7 Good Things

Things we're raving about—and ordering seconds of—this month.

1. The 24 Karrot cake created by Branson pianist Dino Kartsonakis for his new 24 Karrot bakery (24karrot.com) in central Hollister (12 Downing St., Hollister, 417-239-2822). “It was the best I have ever eaten,” says a friend who’s tried it. Check our June issue for a story on Kartsonakis, his new bakery and his remarkable cake ($46.50 for a 10-inch cake or $4.50 per slice).

2. Daly Special prime-rib sandwich at Glenn's at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club (1250 Golf Club Dr., Hollister, 417-332-3259). This piled-high, thinly-sliced, slow-cooked rib eye sandwich ($10) is topped with onion strings and melted provolone cheese and served on a toasted hoagie. The warning on the menu says “It’s big,” and they’re not kidding. Comes with waffle fries or chips.

3. The Sam’s Roll, Jr. at Mijuri (2710 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-9593). “I always go in there saying I’m going to order something different, but I always order it,” says a friend. “It’s like the siren of sushi. Comes with avocado, shrimp tempura and crab stick inside, with salmon on top. Soooooo good.” ($9.95)

4. The ribs at Indigo Joe’s (1440 W. Republic Rd., Suite 152, Springfield, 417-889-4500). “I could live indefinitely on those animal remains,” quips a pal. Served with garlic bread, steamed vegetables and your choice of baked potato, steamed rice or fries ($18.50 full rack, $12.99 half rack).

5. Gallery Bistro (221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-0440) has been serving a crab-cake appetizer that prompted one friend of the magazine to say, “Holy crap, it is so good.” The outside is crispy and spicy, with a pleasing soft interior. It’s plenty for two. ($9.25)

6. At South Avenue Pizza (307 South Avenue, Springfield, 417-869-1500) recently reborn under new ownership, the Atomic pizza has caught our eye. It’s topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, red onion, green peppers, sausage, bacon, black olives and pepper-jack cheese ($21.95 for a large, or enjoy it from the buffet for $6.95). “Fantastic!” exclaims a local foodie. After dinner, stay for shuffleboard and a chilled-out scene at The Bar Next Door.

7. Bruno’s Il Ristorante (416 South Avenue, Springfield, 417-866-0007) is home to an almond cake of significant decadence ($6 for a slice that feeds two or three). As with all aspects of Bruno’s restaurant, Sicilian simplicity trumps excessive artifice. The almond cake is almost like a tiramisù in structure, except that it’s covered with almonds and redolent of nutty goodness. “Very light, very delicate,” is how Bruno Gargiulo describes it; we’d go with “mischievously good.”

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 rollover 417 Dining to get started. —The Editors