We recently sat down with the wizard of yum. We are always working to bring you the most delicious, most involved, and most passionate people and places in the 573. The 573 Food Reviews are a favorite! Meet Katey and David John, owners of Num Nums Sweet Shop in Marquand. They know how to put a smile on the face of every kid who walks into their house of yumminess or, should we say, house of Numniness. Regardless of your age, you will appreciate this little gem in the hills of Marquand. You would never in a gazillion years expect the quality and attention to detail these folks deliver.
A REAL cherry coke and the crispiest fries this side of Marquand.
Everything starts with fresh. All sandwiches use the best bread and a light garlic butter brush for toasting.
Katey started in the hospitality industry, most notably working for big, respectable companies such as Holiday INN and the Adams Mark Hotel. As a Sales Director in the hospitality industry, she lived in Texas, Colorado, California, and Florida. After 911, the hospitality industry dried up, and she realized truck drivers were in high demand. If she could muster the courage to drive one, she would keep her income the same. Yep. She did it! That began her journey as a truck driver, and ultimately, she met her husband, David, in 2006. They became a husband and wife truck-driving team.
As the newlyweds kept a big rig rolling almost nonstop, they also dreamed of owning a small farm one day. On their wish list was live water, hunting, and a nice, comfortable home. They found one in Missouri that was exactly what they wanted, but it wore the dreaded under-contract title. They continued driving and searching for their dream property, but nothing quite met that “I am home” feeling like the property in Missouri. On a wishful hunch, they looked one more time, and their dream property was available. Katey said, “God put us here.”
By 2011, they were full-time farmers. They have a ¼ acre organic raised garden and raise chickens and Ste. Croix Sheep. They grow Hungarian Paprika and Garlic, which they use to season pink Himalayan salt at Num Num’s. Other than that, they farm for their own personal consumption.
Num Nums, an Old-Tyme candy store with perfectly matched local history.
Chalk candy cigs, candy wafers, coconut bars...heaven!
This Old Fashioned Soda Fountain and Candy Shop features hand-dipped ice cream, floats, malts, shakes, sundaes, phosphates, vintage candy, and handmade gifts from local artisans. The menu also includes hoagies, smash burgers, paninis, and fries and chips on the side.
The BEST Reuben sandwich I've ever had. The Black Russian Rye held up to the last bite.
The Panini Rueben is not just any old Rueben. Oh, no. It starts with corned beef brisket and is sous vide for a whopping 36 hours, which helps flavor the meat and makes it tender and juicy. This specially treated brisket meets Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and special num-num sauce and lies atop a Black Russian Rye that is lightly toasted with a smidge of garlic butter. It's the BEST Reuben sandwich I've ever had. The Black Russian Rye held up to the last bite. You might see me there having this again! (LOL)
Deliciously decorated to get a happy eater in the mood!
The John's opened Num Nums in April 2021 with the idea of keeping it simple and serving ice cream and other desserts, but by April 2024, it evolved into a limited-food restaurant. David is the cook who, by the way, was at Durso Hills Winery, now known as Victoria Vineyard. He served us multiple sandwiches that were absolutely outstanding and would rival any big city eatery.
It’s a beautiful drive to Marquand, and there are tons of fun activities nearby, like floating the Castor River, hunting, camping, or attending the 573 Chalk Festival this fall. Plan to pop into Num Nums when you are hungry. They do have limited hours, so check their Facebook page before you go. (Num-Nums Sweet Shop)
Famous Fries, a take on Irish Nachos, do justice riding alongside the Smash Burger or any of the great sandwiches. The base is lightly battered deep-fried French Fries that hold up mouthwatering toppings and deliver a crispy, crunchy bite. These seismic crunch fries are topped with cheese, green and purple onions, bacon, and a mellow sour cream sauce artistically drizzled on top.
A softball-sized scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, a layer of Oreo crumbs, a few M&M's for color, fresh whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce with special Num Num sprinkles topped with a cherry.
This beautiful sundae is so inviting, with a dash of sprinkles and a big, delicious red cherry sitting adoringly on freshly made whipped cream. The deep dive of the spoon is every kid's delight, both young and old alike. Hand-dipped ice cream by the scoop with just the perfect amount of Oreo cookies, M&M’s, and chocolate intermixed with the creamy ice cream to introduce pleasant surprises and delightful treasures for a yummy good mouth explosion. They guessed all my favorites, but you can have it your way because all their sundaes are made to order, and sprinkles are always FREE!
Hand scooped cones and a killer sunday.
Smash Burger—A single, double, or triple burger with perfectly melted cheese and bacon, if you like, served on a gourmet split-top bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and their special num-num sauce to make it extra juicy.
Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Panini
The delicious aroma of the Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Panini had my mouth watering before the first bite. The roasted chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, red onion, bacon, and ranch dressing adorn a lightly toasted sourdough, which was lightly seasoned with a garlic butter brush. Of course, they ratchet up a chicken sandwich several notches!
Everything handmade to taste.
The Philly Cheese Steak Hoagie is made with thinly sliced steak, sauteed colored peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella cheese. If you do not like red meat or want, you can substitute chicken or pork. Did I mention they traveled? You may order this Philly in Marquand, but it didn't disappoint!
It started with a passion for food and now they share the wealth.
Now get out there! Do something. What one person can do, another can do. Make something. Join a club. Take a class. Claw your way out of that sunken sofa and LIVE. Time's a wasting.
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