Name that Flyover City! — Oct 6, 2022

Here’s a review of this week’s questions:

1. “Seabiscuit” is among the many movies filmed in this midwestern city. What city is it?
2. What midwestern city is home to Bub’s Burgers, where competitive eaters can attempt the “Big Ugly” Burger Challenge?
3. Which American city is home to Cain’s Ballroom, open since 1924, where Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys played their very first concerts?

And here are the answers:

1. Cincinnati, OH. People who only watch movies but don’t make them may not be aware of how many movies have been filmed in Cincinnati, as well as across the river in the Covington, KY region. While many are set in the area, like Cincinnati native George Clooney’s political thriller, “Ides of March,” others use older neighborhoods to stand in for other cities. “Eight Men Out,” for example, used modern-day Cincinnati neighborhoods as backdrops to a story set in 1919 Chicago. Both the 1993 movie “Lost in Yonkers” and 1991’s “A Rage in Harlem” are set in a historically accurate “New York City” that is portrayed by the Queen City, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2. Indianapolis, IN. When TV’s “Man vs. Food” visited Indianapolis in 2010, they had no choice but to stop in at Bub’s Burgers, a restaurant that offers quite a challenge for those brave enough to make the attempt. Here’s how the website foodchallenge.com describes the “Big Ugly Challenge” at Bub’s: “Bub’s is famous for their ‘Big Ugly’ Pounder burger, which consists of a 1lb (after being cooked) beef patty on a 1/2 pound bun served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a sauce of your choice. You have a one sitting time limit to finish as many as you can, and you must finish 100% of one plate before moving on to the next, including your chosen sauce. Bub’s burgers are delicious, and you will surely enjoy this challenge!! You still pay around $25 per burger no matter how many you eat, but your prize increases as your number increases.” The “Man vs. Food” episode shot at Bub’s features host Adam Richman finishing two, but losing to the other contestant, who managed to down three Big Uglies!
3. Tulsa, OK. Bob Wills is considered one of the pioneers of country music, and on New Year’s night, 1935, he performed for the very first time at Cain’s Ballroom, where the greatest names in music have taken the stage over the years. Hank Williams, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Tex Ritter are among the illustrious names that graced the stage back in the old days. The venue closed in the 1960s and then reopened in 1977. It became one of the greatest live music venues of that era, and the big names just keep on coming. Everyone from the Sex Pistols to the White Stripes, as well as current rockers like Spoon and Marcus Mumford, have visited Cain’s Ballroom.