Best Restaurants in Southeast Missouri

I really try not to be, but I think that, maybe, I am drifting into food snobbery. I have found excellent food in the oddest, most unlikely places, and I have the most fun when a place genuinely surprises me. But these places usually surprise me exactly because I expect not to be impressed, because of some preconceived notion I may have about an establishment, or maybe because of the way a restaurant looks. I try not to, but I am undeniably being judgmental...

November is weeks away, but a life altering choice is looming. With only two options in the running, tempers are flaring. I try to remain neutral on controversial topics, people needed help and I was determined to find answers. To PSL or not to PSL, THAT is the question. ...

Another day, another short road trip. This time, it was uncomfortably hot, and the car was comfortably cool. I was looking forward to visiting a used bookstore as I’m on the search for nifty paperbacks from the '80s. I’ve gotten quite nostalgic for those wonderful covers I remember in the stores as a child. Anyway, I was headed to Farmington, and while the search for books was uppermost on my mind on the way there, the search for food soon took precedence after the shopping was done. ...

When I exclaim “50 is fabulous” with gusto, some would assume I’m talking about birthdays and life in general, and they would be right. I’m not rich. I’m not famous. I’m not in the best shape of my life, and on any given day there’s a 50/50 chance of things going right or wrong. However, as far as being on the up side of the earth, I’m batting 1000 while fully embracing the gift of being able to find and celebrate the roses amongst the thorns. ...

I took the long, lonely drive to Oran for a meal this week, only it wasn’t so lonely with my sister and niece along, and it really isn’t all that long, either. We chatted, caught up and spied Lone Rock, the cool rock with the stunted cedar tree beside the railroad tracks; all things one does on the way to Oran. ...

If you are a fan of one of the world’s most beloved starchy carbohydrates, the potato, you will not want to miss your upcoming opportunity to meet the duo behind The Fry Guys food truck. ...

After many years of seeing signs and putting off checking it out, I was finally talked into attending the Most Wanted Auctions at 6245 County Road 532 in Jackson. And boy oh boy, I did not realize what I had been missing! ...

Last weekend I caught up with Misty Thrower at her newest endeavor, the Zimzala food truck. For those not familiar with Misty (I wasn’t) she was the previous owner of the popular downtown spot formerly known as Bel Air Bar and Grill. ...

It seems that we, the all-powerful consumers, have finally tired of the constant price increases everywhere. People are spending less money overall, and the places we are choosing to pinch our pennies most often are fast food restaurants. ...

Some people believe in luck while others describe moments when stars seem to align as serendipitous. The past couple of weeks I have been called to partake in what has been described as an oddity to some but an epicurean event to others: The Tinned Fish Summer. ...

Six years ago, I watched an episode of "Chef’s Table" on Netflix that had me a little obsessed. It was about Cristina Martinez, and she made barbacoa tacos. A traditional Mexican dish, barbacoa is made with lamb or beef and spiced with citrus. The preparation of barbacoa is lengthy and not easy. I have been trying to find some since. ...

“How are you?” I overheard one person’s question followed by another person’s quick response. “I’m still here.” It was noon-ish on a Wednesday, and I was sitting alone at a nondescript table for four just a few feet from the cash register. Based on demographics I found for the village of Kelso online, I should have stuck out like a fajita on a veggie tray, but if anyone noticed they didn’t say a peep. ...

I have had pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise with my restaurant visits recently, and this week was no exception. This time, I visited The Pig’s Hiney at 2974 State Highway PP in Scott City. As per the usual, I visited at a weird time of day, about 3 p.m., and the place was quiet with that expectant lull that many bars have right before nighttime kicks off. But The Pig’s Hiney isn’t just a bar, and they have gone out of their way to make the place family friendly, especially during the day. So don’t let that scare you. ...

I was drawn to 2502 Tanner Drive in Cape Girardeau by the possibility of dynamite. I wanted to feel the heat. While it is an honor to walk alongside those learning how to traverse the damage, destruction and pain evil leaves in its wake, it can take its toll on one’s psyche. Escaping through culinary exploration offers a convenient and accessible opportunity to cleanse my palate, literally and spiritually. ...

I had a rough start to researching this column this week. I drove 54miles round trip to discover that Google business hours for the chosen restaurant were incorrect, and even worse, I had asked friends to meet me there. While we stared blankly at the unlit "OPEN" sign before us, I rallied and told them about another restaurant I wanted to visit. ...

A friend recently mentioned Charlie's Smokehouse, located at 5156 State Hwy. 34 in Burfordville, and piqued my curiosity. The next beautiful (yet scorching) Saturday afternoon I set my car stereo to radio mode and let the DJ at Mike FM choose my tunes. I quickly lost myself in car karaoke bliss, but halfway through Jackson, I began to have second thoughts. Exactly how far was this place? Was it in the "drop zone" where I lose cell service? I love my Toyota, but ever since the odometer hit 300k miles, the ability to summon roadside assistance has played a more significant role in choosing my destinations. ....

n Fridays at 4053 State Highway E in Oak Ridge, you can partake of an all-you-can-eat Fish Friday buffet at Farmer’s Corner Cafe. I visited to try said fish, which I will talk about in detail later, but as I walked in, I wondered how Fish Fridays came about. I thought I knew the answer was rooted in Lent, and the alliteration with all the “F”s seemed pretty cool, but did I know the whole story? I really didn’t, and I’d like to share the high points with you, even though my timing doesn’t coincide with the Lenten season. ...

If you've been following this column for a while, it should come as no surprise I enjoy a good underdog story. Predictable has a place, but there's just something about being counted out that makes the comeback taste so much sweeter, or as in the case of brisket, that much more savory. Historically, brisket was not a prime cut of meat and was thus more economical and accessible to poorer families. It required hours of marinating and smoking at low temperatures to break through the tough, fatty text to salvage something palatable.

On yet another dreary, rainy, wish-I-could-just-stay-in-bed morning, I found myself with a wee bit of time on my hands. It was time to travel to the Cheesecake Ninja and check out the food. I wish I could say that I Naruto-ran there with gusto, but I didn’t. I drove and sang along weakly with the radio in an attempt to fully awaken and clear my brain. ...

In mid-March, the location formally occupied by Bella Italia in downtown Cape Girardeau welcomed a new resident: URBAN Kitchen & Bar. The hip sounding name piqued my interest while social media posts lauding their soft opening mid-March had me juggling my calendar to squeeze in a visit before a work trip. ..

I categorize soft-serve ice cream in my head as a treat, a sweet I can’t make at home that I must deliberately travel into the world to attain. Some folks may own an ice cream machine that creates a version of this cold sweet, but not me. Two weeks ago, I waxed poetic about soft serve, but this time, I’m going the other direction. Hand-dipped ice cream, or hard ice cream, is premade, put into a container, and is then scooped out into a formed ball, if you’re good at it. This is the kind of ice cream I can buy at the grocery store and keep in my freezer. But sometimes, hand-dipped ice cream is worth leaving the house for. ...

Just when I thought I’d run out of new restaurants to try, a friend with good judgment suggested I might want to take a quick road trip over to City Tavern in downtown Perryville for some good old homestyle cooking. I was intrigued by the suggestion, and immediately squeezed the visit onto my Sunday "to do" list, right between church and grocery shopping. ...

Scattered across the country are tiny family-owned restaurants that took up the cast-off shell of the little Dairy Queens that those of us with a few years under our belts remember from childhood. Usually closed for the winter because of the lack of indoor seating, these places fill the niche left behind and serve as a gathering place for those wanting to cool down with some soft serve or those hungry for a quick supper. One of those places is Ice Cream Corner, located at 2302 Main St. in Scott City. ...

Fusion. As a person who champions the importance of diversity in every aspect of life, it should come as no surprise my tastebuds relished the culinary fusion of flavors experienced on a recent visit to Fudio, Chef Lisa Essmyer’s kitchen studio. ...

Several years ago, my siblings and I threw an anniversary party for our parents. It was kind of a big deal, and we invited family from out of state, as well as friends and co-workers from the area. Since our family is awesome, a good number of them drove the twelve or so hours to get here just to honor my mom and dad. ...

I am 100% the bird chirping, sun shining on a cloudy day kind of morning person, and I fully embrace it. Anyone who has a problem with my morning cheer can take it up with the big guy upstairs — I was born this way, which my mom readily confirms. She had no cranky babies...

When the Fruitland Area Fire Protection District wanted to go to a 24-hour manned station, I remember getting a letter in the mail informing me that this fire station covered a large area full of about 9,000 people. The very first thought I had about this fact wasn't about fire safety. ...

A good sushi roll has unique and distinct parts that are separated visually and physically. Through the magic of chewing, all of these separate flavors, colors, and textures come together in a human mouth to create something spectacular. Very much like a simple sushi roll, Rock N' Roll Sushi (3069 William Street in Cape Girardeau) has two components to its name: Rock N' Roll and sushi. ...

They say when you're happy you enjoy the music, but when you're sad you understand the lyrics. I first heard Sinead O'Conner's haunting rendition of "Nothing Compares 2U" in the 90's. Her voice, full of depth and emotion, powerfully conveyed what many people of my generation will recall as their first season of love and heartbreak...

Coming back from a hectic vacation and facing a column deadline that I absolutely could have planned for and yet put off for another time, I found myself fixated on a simple food subject that's been the topic of conversation around me lately: McDonald's has revamped its burger recipe. ...

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Those words by author and poet Maya Angelou sum up my impromptu visit to El Kolibri Coffee shop on the first springlike Saturday of the year...

This week, I visited Cora's Taste of Manila in Cape Girardeau. This required a little planning, because Cora's just has a pickup area located at 2502 Tanner Drive, behind Applebee's. This building has been a hotbed of new restaurants and flavors lately, so I'm curious to see what might pop up next. But with Cora's, I had to order online at corastasteofmanila.com and then choose my pickup time. I showed up on a Friday, and my food was hot and ready to go...

Last time we met, I was at Fuel Bar + Taco in Jackson, sleuthing out what anonymous locals like to eat while trying to delve a little deeper than the dish. After indulging in the Fuel hot dog, my new friend sent me to ... Sedona Bistro located at 1812 Carondalet St. in Cape Girardeau to experience her favorite dish -- the Reuben...

I have an apple obsession. It is my favorite fruit, but I'm not sure why. Apples are not a rare food, exotic or hard to find. So my attention soon turned to discovering the best apple, an apple that can be enjoyed raw, filled with sugar, juicy, crunchy and with a wonderful flavor. ...

Last week I stopped into Fuel Bar + Taco, located at 634 W. Main St. in Jackson, for a quick lunch, and a bright idea popped into my head. Tag team wrestling. I haven't followed wrestling since childhood, but I recall I was a huge fan of the excitement. ...

I do a little bit of online sleuthing before writing any article, nosing around for new places to try or places that are creating buzz. This time, I was poking around in the Southeast Missourian's "What's for Dinner" spread, looking at a list of this area's favorite places to go to avoid cooking at home. ...

I wish I had a good punchline to go along with the headline, but this is simply the true story of how my recent visit to Mario and Angela's Italian Eatery in Jackson unfolded. If you're local, you've probably been nostalgically awaiting the return of Mario's pizza. If you're new to the area, hold on to your hat because you are in for one heck of a treat...

At 115 N. Jackson St. in Perryville, Missouri, pretty much right across the street from Mary Jane's Burgers & Brew, is a white, clean, pert little building with a "CANDY" sign sticking off of the side. This is Hadley's Candy Shoppe, and I knew that it was a serious candy store because of the extra "pe" on the end of Shoppe. These folks aren't messing around with their candy...

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Gifts of twinkling lights, sweet treats and cheerful music burst from every nook and cranny as expectations for the holiday season steadily rise. A couple weeks ago, I began Saturday with a clear agenda. By 9 a.m., I was quickly checking boxes off of my "to-do" list. The air was fresh and crisp, the sun glorious and beckoning. God was clearly smiling down on me, and no one could have convinced me otherwise...

Recently, Marble Hill Cakes moved to 4215 State Highway 72 in Jackson, and so there was really no excuse not to visit anymore. Be aware, the door is a little hidden. Just follow the bakery signs around to the back of the dark gray building and look for the neon sign in the window...

I watch a YouTube channel fairly regularly called Early American. It features a young lady named Justine, who lives in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and in a very zen and peaceway way, cooks recipes from the late 1700s and early 1800s. She does this while in her period-appropriate log cabin and dressed in her pioneer woman clothes. ...

In the world of pizza, there is a code. Individuals who investigate that code are members of an elite squad known as the SPU, Special Pizza Unit. This is one of their stories. It started on a crisp fall day. I sat in front of my computer contemplating a visit to Encore Pizzeria + Kitchen, which is inconspicuously tucked into a corner of the City Centre building at 2502 Tanner Drive in Cape Girardeau...

Being exposed to different cultures is one of my favorite things to experience. And no surprise to anybody, one of my favorite ways to learn about a culture is through the cuisine. Now we all have the opportunity to experience a unique part of Japanese culture through a new restaurant in Cape Girardeau -- Yuzu Izakaya...

Our lives are marked by days, weeks, months and years. Sometimes we look back to December and other times we wake up when September ends. There are days designated to observe or celebrate certain events, while others are reminders to spread "awareness" of things some are trying their hardest to forget...

On an absolutely beautiful and crisp fall day, I visited Broadway Bistro and Vintage Trade at 811 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. The sunshine was warm, and the breeze was gentle. The leaves were turning into multicolored versions of their formerly green selves and then drifting slowly down, returning to the earth. I was feeling cozy already, and then I walked into Broadway Bistro...

I have a friend who hails from New York. If his social media content is any indication, he is suffering from a serious case of homesickness. All of his friends and followers have recently been deluged by two things: photos of stylish people wearing cozy clothing while enjoying carefree strolls through the bright lights of the big city or serene sidewalk scenes of brownstones and tree-lined streets generously garnished with bright fall foliage...

Sitting on the corner at 2 Main St. in Cape Girardeau is a special place, Green's Garden. Green's Garden is a family-owned and -operated business, and let me tell you, you can see the care put into every corner of the building. It feels very much like old-world street vendor carts, with shining bright vegetables displayed beautifully and stacked perfectly. ...

October has arrived, bringing with it some things I love most about football season: opportunities to root for underdogs such as Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes, mixed with the occasional sweet sideline love story, like the flourishing romance between pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chief's tight end Travis Kelce. Before I delve too far into talk about who is huddling and who is cuddling, on to the real reason you've read this far — food...

I was humbled by a reader of Ask a Foodie this week, and it sent me down a rabbit hole. At my day job, one of my regular customers, also a friend, had just realized that I wrote in the paper. "Yes, yes, that's me, did you like last week's column, etc., etc.," is usually how this conversation goes, and that is certainly how it started. ...

The "perfect storms" in life serve as great reminders to savor moments when the "stars" seem to effortlessly align in our favor. That's my melodramatic take on how things fell apart then quickly fell back in place for me last week, with the help of Bon Bon's Restaurant and Artisan Bakery...

I went to Benton, Missouri, this time with my sister, Jessica. It was a pleasant drive, mostly because of the company. Jess has a wicked sense of humor, and we always have fun. This time, we were absolutely delighted that the eatery we were visiting, Yvonne's, was on 25 West Twappity St. ...

If you've driven past 1865 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, you may have noticed a bright cheerful business with the phrase "Different is Good" emblazoned in large letters across the length of the building. Just in case you have any doubts about their commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone, the phrase is repeated on an interior wall for emphasis...

The heat has finally broken (temporariy), giving us a much-needed respite and letting us breathe with comfort. But over on social media, things are heating up with talk of Chick-fil-A's new sandwich, the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken. It's a long name for a sandwich, and it sounds like there's a lot of different things going on, and there absolutely is. Let's discuss...

Maybe it is a side-effect of the extreme heat, but I recently found myself sliding into a cranky Scrooge-like mood as the fall school year quickly approached. No longer having school-aged children or a connection to the university, I was filled with trepidation thinking about the possible inconveniences ahead: bare grocery store shelves, waiting for a table at packed restaurants, limited parking everywhere and tacking an extra 20 to 30 minutes to my daily commute in an effort to avoid delays caused by the influx of traffic.. ...

Winding a long and deeply forested trail from Fruitland to Cape Girardeau is one of my favorite drives, Highway 177. Now I have more than scenery to send me down that road. At 7564 Hwy. 177 in Cape Girardeau lies a string of small, interesting buildings, and the cutest of the bunch is Rosie's Bake Shoppe...

It's that time of year again — back to school! With all the big and little changes on the horizon, it can be easy to jump back into "Go! Go! Go!" mode leaving the relaxation of summer far behind. Before you switch back into full steam ahead gear, I want to take a moment to gently remind you we only have a couple of months left to enjoy the Cape Riverfront Market before the season ends in October. ...

Writing for this column has taken me down roads I probably never would have traveled and that was the case this week as well. Most of the time, I was the only car on numbered county roads and lettered state highways as I drove a winding path to Sedgewickville, Missouri, which, according to the 2020 Census data, has a population of 191 people...

Several weeks ago, May 18 to be exact, I introduced you to the Faught family and mentioned they had something exciting on the horizon. The time finally came, and I was lucky enough to be there when they debuted their newest endeavor, the Eatz. A Taste of the Islands food truck, at the Jackson Food Truck Rally on Wednesday, June 28...

How about those awful grocery prices, am I right? This has been a topic of conversation for some time now, the woes and realities of rising food prices understandably important. Living creatures need food to stay alive, and humans have tied procuring food and income tightly together. Sometimes, a burger from McDonald's is just not in the budget and having someone else prepare food is a luxury that cannot be borne...

Marketing is that wonderful thing where complete strangers subtly try to convince us to buy things or buy into ideas. As a writer, storyteller and student of everything psychology, I appreciate a good marketing strategy. The sheer number of people who admit they watch the Super Bowl each year "just for the commercials" proves I am not alone in this regard...

I do a lot of over-thinking, but I try (and sometimes fail) to put at the uppermost part of my brain the fact that I'm thankful. Life is good, and I am thankful for my family, the things I am able to see and experience, the good in living. Lately, this hasn't been difficult. This has been a swell summer so far...

I had never eaten at the Honey Baked Ham Company before this visit I'm about to tell you about. Not sure why, because I enjoy a fresh sandwich on soft, chewy bread. Maybe it's because Honey Baked Ham is ever so slightly off the beaten path, in a little line of businesses nestled into the area behind Panera (at 201 S. Mount Auburn Road, Suite G in Cape Girardeau.) It's just not as blatantly visual as the restaurants along the main road, so I'd never thought to go there "off the cuff"...

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Cody Snider, manager and co-owner of the new Fatty Patty Burger Barn restaurant, located in the old Zaxby's building in Cape Girardeau (407 Cape West Crossings). Talk about perfect timing. With Father's Day just around the corner, Fatty Patty's is serving up exactly what any burger-loving dad wants: burgers. ...

I love this part of the country. Most people are kind, good-hearted souls, and thankfully most of them also seem to have an appreciable sense of humor. That can most definitely be said for Smelly Butts BBQ and Other Fine Food. I found the food truck parked at its World Headquarters Sunday around noon. ...

In case you didn't know, May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I know school is out for the summer, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to Google educate myself on the many ways their contributions have help create what we consider to be the very fabric of "America."...

I've been waiting for the perfect moment when the stars and all of the various schedules align to visit Carson's by Chef Adam Glenn at 105 E. Center St. in Sikeston, Missouri, and it finally happened. I visited Carson's Facebook page to set up a reservation. You can also call (573) 475-6457 if you'd like to do it that way. I didn't really have a time preference, so the nice person I was messaging set me up for 5 p.m., right when the restaurant opened...

We are still a month away from the official first day of summer, but the heat is already on, and it is only getting hotter! Everyone seems to be celebrating beginnings and endings of one type or another. Last week my social media pages were full of photos commemorating college graduations and Mother's Day. The trend will likely continue for the next couple of weeks with a burst of photos honoring high school grads, followed by photos of Father's Day festivities...

Right behind Applebee's in Cape Girardeau is a lovely little shopping hub called City Centre. When you walk in the main door, the building resembles a small, sweet cobbled street, with storefronts to either side leading into individual businesses. On the opposite end of the "street" from the door is Ikhatta, an Indian fusion restaurant run by A La Carte Catering. ...

Just last weekend, Muddy River Marathon drew participants to Cape Girardeau from as far away as Massachusetts, New York, South Carolina and Georgia. The evening before runners gathered at the starting line, I arrived at Century Casino for packet pickup. ...

Acting on a tip from a friend, I found a place that was surprisingly well developed with an excellent business model, lovely website and an emphasis on service. Pulse Fitness and Nutrition has three locations, in Jackson, Dexter and Cape Girardeau, but the one I visited was at 318 E. Main St. in Jackson. The process for getting an excellent supper from Pulse started with an online order, but don't tune me out yet! There are other ways to try the food — you'll see...

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and berry season has officially arrived, which means seasonal salads are showing up on menus everywhere. I spent the week exploring what Southeast Missouri has to offer and, so far, the options are deliciously distinct. Here are a few of my current recommendations:...

My goodness, have we been having some beautiful days. Spring flowers are blooming, grass is that lovely shade of eager green that heralds spring, and trees are just beginning to unfurl leaves to the sun. And the redbuds, my favorite, are on display, revealing pinks and magentas to whoever takes the time to look...

On Thursday, Feb. 22, I began a spiritual journey. I'll spare you the boring details. Well, I'll spare you some of the boring details. One element of my plan involved a commitment to fasting for a period of time. Writing a food column while fasting seemed like quite the endeavor, but I reminded myself I've overcome worse. ...

It's road trip weather! There's a nifty place in Farmington, Missouri, called The Factory, which is a huge brick building that used to be a shirt factory. Someone had the bright idea to put what is essentially a mall inside of the big old empty factory, and it was dark and a little dingy, but it was unusual, and it worked for me. I entered on the ground floor, walked down a few concrete steps, and was staring at what looked like concrete streets going in three different directions...

It's been four years since TJ's Burgers, Wings and Pizza has been featured in this column. In that time, TJ's has not only become a staple in Fruitland, but it has closed, moved and then reopened. I thought it was high time I checked it out at the new location and answered that all-important question: TJ's is back, but is it better than ever?...

A couple of weeks ago a little "birdie" clued me in and inspired me to take a quick trip south on the interstate to visit the Kelso Corner Grill, located at 151 S. Messmer St. in Kelso, Missouri. For those who have been around a while, the restaurant is located in the building that formerly housed the beloved "Ray's of Kelso" restaurant. ...

Late-ish on a Thursday night, I recently had a good meal in a restaurant that is absolutely like no other in our area. After a twisty and dark drive down State Highway C through the metropolis of Pocahontas, I turned right onto County Road 532. After an even more twisty-turny drive, I saw a long horizontal pole on the left side of the road, and a small "OPEN" sign was attached to it. ...

If you were hoping to read about my encounter with a massive beast of a burger, hang tight because all the details are coming soon to a newspaper near you. This week is all about a Lenten season tradition: The church "basement" fish fry. Now, before any of you get in a tizzy and accuse me of shoving religion down your throat, ask yourself a couple of questions: 1. ...

Pizza has often been on my mind lately. It has become a kind of treat food for me, a forbidden delicacy that I can only gift myself once in a great while. I know, I know, I can put a metric ton of emotional importance on food, but I've accepted that. ...

"Revival: an instance of returning to life or consciousness; restoration of vigour or vitality." Like many people, I choose a word to focus on and inspire me throughout the year. For me, it is a part of my spiritual practice and growth. Some people memorize complete Bible verses, I choose one word, have it printed on a bracelet, and wear it as a daily reminder. ...

I was surprised to realize that I have been writing for this feature since October 2018. It truly hasn't felt like this long, and I have enjoyed 99.7% of the places I visited (yes, that's very scientific and accurate, like everything I do.) But this time, I thought it might be interesting to take a look back at how the landscape of food has changed in the area, and perhaps spare a moment for those we have lost and still yearn for...

This week I explored the taste of India at one of my favorite local restaurants: The Spanish Street Farmacy. I stopped by and spoke to the brains behind the "virtual" operation, Frank Green. Green explained he became interested in the Gongora (Hibiscus sabdariffa) plant while breaking bread with friends from India. ...

There are some foods that I never want to cook at home because of the bother: pork rinds, a real steamed Christmas pudding, anything fried, especially chicken. Juicy, crispy, delicious fried chicken definitely tops that list. So the last couple of weeks, I started asking people where they like to get their fried chicken. Much to my (probably naive) surprise, many people told me Food Giant...

Whether a born-and- raised local, a regular, or someone just passing through Cape Girardeau, most people recognize The Library as a hub of the downtown nightlife. The Library, located at 10 S. Spanish St., offers a variety of entertainment options including happy hour, live music, karaoke, dancing, special events, televised sports, darts, patio games in their outdoor "Playground" area and a menu comprised of bar food favorites, salads, as well as heartier fare...

Don't be afraid to take chances, grasp for that brass ring, step outside of your comfort zone and experience the "other". For the fortunate among us, a mentor may present themselves and help us to take those first shaky steps into the unfamiliar and exciting unknown. If this happens, take their help joyfully and let the adventure begin...

In case you haven't noticed, baby, it's cold outside. Winter is a great excuse to stay cozy indoors. Being averse to temperatures below 60 degrees, I don't need to be told twice. Unfortunately, a book at Barnes & Noble was calling my name, and I figured if I was going outside, I would make the trip worth my while...

Foodies inherently have a deep and abiding interest in all things food. I enjoy seeing how food springs from various cultures, how it impacts traditions and holidays and how food even makes its way into art. Art created with food, such as pudding finger paintings when we were in kindergarten, haven't particularly interested me, but movies where food is the leading character, well those, those are intriguing...

It has been brought to my attention that an entire generation of young adults exist who either don't know Oprah Winfrey or do not fully grasp what she has accomplished in her career. This was brought to my attention via a tweet or a meme, which almost seems disrespectful...

The holidays are fast approaching, and with Thanksgiving's imminent return, I am already starting to feel the crunch. Cookies to make and freeze, family members to organize into a gathering where all can be present, presents to buy ... on and on and on, and most of the time, I kind of like the bustle. It makes my heart warm and fills the cold days with something to do. But sometimes, I need a breather, and I found the perfect place for that...

Three and a half years ago, in April of 2019, I accepted an invitation to brunch at Rusted Route Farms. Approximately three and a half weeks ago I happily accepted a second invitation to experience the Rusted Route Farms brunch extended by marketing manager Samantha Prost...

We can take for granted a person or an item that we interact with daily, but if you change the backdrop, suddenly they become new again. On vacation, you may notice the way the tropical sunset hits your loved one's face and remember how beautiful you find them. Or maybe when you are hiking and you find a lovely scenic spot to eat and pull out your favorite sandwich, and it tastes better because of all of the fresh air and the view. The backdrop matters...

I relish stories involving serendipitous moments, especially when the story is mine. I wasn't supposed to be downtown that Saturday morning. I should have been at the gym hours earlier. Instead, it was 9 a.m., and I was still trying to coax myself out of bed. Unfortunately, my usual self-talk tactics were not working, and I was on the brink of sabotaging my progress by officially declaring it a "me" day and scrapping my workout...

When I was a kid in Michigan, one of my favorite things to do after the first frost was pick apples from my great-uncle's farm (that was tradition up there, folks said it made the apples sweeter). It was an old apple orchard full of huge, gnarly trees, and it had been let go for some time. ...

Do you crave Mexican food? Are you a sucker for a quick, open and airy street food experience? Do you like the adventure of tracking down food trucks? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you should plan on making the Mexico On Wheels food truck your next stop...

This Spooky Season, I got an invitation from a friend to go see the doubleheader of new Halloween movies at Marcus Cape West Cinema. The third and final installment is coming out soon, and she thought it would be fun to have a refresher so we wouldn't miss any of the third movie's references. ...

I was on a mission a couple of weeks ago. It all started when, after months of preparation and training, I faced an unexpected obstacle. I had no control over the situation and wasn't sure getting back on track was possible. I prayed while holding tightly to doubt and fear. Then, I got an idea. If I was going to achieve my goal, I needed to get my mind right. I needed unshakeable focus and discipline. I needed to become like the ninjas of lore...

It was that quiet time between storms, that magical couple of hours between lunch and supper when most restaurant workers can catch their breath and people like me can eat without braving a crowd. Speck Pizza + Street Food at 430 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, having just opened for business on Sept. 1, still had a decent crowd but it was by no means full. Perfect...

Coming off of a spectacularly hectic weekend that saw me taking three trips to St. Louis in four days, I found myself on a Monday staring at a Tuesday deadline for this article. Honestly, this is nothing new. Procrastination is life for me. It's when I'm most productive, precisely because I have to be. ...

There are many new dining options coming to our area. Unfortunately, most are weeks to months away from their opening dates. Luckily, while considering interesting restaurants to explore and share with you, I ran into an old friend. She always has the scoop on delicious things in the area and has never steered me wrong. When she recommended a sweet, indulgent, strawberry breakfast item from "The Kozy" in Bloomsdale, Missouri, I trusted the drive would be worth it...

Teaching oneself how not to take things for granted is a hard path to choose. The love of people, the reliability of businesses, and even the weather for the day; it is far too easy to take these things for granted. Sometimes, I just need to stop, recenter, try to see things in my life with new eyes and appreciate them. That is the trick, the appreciating. And to let those we appreciate know it...

The more I travel twisty back roads looking for new places to eat, the more I love this part of the country I live in. This is a beautiful time of year to drive a country highway. The rain has been kind to us (sometimes too kind), and the trees are green and full of leafy glory. ...

Last week, I was on the lookout for a new-to-me restaurant for a lunch that wouldn't demolish my nutritional or financial goals for the day when I came across the menu for the Los Boys Hideaway in Egypt Mills. While several popular menu staples were listed under the appetizer, burger, sandwich and salad categories, the "Buffalo (bison) burger" is what caught my attention...

Once again, writing this article every two weeks has led me to a place I would have never found of my own volition. Following a tip from my friend, I visited Vitality Market at 117 W. Main St. in Jackson. Disclaimer time: The food I am about to talk about at Vitality Market is a small but vital part of this multifaceted store. ...

Relationships can be beautiful things. They nourish our souls. They bring peace to our days. They can be a source of joy and laughter. The best ones require commitment, understanding and grace. A good relationship is a great investment with amazing rewards...

When I was younger, it never crossed my mind that my immediate world would change: That the same stores and restaurants wouldn't be in the same places forever, that I wouldn't enjoy the same hobbies until I died, that the faces of my parents, siblings and grandparents wouldn't always look the same, that people I loved wouldn't be with me forever. But this life changes, and while I've come to embrace the changes, I also deeply appreciate those things that remain constant in my life...

The name "Disney World" often evokes images of family-friendly fun and a magical experience. They achieve it by carefully orchestrating an atmosphere that fully engages all of the senses. Disney's exquisite dining options are in such high demand many people make restaurant reservations before they have even booked their flights...

In the beginning swells of the Mississippi River Hills, in a tiny town named after a Native American princess, lies a cinderblock building with a robust pavilion behind it. For many years, this was a business built and owned by a wonderful couple, who founded a restaurant called the Bayou Bar and Grill. ...

Once upon a time, there was a man named Jamie Turk. People near and far knew him simply as "Turk." Turk and Suzana had four children: Kayleigh, Lizzy, Jeffrey and Justin. Turk loved baseball, so it was no surprise when his twin daughters became a force to be reckoned with on the softball field. ...

This week, I took a step back in time a few decades at Ewald's Bar-B-Q in Perryville, Missouri. Located in the lovely historic downtown, Ewald's is in an unassuming building that always seems to have vehicles lined up outside. The name of the restaurant is printed on a fading Pepsi sign up on a pole outside, and the Pepsi logo is not a modern one. Before stepping foot inside, I already loved it...

There are all kinds of "to do" lists this time of year. There are lists of activities to do with your children over the summer and lists of things to do to get beach ready. There are lists of things to do before heading off to college, along with lists of ways to deal with a newly-empty nest. You can find an endless number of "to do" lists on a wide variety of topics ranging from travel, hiking and fishing to home renovation, lawn care and everything in between...

I try to spend more time outside in the warmer months in a futile attempt to tame nature and nurture my plants. I know that the weeds will regrow, but that's OK. Year by year, I get to watch my plants grow taller and stronger, bloom more and spread their own offspring across the flower beds. ...

It was bittersweet when Zoi's Gyros closed it's doors a couple of months ago. I was one of many who braved the long lines for a final bon voyage buy. Then, as it always does, life went on without much more thought about gyros. Until last week, that is, when my mind signaled I was in need of a gyro fix. ...

Ideas for this column tend to hit me at odd moments in my day. This article was no exception. When I was waiting at a doctor's office scrolling through the current day's news and saw an article about a new beverage trend called "dirty soda," I knew that I had to know more...

New love is a beautiful thing. The sun shines brighter. Birds sing louder. Flowers appear to be painted in Technicolor bold, and everyone you meet seems to exude warmth, love and joy. For a moment, everything feels right in the world. I know, I'm gushing. I can't help it. They say it always happens when you least expect it, and I can confirm that is true...

My favorite thing about trying new places is discovering a dish that I've never tasted before, something brand new and unique. I went to Smokin Double Barrels BBQ in Perryville, Missouri, last week, hoping to find just that, and boy, did I! Smokin Double Barrels BBQ is in a small white building, unassuming but neat as a pin inside. ...

After driving past 811 Broadway in downtown Cape Girardeau for months on end waiting for any signs of life, I was rewarded Saturday afternoon. Speakeasy Coffee Company finally opened. I wrapped up some business a few doors down then wandered over. I wish I could say I was dressed in my "glad rags" on my way to shimmy the hours away in a dimly lit lounge, but it isn't that kind of speakeasy...

Anticipation can be so sweet. Being able to wonder, to imagine what an experience will be like, to have something to look forward to; that feeling can be like magic. This excitement, to varying degrees, is how I feel when a new restaurant is about to open. ...

Last Friday I had a plan. It was as loose plan, but a plan nonetheless. My indecisive self had narrowed my eating exploration down to two locations of considerable distance. However, when I woke on Saturday morning I just wasn't feeling my usual spontaneous, road-trip-eady self. I was not in the mood to drive 30 to 60 minutes for something I wasn't sure I would enjoy. I was looking for a sure thing, and I knew the perfect place...

The sense of smell is tightly linked to memory. A quick Google search confirms that our olfactory nerve that lets us process smell lies close to our hippocampus, that part of our brain that is most important to storing memories. It even has a name: the Proust Effect. ...

A friend's answer to my usual end of the week question, "So, do you have any plans for the weekend?" led me 47 miles away from home the very next day. She said she and her husband planned to take a little drive out to the Shady Oak Market in Bloomfield, Missouri, for lunch and some shopping. The way she raved about their sandwiches made this bread-loving woman salivate like Pavlov's dog...

Galati's Ristorante is located inside of a small building tucked into the corner of an intersection in downtown Perryville, Missouri. When you walk in the door, you will see a small place, only 10 tables, and a visibly busy pizza baking station to the left. Galati's is intimate, and if you want to be sure to get a seat, arrive early...

Downtown Cape Girardeau has something to satiate almost any craving for entertainment: fine dining, cheap eats, art, live music, arcade games, antiques, resale shops, specialty boutiques, live music, sports bars, ice cream, coffee and micro-breweries...

When my friend, who lives in Scott City, told me that the country fried steak at Sandy's Place was huge, as big as the plate, I was sold. This was not the first time that a Scott City resident had recommended Sandy's Place to me. The locals seem to love this eatery...

A spiritual journey recently led me to Egypt Mills. Egypt Mills is an unincorporated community located approximately 12 miles from Jackson, in east Cape Girardeau County. I previously visited the area to shop at a cute little boutique, but this time I was on a journey to Wat's Smokin' BBQ to make smoked salmon my first lenten lunch ever...

When I decided to try Bandana's Bar-B-Q as a possible food article target, I already knew it was a chain restaurant. Lately, I've been trying to give chains the benefit of the doubt, because we know that all franchises are not created equal. Bandana's has been in town since 2019, and I had not visited it yet. ...

Last Friday I took a midday trip to the SEMO PETS parking lot located at 180 Weston St. in Cape Girardeau. Ordinarily, I would have been there to drop off a donation or to volunteer (aka play with all the sweet puppies and dogs waiting for their forever homes), but this time I was on a different mission. I was looking for the newest installment to the local food truck scene: 1UP Catering...

Hack: v. to use a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system. But when did the word "hack" come to be used as a term for breaking into a computer system instead of just roughly chopping something up? According to tripwire.com, the current use of "hack" started in 1961 with MIT's Tech Model Railroad Club. ...

This week I was prepared to give you the scoop on Mana Tea downtown. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Rebecca LaClair beat me to the punch with her column last week. You know what they say about great minds ... I enjoyed the creamy ube taro milk tea I picked up after shopping at the cute boutique next door, Belle Ever After. ...

Peace, tranquility, kindness, the perfect drink; all can be found at Mana Tea at 411 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. As I was searching for somewhere new to go, I found Mana Tea online and instantly smiled. "If," I thought, "this company doesn't take advantage of that pun and use a manatee for a logo, I will be highly disappointed." I wasn't disappointed. ...

Last week I made a bunch of bad decisions after seeing we had nasty weather headed our way. I don't enjoy being cold, but I can certainly appreciate the excuse it gives me to stay warm and cozy at home indulging in all kinds of comfort foods, so off to the store I went to load up on "supplies."...

Recently, I found myself up at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m. and driving around Cape Girardeau, evidently the only soul on the street at that hour. The city was eerie then, like traveling through a ghost town, and I was struck with the thought once again that we don't really know what goes on in the world for the dark half of the day. ...

Where do you put all the "leftover" love when you lose someone much too soon? That is the challenge Yameka Robinson and her family faced in August 2019 after a senseless act of gun violence left 20-year-old Ryan Robinson injured and ended the life of 15-year-old Madison "Madi" Robinson...

"New Year, New Me" always seems like an exercise in futility to me. Don't get me wrong, I am an optimist, a mostly happy person, and I do keep trying to improve myself, but I don't want a completely new me. I want to strive for new experiences, new knowledge, new joy and awe, but that doesn't mean I place a greater value on the new than those experiences, learnings and joys that have come before. ...

On Christmas Eve eve I grabbed a pen and notebook and headed over to Pho 8. I was looking for a steaming hot bowl of comfort food and hoping to find inspiration for this column along the way. I get a little anxious at the culmination of each year. While most people are worrying about their New Year's Eve attire or who they will be kissing when midnight arrives, I feel pressure to make everything THE BEST EVER before 2021 slips away into the past...

My favorite part about food is running into a unique dish that leads me to a flavor I've never experienced before. I have an especially good time if this new flavor comes from a culinary destination I think I am familiar with, that I think doesn't hold any surprises for me any longer, like Mexican food. ...

Throughout my career I've had some great mentors. One, a retired marine, exemplified integrity by treating everyone with care, dignity, and respect. He was one of many who set the bar high for the kind of person I wanted to become. I tell his story over and over. ...

Fast food is a necessary evil, and sometimes I just want something fast that doesn't come between two pieces of bread. You know, what I refer to as "real food." (I still love you, fast food, don't be hatin'.) And I've found the ultimate place to get fast, real food. ...

This is your brief glimpse into the (not so) glamorous life of a local foodie writer. Food is probably the last thing anyone wants to think about after the planning, preparation, expense and gluttonous feasting that is Thanksgiving. I am no different...

Life is hectic, and I am a terrible planner. I can't plan a menu for a week like my mom. I do try. I always end up throwing out food that has gone bad before I can even think of cooking it. I love food, but I don't always like giving up the time to cook it. Convenience has become an issue for me, though, with the diabetic diagnosis. A burger and fries won't work and eating a bunless burger and side salad gets old really fast. I wanted to share one of my favorite go-tos lately...

We are at the time of year when many are beginning to fantasize about their favorite holiday dish. Thanksgiving turkey. Stuffing. Pumpkin everything. Eggnog. Christmas decor is everywhere, and retail workers are already ending their shifts ready to fight anyone who so much as whistles one more Christmas tune. ...

Foodie experiences can reveal themselves in myriad places. Sometimes, it's a restaurant that tickles our taste buds, makes our eyes widen in pleasure and surprise. Sometimes, it's a recipe that reminds us of a childhood memory, brings us back to that time in the kitchen when we couldn't see over the counter yet. And sometimes, a foodie experience will be inspired by a movie...

The only thing I enjoy more than good food is good food with a story. A powerful story. This week as I returned to the familiar grounds of Fuel Bar + Taco in Jackson (634 W. Main St.), I found myself on a culinary journey that led to an emotional and educational undertaking beyond my expectations...

Acting on a tip from a friend, I visited the cutest little place this week. At 1326 Main St. in Scott City, tucked into an old brick building with the door diagonal to the corner of two streets, is a little shop, Southern Charm Nutrition. My friend told me there was a tea place in Scott City. ...

October is here! Many people are excited because it is officially Halloween month. The leaves have started to change color, fall decor is invading our indoor spaces and some women have put away their white shoes, and stepped (albeit prematurely) into their winter boots as if their efforts will summon cooler temperatures. It doesn't appear to be working — temperatures remain plenty warm. Maybe wearing Sherpa pullovers next week will help? It's worth a try...

Not too terribly long ago, Watami in Cape Girardeau reopened after what felt like a very long closing due to a remodel. I didn't suffer too badly, but I did finally get to revisit them recently to see if it was still as delicious as I remember. I feel like I write about sushi often because I love it, and while I did order sushi, and it was incredible, you won't hear me desperately urging you to try it if you haven't yet, or praising its complexity and vivid play of flavors. ...

Eight years ago, director David Fincher brought actor Ben Affleck and some Hollywood glam to the corner of Spanish and Themis Street when he selected "The Bar" as one location for the filming of his movie "Gone Girl." I remember feeling the buzz of excitement in the air as the crowd of onlookers patiently waited for an opportunity to take a photo with Affleck. For a moment, we experienced a bit of Hollywood right here in Cape Girardeau...

This week, I went back to Sikeston, Missouri, to test a lofty claim that I noticed on a previous visit to the town: "Best catfish in town." Merick's Sandwich Shop still had their logo on the sign out front when I pulled up, and I was excited to see if it could be true. ...

The past couple of weeks I have been hearing about a new drive-up only barbecue joint in Jackson named "DB's Barbecue". It started with a whisper, a quiet Facebook message from a friend encouraging me to check it out. The heat began to build as I overheard people here and there gushing about their DB's experiences, specifically the pulled pork potato skins. ...

I found myself in the frozen north again on Labor Day (that's St. Louis, for those who don't understand my brain) and decided it was a fine opportunity to find a new place to eat. Despite the holiday, I found a wonderful little nook in Chesterfield called the Balkan Store & Bakery. Located in a tidy little strip mall at 13393 Olive Boulevard, "A Taste of Europe" was proudly proclaimed on its sign...

There is nothing like love to force you outside your comfort zone. For me, the list of things "outside my comfort zone" includes big-city driving. It is like speaking Spanish — I just don't do either often enough to develop lasting confidence in my abilities. ...

I'm not sure how I missed this place for so long, but I did, and I apologize to you for this oversight. In the town of New Hamburg, Missouri, down the street from a beautiful Catholic church that dominates the crest of the hill and overlooks State Highway A, sits a building that dates to 1848 (all dates and fun facts were confirmed or given by our awesome server, Megan). Schindler's Tavern, founded in 1934, still occupies this aged building...

Monday night was rough. I spent the majority of the evening trying to quietly slip away from a big, muscular, heavy beast who is completely and utterly obsessed with me. He demanded my undivided attention and would not keep his adoring yet overly enthusiastic paws off of me. ...

There are certain things we take for granted, simply because it is so accessible to us. One such thing is the Mississippi River, which is the fourth largest watershed in the world. The Mighty River drains 40% of the land mass of North America. Being a transplant from another state as a teenager, I still feel a certain amount of awe at seeing the river, wide and muddy and fast-flowing -- so much water. ...

Have you heard Lionel Richie's song "Easy"? Easy like Sunday Morning. Where did he get that idea? My Sundays are not easy. Sunday feels like a time warp — hours speed by in double-time. One minute the sun is gently waking me up then BAM! it is 8 p.m., and I am trying to finish up Saturday things while preparing for Monday things. ...

I had big plans last weekend. A day trip to St. Louis with the objective of visiting a variety of establishments to feast on their culinary delights. My salivary glands kicked into overdrive, and my mouth watered as I daydreamed about the possibilities...

In Perryville, Missouri, not far from Interstate 55 at 1700 Alma Ave., sits a large dark brown building. It is currently ringed with Missouri Amish tomatoes and stacks of watermelons of all kinds. Eight-foot palms and curling, blooming mandevilla vines stand guard at the awnings' supports, and lovely wooden and metal wishing well yard ornaments pepper the parking lot. I'd found Frank and Bridget's Produce, and what a unique place it is!...

The Dog Days of Summer "officially" arrived June 3 and end Aug. 11. Dog days bright and clear Indicate a happy year; But when accompanied by rain, For better times, our hopes are vain Whether you believe the folklore behind the saying or not, there is no disputing it is starting to feel as hot as Texas around these parts. People are either hunkering down in the cool AC or managing the scorching temperatures by hanging out near pools, lakes and beaches...

This week I'm going back to Perryville, which I have come to view very much as ground zero for great individualistic restaurants. I've had some wonderful experiences in Perryville so far, and I added to the list this week. Visiting Southern Roots at 15 West St. ...

Last Saturday I was lured 45 minutes away to Cobden, Illinois, by the possibility of trying a limited time menu item at The Iron Whisk: The Violet Femme Dutch Baby. Their online menu describes a Dutch baby as an iron skillet puffed pancake, "like if an omelette married a crepe and had a baby." The name Violet Femme is a genius nod to the band The Violent Femmes, Pride Month and the locally-grown lavender they use in the cream. ...

After a quick drive up to the St. Louis area, I found myself among friends and hungry. My friend used Google Maps to scan for restaurants around us (a wonderful tool), and we picked a place called Kar'is Surf & Sirloin. The mention of steak was enough for my husband, so two minutes later, we were piling out of the car at 13090 Manchester Road in Des Peres and walking into the most charming, classical Greek steakhouse that I've ever frequented...

If you have been searching for a hot new place to feed your taco addiction, look no further than Fuel in Jackson. Fuel was built at the site of a former gas station, hence the name. Their menu gives a nod to the previous occupants with taco options designated as "regular," "plus" and "premium." The drink menu continues the homage with names such as "Petrol Paloma" and "High Octane."...

At its new location at 2146 William St. in Cape Girardeau, My Marie's certainly did the job of catching my attention. I had heard of My Marie's before it moved but kept forgetting to check it out. Now, in its newly painted building, a brilliant golden orange, I took the time to go inside of its doors and see what kind of unique Creole soul food it could offer...

Amidst a fun-filled road tripping weekend around central Missouri, a friend and I realized we would find ourselves smack dab in the middle of St. Louis around lunchtime. Big cities are like buffets of restaurants — so many good options it can seem impossible to narrow it down to just one. ...

Every once in a great while, as I journey across our part of the country in search of somewhere new and exciting to eat, I stumble upon a place that delights me to the core. Susie's Bake Shop and Restaurant in Sikeston, Missouri, is just such a place...

This week started with a couple of creative foodie writing ideas and a few suggestions for new locales. This week, I would finally write an article that would showcase my quirkiness, creativity, silly side and love of life and food. This week, I would string words into sentences that would garner national attention and finally catapult this small town "girl" into the big leagues of writing fame and fortune. ...

The floodgates at the Mississippi River are open again, and I was there, watching the water scroll endlessly to the right. I wasn't born in this part of the country, so I try not to take the river for granted. There is so much water there. It boggles the mind how many gallons are passing, and yet, still the river runs. ...

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a friend. He popped the question. I said yes. "Want to go hunting?" What did you think I was going to say? Knowing him, he wasn't talking about nature or creepy crawly slithering things. He was talking about heading to Kentucky for the day to track down an elusive bottle of bourbon to add to his collection and I, like any supportive friend, was all in. No hesitation. That's how we roll...

A couple of weeks ago, we headed to Montgomery, Alabama, for a dream trip that's been on my list for some time: An island in the middle of the Alabama River called Jackson Lake Island. Jackson Lake Island is home to about 50 goats who were having kids at the time — tiny, jumpy, cuddly, fluffy kids that you could pet and who would make me laugh. ...

Spring has sprung! Flowers are blooming, we have had some beautiful bright sunny days and, God willing, we have many more ahead. My recent foodie adventure location is one you will want to jot down or make a mental note of for the next time you are in need of some open road therapy...

In the scramble to find new, unusual places to eat, sometimes I forget about the survivors, those restaurants that have stepped into the gladiator arena and somehow beaten Father Time to a draw. One such restaurant that stands victorious through the sheer act of surviving for 53 long years is Pagliai's Pizza & Pasta in Cape Girardeau...

If there is anything SEMO foodies can't seem to get enough of it's Mexican food. Whether indulging in a special fine dining fusion of Latin flavors, one of the many popular family restaurants packed with familiar favorites, a fast food fix or a taco truck treat, the Mexican food market is booming with business, and now there is another destination to add to the list -- Panaderia Oaxaquena...

Sometimes, finding a new place to simply buy groceries can be just as exciting for me as eating at a new restaurant. This week, I had one of those moments as I stepped into Emory's Little Store in Fruitland. My absolute delight requires just a tad of background information to understand...

Sunday evening a friend invited me to Minglewood Brewery to catch up over an early dinner. He is a beer connoisseur and we both enjoy good food. I was looking forward to the warm casual atmosphere complete with upbeat music and a social vibe. When we arrived, we were given the option of dining room or patio. ...

Freed from the chains of snow-clogged roads, I found myself driving down a winding country highway, on my way to try another restaurant in the wilds of Missouri. Or maybe just in Patton. Either way, I was happy and free. I've been meaning to visit Suzie's Country Kitchen for some time now, but I could never work out the timing. I have several relatives who make the drive regularly, and that means Suzie's was well worth checking out...

Supposedly, Monday was National Margarita Day — as if I needed another excuse to meet up with an old friend and catch up with each others lives over drinks that taste like warmth, sunshine, and summer on the rocks. We sat there enjoying each others company amid the colorful Mexican decor, laughter, and celebration all around when my past returned to haunt me. ...

I found myself faced with a dilemma this week. I was supposed to find a cool restaurant, eat there, write about it, but I'm snowed in, and even if I could drive downtown, most places aren't open anyway, and it's Snowmaggedon everywhere. It's all just too much. So I took a deep breath, looked outside and decided to make do with what I had...

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. While some cringe at the thought of yet another "Hallmark" holiday aimed at separating them from their money, others look at it as one more opportunity to spread the love. It probably will not surprise you to hear I am of the latter category. ...

A new place opens; new food is cooked; a new article is written. Ah, it's like a much more pedestrian circle of life, and I enjoy it. This week I ate at a new restaurant in Jackson — Tokyo Sushi and Steakhouse of Japan. Tokyo Sushi just opened last week, and I couldn't wait to go, so I didn't. ...

Chicken Tikka Masala was the inspiration for my recent return trip to the Spanish Street Farmacy located in downtown Cape Girardeau. I did not realize it had been almost two full years to the day since my original visit. When I arrived, it was once again on a dreary winter day. ...

Well, it seems I'll never learn. Procrastination has morphed in my life from a choice that I make occasionally to now becoming simply a lifestyle. Procrastination got me again this weekend when I was recovering from a wicked bout with a stomach issue. ...

Last week I decided I wanted the scoop on a new restaurant: Speck Pizza + Street Food. Who opens a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic? The storefront is under construction so I could not get a sneak peek. I sent a message to the Speck Facebook page hoping to get the low down on their opening date, but instead I received an invitation to Gabriel's Food + Wine to meet with owner Gabriele Ruggieri. ...

Unlike many people, nostalgia still runs deep in me this time of year. When most are looking forward to new things and new experiences, I find myself craving the good old days, the before times, the eating-out and movie-going days. In that spirit, I revisited somewhere I haven't been in far too long...

Do you believe you have a calling? Do you believe we each have our own path and purpose? Do you believe in the universe or karma? I do. I recognize what I refer to as "God moments" in my life, but you are free to call them whatever you like. I believe that sometimes I receive messages of validation in a loud, clear and indisputable manner. ...

Chocolate in cookies and steaks I have bitten Bright shining serving plates washed in the kitchen Brown, spiced-up burgers all dolloped with greens These are a few of my favorite things When the gut growls And the void stings When I'm feeling mad I think the Mudcat in Oak is the thing...

If you have driven down Broadway in Cape Girardeau within the past couple of months you may have noticed a black sign with bright red letters announcing the arrival of something new sharing the corner with well-known local establishments such as Shivelbines music, Annie Laurie's antiques, and The Indie House: Rufus Red Hots Restaurant...

I enjoy flavors now that I did not as a child. I think most of us can say that. According to howstuffworks.com, we have a higher concentration of taste buds when we're children, predisposing us to enjoy sweeter foods. As we grow into teenagers, we are able to discern more and differing flavors, preferring less sweetness. ...

This week's adventure led me to a little place called Kimmswick, Missouri, home of The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery. The Blue Owl story has been told by big names like Oprah, Guy Fieri, Paula Dean and her sons along with numerous shows and publications. I couldn't imagine what more I could possibly say about their signature item, the Levee High Apple Pie, but I decided to go where I felt I was being led...

In my unending quest to continue eating out without really eating out, I have gotten far more introspective and aware of the places I pick. Because of this increase in thoughtfulness, I realized I had neglected to write about one of the places I often turn to for lunch. I mean, I thought I had written about it, or maybe another foodie had covered it in full, but no, somehow I had missed giving this place its due...

What do winding country roads, smoky bars, beer, veterans, Harley Davidson motorcycles, a brassiere chandelier, Clint Eastwood and a couple of good old boys have in common? You can find them all at The East Perry Pub. That's what I found when I climbed into Big Red and let my GPS guide me down winding country roads and over a couple of one lane bridges Saturday night...

I had it on very good authority that Tuesdays in Perryville, Missouri, were special for one reason: homemade chicken and dumplings at Incredible Edibles. Fall and the cooler weather had made this the perfect time to test that theory. The leaves were showing their color and falling in buckets across the road. The time had changed, and the world seemed to be moving slower and breathing a sigh of relief. I adore fall...

Take a 20- or 30-minute drive outside of Cape Girardeau to the unincorporated community of New Hamburg, Missouri. Early settlers named the land after Hamburg, Germany, and the name was updated to New Hamburg in 1866. St. Lawrence Parish was founded there in 1847 and remains an integral part of the community. ...

As a foodie, I sometimes feel as if there is that jump never taken, that food never tasted and that opportunity missed to try something that everyone else seems to love. Usually, this missed chance is accidental, just simple oversight on my part, but sometimes it is willful and stubborn...

I returned to Sedona Bistro Sunday for a one-day event they were hosting: Sushi by Angel, a pop-up restaurant. Pop-up restaurants my seem like a new fad, but the concept has been around since the 1960s when they were known as "supper clubs." Pop-ups are temporary restaurants which may be quick one-day events or at a location for several months. ...

Writing about food is a good gig, and sometimes the gigs just fall into my lap. I was invited to try Notre Dame's "Sunday dinner during the week." And so, at 4:30 p.m., I arrived at the Notre Dame Regional High School just outside of Cape Girardeau on Highway K, at 265 Notre Dame Drive. ...

Last week I did something out of the ordinary — I used a vacation day in the middle of the week to visit Strawberry's at 107 Main St. in Holcomb, Missouri. I invited a friend to come along and did something else out of the ordinary — I left Big Red at home and accepted my friend's offer to drive. ...

Off to Perryville, Missouri, where I taste-tested a place that I know well when it comes to doughnuts but was totally clueless when it comes to savory food. Hoeckele Bakery & Deli is well known for its absolutely amazing sweets, but they also have a fairly extensive menu that utilizes other baked goods in a fresh and succulent way. It's easy to overlook the "& Deli" part of the name, but I would encourage you to not make that mistake...

What's in a name? Names are important. Parents think long and hard about what to name their children before they are born. As children, some of us toyed with names we would have preferred. I know I had a couple in mind for when I was a "grown up" and could decide for myself. ...

I am guilty of a horrible crime. I have this wonderful platform with which I can steer you, the fellow members of my community, in the direction of worthy or quirky or just darn tasty restaurants. My crime is that, so often, I take for granted the places I visit the most and don't think to share them with you. ...

"It's about to go down!" "We love Babe's!" Babe's is " ... the best in the country!" "Looks so good!" "Worth the drive." " ... one of my favorite stops when I'm over that way." " ... smells so freakin' good!" Those are just a few of the comments I came across when I tried to find information about Babe's Fish Wagon, which is on the Illinois side of Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in East Cape Girardeau...

I took a road trip to Oran, Missouri, recently. I had never visited before and was following up on a food lead. The drive to Oran was breathtaking. Wild hyacinths were blooming in the ditches, immense white flowers rarely sprinkled with the odd pink specimen. ...