Table Talk
Table Talk: October 6–13
Soup recipe roundup, Andy B’s Tiki bar opens, fresh local brews and more in this week’s Table Talk
by Katie Pollock Estes
Oct 06 2020 at 8 a.m.
Photo by Vivian WheelerSoup season is upon us, so it’s time to whip up some creamy cheese and broccoli.
Soup for You
This week we’ve been seeing several of our local restaurants post about their soup offerings (like the chicken tortilla soup at Galloway Station and the veggie quinoa bean soup at Cafe Cusco), which can only mean one thing: It’s soup season, people! Sure, this week Mother Nature decided to slip back into summer mode for a sec, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your cool weather menus at home.
Start out with these tips for making perfect homemade broth and amazing homemade stock, so you’ll have a strong base for all your soup cooking adventures.
If you’re in the mood for something creamy and hearty, try this meaty potato soup recipe. You can also try your hand at a rich autumn bisque, or read this guide to creating broccoli cheddar soup.
For something a little healthier and more veggie-forward, learn how to make vegetable soup with a side of fennel salad or a filling rosemary white bean stew.
And finally, we have a couple of indulgent soup recipe options with this mushroom and sage cream soup and a chicken Neapolitan soup that features mezzaluna pasta.
It’s Tiki Time
Big news for lovers of island-style bevs and casual new hangout spots: A new cocktail hotspot has opened on Branson Landing, and it’s an extension of Springfield’s Andy B’s Bowl Social. Andy B’s Tiki Bar has a view of Lake Taneycomo, where guests can order tiki drinks, beer and other drinks. We’re eying the “Pin Killer,” the bar’s take on a classic painkiller. It has pineapple and lime juices, coconut cream and a rum float. Currently, the tiki bar is open to the public on Branson Landing, but the official grand opening won’t come until next spring, as Branson kicks off its 2021 tourism season.
Fresh New Brews
Need something new for the cooler this fall? Two local breweries have each released new brews recently. At Mother’s Brewing Co., two new fruity concoctions are now available in four-packs at the taproom. One is Chug Brunch Orange Gregorius, a New England IPA with orange juice and vanilla for that orangesicle effect. The other is Pucker Punch Pink Schragleberry, an American Sour Ale made with lemon and apple juice.
At Springfield Brew Co., one of the new cans was released this past week. The 417 Lager is light in body and mild in flavor for a crisp and drinkable brew. You might have tried it last summer when it was briefly released on tap, but now you can purchase it in cans too. And although it’s not beer, it’s still worth a mention: Brew Co. is also selling a new bottled cocktail called Pumpkin Pie Punch. It features corn whiskey, simple syrup, pumpkin puree and warm fall spices.
Foodie Fun
This week is a big one for food-centric events in 417-land. Prairie Pie is hosting another Pot Pie Pop-Up event on Saturday, with a sweet little outdoor bistro space set up in the alleyway. You can preorder pot pies on Prairie Pie’s website, but there will be some walk-up pot pies available too. Flavors include chicken pot pie, beef and mushroom pot pie and veggie pot pie, and you can also grab some mini dessert pies and local drinks like Spring Branch Kombucha and Coffee Ethic coffee.
Also on Saturday, Springfield Charcuterie is offering a charcuterie class. See the link to the Facebook page for details.
Vino Cellars is kicking off a month of activities as well, starting with Saturday’s Sips & Dips event, which pairs wine with tasty warm dips.
At Silver Dollar City, Harvest Festival (with it’s gourd-centric Pumpkins in the City attraction) has begun and runs through the end of the month. New SDC festivals always come with special food offerings, and Harvest Fest is no different. There are a ton of pumpkin-centric items, like pumpkin cheesecake funnel cake, churros that you can dip in pumpkin fluff, caramel apple shakes, and even a huge waffle cone filled with marshmallows, pumpkin cheesecake filling and kettle corn. Holy moly, that sounds sweet and delicious.
And finally, 4 by 4 Brewing Co. is offering weekly Beer & Yoga events. Every Sunday at 11 a.m. you can take part in an hour-long yoga class led by Alexis Guccione and sip on a pint of beer. The class costs $15, and no reservations are required.
