Table Talk
Table Talk: May 17–23
This week: stock up on strawberries, new southern-fried foods, Sweet T's Cafe has a new menu, Mother Road Burgers on the way and more.
by Jorge Cespedes
May 17 2022 at 8 a.m.
Photo courtesy ShutterstockSummer is on the way so stock up on strawberries at a local u-pick strawberry farm.
Southern Food, Round Two
Sam’s Southern Eatery is a casual chain restaurant focused on southern-style seafood dishes with a promise to deliver on maximum quality and low prices. The restaurant got its start in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008. Ever since they’ve been on a constant growth plan with several dozen locations all over the south. In Springfield, they opened their first location in 2018 on 1631 N. Glenstone Ave., and now they are opening their second location in town where the former DiGiacinto’s Italian Restaurant used to be on 2259 S. Campbell Ave. They are known for their po’boy sandwiches made with all sorts of proteins such as fried chicken, fish and even fried oysters—plus fried jumbo shrimp platters and big juicy burgers.
It’s Strawberry Picking Season!
Strawberry picking season is pretty short-lived here in 417-land, so make sure to get out there before the end of May. Gardener’s Orchard & Bakery has been a family-run farm for many years, and since 2013, it’s been in the hands of the Gradinariu family. They not only have a big love for strawberries but also a passion for baking all sorts of delicious items right on the farm. If you want more than just strawberries, it’s no problem. The orchard also has apple and peach trees, blueberries, blackberries and tomatoes. Oh, and don’t let me forget about the fresh donuts and slushies you can have while picking your favorite items! They aren’t the only great berry farm in the area though. Missouri Berries is one of the newest spots, opening this year with berries and fun activities for the kids. Read about them and a handful of other great strawberry picking spots in our handy roundup.
Mother Road Burgers Is On the Way
Mother Road Burgers is a traveling food tent, soon to be a food trailer, that makes regional burgers for every state on Route 66. Soon they’ll be arriving in Springfield. Their latest creation was in the state of Kansas, and it was inspired by the season and, of course, Kansas City barbecue meats. It was a 100% all-beef burger patty with melty pepper jack cheese, KC-style smoked pulled pork, a drizzle of sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw. Who knows what inspiration will hit Mother Road Burgers when they come to town to make a one-of-a-kind burger for us? As of now, they are scheduled to arrive in town by the end of July. We will keep you guys posted as we learn the exact date.
New Eastside Morning Eats
Looking for a new place to grab breakfast in the morning? Well, we got you covered, Sweet T’s Café is located on the first floor of the Frisco Building at 3253 E. Chestnut Expy. The simple and affordable menu offers a list of classics, such as The Country Breakfast with scrambled eggs, choice of bacon or sausage, home-style hash browns and a biscuit. You can get biscuits and gravy, French toast or even the continental breakfast-to-go. If you’re ever in the area, go check it out.
