Fall is filled with tailgates, cycling, hikes and more. And wraps are the perfect pick for all your outdoor activities. Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Veggie Wrap with Roasted Red Pepper and Lime Spread 2 large limes (or 3 small ones) 1 cup of roasted red peppers 1 cup sour cream 1 cup good mayonnaise 5 […]
There’s something that happens to us when the city we live in grows as fast as Columbia has. The pace of day-to-day life is quicker, and our time behind the wheel of a car is spent more often at stoplights than on windy roads. As a plus, however, Columbia’s top chefs are eagerly striving to […]
As we wind down from summer, don’t hesitate to keep firing up the grill. Take advantage of those farmers market eggplants to make a quick and easy dipping sauce for these grilled chicken kofta that are amped up with some Moroccan spices. CHICKEN KOFTA: 1 small red onion, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped […]
photos courtesy of Rebecca Allen On Saturday mornings the Columbia Farmers Market draws thick crowds eager to fill their bags with fresh produce, baked goods, local meats and more. Wandering through is a sensory experience, filled with earthy smells, bright cheerful produce and savory samples. Amidst large-scale farmers, two tents stand out with simplistic beauty. […]
For the month of September the challenge was to discover the perfect food-friendly, tasty, refreshing Chardonnay. I was hoping to find a wine light enough for hot days yet robust enough for the rich foods that seamlessly meld with Chardonnay. Some traditional pairings with these creamy whites are butter, cream, seafood, nuts, potatoes, lemon, saffron […]
Photos by L.G. Patterson No matter what time your pizza craving hits, Columbia’s plethora of pizzerias will satisfy your appetite. Old and new, each of these locally owned restaurants puts an emphasis on crafting pizzas that are palate-pleasing for every member of your family or group of friends. Whether you’re looking to snag a quick […]
Fall is almost here, the time when we see an influx of root vegetables and winter squash. Just about everywhere you look there’s an abundance of potatoes, sweet potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, carrots and more. For some reason as a kid I was always scared of sweet potatoes and marshmallows. I think it was a combination […]
This is a bright vibrant side or lunch mainstay for celebrating the abundance of the summer season. This tasty panzanella recipe is a fantastic way to use all those delicious peaches and tomatoes — and it’s even better when there’s some leftover bread that needs to be used. Don’t be confused by the bread, it’s less […]
Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Jeffrey Ferguson, a doctor of anthropology at the University of Missouri, could say the same, although the pottery he creates in his backyard studio looks to be the work of not just a “passionately curious” person, but also someone with an […]
The 2017 winner of the best barbecue sauce in the world is right here in Columbia. Jay Curry, creator of Spicewine Blue Collar Barbecue Sauce, got top honors out of 606 entries from 43 states and 13 countries. What did it feel like to win? Well, the glory is yet to come. Curry will be […]
Sarah Cyr, a sommelier and former co-owner of The Wine Cellar & Bistro, a onetime Columbia restaurant, is an expert on all things vino. Here is her take on summer sips, written while her restaurant was still open. As the weather heats up, our bodies begin to crave foods that hydrate us. So it makes […]
Summer and fall are great times for potato salad. There are two main types: German and American. Not surprisingly, German Potato Salad originated in Germany. It has a vinegar-based dressing and is served hot. American Potato Salad originated in the United States, has a mayonnaise-based dressing and is served cold. Both are delicious and have […]
It was only minutes to midnight when a violent thunderstorm whipped its way through the small river town of Rocheport on June 17. Gale force winds tore through the village, ripping limb from root and sending the community into a blackout. While many in town slept through the storm, Brandon and Whitney Vair were far […]
This time of year you can make a cool and refreshing chutney to go with just about anything — to top your favorite seared fish, to top a chilled or hot soup, to serve with cured meats, chips or just about any other use you can come up with. Like salsa (salsa is typically all […]
Jon Whitaker is a certified cicerone and Beer Program Director at International Tap House in Kansas City, Mo. I’m not going to try to blow anyone’s mind with new beer trends in this month’s column… Summer time is here, and like everyone else, I just want to sit outside, enjoy some sun, a nice […]
Every town has a heartbeat. Its pulse is kept alive by the community that thrives there. Some keep Columbia’s heartbeat going during their time devoting years of hard work — and fun — to higher education. Many others stay, and have planted roots, built businesses, families and lives here. But those who call it home […]
The sweet smoky smell hits you as you walk in the door. A friendly greeting and a seat amidst laughter begins the meal. Paper towels and an assortment of sauces line the end of the table. Whether you’re dining with friends or dining alone, the atmosphere feels like family. This is what you hope to […]
Editor’s note: This article first ran in July 2017. Sommelier Sara Cyr and her husband, Chef Craig Cyr, owned former Columbia eatery The Cherry Street Wine Cellar & Bistro. When you hear words like “organic” or “biodynamic,” you might jump to conclusions about cost or quality. Trust me, I have had the same reservations. It’s […]
This dish’s success comes from combining the beautiful sweetness of melon with the creamy salty and briny flavors of feta. When you pair that with the brightness of fresh mint and tangy pomegranate molasses, it makes a beautiful side to any barbecue. Marinated Feta: 1 lemon, sliced, seeds removed 2 tablespoons plus ½ cup olive oil 8 […]
