Life
Dig Into Summer Tomatoes at Five Local Restaurants
Take advantage of the season’s tastiest fruit by digging into tomato-centric dishes at local Springfield restaurants. We found five irresistible options.
By Katie Pollock Estes
Jul 2018
Photo by Vivian WheelerIn Gilardi’s Ristorante’s bruschetta, tomatoes mingle with honey balsamic marinated mushrooms.
Purchase Photo
1. Bruschetta from Gilardi's Ristorante
Gilardi’s Ristorante, 820 E. Walnut St., Suite A, Springfield, 417-862-6400
Gilardi’s Ristorante’s take on bruschetta is a little different from what you might expect. Summer-fresh tomatoes and herbs join honey balsamic marinated mushrooms, and they come to the table accompanied by crispy bread.
Order it with: a satisfying main course like the veggie-adorned cheesy tortellini al formaggio
2. Deli Tomato Soup from Nearly Famous
Nearly Famous, 2708 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-3403
This soup is bright and flavorful with tender chunks of juicy tomatoes and a gentle sprinkling of cheese on top. It’s delightful year-round, but we love it in the summer when we’re in a tomato mood every day.
Order it with: a creamy egg salad sandwich on crispy, toasty bread
3. Fried Green Tomatoes from The Keeter Center
The Keeter Center, 1 Opportunity Ave., Pointe Lookout, 417-239-1900
Fresh, tart green tomatoes are breaded with cornmeal that’s made on-campus at College of the Ozarks. The crispy rounds are served with jalapeño jelly (also made on-site!) and a bit of pico de gallo.
Order it with: the incredible smoked tomato soup with basil cream. Who says you can’t double down on tomatoes?
4. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Green Pea Hummus from Devil's Pool Restaurant
Devil’s Pool Restaurant, 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, 800-225-6343
Heirloom tomatoes are a summertime star in this appetizer of a sweet tomato salad and a fresh green pea hummus. It’s finished with olive oil and sea salt before being served with basil pita chips for dipping.
Order it with: the shrimp boil entree with okra, corn and andouille sausage.
5. Tomato Hummus Toast from Cherry Picker Package x Fare
Cherry Picker Package x Fare, 601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-986-5800
Hop aboard the toast trend and order Cherry Picker’s toast topped with homemade roasted tomato hummus. On top are sprinkles of dill and feta cheese and a sprinkling of olive oil.
Order it with: a cortado to pair a refined shot of espresso with your refined slice of toast
