stjoelive.com | Food & Drink

Eats: Napoli's offers great Italian downtown

I used to love eating at Kirkpatrick Cafe, so I was bummed to learn that they were closing. But instead of another non-chain restaurant biting the dust, Napoli’s took over the location to continue on with homemade food.

Eats: A taste of Hawaii in Northwest Missouri

One of the most unlikely places to find fresh fish and Hawaiian-style cuisine has got to be the tiny town of New Hampton, Mo., population 325. Located off of U.S. Highway 136 between Bethany and Albany, it’s a long stretch from anything tropical. But that’s where you’ll find Bear’s Aloha Grill, owned by Barry “Bear” Williams, a former chef with The Four Seasons Resort in Maui.

Eats: Get your yogurt fix at Yogurtini

If you happen to crave something cold, creamy and delicious while wandering around Zona Rosa in Kansas City, be sure to stop at the new Yogurtini located on the newer north side of the shopping district. It’s a self-serve frozen yogurt shop where you can make your own frozen yogurt creations like a signature martini. Get it? Martini/yogurtini? Actually, I still don’t get the martini connection, but I had no problem trying the frozen yogurt.

Eats: Try tacos at Crumbly Burger

I know what you’re thinking: Tacos and french fries together? But have you ever had a taco at Crumbly Burger? I bet most people do not know there are tacos on the menu, but you are missing out. The tacos come with the same meat as the crumbly burger — just add a white corn taco shell, cheese and lettuce and some mild taco sauce and you have a great-tasting taco to go along with the best french fries in town.

Eats: For fresh flavors, hit the Klub

A couple miles off I-29, inside the Mound City, Mo., community building and overlooking the public golf course, you’ll find a casual, small-town restaurant with big city flavors. Owners Cindy and Brian Boultinghouse took over The Klub restaurant about five years ago and revamped the menu to feature fresh, locally grown meats and produce.

Eats: You'll get hooked on Houlihan's

Houlihan’s restaurant may have missed your restaurant radar if you don’t venture downtown very often. But it’s been located inside the Holiday Inn since July of 2004.

Eats: Hi-Ho offers history — and a great patty melt

Why the name Hi-Ho, we still don’t know. But one thing is for sure: The Hi-Ho Bar and Grill has got to be one of the oldest bars in St. Joseph. As you can read on their website, the Hi-Ho location has been a saloon since 1910.

Eats: Pappy’s is the place for sandwiches

I’m always on the lookout for a good place for lunch, so I decided to try Pappy’s. I’ve been told about their food but never tried it until now.

Eats: Gothic House offers sweet smells

Once it’s springtime, you’ll know you’ve found The Gothic House Tea and Eatery when you smell a profusion of roses. It’s from the heirloom Floribunda rose bush, which has a fragrance unmatched by modern roses, that sits in the yard. And once inside the 1869 Gothic home, you’ll find the good smells continue with the aroma of fresh-baked scones and quiches that owner Pat McNaughton makes for lunch guests every day.

Eats: Basil’s serves up Italian flair

Basil’s Italian Café is located near Frederick Boulevard and Interstate 29 close to Drury Inn where Country Kitchen used to be. It has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of moderately priced foods for lunch and dinner. Their signature dishes include chicken scampi, sirloin Parmesan and salmon piccata — all with Italian flair, says chef Jeremy Evans.

Eats: JC Wyatt House is worth planning for

Caribbean salad is just one of the menu choices for lunch when you dine at the JC Wyatt House in St. Joseph. It’s a grilled chicken breast with black bean salsa and a honey lime vinaigrette. And it’s wonderfully fresh tasting. That’s because everything they fix here is made that day to order. So reservations are required at least a day in advance.

Eats: Milk, bread and a great burger

Have you ever left the big city, taken a drive to a gas station/grocery store and had a great hamburger? Well Woody’s is the place to go, and they have this great hamburger called the “Woodyburger.”

Eats: Boudreaux’s is the real deal

Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood is a taste trip to the south, located in downtown St. Joseph. We’re not talking want-to-be Cajun here. Boudreaux’s gets its name from owner Robert Boudreau, who hails from Opelousasa, La., the home of celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme.

Eats: If you’re coming to Norty’s, come hungry

When most people talk about Norty’s, they’re usually talking about how much fun they had at the bar, but not too much about the food. Well, that has changed.

Eats: Extremely hungry? Xtreme Burrito can help

There’s no longer any excuse for going hungry in St. Joseph. Once you stop by the new Xtreme Burrito, you’ll see what I mean. They specialize in oversize burritos stuffed with enough ingredients to feed a small family, but you’ll want to eat it all yourself.