TOP THREE Holiday Open House
SECRET SHOW Do502 Launch Party with Houndmouth
A News and Tribune Publication
NOV. 13, 2014 — Issue 40
e l z z i s g r u b s r e l l se scene t n ra u a st re n o w e n s in’ Butt Charlie Noble’s, Rubb
EVENT
Time Capsule Project
2 SoIn
Nov. 13, 2014 Publisher Bill Hanson Editor Jason Thomas Design Claire Munn photography Christopher Fryer
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On the Cover: Owner Matt McMahan is pictured at Charlie Noble's Eatery + Draught House in Sellersburg. Staff photo by Christopher Fryer
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Slice of paradise, BBQ new to S’burg
Matt McMahan is at it again. The Southern Indiana native has opened his second unique restaurant, Charlie Noble’s Eatery + Draught House, this one in Sellersburg. McMahan, 32, is the brains behind Big Four Burgers + Beer in Jeffersonville, a gourmet burger joint Jason Thomas, Editor that capitalized on the Big Four Bridge’s popularity — before the Indiana side was even open. In late March or early April, McMahan expects to open the second Big Four in the old South Side Inn location on Main Street in New Albany. You just can’t keep these Southern Indiana entrepreneurs down. Charlie Noble’s features gourmet burgers — Big Four general manager Chuck Starcher also manages Charlie’s and developed the menu — as well as street tacos and mahi mahi bowls. Oh, and 18 beers
on tap, which will soon increase by six, and “fish bowl” specialty drinks served in 56-ounce containers that are meant to be shared. It takes courage to start your own business, let alone three. Props to McMahan for investing in his roots — and seeing Southern Indiana’s potential. Not far from Charlie Noble’s, Aaron Conlin opened up his own barbecue joint called Rubbin’ Butts. Cool name, cool guy. Rubbin’ Butts popped into his head after a few brews. That’s SoIn. Conlin opened the brick-and-mortar business after slinging barbecue across Indiana University Southeast’s campus. A few beers and chasing a dream. Isn’t that what life is about? Add to the mix the venerable Fireside Bar and Grill, and suddenly Sellersburg is more than fast food joints. Fish bowl, anyone? — Jason Thomas is the editor of SoIn. He can be reached by phone at 812-206-2127 or email at jason. thomas@newsandtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopThomas.
In due time What: Time capsule project When: Ongoing Info: citycanvas.net
Attention Jeffersonville residents: The city’s Public Art Commission, City Canvas, needs your input. A time capsule was created during Steamboat Days led by artists Al and Penny Nelson with the assistance of Jeffersonville residents. It’s time to decide what items should be placed inside. What history making records or objects represent the current culture of our community? To submit ideas visit City Canvas’ Facebook page at facebook.com/JeffPublicArt. City Canvas is a newly formed collaborative of community, civic and private organizations focused on developing public art in the city of Jeffersonville. The City of Jeffersonville, the Jeffersonville Public Art Commission, the Jeffersonville Arts Alliance and The MAMMOTH Creative Art Services are some of the organizations working in partnership under the City Canvas initiative. In December 2013, fiscal appropriations were set forth by the Jeffersonville City Council, the Redevelopment Commission and the Urban Enterprise Association for the purpose of establishing and administering Jeffersonville’s public art program.
Through a competitive process in response to the Request for Proposals released by the City of Jeffersonville for the administrator position, The MAMMOTH Creative Art Services was selected and awarded the contract to work in partnership with the Jeffersonville Public Art Commission.
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Nov. 13, 2014
3 To Go
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It’s that time of year What: Holiday Open House
When: 6 to 9 p.m. today Where: Downtown Jeffersonville The holiday open house features more than 25 participating business in the growing business district of Historic Downtown Jeffersonville. The event is the kick off of the holiday shopping season for downtown Jeffersonville businesses. Among the features at the event are trolley rides through the historic district, snacks and sweets inside the participating businesses, live music, holiday decor in the shops, and holiday lights on the downtown street lights.
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SEARCHING FOR STARS
What: ‘Astronomer Edwin Hubble in New Albany ‘ When: noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 Where: Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany Info: registration is required; call 812-944-7336 or email dthomas@carnegiecenter.org Dr. John R. Hale, director of liberal studies at the University of Louisville, will discuss Hubble, the most important astronomer since Galileo, who was a teacher at New Albany High School during the 1913-14 school year.
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PILGRIMAGE OF PEACE
What: ‘A Pilgrim Lens’ When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1015 E. Main St., New Albany The Arts Council of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church presents the photography of Terry Taylor, entitled, “A Pilgrim Lens.” The photographs chronicle Taylor’s pilgrimages throughout the world. Taylor is the executive director of a Louisville-based interreligious non-profit organization called Interfaith Paths to Peace.
Gotta Go: Interested in seeing your event in our 3 To Go?
Walk-in Humidor at 5 locations
Email SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@newsandtribune.com
Hookah
Open 7 Days A Week Monday - Saturday 8am to 9pm Sunday 9am to 6pm Corydon Location: Monday - Saturday 9am - 10pm Sunday 9am - 9pm
Sellersburg’s piec nautical-themed Charlie noble’s offers dining oasis
By JASON THOMAS jason.thomas@newsandtribune.com ELLERSBURG — An oasis in an otherwise nondescript stretch of fast food joints and national chain drugstores, Charlie Noble’s Eatery + Draught House is a tropical splash in a gray strip of suburbia. Housed in the former River Bottom bar building, the restaurant and bar on Ind. 311 is a local entrepreneur’s take on mega-chains Cheeseburger in Paradise and Margaritaville — property of laid-back, feet-inthe-sand rocker Jimmy Buffett. Sellersburg will never be South Beach. But one can dream — and use his imagination. “It looks like a beach house from the road,” said owner Matt McMahan, who opened Charlie Noble’s on Sept. 24. True to its theme, the restaurant’s interior is awash in blue and green paint with vertical slats of wood decked out in blue, green and yellow. The beach
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Co-owner Aaron Conlin is pictured inside Rubbin’ Butts BBQ, located at 8007 Ind. 311 Suite D, in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTO BY cHriSTOPHer FrYer
Pattin’ down the Pigs Rubbin’ Butts shakes it out in S’Burg SELLERSBURG — Funny what happens after a few beers. For Aaron Conlin, knocking back some suds provided the inspiration for the name of his barbecue joint: Rubbin’ Butts. “We were drinking some RuBBIn’ ButtS beers one night and just WheRe: 8007 ind. 311, came up with it,” said Suite D, Sellersburg Conlin, 44, Sellersburg. houRS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The act of rubbing down Monday through Sunday pork butts before throwPhone: 812-748-7266 ing them over hickorywood coals is a vital practice at Rubbin’ Butts, which opened at 8007 Ind. 311, Suite D, in Sellersburg in late May. Jack Nicholson, Conlin’s business partner with a restaurant background, and Conlin decided to open a brick-and-mortar store after the barbecue Conlin was hawking across from Indiana University Southeast’s campus grew in popularity. See BARBeCue, PAGe 8
Charlie noble’s eatery + Draught house is pictured at 7815 Ind. 311 in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTO BY cHriSTOPHer FrYer
theme is undeniable, and so is McMahan’s Big Four Burgers + Beer influence, which he opened in downtown Jeffersonville in December 2013. “I wanted to do gourmet burgers with a beach theme,” said McMahan, 32. “We rounded it out with seafood and street tacos and made it Caribbean-style. There are no Margaritavilles or Cheeseburgers in Paradise around here.” Now Southern Indiana has its very own local interpretation. “I like it. I was checking it out when we were talking, and I like all the colors,” said Brandy Harris, 29, New Albany, who was enjoying a girls’ night out with friends Stacy Lew, 30, and Lajoya Palmer, 29, all of New Albany. “It’s a very warm atmosphere. And it smells amazing.” McMahan enrolled Chuck Starcher as general manager — he also manages Big Four — to create the menu, which includes those burgers made with a
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oble’s eatery + Draught House 7815 ind. 311, Sellersburg Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; turday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 open later sometimes). one: 812-748-5212; Web: charlienobleseatery.com
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s being collected at Charlie Noble’s, as well as Big gers + Beer, 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville, to raise Haven House in Jeffersonville, which helps the s population. The goal is to raise $1,000 with 100 of proceeds going to Haven House.
chuck, ribeye and sirloin, as well as seafood uch as mahi mahi tacos and bowls, blackened acos and a crab and avocado paradise stack r.
“It’s the same quality burgers we do at Big Four,” McMahan said. “Chuck did the menu for big Four and he came up with what we’re doing at Charlie Noble’s.” What’s a Jimmy Buffett-influenced restaurant and bar without booze? Charlie’s offers 18 beers on tap — “we’re about to put in another six,” McMahan said — as well as a slew of specialty drinks, including real fruit margaritas and “Blue Sea” and “Sunset” fish bowls served in 54-ounce vessel that “are encouraged to be shared.” The New Albany native and Floyds Knobs resident purposefully avoided putting another Big Four at the location due to the building’s infrastructure not fitting Big Four’s industrial theme. “We’ve been so successful in Jeffersonville, if we did the Big Four name and there wasn’t enough business, I didn’t want it to be a failure on Big Four’s part,” McMahan said. “In the long term, I think this will be a successful venture.
executive Chef Charles Starcher works lunch at Charlie noble’s eatery + Draught house in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTO BY cHriSTOPHer FrYer
See ChARlIe noBle’S, PAGe 8
ABove: Mahi Mahi Street tacos are pictured at Charlie noble’s eatery + Draught house in Sellersburg. BottoM: the Reynolds family, left, Charlestown, eats lunch at Charlie noble’s eatery + Draught house in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTOS BY cHriSTOPHer FrYer
6 Entertainment
Nov. 13, 2014
Movies: Nov. 14
é “Dumb and Dumber To”
“Beyond the Lights” “Rosewater”
Play a starring role
he Louisville Repertory T Company is holding auditions for “All in the Timing,” a
What: Play auditions When: 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Wednesday, Nov. 19, Friday, Nov. 21; performance dates: Feb. 6-15, 2015 Where: Christian Health Center, 960 S. Fourth St., Louisville Info: Email LRCTheatre@outlook.com or visit lourep.com
performance of 14 plays. Decisions on which of the 14 short plays to be produced will be made after casting is complete. Here is a sampling of some of the plays: “Sure Thing”: A man and a woman meet for the first time in a cafe, where they have an awkward meeting continually reset each time they say the wrong thing, until, finally, they romantically connect. “The Philadelphia”: At a restaurant, a man is informed by a friend that his frustratingly unlucky day is the result of his ensnarement in an anomalous pocket of reality, called a “Philadelphia,” in which he will only be fulfilled by asking for the opposites of what he wants. By the end, the man begins to feel content at last, only for his friend to be pulled also into the Philadelphia, while the waitress groans of her own entanglement in a “Cleveland.” “Variations on the Death of Trotsky”: In comic fashion, revolutionary Leon Trotsky dies over and over again from a mountainclimber’s axe-wound received many hours prior. Ultimately, Trotsky talks directly to his assassin who, while posing as a gardener, actually helped make some flowers in the garden grow. This sparks Trotsky to make his final philosophical statements on human life before he dies a final time. Mere Mortals: Three blue-collar construction workers discuss how they are really the Lindbergh baby, the son of Czar Nicholas II of Russia, and the reincarnation of Marie Antoinette.
ALBUMS: Nov. 17
é “Bones +Longing” by Gemma
Hayes
“Four” by One Direction
books: Nov. 18
é “There Was a Little Girl” by
Brooke Shields
“The Mistletop Promise” by
Richard Paul Evans
Houndmouth happenings What: Do502 Launch
Party with Houndmouth
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 15 (21 and over)
Where: TBD; (This is a secret show).
Info: Do502.com; Twitter: @Do502; Facebook. com/Do502
Crash Avenue and Production Simple present Do502 Official Launch Party with Houndmouth and Twin Limb. RSVP does not guarantee entry, limited spots available. Entrants will be chosen in lottery style drawing and emailed 24 hours in advance of show. To RSVP, visit Do502.com From Trolley Hop and WFPK’s Waterfront Wednesday to The Flea Off-Market & Downs After Dark, Louisville’s possibilities to discover a new favorite band, the tastiest food truck, or recognize that the Louisville Ballet isn’t just for AARP members is endless. Do502 not only allows you to find and promote events, but also share favored events with friends within Do502 or through various social media platforms. Signing up is quick and easy
Houndmouth will be performing a secret show on Nov. 15 as part of its Do502 Official Launch Party with Twin Limb, presented by Crash Avenue and Production Simple File photos
and gives you access to awesome and numerous giveaways for tickets and exclusive events. Do502 is a dynamic, evolving and powerful source for
Louisville with opportunities to discover #HowWeLou within its “Neighborhoods” breakout to its constantly growing list of shows For $12 or less.
Nov. 13, 2014
Entertainment 7
Local SoIn Happenings Feeling left out? Send your establishment’s and/or organization’s upcoming events/new features/entertainment information to SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@newsandtribune. com
Live music at Huber’s
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Where: Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards, 19816 Huber Road, Starlight Saturday: Josh and Holly; Sunday: Corey and Stacey
Jeffersonville Saturday, Nov. 15: The Habit; Saturday, Nov. 22: Willis Tucker Band
Corydon Jamboree
Where: 220 Hurst Lane, Corydon When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Christy Miller, Amber Martin and Gerald Shelton General Admission $10; children 6-12, $6; under 6, free. For reservations, directions or any other information call 812-738-1130. [www.corydonjamboree.com]
Celebration of National Anthem
What: IU Southeast Concert Band When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 Where: Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center, 4201 Grant Line Road in New Albany Info: Tickets available by calling 812-941-2526 or visiting oglecenter.com Program will include “Dawn’s Early Light” by Jay Dawson in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem.
46TH ANNUAL
MAYOR’S COMMUNITY
Prayer
BREAKFAST
NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH | 8:30 A.M. TICKETS $8 IN ADVANCE | $9 AT THE DOOR The Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast is a long-standing tradition held at the beginning of the holiday season, that gives our community the opportunity to unite citizens of all ages and faiths. We come together to celebrate the diversity within God’s family, and to give thanks for the blessings of our community and its people.
Wine event at Bristol Jeffersonville Live on State at Wick’s
Where: Wick’s Pizza Parlor, 225 State St., New Albany When: Friday and Saturday Friday: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Katie Mac; Saturday: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Jackson Scott and the Insane Outlaws [wickspizza.com]
Live music at Big Four Burgers + Beer
Where: Big Four Burgers + Beer, 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville When: Friday and Saturday Friday: Kelsey Allen with Rachel; Saturday: Kyle Hastings
Live music at Charlie Noble’s
Where: Charlie Nobel’s Eatery + Draught House, 7815 Ind. 311, Sellersburg Friday: Bobby Wilson; Saturday: Aquila
Live music at the Brick Wall
Where: Brick Wall Restaurant, 1116 Copperfield Drive, Georgetown, all shows 6-8 p.m. Sat., Nov. 15: Lick Creek Band
Live music at Hoopsters
Where: Hoopsters Bar and Grille, 830 E. 10th St.,
What: Tasting six of The Furst wines from one of France’s finest grape-growing areas When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 Where: Bristol Bar and Grille, 700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville Cost: $55; call 812-218-1995 A five-course French-inspired meal created by executive chef Richard Doering will complement the wines. The restaurant will also host wine and imports expert Giampaolo Cherubin as part of the event. Cherubin will discuss flavor profiles of each glass grown and bottled along the foot of the Vosges mountain range in the Alsace region of France which are regularly reviewed and highly rated by Wine Spectator and other industry publications.
Holiday Fashion Wednesdays
When: 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday Where: Varanese Restaurant, 2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville Cost: Reservations are recommended, call 502-8999904 or email letsdine@varanese.com Info: varanese.com Varanese will partner with several local boutiques to host Holiday Runway Wednesdays every Wednesday in November beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a tableside fashion show featuring one-of-akind holiday ensembles and accessories, as well as half price bottles of wine, and live jazz music during each of the four shows. The Nov. 19 and 26 events will feature looks from Boutique Serendipity.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
mike digiuro Mike DiGiuro is the secretary of the Trent DiGiuro Foundation, a charity established in his son’s name to raise funds, and provide scholarships to students in Oldham County, K.Y. Trent, a U of K football player, was shot and killed as he sat on his front porch, three days shy of his 21st birthday, on July 17, 1994. Mike’s story is one of tragedy, faith and inspiration.
for more information call 812.948.5333
8 SoIn
Nov. 13, 2014
A Pork-A-Licious Beach Bowl is pictured at Charlie Noble's Eatery + Draught House in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTO BY christopher fryer
CHARLIE NOBLE'S: Joint named after British merchant captain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 A Pig-E-Chonga burrito is pictured at Rubbin' Butts BBQ, located at 8007 Ind. 311 Suite D, in Sellersburg. STAFF PHOTO BY christopher fryer
BARBECUE: Restaurant also runs catering business CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 What started as a hobby became a full-time profession for Conlin, who has a background in construction. “Back in the winter I decided I wanted to do something different,” said Conlin, a Providence High School graduate. “I did real well on the side of the road.” Business in the new store has been good, Conlin said, although a two-month delay in obtaining a liquor license was almost his death knell. “Some people came in and didn’t even order” after discovering the restaurant didn’t have beer, wine or liquor, Conlin said, estimating 20 people would walk out every day. That was remedied in late July with a full liquor license. Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and dinners, however, proved the lifeblood of Rubbin’ Butts’ business. Sides include barbecue restaurant staples, such as mac and cheese, po-
Rubbin' Butts Deviled Eggs are pictured at Rubbin' Butts BBQ, located at 8007 Ind. 311 Suite D, in Sellersburg. Staff photo by Christopher Fryer tato salad, cole slaw and baked beans. Conlin and Nicholson chose Sellersburg in an attempt to bring some diversity to the dining scene. “There’s not a lot to offer in Sellersburg, “ he said. “There’s not a lot of options other than fast food.” Rubbin’ Butts also runs a brisk catering business and offers barbecue at University of Louisville football games, outside of Gate 2. The life of a barbecue restau-
rant owner means little sleep with having to tend to the tedious smoking process. “Some nights, I’ll stay all night because we sold out and there’s not enough to open with the next day,” he said. “We’re pretty much going all day with it.” Using real wood is the secret to Rubbin’ Butts’ success. “All the commercial guys, they use gas,” Conlin said. “Everything is cooked here. We do them from the raw stage.” — Jason Thomas
“We get really good crowds that come in, a lot of families. It’s in everyone’s backyard there.” Renovations were made to the bar area, which includes a stage for live weekend entertainment. There is also a game room with a pool table, foosball and air hockey tables and a handful of video games. “We made it kid-friendly around the bar area so kids could be in the whole facility,” McMahan said. So by now you’re probably asking: Who in the heck is Charlie Noble? No one associated with the restaurant, or alive, for that matter. After settling on a nautical theme for the restaurant, McMahan was in search of a name. While surfing the Internet, he came across “Charlie Noble” — a mid-19th century British merchant service captain who became obsessed with keeping the stack of his ship’s copper galley meticulously polished. The crew began referring to the smokestack as the “Charlie Noble.” “People come in now asking if Charlie is in,” McMahan said with a laugh. “ I get sales people calling in assuming Charlie Noble is the owner.” McMahan is making a name for himself, with the popularity of Big Four in Jeffersonville and the anticipated Big Four location in downtown New Albany at the former South Side Inn site on Main Street that is expected to open by late March or early April. “I love Southern Indiana,” said McMahan, noting New Albany’s downtown renaissance and Jeffersonville’s explosive downtown growth due to the Big Four Bridge. “Two guys in Louisville wanted me to be a partner there. I know Southern Indiana, everyone knows me here. It’s just a different beast in Louisville. “I feel like there is longevity here.” Charlie Noble’s is just a beach ball toss from The Fireside Bar and Grill, a popular restaurant and bar that also bucks the fast food joint and chain store trend on the strip of 311 — something not lost on the trio of women dining at Charlie’s on Monday. “This is a nice, local area,” Lew said, mentioning Fireside’s longstanding popularity. “I think it will do well.”