Welcome to Justus Drugstore Blog!
If you have some time let us know how your experience was at our restaurant. Or if you want to just chat drop us a comment.
60 Responses to “Welcome to Justus Drugstore Blog!”
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February 11th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Our first visit was Saturday night 2/9. Wonderful cocktails, great food and good service. A very satisfying experience and well worth the drive from Olathe.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Food and menu looks great. I am excited to try your restaurant. Do you guys do tasting menus or just al a carte.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
We’ve been to the restaurant several times (and brought a variety of folks with us), with uniformly great results. It is uncommon to encounter anyone who puts as much care into the source, preparation, and presentation of food, and the experience thereof, as it is apparent you guys do. I wrote a review (of sorts), which is posted on my blog at: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=253127493&blogID=336787968 . Looking forward to our next time at Justus!
bg
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:08 am
We were just at your restaurant on Saturday night & was welcomed from the parking lot into your restaurant for our 1st time. We TRULY enjoyed everything from the food to the wonderful service EVERYONE provided to us. Your bartender even apologized for how busy it was & that during the week everyone explains things in more detail to us.EVERYONE we encountered answered ANY & ALL questions we had about anything on the menu & the restaurant.We met some really great people on both sides of us at the bar & we will definately be back & will be bringing family & friends to your restaurant in the near future ! Thank you for the GREAT experience & ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL tasting foods !!! John & Shannon
March 24th, 2008 at 3:36 am
We came Fri. night for my birthday on the recommendation of friends. The attention to detail was superb—from our food to the decor. Service—impeccable! By far, your restaurant is one of the best in the Kansas City area and I know we’ll be returning very soon. We’ll be passing along the recommendation:). Thank you.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Thank you all for such wonderful comments!
March 31st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
My parents and I came in for my birthday yesterday evening. Everything about the entire experience was amazing. The decor, the service, the food, absolutely everything was top notch and exceeded expectations. We will definitly be returning in the future and will refer others to come and enjoy a fabulous meal in a wonderful setting. Thank you.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:09 am
I have been there 3 times, each time it was a wonderful dining experience. The attention from all the staff is appreciated and I reallye njoy visitng with Camille and Jonathon find time to stop and visit. The food and service is great.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Jonathan is obviously one of the most brilliant up and coming chefs in the region! His passion for culinary art is appreciated, and enjoyed. Way to go Jonathan - kudos to you, Camille and your staff!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:37 am
Thanks again for another wonderful meal - and story. I hope to check out PDT or Milk and Honey this summer in NYC. If you’ve got some recommendations on places to eat in Los Angeles, let me know - I’m moving there for a year [possibly longer] at the end of the month.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I’m so proud to have Justus as part of the Smithville community. Our dining experience has been exceptional on every visit (and there have been many). We have brought several friends and relatives to Justus and they have always been very impressed.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
My wife and I drove over one hour to enjoy “The Drugstore” last Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. This is our second visit. The food, company, and atmosphere are exceptional. I travel weekly throughout the country and have not enjoyed flavors like those in Smithville, Missouri.
From one bon vivant to another, bypass The Plaza, Power and Light District, and downtown to this must visit experience.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:10 am
we wanted to say thank you for a fantastic meal. My wife is gluten intolerant and jonathon took the time to review the menu for suitable choices for her. She enjoyed herf dinner so well she felt her “taste buds were doing the happy dance”. thanks for a wonderful evening!
June 11th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Thanks for a truly memorable birthday dinner. We tried the wine pairings from the appetizer to the dessert and were delighted by each one. Our servers, Cynthia and Camille, were top notch with their recommendations and information about what was being served. We particularly like the idea that the food is locally grown. Justus is KC’s best.
June 21st, 2008 at 10:59 pm
My boyfriend and I had an awesome time there a couple of days ago! Thanks for showing two texans a great time! We have tried to rereate the Elder Fizz cocktail at home but failed. Why isn’t the cocktail menu online? Help us out Jonathan! Thanks again for a wonderful meal!
June 26th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I just saw on TV5’s website that the State Board of Pharmacy is trying to force you to take your family’s business name away. I was very saddened after reading the story and seeing that the business has had it’s name since 1914. It would be a crime to take it all away from you. I looked up the website for your restaurant and it looks wonderful! I am anxious to try it! I will drive all the way from Gardner Kansas to support your local, family owned business! The State Board of Pharmacy obviously has too much time on their hands!
June 28th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I too read KCTV5 website and this morning read the Star’s coverage regarding the state Board of Pharmacy’s action against your business. Everyone that has grown up in Smithville knows of Justus Drugstore’s history in town. I applaud your attempt to extend your family’s legacy. Apparently the State Board seems to think that local history and heritage isn’t a factor in naming a business.
While the State Board may feel totally within their rights to strictly enforce the letter of this law, why did they not object to the business name when it was registered with the state originally? As I recall, the paperwork asks what kind of business you will be operating under that name. The word “Drugstore” was in the name then. If it was objectionable, the objection by the state should have been made at that time. I can guarrantee you could have attempted to register other business names that would have been rejected as inappropriate.
Anyway, good luck with your fight with the state! Having the Star and TV-5 helping point out the obsurdity of it all can’t hurt! May you stay successful with your business until you are ready to retire.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Your restaurant is a true treasure. While dining, I almost felt like I flew to Chicago or Napa.
I love the dining experience. Food & wine pairings are fantistic, presentation is artistic and food is awesome.
I will be back for another culinary “escape” again!
July 1st, 2008 at 2:49 am
Since we live in Smithville, we’ve had ample opportunity to avail ourselves of the delightful array of food at your wonderful restaurant. We have been fortuante over the years to have had the opportunity to eat in fine restaurants from Europe, Asia, South America and of course here in the US. We’ve had many, many fine and wonderful dining experiences…but were absolutely delighted to fall in love with our favorite place not but a few miles from home.
It is easy to see that everyone at your place is passionate about the entire experience- food, atmosphere, and service. You have managed to combine the thoughtful simplicity of small-town living with the sophistication of haute cuisine. The result is, to say the least, unique.
We plan on being regulars (thus plan to contribute significantly to your retirement). Thanks for coming home!
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:50 am
Well worth the travel! My husband and I had an amazing experience. The food was outstanding and the service was fantastic. Our favorite restaurant is (was) in Florence, Italy and after our visit to Justus Drugstore…we have a new favorite!
July 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Jonathan and Camille,
Came into the restaurant yesterday and SO enjoyed the experience. Jonathan, your explanation of the food and color was SPOT on, I mentioned to you that I am an illustrator/designer and I enjoy cooking as well, I look at it as an extension of my art. Camille, your service and care was EXCELLENT, your descriptions of the food was colorful and so very correct.
I wish you great success, I recently opened a studio/gallery and I know the joys and hard work that goes into evolving what was previously missing. If you are ever in the KC area please stop in, send your email and I will update you when we have events.
We will SURLY be back to dine.
All the best.
Shane W. Evans
http://www.shaneevans.com
July 26th, 2008 at 1:12 am
My husband and I spent last Wed evening enjoying a wonderfull dinner at Justus Drugstore a Restaurant. We live in Smithville and are sorry to say it was our first visit. We are already planning our next visit!
The food is wonderfull, the atmophere is charming and the service was good. I am a vegetarian and the vegetable risotto was a great alternative to always having to eat fish. We had the Four Chances Pinot Noir wine and I would recommend this to everyone. My husband enjoyed his Pork dish also.
We enjoyed getting to speak with Jonathan after our meal. I have never gotten to do that in a fine dining restaurant and it was a pleasure. The love and dedication he has for this place is so evident.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Run to Justus Drugstore to experience, in our opinion, the best restaurant in Kansas City. My husband and I celebrated my birthday at this wonderful place.I started with the strawberry limeade which on this terribly hot day was refreshing, sweet and tart at the same time, with just enough alcohol to give the drink the kick I needed. The appetizers which followed were fantastic. The foi gras was the best we had ever eaten—and the turkey with morrell mushroom sauce was divine. The combination of flavors in each dish was artistically chosen and we savored each bite. Then came the salad—a maytag blue cheese , roasted beet over greens delight.Oh my God–both of us exclaimed as we took our first bite exactly at the same time. We loved it! Our main meal portions were generous and as delicious as everything that came before—pork for Fred—brisket for me. Yum!! We love something sweet to end the meal and the citrus pound cake was exceptional—moist and filled with citrus flavor topped with ice cream. I wish I had a piece right now.
As we stated previously , go and go right now. The food will bring you to heaven on earth, the service is terrific , Jonathan will entertain you with interesting stories about his family, the business and the paintings on the wall; the bartender will make you ” anything you like” and if you meet Camille, you will be further enchanted.
Jonathan, you’ve made it!! We’re glad that you listened to your art teacher, then your heart and that you followed your dream.
Thanks for the great evening. See you soon!
August 27th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Jonathan, Camille and Crew,
Thank you for the wonderful meal on my mother’s birthday, Tuesday, August 26th. My husband Greg and I are typically nervous when we introduce new restaurants to my parents because they can be difficult to please. But you guys delivered! I mean you hit a grad slam three times over! My parents could not stop gushing about the food, the environment, the staff…everything. It’s was all excellent! It was a pleasure to meet you and I commend you for your endeavor. My husband, my son Gabriel and I look forward to visiting again very soon.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:20 am
My son went to your restaurant for his anniversary last Saturday, I babysat. He said it was as great as he had heard. He is a chef. I am an organic farmer. We, like all food people have been hearing the buzz. Congratulations on your success. I will contact you soon for a reservation, and hopefully to offer you one of a kind produce and farm products.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I have heard many wonderful things about your restaurant from co-workers ar Whole Foods. Thank you for providing us with local fare…I am very excited to visit your restaurant on Friday 10/3 with friends to celebrate my birthday…we are really looking foreward to it. I am also very excited about the class Johnathan will be teaching at the Whole Foods Cooking Studio in November!!! GO LOCAL!!
September 26th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
I love your restaurant! I have been eating at fine dining restaurants for many years and have never come across a restaurant like Justus. The food is beautifully prepared from scratch and the presentation is great but the best part is that it is very substantial!! Went there for my 25th. Going back next wednesday for two more birthdays. I know they won’t be disapointed!
P.S. Make sure to try the cocktail that looks and tastes like Hawaiian Punch! It doesn’t taste like an alcoholic drink but it sure acts like one!!
October 20th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Jonathan & Camille,
We came to KC to visit my sister and I wanted to take everyone out for dinner. She had heard great things about your restaurant. You exceeded our wildest expectations. The food, personal service and ambience were exceptional. You should be so proud to have created such a wonderful restaurant. You can hold your own with any of the big names in the country.
I’ll be taking you up as the reason to go to KC, got to eat and experience it all at Justus Drugstore. Can’t wait to come back.
Thanks,
Brad
November 7th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
We dined at Justus Drugstore on 11/1/08. Every aspect of our experience was amazing! The wait staff was attentive. The cocktails were delicious. The flat iron steak and pork two ways were both incredible. The chef pays great attention to detail and the result is irresistible!
November 26th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Congrats on your mushroom soup making it big in Food and Wine. I just read about it and thinking I need to try to make it. I, too, have a sis in KC and I’m already figuring out how to finagle a side trip to your restaurant. Also a pharmacist, so how can I resist?
January 1st, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Congrats on your mushroom soup making it big in Food and Wine. I just read about it and thinking I need to try to make it. I, too, have a sis in KC and I’m already figuring out how to finagle a side trip to your restaurant. Also a pharmacist, so how can I resist?
January 13th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Have you seen this blog about your restaurant? EverythingBeginsWithAnE.blogspot.com I have never eaten at Justus Drugstore but this blog makes me want to!
January 19th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Looking forward to a retrun visit to your restaurant. It was our favorite meal in 2008 and we are anxious to return. Don’t know what has taken us so long!
February 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Saw you in the NY Times today! I was born and raised in K.C. and get back there often. So excited to come out and try this place.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Jonathan,
The NYTimes article was great, congratulations! The “trend” of buying local, and supporting local businesses may seem cutting edge, or something out of the ordinary to people on the coasts. I think it’s just part of the Midwest mentality, Missouri is the Show Me State. Thanks for doing what you do. I’m always excited when I hear from customers how great the meal was at your place, and the coffee, too.
Jon at Broadway Roasting
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 am
Cindy and I just arrived home after a wonderful evening at your establishment. The food was well worth the wait. We enjoyed the fresh bread and the special potato chip before the salad was served. The service was exceptional.
We plan on returning again soon.
Thank you for a wonderful time.
Regards,
Steve and Cindy
Northtown, Missouri
April 27th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
A good friend and I visited Justus Drugstore last Friday evening (April 24). This evening was a repeat of previous phenomenal visits. The wine was fantastic and the meal perfect. Great steak and incredible pork two ways. The Folks at Justus are wonderful, as is the ambience.
Looking forward to the next visit!
July 15th, 2009 at 12:37 am
I have visited your restaurant several times and each time my dinner has been incredible. I expecially enjoyed the bass. I know it is important to change the menu; however I would love to see the cheese cake on the menu again. It is my all time favorite dessert.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
We always have a wonderful time and are constantly singing your praises! I’ve never had such amazing pork as the Prok Two Ways! And the house-infused drinks are just sublime. Just heard from a coworker that you’ll be closed the week of Aug 17 for renovations. What renovations will be taking place?
August 7th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Thank you. We love it when people leave happy. It is true, we are closing just one week in August. The 17th (Monday) through the 24th (Monday). Everybody here works very hard and our staff is small so they don’t take much time off so twice a year we close for a small break - one week in August and one week in Feb. Mental renovations will be what is taking place. Thank you for your kind comments, everyone.
August 10th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
My wife and I visited Justus Drugstore for the first time Sunday August 9th for our anniversary dinner. My wife is pregnant with our second child and her back starts hurting after 30 minutes or so sitting in the same position. So, after asking for tylenol (hey, it’s a drugstore) and requesting our food be quicker (we aren’t normally so high maintenance) the chef made a point to come to our table to make sure we were doing all right. Obviously, the food was awesome but my compliments to the chef for doing more than creating an incredible meal.
August 10th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Jonathan,
Thank you for a wonderful birthday dinner Friday, August 7th! From the first specialty cocktails through the last bite of bass and Kobe steak, everything was wonderful. Chatting with you after dinner about the vision you and Camille shared in the drugstore’s creation was a special bonus. We will be back and, we will send friends!
Thanks again,
Ian and Tiffany
Westwood KS
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:12 am
Chef, I am looking forward to trying the lamb next week when you are back from vacation. I know it will be a treat. You are a Food Wizard and your staff are some of the best in the area. Wish I could dine there more frequently…maybe after the job hunt produces a success.
Best Regards,
Lainey Dixon
August 27th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
For a Wednesday evening I was floored to see so many guests at 9pm in ‘the middle of nowhere’. I soon realized why…the atmosphere is incredible, the staff knowledgable and polite and the food so wonderful it’s indescribable. I can not thank you all enough for making my birthday so special! For anyone looking for an afterdinner drink, please try their chocolate martini…it will knock your socks off!
September 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
My wife and I had a wonderful time at your restaurant last night in honor of our second wedding anniversary. The service was uniformly excellent, and the food was absolutely sublime. We appreciate the personal touches, including the opportunity to meet and chat with Chef Justus. You guys have a great thing going, and my wife has already let me know that we’ll be coming back for our next anniversay. Compliments to the Chef and the entire staff of your outstanding restaurant!
September 25th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Congrats on your recent write up in Midwest Airlines magazine.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Did you see that the National Restaurant Ass’n Smart Brief picked up the Tribune story?
From farm to table in Missouri
Jonathan Justus and his wife, Camille Eklof, opened Justus Drugstore restaurant two and a half years ago in a small town in Missouri. The restaurant focuses on sustainable, farm-to-table foods and has been featured in national press. Columbia Daily Tribune (Mo.) (9/23)
October 5th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Did the elder fizz win the drinks contest?
October 10th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
The dinner at Powell Gardens was FANTASTIC!!! You are a master!!! Cooking a gourmet meal for 140 people outside, is something only a master chef can pull off!!! You deserve a standing ovation!!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:17 am
We love your restaurant. Tomorrow will be our 3rd dinner and we are already looking forward to our meal. Bringing wife’s parents who love fine food. Keep it up!! You guys are awesome.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Had our first experience yesterday evening with my girls dinner group, our December Christmas outing for 6 of us. Was beyond what I had imagined, fantastic. Had the Goat Cheese Salad and the Kobe Rib Eye, then a scoop of Rum Raisin Ice Cream and a strawberry sherbet. Everything was explained to each of us as our plates were presented, what a delight. Just fabulous. Will return…what a jewel for Smithville.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I took my staff to Justus for their annual Xmas dinner and we are still talking about it. I have never had such a wonderful dining experience in or around Kansas City. Hands down fantastic. And, I didn’t want to eat just anything the next day. Justus makes you think about all the food you consume; where it comes from and how it is made. If only all restaurants put so much care and attention into what they serve the customer. I still dream of the salad with blue cheese “ice cream” and the flavor of the risotto. I want to introduce everyone I know to this place. Thank you for being here!
January 15th, 2010 at 6:52 am
ARGHHHHH! I am having some SERIOUS Justus Drugstore withdrawls!!!! Kris and I have got to get back out to KC!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Hi Jonathan!
I just read about your restaurant in Bon Appetit Magazine. Congratulations! Maybe I should take a trip to Smithville–it’s been about 40 years.
Your cousin,
Martin
February 14th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
We came in last night with a group of six. Three couples for a Valentines Day treat! I could NOT have been more pleased with our experience. The dishes were executed perfectly. Well rounded, great combinations of flavors, and just delicious. I had the Kobe rib eye with parsnip/sweet potato puree, and brussel sprouts. Ohers had the chicken, goat cheese salad, sous vide rabbit. I travel often and am lucky enough to experience amazing cuisine from all over the world - this restaurant is truly one of a kind and provided one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I cannot wait for our next visit!
February 26th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
We love your place. I have written about our experiences
here and here.
Thank you for all you do.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:24 am
The four of us enjoyed everything about our dinners. Out of 11 dishes tried and shared, nothing was a disappointment; everything was memorable. The varieties and combinations of flavors were both delicious and unique. How much fun can you have eating? We also appreciated a discussion with Jonathan about the relationship of color palettes in painting and flavors in cooking. And thanks to Cynthia for excellent and informed service. We’ll be back.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Tonight we celebrated my wife’s 40th birthday with my in-laws at one of their favorite restaurants. I will admit I was skeptical, as I do not step outside the culinary mainstream very often. Wow, what an ‘!! This was not just a meal, but a journey through culinary perfection. Every dish had a depth and balance of flavors that both intrigued and satisfied the palette. The wine pairings were spot on, the service impeccable, and the entire experience awesome!! I would recommend the Justus Drugstore to everyone!!
March 11th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Thank you so much for a wonderful experience last week. Every single thing from the service to the space to the open kitchen to the absolutely divine food was above and beyond my expectations of a fantastic meal. Chef Jonathon, your stories and your passion are both inspirational and admirable. Thank you for the best meal of my 38 years. Kudos to you and your wife for your vision, determination and commitment to excellence. Your entire team executed the evening perfectly. Thank you for a magical evening.
March 16th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Dear Chef,
My husband & I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary at Justus Drugstore on March 1tth. It was our first time dining here, but definitely won’t be our last! To say our experience was exceptional would be an understatement. The attention given to all the finest local, organic & best-of-the-best ingredients, combined with the quality of service, atmosphere & impecabble preprepation made this the best meal I have ever had the pleasure of eating. From my first cocktail, to my last bite of dessert, it was truly decadent. Some highlights were the chicken pate (which I have NEVER cared for pate before) - this was a DELICIOUS surprise, and listening to my husband make the “mmmm…mmmm….mmmmmm….” noise as he treasured every last bite of the Berkshire Pork. Thank you for the special anniversary treatment, and for coming to talk to us personally at our table. By the time we left, we felt like old friends. Thank you for giving us an unforgettable meal, and for helping make our anniversary celebration so perfect. Can’t wait to come back for more, “Friend”!