121196 Mon Dec 16 06:56:00 -0800 2002 6 8 Midwest 0 659931 I just can't stand it. Since the mention of Booches burgers recently I have literally awakened twice with a MAJOR craving. So, this Friday I'll make the 7 hour drive. The question is: should I partake Friday evening AND Saturday for lunch? Or how about Everett's or Murry's on Friday, then Booches on Saturday? I've never been to Everett's or Murry's. Any standouts on the menus? Or any other recommendations in town? Then to Kirksville. I know, I know: it's not my first time there. Any suggestions besides Ailerons? Anything? Anywhere around? Please? Pretty please? I also may detour through Springfield on the way back and I had heard a rumor that the Red Coach Inn had closed. It's still listed in phone books. Can anyone confirm or deny? If closed, the choices are: Bachmann & Keefner, Cozy Dog, D'Arcy's Pint, Wagon Wheel, Norb Andy or North Street Diner. Any comments? TIA..........Enjoy. Mon Dec 16 06:56:00 -0800 2002 0 SBCochran 1 659939 On your trip through Columbia I recommend Booches for lunch. If there is a home basketball game, take that into account. It can get crazy crowded. Right down the street is Shakespeares pizza, arguably the best pizza in the midwest. Again, huge crowds can dilute the experience. Forget Everetts. It is more of an interstate type restaurant and will be insanely busy around the holidays. So will Murrys, but worth the wait and once you are seated, the service is usually first-rate. Sit on the main floor if possible; they even have seating in the bar area which is smoking. Everything on the menu is good! The menu is alacarte and sometimes the portions are huge, so sharing is quite common. The salads are even big enough to split. Don't miss Brock's Pepper Rings (hold the powdered sugar). If you are a beef eater, the steak sandwich is a steal. Once again, everything on their menu is top-drawer. This restaurant cranks and the reason is that people keep coming back for consistent good food. They have a serious local following. I can't help you with Kirksville (except maybe drive back down to Booches) or Springfield. Although in Springfield near the Hammond Convention Center, there is an old-style Steak and Shake, set up like they were 40 years ago, with curb service and the old look. People rave about Winsteads but I think Steak and Shake is better. I grew up in St. Louis, not Kansas City, so go figure. Happy Chow'in, Steve Mon Dec 16 17:57:15 -0800 2002 659931 0 SteveB 2 659965 Thanks for the heads-up on the home b'ball game; I'll check the schedule. And also for the confirmation on Murry's.....sounds good. Everett's is now off the list..........Enjoy. Wed Dec 18 07:28:02 -0800 2002 659939 0 SBCochran 1 659962 If you need to stop for food on the way through St. Louis, go to the village bar in des peres. Great burger...I suggest The Better Burger. Tue Dec 17 22:31:25 -0800 2002 659931 0 JBinSTL 2 659966 And onion rings, don't forget the onion rings! I will be back in St. Louis this weekend visiting family and now I have to go to the Village Bar! Thanks so much for making my weekend even busier! Happy Holidays Wed Dec 18 09:37:36 -0800 2002 659962 0 Nick 3 660059 Good call on the onion rings...had them last nite...fantastic. Thu Jan 09 19:39:24 -0800 2003 659966 0 JBinSTL 1 659970 You will be missing a wonderful opportunity for fantastic food in Columbia if you don't stop at Shakespere's Pizza!! Not only is it the best pizza in the midwest, it is the best pizza anywhere. Period. Then head up the street to the International Cafe and order yourself one of the best gyros you've ever eaten. We're not talking fancy food, but it is delicious!! If you want something a little nicer, do yourself a big favor and go to Trattoria Strata Nova on ninth street. When they bring you bread, ask for an herb plate, too... Thu Dec 19 13:48:33 -0800 2002 659931 0 Columbia Fan