7 Good Things

Culinary items that have passed our taste buds and meet our approval.

1. Big Momma’s (217 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-865-9911) chipotle chicken panini ($6.25). Much closer resemblance to a panini sandwich in Europe than your average “panini.” Generous chicken, tomato, spinach, cheese and a sauce flavored with what seemed more like Dijon mustard that chipotle anything. It was delicious, so we’re not sticklers.

2. Home-made falafel on warm pita with greens and veggies from Acoustic Café (434 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-866-8570). This downtown restaurant is a bit off the beaten path. Whatever you order here, it goes great with a side of Acoustic’s hallmark home-made garlic fries or chips ($6.95).

3. Iced coffee at Hot Shots (2938B E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-882-0693). Super-strong, super-flavorful, and a nice change from certain iced coffees that basically taste like extra-bitter iced tea. A large is $2.50.

4. Tonic Ultralounge (317 Park Central E., Springfield, 417-863-7575) has begun making forays into full dinner entrées. Our favorite thus far is the sea bass ($14). It’s served with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. “Who would have thought such great food would be served at a lounge?” asks a friend.

5. Veggie pizza at Coesters Sports Bar & Grill (631 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield, 417-862-2327) is tops. A 10-inch is $10.99, and a 16-inch is $17.99. Owned by Mark Coe, who also owns the Jordan Creek nightclub for persons who recently turned 21 and their friends, Coesters is something new: a sports bar within crawling distance of Missouri State that sells bar apps but also nice casual food and even $30 steaks. (When we try one, we’ll let you know.)

6. Have you had the Parlor 88 (1111 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-882-8882) prime rib sandwich ($14) with sliced prime rib, toasted rolls, and a warm horseradish and cream cheese spread topped with a candied jalapeños and spicy mustard? We have. Yes. We’ll be having it again this weekend.

7. We’ll end with another panini. Chicken pesto panini at Steak & Ale (1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-7717). $6.99, chain-tastic and served lickety-split!

7 Good Things is chosen by the editors of 417 Magazine as a service to readers. We’ve tried everything on this list, and we like it.