My love of food and appreciation for the culinary arts has led me to taste meals from the simple to the extravagant. Here I share a few varied dishes that fall under my not-so-short list of favorites.
Known for its year-round Christmas décor as much as the food, House of Como has been an icon and dining destination since 1969. George Hage, now deceased, opened the restaurant, and today, his wife Martha Hage carries on the tradition. The menu includes American and Italian dishes, but in my opinion, the standouts are the Lebanese offerings. One of my favorites is the Yebra Malfoof, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and ground beef.
To the surprise of many, Evansville can boast being the home to excellent sushi restaurants. One of my favorite local spots is Roppongi Japanese Steak & Sushi, and one of my first-choice rolls there is the Spicy Trio, which has asparagus, tuna, and shrimp wrapped in soybean paper topped with octopus and Sriracha. It’s a wonderful mix of textures and flavors with a gorgeous presentation.
Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe, an old haunt of mine for years, known for its great thin crust pizza, and weekly live jazz and blues for more than 16 years. Many people don’t realize how varied (and delicious) their other menu items are. Deerhead offers Reuben sandwiches, catfish, polish sausage, red beans and rice, Greek salads, and souvlaki. One of my favorite dishes during the winter months is the vegetable soup. The broth is rich and the ingredients are fresh, tasting exactly how my grandmother used to make it.
For the past 18 years, business has landed me in Detroit each year, and during each visit I always have noted the abundance of Coney Island diners. The opening of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers helped Evansville fill the void in the search for a good hot dog. One of my favorite menu items is a Freddy’s Style Chicago dog, a Vienna beef dog topped with mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers, celery salt, tomato, and pickle.
Madeleine’s Fusion Restaurant has a menu that changes weekly, an extensive wine list, and an unbelievable selection of premium liquors. I have enjoyed many exceptional meals here, including the Charcuterie board. Various selections of salted, cured, and smoked meats are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Prosciutto, salami, sausage, capicola, sopressata, and duck pate are accompanied with marcona almonds, jam, olives, and pickled vegetables to create a truly wonderful gastronomic experience.
Keep savoring life one bite at a time!
