SPRINGFIELD GOURMET TACO COMPANY in Springfield, MO

No guessing, Pat Duran's Springfield Gourmet Taco spells out the answers for celiacs', vegetarians and the health conscious, no excuses the information you need to make smart choices is available for you to ponder. That's right, it's on the table listed in plain sight. There is no need to fuss and explain your complicated dietary needs with the servers.

The prices are likely the best value around...

Springfield Gourmet Taco Company takes a simple taco and broadens the spectrum beyond our wildest imagination. The combinations are plentiful enough to suit anyone's taste buds. Yes, you can take "I hate Mexican,"  Uncle Frank and order a bbq chicken taco.

Tacos are fun, and eating with your fingers is always an enjoyable ice breaker. Saturday night, I dug right into a fresh lettuce wrapped taco. Although it was a difficult decision, I decided on the Asian inspired Hawaiian with citrus lime chicken covered in shredded cabbage and pineapple, and complemented by the delicious cilantro cream sauce. I had a couple of bites of the Baja. It's unique with a blend of fajita chicken in a Mediterranean style with spinach, feta and balsamic vinegar. Both were excellent choices, but if I had to choose a favorite it would be the Hawaiin.  However, rest assured, I have returned several times and it's never boring. The Frito Pie with cistrus-lime chicken is awesome and a new favorite is the Island Salad; it's Huge! 

FLO EATERY AND WINE BAR in Springfield, MO:

Design, texture, color, and architecture might remind you of  fabulous atmosphere, but add flavor and you’ve just described the food at Flo Eatery & Wine Bar. Under the direction of a fine staff and owners Johnson and Johnny Tan, exotic dining truly is a surprisingly affordable experience. Known around town for their social plates, Flo’s full menu features an array of whimsically designed Sushi, and international entrees as well as local favorites.

Begin the evening with a nice wine from the largest by the glass selection in town or my favorite, the smooth Island Margarita Martini, but do yourself a favor and ask the server to sweeten the rim with sugar instead of

salt. Pair your tonic with a Spicy Tuna Tuna Roll, and enjoy the sweet tangy lime as it contrasts with the peppery sushi loaded with the freshest red tuna around.  Beware; it is an explosion of provocative excitement for your taste buds. Shared, amongst the seductive red décor and ambient lighting, it’s the perfect beginning to an intimate night out.

Continue the evening with one of the many entrees from the new menu. On the lighter side, try one of my favorites, grilled fish tacos topped with guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and spicy mayo. I like to drizzle mine with a generous amount of house hot sauce, messy, fun, and delicious, but if you are particularly in the party mood try the ultimate social appetizer, Flo’s famous fresh guacamole custom made table-side by your server.