Table Talk: March 3–9

Stay Put

March is here, which means spring break season is upon us. Usually, that means we’re heading out of town in pursuit of a good meal, but this year, save the gas money (and avoid contracting COVID-19 at the airport) by staying put and checking out some sample itineraries of ways to vacation right here in town—great meals included. Or, if you want to sneak out of town for a day, we’ve even assembled a tasty lil day in Joplin. 

It’s Cookie Time

Just as you’re starting to desperately crinkle the empty foil sleeves of your Girl Scout Cookie stash, Andy’s Frozen Custard comes to the rescue. Andy’s Mint Cookie Concrete crumbled into our lives at the very end of last month, and, as is the case with all the best flavors, scurry over to get one while cookie season lasts. 

New Faces at The Finley 

You can expect some big changes at Ozark’s The Finley this month. The fine-dining restaurant has welcomed chef Mike Halbert. Halbert, who hails from England, cut his teeth at Big Cedar Lodge, Devil’s Pool Restaurant and Highland Springs before joining The Finley a month ago. Now that he’s at the helm, Halbert is releasing a new dinner menu this week, followed by a revamped lunch menu next week. Halbert says the new menus retain a Southern food focus, highlighting fresh fish and local producers wherever possible in addition to offering a strong steak selection, sous-vide chicken and even vegetarian entrees. If those new changes aren’t enough, set your alarms for April because The Finley plans to offer a small weekend brunch early next month.

No Stouts About It

Springfield Brew Co. is rolling out its annual limited-batch Mudhouse Coffee stouts. Available in cold brew and mochaccino flavors, the stouts are infused with Mudhouse coffee beans. Give them a taste on tap or in bottled four-packs at Brew Co. 

Feeling Fishy

With Mardi Gras behind us, some Christians are observing Lent, a six-week period of fasting and sacrifice, which often involves giving up meat on Fridays. In observance of the season, Tortilleria Perches is offering a Lenten menu of shrimp, fish and vegetable-based dishes. 

Whether you’re abstaining from meat or are simply feeling fishy, this week is also, conveniently, the start of trout season in Missouri. Trout fisheries abound locally and welcome you to cast a line, but if you’d rather leave the catching up to someone else, there’s no better time than the present to nab the trout trio at Rockbridge Trout & Game Ranch.

Bringing Home the Bronze

Hickory Hills’ own chef Melinda Burrows is bringing a little bling back to 417-land. The executive chef competed in the American Culinary Federation’s Culinary Competition in Detroit this past weekend and placed third in two mystery basket entree categories. 

What’s Shakin’

Get a jump start on Daylight Savings Time by stocking your week with foodie-events sure to keep your mind off the impending loss of sleep.