Andy's Frozen Deliciousness

It all started when one of my soul sisters from the West Coast bid me farewell with a generous gift card to Andy's Frozen Custard.  Best friend who wants me to feel welcomed by yummy chilled custard magic by my new digs in Missouri? Or, evil twin laughing in the shadows like a bad drug dealer who has enticed me into the realm of addiction where the gateway drug is custard. 

I drive through and order a s'mores version of a custard featuring chilled chocolate custard, crunchy almonds, marshmallow all famously "jackhammered" or deliriously demolished together. Call this one of their famous concretes, Choc-o-Rocko.

Andy's top secret recipe includes milk, cream, and sugar folded into a cool custard made fresh every hour.  If you've missed their larger than life two-scoop vanilla custard cone twirling high above their locations, well, then you certainly won't miss the line. There's always a line. Like the postman; come rain, sleet, or snow, their customers will be there and you will be there too. It's love at first lick. Andy's ads beg of you, "Have you had your Andy's today?" Yeah, I'm sure most of us locals have. Or, according to their website, "Frozen custard so good, all you'll need is a cone...or a bowl...or a spoon." Perhaps they should consider, "Frozen custard so good, you'll need a triple bypass!" I mean, let's be honest. I'm secretly relieved that after four weeks of living here, I only have .20 cents left on my gift card because Andy's is THAT good and my thighs are THAT big. 

Guess what's in season right now? Pumpkin pie concrete. That's right. A slice of good ol' pumpkin pie jackhammered into vanilla custard. Happy early Thanksgiving, America.

In the mood for a pretzel caramel combo? How about a James Brownie Funky jackhammer? A malt? Old fashioned custard soda? Show your Missouri pride. 

James Brownie Funky Jackhammer

For Andy's coloring fun for kids, locations, treats, and more visit:

http://www.eatandys.com/

Got Moxie? Springfield's only independent cinema.

Moxie: The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. 

Upon my arrival to Springfield one of my first concerns in moving to a smaller town from Los Angeles was, how will I live without my beloved independent films? Well, look out! Springfield just celebrated the Moxie Cinema's fifth birthday bash paying homage to the adorable, charming, independent film house.  The history of the Moxie building's turnover rate from a bank, an antique store, an Alcoholic's Anonymous meeting room, a hypnosis center, and a homeless teen outreach center, there's a bevy of reasons  this "little engine that could" has maintained its success.  Call it the only place in Springfield to see the latest independent films. Perhaps it's the free parking. Or, maybe it's the fact that  THE MOXIE CINEMA SELLS BEER AND WINE  at the theater. Feel like downing a Guiness while the previews begin? Need to rush out for a Fat Tire before the credits roll? Go for it. Dreams come true here at the Moxie Cinema. Oh, and they also sell a fine assortment of regionally brewed soda including Fitz's orange pop, rootbeer, and coffee.

What more could you want as a movie goer?

You might forget that you have come to Moxie to see an indepedent fllm between their glorious wine, beer, and soda selections, so why would the owners stop there? The cinema also caters to your tastebuds.  According to Moxie Cinema's website, "It's been said that our popcorn is the best in town, and who are we to argue? 417 Magazine named it, along with our 13 flavors of popcorn seasoning, 'The Best Theatre Condiment in Springfield.' And to think, people actually used to tell us that soaking our kernels in liquid cocaine would make our popcorn taste bad. Look who's laughing now, suckers!" Clearly, they are joking about the cocaine. But, their popcorn is so delicious and addictive, its understandable that moviegoers believe they're up to no good in their popcorn ingredients.

THIRTEEN Amazing Popcorn Seasonings

• Ranch
• Barbecue
• Cajun
• Parmesaen Garlic
• Caramel
• Butter
• Nacho Cheddar
• White Cheddar
• Chocolate Marshmallow
• Jalapeno
• Sour Cream and Onion
• Apple Cinnamon
• Plain ol' salt

Today's showings: The Girl Who Played With Fire, Get Low, Winter's Bone, and a Grease Sing-A-long. That's right, for all of you who have spent years quietly humming the song "Grease Lighting," well come on down and sing your heart out. Slip out of your own persona and try on Sandy or Danny for kicks.

Ticket pricing:

• $8.00 - Standard Admission
• $7.00 - Seniors & Students
• $6.00 - Matinee (before 5pm)
• $6.00 - All day Monday

Moxie's address-431 S. Jefferson, #108, Springfield, MO 65806  •  417.429.0800

Photos courtesy of Moxie Cinema and for more information including Moxie's calendar and blog visit  http://www.moxiecinema.com

The Bistro Market is downtown's newest neighbor

The Bistro Market recently opened on the corner of South Avenue and Walnut Street downtown.  Bistro Market has been brought to you by the more famed, chain grocery store here in town, Price Cutter. Word of mouth has it that the owners set out to model it after Whole Foods. Whole Foods is the end all be all in major cities for organic foods, fresh seafood, grass fed meats, and an assortment of hot foods and salad bars.

Thankfully, the salad bar is not pay-per-pound unlike Whole Foods and places like Organic To Go hailing from other cities. Therefore, my friend, you can save money while boosting your health. No fear for your bang for your buck is here. You can add piles of everything to your salad from cubed, bright green avocado, to the ever-rotating chef-made goodies like their Tuscan bean salad or quinoa with scallions. What is quinoa? A: an edible seed native to South America that's high in protein and fiber. Think a smaller, bloated sesame seed.  Bistro Market's salad bar is serious. They don't mess around. 

Let's see how Bistro Market fares in comparison to Whole Foods... does The Bistro Market have a salad bar? Check. Items like kefir yogurt and tofu? Check. Grass fed meats including bison? Check.  If you just read the words kefir and quinoa and scratched your head and said, "Huh?" Not to worry. You will feel at home here. They have familiar food products that you would find at any store including Hot Pockets or Nesquik. Praised be Price Cutters for ye have added another notch of magic to the community of Springfield and for those who are relocating. No Whole Foods? No Trader Joes? No problem, it's all right here. Shh. It's going to be ok. You have the Bistro Market and it clearly takes home 1st place. Fill up your healthy plate and never pay more than $6.49. Relish in the variety of cheeses, fruit, vegetables, salad dressings, and croutons.  Who gives you a variety in your crouton? Bistro Market does. Plus, there are plenty of tables to sit down, relax, and enjoy that crouton variety.

The market also hosts a Starbucks coffee, which is always a treat, but don't forget to support your local mom and pop coffee shops that carry a wide range of bean brews fresh on tap including Mudhouse coffee down the street and Hebrews (TBB-to be blogged). 

Go ahead, get a glass of wine and shop with it in hand, you deserve it!

Grab a cart out front. You'll pass flowering mums for sale as you enter this glamorous store. Take a map, why not? They will offer you one.  You will instantly notice that Lilly's, a local florist, has a gorgeous display of flower varieties.  The amenities are astounding which coincides with their motto, "For those accustomed to special attention".  How about a cocktail or a glass of wine while you shop? Yes, just visit the in-house bar and feel free to indulge. Abide by their motto. Isn't grocery shopping inspiring now?

Why not sip your Pinot Grigio while you peruse the wine section?

Organic selections abound. Plus, the butchers are happy to cut your grass fed meat selections however you wish! Now, that's service I can abide by.

An endless varieties of nuts, grains, and herbs, please.

           
 

The fish is never frozen! They even have a gigantic sign to prove it.

Be sure to stop by the gelato bar. "Melon" tastes like a slightly sweetened, frozen cantaloupe

The Bistro Market is open from 6am until 12am. So, if you're thinking that after a night of drinking your only option is a Taco Bell drive through, think again. Stop in for some grilled salmon and indulge in the salad bar. Who's sophisticated and healthy now? You are. Oh, and they also do catering. 

www.bistromarketonline.com