7 Good Things

Chosen by the editors of 417 Magazine, these seven dishes have passed our taste buds and made us rave. Ranked by Yummy.

1. It’s a comfort-food revelation. The next time you plan to visit Rodizio (3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield, 417-881-8882), make a reservation and request the Amazing House Pasta, which isn’t on the menu. It contains fettucine, sliced sausage, a garlic-cream sauce base with teriyaki and a nip of spicy red pepper (Price varies based on quantity).

2. The soups at the Emack & Bolio’s (now in a southside French country strip near Metropolitan Grill; 2925 E. Battlefield, Springfield, 417-889-3622) have been beyond delectable lately. Our favorite: old-school chicken Alexander ($3.50). The main ingredients include roasted poblano peppers, mushroom, garlic and grilled chicken, all of which float in a soup made of a white wine–cheese sauce base. Sinful.

3. While people who don’t speak Italian may struggle with the name—insalata di arugula al balsalmico con pinoli—they are unanimous in declaring their love for Bruno’s (416 South Ave., Springfield, 417-866-0007) salad of arugula leaves, balsamic vinaigrette, shaved parmesan and pine nuts ($6.90).

4. Vino 100 (2145 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-883-8466) sells Outrageous Shortbreads, almost-savory cookies specifically tailored for tasting with wine or coffee. They come in four flavors, and we like cherry-mocha and apricot-mango. ($4.95 for a four-ounce packet).

5. At Big Whiskey’s (311 Park Central East, Springfield, 417-862-2449) the Strawberry Fields salad comes with strawberry vinaigrette, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, toasted almonds and gorgonzola cheese tossed in spring greens. It can be ordered with grilled chicken, and it’s huge enough to share with a friend, especially if you order an appetizer. ($6.99.)

6. The crab and spinach dip at Bailey’s (319 W. Walnut St., 417-865-1304) is very, very good. Real lump meat crab is piled on a rich spinach-
artichoke dip with pita bread ($8.99).

7. Patton Alley Pub (313 S. Patton Ave., 417-865-1188) is serving items from the menu of the short-lived Blue Plate Restaurant next door. The open-faced roast beef is killer! Toast is topped with mashed potatoes, pot roast slices, gravy, onions and carrots. ($6.99).