Let’s add another Mexican restaurant to the mix. Are you asleep yet? La Siesta might put you there. La Siesta is going in at the former WG Grinders location at 9th and Walnut. Francisco Guillen, part owner of El Jimador is opening it. The menu will be similar to El Jimador’s . So let’s count here: this will be the third El Jimador in Columbia as soon as the one by Dunn Bros. opens up. I was by there this weekend and it looks like they are working on the building.
Lambert’s Plush Pig BBQ closed their doors. Can’t say that I’m surprised. I didn’t hear a single positive review out of the place other than they had cheap beer. I never made it there for my own review but it sounded like I wasn’t missing much.
You scream, I scream, we all scream for….YOGURT? A new yogurt shop is going in at 808 Cherry in downtown Columbia. Gotta say I'm excited since we have an abundance of custard in this town and very little yogurt. It will be a healthier alternative for my ice cream addiction.
In more ice cream news, Sparky’s hasn’t yet closed for the season. Normally they close on Nov. 1 but are staying open this year until Christmas. So if this week’s Thanksgiving meals don’t give you a need for an elastic waistband, head to Sparky’s for some ice cream. It’s sure to do the trick.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
down the rabbit hole
I feel like it took me awhile, but I finally made it to Broadway Brewery. Up until Revee’s review I actually hadn’t heard much positive feedback. The most resounding adjective for the place had been “bland”. While this worried me a bit, I also realized that these patrons had gone in the first few weeks, hopefully when the kinks were being worked out.
Being indecisive in nature, as a courtesy to my dinner companion I try to look over the menu online if an option…it was, which I always appreciate. I had my choices narrowed down. When I got to B.B. however, the server notified us that they were only serving from the Appetizer, Salad & Pizza portions of the menu. Maybe this is still because of their newness? In retrospect there would have been a very tactful way to ask why, but in the moment every way to question it seemed to come off a bit snide in my head. I decided to take it as an easy way to decide what I wanted. I went for the Apple Salad; “thin sliced apples, endive, blue cheese and walnuts tossed with pomegranate vinaigrette.” For some reason I was either expecting an endive/spring salad mix, or maybe broad-leaf endive as well? I’m not sure, but I wasn’t expecting only curly endive. I don’t necessarily mind curly endive, I kind of like it, but I feel like I’m eating a plate full of garnish. And I probably look a little clumsy doing it. Other than that the contrast of flavors was nice; bitter, salty, sweet. The dressing was quite a bit creamier than I was expecting for vinaigrette…but it was exactly what the salad needed.
I knew I wanted to try one of their homebrews. Like Revee mentioned, they don’t have a huge selection right now, but I think they have upped it one to four. I chose the Amber. I’m definitely not a beer sommelier so the Amber probably wasn’t the best pairing for the salad, but I liked it. Both on its own and accompanying my meal. I may have preferred it a bit colder though. Here is a helpful reference for those of you who are “good beer” challenged like myself. But like the site mentions, it’s all about personal preference in temperature.
Overall my first Broadway Brewery experience was pleasant. Service was fast (granted not many people there), prices were low (I was really surprised my draft was only $2.75) and the environment is hip and intimate. Next time though, I’m really hoping for free reign of the menu.
Being indecisive in nature, as a courtesy to my dinner companion I try to look over the menu online if an option…it was, which I always appreciate. I had my choices narrowed down. When I got to B.B. however, the server notified us that they were only serving from the Appetizer, Salad & Pizza portions of the menu. Maybe this is still because of their newness? In retrospect there would have been a very tactful way to ask why, but in the moment every way to question it seemed to come off a bit snide in my head. I decided to take it as an easy way to decide what I wanted. I went for the Apple Salad; “thin sliced apples, endive, blue cheese and walnuts tossed with pomegranate vinaigrette.” For some reason I was either expecting an endive/spring salad mix, or maybe broad-leaf endive as well? I’m not sure, but I wasn’t expecting only curly endive. I don’t necessarily mind curly endive, I kind of like it, but I feel like I’m eating a plate full of garnish. And I probably look a little clumsy doing it. Other than that the contrast of flavors was nice; bitter, salty, sweet. The dressing was quite a bit creamier than I was expecting for vinaigrette…but it was exactly what the salad needed.
I knew I wanted to try one of their homebrews. Like Revee mentioned, they don’t have a huge selection right now, but I think they have upped it one to four. I chose the Amber. I’m definitely not a beer sommelier so the Amber probably wasn’t the best pairing for the salad, but I liked it. Both on its own and accompanying my meal. I may have preferred it a bit colder though. Here is a helpful reference for those of you who are “good beer” challenged like myself. But like the site mentions, it’s all about personal preference in temperature.
Overall my first Broadway Brewery experience was pleasant. Service was fast (granted not many people there), prices were low (I was really surprised my draft was only $2.75) and the environment is hip and intimate. Next time though, I’m really hoping for free reign of the menu.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Guest Blogger: Bleu
A special thanks to today's guest blogger, Phil. He provided us the following review on Bleu and also tipped us off to a free birthday filet.
A free filet on your birthday? You can’t go too wrong with that. My wife Erin and I went out to Bleu on a Sunday night to celebrate my 30th birthday. When we walked in the door, it certainly wasn’t packed, but the hostess and waitresses seemed hurried. When our waitress showed up, she handed us our menus and left, no introduction, no specials, no “have you been here before?”
I ordered a glass of wine and an appetizer of samosas ($6 or $7). I have never had the Indian appetizer before and when they arrived there were three of them. I had been forewarned on the portion size, and as I get older and my girth gets larger, I don’t mind the smaller portions as long as it tastes delicious. The samosas looked a little oily, but to me tasted good with no real spiciness.
I searched the menu for the filet meal, but it was not on the menu. Erin ordered the fish tacos ($12 or $13) and I ordered the filet special. When we received our food the waitress brought out a salt and pepper dish. I generally think in a fine restaurant that the food should be seasoned to perfection, not to mention Americans aren’t used to salt and peppering food with a spoon. We were at an auction two summers ago and they had all these tiny crystal dishes about the size of a half dollar, finally we asked what they were and were told they were salts used at fancy dinners. But let’s talk about the food.
The fish tacos looked delicious, there were two of them with fried fish, a fresh chalupa shell, and topped with an assortment of vegetables and salsa. Erin allowed me a bite, the shell was soft, the breaded fish crunchy, and the salsa and toppings made for a delicious fish taco.
The filet, when I hear filet I expect tenderloin, this may have been tenderloin, but it was the toughest and driest I have had. To top it off, it was coated in enough pepper to completely mask the taste of the meat. I definitely did not order it au poivre. Fortunately it did come with side dishes of chipotle mashed potatoes and kale with a cheese sauce. The mashed potatoes were sweet with a spicy after taste. However, they were lumpy and I would not serve lumpy potatoes to my family, much less my customers. The potatoes were thoroughly cooked whereas many times you get lumpy potatoes from undercooked potatoes, but that does not excuse not properly mashing them. If you want to add texture, leave the skins on or add some bacon. The kale (I had never had kale before either) was surprisingly good, it was subtly cheesy and tender.
We looked at the dessert menu, but nothing caught our eye. After settling the tab (the filet was listed at $20), we headed over to Addison’s for their chocolate brownie a la mode and a couple of beers. If you want a great meal on your birthday, skip Bleu, but if you want a mediocre meal at a price that can’t be beat, Bleu might be for you.
A free filet on your birthday? You can’t go too wrong with that. My wife Erin and I went out to Bleu on a Sunday night to celebrate my 30th birthday. When we walked in the door, it certainly wasn’t packed, but the hostess and waitresses seemed hurried. When our waitress showed up, she handed us our menus and left, no introduction, no specials, no “have you been here before?”
I ordered a glass of wine and an appetizer of samosas ($6 or $7). I have never had the Indian appetizer before and when they arrived there were three of them. I had been forewarned on the portion size, and as I get older and my girth gets larger, I don’t mind the smaller portions as long as it tastes delicious. The samosas looked a little oily, but to me tasted good with no real spiciness.
I searched the menu for the filet meal, but it was not on the menu. Erin ordered the fish tacos ($12 or $13) and I ordered the filet special. When we received our food the waitress brought out a salt and pepper dish. I generally think in a fine restaurant that the food should be seasoned to perfection, not to mention Americans aren’t used to salt and peppering food with a spoon. We were at an auction two summers ago and they had all these tiny crystal dishes about the size of a half dollar, finally we asked what they were and were told they were salts used at fancy dinners. But let’s talk about the food.
The fish tacos looked delicious, there were two of them with fried fish, a fresh chalupa shell, and topped with an assortment of vegetables and salsa. Erin allowed me a bite, the shell was soft, the breaded fish crunchy, and the salsa and toppings made for a delicious fish taco.
The filet, when I hear filet I expect tenderloin, this may have been tenderloin, but it was the toughest and driest I have had. To top it off, it was coated in enough pepper to completely mask the taste of the meat. I definitely did not order it au poivre. Fortunately it did come with side dishes of chipotle mashed potatoes and kale with a cheese sauce. The mashed potatoes were sweet with a spicy after taste. However, they were lumpy and I would not serve lumpy potatoes to my family, much less my customers. The potatoes were thoroughly cooked whereas many times you get lumpy potatoes from undercooked potatoes, but that does not excuse not properly mashing them. If you want to add texture, leave the skins on or add some bacon. The kale (I had never had kale before either) was surprisingly good, it was subtly cheesy and tender.
We looked at the dessert menu, but nothing caught our eye. After settling the tab (the filet was listed at $20), we headed over to Addison’s for their chocolate brownie a la mode and a couple of beers. If you want a great meal on your birthday, skip Bleu, but if you want a mediocre meal at a price that can’t be beat, Bleu might be for you.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Farmers Market
The following press release was shared with us regarding the Farmers Market:
Due to rising demand from both customers and vendors, the ColumbiaFarmers Market will be extending its season on a trial basis throughDecember 19th. In years past, the Market's season has ended just priorto Thanksgiving, with the last day of 2009 slated as Saturday, November21. However, the continued growth in the Market's vendor base, productdiversity, and customer count, combined with increasing interest inlocally-grown food in all seasons, has generated enough buzz and demandto support keeping the Market open in December.
The December market days will be held from 10 am to at least12pm onthree Saturdays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, after taking a week offfor Thanksgiving. All normal CFM rules and policies will be in place,including the requirement that all products be sold directly by thegrower/producer, and be grown and/or produced within a roughly 55-mileradius around Columbia. The location will be the same, behind the cityActivities & Recreation Center at the corner of Clinkscales and Ash.
Products expected to be available include lamb, pork, beef, eggs, winter& greenhouse vegetables, honey, locally-made chocolate, baked goods, andmore. If weather conditions are not suitable for an outdoor market, anannouncement will be made on the Columbia Farmers Market website(www.columbiafarmersmarket.org), and on the Market's voicemail(573-823-6889).
With the Columbia Farmers Market set to mark its 30th anniversary in2010, this trial winter market will be an excellent way to celebrate and support the continued growth and success of small farms and local foodsin mid-Missouri.
Due to rising demand from both customers and vendors, the ColumbiaFarmers Market will be extending its season on a trial basis throughDecember 19th. In years past, the Market's season has ended just priorto Thanksgiving, with the last day of 2009 slated as Saturday, November21. However, the continued growth in the Market's vendor base, productdiversity, and customer count, combined with increasing interest inlocally-grown food in all seasons, has generated enough buzz and demandto support keeping the Market open in December.
The December market days will be held from 10 am to at least12pm onthree Saturdays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, after taking a week offfor Thanksgiving. All normal CFM rules and policies will be in place,including the requirement that all products be sold directly by thegrower/producer, and be grown and/or produced within a roughly 55-mileradius around Columbia. The location will be the same, behind the cityActivities & Recreation Center at the corner of Clinkscales and Ash.
Products expected to be available include lamb, pork, beef, eggs, winter& greenhouse vegetables, honey, locally-made chocolate, baked goods, andmore. If weather conditions are not suitable for an outdoor market, anannouncement will be made on the Columbia Farmers Market website(www.columbiafarmersmarket.org), and on the Market's voicemail(573-823-6889).
With the Columbia Farmers Market set to mark its 30th anniversary in2010, this trial winter market will be an excellent way to celebrate and support the continued growth and success of small farms and local foodsin mid-Missouri.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Restaurant News
Denny's is coming back to Columbia. It will off Stadium where The Pasta House used to be located. While Denny's isn't the greatest restaurant, I do love their milkshakes.
Another El Jimador is going in off Forum by Dunn Bros Coffee. Just how many Mexican restaurants can one town support? Apparently quite a few!
Another El Jimador is going in off Forum by Dunn Bros Coffee. Just how many Mexican restaurants can one town support? Apparently quite a few!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Cafe Berlin New and Old
Cafe Berlin is in its new location at North Tenth Street and Park Avenue with new hours and a new menu. Read the Tribune's article on the move here.
Olive Cafe and Grocery has opened up on Providence where Cafe Berlin was housed. I haven't had a chance to stop in yet and I can't find a web site for it, but the Tribune also had an article on it. Apparently it will serve Middle Eastern and Asian food while the grocery will have dry goods as well as some frozen meats. Read more about the Olive Cafe here.
Olive Cafe and Grocery has opened up on Providence where Cafe Berlin was housed. I haven't had a chance to stop in yet and I can't find a web site for it, but the Tribune also had an article on it. Apparently it will serve Middle Eastern and Asian food while the grocery will have dry goods as well as some frozen meats. Read more about the Olive Cafe here.
The Case of the Shrinking Food
When Agave first opened, the portions were large. My husband and I could split an entree and be plenty full. Our favorite thing to get: nachos fajita.
At first, the nachos were 90% nachos, 10% lettuce, sour cream, guacamole. After awhile that changed to 80%, 20%.
This weekend I went there and it was about 60/40. The nachos fajita were no longer enough to share. In fact, if one of us had ate them by ourself we'd still be hungry. At $10 for the plate that's disappointing.
I know restaurants are struggling in this economy but if you're going to shrink the portion size that much, you better make cost adjustments too or as the food begins to shrink, so will your customer base.
We might not have the nachos fajita anymore but we'll always have the margaritas. Unless you shrink those too.
At first, the nachos were 90% nachos, 10% lettuce, sour cream, guacamole. After awhile that changed to 80%, 20%.
This weekend I went there and it was about 60/40. The nachos fajita were no longer enough to share. In fact, if one of us had ate them by ourself we'd still be hungry. At $10 for the plate that's disappointing.
I know restaurants are struggling in this economy but if you're going to shrink the portion size that much, you better make cost adjustments too or as the food begins to shrink, so will your customer base.
We might not have the nachos fajita anymore but we'll always have the margaritas. Unless you shrink those too.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Where's the Wheat?
With long wait times a regular thing at Flat Branch, it was time for another brewery to enter the ring. The early reviews from friends who tried Broadway Brewery weren't overwhelming but I wanted to try it for myself.
Broadway Brewery is located between 8th and 9th streets. The restaurant was a lot nicer - and bigger - on the inside than I was expecting based on the downstairs location. It gave me that underground feel that made you both relaxed and on edge.
The beer list was extensive but I was disappointed to hear they only three beers of their own right now - a stout, porter and an IPA. I prefer a lighter beer, so instead I ordered a raspberry ale. It was smooth and delicious. My husband ordered the IPA and I tried it but it was just too malty for me.
The menu, while somewhat limited was creative. Many dishes made with local ingredients. I opted for a butternut bacon pizza, consisting of butternut squash, carmelized onions, crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese. The pizza was about the right size for two. It was a tad greasy but tasted great.
The prices were all very reasonable. Most of their entrees were under $15.
As I made a trip to the bathroom, I saw the brewing room where more beer was in the process of being made. I am hoping that soon the beer selection will be larger and include a wheat or an ale - something that I can really enjoy.
I think Broadway Brewery will do just fine. Next time you find yourself waiting 2 hours for a table at Flat Branch, head to Broadway Brewery. I think you'll like what you find.
Broadway Brewery is located between 8th and 9th streets. The restaurant was a lot nicer - and bigger - on the inside than I was expecting based on the downstairs location. It gave me that underground feel that made you both relaxed and on edge.
The beer list was extensive but I was disappointed to hear they only three beers of their own right now - a stout, porter and an IPA. I prefer a lighter beer, so instead I ordered a raspberry ale. It was smooth and delicious. My husband ordered the IPA and I tried it but it was just too malty for me.
The menu, while somewhat limited was creative. Many dishes made with local ingredients. I opted for a butternut bacon pizza, consisting of butternut squash, carmelized onions, crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese. The pizza was about the right size for two. It was a tad greasy but tasted great.
The prices were all very reasonable. Most of their entrees were under $15.
As I made a trip to the bathroom, I saw the brewing room where more beer was in the process of being made. I am hoping that soon the beer selection will be larger and include a wheat or an ale - something that I can really enjoy.
I think Broadway Brewery will do just fine. Next time you find yourself waiting 2 hours for a table at Flat Branch, head to Broadway Brewery. I think you'll like what you find.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Word verification enabled
Due to some spammers getting into our comments, we have enabled word verification for all comments. I just wanted to mention it to everyone so you wouldn't be surprised.
You can still post comments anonymously, and we will not be moderating comments, just trying to make sure porn/gambling stuff stays off the blog.
You can still post comments anonymously, and we will not be moderating comments, just trying to make sure porn/gambling stuff stays off the blog.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
5th Down Bar and Grill
You have to love a place that knows Columbia's history and uses it to its advantage. The 5th Down Bar & Grill has opened on Rainforest Parkway and Rangeline in north Columbia. It fills the vacancy left by TP's Bar & Grill.
I have yet to eat there but have visited for drinks. The drinks have been cheap and the service good but their beer selection is somewhat limited to mostly domestics. But one domestic you won't find there is Coors. Colorado got a 5th down; they won't get this bar's beer sales.
Check out the full grand opening piece in today's Tribune here.
I have yet to eat there but have visited for drinks. The drinks have been cheap and the service good but their beer selection is somewhat limited to mostly domestics. But one domestic you won't find there is Coors. Colorado got a 5th down; they won't get this bar's beer sales.
Check out the full grand opening piece in today's Tribune here.
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