Email this page  Print this page

The Hot List 2009

56 Things We Love Right Now

(page 7 of 8)

Hot Lunch Sensation

Grad School

Grad School is the Casper’s for a new generation: retro-cool, with affordable food that’s positively to die for. The menu is deceptively gourmet and hands-down the most vegetarian-friendly in town. Virtually every dish can be made with one of four kinds of protein: fish, chicken, beef or falafel (falafel… seriously). The Bohemian–chic feel is complimented by lots and lots of stickers, historical photos of downtown Springfield, bearded servers and $2.33 PBR tallboys. Owner Danny Schlink has a winner on his hands, and everyone from the reggae crowd to your lunch-discriminating grandmother agrees. 434 S. Jefferson Ave., 417-866-8163

Hot See-and-be-Seen

Intermission at Moxie Cinema

Movies aren’t social occasions. You rarely see someone you know before you’re seated, and after the film you’re usually in too big a hurry to talk—either on your way to the bathroom or to avoid overpaying the babysitter. That’s why we love the Moxie’s intermissions. They’re about 10 minutes long, allowing you to use the restroom, grab another round of drinks and say hi to that person you saw two rows away, but didn’t want to interrupt a date. 431 S. Jefferson Ave. #108, 417-429-0800, moxiecinema.com

Hot Trend-Bucker

Paul Sundy

At a time when many business owners are downsizing, or at best standing happily pat, Paul Sundy and his army of business partners are growing an empire. Before the first freeze, you’ll most likely be able to have dinner at Whole Hog BBQ, the new restaurant at Campbell and Sunshine, followed by drinks at the second installment of Parlor 88, in the former Scrambler’s space on East Sunshine, across from Sam’s Club. You go, guy.

Hot consumer advocate

KY3’s Cara Restelli

As the point-woman for Contact KY3, Cara has worn KY3’s chief consumer-investigator hat since 2006, and her reports are ones that we always turn up the volume to watch. She’s won Emmys, and she’s looking out for you. Now that’s hot.

7 things we love to eat

Hot Grease Bombs

Whisler’s

Two of these puppies, with chips and drink, for $4.50. Unreal. 208 W. McDaniel St., 417-864-5565

Hot Branson Bite

Chester’s

The corned beef is to die for. 1166 W. St. Hwy. 76, 417-334-7838, eatatchesters.com

Hot Wine spot

Diamond Ridge

It’s the tastiest cheap wine you’ll find, and they’ll give you heavy sample pours at the elegant wine bar. 3401 W. Ridgeview St., 417-891-2702

Hot Crazy Caffeine Rush

Mudpuddle at MudHouse

This was, overwhelmingly, your favorite coffee drink. A frozen mix of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and whipped cream that’s as luxurious as it is stimulating. 323 South Ave., 417-832-1720, mudhousecoffee.com

Hot Idea Whose Time Has Come

Ziggies Downtown

Amazing breakfasts and patio, 24-hours Thursday-through Saturday. 319 W. Walnut St., 417-868-0040

Hot Sugar Buzz

James Brownie Funky Jackhammer

Brownie chunks and hot fudge inside cool Andy’s custard. You’ll love it. eatandys.com

Hot Dinner Trip

Little Tokyo's drive-through

Our original sushi drive-thru, and still the champ. 1635 N. Glenstone Ave.