Madeleine Leroux

Irene's

Area restaurants make summer schedule changes

Several area restaurants have made changes to their schedules this summer. Both My Sweet Parlor and Tony’s Pizza Palace have announced temporary closures. My Sweet Parlor is closed through July 5 and Tony’s Pizza Palace is closed until July 10. My Sweet Parlor’s closure is due to planned maintenance and Tony’s is for an annual […]

Nail art

Stylish Sets to Suit Your Nails

Styled by Madelyn Jones | Photos by L.G. Patterson Nail art is all the rage right now. From detailed designs that look like tiny masterpieces to more subdued colors and styles, the summer nail trends have a wide range of styles from which to choose. And that’s always a good thing since what works for one […]

Pesto

Personalize Your Pesto for A New Experience

Photos by L.G. Patterson I love basil and pesto, but I don’t always enjoy growing basil. I look forward to spring to have fresh basil leaves to use for caprese salad, topping on pizza or tossing into pasta. But I don’t look forward to the time of year when it starts to bolt to seed […]

Caprese dip

Try This Savory, Fresh Summer Dip

Photos by L.G. Patterson In my life, I’ve been lucky enough to have great cooks to inspire and teach me. My mother was a fantastic cook who taught me to make a consistently good roast. I’ve got a tremendously talented brother-in-law who treats me to cioppino — fresh seafood stew — each summer, and believe me, […]

Club Car Wash

Best of Columbia 2023

Photos by L.G. Patterson The results are finally in! After thousands (and thousands!) of nominations and votes, we are ready to present the very Best of Columbia. Below, you’ll find the winners in a wide variety of categories, from Best Burger to Best Festival or Annual Event. This year, thanks to readers like you, we received […]

From left to right: Josh Thompson, Mike Ward, Will Garrett, Nick Rector, Mitchell Blehm, Mandy Shanks

Best of Columbia: Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance

As Columbia continues to grow, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance has grown as well, adding more local insurance professionals to its agency. “From homeowners and renters’ insurance to auto insurance and commercial insurance, we have Columbia’s growing insurance needs covered,” says Director of Customer Experience Ashton Kidwell. At Missouri Farm Bureau, they know the importance of […]

911 Restoration

Best of Columbia: 911 Restoration of Central Missouri

Positioned right in the heart of Missouri, 911 Restoration of Central Missouri is ready to serve a wide customer base, assisting after any disaster. After all, the whole goal of the company is to be there when you most need a helping hand, says Owner Dustan White. “We strive to uplift our customers, helping them […]

Lakota Coffee Company

Best of Columbia: Lakota Coffee Company

For more than 30 years, Lakota Coffee Company has been keeping Columbia caffeinated by providing the freshest tasting coffee possible. So it’s no wonder the business was recognized with the silver award for Best Coffee in this year’s Best of Columbia. “We strive to provide the best coffee, atmosphere and customer service in town,” says […]

Jenna Sutton - The Clip Joint

Best of Columbia: Jenna Sutton – The Clip Joint Salon

For the past 17 years, Jenna Sutton has been working behind the chair, building relationships with the people of Columbia. As a hair stylist at The Clip Joint, Sutton says she spends her time working to make clients feel their best. That’s why it means the world to be recognized by winning gold for Best […]

Izzy Smith Homes

Best of Columbia: Izzy Smith Homes – RE/MAX Boone Realty

Izzy Smith’s extensive knowledge of real estate has helped her assist property buyers and sellers in all types of ways. Smith, of Izzy Smith Homes-RE/MAX Boone Realty, says her agriculture business degree has helped develop her exclusive knowledge of land sales, in addition to the experience she has gained in the field. “My experience with […]

Creekside Pet Center

Best of Columbia: Creekside Pet Center

With a dedicated team, designated pet focused facility and passion, Creekside Pet Center is the perfect place for Columbia pets. Jacob Brummet, owner, loves being a home away from home for your most special furry friend.“We are truly pet focused,”he says.“We designed everything with our pets in mind.” Brummet says Creekside also employs many students […]

Missouri Eye Consultants

Best of Columbia: Missouri Eye Consultants

Missouri Eye Consultants prides itself on putting the needs of each patient first and foremost. Chris DeRose, optometrist and one of the owners of Missouri Eye Consultants, says it’s what the business is known for in mid-Missouri. “We do not take any shortcuts with our patients’ needs,” he says. And winning gold for Best Place […]

Brian Wear Plumbing

Best of Columbia: Brian Wear Plumbing

No one likes dealing with plumbing issues. But when you call Brian Wear Plumbing, you can rest assured that whatever the problem is, it will be solved. Plus, your home will be fully inspected to prevent future issues. “Whatever the problem, we’re here to solve it. We want to be the go-to plumber in Columbia,” […]

Mutrux Automotive

Best of Columbia: Mutrux Automotive

For 21 years, Mutrux Automotive has been serving the Columbia community, providing full service at the pumps and in the garage for both minor and major repairs. Owners Cindy and Ross Mutrux say the customers are the best part of business. “We truly have the best customer base ever,” Cindy Mutrux says. As a hometown […]

Las Margaritas

Best of Columbia: Las Margaritas

With more than 25 years of experience, Las Margaritas knows how to make authentic Mexican food and drinks. It’s the reason the business can now proudly state that they have won gold for Best Mexican Restaurant for the 10th year in a row! “Our entire company is so incredibly honored to be awarded Best Mexican!” […]

Betz Jewelers

Best of Columbia: Betz Jewelers

Betz Jewelers is a hidden gem, tucked away on the third floor of the Executive Building at Sixth Street and Broadway (Boone Central Title is on the ground floor.) Once you find the secret spot, “you’ll be buzzed in and welcomed, but never pressured or ‘sold,’” says Rachel Flynn, the store’s marketing director. “We’re a […]

Rusty Drewing

Best of Columbia: Rusty Drewing Dealerships

Customers of Rusty Drewing Dealerships, as well as BMW of Columbia/ Mercedes-Benz of Columbia, know that once they step into a dealership, they’ll be greeted by the familiar faces of longtime employees. Rusty Drewing, owner and president, says customer experience is always a priority for his team as happy customers are repeat customers. “Our goal […]

Dogs at Logboat

Voices of Columbia to Perform at Logboat

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to enjoy music, food, games and more while supporting Heart of Missouri CASA. Voices of Columbia 2023 is set for 3-6 p.m. Sunday at Logboat Brewing Co. The event is meant to help the local CASA chapter, which seeks to train and support volunteers to be the voices for […]

Art supplies

Sunday Art Show to Support Local Student

Enjoy beautiful art in a great atmosphere Sunday while helping a local student achieve her dreams. From 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sycamore will host a solo art show for Amani Zaire, a 2023 graduate of Battle High School. This is Zaire’s first solo show and will feature originals, prints, stickers, waist beads and more for sale, […]

Dog at Cafe Berlin

Patio Social to Raise Funds for New Dog Park

For dog lovers, there’s not much better than bringing your pup to a good patio and enjoying the sunshine. But early next week, you can do just that while supporting plans for a brand new dog park in Columbia. The Petite Pup Patio Social is set for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at Cafe Berlin and is […]