Over the last decade, I’ve considered and defined myself as a foodie. I am an enthusiast of all things taste-related: food in all its glory, cooking, preparing, and of course, eating; alcohol, for its flavors and sensations, including beer, wine, whisky, gin, etc. As my enthusiasm for gastronomy increased, I began to develop a thirst for knowledge, a need to know why things taste the way they do. This grew into a passion for the inner workings and the origins of what I ingest. I quickly realized that this is a shared passion amongst several of my peers. By being introduced to and reading authors such as Alice Waters, Eric Schlosser, Michael Pollan, and Jamie Oliver, all while investigating my own eating habits, I began to learn a great deal more about food and its effect on us. In the last few years, I’ve focused this passion towards promoting the joy of food, sharing meals, and fostering a community of locavores.
The set of principles I’ve cultivated in my own life is rooted in my belief that the more you know about what you’re putting in your body, the healthier and happier you’ll be. The foundation of these principles is the fact that we, as consumers, have the daily opportunity to vote for good food with our dollars, and choose what we eat and drink. We live in a far from ideal situation with regards to the food marketplace. Most of the food we buy in supermarkets has a much larger and longer backstory than we ever give it credit for. There are very practical steps that we can all take to enjoy fresher, healthier food, while also supporting this community.
There are multiple places within a 20-mile radius where you can purchase ingredients that are inherently fresher than those you can buy in a supermarket. We have not one but two farmer’s markets here in Evansville alone. Both have a wide and colorful variety of produce (most picked within a day or two of purchase), as well as some meats and artisanal craft!
In my time as a locavore, I’ve built relationships with many of the farmers and growers that peddle their wares at our local markets:
Joe and Nicole Englebrecht from Joe Englebrecht’s Fourth Generation Orchard have become not only providers of great fruits and vegetables to my table, but also great friends. Their peaches, strawberries, and blueberries are all fantastic. Their goods are not only available at the local farmer’s markets but also at the stand they’ve built at the orchard itself. As the season progresses, they also have a variety of veggies, not to mention the pick-your-own apples and pumpkins that add outdoors fun to the deliciousness!
Joe and Nicole Englebrecht seek to rebuild the traditions that so many in the community
experienced at former orchards, while also incorporating modern needs and interests.
Located on Evansville’s North side, the Englebrecht’s are best known for peaches and apples.
Jerlene Cannon from Stonewall Farms and I always chat for a while every time I see her at the market. We shoot the breeze about what we’ve been cooking recently, and what influences or excites us regarding food. Stonewall offers many cuts of beef and pork, and even lamb on occasion. The homestead lifestyle that she provides for her family, while also providing quality meats and eggs for the general public is no less than inspirational.
Bud Vogt from Bud’s Tomato Farm is one of the most knowledgeable growers and proponents of the local-food movement. His heirloom tomatoes are second to none, and his greens are thoroughly satisfying. Bud really knows his stuff, and shares tidbits of his organic growing wisdom with me on regular occasions.
As for establishments outside the market to buy goods, both for cooking and for pure enjoyment, I like to support a select few, but I am always on the lookout for more.
The Newburgh Country Store is exactly what I would expect from the name. I often stop by its Jennings Street location when looking for fresh herbs for my summer cooking. I’ve also thought about buying some of the various other garden items, but I’ve been so busy I have yet to bite. The most tempting items have certainly been the perennials, which I could give minimal effort to and still enjoy. I always enjoy my visits here, if nothing else, to enjoy the serene, nostalgic atmosphere that is hard to find these days.
The River City Co-op is my “go-to” place for any bulk goods and anything else organic or all-natural you might desire. They even have gluten-free, kosher, and vegan items to offer more discerning or needy palates.
River City Co-op even carries fresh and frozen locally raised meats and proteins from Fisher Farms in Jasper, IN.
Mayse Farm Market is an invaluable asset to the Tri-State community, and as a true farm market, they offer freshness not readily available at your local supermarket. Paul Mayse told me that you might even see the farmers out in the fields picking your produce, just before you buy it. In the off-season, there is also plenty to do at the Farm, Mayse reminds me. They offer a corn maze in the fall as a part of their Family Fun weekends in October. During off months, you can also check out their on-site bakery, where they create all sorts of baked goodies.
The Henderson counterpart to Evansville’s Mayse, Cates Farm and Produce offers the same style of fare. Local pick-your-own pumpkins during the fall, and the farm’s own corn maze, are only a few of the non-seasonal produce offerings available at Cates. Located just off Highway 1217, Cates’ lends itself to a quick stop for any veggie needs you might have for your at-home cooking.
Your bakery cravings will certainly be sated at Lorenzo’s!
Lorenzo’s and Black Buggy each offer a unique brand of baked delicacies. Black Buggy makes everything from scratch, and it’s hard to choose the delight I think is the best. In the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth? The apple crumb pie, red velvet cake, lemon meringue pie, pumpkin bread and coffee cakes are, without a doubt, stand-outs. If a meal is what you crave, try out the chicken and dumplings or sweet potato casserole to get your fix of belly-warming home cooking. In the mood for a fresh baguette, pan ordinaire, soft Challah, or fresh-sliced French 9-grain? Your bakery cravings will certainly be sated at Lorenzo’s. Tucked off of Green River road, once you find this jewel, you won’t be a stranger. Lorenzo’s is proud to offer an array of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, which most certainly includes homemade bread.
Black Buggy makes everything from scratch, and it’s hard to choose the delight I think is the best.
As a cookie enthusiast, I frequent Just Rennie’s Cookie Co. on 4th Ave. in downtown Evansville for my dessert delights. With 8 different flavors available regularly, and all made from scratch, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better cookie anywhere, and certainly none as unique to Evansville. To prove it to your friends, Rennie’s allows for online ordering and shipping of their cookies, and to military bases at a discount! To accompany your sugary delights, Rennie’s also offers an array of wonderful salads and sandwiches, both in wrap and roll form. When walking downtown on a beautiful summer day, I never think twice abou stopping by when I’m hungry and passing by their outdoor patio.
Just Rennie’s cookies are available in 8 different flavors regularly, and all are made from scratch!
As for the adult beverage piece of the gastronomic equation, I have several favorites in this arena as well — all in Indiana!
I appreciate the time and attention given to all aspects of the wine-making process at Oliver Winery in Bloomington, IN. Their Creekbend series, made from estate-grown grapes on their vineyard, has gained national attention since the vineyard re-opened in 1994. I particularly enjoy the Vidal Blanc Ice Wine and the Chambourcin Rose. While the mass production of their sweeter “Soft” wines have given Oliver a wide audience, the Creekbend wines keep purists like me coming back for more.
Turoni’s Main Street Brewery has 5 regularly available and 6 rotating seasonal brew hand-crafted beers.
Pictured above is the Blue-Eyed Moose IPA.
Libations closer to home are also easy to come by, especially for the microbrew lover. Jack Frey and Turoni’s Main St. Brewery have been treating Evansville to delicious hand-crafted beers for years now. With 5 regularly available varietiesand 6 rotating seasonal brews, even the novice beer drinker can find something to enjoy. As an enthusiast myself, I am always pining for a pint of the Octoberfest beverage when fall rolls around. For an everyday pizza visit, I switch between the Honey Blonde, the Ol’ 23 stout, and the Blue-Eyed Moose IPA. Any of them go incredibly well with an order of garlic cheez toast and a delicious “Vincenzio’s Masterpiece” (I prefer to add banana peppers as well!)
Cates Farm and Produce offers pick-your-own pumpkins during the fall as well as a corn maze to participate in when you visit!
For more information on other local/regional breweries, talk to the associates at Frontier Liquors or Liquor Locker. Both have professionals on staff that can direct you to your old favorites or introduce you to new specialties..
I’m always willing to stop for a minute and talk food or drink with anyone looking to educate themselves or just share stories, so next time you’re down at the farmer’s market, or one of our local shops, I just might be there. Stop and say hi! Enjoy life — it’s delicious!
