in-gre-di-ent, spelled phonetically so diners can savor the full import of the name, offers enormous helpings of fresh, well-presented salads, sandwiches and wraps at a reasonable -- but not necessarily low -- price.
Make no mistake -- this newcomer to Columbia from Lawrence and Leawood, Ks. isn't the place for a fast lunch. It's the place for a siesta, a long, slow, enjoyable experience that combines conversation and cuisine.
I had the Mahi Tacos and my wife had the Crispy Asian salad. The tacos were excellent, a delightful mix of fresh mahi, cilantro, and pico in a soft wrap at $10.95. The salad was immense, something you might even take home, with ingredients from every corner of the foodie's globe: Thai-chili glazed steak; Napa cabbage; bok choy; glass noodles; spicy cashews; red peppers; and a sesame ginger dressing.
When we go back, I want to try the Vietnamese Dim Sum Chicken wrap or the Honey Wasabi Turkey Burger. At 304 South 9th Street, kitty corner from Shakespeare's Pizza, in-gre-di-ent is a hip addition to the downtown dining scene. They cater, too, and you can call them at 573-442-1502 for more info. And visit them on the web at the link below:
in-gre-di-ent (now in-Col-um-bia)
Main Squeeze Cafe owner Leigh Lockhart sends a shout out to all 5,000 Columbia Heart Beat readers, who've shown up in droves to eat and drink at her fine downtown establishment. Here's a blurb from Columbia Daily Tribune business editor Justin Willett:
"Earlier this week, owner Leigh Lockhart put out the word that she was considering closing because business had slowed so much that she was in danger of not making payroll. From Sunday through Tuesday, she said, the restaurant and juice bar experienced its slowest three-day sales period in its 10-year history.
"Lockhart asked a couple of friends to send out e-mails explaining her plight. An excerpt from another e-mail was picked up by local blogger Mike Martin and distributed far and wide.
"Yesterday afternoon, the café at 28 S. Ninth St. was full at lunchtime and experienced another rush at 1:30 p.m. Lockhart attributed the uptick in business to the e-mail campaign, and she’s trying to capitalize on the momentum.
"This response is no surprise. Lockhart genuinely cares about her customers, employees and the community. I know this because she gave me a chance when I was an unemployed college student. I went into Main Squeeze a few months after it opened in 1998 and inquired about a job. I told Leigh I had no experience but wanted to learn."
READ ALL ABOUT IT:
http://columbiatribune.com/2008/nov/20081115busi002.aspTRIVIA: Of 243,000 Google worldwide hits on the famous term "main squeeze," Columbia's Main Squeeze Cafe is Number One!
http://www.main-squeeze.com/
in-gre-di-ent, spelled phonetically so diners can savor the full import of the name, offers enormous helpings of fresh, well-presented salads, sandwiches and wraps at a reasonable -- but not necessarily low -- price.
