Barbecue was smokin' at Missouri Showcase

State Representative Bill Otto (D-70, St. Charles), right, pours on the sauce as Mark Miles, center, steps up to have his plate filled by Capital Plaza server Cierra Chambly during the Missouri Barbecue Showcase and Reception following Monday's inauguration ceremony.
State Representative Bill Otto (D-70, St. Charles), right, pours on the sauce as Mark Miles, center, steps up to have his plate filled by Capital Plaza server Cierra Chambly during the Missouri Barbecue Showcase and Reception following Monday's inauguration ceremony.

It was a barbecue lover's dream: three of the top barbecue joints in Missouri - heck, the nation - all serving up dishes of their best stuff at the same place. For free.

The first Missouri Barbecue Showcase took place at Capitol Plaza Hotel after Monday's swearing-in ceremony.

Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque came from Kansas City while Pappy's Smokehouse came from St. Louis. The Billy Goat Chip Company of St. Louis offered their barbecue-seasoned potato chips.

Rather than criticize your elected officials from afar, people should attend events such as these to speak to them in person, said Michael Person of St. Louis.

"More people need to come to these type of events to be connected to their community," Person said.

His wife, who serves in the military, commutes to Jefferson City from time to time. Person convinced his sister-in-law, Lori Boykin, to come to the inauguration and the barbecue.

Both said they enjoyed Pappy's in particular. They weren't the only ones: a server was telling guests that Pappy's started running out not long after the event started.

"The sauce was off the chain," Boykin said. "The best part was that it was free."

The event, which was open to the public, was supposed to go until 5 p.m., but most of the food and beverages were gone by 4 p.m. or earlier.

The event was underwritten by ADM, and sponsored by various Nixon supporters.

Bill and Phyllis Burton said they've been to several inaugurations before, and enjoy seeing and meeting people at the events. Among other people, they chatted with Rep. Judy Morgan, D-Kansas City.