Table Talk

Taco ‘Bout It

You might just want to clear your plans for Saturday evening. Big Cedar Lodge is throwing a Tacos & Tequila Fiesta on April 27 from 6–9 p.m. inside Arnie’s Barn (150 Top of the Rock Rd., Ridgedale). There will be multiple tasting stations with authentic small bites, including tacos, plus a live Mariachi band. However, the real draw of the event is actually the tequila by Tequila Cazadores. Manny Hinojosa, the company’s global brand ambassador, will be the host for the evening and will be teaching you all about tequila’s history and how to make a cantarito with the most refreshing citrus notes. You can purchase tickets for $78 a person online.

Well Hello Again, Scotch & Soda

From 2012 to 2020, Scotch & Soda was a lively hub for downtown bargoers. The cocktail bar was one of the first of its kind for downtown Springfield and put the city on the map as one of Whisky Advocate’s "40 Top Whisky Bars in the U.S." For one night only, you can chase the feeling of downing a signature Scotch & Soda cocktail alongside some jerky. This Saturday, April 27, there will be a Scotch & Soda pop-up at Good Spirits & Co. HQ (1424 E. Cherry St., Springfield). Take up this invitation to travel back in time to the prohibition-era-inspired bar by snagging a reservation on Tock. If you’re not able to make it, you can always pay a visit to the Bentonville location of Scotch & Soda (121 W. Central Ave. Bentonville) for old times’ sake.

A Persian Pop-Up

The Royal (1427 E. Cherry St. Ste. B, Springfield) is at it again with another Foxes in the Field dinner on April 30 by the culinary dream team, Dylan and Dustin Fox, aka The Fox Brothers. However, this time, they’re adding another member to the crew, Amir Abdanan, and all the dishes and cocktails will be Persian-inspired. The evening will start on The Royal’s patio, where you’ll get to enjoy a social hour with small bites and drinks. Then, you’ll head to the field for a coursed meal served family-style with drink pairings as Spencer Pearson spins some records as a soundtrack for the evening. Tickets cost $135 and can be purchased online.

Welcome Home, J.O.B.
Downtown Springfield hasn’t been quite the same since J.O.B. Public House (319 E. Walnut St., Springfield) shuttered its doors in December 2022 amid owner Daniel Schlink’s passing, but all that changed this past week when it re-opened. Even though the bar is under new ownership, it’s dishing out the same old favorites as before but alongside a new whiskey cocktail menu. Immediately when you walk in, the familiar decor makes it feel like no time has passed. We opted to sit on the expansive back patio since it was a beautiful evening and enjoyed our Grad School burgers and fries alongside some refreshing sippers. One drink we especially loved was The Second Interview, which featured High West Double Rye, Carpano Antica Vermouth, angostura and orange bitters and Starlino Cherry 14. We were also excited to hear that they have a hefty mocktail menu in the works too. We have a feeling you’ll want to check it all out for yourself this week. 🥃

Spilling the Coffee Beans
Did you catch our exciting announcement last week? Kingdom Coffee (multiple locations) is opening a third location in Springfield’s Midtown neighborhood. The new coffee shop will be located in the former Boyd Elementary School library (1409 N. Washington Ave., Springfield). This 2,100-square-foot space will feature ground floor, loft and outdoor seating, plus a more robust, expanded food and beverage menu. Kingdom Coffee originally got its start on the edge of the Midtown neighborhood as The Hub Bicycles and Coffee, so this move is a return to its roots. We’re already dreaming about sipping cappuccinos from this new spot in one of Springfield’s oldest neighborhoods, but it looks like we’ll have to wait until late this year.

A Game of Chicken
The Springfield Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau is debuting a new food event! The Springfield Cashew Chicken Trail is starting this week on April 18. This event will run similarly to The Ozarks Coffee Trail and will include a list of participating restaurants. Each time you visit one of them and order cashew chicken, you’ll earn points to redeem for prizes. We’re all guilty of failing to venture from our go-to Chinese joint when the craving hits. But who knows? You may just discover your new favorite take on our hometown’s pride and joy of a dish. Save your appetite and stay tuned for details on who is participating later this week.

ICYMI: Itty Bitty News Bites
• It seems like we’re always craving Derby Deli (2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield) the most on Mondays, which is when it’s historically been closed. But it looks like we won’t run into that issue anymore because the eatery just announced it’s open on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. now. This week marks 10 years in business for Derby Deli, so go have a slice of cake there to help them celebrate.
• Pizza Club at Millsap Farms (6593 Emu Ln., Springfield) is officially kicking off for the 2024 season on May 4, and reservations are already open. We can’t wait to get our hands on some wood-fired earthen oven pizza topped with farm-fresh ingredients.
• A very exciting sign just popped up at the former location of Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders at 4560 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 136. It reads Shabu Hotpot, and it’s got our curiosity piqued. If you aren’t familiar with hot pot, it is a traditional Chinese dish that is an immersive experience. Each table at a hot pot restaurant has a pot of simmering soup stock, and guests choose and add their own ingredients. If you have any leads on who is behind this new venture, email us at yum@417mag.com.