But, hey. I'd heard they are supporters of local food. So when I finished the big rhetoric-of-the-local-food-movement paper I've been working so diligently on, I decided a trip to a restaurant that supports local food might be the perfect celebration.
So finally tonight I went to Justus Drugstore and Oh. My. Gosh. . . . EVERY single thing that passed through my lips was remarkable. From the Beet Ricotta Gnocchi amuse bouche (the vegetarian amuse bouche they brought us so generously when we told them we don't eat meat) to the flight of housemade ice creams for dessert. The thyme/rosemary infused gin ... the "persimmon paint" ... the pea shoot salad ... the butter ... the crispy bok choi in my risotto ... and everything in between was just amazing.
I am certain that even the best of English majors would struggle to find the words to describe what went on around my taste buds tonight. No, not taste buds. Taste blossoms. No, wait: taste full blooms. Yes that's it - full blooms of taste.
All I know is that the mint powder ... or did they call it mint dust? I can't even remember what they called it; much less can I describe it myself ... when that mint powder/dust touched my tongue and melted - I tell you - MELTED, I immediately thought of every fresh mint plant I have ever smelled, tasted, harvested, cooked with, garnished with, chopped into a salad, or macerated into a mojito. It was like cotton candy for adults. Mint cotton candy. Exquisite mint cotton candy.
And THAT was an item served on the side, so imagine how much you'd be reeling if you'd had a full meal - amuse bouche, appetizer, salad, entree, AND dessert - like I did tonight. Positively reeling.
Drive to Smithville, MO, I tell you. You won't be disappointed.
2 comments:
Hi Emily - I loved your descriptive review (I got it through an email from the KCFC). I was looking to see if there was a way I could put it on the Justus Drug Store Restaurant blog, and then I thought it would be better if the author did it. So I looked you up and then I realized it's the Emily I know! I know everyone, and especially Johnathan and Camille, would love to read your comments. Check out their blog.
Also, that's my art up on their walls - it's locally collected plant material, and most of it is consumable - kale, papaya, oregano, squash, tobacco, etc.
Brigid! That was your art? I LOVED that! I especially favored the kale one in the women's restroom. How did you do those? Or maybe you don't want to reveal your secrets :) - well anyway - they were all gorgeous and so well done. And PERFECT for the restaurant. Thanks for your comments! Nice to hear from you!
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