Romas Italian Restaurant, Nixa, MO

Location:  911 Kenneth Street Nixa, MO 

Romas is definitely worth a visit, or two, or three.  If you like authentic Italian food you will love it.  I have to admit I was skeptical. I had heard they had great food, but every restaurant that's been in that location has been so so at best.  I've been to a few Italian restaurants on The Hill in St. Louis and I have to say Romas ranked right up there with them.  Our waiter, who I suspect was the owner, was very friendly and enjoyed talking with and serving us.  We began our meal with fresh Italian bread dipped in a flavored olive oil that was delicious. We then had the stuffed mushroom appetizer.  The mushrooms were covered with a tasty alfredo sauce blended with tomato sauce.  Yum!  I had the eggplant roll up, similar to eggplant parmesan, and Bob had crab and shrimp fettuccine.  Both were fabulous.  The portions were large and we had plenty to eat with leftovers to bring home.  I asked if they have wine and the waiter said, "Not yet, soon."  To round off our meal we had cannolli.  It was tasty, not the best I've had, but good.  We loved Romas and definitely recommend it.  We plan to visit them again soon to try their pizza.  Hope to see you there!

Taylor's Old Fashioned Steakburgers-Springfield, MO

We took a trip to downtown Springfield for lunch today to Taylor's Old Fashioned Steakburgers at the corner of Kimbrough and Trafficway.  A friend recommended Taylor's to us and I must say it was worth the trip.  Taylor's has been at this location for many years, yet I had never heard of it.  Bob knew where it was, but had never eaten there.  We both ordered the regular steakburger and were not disappointed.  The steakburgers are thin and tasty, just like you would expect from an old-fashioned burger.  We both loved the burgers!  I ordered a Coke and the waitress said, "Would you like a shot of vanilla or cherry in that?"  Of course!  Loved that about this place.  Very friendly, old fashioned, burger joint atmosphere.  Taylor's reminded me of the cool diners that would have been along Route 66 back in the day.  It brings back memories of the places you might have stopped at as a child with your parents when you were traveling.  The fries and onion rings were so so.  Not bad, not the best we've had.  Overall, we were happy we took the time to visit this Springfield, MO icon.  The front of the menu mentions that business has slowed since the opening of Jordan Valley Park, just across the road.  Run on over to visit Taylor's while it is still there!  You will be glad you did!

Cornerstone Subs and Pizza, Lebanon, MO

This has been our favorite sandwich joint, hands down, for 25 years!  It began as a little carry out place in downtown Lebanon and has been at the current location for several years now.  It is located at 399 S. Jefferson in Lebanon, MO.  They make their own bread, from scratch, and it is completely delicious!  We always order the garlic cheesebread, which literally melts in your mouth.  Yum, yum and yum!  My favorite sandwiches are the reuben and the steak sandwich, both with fried onions.  I also get cheese and vinegar and oil on the steak sandwich.  I can never decide which one to order because I love  them both!  Bob and Alex like the hot ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.  Not to be outshined by the fabulous sandwiches, the pizza here is fantastic also.  In addition, they make a delicious stromboli and a pretty decent spaghetti and meatballs along with some great salads.  If you like brownies you must try theirs....chocolately, chocolate chip, perfect brownie goodness.  You can't go wrong...no matter what you order.  The decor is not fancy, but the food is fabulous and Karen, the owner, is friendly and appreciates every customer.  Try it, you'll like it!  It's worth every minute of the drive to get there.

Cravin Pizza-Springfield, MO

Cravin Pizza is the best kept little pizza secret in southwest Missouri (sorry about the thumb over the photo)! Bob discovered it one day when he was working.  The owners are nice, cordial people who welcome you and make sure your dining experience is perfect.  We love their lunch special which is a nice size salad with your choice of their homemade dressings and a small pizza, not a personal pan pizza, a full small pizza.  A drink is included for around $7.  We LOVE their homemade blue cheese dressing.  You will find none better.  We've had many different pizzas there and each and every one has been delicious.  You can't go wrong no matter what you order.  Their pizza crust is unique and not like anything we've ever had.  It's flaky, crispy and melts in your mouth.  Cravin recently added a more formal dining room in the back that is open in the evenings.  They have a full service bar and a variety of Italian cuisine.  We have plans to visit for dinner sometime in the near future.  They are located on east Sunshine St, across from Sam's Club.  Stop by for lunch one day (or dinner), you won't be disappointed and you will have a new favorite pizza place.

Cheddars-Springfield, MO

Happy Valentine's Day friends!  We had planned to visit Bierman's German Restaurant in Friestatt, MO this weekend, but upon investigation we have concluded it is closed.  Sad to hear this.  Used to be a great place to eat. 

So instead, we wents to a great little place we haven't been for awhile, Cheddars.  Chances are you have eaten at Cheddars.  It's one of our old standbys and we are never disappointed.

We always order the onion straws appetizer.  They aren't on the menu, but if you ask your waiter or waitress they will order them for you.  Very thinly sliced onions with a sweet/savory coating served with ranch dressing for dipping.  Yum, yum, yum!  Not to be missed.  Alex had the chicken tenders and Bob had the buffalo chicken tenders.  Now if you've had Cheddar's chicken tenders you know they are the BEST by far. 

I usually have the chicken tenders, but decided to try something new, the grilled tilapia with mango salsa and grilled shrimp.  Very good choice!  The fish and shrimp were lightly seasoned, tender and delicious and the mango salsa set the whole thing off perfectly.  For my sides I chose the broccoli cheese casserole (another favorite) and the cut off the cob corn, which was delicious!  The atmosphere was warm and cozy on a cold, Missouri night.  We enjoyed our visit! 



 

Rosie Jo's Cafe, Ozark, MO

We went to Rosie Jo's Cafe tonight.  We had heard their catfish is excellent.  We were not disappointed.  The decor is country cafe with a generous helping of chicken decor.  Cozy, relaxed, and friendly.  The place was packed at 5 pm on a Saturday night.  We began our meal with the fried mushroom appetizer, some of the best fried mushrooms we've had and the helping was more than the two of us could eat.  They were served with ranch dressing.  Delicious!  We both ordered the catfish dinner with fried potatoes, corn, and Texas toast.  The catfish was served as one big catfish fillet with a delicious, crunchy, cornbread coating.  Very tasty!  The fried potatoes were a little dry, but good.  We ended the meal with a piece of chocolate peanut butter pie.  Tasted good, but the crust was a little stale.  Overall, very good place to eat.  We recommend it and will definitely go back.  We might try the breakfast next time.