Table Talk
Table Talk: January 19–25
This week: Pineapple Whip Solstice, comforting creations and a twist on school lunch.
By Megan Dollar
Jan 2021
Photo by Brad ZweerinkFinally, it's Whip Solstice time. This is exactly the pick-me-up we've been needing.
It's Whip Solstice Time
Pineapple Whip lovers, true Springfieldians, rejoice: Whip Solstice has arrived. Starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Lulu will be dancing the day away at the corner of Primrose and South Campbell. All whip flavors—Pineapple, Lemon Berry, Strawberry Kiwi, Mango Peach, Banana Pomegranate and Orange—will be available to take home by the pint. If you can’t wait to get home, though, the classic pineapple and last year’s new guy, lemon berry, will be available by the cup or cone Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, Strawberry Kiwi takes over for the final two days of the solstice, which comes to a close on Sunday evening. Get a taste of summer while you can!
It's a Cozy Winter at Progress
Winter is in full swing over at Progress with a new menu to match it. This season, they’re serving up all of the cold weather favorites: toasty brussels sprouts salad with lemon vinaigrette, sweet potato salad with sesame yogurt and pickled apple, fried honey butter chicken and that trusty cauliflower steak. We’re looking forward to getting our hands on a plate of the “Fish and Chips,” which, surprise, is actually tempura fried octopus (it’s a mollusk not a fish!) served with confit potatoes.
School Lunch Done Right
One of the best things about 417-land is the abundance of universities. With so many college students around, there’s always something new, exciting and creative going on. At Missouri State, students in the Restaurant Management course join together each semester to create a new menu and run all operations for the full-service, student-run restaurant on campus called Carrie’s Cafe. This semester, the menu is Hawaiian-themed and is filled with savory seafood and tangy fruit for a full-fledged tropical experience. Missouri State students run the whole show—from the front of house to the back. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by campus for their grand opening on January 26th, and grab a Boom Boom Shrimp Taco or Volcanic Burger. All profits fund supplies, equipment and student scholarships.
Get Poppin'
Happy National Popcorn Day! We knew you probably wouldn’t have this one penciled in or planned out, so we went ahead and did the planning for you. Snag a locally-made popcorn treat from one of these makers to celebrate the day:
Ozark Mountain Popcorn—This popcorn maker has been around for more than 50 years, and their product shows for it. Go for the classic butter flavor, or how about bacon cheddar? Dill pickle? Mint Chocolate? Strawberry Banana? There’s sure to be a flavor (or a few) for you.
Queen City Soda & Sweets—Queen City Soda & Sweets describes their “Crispy Cakes” as a “grown-up version of the humble rice crispy treat.” So, yes, this is a rice crispy treat with popcorn added. Is your mouth watering? My mouth is watering.
Bon Bon's Candy House—Bon Bon’s Candy House makes a caramel nut corn which includes sweet, roasted almonds, cashews and pecans. Yum!
