Dining with D.A.D.

The three of us have known each other since a miraculous alignment of the stars destined us to the same residence hall our freshman year at Millikin University. We’ve tolerated each other ever since, even forming a kick-ass band (D.A.D.).

No, we don’t mean “band” like music or “band” like a thin, flat strip of some material for binding, confining, trimming, protecting, etc. In fact, we mean “band” like Robin Hood and his band of merry men. Except we don’t wear green tights. (Well, Jevans might. And Stuby probably has on occasion.)

The D.A.D. team has done quite a bit of traveling and eating since their founding in late 2003, including tours with the Millikin University Choir, independent excursions to Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and soon a road/food trip from South Carolina to Maine that will cover ten states and Washington D.C.

Richards grew up in Thawville, IL, a town of fewer people than the last Devo concert. His musical experiences growing up naturally led him to pursue a degree in English–after he realized an education degree would require that he teach children. Upon graduating from Millikin University he ended up at Clemson University in South Carolina, were he received an even more useful master’s degree in professional communication. Being an academic masochist, he will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall of 2009 to pursue a PhD in communication and rhetoric. Once he has that degree he might actually get a job–teaching children.

DTR has always liked food. He especially enjoys nuanced Mexican cuisines–since he’s half-Mexican (his left half)–but, above all else, enjoys an excellent gyro. He prides himself on his willingness to try anything once. Except drugs. He says no to drugs.

LIKES: Spicy food, feta, bison, penne, turnips

DISLIKES: Mushrooms, raw tomatoes, watermelon, capers, mangos, dried apricots

Jevans was born in St. Louis and grew up in a small town in southern IL – Alton. Her Leave-It-to-Beaver-esque childhood was something out of a Normal Rockwell painting with wonderful parents and a gorgeous baby sister (now 19). Being good at everything gave her much stress over what career path to choose. Luckily, it was divinely chosen for her, and she ended up at Millikin studying vocal music education where she met her boys – the Dans – and acquired her nickname (stemming from a confusing quirk involving her university email address and another boy – Tony). After a beautiful four-year career, she is now living in (not at) North Texas and teaching middle school choir. She actually knows what it means to be happy.

Growing up in STL, Amber has a deep appreciation for Italian food, has grown to love German and Austrian cuisine, and goes crazy for chips & dip and boneless wings. She is also the resident alchie (al-kee); she drinks the real stuff that singes the nose hairs of the girly men with the fruity umbrella drinks (the Dans).

LIKES: Chips & dip, boneless wings, beer, pasta, good beef, mashed potatoes

DISLIKES: Asian food, too many vegetables

It’s pronounced Stoobee. Get it right.

LIKES: Nothing.

DISLIKES: Everything.