retirement activity

Chill’s on the Creek in Wimberley Texas

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Wimberley, Texas is a a small community in the Hill Country outside of Austin. Our son and his family suggested that we go to Wimberley for a day trip. While there, we found a delightful and unique restaurant known as Chill’s On The Creek.

Out side wall mural

Sign behind the stage

 

 

 

 

 

As we had a group of five, we were led to a table indoors. There was also plenty of outside seating too. Sher and I started with a frozen margarita. There seems to be something especially good about margaritas in Texas.

Fried fish and chili

Chicken fried chicken and loaded mashed

Veggie Tacos and salad

The menu at Chill’s has something for everyone. Our granddaughter had grilled cheese and fries. Our daughter-in-law ordered the chicken fried chicken and a salad. Our son had fried fish with a side of chili. Sher had veggie tacos and salad, and I went with the chicken fired chicken with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and gravy.

With Rebecca, center

Shelby, our bartender

 

 

 

 

 

Our meals were quite delicious. This place was hopping for sure, and we witnessed a lot of meals coming out of the kitchen. Our service was very good, Rebecca made sure we had everything we needed.  And like I mentioned, Shelby made a mean margarita! We both said we’d definitely come back for a return visit. I want to try the Brunch offerings! This is the Chill’s website.

One of the best Tex-Mex restaurants

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At least some critics claim the verbiage of the title of this post. We are visiting family in the Austin area and happened on this eatery while out and about and decided to give it a try.

Turns out that decision was the right one to make. The Texican Cafe proudly states it offers “El Paso Style Mexican Food”. Regardless of the title, we were most pleased with the quality of the food at this fun place. There is another one in Austin and the newest  one in Kyle, Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got there right at noon, were seated right way, and soon had a bowl of home made extra tasty chips and salsa and some iced tea. Our wait staff explained some of the menu items, and made some great suggestions for Sher’s desire of a vegetarian plate.

Enchiladas El Paso!

Nachos

Jalapeno Poppers

I ordered the house lunch special, El Paso beef enchiladas with cheddar cheese topped with a red chile sauce and a side of pico de gallo. Sher dined on a large appetizer plate of seven nachos of refried beans and melted cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. We shared a plate of  4 red jalapenos filled with luscious cream cheese in a crispy batter and served with sweet jalapeno jelly.

Comfortable dining room

The food was excellent, good sized portions and served hot! The decor of the restaurant was very unique with interesting wall art, color patterns and comfortable seating.  Here’s the pitch: When in the Austin area look up The Texican Cafe. It is worth a stop.  This is the company website.

Awesome best describes Beef & Boards “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

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The hilarious and heartwarming telling of the Biblical story of Joseph sent into slavery in ancient Egypt breaks out in sight and sound at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre now on stage through November 19th. The classic Andrew LLoyd Webber/Tim Rice production last played at Indy’s beloved dinner theater in 2017, and the current run features TJ Wessel repeating his starring role.

Joseph, center, and the Narrator, front, sing about his multicolored coat

Where do you begin when discussing such a marvelous, talent packed show? The set  and lighting execution is striking, and does “set” the mood for each number. Watch for very clever and not so subtle references to a nearby local landmark on the set. Costuming for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is near perfect eye candy for the audience, and covers not only “Biblical and Egyptian” attire, but also some modern looks, namely Go-Go Disco in the “Go Go Joseph” number.

The cast sings “Go, Go, Go, Joseph”

TJ Wessel does a fine job carrying the production in the lead role. You have to admire the passion that he demonstrates in his love of the role, which by the way dates back to his days as a nine year old glued to the TV watching a VHS tape of the show! With a powerful voice, TJ is an accomplished actor as well as a dynamic vocalist.

Joseph (TJ Wessel) sings “Any Dream Will Do” with the Children’s Choir

Bridgette Ludlow is the narrator, a simple term for a complex role. She not only fills in the story, this role also shows her singing and acting talent. She also interacts with the Children’s Choir, a group of talented young folks who serve several roles throughout the production.  (There are three different kids choirs, each has its own run time. Our show featured the Sheep Choir!)

Joseph’s brothers plot to sell him

Jeff as Potiphar

Beef & Boards favorite Jeff Stockberger has a couple of roles. One is that of Potiphar, an Egyptian businessman whose wife tries to seduce Joseph. The main role Jeff plays is that of Jacob, the patriarch of the family and Joseph’s father. He once again delights the audience with his marvelous character portrayals.

 

Jeff as Jacob, center

One show stopping number featured the talents of Logan Moore who played one of the brothers and the role of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Suffice it to say that for this performance the Pharaoh looked and acted surprisingly, and accurately, very much like Elvis. (Yes, Elvis) The Pharaoh’s number asking for Joseph’s interpretation  of his seven cows dream sounded and looked like a Las Vegas stage show. This was one of those numbers that brought down the house. Logan even slipped into a Vegas performer character at the end of the piece!

Pharaoh (Logan Moore), center, sings à la Elvis to Joseph about his mysterious dream

You cannot sing enough praise about the cast of this performance. Whether singing or dancing or both simultaneously all bring eye popping songs and dance to the stage. the depth of talent represented in the cast is, yes, awesome. Even at the end, the whole cast was all in white and were given the chance before curtain call to again display their prowess on stage.

Joseph feigns fury at Benjamin for “stealing” his golden cup

The cast and crew then received a well deserved standing ovation. Don’t miss this show, folks. Don’t miss it!

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef & Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” comes to Beef & Boards

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This recent press release from Beef & Boards was great news for musical theater fans everywhere: “With a crash of drums and a flash of light, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre starting Oct. 5. The Bible-based Broadway sensation was the first collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to be staged, and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.”

Joseph and His Brothers

This is not the first time patrons have enjoyed this production. Back in 2017 TJ Wessel had the title role of Joseph and he reprises it once again. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from rock and
country to pop and calypso. Songs include “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Close Every Door,” “Jacob and Sons” and “Any Dream Will Do.”

We’re looking forward to seeing this wonderful show this weekend! You need to plan your ticket purchases soon, as many performances are already close to sellouts.
To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef & Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

Grumpy Old Men brings hilarious comedy to Beef & Boards

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Accident prone Harry (Jaddy Ciucci) reacts in pain after a mishap

Long time Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre professional actors and directors Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger take the stage by storm in the currently running production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical. Set in the cold climes of Wabasha, Minnesota, the story joins the decades long running feud between John Gustafson (Curry) and Max Goldman (Stockberger) that is ramped up when Ariel Truax, an alluring lady (played by another B&B favorite Sarah Hund) moves in across the street from from John and Max.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), center, fuels the feud between John Gustafson (Eddie Curry), left, and Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), right

Max and John both want Ariel, as it has been years since they lost their wives. Throw in John’s daughter (Logan Hill) and Max’s son (Jacob A Butler) and their love interest adds yet another layer to the plots and hilarity of the interactions of the people of Wabasha.

John (Eddie Curry) hooks a boot while ice fishing with (from left) Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), Chuck Barrels (Ty Stover), and his father, “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark)

Among the characters in the town are General Store owner Chuck Barrels (Ty Stoyer) and his just arrived cousin Punky Barrels (Karen Pappas), an ornery and vindictive IRS agent Sandra Snyder (Devan Mathias) and Grandpa Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark).

Ariel (Sarah Hund) gives Max (Jeff Stockberger) a cup of tea as he struggles to maintain his balance in one of the funniest interactions of the performance.

Curry and Stockberger once again shine with their performances playing off of each other. The constant banter between the two characters is filled with hard hitting one liners. Their expressions are priceless and both fit the “Grumpy Old Men” label perfectly. Curry and Stockberger reset the bar high for Grumpy Old Men.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), top, celebrates her arrival to Wabasha, Minnesota

No review of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical would be complete without mention of Douglas E. Stark’s portrayal of Grandpa Gustafson’s highly animated monologs that give son John very explicit instructions on how to carry on with Ariel. Let’s just say that the multiple double entendre uttered combined with, ah, explicit gestures leaves nothing that Grandpa is saying to imagination.

His lascivious father “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark), left, gives John (Eddie Curry) some encouragement and life advice by singing “Life Is All About Livin'”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, is now on stage through Oct. 1. This is the Indianapolis premiere for the show, which is rated PG-13 for adult language and content. Visit The B&B website for pricing and availability, or call the box office at 317.872.9664.

Beef & Boards unique tribute to Duke Ellington

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Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is currently presenting a unique performance titled Sophisticated Ladies. This stylish and dynamic collection of Duke Ellington’s musical legacy is a rapid fire presentation of his musical genius.

Tenéh B. C. Karimu leads the Beef & Boards Orchestra in the Overture

Gigi Huang (center) performs “Dancers In Love” with Jonny Rouse (left) and Darius-Anthony Robinson, right

 

 

 

 

 

There is no real “story” to this production. Rather, you are treated to one number after another after another with literally no time in between. With dance and song the cast and orchestra brings a delightful “mini-story” into every number, some with the song lyrics and some with mime style dance and expressions during instrumental pieces.

Kelliann DeCarlo sings “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce”

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making their first appearance at Beef & Boards are Darius-Anthony Robinson, Yvette Monique Clark, Kelliann DeCarlo, Zachary Dyer, Arika Lynn Casey, and Gigi Huang. Back again at the Beef & Boards stage are Tiffany Gilliam, Joseph Perkins Jr. , Sean Blake , and Jonny Rouse. Musical direction is by Tenéh B. C. Karimu and Kenney M. Green-Tilford is director and choreographer.

From left: Joseph Perkins Jr., Jonny Rouse, Darius-Anthony Robinson, and Zachary Dyer perform “Drop Me Off In Harlem”

Yvette Monique Clark sings “In A Sentimental Mood”

 

 

 

 

 

The talent on stage for Sophisticated Ladies is eye popping. The songs are belted out with style, power and beauty that would have made The Duke proud. The energy of the dance makes you ask yourself how the performers are keeping up with the non-stop pace of the show. How they make their many costume changes so quickly is also incredible. Vintage black and white photos of 1930’s Harlem night clubs like the Savoy and the Apollo as backdrops added to the experience.

Sean Blake (center) performs “Ko-Ko (The Card Game)” with (from left) Zachary Dyer, Darius-Anthony Robinson, Jonny Rouse, and Joseph Perkins Jr.

Sean Blake and Tiffany Gilliam perform “Music Is A Woman”

The company performs “It Don’t Mean A Thing” during the finale

The entire show is one thrilling number after another. I had to tap my foot to the music during each song. I sat there during the whole show with a grin on my face thinking “This is real music.”  The orchestra was superb, larger than normal and presented Duke Ellington’s music in a way that took you back to the hey-days of this musical era.

To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef and Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

 

Duke Ellington’s music celebrated on stage at Beef and Boards

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Starting Friday, July 14th, Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present “Sophisticated Ladies” spotlighting the music of Duke Ellington.

This is part of the latest B&B’s Press Release:
This summer, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates 100 years since legendary jazz
pianist and composer Duke Ellington moved to New York City to perform in Broadway nightclubs with Sophisticated Ladies, a stylish and brassy retrospective of The Duke’s musical legacy now on stage. After moving to New York City in 1923 to perform in such legendary venues as the Exclusive Club in Harlem and the Hollywood Club, Ellington would go on to have extended residencies at the Cotton Club in Harlem. It is this period that is celebrated in Act I, with songs including “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “’A’ Train,” and “Hit Me With A Hot Note And Watch Me Bounce.”

Sophisticated Ladies celebrates the music of legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington with more than two dozen songs taking audiences through his decades of contributions to American music.

Act II explores the private man as captured in his music, featuring “I’m Beginning To See The Light,” “Satin Doll,” I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good,” and “Sophisticated Lady.” Ellington recorded with such talents as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus. Sophisticated Ladies is a high-stepping salute inspired by the glamorous nightlife and sensuous highlife of Ellington, who would go on to tour Europe, Asia, West Africa, and South America, in addition to North America.

Get your tickets at the Beef & Boards website. We’re really looking forward to this performance, as it is hard to beat Duke Ellington’s genius when it comes to music. We’re going this weekend and we’ll let you know what we thought, probably Monday. Have a good weekend!

Central Indiana Air Quality Alert

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Smoke from Canadian wildfires have blanketed Central Indiana with enough smoke to prompt an air quality alert for Central Indiana on Tuesday June 27th. This covers our home county. This is part of an email distributed by the Indianapolis National Weather Service:

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT WEDNESDAY NIGHT…
The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have declared an Air Action Day, in effect until midnight EDT Wednesday night.
An Air Quality Action Day for PM 2.5 has been issued. Fine particulate levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.

The smoke is visible when you look outside, and there is even a faint smoke smell detected. It is more obvious in the country as seen in the photo below. Normally the tree line on the horizon is clearly seen with a dark green color.

An obvious smoky haze as you look across the fields

We are hunkered down in the house with the AC and air filter running. I was outside briefly and noticed some immediate congestion, and Sher also has felt the effect of the poor air quality. Hopefully the forecast will be correct, and by Thursday the smoke will start to dissipate.

Ever get so full you bring half your food home?

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That happened to us this afternoon. We went to Bargersville, Indiana to try out a new brewery and restaurant we just recently discovered on our way to another attraction. Here’s what we found:

Outside the entrance and the patio seating

View of the bar, lots of taps here!

 

 

 

 

 

Posing with the Taxman

Three professional tax accountants, while working in Belgium, became enamored with Belgian beer styles. Thus began the story of Taxman Brewing Company located in Bargersville, Indiana.  From the Taxman website “We selected the Town of Bargersville for the home of our brewery because it reminded us of the small brewery towns we visited in Europe.”

A flight of four to sample

Delicious warm pretzels and dipping sauces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crispy Brussel sprouts with feta, chilis, crushed almonds

Loaded smashburger, with good trimmings and double fried frites

A flight of four ales. Good stuff…

The Bargersville location is a comfortable place with outdoor patio seating and inside dining as well. The restaurant is family friendly, and has a large menu of farm to table choices. And of course you’ll have nearly 50 styles of beer from which to sample or buy. We had so much food that we ended up with 3 containers for our take home. Everything was absolutely scrumptious.  Service is near perfect and you really feel at home and welcome at this fun gastropub.

Current brews on tap and for sale.

A peek at the brewing tanks

 

 

 

 

 

The brewery has a capacity of 6000 barrels each year. Taxman self-distributes its brews across Indiana as well as offering them in the Bargersville’s restaurant and two other restaurants in Indy and Fortville. They brew a wide range of Belgian inspired ales, American farmhouse ales, Midwest saisons and has an extensive cellar program producing wine and spirit aged beers as well as sour, wild and funky ales.