Beyond Baroque

The invitation beckoned, “Come and fete by candlelight with friends and lovers in Baroque opulence!” The evening was in honor of the brilliant Jay Jackson, the critically acclaimed opera director’s birthday. The soiree was by invitation only with a promise of entertainment, wit and gastronomical pleasures- reminiscent of a gala found between the pages of an Edith Wharton novel. 

The wink at fabulousness was hinted in the invitation by guests' designated dishes. From Rôtir le filet de Porc, Hors d'Oeuvre to Fondue au Fromage Suisse Classique one may have had to consult a dictionary before embarking on the ingredients. Approaching the event with my scalloped potatoes simmering in Gruyere and heavy cream, I could see the twinkling lights of dramatic candelabras lighting up a table that would seat fifteen guests. A swirl of lights mimicking a laser snowfall lit up the room as a banner of laser magic read, “Happy Birthday, Jay” above a stage set for entertainment to follow the sit down dinner. Tables were peppered with tea lights, vintage silverware, and crystal where various eats called home.  An endless array of eccentric bottles of wine to small batch rum sat across from a cornucopia of various dishes emanating smells of roast pork and warmed cheese.

It was no question as to where our guest of honor would be seated. The crushed velvet chair with mink throws sat at the head of the table. Despite the invitation requesting wine in lieu of gifts, small colorful packages continued to gather near Mr. Jackson’s plate by the time dinner was served. With linens in laps, cursive names on place settings, the sound of forks scraping plates was muted amongst the harmonious laughter and raging conversation.

As baroque music played throughout the courses, Jay was asked to give a toast. Mr. Jackson’s toast had a theme and the theme surrounded wealth. However, it was not in regards to the wealth of one’s pocket, but of one’s life.  Wealth as a metaphor for one’s friends. Jay is clearly a very wealthy man.  Like moths to a flame, Jay’s magnetic personality draws people to him. Jay shines so bright and all are drawn to partake in the celebration of his life.

The evening’s attire was not to be missed. From glittering silk dresses to velvet jackets, the guests’ clothing obeyed chic standards.  Although the high society feel was often questioned while guests chose to perform song selections including Flashdance and Baby Got Back on karaoke, trays of homemade peanut brittle and southern coconut cake sat perched within arms distance as a reminder of the evening’s elegance.  

If gastronomy is the study of the liaison between culture and food, this special evening was a gastronomic affair of not only our taste buds, but of civilization. 

Happy Birthday to our beloved, Jay Jackson.

Meyer Center, you make workin' out fun...

One of the first things I wanted to cross off my list upon moving here was finding a place to workout.  After Googling what was considered the "best gym" in Springfield, The Ozark Fitness Center I, of course, stopped in.  However, I was instantly disappointed. As much as I love the 80's, there was way too much neon even for me.  In fact, the trainer who gave me a tour was embarrassed and said, "You will have to excuse this location-you will have access to the other Ozark Fitness location where there is more neon and a smoothie bar." Um, excuse me? I think I've had my share of neon for a lifetime and if I had anymore neon surrounding me while I worked out, I wouldn't be able to stomach a smoothie. Seriously. Besides that, I kept being pestered to join their tanning club in addition to my membership to which I responded, "Aren't you worried about skin cancer and looking like Keith Richards when you're 40?" 

This did not go over well. I asked him about the Meyer Center and he said, "Good luck if you want to be the only one who isn't over 80 years old."  Little does he know I LOVE old people. I live for the elderly. Anyone who can make crass jokes, talk about bowel movements all day, and feel confident wearing pajamas to dinner at 4PM is someone I want to befriend. Luckily, I did not sign up and checked out the gorgeous and inspiring Meyer Center. 

Voted best of via 417 magazine, the Meyer Center is a 90,000 square foot, new facility that includes the following amenities below. This place is an architect's dream. It is breathtaking both inside and out. 

-Olympic sized lap pool

Clean, gorgeous dressing rooms that provide private access to a whirlpool spa, steam room, sauna,  and showers.

-Kids club for when mom or dad needs someone to watch their little one while they workout.

-Brand new top of the line fitness and aerobic machines under a sky of plasma televisions.

-An indoor track for cold, winter months.

-Every set of brand new free weight, machine, workout band and ball you could possibly dream of

-A Subway in case you're itching for a quick sandwich on the way out.

-Personal training

-Nutrition services

-Towel service

-Massage

-Enormous basketball courts with sky high ceilings

-Racquetball courts

The list goes on and on. The best part? It's located within a hospital! If you're neurotic, elderly, pregnant, or have a health condition, imagine knowing if you pass out on a treadmill, you're only steps away from a wealth of doctors. Who offers that? Meyers Center does. 

Classes are always changing and exciting. From pilates to spinning, yoga, zumba, tai chi, kids tumbling, swim aerobics; even those with severe ADD will feel satisfied. If not? You're only an arm's length from psychiatrists.

If you're new to Springfield or looking to get in shape, you will be inspired to workout at this facility. Come on down, I'm usually swimming with the old ladies most mornings to 60's music including Neil Diamond today on the surround sound stereo. Heaven. 

Hours of operation

• Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

3545 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
417/269-3282

Nature, I want you. Nature, I need you.

It was a warm, sunny 60 degrees today so I decided to check out the Springfield Nature Conservatory. About fifteen minutes south of downtown off of highway 65. It's no more than a 25 minute drive from anywhere in town.

Inside the conservatory, they provide nature explorations through education, activities and displays. Outdoors, seasonal changes and an array of wildlife promise a unique adventure with each visit. 

Their website brags, "Surprise a white-tailed deer bedded in a cedar thicket. Smell the fresh scent of the Ozark woods after a rain. Watch an eagle snag a fish from an icy lake," all of which stirred my excitement as I dashed off towards all six trails- some short in length and some that will allow you to feel the burn in your legs. 

Nature Center Features

• Eighty acres of forests, fields and creeks, along with frontage on Lake Springfield.
• Wildlife, including deer, foxes, mink, muskrat, raccoons, squirrels, birds, turtles, frogs, bugs and just about everything else that lives in the Ozarks.
• Nearly three miles of trails, as short as a fifth of a mile, as long as two miles.
• A boardwalk over the marshy shallows of the lake.
• A building containing:
  • 150-seat auditorium
  • classrooms
  • restrooms
  • exhibits
  • information desk
  • sales of books, calendars, and fishing and hunting permits
• Regularly scheduled public programs, guided walks and nature films.
• Covered sack lunch area.
• Pull-through bus and RV parking
• Facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Hunter education for the many people who won't remove their Sarah Palin bumper stickers.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

The price for admission to peace and joy? Free. Thank you, Nature Conservatory!

Enjoy the slideshow of way too many pictures that I just couldn't part with...

Pay attention! This sign has a lot of information!

 Ah the trails....so well maintained and lovely. You will instantly start whistling and you will feel your blood pressure slow-ly low-er. Sllooow....

Don't you dare take home fall leaves.

While on the bridge, you can see straight down to the bottom of the stream!

Ok, I didn't see an Eagle, but I found a lone butterfly.

I didn't see a deer, but if you squint, you just might see a bluebird.

Can you see the tiny fish swimming?

Who is this handsome trail blazer? Oh, it's my husband Jeff!

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