The Midway, Puxico, Missouri

 A friend of mine sent me a Facebook post about The Midway and said, “you need to try this place out.”

It had my brain intrigued; I love a good small-town place that hasn’t been blasted by all the news media outlets. 

The Midway in Puxico, Missouri - town population 873, business rating 10 Star -  “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”  

We were greeted at the front door by who I later learned to be one of the owners, this was by chance, because there was no way he knew who I was, and no way I knew who he was.   He showed us the dining area on the main level, but then suggested the Goat’s Pen upstairs.  Live music, fun seating, and full-service menu!  My friends and I are always out for a fun time!  

The owner, still not knowing who I was, escorted us upstairs.  We chatted about the building and his business!   Stop, Note, if you love tastefully decorated places with a mix of antiques and modern, this is YOUR place!   This building is beautiful and perfectly laid out!  

As we arrived upstairs there were four of us and the only tables left were 2 seaters.  We were willing to squeeze in, but they fixed that, he pushed tables together and made it work for our party of 4.   They had live music play, they had people visiting, and the environment was well done!  

Their menu, add a little hillbilly word to a New York City Menu and that’s it!   Spoon & Spout is what they called the kitchen serving us, they have sections that do special menus, almost like a Wall Drug Store but with restaurants.  

Appetizer: Goat Tags, usually cut potatoes, smothered with all the things that make them good!  This was the perfect appetizer for all four of us to share!  The price?  Comparable to the big chain restaurants that buy in bulk.  Win Win Goat Tags for Dinner!  

Not just Goat Tags, the waitress presented their menu and my jaw dropped.  How in the world do they afford to serve this kind of food in this kind of building for this kind of price!   You will NOT go bankrupt eating there!  I mean you could, but not likely!   

I chose their advertised Mediterranean Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - the tenderloin is stuffed, then topped with a balsamic glaze. It is served with Gouda mashed potatoes and a side salad.  Okay the Gouda mashed potatoes are not served, they are presented!  Like for kings and queens, carefully placed on your plate in a beautiful design.  The flavor of all was absolutely “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”  Ding Ding, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin for dinner! 

Trey decided to try the Pork Ribeye - the pork ribeye is topped with an apple cider reduction glaze and a pineapple, with a side is a warm potato salad.  I snuck a taste!  Again, “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”   I see people driving from Texas to eat this food!  It is that good! 

Dessert?  The Custard Coop is their opening soon frozen custard shop, but until then they have dessert handled.   I ordered a warm blackberry cobbler, it was as good as Grandma made it.  I ordered a chocolate peanut butter parfait thing for Trey (yes, I decided for him) and it was amazing!  The best I have ever had!  The presentation was beautiful as well!  Again, “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”

After dinner we took a peek around their gift shop and the downstairs dining room.  I may have also taken a seat on their vintage furniture after all, I am an antique expert, sorta.  

I do highly recommend taking a trip to The Midway.  Make it a weekend trip to Southeast Missouri.  

Close by to The Midway: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Duck Creek Conservation Area, Yoder’s Garden’s Shop, Lake Wappapello State Park, or follow the Rural Southeast Missouri Treasure Trails.  

Disclosure:  I was not paid or compensated for my review.   When I arrived at The Midway, they did not know who I was.  It was not until after I left and I posted about The Midway that my identity was known.  I prefer to eat and visit places that do not know me; that way I get authentic service and see how they really treat people.  

More Photos from our visit to The Midway Available Here: https://www.facebook.com/100057663506972/posts/pfbid022yQ8kmFmSo4bjiC7UcAZEacamYs1FcpPwdh9AEJH59iVQNNy1tsfe8EWgju2Svysl/?mibextid=cr9u03

Restaurant Reviews by The Missouri Mom

 I was recently asked why I rarely review a restaurant in my own town.   I really do want my town to be the most successful it can be, but there is authenticity to my reviews and a level of biasness I hold for my community.  It is hard to give a non-bias review to people you know.  

Here are my rules to restaurant reviews: 

I rarely announce I am coming.  I like to catch the wait staff, owners, and chef by surprise.  I don't tell them who I am, but once I leave, I check in at their establishment and share an instant review.  Then I follow up with a full review and send it to the place as I am posting it on my own social media.   They have no way of changing my review or asking for favors. 

I rarely take compensated meals.   I occasionally work with tourism offices and accept gift cards that are good at any restaurant and once in a while a restaurant like Madison's Cafe in Jefferson City did before will recognize me or invite me back for a visit and I will accept it.  I do love the calamari at Madison's Cafe.  

My reviews are not professionally written and pitched to magazines.  Occasionally, the review will run in our local paper as my column, but I am not doing this for money, I do it for fun. and I love to support small businesses.  

I do not do reviews for favors.  Please do not send me your restaurant and ask me to come.  I do take tips on good places to eat from locals or others in the area, but I will not accept a meal in return for a review.  It is simply impossible to be authentic in that case.  

If you have seen me at your restaurant and I have not written a review; I either had an okay experience with okay food or I simply was not in the mood to write.  Don't take it personal. I will likely be back.  

Please follow me on Facebook at The Missouri Mom for more reviews!  

Dew Drop Inn, Bloomsdale, Missouri.

Hello Yummy food!  We made the drive to Bloomsdale, Missouri to try Dew Drop Inn.  We had heard good reviews, but never had time to stop and try it.  In honor of me getting olderish we made time!   

I would call this place an upscale Tony Keith kinda place - good for families, but a rustic wild side.  

I will say you can make a meal off the Mac n Cheese - holy smokes, I could have licked the bowl.  

PaPa Tom was pleased they had meatloaf as the special of the day, he loves meatloaf. 

I’m not so sure about the kid’s choice of dirty fries - chili in the summer?  They enjoyed them though!  

Check out Dew Drop Inn, Bloomsdale, Missouri - yes it is worth drive.  Tell our waitress Hannah hello, she was so kind!  

Crab & Company, Wappapello Lake, Missouri

This is our second trip to Crab & Company, Wappapello Lake, Missouri - and just as our first visit we were not disappointed.

The food is not what you expect in rural Missouri, instead what you would expect in a port town in the south. Yummy crab, calamari, (yes more than catfish), and shrimp - disclosure due to allergy I have never tasted their shrimp, but my family has.

Like the food, the hospitality is what you would expect in the south. Both times I have visited this establishment they did not know I was a blogger, I never told them I would review their establishment, yet my service was excellent - I prefer surprise visits as it gives me a real picture.

Crab & Company is perfect rather you have been out on the lake all day, family camping, or want a nice place to eat for a night out - it is an establishment for everyone.

Mayfield Cultural Center in Marble Hill, Missouri

Probably one of the most exciting things to happen to Marble Hill, Missouri this past year is the opening of The Mayfield Cultural Center - the former Will Mayfield College. 

As long as I can remember this beautiful historic building sat empty overlooking the town of Marble Hill - sad, but true!

The Will Mayfield Cultural Center 

Well after months/years of labor work and efforts of locals and enthusiast - the Mayfield Cultural Center is now open - not as a college, but as something for everyone in the community. 

The Beautiful Dining Area. 

The center recently hosted a quilt show of local quilters, it is available to rent for weddings and such, and.....they opened their cafe this week!   

Well today, with my 7 year old in tow, I ventured up to The Mayfield Cultural Center to have lunch - and my excitement for this place to be open has now doubled.  

Talk about class, fine dining, but still a hometown atmosphere - they have it.  I felt comfortable eating their with D-man (my messy little boy), but I also felt like I had removed myself from one atmosphere and stepped into the finer way of life.  

D-man enjoying his BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Chips!

The cafe is perfect for all occasions - noon lunch with friends, family dinner, and for you romancers - this could even take an afternoon date!  

My lunch! Tuna and Chips. 

If you ask me - you must try the tomato salad - I could have made that my entire lunch!  Yum!  

The Mayfield Cultural Center is located at 209 Mayfield Drive, Marble Hill, Missouri - right beside the Bollinger County Natural History Museum, visit their Facebook page for current business hours and events.
 
If you are coming to Marble Hill to visit The Mayfield Cultural Center - here a few more places you might like to visit: 

Bollinger County Natural History Museum - next door to The Mayfield Cultural Center - full of history and dinosaur facts!  

Whippoorwill Lake  - Family camping, swimming, and much more!  Great atmosphere!  We highly suggesting stopping by.  

The Mustard Seed Boutique - located just down the street from the Bollinger County Natural History Museum - they are loaded gifts and they serve a pretty good lunch for a really good price. 

Holly's - Where to Find your Wear - shop until you drop at Holly's upscale consignment shop - one of our favorite stops in town!

Green Chili Beer at Flat Branch Pub in Columbia, Missouri

Months ago I did a review on Flat Branch Pub in Columbia, Missouri - in my post I shared that I did not like the beer that I had ordered - and I didn't.

So upon me returning to Columbia, Missouri this fall, I shared that I would be again eating at Flat Branch - and as always my faithful readers chimed in and made a few suggestions on what beer to drink.

Then as I sat at my hotel chatting with one of the locals, she suggested that I try Flat Branch's Green Chili Beer.

At first I was grossed out, who would drink beer that taste like Green Chilies?  I don't even like spicy

things - why would I like this?   Sometimes I am polite, so I politely agreed to try the Green Chili Beer and left.

Arriving at Flat Branch Pub, I was with the gang from Missouri Outdoors Communicators - they all agreed that the Green Chili Beer sounded crazy.

This time, I asked the waitress for her opinion, she happily offered me a sample of the Green Chili Beer ----- then I ordered another glass.

Green Chili Beer has a bit of a kick, it tasted a bit hot, and had an after kick of like drinking whiskey.   I was sold, I loved the beer.

Only there is a catch - there is always a catch.  

Be careful what you order to eat with your Green Chili Beer.  I absolutely love Cajun food, so when I saw they had a Cajun pasta meal - I just knew I needed it.   Half way through my meal, it clicked that my Green Chili Beer was not going to cool my mouth after my Cajun Pasta - NOT a good combo, but both delicious.

So Flat Branch Pub & Brewery you set me right, or the locals, my readers, and your waitress did.  I am sold on the Green Chili Beer - now to find something to pair it with!

Ernie's Cafe & Steakhouse in Columbia, Missouri

Ernie's has been serving Columbia for more than 75 years - pause - and I have been to Columbia, Missouri how many times?  

Erinie's is one of those places that you walk into, scratch you head, and think why in heck have I not ate here before?   

Guy in orange shorts was my waiter  

As I sat down to eat at Ernie's, I was given the story of how Chester Gould - creator of Dick Tracy use to visit Ernie's and often would sketch some while there.  Now to be honest, I had to Google who

Chester Gould was and have never picked up a Dick Tracy comic book - but that makes a fun fact for Comic lovers, and Columbia, Missouri.


What impressed me about Ernie's Cafe was my waiter - I could have stuck him in my pocket and
brought him home with me (he is the blurry guy in orange shorts in the picture above). I only wish I could remember his name, but I am never very formal and only referred to him as "hey waiter" and "aren't you a doll".

Ernie's was packed - when I say packed, there was standing room only - in fact they had to make room for us.  I would think this would really stress the staff out, nope he stood with a smile, made sure my coffee cup remained full, and gave me great tips on selecting what I wanted for breakfast.

So he says, that sausage will actually keep you fuller longer than bacon, but you know bacon is bacon - so I went for bacon.  

The food at Ernie's in Columbia, Missouri is good old fashion diner food - steak and eggs for breakfast?  They have them.  They also have Belgium waffles, hotcakes, eggs any way you can think of....and the list goes on.  

The food is good - the staff is friendly, so friendly they are cute - but Ernie's is BUSY.  The staff says they usually slow down around 10 am in the morning on weekdays, but weekends they stay busy throughout the day - especially when Mizzou is in classes.  However, if you are dining solo or just with a friend, there is often room at the bar area! 

So is it worth the wait?  Depends on your circumstances - I would not stand outside for 45 minutes with screaming kids - no food or service is worth that kind of stress.  I would wait it if it was my friends, co-workers, or if I was just in town for a short length of time.  

Ernie's is located at 1005 E. Walnut, Columbia, MO 65201 their phone number is 573-874-7804 - in case you want to order something to go.  

Di Trapani's - Classy Italian Dining in Pulaski County, Missouri

(Disclosure: my trip to Pulaski County Missouri was sponsored, however all thought and opinions are my own)

I have often thought, I should just marry an Italian, so I can eat like this every day!  

Way down a back road in Dixon, Missouri surrounded by farm land sits Di Trapani's Italian Bistro.  When I first arrived, I sort of thought this was the perfect setting for a bar - but it's not - it is a very classy family friendly Italian Restaurant!

Walking in Di Trapani's I realized this was truly upscale family dining (no black tie needed, but very classy) the place you would feel comfortable taking your friends, your kids, and even grandma.

This place is obviously well known by the locals, but worth the drive for the tourist!  

As I sat down at Di Trapani's - I became overwhelmed by the menu - so many options - why  should a girl just choose one!

I started my dinner out with Di Trapani's Crab Cakes - normally I am not a huge fan of crab cakes, I am a fan of crab, crab typically belongs with cheese ( in my way of thinking) - and my kids had never ever had crab cakes - so we gave it a try!

Obviously they were a hit!

My next course was the salad, now I had heard they add some amazing dressing, but I am a true Missourian, and believe in the "Show - Me"  concept.  Well Di Trapani's did - wow!  Let's just say I could literally make a meal on their salad, and am a little sad that I did not buy a bottle (or case) of their dressing before I left that day!

Their House Salad - there is a secret recipe behind it, but it is secret! 

When it came to the main course, it is obvious who has a taste for Italian in our family and who does not!

Lesse - my little Alfredo lover - ordered Di Trapani's Alfredo, her final review of the food, looked a little like this - must note, she does not get her table manners from her Momma! 

D-man was not feeling as adventurous and settled for a grilled cheese sandwich with french fries - he says it was delicious and I am sure it was - sometimes boys can just be difficult.  

I am a bit of a tortellini lover, so that was my choice entree - and it I am glad I chose it!  Fabulous - I was glad I wore a dress, so my pants did not get to tight - because I wanted to enjoy EVERY bite!  

My Meal:  Cheese Tortellini Salsiccia: Italian sausage, roasted red peppers and lemon butter garlic sauce.  

After dinner, the staff of Di Trapani's surprised us with dessert - and while I did not need it, I was so grateful they did! I am going to assume they labeled me as a coffee drinker when they brought out Dominic's Tiramisu - because I am a sucker for anything coffee flavored - and the Tiramisu was delicious!

Now, the one thing that stuck out the most about Di Trapani's was the view - now remember I said they were surrounded by farmland way out in the middle of no where - well here is what it looks like out there! 

Obviously the view matches the food!  Di Trapani's also has a couple sets of binoculars sitting around for you or the kid to enjoy the view, or catch a glimpse of an Eagle flying by! 

Sweetwater Bar-B-Que in Saint Robert, Missouri

(Disclosure: my visit to Pulaski County, Missouri was sponsored, however all thoughts and opinions are my own) 

If you are looking for a place to cater to your every whim, stare over your shoulder as you eat, and constantly refill your cup - then Sweetwater BBQ is NOT your kind of place!

If you are looking for laid-back, casual dining, that has mouthwatering BBQ - then you have found the right place.

As the kid's and I entered Sweetwater, we were greeted with this -

You would think BBQ is BBQ, but that is where you are wrong - there is more to a good BBQ place than just having pulled pork thrown on a bun.  

Sweetwater offers a HUGE variety of meat options - stuff that you won't find at your everyday sandwich shop.   

I probably looked like a complete fool standing there staring at their menu in awe, but I was in complete shock at my options.

Options is what I like best about their menu - When dining out I like to try more than one thing on their menu, as it gives you a real taste of their flavor.  

I ordered their Combination Plate - which in all truth, was way more food than I needed, but was so good! 

Sweetwater's Combination Plate consist of 2 meats of your choice and two sides - obviously I went for the pulled pork and sausage - topped with their famous Sweetwater BBQ Sauce. 

Sweetwater BBQ Sauce has a sweet yet tangy taste, but not spicy - which is what I fear when I eat BBQ. 

If you are wondering - I preferred the sausage over the pulled pork. 

They do offer something for everyone - they have a large menu (not just in size) - and they have good prices.

The kids loved the Chicken Nuggets - D said he only wished there was more - he was apparently hungry or really loved them!

Sweetwater BBQ is located on highway Z in Saint Robert, Missouri - they are open 11 am to 8 pm daily, visit their website for more information.

Last Minute Vacation Ideas in Central Missouri

Becky, 
I am looking for a short 3 day getaway for my family (teen boy, teen girl, and husband).  I have saw your stuff on the Elk - then I saw your stuff on Lake of the Ozarks.  I was wondering if you would give me a few places to think about going for an October Getaway? 

Thanks, 
Jody


Hi Jody,

October is a perfect time to travel  - as here in Missouri we FINALLY start to cool down!  Yay for Fall weather!

The Elk stuff you just saw was actually located in Saint Louis, Missouri - the park is Lone Elk Park.  Great place with a great driving tour.  I would be happy to suggest a few places to visit in St Louis - Just let me know.

As for Lake of the Ozarks - The Lake is always a good time for families.   Truly an all American Vacation!

I do suggest finding a condo to stay in ( I would do that first).

I have stayed at Eagle's Nest Resort at Sunset Beach and Point Randall Resort  in the Lake of the Ozarks - both are perfect for families.

You may want to stress to the person you give your reservations to that you have a boy and a girl - some have 3 bedroom condos, some just have couch beds.  At both of these locations you will also have a kitchen, that could save you some money on meals.

When you call them tell them that Becky - The Missouri Mom sent you and tell them hello from me!

Free Stops in the Lake of the Ozarks 

Ha Ha Tonka State Park - this is a must see place - the area is absolutely gorgeous and you will get some

great photos of your family at the castle remains.  Ha Ha Tonka - has several hiking trails, I have hiked them - they are in great shape, but pack your hiking shoes!

Lake of the Ozark State Park - I never leave an area without visiting the State Parks - such an IMPORTANT asset we have in our state.  Lake of the Ozark State Park offers so much - hiking, swimming, fishing - the list goes on.  You may catch it warm enough to get in some early fall swimming - the beach here is very nice!

Must sees in Lake of the Ozarks - 

Shopping - you mentioned teen daughter, so you must like to shop!  Ha Ha!  Lake of the Ozarks has some amazing shopping with amazing prices - I got some killer deals last year just before Christmas - so plan ahead!

Osage Beach Premium Outlets has something for everyone - while you are there, you could pick up some hiking shoes for those hikes at the parks.

There is also an area called Bagnell Dam Strip - that is similar to shopping in on the main strip in Branson - to be frank I LOVED The Strip, but only spent like $10 on candy!  This would be a great area to pick up small trinkets, gourmet candies, and have ice cream - there is also a small arcade in the strip - the teen boy may love that.

The Landing on Main Street is the Lake's most popular shopping place - Main Street Music Hall is located here also  (read below about the music hall - I would consider this high end, although the prices are not terribly bad - they do have high end gifts, pampering items, and much more!

Main Street Music Hall - completely family friendly, I would not hesitate taking anyone to Main Street Music Hall.   Great music - Great performers - you will just have to see it for yourself!

Bridal Cave - the legend is Native Americans once performed marriage ceremonies inside Bridal Cave - either way this is place is STUNNING and perfect for all ages!  They do have a great little gift shop also - I always grab myself a bag of rocks!  Oh and pack $10 or so dollars in cash, they do a family photo for you inside the cave - you will want to keep that for your scrapbook.

Tropic Island Cruise - If you truly want to see the beauty of the Lake - I suggest jumping aboard with Captain Omer - unfortunately you kids are probably too old to drive the boat (he usually says 12 and under), but you could always ask - perfect photo moment.  The cruise takes you around the lake, you will see beautiful homes, some pretty neat boats, and test out your sea legs - drink water it helps with motion sickness if you struggle with that.

Miner Mikes/Busters - now I have not been to Busters, only Miner Mikes as I have smaller kids.  However, I have peeked in there and the place looks very cool.  They are an arcade/fun center - this would be a great stop if you get trapped by rain.

Dining out - I can assure you that you won't go hungry at the Lake. 

Larry's on the Lake - this is a fun little marina style resturarnt - great food, live band, and they often have special events - I will say this is a bar area, so if you are looking for family dinning, go early!

Tonka Hills Restaurant -  is also a great choice, be ware their full order of gravy and biscuts is about double the order of most places!  So go hungry!
Here is a link to Lake of the Ozarks dining guide - I have ate at several places there - too many to list!

Outside of the Lake  - 

I will add Lake of the Ozarks is located in Central Missouri - meaning there is SO MANY things surrounding it.

A little over an hour drive from the Lake is Fort Leonard Wood Army Post - Fort Leonard Wood is FREE

to visit and is an open military post with 5 museums on post.

FLW is also located in Pulaski County, Missouri - another great stop for sure - I suggest if you go, stop in at their visitors center and ask for maps and tips - again tell them Becky sent you and hello from me.

In Pulaski County, my top day stops is The Talbot House Antiques - ask him to play his barrel piano for you! The piano is not near as cool as watching the guy play it - he is a HOOT!   I also believe they do a haunted tour of the house sometime in October - it might be fun.

The Old Stagecoach Stop Museum is a must see in Waynesville - Great history, and this museum is put on by volunteers - all the more reason to stop.

Lunch and diner options in Pulaski County - there are several, but my favorites are Di Trapani's - great Italian food - oh and the view is stunning!  Sweetwater BBQ - this is a quick BBQ place with tons of options, and in Waynesville there is also a neat little hotdog/ice cream shop on what they call the "square" in Waynesville - the hot-dogs are scrumptious!

About a 45 minute drive from Lake of the Ozarks is Jefferson City, Missouri - you know the Missouri State Capital.   Jefferson City is another place absolutely loaded with family fun - it is not all white shirts and ties.

My favorite thing to do in Jefferson City is to tour the Missouri State Penitentiary - if your kids are older than 12, I highly suggest this.  I will warn you there has been ghost sightings at the prison - this should get you in the mood for Halloween!

You may also know that historic section of Jefferson City is amazing, many of the buildings including the Capitol Building is Free to visit!

Dining in Jefferson City is great - in the downtown area they have a several great choices.  Prison Brews is always good if you are in the "prison mood" or Madison's has some great Italian food also - wear your stretchy pants. Oh and you must stop at Central Dairy, their ice cream is beyond yummy - it is delicious.

You may also like to check out Downtown Jefferson City's Art Stroll - I am not sure if they run through October or not, but if they do this is GREAT family entertainment and it is FREE.   You will see live performance, taste yummy food, and have some big laughs.

I hope I have not overwhelmed you - I just wanted to give you lots of options.  As you can see I get a tad carried away when it comes to vacation!

If you have any more questions feel free to ask - I will be glad to help.

~Becky
(The Missouri Mom)

Dining with Chef Trent Wiggins at Johnny T's in Fredericktown, Missouri

(disclosure:  I was hosted at Johnny T, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own - a free meal would not be enough to cover my work or buy my thoughts) 

So Chef Trent Wiggins and I go back pretty far - not really sure how far, but far enough that he once cooked me lunch in his pajamas - note this was at Vance's Vineyard -and a normal day for Chef Trent.

There is something special about Chef Trent, and I can never truly figure out what it is - probably the most

Trent sporting his Pajamas in 2011
at Vance's Vineyard

special thing is - I can never tell if he is telling me the truth, or telling me something just to get a reaction - by the way he treats everyone this way, not just me!

This past spring Chef Trent opened Johnny T's in Fredericktown - after 18 or so years cooking for other people, he took the plunge and opened his own restaurant.

He had been after me for a while to come visit, but as life goes - I would always pass through when he was closed.

I just happened to pass through Fredericktown last Thursday and Johnny T's was open, so I slide in and had lunch with my ol pal.

Trent's new restaurant Johnny T's is the "thing" in Fredericktown - and I was not the only one that thought that, as the place had a steady flow of people in and out - I saw several families, business folks, and couples stopping by to grab a bite to eat.

Johnny T's is the classic Breakfast/Sandwich Shop - with a little Trent flavor on the side - seriously folks - when you go visit tell Trent you want the same treatment Becky gets - but be prepared to laugh you butt off!

One glance at the menu and I was at a loss - unfortunately Trent and the waitress refused to order for me, so I finally settled for a Rue-Burger with Pasta Salad.

My Lunch

He swears there is no secret recipe for the Rue-Burger - it is just Corned beef, sauerkraut, thousand island, a 5 oz burger on marble rye - but it is like no other burger I have had before.  

I will admit I struggled to finish my meal - I suspect much of his menu is as hearty as this sandwich - as he has always told me that he cared nothing for a waistline, just wanted happy faces.  

Over this delicious Chocolate Pie- 

Chef Trent proceeded to pull his tricks out of his bag and make a mind blowing confession to me.

Trent said "I was in love once" paused and I thought Good Lord, where is this going, but then he finished with  "But I finished that pizza." 

You got it folks Chef Trent is bag of craziness that has one really cool place to eat!  

Johnny T's

Johnny T's is open Monday - Saturday 6:30 am to 2:30 pm on the Square in Fredericktown, Missouri. 

The rest of the time you can catch Chef Trent at - 

Trent has returned as the head chef at Vance's Vineyard.  Vance's Vineyard offers upscale dining, a wine tasting room, and if you have not visited you are missing one of the most beautiful scenes in Fredericktown, Missouri.  

Trent also now offers Personal Chef Services - you can hire Trent and his crew to create your own special meal for parties, weddings, or anything else you can think of.  I am sure if you ask nicely - he will sport his pajamas at your request! 

And finally a little birdie told me his future plans are right next door to Johnny T's - he is hoping to soon open a coffee/sweet/culinary fun shop.  Trent said he is looking to expand, bring new things to the area, and he just loves to cook.   

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing in Columbia, Missouri

(Disclosure:  parts of my visit to Columbia, Missouri were sponsored, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own) 

Hip, friendly, and affordable is not three words you often see mixed together while dining out.  Flat Branch Pub & Brewing in Downtown Columbia, Missouri is all three and more.

I was starving to death and looking for something that I could have a night out with my gal pals without breaking my budget.  Determined to enjoy ourselves we asked the always trusted Siri (on our Iphone) for the restaurants near us - Siri listed Flat Branch Pub & Brewing as a 4 1/2 star restaurant.

Arriving at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, I realized that Siri was right, this would be a good place to eat.  The line was long and the people were happy.  I him-hawed around and thought about turning away and looking for some place else that might be faster, but then decided to stay.

After waiting about 30 minutes for a table, I was glad I waited, because it is not everyday that you have a burger that taste as good as it looks!

The Flat Branch Burger at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

The staff was fun, and the atmosphere was laid back - always good thing when you night out.  I did see families in there dining, however, if I was going to take my family I would pick an off peak hour to eat there, as the place was busy.

Much like the rest of  Columbia, Missouri this place cyclist friendly meaning they had place for you to lock up your bicycles - very cool if you ask me. 

The brewery  does make several types of beer, I tasted some, but I apparently ordered the wrong thing as it was not what I expected - so I suggest YOU ask the waiter or waitress for better advice on their beer.

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing is located at 115 South Fifth St. Columbia, Missouri.

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