7 Good Things: October 2008

Things that have passed our gums and met our approval this month.

1. Sushi House (3310 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-336-3788) in Branson looks like a teeny tiny hole-in-the-wall, but it has the hugest sushi menu we’ve ever seen. A favorite: the Green Mountain roll ($9.26). It is a big roll with salmon and avocado inside, and it is tempura fried. Then each slice is topped with a pile of seaweed salad.

2. You might order the hummus at Touch (1620 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-823-8383) because it comes topped with beef, an uncommon topping for chickpea dip. But the real star on the plate is the charmoula, made with chopped mint, parsley, garlic and olive oil. The flavor is bold, but the effect is refreshing. It’s served with warm pita bread. ($6.75)

3. We hear that the ahi tuna salad ($11.95) at Houlihan’s at The Doubletree Hotel (2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-862-7777) is outstanding. It’s chopped cabbage and lots of cilanto, tossed with cashews, banana chips, banana slices and a tart but not-too-sweet banana-ginger vinaigrette. It’s served with seared rare ahi tuna on top.

4. Garlic lovers will want to try the bruschetta at Bambino’s (1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417-862-9999). It has lots of garlic and lots of flavor, and it’s served on huge pieces of toasted bread that soak up all the goodness. ($5.99)

5. For when you want a little salty-sweet-tart treat with your bottles of imported beer, the raspberry brie at MudLounge (321 S. Walnut, Springfield, 417-865-6964) comes highly recommended. It’s warm and gooey brie topped with a raspberry puree and fresh strawberries, with pretzels and two kinds of crackers for dipping. ($6)

6. The new Doubletree Hotel (2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-831-3131) offers one perk that has been described as “awesome” by one fan: the chocolate chip cookies. “I don’t know that they’re worth the price of a room,” she jokes. “But they are pretty darn fabulous.”

7. A dessert-like drink at Valentine’s has received rave reviews. (2902 S. Campbell Ave., Suite B, Springfield, 417-891-9700). It’s the banana split martini, with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, banana liqueur, strawberry liqueur, white crème de cacao and strawberry purée. ($6.50.)

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. Click Dining Feedback on 417mag.com to send us your 7 Good Things suggestions. Just roll over 417 Dining to get started.