Spellacy) a wannabe performer is turned away by Bela Zangler (Curry) and is forced by his aristocratic mother to travel to Nevada to foreclose on a theater, things become farcical and fabulous as only a musical can.

Love ensues, is rejected and all twists and turns in an "I Love Lucy" way that is compounded by the dancing which is nailed beautifully by the principals as well as the ensemble dancers. Easily it is the best representation of dancing I have witnessed on the B&B stage in the past eight years of reviewing.

When you, as an audience member, are unable to picture anyone else portraying a character, you know the actor has performed to a gold level. Such is the case with Spellacy's Child, Curry's Zangler and Cohenour's femme fatale role of Irene Roth.

Spellacy and Curry hit a home run with the mirrored-image scene and Cohenour as a high-maintenance diva turned vixen is pure joy to watch.

Stockberger's Lank Hawkins theater owner is as lovable a curmudgeon as one could hope for and John Vessels is delightful as travel writer Eugene Fudor.


This is one of those difficult situations for a reviewer. All cannot be mentioned that should be, however, please keep in mind Doug King, Kenny Shepard and Bob Payne as talent to also be noted.

Bottom Line: Beef and Boards' Crazy for You dances away the winter blahs with a high-stepping, high-energy frolicking musical perfect for the entire family.

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.

Celebrities and Schedule for Inaugural Wizard World Comic Con Indianapolis, February 13-15, 2015

Look out Indy, looks like GenCon has competition for our affection in the form of Wizard World Comic Con this weekend, beginning Friday and running through Sunday afternoon.

Downtown Indianapolis will, once again, pay host to convention attendees dressed in cool costumes, celebrities of television and films, and those who share a passion for all things comic book, super hero and out of this world. Yes, that includes (be still my heart) William Shatner from Star Trek, Harry Potter series actors, The Hulk, and others from the world of mystic and marvel.

 It is the first trip to Indianapolis for Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and the fourth event on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con calendar.

Although I do not see local comic book artist Gavin Smith on the list, other major comic artists to attend, include: John Tyler Christopher ("Amazing Spider-Man," "Avenger"), Neal Adams("Batman," "X-Men"), James O'Barr ("The Crow") and Michael Golden ("Daredevil," "Hulk"). Wizard World Comic Con Indianapolis, February 13-15, 2015 will be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Others in Artist Alley include: Dr. Travis Langley (“Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight”), Renee Witterstaetter (“She Hulk,” “Avengers”), Troy Brownfield ("Grimm Fairy Tales"), Jeremiah Lambert ("Transformers," "Tonka Truck") and C.S. Marks ("Elfhunter," "Ravenshade").

Full-price Wizard World Comic Con Indianapolis attendees will receive a limited edition exclusive variant cover “The Walking Dead” comic, drawn by a top Wizard World artist. Comics will be issued at registration while supplies last and VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version.

Celebrities attending include William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Liam McIntyre (“Spartacus”), Katie Cassidy ("Arrow," “Gossip Girl”), James and Oliver Phelps (“Harry Potter”), Michael Cudlitz (“The Walking Dead," "Southland"), WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™, Sonequa Martin-Green (“The Walking Dead,” “Once Upon a Time”), Emily Kinney (“The Walking Dead") and many others.

Wizard World 2015 schedule available at: http://wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Comic Con Indianapolis show hours are Friday, February 13, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

2015 Wizard World Indianapolis Comic Con info: http://wizd.me/IndianapolisPR.

About Wizard World

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World also produces socialcon featuring social media stars and will be launching ConTV, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM).

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes the fine-living blog Gotta Go, 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 FOX 59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014

Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, closes the season with its annual holiday variety production, A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014.

It's interesting to watch the changes in the holiday show over the years. The first I attended was my first year reviewing (2007), which is available only in the original newspapers. However, I have included the links to a few I have published in newspapers and posted online over my tenure.

Click here for 2009 review

Some years there are children on stage, others (such as this year) it is a whirlwind of adults-only dancers and singers mixing it up with The Grinch, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman.

And the flying reindeer.

So, this time I thought I would give my hits and misses list.

HITS

Indy's own co-host favorites ~ Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard ~ took the reigns once more for this production. Guiding the audience through a myriad of holiday staples, dancing characters and choral groups, the show would not be the same without this attractive and charming pair.

New to the Christmas cast is Heather Patterson-King, who portrayed Mrs. Banks in B&B's Mary Poppins. Patterson-King's vocals were a beautiful addition to each song and highlighted best in "Tennessee Christmas." A most welcome talent who this critic hopes to see (and hear) more of in the 2015 schedule. She is the best thing to be added to the holiday show in quite some time.

Click here for 2013 review

B&B's tradition of saluting the military serving our country always brings me to the edge of welling up. "I'll be Home for Christmas," performed superbly by Matt Branic is full of pride and respect. Here's to the continued practice.

Intermission with Santa Claus is an absolute keeper for me. Although I have no young ones dashing about, the free pictures with the jolly elf gives back to the audience and gives the kids something special.

MISSES

Not casting John Vessels is a big miss in my book. His zany antics bring the audience to tears every time he hits the stage. This year's fun segments seemed less so without this favorite of Indy theatergoers. Watching him plop about during his (see link for review below) rendition of, "All I Want for Christmas," still makes me laugh out loud.

Click here for 2011 review

Seeing children perform on stage gives children in the audience the crazy idea that they, also, can get up there and perform. Not a bad thing. It also holds their attention better than one adult after another. So, I would call it a miss to eliminate the kid factor this year.

I cannot see "Marshmallow World," performed by Shepard and Wims enough. Left out this year, the performers dress as Raggedy Andy and Raggedy Ann for an adorable segment of great music and dancing.

Bottom Line: A Beef and Boards Christmas 2014 offers a family friendly holiday show with song and dance for every age.

Images: JulieCurryPhotography.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.

Top 10 Best Ways to Enjoy RumChata

I have loved RumChata since the moment I tried it, which, was someone else’s idea as I hadn't heard of it until then. So, thank you Chef Greg Schiesser… Once I tried it, my mind began whirling with ideas of how to try it in virtually everything. Cocktails, cooking, baking, you name it and I was pouring it in, on and around. And, when I like something this much, I start telling everyone and sharing with them ~ spreading the love, so to speak.

Here are my Top 10 ways to enjoy the cream-based liqueur. It is similar in style to Bailey’s Irish Crème, but rum instead and with cinnamon-y goodness.

1. Straight over ice~ Keep it simple.

2. French Toast~ Dipped in RumChata instead of milk only makes any brunch better. There is an official recipe, but I felt it diluted the RumChata flavor too much so instead just replaced the milk in my normal recipe and it worked great.

3. Winter Warm up~ Using hot cocoa packets for a quick hot drink, mix with RumChata and pour into saucepan. Heat thoroughly, pour into cups and enjoy while sitting by the fireplace.

4. Morning Wake up~ Make your morning java as normal then pour in RumChata instead of creamer, stir and enjoy. You can also pour RumChata into ice cube tray, freeze and use with normal coffee over the ice cubes in a glass for iced coffee deluxe.

5. Cheesecake~ Yes… cheesecake. Do I really need to say anymore than that? Here’s the recipe:

RumChata Cheesecake (from website)

15 graham crackers, crushed

2 tbs butter, melted

32 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup RumChata

4 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tbs vanilla extract

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 9" spring form pan. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Slowly blend in RumChata and eggs. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and flour until smooth. Pour filling over prepared crust. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off oven and let cake cool in oven with the door closed for 5 to 6 hours to prevent cracking. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

6. Whipped Cream~ This is actually how I tasted it first. While at Chef Greg’s Canvas and Cuisine class at Indiana Grand casino, he poured it into an aerosol can and created whipped topping for individual pumpkin tarts. Feel free to put the whipped cream in your hot chocolate also.

7. Kentucky Cocktail~ Pour 3 parts RumChata to 1 part favorite bourbon into Boston shaker with ice. Shake, pour into short glass and enjoy while betting on the thoroughbreds.

8. Cupcakes~ Okay, you could also use it on cake, so whichever is your favorite. I like it in the icing for spice cupcakes, or a bourbon icing on RumChata cupcakes.

RumChata Frosting (from RumChata website)

1 cup unsalted butter

3-4 cups confectioners sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 T vanilla

(up to) 4 T RumChata

Cream butter at medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and mix at low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla, salt and 2 tablespoons RumChata and mix at high speed for 3 minutes, adding more sugar and RumChata until desired consistency is reached. Frost as desired.

9. Hot Tub Cocktail~ Pour (3 parts RumChata to 1 part Pisa, 1 part vodka) into Boston shaker with ice, Pisa liqueur, a splash of milk and caramel vodka, shake vigorously and pour into tall glass of ice or strain into martini glass.

10. Fruit Dip~ I use this in whipped cream form as a fruit dip and use bananas, apple slices and other fruits for a change of pace from the typical fruit dip. Okay, I also dip gingersnap cookies in it ~

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.

Wanted: 7th Annual Ultimate Gift Guide 2014 Submissions Now Being Accepted

The 7th annual “Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide” is quickly coming upon us, with a shorter
turnaround time available, due to requests. I realize this is tight on time, however, viewers are requesting an earlier feature of the gifts to stay in line with their shopping habits.

The popular event ~ sharing the best holiday and Christmas gift ideas ~ will be televised again this year. I have switched from Fine-living Adviser on Indy Style to be the Travel & Leisure Adviser for Fox 59 Morning News Show. I will showcase winners on the program Thanksgiving morning, November 27 at 9:10 a.m.

Entries must include two of each entry, one for judging purposes and one for presentation on television (if selected).

November 24, 2014 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 November 27, 2014.

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.

Purchasing and contact information should be included with entry, along with bio of product and company. Images should also be submitted via email. A hi-res image (or two) of each entry must be included via email with information in case needed for the television show.

All questions can be answered by emailing elizabethjmusgrave@gmail.com or elizabeth@gottago.us, or call her at 317-457-3221.

NEW THIS YEAR ~

All gifts will be in a general category as each year has seen a wide variety of items.

However, also new this year: ALL items will be accepted, including toys, children, stocking stuffers, books, food, wine/spirits, jewelry, clothing, et al. Whatever you can think of  ~ with the following exceptions:
No pornographic, fundraiser, political, religious, sexual, illegal, or hate items will be accepted.

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 (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 again.

• Alcohol and alcohol gift sets will be accepted again this year.

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

• Children and pet items are being accepted again 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 post.

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

• Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Monday, November, 24, 2014.

• 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 Tuesday, November 24, 2014.

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

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.