7 Good Things

What's passing our gums and pleasing our tums this month?

1. The cupcakes at Spun Sugar Cake Company (940 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-861-3418) are out of this world. The chocolate cake is moist; the icing is the lightest we’ve ever had—like buttery whipped cream, but fluffier. Ours came topped with crunchy little sugar BBs and a tropical-looking fondant flower on top. They come in 11 flavors, including spice, red velvet and yellow butter. (Prices vary, minimum order two dozen cupcakes)

2. Bibimbap from Soo’s Korean Restaurant (3644 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-889-2220). Remarks Editor Katie Pollock: “It tastes just like the bibimbap I had in Seoul, which is a good sign.” It’s served in a hot cast-iron bowl with rice and lots of veggies (sprouts, spinach, seaweed, carrots and more), a little beef and a mostly raw egg on top. You put a healthy helping of spicy red bean paste on it and give it a stir. The bowl is so hot, it cooks the egg. “It’s so delicious,” says Pollock. “The best part is that the rice at the very bottom gets crispy. Num num num.” ($8.95)

3. Who doesn’t love the guilty pleasure of the fried yummi-ness of a crab rangoon? At the new 5 Spice China Grill (2058 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-799-0215), you’ll find something even better: lobster rangoon (known on the menu as lobster wontons). As our server described it, “It’s the goodness of a crab rangoon to the 50th power,” and he’s right! The cream cheese is extra-fluffy and tastes delicious. ($8.49)

4. The new Rivals Casual Grille (3662 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-877-7995) serves a delicious burger, but what really got us was the cheeseburger pizza ($12.99). The place is sporty and fun, with plenty of TVs and rivaling banners from local school teams.

5. Bambino’s (1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417-862-9999) isn’t glamourous, and it’s often overlooked, what with its hidden location in a grove of Phelps Grove. Go there immediately to taste its entrée of crab cakes and pasta. It’s one of the best $7 entrées in Springfield.

6. Kai (306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-832-0077) is serving a “sweet soju mojito” that contains soju (a Korean adult beverage made of rice), plum wine and Rose’s Mojito Cocktail mix. Quaff three; call a cab. ($8)

7. Fajitas at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant (406 South Ave., Springfield, 417-831-9339) are tops. Maria’s has its boosters and its detractors, but its fajita dish ($10.95 for chicken, $11.95 for steak or combo) is reason to come back if you haven’t been in a while. It comes sizzling but not billowing fumes as at some other places, full of peppers, onions and all the Mexi-garnishes you could hope for.

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. For more "good things" be sure to check the 417 Blog for more tasty dishes, starting in June.