The Keeter Center, Branson, MO

 We had a wonderful week in Branson, thanks partly to our great friends who gifted, yes gifted, us their timeshare for the week. It was nice to be able to cook breakfast every morning and a few of the nights we were in town. It helped keep costs down and provided a more family atmosphere that we were looking for since it was a family Christmas after all. On Wednesday morning at 9am, we took the kids back to their Dad’s house in LeGrand, IA and then turned around and came back to Branson, MO for two more nights. We arrived back in Branson at 3:30am on Thursday. Wow…

After trying to recover a bit Thursday night, The Hubby surprised me with a dinner date to The Keeter Center. While others may just see a huge log cabin, amazing interior and incredible food, I found the place tremendously astounding. The Keeter Center is on the property of the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. The students at the college all work on campus in some sort of fashion in order to graduate debt-free. Their workstations include the restaurant as servers and cooks, the mill, where they grind their own flour and sell bread mixes, the fruitcake and jelly kitchen, the dairy, milking cows, and many other places. There are 44 majors in the college and are internationally accredited.

Service was impeccable from Reagan, and the food was beyond spectacular. 

I ordered the special, Chicken Cordon Bleu and the sauce was literally mouthwatering. Grilled carrots fresh from the garden along with asparagus that couldn’t have been cooked any better. The Hubby ordered the Chicken Duet with mashed potatoes and the same veggies. The meat practically fell off the bone. The Hubby actually had room for dessert!! White Chocolate Bread Pudding with an apple cider sauce... oh my goodness... During the meal, another student came in and graced us with her wonderful piano playing abilities. What a great night! He sure does know how to touch my heart in the hospitality field. What a dear!

I can’t wait until we go back to Branson for many reasons, but one specifically being to take the tour of the campus and eat in the restaurant again. They also have a 15 room bed and breakfast I just might have to try out as well.

The Keeter Center gets a huge 5 stars in my book!!

Des Moines Outback

While passing through Des Moines, IA we decided to stop at a favorite of ours, Outback. We have eaten at this particular location once before, so figured it was a good choice.

The wait wasn't long although misquoted horribly; service was okay; and the food/presentation left something to be desired. The Hubby and I split most meals because we just don't eat the size portions that are served in the restaurants today. We usually order an appetizer and one meal to split. Every other time we split a meal at Outback, it comes on two plates. This time, I guess either the server didn't ring it in properly or the expo cook didn't bother. Either way, we had to ask for another plate for both courses.

My favorite thing at Outback is their wedge salad. Not this visit. Presentation and taste left a lot to be desired. Never mind the fact that I asked for no onions and they didn't bother to adhere to that request. Overall it was an okay visit. I'm sure we will try them again, for as many times as we travel up that way.