Missouri-Grown Shrimp Tastes Like Lobster!

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you may want to take a drive up to Dixon. Sure, it's a haul... but once you get there, you may end up hauling back a ton of shrimp.

Recently, I did a story on a guy named Paul Smith, who not only raises shrimp... BUT throws a big shrimp festival on his property! Read my story in this month's 417 Magazine. Paul was incredibly smart, funny and nice, and I wish him all the best in his venture.

Paul raises shrimp, tilapia and trout. Check him out!! The shrimp fest runs until Sunday... he has people all the way from Canada drive in. Can you believe that??

OH, and Paul says his shrimp taste like lobster. That definitely makes me want to take the drive!

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A Newlywed's Fish Tale

Lindsey and Branton Harris had only been married a few months before getting the chance to be on a reality fishing show in beautiful Miami.

The show is called Bass 2 Billfish with Peter Miller. Miller is a professional angler and sponsored by Bass Pro (among others.)

With Peter, the couple had the chance to catch dolphin (yes, dolphin...but that can be explained...) and bass. They went deep sea fishing and caught bass in the everglades. The two also caught a glimpse of some other reality TV stars during their time in Miami.

You should read their story in my latest 417 Magazine article! As far as I know, it's not online, but you can find it in the current issue on the "You Tell Us" page.

Moonshine in the Ozarks

Yes, you can legally buy moonshine in the Ozarks! Jim Blansit owns Copper Run Distillery, and he's making a high-end moonshine (along with rum and vodka.) He is the FIRST KNOWN DISTILLER IN OUR AREA AND ONE OF A FEW IN MISSOURI.

I had the awesome experience of writing a story on him for 417 Magazine. You can read it here!

417 Bride: Destination Hawai'i

Check it out! I wrote an article about destination weddings in 417 Bride! Read about my experience and of course, some faux paus!

Best of 417 Winners...

Whitaker Publishing is giving us a sneak peak of the Best of 417 Awards. The party is so much fun. I went to it last year and saw a lot of people...plus, ate at nearly every restaurant in Springfield! At least, it felt that way.

Anyway, here's a sneak peak at the list! Congratulations! You can see the full list in February's magazine which should be out next week. Also, you can go 417mag.com on Friday.

Thanks to Matt Lemmon (417 web editor/GO editor) for the inside scoop!

Top 5 Local Restaurants
1. Ocean Zen
“The It Restaurant of All 417-land.”
Audible oohs and aahs can be heard near its glass-and-metal wine cave near the restaurant’s entrance. As food goes, the Asian/ Western mix is consistently wonderful and inventive.

2. Flame Steakhouse & Wine Bar

3. Bijan’s Sea & Grille

4. Haruno

5. Metropolitan Grill

Best Personal Trainer
Mark Milsap, CoxHeath

Best Bartender
Jeff Busby, Icon Nightclub

Best Live Music Venue
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre

Best Customer Service
Town & County
Did you know Town & County celebrated its 50th anniversary in October? That kind of staying power can be traced back to one source: customer service. Town & County is filled with long-term salespeople.

Best Steaks
Doe’s Eat Place
Home of the 4.5-pound sirloin. Yow.

A GOOD READ

You may recognize the name Gregory Holman because he is the editor of 417 magazine. If you read the magazine, you know he has a lot to say...

Well, now you can read more of what's on his mind: http://gregoryholman.blogspot.com However, please note, his blog is a personal one, just like mine.

Greg is such a fun and insightful person...I think you'll enjoy his blog! I've also posted a link down at the bottom left corner of the page...