I was Live! today from Jasper's Kitchen, with Kansas City's newest celebrity chef, Jonathan Justus & his wife, Camille.
'Justus Drugstore', is one of KC's hottest restaurants and the restaurant has recieved top reviews from local and national food critics, in only the few months it has been open. Jonathan opened the restaurant in his family's former drugstore in Smithville, Missouri.
Justus Drugstore, is now a sleek and snazzy restaurant that looks nothing like a pharmacy. The old soda fountain, (with the original chrome-plated stools) has been refashioned to serve as the well-stocked bar, and dining room tables are made from locally grown woods and lacquered sorghum reeds. The shiny, steel-exhibition kitchen becomes the focus of the room — particularly after dusk, when it glows around Justus and his staff, including former Zin chef, Jeffrey Scott, now this restaurant's, chef de cuisine.
I have had many chefs on the show,and Jonathan, by far, was the most interesting and knowledgeable. I centered the show around SLOW FOOD and Jonathan's support of local farmers and food artisans, including Shatto Milk, Berkshire Pork, and even a maple syrup producer from Missouri. We talked about his menu from the amuse' to the pork two-ways, to dessert, including his famous, 'doughnuts and coffee'.
Justus prints out a new menu every day, though some choices, among the four or five starters, the four salads and the 10 entrées, might change only slightly from night to night.
I've been telling friends that 'Justus Drugstore' is the best new restaurant in Kansas City, that isn't 'in' Kansas City. It's not that far away, though — if the traffic's not congested North of the Broadway Bridge, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the turn on Highway DD, which leads to Smithville's main drag. 'Justus Drugstore' is sophisticated, yes, but, i's not expensive,or hoity-toity.
If you haven't been to 'Justus' yet, GO THERE SOON! He has put Smithville on the map!!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
LIVE! From Jasper's Kitchen, with 'Jonathan Justus' from 'Justus Drugstore', a Restaurant!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I drove up from Tulsa just to have dinner at Justus Drugstore, it was worth the drive. Go there soon, like Jaspar recommends.
They have a great thing going there...delicious, oh so delicious, and fun too. And that crazy couple that runs it, there something too!
After my many urgings, a friend (with a very successful restaurant
background) finally visited Justus Drugstore. Asked how he liked the food, etc., his reply was, " I felt like licking my plate." When asked what he liked best,he replied, "The whole thing!!"
'Nuf said......
Post a Comment