Callawegians already know Brooklyn Pizza, Fulton Cafe and Morels & Microbrews Festival are winners. Now the rest of the state knows, too.
All three placed in the 16th annual readers' favorite contest sponsored by Rural Missouri magazine. There were 16 categories in the contest.
"Everybody's pretty excited because it's local businesses and going across the state," said Brian Atkins, who owns Brooklyn Pizza with his wife, Karen. "Two years ago, we won first place, and last year, second. It's quite a feather in the cap of a little town of Fulton."
The two restaurants - Brooklyn Pizza and Fulton Cafe - are in the Brick District on Court Street. The Brick District also hosts the Morels & Microbrews Festival.
Brooklyn Pizza won first place for its pizza. Every crust is hand-tossed, then loaded with fresh ingredients, Atkins said.
Fulton Cafe won the editor's choice in best restaurant for its Cuban flair cuisine.
"I found out last night," said John Atkinson, who owns the eatery with his wife, Betty. "What a way to wake up from my nap."
He said the food and atmosphere played a part in the honor.
"It could be a combination of a lot of things," he said. "The food, the service - I think it was a team effort. After eight years, it's nice to get a little recognition and it means a lot to us."
The fifth annual Morels & Microbrews festival - which takes place from. April 29 - won editor's choice in the festivals division.
"This is a big deal. Rural Missouri magazine is well respected, and it hits a really good market for Fulton," Renee Graham, director of tourism for Callaway County, said. "Having recognition for things like Morels & Microbrews, and mentions of restaurants like Brooklyn Pizza and the Fulton Cafe, really helps put us on the map and gets a lot of attention for what we have to offer."
