Great Jefferson County Restaurant Blog

For all you restaurant diners out there looking for a good place to eat, your first stop should be here.

My new friend Dennis Bentley has a great restaurant critique blog site serving the Jefferson and South County area's.  It's called Eat and Critique, and I'll post a link to the blog at the end of this article so everyone can bookmark it in their browsers. This is the kind of site you will want to hit before deciding on where to spend that hard-earned money you have so little of.

Dennis has been posting reviews of area restaurants, their food and service (good & bad) since 2009, and has over 190 posts on most of your favorite places to eat.  I was able to sit down with Dennis at Cool Beans Java Cafe here in Hillsboro, and find out more about the person behind the blog.  What I thought was to be a 30 min. to an hour long interview, turned into a two and a half hour long walk down memory lane.  Dennis's and my backgrounds are very similar.  He's ex-Air Force, so am I.  He was in the military around the same time I was, and essentially did the same thing. Maybe that makes you want to be a blogger later in life, I don't really know for sure.  Dennis is in the IT business and so am I, and the list goes on.  It was almost like interviewing yourself.

One of the many things that impressed me about Dennis was his ability to post restaurant reviews regularly for so long.  I know how hard it is sometimes, and I've only been doing it for a few months.  Each review is well planned and complete.  Each contains the kind of information you would want to know regarding the restaurant before you visit: the place, it's food, the cost and the service. Eat and Critique reviews usually have a photo of the building's exterior or signage and the food Dennis and his family ordered.  Throw in a few sarcastic remarks for spice and you have a great article that makes for some good reading.

Each time I do an interview, I want to walk away having learned something from the person being interviewed.  I definitely learned a lot about the art of writing, the dedication of long term blogging and the joy this man gets from his family, his career and from his blogging.  I should be so lucky. Here's the link to Dennis Bentley's Eat and Critique Blog-site so you can visit often.


Link to Dennis's Eat and Critique Blog:

http://eatandcritique.blogspot.com/


Why not look up your favorite restaurant and see how your experience compares.  Thanks Dennis for all you shared and wishing you and your blog continued success.

Feedback - The Helmsmen Of Any Business

Does your business listen to it's customers?

Sometimes it's hard to listen to our customers when we live in a small community.  We've known each other for awhile now, some of you grew up together, you go to church together and your children go to school together. A normal exchange happening between your customer coming in your door maybe very cordial, neighborly even; with a lot of "How's the family" and "Tell your mother I said hello". It's very difficult for someone you know that well to tell you your business is doing something wrong, that they had a bad experience or they don't like some aspect of your businesses service.  That is why it is very important to listen to each customer when they have something to say and when they don't, asked them if you can be doing something more to make their experience a better or easier one.  Today, more than ever we don't want to take our customer base for granted.  Hillsboro is growing, and more people are moving here (2800-something after the last census).  This means our businesses will be growing, and there will be more businesses competing for our limited customers.

It will all come down to your service, and to give the very best service you need good feedback from your customers.  If the owner of a business is the Captain, then feedback is the Helmsman. Feedback from your customers will tell you if your doing things right or not so right, if your not paying attention to something or over doing it and wasting precious money.  Feedback may also tell you if you need to tack left or right to get through hard times and when it's "Clear Sailing" and time for a little RnR.  I have been living in and around Hillsboro for over 12 years now, long enough to know which businesses I feel wanted in and will return often and which business need a little help with customer service.  I enjoy living in Hillsboro very much.  I love that it's a small town with that small town atmosphere.  I want folks to know me when I walk in their doors and know I want their business to succeed and be around for a long while.  So, listen to your customer's feedback and keep the ship sailing in the right direction - May your course be True and your Watchmen ever alert!

For all you Brides To Be

Don't forget the Wedding Fair and Formal Wear event on September 8th at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center.  Give them a call if you have any questions: 636 789-2600.

Our State Flag - Did You Know!

I was born here in Missouri, and I love this state.  I have lived elsewhere many times in my life so I can compare our state to some others with a degree of certainty most folks may not have.  We are truly blessed with everything a state could want here in Missouri.  We have plenty of water in our rivers, streams and creeks.  We have plenty of game in our woods.  We have a great variety of trees in our backyards, parks and forests.  And we have four true seasons so as to see the great circle of life unfold every year before our eyes.  We have large cities and some beautiful historic small towns.

One thing I've always admired is our Missouri state flag, it's really quite beautiful compared to other states.  Do you know all the wondrous symbols that our state flags has within it's red, white and blue colorful stripes?  What they mean?  Who came up with this simplistic yet complex design? Here's a little bit about our state flag and what it historically represents.

The Missouri State Flag

A design by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver was adopted as the official Missouri State Flag on March 22, 1913; almost 92 years after Missouri became the 24th State to join the union.

This design was for a rectangular flag, consisting of three horizontal red, white and blue stripes. These stripes represent valor, purity and vigilance and justice. A circle is centered on the flag surrounded by a band of blue enclosing the Missouri Coat of Arms on a white background. The blue band displays 24 white five-pointed stars representing Missouri as the 24th State.

The shield of the Missouri Coat of Arms shows, on the right, a Bald Eagle grasping the olive branches of peace and the arrows of war in its talons. This represents the strength and powers of the Federal Government. On the left side of the shield (the state side) are a grizzly bear and a crescent moon. The grizzly bear symbolizes the strength and bravery of the citizens of the State. The crescent moon symbolizes the State of Missouri at the time of its induction into the union; a State with a small population and wealth and huge potential. The crescent moon also symbolizes the "second son." Missouri was the second State to be carved from the territory acquired with the Louisiana Purchase. The shield is encircled by a belt inscribed "United we stand, divided we fall" indicating the advantage of the union of the United States.

Two more grizzly bears, one on each side of the shield, echo the bravery and strength of the State's citizens. They are standing on a scroll displaying the Missouri State Motto, Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law). Below the scroll are the Roman Numerals for 1820, the year that Missouri became a member of the United States.

Above the shield a helmet is depicted, representing Missouri as a sovereign State. A large star surrounded by 23 smaller stars signifies Missouri's status as the 24th State. A cloud around the large star represents the difficulties that Missouri endured on its way to Statehood.

- Missouri Historical Society 

Summer's Still Here!

Looks like it will be HOT thru Labor Day Weekend.

Well, we're going to finish the summer off right in Hillsboro.  It just wouldn't be summer around here without 90 degree days.  I don't know about you, but I've had a nice break with my air conditioning this summer.  Had a couple three weeks or so were I didn't even run it.  I opened the windows and let the breeze cool my place down.  So, I can't complain the last of summer is back where it should be; in the 90's.  How about you?  Is it Hot enough for you?

New Grocery Store Coming to the Area.

This was on the Leaders Website; thought you would want to know.

New grocery store proposed at site of former Country Mart

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Posted: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 3:09 pm | Updated: 3:11 pm, Wed Aug 21, 2013.

By Kevin Carbery

The De Soto City Council on Monday (Aug. 19) unanimously approved a request from Ron “Buzz” Queen for Sunday liquor sales for a new grocery store proposed at the same site of the old Country Mart that Queen owned and closed in the spring of 2012.

Queen verified today (Aug. 21) that he plans to open a grocery store at 20 Jefferson Square, off Hwy. 21. In his liquor license application, Queen calls the store “Cash Saver.”

“It’s very early in the process,” Queen said when asked for specifics about the new store. He said he hopes to open sometime in October.

“But it’s not set in stone,” Queen said. “It will be something different than people are used to, but I’m not ready to release details.”

Country Mart opened in 2005 in the building where a Schnucks supermarket had previously operated.

De Soto City Manager David Dews said he has already heard positive comments from people looking forward to another grocery store in town.

“When they closed (the Country Mart), we heard from citizens,” Dews said. “They’re always upset when a grocery store closes. Now, they’ve heard the grocery store is coming. Everybody likes options.”

I don't know how I feel about this yet.  I was hoping for a Schnuck's or Dierbergs before another Queen's or Wal-Mart.  Sometimes you want nice things you don't find in Queen's, Shop n Save or Wal-Mart.  I don't know, maybe the area won't support a Dierbergs or another Schnucks.  What do you think?

Hillsboro Today's Friday Business Quote

If you're in business, here is something to think about over the weekend.

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.”

– Thomas Friedman

New Casey's General Store Construction Underway.

The New Casey's General Store Construction Across from Comtrea's Bridle Ridge Acres.

I was out for my usual walk last week and saw they were cutting down trees on the lot that has been for sale for what seems like years now across from Diane Hall's old place Bridle Ridge Acres. Well, it looks like they're building a new Casey's General Store two lots from the current location.

I went by there yesterday and they already have the lot level and have put the fuel tanks in.  At this rate they might be having an early Spring opening.  I'll be checking into this and update everyone later.

Going to be getting Hotter the next week or so!

Look like Summer ain't over yet.......

School's back in session so you would think the weather would be getting a little more Fall like, but not so fast; Summer will be hanging in there for the next week or so.  The weather forecasters are even saying this weather might hold into Labor Day weekend.  Good for boaters I would think, but not for farmers.

Do you use Twitter?

Are you one of the thousands or maybe I should say 10's of millions that use the social media network Twitter?

I use Twitter, not much, but I use it.  Mostly to get quick local news feeds or Cardinal scores, some social media articles things like that.  One thing I'm finding out quickly about this social media network is something I call "Tweet Overload".  I see some interesting person or organization and start to Follow them hoping for some quality or at the very least entertaining Tweets.  Then it happens, about ten to twenty Tweets from them mostly quotes or re-Tweets from other sources/persons.  No original content, no new information just - fluff or fill.  My entire screen is filled with their junk.  I call it junk because junk is something you have or get in the mail, that you don't want.  No Cardinal scores with runners on base, just Zig Ziggler quotes.

Well, as quickly as I can, I un-Follow them and move on.  I don't understand, do they not know they are annoying us with this trivial content?  Do they not think there might be someone else or something else I might want to see besides their content right now.  I wish there was an easy way to comment on their Tweets so maybe they might learn something and change their ways (at least a little).  So, if you are a Twitter user, and you Tweet; please be aware of the fact we may not want to see ten to twenty Tweets from you all at once.  Spread them out over say an hour or two.  It might help you retain those all important Followers you have.

I Love My Bank!

I'm sure we have all seen the commercials that were airing on local TV channels a few months back with banking customers each saying how much they "Loved their Bank".  Well, at the time I didn't put much stock into the idea anyone would love their bank.  To me, banks were these large institutions that took your money and gave you grief and usually it was more grief than interest.

A couple of weeks ago I started doing business with Eagle Bank and Trust right here in Hillsboro. Y'all know the place, right there at the main intersection in town.  That's where I met Donna Kohl and Marcia Sullivan, what a difference they made in my banking experience. Now, I'm confident that my business: Blue Marlin Computer Services (yes, that was a shameless plug) is doing business at the right bank.  So, a BIG SHOUT OUT to Donna and Marcia and all the fine folks at the Eagle Bank and Trust for taking the time to make me (and my business) feel comfortable and guiding me through the banking hurdles.

So, if you want to feel comfortable with who's holding on to your money, and you want to do business with people that will know and respect you when you walk in the door, give the folks down at Eagle Bank a try.  I'm confident like me, you'll feel they appreciate your business.

Fun in the Big City!

Sometimes we have to go to the big city to have some fun.  This video has some of the best memories I have of St. Louis and it's many attractions.  Enjoy!

Fun Times at the Fletcher House

There will be some fun times at the Fletcher House on September 21st starting at 1:00 pm.  Enter your favorite pie and win the Best Pie contest or maybe you're a meat and beans kind of guy, in which case you'll want to enter the Chili Cook Off.  Sounds like a lot of good food and a great way to spend a Fall day with the whole family.

Good Shepherd Auction 2013

The Good Shepherd 2013 Auction will be held on September 28th at the Hillsboro Community Civic Center.

Call Chairperson Angie Leonard at (636) 789-4164 to volunteer or for donations.

Call Kimberly Mathews at (636) 797-3322 for advertising.

Below is a link to the website for additional information and forms.

Good Shepherd Website

City of Hillsboro Electronics Recycle Days

The city of Hillsboro will have an electronics recycle drop off on September 14th & 15th.  According to City Administrator - Gery Marmaduke, there will be a disposal truck at the City Hall on Saturday September 14th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm and on Sunday September 15th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Bring all your old and out-dated electronics, phones and computers and keep them out of our landfills.

Gas Prices Jump at Casey's

Gas prices jumped today at the Casey's General Store.  Casey's tends to be a good indicator of the current gas pricing around the Hillsboro area, and is usually the last convenience store to go up and the first to go down.  Currently, they're at $3.52 per gal. Unleaded as of 10:00 o'clock this morning.

Community Document Shred at Eagle Bank

For those of you that need to shred all those documents that have been piling up with your personal information on them, October 12th there will be a Community Shred at Eagle Bank & Trust.  Give Donna or Marcia a call for specifics: 636 797-4040.

The Hillsboro Lions Club & Rotary Club Chili Cook Off

Do you make the Best Chili in Hillsboro?

This year's Chili Cook Off sponsored by the Hillsboro Lions Club and Hillsboro Rotary Club will be at the Hillsboro City Park on Saturday September 28th at 10:00 am, and will go until 3:00 pm. For information or to register: call (636) 797-4040 or Mail To: Hillsboro Lions Club  P O Box 795 Hillsboro, MO.  63050.

Entry Fee: $25.00

Don't forget to bring your own crock pot and freshly purchased meat.

Prizes: Best Chili:  1st Place $50.00

                                   2nd Place $25.00

                                   3rd Place $15.00

             Best Chili Name: $25.00

There will be something for everyone, games for the kids, live music and a beer wagon to wash down all that chili.  So, bring the whole family and enjoy a wonderful fall day.  See you at Hillsboro Park.

In the Beginning - There was the Land

One of the first things we need to understand about Hillsboro, MO. is: How did we become Hillsboro?  Where did we come from, what are our roots and why do all these places, we know so well, have these funny names?

This is an excellent article about the "History of Jefferson County" from Mark S. Abeln.  Mark is a photographer among many other things, and was the photographer for the book "Catholic St. Louis: A Pictorial History".  Originally, St. Louis was called the "Rome of the West".

http://goo.gl/hqGqkm

Welcome to Hillsboro Today

Finally, it's here!  A blog about us, all things Hillsboro.  In this blog I will re-introduce you to all the wonderful things Hillsboro, Missouri has to offer not only its local citizens, but Jefferson County, Missourians and visitors from everywhere.  There will be some monthly posts regarding some of our prominent businesses and citizens, I'll try to keep you updated on all the new construction we see all around us and let you in on some local secrets.  So bookmark us and come here often for all things Hillsboro at Hillsboro Today.