Zesty! Beet Box
Story By: Lydia Graves
Beet Box is the best “Ratatouille” scene. The moment Remy attempts to show Emile the wonders of food describes the restaurant so perfectly. It’s the twisting, winding colors sparked from cheeses and a roof-roasted mushroom. It’s “every great taste that could be combined, infinite combinations, taste that no one has tried yet…”, as the protagonist would exclaim. It’s the epitome of inventive culinary and one of Columbia, Missouri’s best pit-stops for food.
Located in the soon-to-be food district and open Tuesday through Sunday, Beet Box is a discovery for the ages. The Middle-Eastern restaurant runs service heavily driven by specials. Every day there is a new lunch feature that is unique to that day. An exciting pick-me-up to finagle into your schedule inspires swirls of extraordinary within the mind. Not to mention, they also star new bakery treats Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday is reserved for the elusive brunch.
“For life, in general, we like to have fun,” the website illuminates. “We've designed this place to epitomize that life goal. That means we might have everything on the menu, and that we also might not. It means we’ll play around every single day with brand-new concepts and recipes. It means every day will be something different… If we have fun, you have fun. If we make tasty foods, you eat tasty foods.”
The chef-driven restaurant can make a wedge salad fun. Read that again. The wedge of lettuce pairs marvelously with a dreamy garlic-based dressing, the most beautiful, succulent, complex cherry tomatoes, and a “thicky thick” cut of bacon laid neatly over top.
There is never disappointment at Beet Box. It is a sanctuary for great people and the amazing food they’re passionate about.
Specials are always incredible, but do not overlook their recurring menu. The black garlic biscuit sandwich doesn’t have any business being as good as it is. The biscuit itself has folded in black garlic so the deepness and sweet notes come with every bite along with the herbs, beautifully soft egg and garlicky jam.
Want to treat yourself? Get a pop-tart. The crust is buttery, flaky goodness wrapped around the indulgent, gooey center. There’s not even a hint of janky ol’ pie filling here. Every day they’re uniquely crafted with care only to sell out a couple of hours later. Remy could never.
Sundays are a little different. Anticipation lingers while you reload their Instagram the night before, waiting for the brunch menu to be posted. It’s always thoughtful and surprising, ranging anywhere from savory and sweet Arepas—made of ground maize dough and notable primarily in the cuisine of Colombia and Venezuela—to an indulgent burger with pancakes as the bun, plated with “nakey fries” and the cutest mini pie ever.
Today, Friday, October 21, Beet Box has avocado grilled cheese and tomato soup as their feature for lunch. In terms of treating yourself, cherry rose pop tarts, chocolate almond pop tarts, chocolate peanut butter cookies, cardamom espresso cake, cheesy mushroom galettes, cruffins, pumpkin whoopie pie and danishes with brie, chili and fig were all freshly baked, awaiting your arrival and tastebuds.
“Anyone can cook,” but Beet Box, fearless and bursting with flavor, just does it so much better.
