"We try to buy locally and support the community by spreading the money around; we are not high-end, we are not pretentious, we are not frou-frou. You can eat a high-end plate, but you can also just get fish and chips" -- Joseph "Larry" Melluso

Ever heard that song, "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" by Keith Urban? My job consists of chatting with some of the most remarkable and influential individuals both in Evansville and throughout the world, reviewing the latest (and sometimes unreleased) music and even sampling beer created from pumpkins, coffee, strawberries and other unbeerlike ingredients. However, I have to say the best part of my job is evaluating Evansville's finest dining establishments. It's even better when I get to test the waters before the grand opening. So, besides having no money in my purse, and that pesky hole lingering in my jeans that I actually paid for, I ask you again… Who wouldn't wanna be me? I was completely spoiled by Joseph, Jasone and the other zealous chefs of the newest eatery in Evansville, The Tin Fish-Downtown.

If you have eaten at The Tin Fish, inside Jennings Station in Newburgh within the past year, then I don't have to tell you about the TF reputation of the freshest fish, oceanside ambiance and marvelous service. What we do need to discuss, however, is the newest member of the TF family, the standards it upholds and the innovative menu items dreamed up by Mr. Melluso and Jasone Parsons, Tin Fish-Downtown owner and operator.

Boasting the best view in Evansville atop the old River House, TF-Downtown will feature never-frozen seafood such as clams, mussels, oysters, lobsters and of course, fish, but also a wide array of meats that are a bit on the medium rare side to the Evansville area. Working with DeWig Bros. Meats of Haubstadt, TF-Downtown hand cuts all its fresh steaks and smoked pork chops, and will introduce sausages, brats, corned beef and even veal. From wiener schnitzel to eggplant rollatini, Tin Fish-Downtown is so much more than just aquatic cuisine. Each one of the TF's dishes tells a story and is the passion and reflection of the history and homage of the Tin Fish's chefs and proprietors. Even the garnish, a fried angel-hair pasta, is a tribute to the midwestern farmers, and featured is a fried bologna sandwich in compliment to Franklin Street and the "almost location" of the new Tin Fish.

My tasting began with, swordfish kabobs and crab stuffed calamari. The calamari tubes were filled with a crabby stuffing, breaded, fried and served with a homemade tarter sauce. I was very excited about Jasone's creation. Crab cakes and calamari in one. Following the appetizer were yellow, green, and red peppers, mushrooms and onions surrounding large meaty chunks of swordfish. Grilled to perfection, I am not usually a swordfish fan, because of its dry bitter flavor, but the swordfish kabobs were juicy and gave a sweet zap to the tongue. The crisp accompanying vegetables added more flavor to the fish and with only a dash of fresh lemon squeezed onto the medley, finger food was never so delectable.

Next came my steaks. Rib eye, filet, t-bone, NY Strip… I'm used to the "whatever is on sale" department at Schnuck's; I never realized there were so many wonderful cuts of meat out there. Fire grilled to my favorite - medium rare - the Tin Fish's steaks were of the same quality as their fresh fish, Choice. Paired with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, grilled golden apples and fresh tomatoes, my toes curled up as the tender meat flushed my mouth with waves of ecstasy.

The Tin Fish-Downtown will also be serving up brunch from 10-2 on Sundays. All the staples of a Sunday brunch will fill the tables along with some surprises that wouldn't be revealed to me; a raw bar will be available for the toughest of sea-fairing men and women and a full-service bar is on its way. The Tin Fish is open for a quick lunch, carryout and offers private dining and banquet facilities.

And, don't forget about The Tin Fish-Newburgh. Now owned and operated by Morgan Mawxell, TF-Newburgh offers a full-service bar, a conference and party room perfect for business meetings or Christmas parties, and still offers top-notch food and a great atmosphere.

Both Tin Fishes in Evansville, IN are the passion and delight of Mr. Joseph Melluso and the dozens of employees and owners he has inspired. Food is an art to Mr. Melluso and it shows when you visit the establishments he helped create. And, the new owners bring their enthusiasm and ideas to the table to serve Evansville the selection and decadence it seeks out. Seek out more information by calling the new downtown location at 422-1899 or the Newburgh Tin Fish at 490-7000. Carryout is available if you're on the move… but for the full experience, come in, pull up a chair, and enjoy the finest seafood in the Tri-State.