Como Living June/July 2019

COMO COLU MB IA LIFESTY LE AN D CU LT U R E

the

Adventure issue PLAY | EAT | TRAVEL

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CULTURE HOMES FASHION CO MOLI VI NGM AG.COM A Business Times Company Publication

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Svetlana made the decision they’d been dreaming about for years.

Once Svetlana sold her business in Columbia, and Ron retired, they decided to sell their home and relocate to one of their favorite vacation spots – the Canary Islands in Spain.

Curious about Heath’s “Move Up” program, Ron called and made an appointment with Carrie Spicer. She explained that if Ron listed his home with us, and we found a potential buyer who had their own home to sell, then Heath would purchase the future buyer’s home. Turns out that is exactly what happened.

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Ron considers Carrie a dear friend and trusted advisor, and is enjoying his new home near the beach. He promises to use the Heath Higgins team again if he were ever to move back to Missouri!

—Heath Higgins

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A BUSINESS TIMES COMPANY PUBLICATION

EDITORIAL Deb Valvo, Publisher Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Beth Bramstedt, Editor Beth@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Tiffany Schmidt, Associate Editor Tiffany@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Mary Kate Hafner, Associate Editor MaryKate@BusinessTimesCompany.com

LE T TE R from TH E P U BL I S H E R

A NEW QUEST

DESIGN Cassidy Shearrer, Graphic Designer Cassidy@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Everyone’s sense of adventure differs greatly. Some, like my son, Dylan, have a very high demand for copious quantities of adrenaline coursing through their veins. (That, in turn, causes my adrenaline to skyrocket!)

While I do love a good quest on occasion, I prefer mine on a horizontal surface and a bit tamer.

If there’s one thing we do well at The Business Times Company, it’s creating adventure for both our readers and event-goers, as well as ourselves. So it probably won’t surprise you to know that we’re soon to embark on another quest here at the magazines. While it may not get your blood pumping as much as rock climbing, we promise that you will find it exhilarating.

Adventure is most enjoyable when you get to experience it with others (unless you’re Dylan), so we’re counting the days until the next issue when we can share our escapades with you! Stand by for takeoff…

Jordan Watts, Graphic Designer Jordan@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Sadie Thibodeaux, Graphic Designer Sadie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MARKETING R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S Deb Valvo, Marketing Consultant Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Bonnie Hudson, Marketing Consultant Bonnie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MANAGEMENT Erica Pefferman, President Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Renea Sapp, Vice President

Deb Valvo

ReneaS@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Amy Ferrari, Operations Manager

Publisher

Amy@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Beth Bramstedt, Editorial Director Beth@BusinessTimesCompany.com COMO L I V I N G

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COM O LIVING Business Times Company 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Columbia, MO 65202

P: 573-499-1830 Website: comolivingmag.com Twitter: @COMOLivingMag Facebook: COMOLivingMagazine Instagram: @comolivingmag

LE T TE R from TH E E D I T O R

—

ADVENTURE AWAITS Fear can be a nightmare.

Some fears are simple, rooted in a past experience, and completely irrational — like my fear of grasshoppers. Thanks to an encounter with their beady little eyes on my walk to school as a child, they still send shivers up my spine.

Other fears are more substantial, like dreading heights or the unknown. Still others dig down deep, paralyzing us from the good things in life. They cause us to shrink inside rather than boldly “Be fearless in embrace a passionate life. pursuit of what Our desire for the Adventure Issue is to help awaken your inner child. To stir your dreams, inspire sets your soul a sense of courage, and encourage you to grab ahold on fire.” of what awaits you this summer.

Join us on a tour of a captivating outdoor oasis, —Jennifer Lee savor new flavors from exciting new restaurants, and travel with me across the ocean, up the river, and through the Black Forest.

You’ll also meet some exciting people, among them a couple who has embraced 44 years of marriage after a week-long engagement and a strong woman who is living wholeheartedly after loss.

So, concoct your favorite cocktail, grab your sunglasses, and settle in by the pool.

It’s time to be courageous and challenge yourself. Just be mindful of the grasshoppers!

CONT RI B UT I NG P H OTO G RAPHE R S Keith Borgmeyer, Tiffany Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brandon Hoops, Brooke Kottmann, Jeremy Linneman, Jessica Vaughn Martin, Jennifer Truesdale

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COMO COLUMBIA LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

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$5.95 per issue, or six issue subscription for $29.95. Call Amy Ferrari at 573-499-

On the Cover Tantalize your taste buds with adventurous flavors such as the citrus grilled shrimp skewers from Park Restaurant & Bar. More adventures in dining on Page 53. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer.

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1830 ext. 1003 to place an order or to inform us of a change of address.

CON TE N TS FEATURES / DEPARTMENTS

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Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Editor Shelf Life: The Perfect American Novel

32 Destinations:

67

Feature: Your Guide to the

Meet Me by the Riverfront

Best Summer Ever

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Home Tour: Pool Party

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Unleashed: Gentle Giants

Libations: Hanging with the Boss

85

June/July Datebook

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Strong Woman: Janet Moss

60 Feature:

90

Couple You Should Know:

Angelo and Elly Aslanidis

Giving Back: A Sweet Partnership

53

Gourmet: Adventures in Dining

Health & Wellness: Cultivating Self-Awareness

58

Fashion: Simply Fabulous

Things We Love: Destination Missouri

Getting Away on the Rhine

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We’re•so•much•more¶ than•a•bookshop.

You’ll love not only what’s on our shelves but what happens between them, as well!

Readings, signings, talks, book clubs, and more.

22 S. 9th St., Columbia • Mon – Thu: 10-6 • Fri – Sat: 10-8 • Sun: 11-5 (573) 777-6990 • mail@skylarkbookshop.com • SkylarkBookShop.com Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our upcoming events.

Because books.

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SHELF LIFE

THE PERFECT AMERICAN NOVEL Se t a t MU, “St on e r ” g a i n s a cc l aim 20 years after th e auth or’s death .

by B R A N D O N H O O P S

I

t’s hard as a Midwesterner to not be a bit envious of the great Southern writing tradition in the United States.

William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, Flannery O’Connor, and so many others beautifully animate the region and its people. We delight to sample the appealing fare, but each reading also reveals our experience as an outsider.

Maybe that’s why I was caught off guard by a recent book recommendation. I was told it was a must-read American novel. Apparently, this book with the peculiar title, which uses MU as its backdrop, was even the subject of a 2018 biography titled, “The Man Who Wrote the Perfect Novel.”

As the accolades piled up, the fact remained: I had never heard of “Stoner” or its author, John Williams.

And yet, it didn’t take long for the skeptic in me to be convinced. “Stoner” proved to be one of those rare reads, written with precision, that illuminated my Midwestern roots with such clarity and honesty.

The story’s central character, William Stoner, is the only child of a poor Missouri farm family. This “simple man of soil” leaves home in 1910 and enrolls in the College of Agriculture at MU. The intent is to return home after four years and tend to the dusty soil like his parents. He abandons this trajectory after an encounter with a professor awakens his love for English literature. Instead he becomes a scholar at the university. The bulk of the narrative immerses us in Stoner’s mid-life, the nature of his work, and the tension of his marriage.

Now, you probably wouldn’t want to take one of Stoner’s classes or get a beer with him at The Heidelberg. He is not the most likable guy. But it is his austere, passive,

"STONER" PROVED TO BE ONE OF THOSE RARE READS, WRITTEN WITH PRECISION, THAT ILLUMINATED MY MIDWESTERN ROOTS WITH SUCH CLARITY AND HONESTY. almost melancholic characteristics that make him believable.

Williams established a connection with Columbia and the university while working on his PhD in English literature here. He finished in 1954 and spent the remainder of his academic career as an English professor at the University of Denver.

“Stoner” was Williams’ third novel. Whereas his 1972 novel “Augustus” earned him a National Book Award, “Stoner” saw little acclaim when it was published in 1965. It has been a late bloomer, becoming an international bestseller around the book’s 50th anniversary and almost 20 years after Williams' death. This surge of attention also includes a soon-to-be produced movie starring Casey Affleck.

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It’s a durable novel because the characters and story are constructed with materials familiar to the reader: the coldness that can develop in a marriage; the mundane or often unpleasant qualities of our jobs; the disappointment of missed parenting opportunities; the difficulty of maintaining substantive friendships with age.

As Williams’ widow said in an interview with the Paris Review earlier this year, “He just wasn’t interested in abstracts. He wanted to get down to cases.”

Since Williams tends to his stories with this clear-eyed attention, I hope you’ll grab a copy of “Stoner” sooner rather than later and join me in becoming an eager recipient of his generosity.

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GIVING BACK

A SWEET PARTNERSHIP The Salvation Army honors veterans with dough-nated doughnuts.

by B R O O K E KO T T M A N N photos courtesy of THE SALVATION ARMY

A

lmost nothing is sweeter than getting to thank those who serve our country.

Our local officers at The Salvation Army get to do just this. June 7 is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, The Salvation Army will deliver hot, fresh doughnuts to the veterans at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital.

Columbia’s Salvation Army staff, along with veterans at the hospital, will get to taste a delicious piece of history with each doughnut served. The Salvation Army worldwide has celebrated Doughnut Day since 1938, when it began as a Depressionera fundraiser to support soup kitchens.

Doughnut Day honors The Salvation Army Lassies, or Doughnut Girls, who were stationed with troops during World War I. Besides mending torn uniforms and serving cups of coffee, the Lassies prepared doughnuts in helmets and delivered them to soldiers in the battlefield trenches.

The Lassies’ and their doughnuts “actually gave the gentlemen at that time a sense of home and comfort,” says Major Nancy Holloway. “It gave them a sense of hope.”

This Doughnut Day, paying homage to the Lassies, the organization’s staff will greet everyone who comes through the veteran’s hospital doors with a fresh-glazed doughnut donated by the Rock Bridge Hy-Vee. While the doughnuts are no longer cooked in trenches, they are baked at Hy-Vee with the same intention: To say “thank you” and foster hope and appreciation for those who’ve served.

“We just so happen to have a local [doughnut] donor who loves us,” Nancy says.

At 8 a.m. on Doughnut Day, Salvation Army of Columbia officers, including Nancy and Lieutenant Carmon Camb, along with

their staff and volunteers, will distribute the glazed treats and happy smiles room to room until the 80 dozen or so doughnuts run out.

Carmon believes the doughnuts are more than just a gracious snack for the veterans.

Stopping to enjoy the doughnuts can give them a therapeutic sense of relief by telling their stories to Salvation Army volunteers.

“They love to tell the stories of their experience in wartime with The Salvation Army,” she says. “I doubt they knew a Doughnut Girl, but that just sparks the excitement of being able to share how they were treated by a Salvation Army officer.”

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veterans’ stories with them. “Sometimes when individuals have the opportunity for someone to focus on them, to listen to them, people are truly able to release some of the emotions they are cycling in their minds,” Nancy says. “No one thinks of war as being a glorious, exciting thing, but to remember those happy moments makes a difference.”

Doughnut Day is a symbol of The Salvation Army. “It’s a reminder to people of the service that The Salvation Army has provided to them in the past,” Nancy says.

The doughnuts also allow those who will enjoy them to stop and take a much-needed moment for themselves.

“And we promise there are no calories in the center of the doughnut,” Nancy adds.

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CULTIVATING SELF-AWARENESS A n i ntro d u c t i on t o t h e En n e a g ram person al ity profil e.

by J E R E M Y L I N N E M A N

I

n the span of just a few years, I found myself fully thrust into adulthood. I was in my late 20s, happily married, raising our wonderful young children, and serving in a leadership role at work. But I began to notice that my most consistent stresses and challenges were not caused by my relationships or my roles, but by my own inner life. I had failed to mature in (at least) one critical component: Self-awareness.

With a limited self-awareness, I didn’t understand what was truly motivating me, or why I could get so upset in one situation and yet remain calm in another. I couldn’t figure out why my own sense of self was far different than how others perceived me. In short, I had no idea why I was doing what I was doing.

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of self-awareness — and, more importantly, how to develop it in my own life.

INTRODUCING THE ENNEAGRAM My wise friend introduced me to a resource for growth in self-awareness. The Enneagram is an old way of describing personality, but it has soared in popularity in recent years.

A personality profile with a long history, the Enneagram’s origins predate modern

H E A LT H personality tests like the Myers-Briggs, DISC, and StrengthsFinder.

The Enneagram offers a unique perspective into your sources of motivation and your relational habits. By understanding the language and styles of the Enneagram, you will likely develop a more comprehensive insight into your most common motivations, thoughts, feelings, and actions. The goal of the Enneagram is to draw out the real you.

The word “personality” comes from the Latin word for “mask.” In this sense, think of our personality as how we present ourselves to the world; it’s what we put on when we go outside. But under that mask, you can find clarity around who you really are. The Enneagram, with proper reflection, can show you both — what personality traits you’ve put on throughout life to fit in, protect yourself, or get ahead, and what is truly driving you at the core.

According to the Enneagram, there are nine primary styles of personality. Of course, humans are more complex than a single number can summarize, but you almost certainly will identify strongly with one of these nine styles and find two or three others that are significant influences on your personality.

THE NINE PERSONALITY STYLES The ONE is the reformer — the good and moral person. Ones are driven to change the world; they operate in terms of right and wrong, black and white. A healthy One will be honest, hard-working, and ethical. An unhealthy One may be moralistic, rigid, and demanding. Ones are often perfectionists and might struggle with anger.

The TWO is the giver — the helpful, generous, supportive person. Twos are motivated by loving and caring for others; their orientation is relational. Healthy Twos are genuinely unselfish, gentle, and compassionate. When unhealthy, Twos may become co-dependent, overly sacrificial, and possessive. Twos might struggle to recognize their own needs and limits.

The THREE is the achiever — the effective, high-performing person. Threes are

energized by getting things done. Healthy Threes are active, motivating, and competent.

Unhealthy Threes can become superficial, self-promoting, and deceitful. Threes are often popular and successful, but they tend to over-identify with their roles in life and struggle with disappointment and failure.

The FOUR is the creative — the original, artistic, romantic person. Fours are motivated by expressing themselves. Healthy Fours are unique, attentive, and aware of beauty and harmony. When unhealthy, Fours can be dramatic, complicated, and prone to melancholy. Fours are deeply in touch with their own feelings but may withdraw too much into isolation.

The FIVE is the sage — the wise, intellectual, objective person. Fives love to make sense of things and find connections that others have missed. Healthy Fives are thoughtful and innovative, often experts in their field. Unhealthy Fives can be overly objective, detached, and non-committing. Fives are the deepest thinkers, but they may struggle to understand and express their feelings.

The SIX is the loyalist — the faithful, traditional, reliable person. Sixes are motivated by maintaining relationships; stability is key for them. When healthy Sixes are dependable and steady, they make great friends. Unhealthy Sixes might become anxious, rigid, or hyper-conservative. Sixes bring stability into the world, but the potential of loss and chaos can be a constant challenge for them.

The SEVEN is the enthusiast — the joyful, playful, life-of-the-party person.

Sevens’ motivation is to simply enjoy life.

Healthy Sevens are optimistic, enthusiastic, and visionary. When unhealthy, Sevens may be superficial, scattered, and pain-avoidant.

Sevens tend to be extroverted and fun, but they can struggle to remain engaged with anything negative, painful, or boring.

The EIGHT is the competitor — the powerful, challenging person. Eights want to win; they perceive life as a challenge to be overcome. Healthy Eights are fearless, strong-willed, and tenacious. Unhealthy Eights can become overpowering, hostile, and COMO L I V I N G

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threatening. They’re decisive and confident, often quick to defend others, but they can also underestimate their ability to hurt or shame others.

The NINE is the peacemaker — the compassionate, reconciling person. Nines are motivated by finding and keeping peace.

Healthy Nines are easy-going, modest, and diplomatic. When unhealthy, Nines can be overwhelmed and passive-aggressive, and they might avoid conflict at all costs. Nines can bring calm and resolution in tense situations, but they might struggle to withdraw from their own pain.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP Which style do you most identify with? Once you understand which styles come most naturally to you, which are slight influences, and which are diminished traits, you can begin to ask important questions. How did you become strong in this personality style?

When in your childhood did it develop?

What relational patterns did you learn growing up — and are they still helping you as an adult?

Many of us have found the Enneagram to be an essential resource for self-knowledge and growth. Its profound accuracy in describing individuals has earned it a following of devoted advocates. Although it can’t heal the sick or raise the dead, the Enneagram can be an important tool.

If you’re interested in cultivating greater self-awareness, consider the Enneagram.

Through it, you may likely find more accurate self-knowledge, increased well-being, and more life-giving relationships.

Editor’s Note: Jeremy is the teaching pastor of Trinity Community Church in Columbia. He is the author of a few short books and has been an instructor in the Enneagram since 2014 (before it was cool). He and his wife, Jessie, have three sons and spend most of their free time outdoors.

Jeremy will be teaching his next Enneagram seminar at the Hatchery in July. To learn more about the Enneagram, take the full profile, or register for the seminar, visit jslinneman.com/ enneagram.

THINGS WE LOVE

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THINGS WE LOVE

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“Missouri is Where Our Story Begins” The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift

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8 Missouri Coaster, The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

MEET ME BY THE RIVERFRONT Wa s hi n gto n s ur p r i s e s a n d de l ig hts w ith true Missouri f l air.

by MARY KATE HAFNER | ph o to s by T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T

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hen I was young, my brother and I would complain to our parents that we were bored. (As if it was their problem, right?) My father would look down to his sandy blonde-haired children and say, “Only boring people get bored.”

As a 5-year-old, I had never heard anything more rude, insulting, or annoying. Where was my constant entertainment?! I thought Mickey and Minnie should be my forever companions. But today, I see it as some of the best unintended advice, something I even repeat to my peers today, much to the same reaction as my 5-year-old self. Excitement is everywhere, even in the seemingly least exciting places, such as our destination, Washington, Missouri.

JOURNEY DOWN THE RIVER If you’re being generous with your geography, you could say Washington is located in the southern metro area of St.

Louis. For a truly cinematic experience, I suggest taking the scenic route through Hermann on Highway 47, especially during the warmer months. If possible, take a convertible car and wear a headscarf.

Since nothing can happen before espresso, our team’s first stop was the Washington Coffee Shop. As I took in the charmingly eclectic collection of mid-century kitchen tables paired with office chairs, cushioned leather loveseats, and stereos used as end tables, a woman in a knit teal smurf hat greeted us. Her name was Gia. I was as excited by her friendliness as I was by the café’s selection of alternative milks. After explaining who we were and our mission to explore everything Washington, she quickly jotted down all her favorites and handed them over from behind the coffee bar. The list started inside of the café.

Passing under the café’s lone disco ball, we moved into a pop-up shop for Fairytale

Cookie Co., a small gourmet sweets business.

Cookie artist SaraKay’s creations were so meticulous that we seriously debated framing them. Luckily, gluttony took over, and we indulged in confectionery goodness. You may want to remember Fairytale Cookie Co. — SaraKay might soon appear on a baking competition show near you.

GOOD EATS AND VINTAGE SHOPS Our minds wired with caffeine and craving more delicacies, we headed to a Washington mainstay, Schulte’s Bakery. The bakery’s blue cement walls displayed news clippings memorializing the family-owned establishment’s 60-year history.

A business doesn’t stay around for decades without a stellar product. Schulte’s Bakery was no exception. Their doughnuts were perfectly frosted, with a refreshing balance of sweetness. The doughnut bread pulled apart

D E S T I N AT I O N S to reveal light, consistent layers. We made the rookie mistake of arriving past 11:00, drastically limiting our doughnut haul.

Ready to throw our taste buds for a radical 360-degree turn, we headed to Olivino, an olive oil tasting bar.

The idea of taking shots of olive oil brought uncomfortable flashes of wine connoisseurs spitting into silver buckets.

However, Olivino couldn’t be further from the pretentious.

Cheerful staff members, including owner Debbie Baker-Oliver, walked us through more than 36 flavors of balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils. They explained the origin of their olives from around the world and the dutiful steps they take for a superior product. My favorite balsamic vinegars were Sicilian lemon and pomegranate quince. I have to say, my office salads have never been happier.

Olivino’s best surprise were their balsamic cocktails. Concoctions like the “Olivino Skinny Mule” combining vodka, honey ginger balsamic, club soda, and lime, made my mouth water. I could live in their bar space, which must have been ripped out of a Magnolia magazine page and pasted into their cozy shop.

Our bags full of miniature bottles of vinegars and oils, we strolled across the street to our first shopping destination, Tanglewood Cottage. The boutique offers vintage finds, antiques, painted furniture, linens, and handmade soaps. In the back, there was a collection from a local designer of ethereal, bohemian garments.

We had some proper obsessing over our joint weakness, stationery products. I had to be dragged away from the expansive collection of vintage tea towels, aprons, and table clothes. The vibrant color and patterns had me daydreaming of baking pies and attending sock hops.

We said goodbye to a large yet careful dog eager for pets and coos of affection. As American sweetheart Kristen Bell is with sloths, I am with dogs. My dog basis made Tanglewood Cottage my favorite stop of the day. It was a divine experience I look forward to repeating.

Exhausted by puppy pets and dressing room mirrors, we decided it was time for lunch. Upon Gia’s recommendation, we headed to Driftwood, a large restaurant sandwiched between newly developed townhomes facing the riverfront.

Appropriately decorated with river driftwood, the restaurant offered fried and cheesy favorites.

We ordered the blue crab dip and the pub pretzels with beer cheese. (We were already two doughnuts in at that point, so there was no turning back.) There was jerk chicken salad on the table that we savored as a spicy retreat.

ONE LAST STOP While my age may suggest otherwise, I harbor many “old” hobbies, one of which is antiquing.

A converted home quite frankly on top of the river, Waterwork Antiques, offers three

floors of adrenaline-spiking antique hunting delight. The floors creaked as we explored the antique house. I picked up everything.

Lace curtains and glass sculptures made me wonder at these items’ rich history and the future memories they’re waiting to make.

One of the best parts of antiquing in towns like Washington is the prices.

Twenty dollars for an authentic printed, silk kimono in prime condition? Yes, please!

Believe me, Waterwork Antiques is another on my “must repeat” list. Every item sparked joy.

As we drove through the winding roads of rural Missouri, I reflected upon our day, which mixed old and new experiences that perfectly reflected the alluring versatility one can find in Missouri.

Washington can entertain even the most boring of people.

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pool

Todd and Beth Whitaker partner with Rost Landscaping to create an outdoor oasis.

by J E N N I F E R T R U E S DA L E ph otos prov i ded by R O S T L A N D S C A P I N G

M

oving to Columbia was something of a homecoming for Missouri natives Todd and Beth Whitaker. After 22 years as professors at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, the Whitakers wanted to be closer to family and found that Columbia offered the most central location between their three grown children, a growing grandbaby, and Beth’s mother.

Plus, the couple met while in graduate school at MU, where both now teach in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Department.

To make sure they had plenty of room for guests, they purchased the palatial 6,350-square-foot estate at 4209 Stone Grove Ct. in the fall of 2016. Built in 2012, the home boasts six bedrooms, four bathooms and marries contemporary open-concept design with lots of traditional details that make it feel homey.

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The Challenge What wasn’t homey was the backyard. While the house sits on a two-acre lot, the backyard consisted of a relatively small and shallow stretch of grass on two terraces in order to accommodate a sharp downward slope not far from the back of the home.

Little had been done to define the space; a small patio that extended to the slope had been constructed off the living room on the main floor, and a concrete slab had been poured to accommodate a hot tub off of the home’s lower level, where the yard was flat.

A towering retaining wall with a railing separated the two spaces. A small plateau of land lay just beyond these two areas before dipping precipitously again into a tree line and a creek that runs along the edge of the property.

Referring to their house as their hobby, the Whitakers enjoy taking on home projects.

But reconciling the disparate areas and

challenging grades of the backyard proved to be a headscratcher that called for a professional landscaper.

“We needed to connect the two areas and have it make sense,” Beth says. “Jake really made these two areas feel like one.”

Needed Expertise In the fall of 2017, the Whitakers hired Jake Frink of Rost Landscaping Inc. to transform their perplexing backyard into a dreamy but functional oasis for the whole family to enjoy.

With open minds, Todd and Beth gave Jake and his team few guidelines for developing the initial concepts.

“The planning process took about two months,” Jake recalls, noting this timeframe is longer than usual due to the challenges of the slope and of adding many features to a small space. “The only guidance they gave us was that they wanted a pool and they wanted the space to be cool. They wanted more of

Before the renovation

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a modern and contemporary feel, which we don’t see a lot of in Columbia. We came up with some rough ideas and refined them to meet their budget.”

After some fine tuning to the design concept, construction began and was completed in the spring of 2018. The rectangular pool was placed stretching away from the house on the lower terrace to optimize the existing flat ground. They opted for a saltwater pool, which requires less maintenance. The pool is also heated, which Todd enjoys year-round for fitness swimming.

“We swore we would never have a pool,” Beth says. “Everyone we talked to said it was too much work — the upkeep, the maintenance.

But with a saltwater pool, it’s easy.”

At its far end, water cascades into the pool from an elegant stone-bowl water feature, and large black stepping stones offer an adventurous trek across the water. For extra wow factor, water spraying around the perimeter turns the pool into a full-scale fountain. Ample space was left around the pool for lounge furniture, fencing, and landscaping, and the hot tub was left in place near the house with a stair-stepped platform added to make the tub look built-in. These features delivered the contemporary look the Whitakers were looking for.

“We wanted [the space] to be cool,” Todd says. “We may have been among the first people to get the bowls that spill into the swimming pool.”

Instead of demolishing the existing patio off of the main floor, Jake simply married it

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into the design concept, adding a modern gas firepit, a built-in grill, and a wine refrigerator along with some patio furniture that Beth chose to round out the area. Jake terraced the slope at the end of the patio with large natural stone blocks that double as stairs and containers for landscaping, and black granite boulders are smattered in to add texture and interest.

At the bottom of the slope beside the pool, a stately stone fireplace with storage for firewood serves as the focal point for the courtyard that replaced the flat patch of yard. The courtyard is paved with two-foot porcelain tile in a pattern that gradually spreads out at the perimeter, with black cobblestones and shrubs filling the gaps to soften the transition to the pool area.

Final Details “We spent a fair amount of time researching little details, like the detached cobbles, which make a big impact,” Jake says. “They really gave us the flexibility and freedom to be creative, and they trusted us to know what we were doing.”

To maximize its potential for entertaining, the Whitakers had a sound system installed throughout the backyard and discreetly placed lights to add ambiance and make the space enjoyable in the evening.

A lush assortment of ornate trees — tanyosho pine, magnolia, Japanese maple, weeping redbud, columnar juniper and crabapple, and dwarf gingko — knit together all of the elements of the backyard. Because large windows bedeck the back of the house, the Whitakers can admire their outdoor sanctuary from inside as well.

“We don’t have to be outside to enjoy it,” Todd says. “I didn’t anticipate how beautiful it would be at night because of the lighting.”

Jake and his team at Rost Landscaping truly exceeded the Whitakers’ expectations for creating a unique, modern, and functional outdoor space that has become the summertime centerpiece of family gatherings.

“I didn’t dream of the quality family time we would have out here, talking and laughing and playing games,” Beth says. “Everybody loves it.”

Local Businesses Used for the Project Rost Landscaping Inc. 2450 Trails W. Ave. rostlandscaping.com Glenn’s Pools & Spas 1811 Monroe St. glennspoolsandspas.com Pure Audio 3211 S. Providence Rd., Ste. 107 pureaudiohome.com

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Expand the comforts of your home to create the perfect outdoor space As spring gives way to summer, we are reminded that our favorite spaces in our home may not actually be in our home.

Whether it is a get together with friends and family or just a quiet night at home, spending time in a comfortable and stylish outdoor space is the perfect way to end—or begin—any day.

Working with the Kliethermes team means you are treated like family.

Together we can transform your home to be everything you dream of for summer.

Call Cale today to begin your next project.

573.446.2222 | kliethermes.com

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Anne Tuckley

ANNE TUCKLEY HOME

Brendan Rost

ROST LANDSCAPING

Jake Baumgartner BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

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Emily Rodenbaugh IRON GATE REAL ESTATE

Cale Kliethermes KLIETHERMES HOMES & REMODELING

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PETS, KIDS … AND BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE?

BY JAKE BAUMGARTNER Find more at baumgartners.com

Tell the truth. How many of you have a dog or two lounging on your living room furniture on a regular basis? It’s a wonder you can find a spot to settle in with your bag of M&Ms and blueberry smoothie for your next binge of Netflix. And then you add a few squirmy young bodies with their own arsenal of fruit juices and squeezable sticky snacks. The dogs get all riled up, the kids are topsy-turvey and your furniture soon tells the story of a living room well-loved and perhaps ridden a bit too hard.

Here’s the good news. Performance fabrics. These amazing fabrics are created to withstand the most loving and lively families— and their fur kids.

The technology applied to them makes your furniture...

• • • • • •

Virtually unstainable Easy to clean Extremely durable Beautiful and soft Made in the USA With no potentially unhealthy PFC chemicals!

And when that dollop of ice cream hits the chair or that not-so-clean pup launches onto his favorite corner of the couch, cleanup is simply involves a clean cloth. For tougher spots, a little soap and water does the trick. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

La-z-boy is a leader in this amazing technology and offers an amazing selection.

You can choose from hundreds of colors, patterns and prints and all have an exceptionally soft feel to them. So no matter what style of furniture you select, you can customize it beautifully and with fabrics that stand up to the toughest elements.

So now you not only don’t need to fear the daily three ring circus on the couch but you can also even bravely add colors you’d normally never consider! And your over enthusiastic red wine drinking neighbor has met her match.

Entertain with abandon and show off your new furniture while you’re at it!

JAKE BAUMGARTNER

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

Jake essentially grew up in the furniture industry as he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake has been devoted to the stores full time since 2004. His greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah and they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received his degree in finance from Saint Louis University.

573-256-6288

baumgartners.com

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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR OUTDOOR PARTIES

BY ANNE TUCKLEY Find more at: AnneTuckleyhome.com

What’s not to love about summer? The sun shining, the weather is warm, everything is in bloom, and my personal favorite, summer parties.

Whether you are celebrating an annual event like a birthday or Independence Day or simply inviting the neighbors over for a BBQ, summer is the perfect time to flaunt your hosting abilities.

Not sure how to host a killer summer party?

Fake it by following these tips: Cold cocktails - Nothing beats a cold drink on a hot day, but nothing ruins a good cocktail like melted ice. Forgo the ice and opt instead for frozen fruit. Freeze seasonal berries, grapes, or even tangerine wedges to keep your drink chilled, colorful, and full of flavor.

Use your yard - Ditch the table and chair rentals and turn your yard into a picnic paradise. Layout picnic blankets and throw pillows for your guests to enjoy. Stacks of heavy, classic books, wooden boxes, or even just pieces of painted wood make excellent tables for drinks and food while outdoors.

Think light - Summer parties frequently feature massive quantities of meat coming off the grill.

Leave the chips and heavy sides for winter and round out the menu by offering guests fresh accompaniments of fruits, veggies, and fresh herbs. This will help keep them cool, hydrated, and comfortable in the outdoor heat and encourage them to mingle longer.

Cool off – Humidity and heat create cranky guests. Even on extremely hot days, keep your party outdoors by adding a tent, large fans (with misters is ideal), and plenty of cold drinks. Personalize it by passing out bottles of refreshing face mist or putting individual fans around each table or blanket. Willing to get a little messy? Have a corner set up with squirt

guns and water balloons for guests that are feeling a little playful.

nights, and illuminate your walkway and stairs with portable lanterns.

Lighting - Summer evenings are a great time to host cocktail and dinner parties. Keep the party going by adding outdoor floodlights (I personally love to illuminate the trees), a warm fire pit or table fireplace for those extra chilly

Ambiance - Streaming music is always a great

standby but add an extra touch by hiring a local musician.

Happy hosting!

ANNE TUCKLEY

ANNE TUCKLEY HOME

Anne has been in the interior design industry for over 20 years and has resided in many metropolitan cities from NYC to Houston while honing in on her skills.

Her specialties are interior design and home staging, with a focus on unique perception. Anne graduated with a BFA in fine art with a concentration in design and illustration. She has extensive experience in designing new construction as well as remodeling and conceptualizing out-of-the-box ideas. She ensures cutting edge design and superb customer service.

108 Corporate Lake Place, Columbia, MO 65203 573-639-1989 | AnneTuckleyhome.com

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MULCH VS GRAVEL

BY BRENDAN ROST Find more at rostlandscaping.com

Great landscaping is often the combination of a multitude of features coming together in a cohesive manner. The layout of a space is key but the importance of the choice of materials is often downplayed or mishandled. Choosing materials for a project is a carefully planned process that aims to fit the style and function of the space and the client alike.

One of the most important materials in the landscape is the covering/mulch used in the beds. This is often lightly considered as most people just default to what they are familiar with. In Mid-Missouri, we have a readily available supply of excellent bark mulch or an assortment of gravels sourced from our local streams. Each material has its own pros and cons that I’ll highlight here so you can make a more informed decision on your next landscape project.

First, we will look at the bark mulch we are all familiar with. This product comes in a range of colors and textures that can drastically influence the look of your project. The gold standard is the dyed double ground. The dark brown color maintains the natural look of the space while providing that great contrast that draws your eye to whatever plants you’ve selected.

The fine texture allows for a smooth, clean layer to be put down and it not only adds to the contrasting effect, it also gives your beds that professional finished look. Bark mulch excels at moisture retention and temperature stabilization as well. This helps keep your plants from burning up and drying out in those hot summer months and insulates them from the bitter cold in the winter months allowing them to thrive throughout the year.

Despite all the upside, bark mulch is not without its flaws. This mulch will break down over time and begin to bleach in the sun. For aesthetics, we recommend adding a thin layer every year to recover that dark color as well as maintain your 3” layer of mulch that the plants thrive on. Alternatively, re-mulching every other year will also maintain the function of the bark.

The alternatives are your brown river rock, multicolor, or even black granite gravels.

Gravel is the king of longevity and low-maintenance. They offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that bark mulch cannot match and will obviously stand the test of time. These materials are going to be prime for high traffic or perpetually wet areas as well. Gravels should be placed on top of a weed barrier but keep in mind that this only prevents the existing seeds from sprouting, not any new additions on top.

Gravel has a few shortcomings as well: it holds heat in the summer and has a tendency to fry smaller plants, restricting the plantings to mostly shrubs and trees. The upfront cost is significantly higher than mulch as it’s necessary to include weed mat and edging, as well.

Both gravels and bark mulches could do wonders for your landscape. Material selection can be overwhelming and it’s a great opportunity to consult an expert so you, too, can achieve that beautiful and functional landscape.

BRENDAN ROST ROST LANDSCAPING

Brendan Rost is a Columbia native and son of owners Tim and Toby Rost. He grew up playing at the garden center and nursery and has worked in all divisions of Rost Inc. since. Brendan received his B.S. in Horticulture and Design from the University of Missouri and now works as a designer in the landscaping division. He thrives on building relationships and creating unique landscapes that complement the space.

573-445-4465

rostlandscaping.com

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A HELPFUL HOME REFRESH CHECKLIST

BY CALE KLIETHERMES Find more at: www.kliethermes.com

DOORS & WINDOWS

As summer approaches and we begin to open our homes for summer it is important to take a look around and see what needs to be done. Before you start tackling any remodel project, whether big or small, it’s important to manage your expectations, your budget and your timeline.

A punch list is a document that’s prepared toward the end of a remodel project that lists extra tasks and small details that need to be finished before the project can be completed and the final payment collected. This type of document is put in place to ensure your construction company’s final product meets your expectations.

Here is an example of a general punch list any homeowner can use:

WALLS Are there any visible cracks, smudges or dings in the drywall?

Is crown molding installed correctly and painted?

Is the backsplash even, grouted and applied correctly?

Are any screw heads visible through the drywall?

Are any nail heads popped in wood framing?

Does paint evenly cover each wall with no thin spots, drips or other mistakes?

Do pantry doors and interior doors swing open and close easily?

Is weather stripping applied to all exterior doors?

Are doors hung correctly?

Do windows open and close easily?

Do windows lock properly?

Are window screens installed?

Are there any cracks in window panes?

Are there any dents, scratches or buckling in interior doors?

CEILING Are smoke detectors installed correctly and working properly?

Are there any visible cracks or peeling?

Are light fixtures installed properly without doing damage to the drywall?

Is the paint evenly distributed without mistakes?

CALE KLIETHERMES

FLOORING If using tile, is your tile floor evenly grouted and sealed?

Is your floor level?

Are there any gaps between flooring and cabinets?

Is there any visible damage to the floor from construction?

ELECTRICAL Are all light fixtures installed and working properly?

Do all outlets, switches and cable jacks work?

Are all switch plates and cover plates installed?

Your relationship with your construction company is dependent on how you communicate with each other and how satisfied you are with the quality of the remodel project. Having a punch list helps achieve both of those things. And remember, as you continue to cross things off your punch list, you’re one step closer to enjoying your newly remodeled space!

Ready to get started? Kliethermes will be there to make sure your remodel goes smoothly and is finished on time and on budget. Call us today at (573) 446-2222!

KLIETHERMES HOMES & REMODELING

Cale Kliethermes has learned the construction business from the ground up, working with his father to uphold the 40-year legacy that is Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling. Having been immersed in the industry since his teenage years, Cale possesses decades’ worth of expert knowledge and experience regarding new construction and remodels. Cale studied business administration and finance at Regis University, in Denver, Colorado, and earned his CGR (Certified Graduate Remodeler) designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He also served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he built secure housing and observation posts. Cale specializes in leading homeowners through the creative process of designing their ideal home, and he is skilled in determining unique solutions that result in life-changing differences.

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MARKETING MATTERS

BY EMILY RODENBAUGH Find more at igrealestate.com

Before

It is no secret that hiring a real estate professional is key to navigating the purchase or sale of real estate. These licensed experts are trained and educated to smoothly get all parties through the process with a delightful outcome.

What is often misunderstood is your agent is only as strong as their team of experts on their team. Every transaction is different and with each, a unique set of skills are needed. Perhaps it’s legal, negotiations, marketing or sales. It’s crucial you hire an agent whose brokerage has experts in all facets.

MARKETING A HOME One of the most obvious aspects of marketing a home lies in the visual representation. The majority of home buyers are searching online for their next dream home and the MOST likely way to get them to stop and look is the first picture. Want to keep a buyer looking at your home? Keep delivering high quality photos that allow them to see the best features of your listing. On that same note, listing a home without pictures, or with low quality pictures, makes buyers highly skeptical.

In today’s virtual world, photos alone may not cut it. To compete in internet rankings and online listings, the more visuals you offer, the more likely you will show up in a search, and the more likely buyers are to stay engaged with your listing. Videos and virtual tours help buyers more clearly visualize themselves in your space.

After

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT CREATED EQUAL

HOW TO KNOW YOU’RE GETTING THE BEST

In today’s world, camera phones boast incredible features and ease of use. But, when it comes to capturing print-ready, high resolution, publishable photography, camera phones simply won’t cut it. A professional DSLR camera will far outperform in all technical aspects. Aspects like a lens, shutter speed and sensors are key to properly capturing each room and each angle you want to highlight to potential buyers.

An expert is also crucial to creating the right image. Lighting, composition, and even staging lie in the talents of the person behind the lens. This professional should also be exceptional when it comes to editing and able to correctly portray the features without distorting the image.

Interview your agent! When looking to list your property, you should always ask to see examples of marketing material. Ask if your agent has plans to hire a photographer, if their brokerage provides access to a professional, or if they plan to take their own photos. If your agent takes their own photos, what are their qualifications?

Look online at the agent’s and the brokerage’s listings. How are they portrayed, and would you be enticed to look more? Ask where those photos go and how they are used to successfully market your property.

A professional agent and professional brokerage are always happy to answer these questions in depth.

EMILY RODENBAUGH

IRON GATE REAL ESTATE

Emily is a Columbia native and has worked alongside the folks at Iron Gate since 2010. She’s been in photography since 2008 and provides a huge amount of creative energy to our brokerage. Not only does she dazzle sellers with her photography skills, but she also handles a majority of the digital marketing and graphic design elements that come with listing your home with an Iron Gate agent. When she’s not busy being a marketing master, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, and listening to true crime podcasts.

2635 S Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203 573-777-5001 | igrealestate.com

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Father’s Day (or any day!) is the perfect time to

get grilling!

And there are no better meats to put on your grill than ours. From steaks and chops to brats and ribs, we provide a great selection and outstanding service.

Visit our store and discover why a locally owned butcher is the best for selection, service and excellent prices.

Providing “travel worthy” meat since 1954!

125 E. Broadway, New Franklin, MO • Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm & Sat: 8am-5pm• 660-848-2229 • JenningsPremiumMeats.com

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L I B AT I O N S

HANGING WITH THE BOSS

Tenth Stre e t ’s n ewe s t t a co b a r features rum-focused tiki drin ks an d m ore.

by M A RY K AT E H A F N E R | ph o to s by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

T

he anticipated brick-and-mortar location of Lindsey Spratt’s creation, Boss Taco, opened its doors in downtown Columbia only a few months ago. While tacos and avocado fries may bring the people in, the bar will compel them to stay.

Boss Taco sets its tone as patrons walk into the restaurant through a separate, windowed hallway. A metal bar, bright teal and stark white wood-paneled walls, and psychedelic black and white striped accent graphics set a cool tone to the space. Exposed brick, Navajo-printed textiles backing wooden booths, and hanging plants bring back warmth, creating an aesthetically nuanced space.

The corner hangout brings up feelings similar to the awe one might have watching an eclectic bohemian interior designer pull together elements from all styles to create one cohesive space.

The noise level is civilized without the feeling of seclusion. You might even hear a trendy indie band playing on the speakers overhead.

At the bar, you’ll neighbor small groups of succulents and cacti, foreshadowing the tequila- and rum-focused cocktail menu. Of course, there are various wines and beers offered, but where else in Columbia do you find the level of attention to rum that Boss Taco gives?

A bar for the people, Boss Taco evokes an attitude of eccentric calm.

Boss Taco’s bar manager, Sean Curd, pours that attitude in a glass.

THE MAN BEHIND THE BAR Sean is a tall, bald, bearded man with a personality balancing his introverted nature and outward friendliness. He’s hard to miss.

Sean fell into bartending during his graduate studies in literature at MU. He found a mentor in 44 Canteen’s Aaron Brown during his first years of bartending. Aaron opened his eyes to the creative world of spirits. Sean fell hard for the culture and history of bartending, and his boozy love affair enticed Sean to stay in Columbia after graduation.

What could be more literary-romantic then hearing the stories of others while passing booze across a bar?

“I really love tailoring an experience for a specific person,” says Sean.

“It’s fun to have like an hour or hour and a half with these people. You get to know them and get into their lives.”

Sean worked on the cocktail programming at Sycamore and Top Ten Wines before transitioning to Boss Taco. With four years of bartending experience behind him, Sean has taken on the challenge of managing a bar.

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Sean Curd, Boss Taco bar manager

Columbia has shown its love for cocktail culture. They’re ready for the second round. Sean has taken his creative freedom to work, harmonizing the needs of the bar while ushering in new ideas and trends to Columbia.

“You’re sort of always playing around with recipes in your head.

During drink shifts, we sort of go over things when things start dying down,” says Sean. “That’s when the creative juices are flowing — you start seeing things that you want to start melding together.”

For Boss Taco’s spring cocktail menu, Sean took inspiration from the resurgence of tiki bars and tiki-themed drinks. The result is a menu with boozy, stern rum drinks, a space unoccupied by any other bar in Columbia.

I’LL TAKE ANOTHER

Hell or High Water cocktail

“Our drinks are tailored to be simple, but elegant,” says Sean. “We want to be simple enough where we can have conversations with people. We want to have less stress on our bartenders, too. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here.”

Sean has streamlined the margarita process as well — Boss Taco’s variation on the drink was curated to be cranked out quickly with quality ingredients. Sean uses a blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, Cointreau, and a little bit of salt to create a perfectly balanced, multinote margarita.

Their traditional margarita has a smoky twin worth the second round.

The El Jefe margarita has an addition of mezcal and ancho reyes verde for a taste bud kick.

A crowd pleaser, daiquiris are celebrated on the cocktail program, coming in banana and pineapple varieties. However, you won’t be served the familiar frozen slush associated with the drink.

“I love banana daiquiris. You go some places and they make you this

frozen, disgusting mixture that is like a big slushy,” says Sean. “We wanted to play off of the classic daiquiri cocktail and play into the banana flavor, so we use a banana liquor. It ups the alcohol content and gives a nice, fresh banana flavor without tasting like banana Laffy Taffy.”

While margaritas may be the dominant player, Boss Taco’s Hell or High Water cocktail is their top cocktail. The drink’s standout ingredient is a fig and black pepper bourbon.

“It’s a simple, elegant cocktail with a lot of great flavors in there,” Sean says about the drink. “It kind of tastes like the great American novel.”

CRAFTING AN EDUCATED DRINKER A repeated spirit on Boss Taco’s menu is mezcal. Mezcal is an agavederived spirit often compared to tequila, though mezcal is bolder, wilder, and a touch smoky, with a wide range of varieties.

Boss Taco serves mezcal in a traditional way — in two shallow clay cups called jicarita. One cup is full of a mezcal for sipping; the other hosts a small orange wedge to bite into between sips. It’s a presentation that could lead a confused patron to shoot the contents instead of sip.

The Boss Taco bar-goers are as diverse as their surroundings, bringing in drinkers of every experience level.

Sean is ready to share his cocktail affections with the world and use his casual tone to ease curious drinkers into trying more traditional spirits.

“Go places where you’re comfortable talking to the bartender.

Those are the best bars. My favorite bars are a place where I can sit and talk with the bartender,” says Sean.

“That’s the biggest thing to me. I think I would get bored if I didn’t get to talk to people about cocktails. I couldn’t just sling rum and Cokes and pour beers, you know?”

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• Air Filter • Tires • Other Essential Fluids

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Where our family takes care of your family

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1601 Chapel Hill Rd. • Suite C • Columbia • WillettDentalAssociates.com • 573-445-5300

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GOURMET

Adventures in Dining Tempt your taste buds with these local exotic flavors.

by J E S S I C A VAU G H N M A R T I N ph otos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

Park's poke stack

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GOURMET

T

here’s a time for comfort food, for classic fare that takes you home, wraps you in a blanket, and sings you to sleep. And then there’s a time for adventure, for a meal that transports you to another place filled with flavors you might not recognize or really even enjoy at first.

In Columbia, you’ll find many an adventurous dish, and we’re begging you — give those flavors a chance. Some of my favorite local restaurants serve food that I didn’t grow up eating and flavors that were not remotely familiar. These meals have turned into beloved pastimes.

These restaurants each offer a little bit of an adventure on their menu. (We’ve tried them to prove it). You should take a bite, too, and see where it takes you. But for now, we’ve penned a selection of our own food adventures for you to experience right here on the page.

Le Bao

Jina Yoo’s sophomore eatery hearkens to the street foods found in her native South Korea, made for quick, casual dining — small bites that pack a big punch of flavor. As a huge fan of Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro, I couldn’t wait to try her new venture. And it did not disappoint my taste buds.

Le Bao is coming up on its first anniversary in the North Village Arts District, occupying a slot in the old Brady Glass building. The eatery isn’t just one of the only places in Columbia where you’ll dine inside a repurposed Quonset hut; it’s certainly the only local spot where you’ll find an array of freshly-steamed bao and buns filled with inventive combinations.

What is bao? Good question.

Dumpling-shaped steamed bread rolls filled with an array of meats and veggies.

Le Bao's pork belly, fried shrimp, and lemongrass chicken buns

The buns? The concept is taco-like—but the buns are about half the size of a standard taco shell, pale and squishy, sort of like memory foam. Jina’s pick (and mine) is the fried chicken bun, a crispy combo of Korean and American fare.

If you’re craving something sweet, try a bing bing shaved ice. Bing bing, a nickname for the traditional patbingsu, is Korean shaved ice. The “pat” refers to the red bean paste traditionally used in these frosty creations, and though it’s found in many variations of shaved ice,

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it’s been said that Koreans were the first to incorporate this ingredient into the cold dessert.

Order the Seoul Tango to get a taste of the traditional with a fun twist. Bing bing shaved ice is topped with green tea ice cream, sweet red bean paste, and another surprise — Frosted Flakes. And though her menu doesn’t feature any of the world’s most exotic foods — no pickled pig or chicken feet here — you’ll surely find something that will surprise your taste buds.

GOURMET

Park

When you get out in nature, you have a couple choices: stick to the pavement or veer off the beaten path in search of your own adventure. You’ll encounter the same choices at Park, one of Columbia’s newest restaurants. Located off Highway 63 at the Discovery Parkway exit, the menu is a medley of American classics and Asian-inspired delights crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Like a park, the eatery aims to be a gathering place for its guests, a controlled environment where you can get to know different flavors from different places.

And whether you enjoy fish, beef, pork, or a vegetarian option, these exotic flavors are available to you.

Try the Poke Stack, a dish that hails from Hawaii. Traditionally, poke, which simply translates to “chunk,” is served as an appetizer using raw tuna and marinade. Park’s version uses sushi-grade ahi tuna marinated in sesame citrus dressing with fresh avocado, cilantro, green onions, nori, and fresh microgreens stacked on crispy wonton chips.

If raw fish is too far off the beaten path for you, go back to the crossroads of

classic and adventurous and try the Thai burger. It’s a delicious combination that highlights the best of all its ingredients — a tender Angus beef patty and thick-cut applewood smoked bacon with provolone cheese, house-made Thai peanut sauce, and cilantro jalapeño jam on a pretzel bun.

Chim’s Thai Kitchen A warm breeze, a sunset-painted sky, and Chim’s on the river: a favorite warm weather combination of mine. Drive down winding gravel roads to Cooper’s Landing on the Missouri River, claim a picnic table, and head over to the trailer where all those good smells are coming from. That’s the Chim family cooking up something delicious.

If Mama Chim is there, it’s likely that the heat will be cranked up a notch — but no worries, you can specify how spicy you want your meal to be. My go-to is always the pad Thai with a Thai tea. This tea, which has an orange hue, is made from strongly-brewed black tea and is often spiced with star anise, crushed tamarind, and cardamom. The brew is then sweetened with sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and served over ice.

You will want to bring bug spray — riverside dining in the summer means mosquitoes will be hungry, too. A few years ago, I would have said to bring cash as well, but Chim’s now takes cards.

Hurrah! Last tip: you’ll want to stay within earshot of Big Mama Chim (although she has a vast range) to make sure you hear your name called to retrieve your order.

Barred Owl Barred Owl uses as many locallysourced ingredients as possible, but this doesn’t mean what you’ll find on the food or drink menu is familiar.

It’s a favorite pastime of mine to pull up a seat at the bar to try the most outrageous cocktail on the “visitors” menu, usually a wild card thrown in by Barred Owl’s “spiritual advisor” Andrew Ruth. House-made shrubs, infused liquors, and the freshest herbs all find their way into your glass.

The food is just as enticing. Chef Ben Parks and butcher Josh Smith find enjoyment in using every part of the animal they can. Sure, you’ll find traditional cuts like rib eye on the menu, but you’ll also find selections like oxtail ragu and rabbit confit. The menu changes by the day, so there’s always a new appetizing surprise.

You can find Barred Owl on East Broadway, just across Providence from downtown.

Tortilleria El Patrón I first stopped in to meet Carmen and Jose Morales when their tortilleria, or tortilla bakery, opened in 2018.

They were making hundreds (if not thousands) of fresh corn and flour tortillas per day in the small shop in the 700 block of Vandiver and selling tamales on select weekends.

Since then, they’ve expanded into the space next door to open a restaurant, where they serve traditional Mexican dishes that their family has made for generations and they continue to make

Park's pops, drumsticks tossed in house-made Korean BBQ sauce

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GOURMET

Le Bao's pork ramen featuring charshu pork and garnished with a soft-boiled egg COMO L I V I N G

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GOURMET

at home. This family knows what they’re doing when it comes to food. I trust her to fill my to-go bag with her favorites — tacos stuffed with tender lengua de vaca (cow tongue) and a splash of hot sauce.

You won’t need much.

Cool the heat with a mangonada, a frozen drink made with mangoes, lime juice, tajín seasoning, and chili sauce finished with a tamarind straw. If that’s too adventurous, try one of their sweet waters: agua de piña con coco (pineapple with coconut, my favorite) agua de horchata (rice water) and agua de melón (cantaloupe water).

Park's pork belly slider topped with pineapple cabbage slaw

Jamaican Jerk Hut I had the great pleasure of vacationing in Jamaica as a child with my parents on our spring break adventures. The trips consisted of floating down a sleepy river on a bamboo raft, sunbathing on white sand, and my favorite activity, enjoying the local fare.

On one special occasion, we were invited to the home of the childcare director at the resort where we stayed.

In her two-room house, which had bare concrete floors in the pocket-sized kitchen and bathroom, she composed a magical meal. I can still hear the sizzle of the chicken and smell the spices wafting through the space and spilling out the open windows. The end result: jerk chicken and red beans and rice, followed by a scoop of rum ice cream and a swig of Ting. It’s one of the fondest food memories I think I’ll ever possess.

So I jump at the chance to share a hefty portion of the Jamaican Jerk Hut’s rendition of the meal with my parents. I always order the jerk chicken with a side of red beans and rice and a Ting. One bite takes me right out of the Midwest and back to that Jamaican mountainside kitchen.

During the warm months, Jamaican Jerk Hut can be found roving around town in their food truck or at their brick-and-mortar location in the 700 block of Vandiver.

Bubblecup Tea Zone I used to order a chocolate snow with boba almost every shift when I worked at the mall in college. My boyfriend (now husband) was sort of disgusted by the giant gelatinous tapiocas — the boba — that would slip through the wide straw with every sip . . . that is, until he tried them. And now we can’t reign in our boba addiction. We even bought some to make at home.

Before the south Bubblecup location opened on Grindstone Parkway, we trekked downtown to Ninth Street in our parkas and snow boots during the terrible COMO L I V I N G

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winter to get our fix. Whether you’re craving something hot, cold, sweet, or somewhat savory, Bubblecup can deliver.

Get a tea, a slush (water, ice, and flavor), or snow (milk, ice, and flavor). The list of options stretches up and down the wall, ranging from familiar flavors like pineapple to more exotic options like taro root.

We jumped on the matcha tea train a while ago; we can’t get enough of that earthy flavor, of the tea that truly tastes like the color green. A matcha snow is now our go-to, and it’s a great alternative to a bowl of ice cream. I’m telling you — this drink is worth an adventure through the snow.

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FA S H I O N

Ta ke it ea sy t his s um m e r w i t h t h es e l a id- b a ck l ooks t h a t c a n be s l ip p ed on a nd of f in a b re e ze !

by T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T photos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

Jasmine-Kay Johnson Fringe Boutique

Orange fringe earrings Striped multicolor dress

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FA S H I O N

Georgia Aslanidis Cha Boutique

Camaro jumpsuit

Kalene Aslanidis My Sister’s Circus

Teal bell-sleeve tunic

Cha Boutique

Pink aviator sunglasses

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Getting Away on the Rhine Pack your bags for a scenic European river cruise and let Viking take care of the rest. story a nd ph otos by B E T H B R A M S T E D T

A

side from raising teenagers, my real-life adventures began in 2005 — the day I received my first passport.

Little did I know of the places I would go, the people I would meet, and the cultures I would experience. Each time I rub my thumb across the leathery surface of the little navy-blue book, I am amazed at the worlds this one document has opened for me.

Since 2005, I have visited 15 different countries, with the most recent ones being Switzerland, Germany, and a return trip to France in April. I often make travel plans on my own, for this trip I chose to relax and let Viking Cruises carry the load.

My trip of choice? The Rhine River Getaway with stops in the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne, and a pre-excursion extension to the lakeside village of Lucerne.

My ship? The brand-new, 186 passenger Viking Sigrun, led by Captain Hendrik Teekman, Program Director Chris Schmitz, Hotel Manager Michael Stamm, and their award-winning bar and restaurant crew.

My travel mates? My dear friend Kim Nielsen and the new friends we would make from across the United States.

In one word, the journey was exquisite. Viking thought of every detail. The food was authentic and delicious, the towns charming, and the customer service impeccable.

The gardens of Marksburg Castle in Koblenz

So sit back, relax, and join me on a journey from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam on Germany’s longest and most important river.

The Magical Black Forest

After a mouthwatering dinner of Swiss stew and a good night’s sleep, we wound our way from Breisach, Germany, through the hilly countryside, past Black Forest farmhouses with straw roofs and absent chimneys.

Snowflakes the size of half dollars tossed about like falling cotton and stuck to the windshield of the luxury motor coach. Snow-covered pine trees lined the curvy road creating a magical, mist-filled aura reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel or Snow White.

And it’s no wonder. The region has long been associated with fairy tales thanks to the Brothers Grimm, who created these tales to preserve the nation’s folklore.

Tucked in the hills was our destination — the Star Inn (Hofgut Sternen), host to cuckoo clock demonstrations, Black Forest cake tastings, glassblowing artisans, and handmade German souvenirs.

As we curled our way back through local villages, brightly colored tulips peered from underneath the covering of snow in the public gardens. White asparagus grew underground, hiding from the rays of the sun. Goats and cows, which normally can be seen sprinkled along the hills, remained safe and warm inside their stables. I was transported back in time as we passed a lumber mill and working water wheel.

Today, as in the time of Roman rule, the forest yields a dark beauty that rekindles my childhood nostalgia and sense of wonder. And the snow, in all its beauty, was an added gift.

After savoring pasta with clam sauce on the ship, we spent the afternoon exploring Breisach, a charming riverside hamlet just a short walk from the dock. The town rises above sloping vineyards in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge. Steeped in history, it is most notable for nearly being destroyed in the final days of WWII. While our day was gray and gloomy, Breisach is known as the Toscana of Germany, the warmest and sunniest part of the country. St. Stephen’s Cathedral sits above the town, providing stunning views of the cobblestone streets and traditional pastel-hued houses below. The structure reflects both Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the damage it suffered during the war has since been restored.

Despite the rain, the town begged to be explored. Our sweetest find? Homemade Florentine cookies from a local bakery. For me, it was the Florentine by which all other Florentines will now be compared.

Storks of Strasbourg

After cruising through the night, our journey into Strasbourg, France, began with a sense of astonishment as we traveled by bus through the European District to the north of the city center. As our eyes took in rows of sycamore trees lining a street near the Parc de l’Orangerie, the oldest and largest park in Strasbourg, we couldn’t help but look up.

There, settled in the treetops, were the largest nests I have ever seen, each one holding a lanky white stork.

Having never seen one, the wading birds only existed in nursery rhymes and tales of new babies entering the world.

But these storks were real, magnificent creatures. Our guide shared that France started a program to repopulate the white stork in 1983, and the birds had recently returned from Africa, where they migrated for the winter.

The magical birds would be the highlight of the day.

Perched on the border of Germany and France, Strasbourg’s culture mirrors the dual influences of both

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Five Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland has topped my list of places to visit for years, so it was an easy decision to add a pre-cruise extension in the charming lakeside town of Lucerne, nestled at the base of the Swiss Alps.

Following 20-plus hours of travel and a quick nap, our Viking guide oriented us to our surroundings and suggested activities for the next several days.

The weather was beautiful and the sites breathtaking. It was definitely a trip favorite.

If you get the chance, don’t miss these five things while out and about exploring.

EAT FONDUE ON THE BALCONY OF PFISTERN ZUNFTHAUS RESTAURANT. On the colorful riverside terrace, in the middle of the only remaining guild house in Lucerne, enjoy a traditional Swiss meal, including fondue. From the balcony overlooking the Reuss River, dip bread made from their master bakers into the steaming, cheesy mixture while sipping on a glass of local wine.

SAMPLE CHOCOLATE AND MACARONS AT BACHMANN’S CHOCOLATE.

The Pfalzgrafenstein Castle near Kaub

CRUISE LAKE LUCERNE.

The Swiss are known for their chocolate.

There are several Bachmann’s in the area, so stop by again and again to taste the creamy, smooth delicacy, including ruby chocolate, which was introduced in 2017 by a BelgianSwiss chocolatier. Try a praline, sample a new macaron flavor, or dive into any number of delectable cakes and pastries.

Offering both mountains and water, Lucerne has the best of both worlds.

Set sail from the city on any number of cruise boats and find yourself surrounded by the magnificent Swiss Alps and breathtaking views of the shoreline. On a warm day, the ambiance feels quite like the Mediterranean.

SHOP AT HARRY’S SWISS WATCH CENTER.

Sunset on Lake Lucerne

While taking time to explore Old Town and walking across the longest covered wooden bridge in the world, stop at Harry’s. Highly recommended by our guide, it is the perfect place to pick up Swiss watches and army knives for your family — and yourself, of course.

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ASCEND MOUNT PILATUS. Your trip will not be complete without the 7,000-foot climb to the top of Mount Pilatus. The ride includes ascending 5,300 feet in the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or panoramic gondolas and finishing the journey by aerial cableway. If the ride itself doesn’t take your breath away, the scenic views of the Swiss Alps will.

countries with the melding of a traditional past and progressive present.

We explored the town on foot, and our walking tour took us into Old Town, enclosed by the little Ill River, where wooden houses intersected with picturesque canals.

We passed patisseries, chocolatiers, brasseries, and antique shops on every corner.

In Cathedral Square, we took in the crowning achievement of Strasbourg: the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, or Strasbourg Cathedral. At 426 feet, it almost touches the sky. It is the highest medieval building in Europe, and houses a renowned astronomical clock, the clock mechanism of which dates back to 1842.

We spent the afternoon in Place Kleber, the city’s largest square. The heart of the city’s commercial district, the square boasts fun water features and the flagship stores of many upscale European brands. The active and energetic environment solidified Strasbourg’s status as a vibrant international city and one I’d like to visit again.

Our adventure in France would not be complete without a melt-in-your-mouth crêpe drizzled in caramel and topped with Chantilly cream. We were happy to oblige.

Kim and Beth

Heidelberg

Romantic Heidelberg

“It’s easy to leave your heart in Heidelberg,” our local guide shared, and I couldn’t agree more. The only thing missing from this excursion was a little more time!

With a population of 160,000, including 40,000 students, I felt quite at home in Heidelberg. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is the oldest college in Germany. The romantic destination also boasts a baroque-style old town district and the ruins of a fairy tale castle that is perched 330 feet above the river.

The highlight of the day was the journey around the 1607 castle, which was once home to a Palatinate princess before being partially destroyed by fire in the 17th century.

As the sky dripped with blue and the sun kissed our faces, we soaked in the beauty and history of these majestic ruins.

The grounds offered spectacular views of the Neckar Valley from the terrace of the castle’s central courtyard, and the wine cellar housed the world’s largest wine barrel — a 250-year-old piece carved from 130 oak trees that once served 50,000 gallons of wine.

Our time ended with a chance to explore the pedestrian-only, 1.6-mile-long main street, with stops in several charming squares along the way. After picking up a few souvenirs, I said goodbye to this enchanting city by sampling an erdbeerplunder, a pastry filled with vanilla pudding. No worries though — after walking 15,000-plus steps each day, the calories simply melted away!

Koblenz & Middle Rhine

On the fourth day, we slept in and spent the rest of the morning bundled up on the sun deck watching the scenery unfold as we cruised the Middle Rhine, the most picturesque stretch of the 820-mile waterway. From Rüdesheim to Koblenz, forests, castles, and vineyards took center stage, complimented by storybook villages nestled along the shoreline.

On the steepest riverbanks, grapes were harvested by hand, and castles of all shapes and sizes stood against the skyline, once protecting the kingdom and now beckoning to be explored. Many stand in ruin, while others serve as luxury hotels. One is even home to an international youth hostel.

Soaked in history, each castle tells its own story. My favorites? The expansive Schönburg Castle and its two neighboring Gothic collegiate churches, in Oberwesel, and the Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a toll castle on Falkenau Island, which features a unique five-sided, six-story tower.

Both are near Kaub.

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Travel Tips • • • • • • • • • •

Book nine to 12 months early.

Be prepared to pay up-front.

Wait to book additional excursions.

Add on the Amsterdam or Lucerne extension.

Pack light and casual (no need for formal dinner attire).

Bring walking shoes and a rain jacket with a hood.

Plan for your hair — no curling or flat irons allowed.

Upgrade your room to a French balcony.

Try the regional menu selections.

If you enjoy a good drink, opt for the Silver Spirits beverage package.

The windmills in Kinderdijk

Following another delicious lunch, it was time to imagine life inside the Marksburg Castle in Koblenz. Built in the 15th century, it remains the only German castle undamaged by war or battle.

The journey took us through the citadel, garden, kitchen, wine cellar, bedrooms, blacksmith shop, and more. Despite the opulence of the structure itself, I was reminded of the simplicity of life before electricity and running water. The only heated room was the bedroom, which was insulated with wood to keep the heat from the fireplace inside. The kitchen boasted a wooden ice box, and food was cooked over an open flame.

Following our tour, we spent the beautiful Sunday afternoon meandering the streets of this former trading settlement. The squares boasted outdoor markets and tents full of flowers, pastries, and cheese. Outdoor cafés were packed with families enjoying espresso, wine, or gelato. Shop doors were open and locals and tourists COMO L I V I N G

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mingled, each carrying bags holding their treasures. The town was vibrant, colorful, and bustling with activity. A man selling balloons stood at one intersection, attracting children of all ages.

It seemed the sunshine and warm weather brought out the adventure in everyone.

Cologne

Our last stop in Germany was Cologne, a modern city known for its annual carnival — and its beer.

Traditionally the “fifth season,” The Cologne Carnival is declared open in November, but the week-long street festival called “Crazy Days,” takes place in the spring between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday.

Cologne is also known for Kölsch, a light, crisp beer that by law can only be produced in Cologne. Guests can sample this creation in more than 100 traditional brewpubs while being served by a köbe (waiter) wearing the traditional costume of the brewery.

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Both of these cultural attractions give Cologne the reputation of being a party city. And while the city provided a festive nightlife over the weekend, the remnants were visible first thing on Monday morning — bottle caps and cigarette butts littered the cobblestone streets and trash lined the alleyways. By mid-morning, however, the modern plazas and Hohe Strasse, a pedestrian-only shopping zone, sprang to life with tourists and shoppers.

Despite the crowded, urban feel, our afternoon in Cologne turned out to be one of our favorites. After exploring yet another Gothic cathedral, we ventured out and discovered the shops of our two favorite European brands — L’Occitane en Provence and Swarovski.

With French lotion fragrances and Austrian crystal earrings in hand, our next stop was coffee and pastries at Merzenich, a popular German bakery. And after seeing the window stocked with Berliners, a type of jelly doughnut, I just couldn’t pass one up.

Final Hours

Our evening ended with an intimate dinner on the Aquavit Terrace, served by our new friend, Kris, and probably my favorite meal of the trip. Executive Chef Karl Heinz Zwanzleitner prepared chateaubriand and béarnaise sauce, which I requested be served with his delectable herb mashed potatoes.

The tender cut of beef added the finishing touch to an already lovely day.

As morning came, the remaining hours on the ship were quiet. I grabbed a cup of hot tea from the bar and reflected on my experience while watching the clouds slowly roll by. After lunch, I turned the final pages of my novel as fresh air streamed in from our French balcony.

A bit later, we exited the ship in Kinderdijk, Netherlands, for a quick tour of their working windmills. The 19 structures from the 1830s stretched out across the horizon creating an idyllic scene. The day was as easy and peaceful as it sounds. And as I drifted off to sleep, I knew I had created memories that would last forever.

Personal Touch Cleaning Service is honored to continue our dedication to giving back to our community. For eight years, we have been blessed to partner with Cleaning for a Reason and provide house cleaning for women undergoing cancer treatment.

Does your home need a Personal Touch?

Office: 573.256.1920 www.personaltouchcleaningservicellc.com

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Your Guide

20 things every Columbian must try.

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Columbia offers plenty of indoor and outdoor experiences for those seeking new thrills or a quieter adventure. Get your fill of good food, beautiful landscapes, engaging museums, and adrenaline-inducing escapades with these suggestions from COMO Living and the Columbia Business Times’ advisory board members.

Are you up for the task? See how many you can check off the list this summer and keep us informed via social media at #COMO20.

1.

8.

Kick-off summer with Art in the Park on June 1-2.

Kayak Cedar Creek.

– MIKE GRELLNER

– NICKIE DAVIS

2.

Drive go-karts and play mini golf at Midway Golf & Games.

9.

See Jefferson’s original tombstone on the MU campus.

– ANDREW GRABAU

– MIKE GRELLNER

3.

15.

Experience First Friday in the North Village Arts District.

– NICKIE DAVIS

10.

Tour the Blind Boone Home.

Spend time with your furry friend at Twin Lakes Dog Park.

– ANDREW GRABAU

– NICKIE DAVIS

16.

Visit the MU Museum of Art and Archeology.

– ANDREW GRABAU

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Watch a film while enjoying a local brew at Ragtag Cinema.

Watch endangered gray bats fly out of Devil’s Icebox in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

– BARBIE BANKS

5.

Experience the Blue Note outdoors with a Summerfest concert on Ninth Street.

Scuba dive at Finger Lakes State Park.

– BARBIE BANKS

– ANN MERRIFIELD

12.

18.

Visit Cooper’s Landing!

Eat Thai food out of a trailer at the Missouri River.

– JOSEPH MILLER

– NICKIE DAVIS

6.

17.

– BARBIE BANKS

13.

19.

Ride ATVs at Finger Lakes State Park.

Sign up for a ropes course or the alpine tower with MU’s Venture Out program.

– TERESA SNOW

– TERESA SNOW

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14.

Hang out at the Station House at Katfish Katy’s.

Walk up Devil’s Icebox in the water barefoot.

Enjoy the lazy, outdoorsy expedition that is Boone Dawdle.

– NICOLE MORRIS

– MIKE GRELLNER

– NICKIE DAVIS

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Discover the Pinnacles.

– TERESA SNOW

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JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIP is giving back to students in mid-Missouri by awarding one $1,000 scholarship each month!

Who’s eligible? Any senior in the mid-Missouri area is eligible. If the student is a junior now, but will be a senior starting in the fall, they are eligible.

Who can nominate? School officials, community leaders, or employers may nominate a deserving student at MachensDrivesEducation.com How can it be applied? This scholarship can be applied to trade schools, two and four year universities, and even non-traditional post-secondary education programs. We support all types of educational opportunities.

How often will a recipient be chosen? One recipient will be chosen each month.

Do I need to re-apply each month? If you nominated a student to receive this scholarship and they weren’t chosen this time--no need to reapply. Applications will roll over into future months and be considered again each month.

Apply now at MachensDrivesEducation.com

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SPECIAL SECTION

We don’t always have to travel too far for some amazing experiences!

The “Show Me” state actually does have plenty to show and here are some interesting places to discover with your favorite traveling tribe.

It’s time to get away!

Rustic Country Charm at Lake of the Ozarks Big Country Bed and Breakfast is a recent addition to Lake of the Ozarks, opening its doors Spring 2018. Located on Highway O just a few miles outside of Laurie, it is close enough to everything the lake area has to offer, yet still tucked away for a quiet country retreat.

Other than a few steps onto the deck entrance, all guest spaces are located on one level and easily accessible with keyless entry to all guest doors. Guests can choose from three Queen rooms or one King suite, each featuring an en-suite bathroom, new plush beds, complimentary drinks and snacks as well as fresh cookies and gourmet chocolates upon arrival. Guests are treated to a large, hot breakfast prepared fresh each morning of their stay.

Throughout 2018 and as recently as April 2019, the entire bed and breakfast was completely renovated. While the entire property has a warm, rustic, farmhouse appeal, each of the four themed guest rooms is decorated with antiques, unique treasures and one-of-a-kind photography; every detail has been considered for the guests. Owner/ Innkeeper Angie Seaton says, “we repeatedly hear ‘it just feels like home’ and that’s exactly what we were going for. We love our property and wanted our guests to have the same experience of quiet, comfort and relaxation while they are here.”

A lot of care and creativity went into providing a unique and memorable bed and breakfast experience and add-on items or special packages are available. Owners Tim and Angie always look forward to welcoming guests and will do what they can to accommodate special needs or requests!

For more information or reservations visit bigcountrybandb.com or call (573) 746-2204.

31358 Aqua Vita Road • Gravois Mills, MO 65037 (3.5 Miles Outside of Laurie, Along Highway O) •   

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COMO L ofI V N GBreakfast Inns of Missouri, the J UTri-County NE / Lodging J U LY Big Country Bed and Breakfast is member BedI and Association, The Lake of the Ozarks CVB, along with several other national B&B lodging associations.

The Hottest Slots Exciting Table Games Delicious Restaurants Comfortable Rooms 140 Rooms (Some Pet-Friendly!)

Handicap Accessible Rooms Fitness Center Meeting & Event Space Refrigerators In Every Room Full Event Catering Free Valet Near The Katy Trail & Downtown

100 Isle of Capri Blvd. | 660.882.1200 COMO L I V I N G

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isleofcapriboonville.com

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Pet owners trust us to provide a better experience for their cats and dogs ...

Whether it’s grooming, boarding or both!

Our experienced, conscientious staff is devoted to superior care for your pet.

Come see for yourself.

( 5 7 3 ) 4 4 5 - 7 7 8 3 • t h e p e t f a i r @ t h e p e t f a i r. c o m • 1 7 0 6 I - 7 0 D r i v e S W • L i k e U s :

A LIFE SAVER FOR US AND OUR DAD. When our dad was admitted to the hospital over a year go with pneumonia, he became unable to live on his own and needed assisted living. We had very little time to find a place for him.

Denise met with us and helped us secure a wonderful apartment for him. Two days later, we signed our dad up as a new resident. They provide him with the additional medical help, physical therapy, and transportation he needs. This allows him to still be as independent as he can while getting the care that he needs.

A year later, we are so very pleased with this decision!

Phil Wulff

Our care is designed to enhance the lives of every resident and their families.

Formerly known as Provision Living at Columbia

Assisted Living. Memory Care. Always There.

Schedule your visit today!

2333 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO • (573) 304-4514 • CedarhurstLiving.com

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Phil Wulff and William Wulff

UNLEASHED

GENTLE GIANTS At Warm Springs Ranch, guests experience the Budweiser Clydesdales up close.

by M A RY K AT E H A F N E R | ph o to p rov ide d by WA R M S P R I N G S R A N C H

I

n 1933, to celebrate the end of prohibition, August Busch Jr. gave his father six Clydesdales. Overcome with happiness and gratitude, August Busch Sr. cried into his beer. Th is event gave us the cheeky phrase, “Don’t cry in your beer,” and the gesture prompted the Busch family to share the joy of the Clydesdales with their customers.

Decades later, Clydesdales are still synonymous with the Anheuser-Busch brand. Clydesdales tour America year-round to the delight and adoration of people of all ages. There are three ranches around the country that train and house these horse celebrities, and one happens to be Columbia’s neighbor.

Since 2008, the hilly, 300-plus acre Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville has been home to future Budweiser Clydesdales. The ranch features a mare and stallion barn and a foaling barn, a veterinary lab, and 10 pastures, each with a customized, walk-in shelter. The ranch can house more than 70 Clydesdales of all ages.

The training facility was moved to Boonville due to the town’s central location in the state and country. Over 300 years ago, the giant beauties were bred for farm work and hauling in the county of Clydesdale, Scotland. Now, the horses are more likely to act as entertainment.

WORLD’S BIGGEST DOGS Mark Boese, Warm Springs Ranch supervisor of herd management, says his favorite part about working with Clydesdales is their unique personalities. However, the first trait most visitors notice is their height.

The friendly creatures are a staggering 18 hands, or 72 inches, tall. A full-grown Clydesdale weighs around 1,800 pounds.

Despite their size, Clydesdales may remind you of your household dog. They

have an overlapping trait among them to please and respond to their human owners.

They’re docile animals with a curiosity streak. They will approach the visitors gawking at their fence without hesitation, reaching out their impressive snouts for affection and spare carrots.

Mark says when people first see a Clydesdale, they usually show a lot of happiness. Visitors are often in awe that the horse really is that big, he says. Super Bowl ads will never be the same.

THE LIFE OF A BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE In mid-March, the ranch welcomed their first foal of the year, Carly, into the world. Each foal shares the same first letter of their name with their birth mother. Carly weighed about 150 pounds a week after birth; she could walk after only a few hours of life.

Carly is a lucky Clydesdale. She meets the strict appearance markers needed to be a Budweiser Clydesdale, such as a bay-colored top hair coat and white hair below the knees.

(Horses that do not have the same features are traded out to other Clydesdale breeders.)

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Since Carly is a female horse, though, she will spend her life at the ranch, as only neutered male Clydesdales are trained for touring. Carly will start to breed at age 3, but that’s a long way off for the young foal.

She will spend the first six months of her life near her mother until she is moved outside to graze and gallop across the ranch.

It’s an entirely different experience for her colt counterparts. After six months, the male horses that met appearance requirements are weaned from their mothers and moved to Grant’s Farm, outside of St. Louis. At the farm, new Clydesdales will become accustomed to larger crowds and learn how to have their hair cut and how to be bathed. At age 3, the horses will return to Warm Springs Ranch to start wagon-pulling training.

After about a year of training, Clydesdales will have accomplished their training goals.

Each horse will then go on circuit for 10 to 12 years.

If you’d like to see the Clydesdales, Warm Springs Ranch offers two regular tours and one VIP tour each day through November 3.

Don’t miss the chance to see a little (or big) snippet of history for yourself.

Soon to be mid-Missouri's exclusive source for

MY SISTER’S CIRCUS 573-443-5618 • 1110 E. Broadway, Columbia Independent Distributor of LipSense

MINIMIZE YOUR STRESS. MAXIMIZE HEALING. ENHANCE YOUR LIFE. Our chiropractic care goes far beyond neck and back pain.

We believe your wellness needs are as unique as you are and we are committed to providing individualized chiropractic.

Complim entary wellness classes offered.

See web site for details

Schedule your consultation today to see how together we can improve your health.

Call for an appointment 573-442-5520 1000 W. Nifong Woodrail Centre, Building 8, Suite 100 AchieveBalanceChiropractic.com

. Dr. Phelps is an International Speaker and Wellness Expert .

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Live HEALTHY School’s out and it’s time to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities. To ensure your summer adventures are optimized to the fullest, the experts at MU Health Care have some tips and advice on which plants and bugs to avoid, outdoor food safety tips and finding that perfect balance for your kid’s summer routine.

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Live HEALTHY

SPONSORED CONTENT

Summer Bugs and Plants to Avoid Summer in Missouri is filled with fun outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it’s also filled with bugs and plants that can turn those adventures into nightmares.

While most encounters with the following nuisances can be treated at home, knowing what to expect and when to seek medical attention is important.

Here’s a list of common Missouri bugs and plants and what you should know:

BUG

NORMAL BITE REACTION Small, red bump similar to mosquito bite, slight itchiness

HOW TO TREAT • Remove tick promptly • Wash your hands and bite site with warm water and soap or rubbing alcohol

Tick

Small, red spot, appearing in groups of three or four

• Use over-thecounter antiitch cream to ease itchiness

Flea

TARA FLYNN, MD Mizzou Urgent Care

Brown Recluse

• Wash the area with soap to prevent spreading

Reddened skin that may be followed by a blister, mild to intense pain two to eight hours after the bite

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• Apply a cool wet cloth or cold compress and elevate bite area • Avoid moving bite area

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SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR Rocky Mountain spotted fever: • Symptoms appear 3-12 days after bite • High fever, headache, backache, aching muscles and rash on wrists and ankles Lyme disease: • Early symptoms mimic the flu with fatigue, headache, stiffness or pain in neck, muscles or joints, fever and swollen glands • Expanding circular or oval-shaped red rash or bump at the site of the bite within 2-32 days, becoming red ring or bull’s-eye Allergic reaction: • Swelling and itching • Irritated skin, painful around the bite • Hives and a rash

WHEN TO GO TO MIZZOU URGENT CARE • As soon as any of the listed disease symptoms appear • You’re not able to remove the tick • You think the site is infected

• Swollen glands, extreme pain around the bite or excessive redness • Difficulty breathing, nausea or swelling of the lips or face

Necrosis • Bite becomes open sore with black, dead tissue Severe reaction: • Fever and chills • Skin rash all over the body with tiny, flat purple and red spots • Nausea and vomiting • Joint pain

• Any severe symptoms or necrosis appear

SPONSORED CONTENT

PLANT

DESCRIPTION Grows close to the ground like a vine or shrub, three glossy, oval and jagged leaves together

NORMAL REACTIONS

HOW TO TREAT

• Red, itchy rash; some swelling

• Wash the area with soap and water within 10-20 minutes of exposure to prevent spreading • Avoid scratching • Use topical hydrocortisone and cool baths

Poison Ivy

Grows as a shrub, vine or ground cover on light brown or grey stems, shiny leaves of three

• Burning, itching skin followed by rash

• • • •

A fever over 100°F Severe swelling Widespread rash or blisters Rash is in eyes, mouth or genital area • Rash lasts longer than two weeks Call 9-1-1: • Anaphylactic reaction (rare) with swelling of face and throat, difficulty breathing, feeling dizzy or faint, loss of consciousness

• Same as poison ivy

• Oatmeal bath • Hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines

Poison Oak

Poison Sumac

• Thoroughly wash hands to prevent from spreading

WHEN TO GO TO MIZZOU URGENT CARE

Grows in wet, swampy environments; larger than poison ivy; leaves are smooth and grow on red stem in pairs with about nine to 13 per branch

• Swelling, itching, redness, similar to poison ivy

• Wash hands and fingernails immediately to prevent spreading

Grows as plant with triangular, heart-shaped leaves, 3-6 ft tall with stinging hairs on the leaves

• Redness, severe stinging sensation, itching, raised bumps

• Same as poison ivy

• Oral Antihistamines oral and topical steroids

• Wash with soap and water 10 minutes after coming into contact • Use sturdy tape to remove any remaining hairs from the skin

Wood/ Stinging Nettle

• Rash doesn’t go away within 24 hours • Allergic reaction with tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling in mouth, stomach cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea

Did you know?

Mizzou Urgent Care has moved!

Find us at our new location at 3619 S Providence Rd. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Seven days a week

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Live HEALTHY

SPONSORED CONTENT

Setting a Summer Routine for Kids Summer is a time for kids to relax, have fun and reset their minds for the next school year. While the season is meant to be carefree, setting up a summer version of a routine can do wonders to keep them healthy as well as make the transition back to school much easier. Here are some tips:

Example Schedule 9 a.m.

Wake up 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast 10 a.m.

Outdoor activity or errands 12 p.m.

Make lunch 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Reading, crafts, play time 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Park, pool or physical activity 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Help prepare dinner 6:30 p.m.

Eat dinner 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Family time 9:30 p.m.

Bedtime *Schedule provided by riseandshine.childrensnational.org.

1. Don’t stray too far from the normal bedtime and wakeup schedule.

It’s okay to stay up and sleep in a little longer, but if your kid is staying up all night and sleeping in during the day, the transition back to early school mornings will be rough, not to mention the disruption it can cause to healthy eating habits.

2. Schedule healthy meals and snacks.

The more time a kid spends at home, the more tempted they are to reach into the pantry for a snack out of boredom.

Schedule healthy meals and snacks at consistent times to cut down on any dining out and mindless grazing.

3. Plan fun activities to get your kid out of the house.

Try coordinating play dates with other parents or check out your local swimming pools, parks, museums, zoo or library.

Oftentimes, the parks and libraries will host kid-focused events throughout the season.

4. Have go-to activities when your kid is bored.

JULIE BENARD, MD Pediatrician

Create a list or jar of activities for your child to pick from when they’ve run out of ideas for themselves. It can include a variety of art projects, sports activities, reading challenges, dance parties, homemade obstacle courses or even scavenger hunts.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Summer Food Safety Warm weather lends itself to picnics, patios and backyard BBQs, but we’re not the only ones indulging in the summer temps.

Foodborne bacteria thrives in heat, which means if you’re planning to eat outdoors this season, take note of the following food handing tips:

Packing and Transporting Food Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

• Food should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid the bacteria “danger zone”.

• Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs, and use an insulated container for hot food.

• For longer transports, consider packing frozen meat, poultry and seafood instead of thawed.

Strategize your coolers.

• Because people refresh their beverages often, try packing separate coolers for beverages and perishable items to minimize how often food is exposed.

• Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood securely wrapped and away from prepared and cooked foods.

• Clean your produce prior to packing — including those with skins and rinds that don’t get eaten.

Grilling Marinate safely.

• Marinate foods in the refrigerator rather than on the counter or outdoors.

• Use fresh, untouched marinade as a sauce instead of reusing marinade.

Cook food thoroughly.

• Use a food thermometer and recommended temperatures to ensure your food is cooked all of the way through.

• If you plan to partial cook food before the grill, make sure the food goes from the kitchen to the grill immediately.

Use separate utensils for cooking and serving.

• Have a clean platter and set of utensils near the grill to prevent raw juices from spreading to cooked foods.

Serving Pay attention to timing.

• Once served, if food is left out for more than two hours, or more than one hour while the temperature is over 90 degrees, discard it immediately.

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GINGER MEYER, MS, RDN Registered Dietitian

Come see us

for Columbia’s best selection of

Summer is meant for the great outdoors... and a great toy store!

You can select from over 50 shades of this long-lasting, gorgeous lip color. I can also show you how to create your own personal color palette.

You’ll love this amazing product!

- Stella Hardnock Independent Distributor

MY SISTER’S CIRCUS 573-443-5618 • 1110 E. Broadway, Columbia Independent Distributor of LipSense

It’s playtime!

We have puzzles, games, toys and more for everyone.

Visit our locally owned store and experience carefully curated toys for 0-100.

Eco - fr ien d ly | Fa m i ly ce nt r i c | En g a g i n g

And just plain fun!

Come play in Alley A! We’re open 7 days a week.

906 Alley A • Columbia 573-441-0083 • speckledfrogtoys.com

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6/1-2

DATEBOOK JUNE 1 “An Ambush of Conductors” Concert Missouri United Methodist Church 7 to 8 p.m., $10

JUNE 14 Movies in the Park: “Ferdinand” Cosmo Park 8:45 p.m.

JUNE 1-2 Art in the Park Stephens Lake Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JUNE 19 Chain Station Rose Music Hall 8:30 p.m., tickets for $6

CoMo Flea Swap 6060 N. Wagon Trail Rd. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6/13

Family Fun Fest: Explore Outdoors Cosmo Park 6 to 8 p.m.

Missouri Contemporary Ballet “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Jesse Auditorium Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., tickets starting at $28

JULY 2 Patriotic Pops Missouri Theatre 7:30 p.m., $35

JUNE 3 Missouri’s Queen of Roots: Aina Cook On the lawn in Nifong Park 7 p.m., $10 for adults

JULY 4 Fire in the Sky Lucky’s Market and Flat Branch Park Activities at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

JUNE 4 Sherry Jones Author Visit Skylark Bookshop 6 to 7:30 p.m.

MUST DO IN JUNE/J UL Y J UNE 1-2

Art in the Park Stephens Lake Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

J UNE 13

The Caring People’s Designer Purse Bingo Knights of Columbus Hall 6 to 9 p.m., $40 for individuals, $350 for tables of 10

JULY 6 The Texas Tenors Missouri Theatre 8:00 p.m., $35

JUNE 9 Canines & Cruisers Plaza Event Center at Parkade 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JULY 12 Movies in the Park: “Mary Poppins Returns” Cosmo Park 8:45 p.m.

JUNE 9-15 Restaurant Week The District Every day, all week JUNE 13 The Caring People’s Designer Purse Bingo Knights of Columbus Hall 6 to 9 p.m., $40 for individuals, $350 for tables of 10 COMO L I V I N G

JUNE 15-16 CoMo Flea Swap 6060 N. Wagon Trail Rd. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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JULY 25 Dog Days Sidewalk Sale The District All day -

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Committed and authentic for the greater good of our company, and more importantly, our clients.

Polly Reynolds CPA, CTFA,

Vice President and Trust Officer Jenny and I have our own responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses. By encouraging and supporting one another, we enhance each other and more importantly, our clients benefit from working with a cohesive, high performing team. And they’ve learned to count on us to cheer them on toward their professional and personal goals.

We work hard, and we have joy.

There is just nothing better to witness, as well as being a part of The Trust Company!

Jenny Hayes

Account Administrator Polly and I work towards a common vision, which is providing excellent customer service to our amazing clients.

This collaboration makes our relationship with each other and our clients successful. Individually we can do a lot, but together we can do so much more. When women support each other, as we do, incredible and marvelous things happen!

See us for your investment portfolio, trusts, estates and wealth management.

Jenny Hayes

Polly Reynolds

4210 Philips Farm Road, Ste. 109 Columbia, MO 65201 573.876.7000 thetrustco.com Toll Free 800.285.7878 This is a Trust Representative Office.

STRONG WOMAN

JANET MOSS Socket’s manager of employee satisfaction talks about her family and how loss has shaped her. ph oto by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have been married for 20 years to my best friend. My husband, Waldon, is the answer to my prayers and so much more.

I’m consistently amazed by the depth of his heart and the reach of his kindness. When he walks in the room, I know I’m good — that’s my dude!

I grew up with both of my parents and three sisters, one of which is my twin. My family is all about joy! We laugh until our sides ache, play games, and celebrate anything we can so that we can be in the room together. We show up for one another, cheer for one another, cry with one another, pray with one another, and challenge one another.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED? The biggest lesson I have learned in life is to focus on my character, not my reputation.

Character is who you are and reputation is who people think you are. I focus on who I am with the knowledge that how I’m perceived will vary based on perspective and degree of relationship. If I place too much attention on what others think of me, I will be in constant flux. That way of life can be exhausting and unproductive. I choose to focus on building my character rather than to chase the ever-moving targets of popularity and other people’s approval.

WHAT IS A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT DEFINED YOU PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? Personally, it was more of a season than a moment. In July 2017, my oldest sister passed unexpectedly. During the same year, on September 1, my uncle passed, and on October 25, my dear mother passed. A little less than four months later, on February 9, 2018, my beloved mother-in-law, who lived with us, passed. My recent experience

with loss has defined me in ways that I could not have predicted. It has reshaped my perspective of relationships and the value of time. I have found strengths and vulnerabilities that I didn’t know I had, and I have grown as a result of it.

Professionally, after graduating from Columbia College with a degree in business administration, I had not determined what specific career trajectory I would take. “Business” is a pretty vast category.

My venture into HR came as the result of a promotion, and when I committed to joining the Society for Human Resource Management, it represented my commitment to my career pathway.

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Sweets! Ice cream and macadamia nut cookies COMO L I V I N G

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are at the top of the list. I also make great peanut brittle during the holidays and must admit to sampling a piece or two (or more).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STRONG WOMAN? I believe being a strong woman means loving and embracing yourself. It’s knowing what you bring to the table, having confidence in your abilities, and understanding your intrinsic value. It is being able to both ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness, and it’s being able to love others, even when it’s not returned. A strong woman acknowledges she is imperfect, but challenges herself to grow. Being a strong woman is to be perfectly flawed, bravely insecure, and focused on the care of others without neglecting self-care.

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Realty Executives - Heath Higgins

Anne Tuckley Home

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Samuel Trapp - Iron Gate Real Estate

Art and Soul Photography

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Excelsior Springs CVB

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Shelter Insurance Agents

18

Atkins, Inc.

10

Ferguson 20

Skylark Bookshop

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Helmi’s Gardens

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Speckled Frog Toys and Books

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State Park Marina

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Studio Home

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Baumgartner’s Furniture & Carpet Big Cedar Lodge

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I-70 Container

Big Country Bed & Breakfast

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Iron Gate Real Estate

Blowout Fanatic

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Isle of Capri

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Boone Hospital

7 & 29

JC Total Health

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Jenning’s Premium Meats

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Joe Machens Dealerships

70

Busenbark Flooring and Granite Carson & Coil

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Cedarhurst Assisted Living & Memory Care

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City of Columbia Water & Light

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Columbia Regional Airport

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Commerce Bank

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46 & 47

Superior Garden Center/ Rost Landscape

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5 & 44

The District

6

The Pet Fair

76

The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift

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Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling 40 & 45

The Trust Company

86

Macadoodles 52

University of Missouri Health Care

Missouri Department of Conservation

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Missouri Military Academy

84

Willett Dental Associates

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Williams & Associates Eyecare

39 67

Custom Complete Automotive

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My Sister’s Circus

Dave Grigg's Flooring America

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Orangetheory Fitness

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Wilson’s Fitness

Personal Touch Cleaning Service

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DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions of Columbia

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78 & 84

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CYSK

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Angelo and Elly Aslanidis talk about their week-long engagement and 44 years of owning G & D Steakhouse.

HOW DID YOU AND ELLY MEET ?

Angelo: I came to America in 1966 at age 14 with my family. In 1975, my uncle George and I went to vacation in Greece. I was 22 years old. We went for two months. While I was there, my uncles assumed that I was looking to get married, and they introduced me to a lot of their family friends.

I knew Elly’s brother George from America because I used to hang out at his pizza joint.

Their father passed away, and George went to Greece to be with his family, and while he was there, he came to visit me with his sister.

That was when I first met Elly. We hung out with them, and my cousins and my uncle

George asked me if I liked her. I told him that we were leaving Greece in two weeks and my parents didn’t know anything about it, but my uncle George was very adamant that I marry her. I told him we didn’t have any time to get married and I don’t have any money left, but her brother George and my uncle George had other plans. I called my father, and he sent me money to buy a ring.

We got engaged August 3, two days after we met, and we got married on August 10, a week later. And then I had to come back to America on August 17 because my tickets were expiring. She came to America two months later, after the paperwork was in.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DATE? A: There was no first date. We got engaged and then married! We didn’t technically have a first date; we just went out with our family.

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK ?

Elly: On our days off, we get together for a weekly family dinner. We also like to go out of town to go shopping.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR REL ATIONSHIP? A: Our relationship is unique because we met, got married, and then we learned to love one another.

HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS INFLUENCE YOUR REL ATIONSHIP? A: Since we’ve been married, we’ve been working together every day for 44 years. We don’t know anything different. People ask us often how we can do it and work together every day, but that is all we know.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAUR ANT IN COLUMBIA? A: Obviously G&D Steakhouse, but my favorite pizza joint is our cousin’s restaurant, G&D Pizza.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. E: I worked at G&D since the first day I came to America with my husband and his family. I came with one suitcase, didn’t even have a dollar, and I couldn’t speak English, but with God’s help and working hard, we made it. We have two children, Gus and Michael. Gus is engaged to Stella Hardnock and is getting married soon; he’s a manager at the Mercedes store. Michael is married to Kalene, and they have two kids. Michael and Kalene work with us at the restaurant.

We’re a happy family.

Angelo and Elly Aslanidis (center) and their family.

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COMO L I V I N G | 2001 CORPORATE PLACE, STE. 100 | COLUMBIA, MO 65202

ONE OF THE REASONS WE’RE MID MISSOURI’S APPLIANCE RESOURCE.

1104 E. Broadway • 573-874-3333 • DowntownAppliance.com Did you know we have a larger selection than those big box stores?

And other appliance store, too!

So, whether you need an entirely new kitchen or washing machine replacement, you can be sure to get exactly what you want. AND all with our low-price promise.

Stop by our fully outfitted showroom today we’re open 7 days a week!

COMO L I V I N G

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While you’re here, visit our Sleep Shop.

Featuring SERTA, the world’s best mattresses.

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