7 Good Things: August 2008

Dishes that have our staffers raving and salivating this week.

1. The banana cake at St. Michael’s (301 South Ave., Springfield, 417-865-2315) is fantastic. One fan says it’s the best dessert she’s ever had. “The cake is extra banana-y, and I don’t know what they put in the icing, but it’s addictive.” One slice $4.25.

2. And while we’re on a banana kick, one 417 Magazine staffer recommends the banana bread martini at Parlor 88 (1111 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-882-8882). “The best part is eating the dried banana when you get to the end,” she says. The drink tastes just like its namesake and has a crunchy dried banana garnish floating on the frothy top. It has banana rum, gingerbread syrup, cream and a graham cracker rim. ($11 as a Martini-Tizer with banana bread on the side)

3. Rendezvous Coffee Lounge (320 Park Central West, 417-868-0110) has plenty of espresso drinks named after famous artists, but it also has a large-ish menu that includes the ultimate nachos ($6.99). They’re served piled high on a pizza pan and smothered in cheese, chicken, black olives, jalapeño peppers and either black beans or chili. You shouldn’t eat the whole thing yourself, but you might not be able to help it.

4. Easy’s Cajun Restaurant and Bar (1710 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-881-3939) might be a place you think of for thinks like crawfish étouffée, but it apparently has tasty burgers, too. One visitor loved the Phat Tuesday burger ($6.99). “It’s piled high with bacon, grilled mushrooms, onions and melted Swiss cheese,” he says. “Delicious. Perfect lunch size and a nice change of pace from the everyday burger.”

5. It has become conventional wisdom that you can’t go wrong with a steak at Doe’s Eat Place (1232 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, 417-869-3637). The fillet comes highly recommended. “It truly does melt in your mouth,” a diner raves. “And the fries are totally to die for.” ($29 for the 8-ounce fillet)

6. For a change of pace when it comes to presentation, we loved the flaming cheese at Papouli’s (725 State Highway 248, Reeds Spring, 417-272-8243). It’s called saganaki and is made of Greek kasseri cheese set aflame and served to the pyromaniac in you for just $8.99.

7. The Sue Salad at Metropolitan Grill (2931 E. Battlefield, Springfield, 417-889-4951) is a refreshing lunch on a hot day. It has strawberries, pine nuts, gouda, a great balsamic dressing and is served with foccacia bread that’s been toasted with balsamic on it. You can get a half portion (even at dinner), and it’s still plenty big and only $7.49.

7 Good Things is chosen by the editors of 417 Magazine as a service to readers. We’ve tried everything on this list, and we like it. Click Dining Feedback on 417mag.com to send us your 7 Good Things suggestions. Just roll over 417 Dining to get started.