7 Good Things—February

Chosen by the editors of 417 Magazine, these seven dishes have passed our taste buds and made us rave.

1. Springfield Brewing Company (301 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-832-8277) has a simple and delicious appetizer with three soft bavarian pretzel sticks that are served warm with pepper jack cheese sauce and Santa Fe cheddar ale ($4.95).

2. The fried shrimp po’ boy at Jambalaya Junction (1360 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-887-0211) with finely diced red onion, tomato and rémoulade has staffers buzzing and those who have tried it craving more. A full-sized sandwich with chips and a drink is $11.

3. The chef at Kai (306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-832-0077) has recently altered the recipe for the cedar-wrapped scallops to come out a little lighter on the cedar. The result is delicious. The appetizer comes with three fresh, pan-seared sea scallops, grilled Japanese eggplant and asparagus all drizzled with a to-die-for garlic cream balsamic teriyaki sauce ($11).

4. Macaroni Grill (1286 E. Battlefield, Fremont Center, Springfield, 417-881-7804) puts a twist on ravioli with its pasta filled with tender mushrooms and melted cheese, then covered with a marsala wine cream sauce ($11.29).

5. Thai Thai Cuisine (203 S. Commercial St., Branson, 417-334-9070) in downtown Branson has become a regular favorite for a Thai food fix for a couple of our staffers. Many dishes are worth a try, but the phad asparagus with chicken, asparagus and yellow squash in a peanut sauce has recently stolen our hearts ($7.99 for lunch; $9 for dinner).

6. The beet-parmesan rice is a side dish worth seeking out at Argentina Steak House (1410 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-886-8010). Served as a side with a few dishes on both the lunch and dinner menu, the rice (pink in color).

7. Mijuri Sushi & Rhythm (2710 S. Campbell Ave., 417-889-9593) is always good for a show, and its Volcano Roll fits the bill. Served literally on fire, this sushi is a basic California roll with seafood sauce and scallop masago. The fire is certainly entertaining, but it also keeps the sauces gooey and warm ($10.95).

Got a pick for 7 Good things? Send it to editor@417mag.com, or lcomment on this article.