Eat Local

One of the great ways to experience a community is to eat where the locals eat.

Tonight I met up with my soror who was in the next town over (Columbia) for a conference. It's where we went to college, so she knows her way around, but she's not familiar with the current restaurant scene. Columbia offers an amazing variety of dining options from fine dining to greasy spoons. Cusines range from Thai and Indian to Mediterrean, Greek and Americana. There's a lot to choose from that we either didn't know about or wouldn't have been able to enjoy when we were the proverbial poor college students.

We went to a locally-owned restaurant, Addison's, located downtown in The District. The District is home to shops, restaurants and entertainment options. It was a great night to be out, and people milled about the stage set up on Ninth Street, listening to the performers.

In addition to the great food at Addison's, the restaurant showcases the work of a local Columbia artist, David Spear. A painting featuring the four owners hangs near the bar. You can check out Spear's work at his online gallery AlleywayArts.

We ate light, sharing a fruit and cheese plate and a fabulous tempura lobster ravioli. She enjoyed a glass of reisling with hers, but since I had to drive home, it was iced tea for me. Maybe next time, we'll get to enjoy a nice Missouri wine, perhaps from Les Bourgeoise right outside Columbia in Rocheport.

My soror had several other places she intended to visit on her culinary trip down memory lane - Shakespeare's Pizza and Booches - the best hamburgers you've ever tasted - topped her list. But no matter where your tastes run, Columbia can please your palate.