Five People, Five Questions: What Do You Like in Evansville?

I recently asked myself and four other random people from the Evansville area a series of five questions on the subject of local food, drink, music, and politics. This is what we had to say:

Name: Mike Adams (Hey, that’s me!)

Age: 38

Occupation: Writer

1. What is your favorite restaurant in the Evansville area, and what is it that you like to eat there? There really are so many good restaurants in Evansville to choose from. Personally, I prefer to eat at locally owned establishments. Lately I’ve been eating at a place called Pita Pan for lunch. They have a lamb shish kabob that I like. They also have a really good Mediterranean chicken. It’s a toss up between the two. For dinner with my wife I enjoy Cork N’ Cleaver. The salad bar is the best in the city, and no matter if I’m in the mood for salmon or steak I am never disappointed.

2. Which Evansville area bar or tavern are you most likely to frequent, and what drink are you be most likely to order when you go? My wife and I really enjoy small town bars. We’ve grown attached to Crickets in Newburgh. When we go I always get the same thing…several Coors Light’s with a pepperoni pizza chaser. Out of this world!

3. Who is your favorite local band, and tell me why in five words or less? Unfortunately, I don’t have a favorite local band.

4. What band or solo artist would you most like to see come to the Ford Center this summer? This is a tricky question for me. I grew up going to see arena shows, but most of the bands I listen to these days only play smaller venues. My very first concert was Motley Crue at Robert’s Stadium during the Girls, Girls, Girls tour. I was thirteen. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I suppose if the Ford Center booked those guys this summer and the ticket prices weren’t super expensive, I’d check it out.

5. If you could be the Mayor of Evansville for one day, what would you do to improve the city? I’d be a terrible mayor. If I were in that position for the day, it would end up being the longest day in the history of Evansville, Indiana. I’d probably go in drunk, make a few “Guess what I’m doing right now” phone calls, update my Facebook status, set up a lunch date with my wife, make a couple of bets on some horses, and then leave early for the day. I’ll be honest nothing would get done.

Name: Clay Evans

Age: 27

Occupation: Detailer

1. What is your favorite restaurant in the Evansville area, and what is it that you like to eat there? Texas Roadhouse…chicken critters.

2. Which Evansville area bar or tavern are you most likely to frequent, and what drink are you be most likely to order when you go? The Duck Inn…Miller Lite

3. Who is your favorite local band, and tell me why in five words or less? Blood Tribe…it’s my band.

4. What band or solo artist would you most like to see come to the Ford Center this summer? Machine Head

5. If you could be the Mayor of Evansville for one day, what would you do to improve the city? Police the south side and downtown area.

Name: Harry Sikma

Age: 50

Occupation: Cook

1. What is your favorite restaurant in the Evansville area, and what is it that you like to eat there? The Pub…love the burgers there.

2. Which Evansville area bar or tavern are you most likely to frequent, and what drink are you be most likely to order when you go? Don’t get out much anymore…work too much.

3. Who is your favorite local band, and tell me why in five words or less? The Toddlers…I know the bassist.

4. What band or solo artist would you most like to see come to the Ford Center this summer? Paul McCartney…Bruce…Van Halen…none of which would come here.

5. If you could be the Mayor of Evansville for one day, what would you do to improve the city? Try to acquire good, well paying jobs for the city.

Name: Jon Rochner

Age: 51

Occupation: Musician

1. What is your favorite restaurant in the Evansville area, and what is it that you like to eat there? Jimmy Jeng’s Szechwan – Dragon Beef and Szechwan Cold Noodle

2. Which Evansville area bar or tavern are you most likely to frequent, and what drink are you be most likely to order when you go? Mojo’s BoneYard or Deerhead Tavern – Jameson and water (or a Diet Coke)

3. Who is your favorite local band, and tell me why in five words or less? The bands I’m in (Amazing Soul Crackers, BoneYard Trio, Rebel Creek). – How I make my living!

4. What band or solo artist would you most like to see come to the Ford Center this summer? The bands I like wouldn’t play The Ford Center – Steve Earle, Junior Brown, Southern Culture on the Skids, Los Straitjackets.

5. If you could be the Mayor of Evansville for one day, what would you do to improve the city? Fire everyone at GAGE (Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville). They have no idea how to put on a festival.

Name: Julie Buente

Age: 32

Occupation: Stay at home mom

1. What is your favorite restaurant in the Evansville area, and what is it that you like to eat there? Cork ‘N Cleaver – On a nice occasion I like a good medium steak and a trip or two to the salad bar in their rustic and comfortable atmosphere.

2. Which Evansville area bar or tavern are you most likely to frequent, and what drink are you be most likely to order when you go? Lamasco Bar and Grill - Best variety of local and national music acts featured in the tri-state here, great food, and you can’t beat their “Masco Mugs” of your choice of mixed drinks.

3. Who is your favorite local band, and tell me why in five words or less? The Dang Heathens – Good music by good people.

4. What band or solo artist would you most like to see come to the Ford Center this summer? Jack White or Clutch would be fantastic if The Ford Center would please start booking good artists to play there.

5. If you could be the Mayor of Evansville for one day, what would you do to improve the city? Recognize more of the small businesses here in Evansville like Abyss Co. and Wired Coffee House, as well as organizations in the community trying to bring culture, diversity, sports, arts, music, charity, and opportunity – like Demolition City Roller Derby, Rollergirls of Southern Indiana, The Arts Council of Doom, Big Ninja Family Productions, Moonlight Driven Productions, MJG Productions, Urban Seeds, The Evansville Fire Family and any others that don’t get the media attention and exposure they so deserve. There are things to do and get involved in here in Evansville and it would be great if the community was better informed of the exciting things happening.

Now it’s your turn… What are some of your favorites in the Evansville area?