Table Talk
Table Talk: May 12–18
Reunite with local bars and breweries, dig into Date Lady syrups and see local restaurants give back in this week's Table Talk.
by Katie Pollock Estes
May 12 2020 at 8 a.m.
Photo courtesy Mother's Brewing CompanyLocal breweries like Mother's Brewing Company start taking steps to reopen.
Breweries and Bars are Back in Business
Initially, the Springfield–Greene County Road to Recovery Phase 1 order indicated that breweries and bars would remain closed but could still offer drinks to be picked up curbside. Last week, amendments to the order allowed them to open back up, but with some guidelines and capacity limitations. Read our blog about some of the local spots that have reopened and what they are offering. It offers tips for visiting the spots and abiding by the new rules, or continuing with curbside if you’re not quite ready to venture out.
Queen City Soda & Sweets is Open with New Art
Have you been in to check out Queen City Soda & Sweets in downtown Springfield since they reopened? In addition to scoopable candy and countless varieties of fun and uncommon sodas including Japanese Ramuné, there’s a new draw at this sweet little shop: a mural by Andrea Ehrhardt that provides a fun little photo op. It’s of a giant bottle of soda, pouring out cola at juuuuust the right height for photo op subjects to take a “sip” for their big Instagram moment.
Classic Rock Coffee’s New Digs
Classic Rock Coffee’s downtown Springfield location has finally opened this week, and we can’t wait to pop in for a Cinnamon Girl latte and some tasty treats to munch on. The new location is at 535 W. Walnut St., and you can find all your favorite Classic Rock drinks on the menu. Our recommendation: Order a Great White Buffalo (a.k.a. a vanilla latte) and a sausage kolache to start your day.
Date Lady Hits Target Shelves
We learned today that Date Lady—a brand of date syrup headquartered in Springfield— can now be found on the shelves at Target stores across the country. The company has seen growth and widened reach in recent years, and in 2019 they landed at more than 700 Walmart stores. Read our tips for using Date Lady products in your cooking, or our review of Date Lady’s micro-cafe on Commercial Street, Cafe Dhibs.
Saying Thank You With Tacos
Local grocery store employees have been sticking it out like champs during the COVID-19 outbreak. They’ve done their part to keep us fed and our pantry shelves filled during uncertain times. El Charro Mexican Restaurant and Sylvan Learning Center are teaming up today to say “thank you” to these essential workers by setting up a taco bar at Harter House for the employees. Because nothing’s tastier on a Tuesday than tacos. Meanwhile, Craft Sushi is sharing the love with the frontline workers in the medical community by bringing meals to the staff at Mercy Surgery Center. Seriously, those poke bowls are some great fuel for the day.
