The Scoop: September 3

Photo Matt Lemmon

We like telling you about 417-land restaurant openings. We don’t like telling you about closings. But that’s just what we have to do right now. On September 1, Cartoons Oyster Bar & Grill shut its doors, at least for the time being (the sign on the door said “Closed until further notice”), ending for now a long run of food, music and dancing on South Glenstone. It was one of the few Boomer-friendly places to dance in Springfield, had hosted the local Blues Down Under Series, and was the primary home for Dr. Zhivegas’s Springfield shows since the new ownership headed by Dave Jordan purchased it a couple of years ago.

It begs the question: Where are Cartoons fans going to dance now? The New Key Largo? Somewhere in Branson? Also, where are you going for oysters? Let us know how you’re filling the void—and also if you know any details about Cartoons—by e-mailing me at matt@417mag.com.

Other dining quick hits:
» Houlihan’s (2431 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-862-7777) has made some additions to its menu, including mussels, scallops and meatloaf.

» Touch Restaurant (1620 E. Republic Rd., 417-823-8383) is planning to expand its bar into the old Executive Menswear spot just east of the restaurant. It’s a much-needed addition of space. We hear it should go down before the holidays. We’ll keep you posted.

» Finally, our Staff Raves prompted a few of you to do some raving of your own. Reader Nancy Sullivan sent us her current favorite dish: “My favorite meal in town (at least for the moment... always like to keep an open mind) is the tilapia at DiGiacinto’s (2259 S. Campbell Ave., 417-882-5166). It's always consistent and is paired perfectly with fresh steamed broccoli and linguini w/red sauce. The tilapia is lightly dredged in flour and is grilled to be a tad crispy on the outside, but melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. It's topped with a smear of melting basil butter. OK, I have to quit now or I will start salivating. Give it a try...you'll like it.”

Thanks, Nancy. If you have a favorite dish or a dining tip, don’t be shy about e-mailing us.

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