You’re in for a history lesson. My tiny-town travels have taken me to the quaint historic town of Blackwater, which is so small that if you blink, you might miss it. Located 40 minutes west of Columbia, past Boonville and a couple exits, Blackwater was once a refueling station for the Missouri Pacific Railroad between Jefferson City and Kansas City.
via Tiny Town Tastes: Iron Horse Hotel & Restaurant in Blackwater | Restaurants | Vox Magazine
After a slew of suggestions, I had a handful that pointed me in the direction of Claysville Store, 5650 E. Claysville Road in Hartsburg, located north of Jefferson City by the river and Katy Trail. I headed south on U.S. 63 and took a right at Claysville road down yet another winding path to find out what the rave was all about.
Written for the Tiny Town Tastes blog series for Vox Magazine, Summer 2016. Read more here.
Chim’s Thai Kitchen is my go-to place for pad thai in Columbia. Once upon a time, they had three locations — downtown, off Nifong Boulevard and down by the river at Cooper’s Landing. Last fall, I called to to put in my weekly order and the phone rang and rang. No one picked up. I drove to the restaurant, and it was vacant. What was I supposed to do? Where was I supposed to get my pad thai? The other Thai joints had to suffice. I didn’t know where Chim’s went.
Part of the Tiny Town Tastes blog series for Vox Magazine, Summer 2016. Read the full story here.
Lula’s Tavern was recommended to me from the very beginning by my friend’s husband who is a Moberly native. Moberly is not a tiny town compared to Missouri standards, population roughly around 13,700, but Lula’s fit the requirement nevertheless. Upon research of this place, the words “warm beer and lousy service” kept appearing in contrast to it’s high ratings and outstanding comments. What was going on?
Written for Vox Magazine‘s Tiny Town Tastes blog series. Read all about Lula’s here.
Flat Branch Pub is known for incorporating alcohol into its recipes. The green chili chicken fingers, beer cheese soup and one of the house marinades contain traces of it. It’s no surprise the restaurant utilizes beer in the desserts as well.
If you haven’t filled up on delicious brews and tasty burgers, save room for the Stout Brownie Sundae. The chefs make this speciality item with Oil Change Oatmeal Stout, and served with a side of Mizzou-made Arbuckles ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Diners can choose from Mizzou Gold, Tiger Stripe or the flavor of the week. The dessert is served on a massive plate, so this dish is great for sharing if you’re feeling particularly generous.
Executive chef Mike Arnall, who has been at Flat Branch since 2008, says the decadent brownie was on the menu before he started and might be one of the original desserts from the restaurant’s opening 21 years ago.
The process starts with a standard brownie recipe mixed with the Oil Change stout, one of Flat Branch’s core eight beers served throughout the year.
Kyle Butusov, Flat Branch’s head brewer, says the stout has a smoky, coffee, chocolaty taste. The beer is used in the stout brownie to complement those flavors.
The moist brownie is rich as fudge and mildly sweet. Oil Change Oatmeal Stout is thick and bitter like coffee, so the combination resembles dark chocolate. The local ice cream brings texture and sweetness to the whole platter. Beer and brownies: Who knew this unlikely combination could taste so good?
— Claire Lardizabal
Source: Boozy bites in Columbia
clairelardizabal.com 