Indy Eats

The new Grape Inspirations is Indiana’s first “make it yourself” winery, allowing customers to make and enjoy over 30 different varieties of wine. Grape Inspirations is also a full-service winery, selling a large selection of wines made on premises. Wine is available by the glass, bottle or case. The winery opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 14. Grape Inspirations is located at 1307 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel. The store is open six days per week, and can be reached at 317-705-WINE (9463).

George’s Place, 2727 E. 86th St., Woodfield Center, is having a wine tasting Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. The tasting is $15, with dinner specials also around $15. For more information, call 255-7064.

The Taste of Carmel is a festive evening of food, fun and fund-raising. This first annual event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-9 p.m., at The Mansion at Oak Hill, 5801 E. 116th St. in Carmel.

Activities include sampling menu items from 20 to 30 Carmel area restaurants, live entertainment by Shane Rodimel and a live auction featuring local radio personality Kristi Lee.

Presented by the Orchard Park Elementary School PTO, Taste of Carmel will raise funds for student programs and projects at the school. Tickets are $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door, and may be purchased at Orchard Park, or at Carmel’s Educational Service Center, 5201 131St St. For more information, call Nancy Curless (843-0813) or Orchard Park Elementary School (848-1918).

Jan. 23, Dr. Charles R. Thomas, owner of Chateau Thomas Winery, was honored for the many accomplishments he has made throughout his life, especially over the past 20 years as the winemaker of Indiana’s third largest winery.

At the Dinner with the Winemaker during the 20th Anniversary of Chateau Thomas Winery, Thomas was honored by many, including the governor of Indiana. The Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized Chateau Thomas Winery as the second largest tourist attraction in Hendricks County. The Indiana Wine Grape Council at Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Tourism recognized him for his contributions to the wine industry and tourism in Indiana. And, the highlight of the evening came when Thomas received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor given by Gov. Joseph E. Kernan to an individual.

Chateau Thomas Winery was established in Indianapolis in 1984. It was relocated to Plainfield in 1997. In 1994 the Nashville Tasting Room and Gift Shoppe was opened. Both locations are open every day.

Donatos is rolling out their new “NoDough” low-carb, crustless pizzas in 182 pizzerias across seven states. The product features Donatos’ famous Edge to Edge toppings built on a bed of protein-rich crumbles and baked on a new oven-safe plate. That leaves just lots of toppings and cheese that you can eat with a fork. The individual-sized NoDough pies are available in all of Donatos’ popular signature flavors. For more information about Donatos Pizza, go to their Web site at www.donatos.com or call a store near you to find out if it is offering the new NoDough pizza.