Springfield, MO Entertainment

Foodgasm: Taste of Springfield, the winners, the losers, the photographs

Posted by Brett Johnston

taste of springfield Foodgasm: Taste of Springfield, the winners, the losers, the photographs

Saturday's Taste of Springfield is the city's biggest annual outdoor food festival.

South Ave was filled with foodies on Saturday. The Next Exit and Members Only provided the backdrop, but the focus was on flavor.

The awesome

There was one big winner for the TAGsgf.com staff – Tortilleria Perches. The shredded beef taco and queso dip drew long lines. Simple and delicious. One TAGsgfer finished his ticket allotment and drove straight to the actual restaurant. Blue Bull’s Pork Tenderloin sandwich and pork fingers (think chicken fries) were tasty, though a small portion of sauce would have helped the sandwich slide down. The surprise of the day was Nonna’s deep fried lasagna. You can fry anything. Of course the desserts were incredible. Gelato Mio’s … gelato, The Cup’s cakewich and Mudhouse’s seasonal pumpkin bar each delivered. Andy’s was Andy’s, the best frozen snack not from Gelato Mio. Taco Wagon’s tacos and the cottage pie from Farmer’s Gastropub were other strong entrees.

The disappointing

“The spring roll that will change your life!” was the only poorly spent tickets, mostly because the hype was far from supported, but great salesmanship Parlor 88. I was a little disappointed in the “signature dishes” of some spots. I enjoy Mac & Cheese as much as anybody. If it’s on the menu, I always give it a second thought, but do you really want to feature it at a food festival, Trolley’s? Weak. Sauce. It’s supposed to be on the menu, but not supposed to be the centerpiece. You have good, unique food. Why not give something original the shine?

Also getting finger wags are Taco Wagon for no early food and Horrman Meat Co. for no late food.

nonnas deep fried lasagna Foodgasm: Taste of Springfield, the winners, the losers, the photographs

This little nugget of happiness is named "Deep Fried Lasagna". Meet in person at Nonna's.

My Taste of Springfield Menu Top 3

Apps

  1. Thai Lettuce Wrap from Mille’s
  2. Queso from Tortilleria Perches
  3. Sausage Roll from Farmers Gastropub

Entree

  1. Shredded Beef Taco from Tortilleria Perches
  2. Deep Fried Lasagna from Nonna’s
  3. Pork Tenderloin from Blue Bull

Dessert

  1. Tiramisu Kahlua Gelato from Gelato Mio
  2. Cakewich from The Cup
  3. Pumpkin Oatmeal Bar from Mudhouse
[Show picture list]
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  • http://www.dannyjbixby.com Danny Bixby

    Eat at Tortilleria Perches on Wednesday, order the cactus & pork special.

    You can thank me later.

  • http://www.facebook.com/scottperket Scott Perket

    Great job Brett!

    Mad and I like Tortilla Perches so much we just skipped out and headed there for lunch. We fell in LOVE!

    Blue Bull’s tenderloin was a close #2 on our list. You definitely got to a lot more than we did.

    So what did you think about moving the beer garden and music? I loved it!

    • http://www.tagsgf.com Brett Johnston

      I haven’t really been hungry since. It was a lot of food, but far worth the pain on Sunday. I liked the beer garden and stage better where they were this year for sure – a nice welcome on the way in. But I missed having the Iron Chef competitions that were on the square last year.

  • http://BobsWhineAndDine.com Bob

    I’m glad Tortilleria Perches made it to the event. They have by far the best traditional Mexican in town. Be sure to try the Guacamole. My favorite? Anything with the pork.

    • Steve

      OK, if all you people start going to Tortilleria Perches (which is so much better than any other Mexican place in town that none of the others are even worth considering) it’s going to create a bit of a problem… they will need a bigger restaurant.

      • Allen Vaughan

        Steve,
        I am embarrassed to say I gave Perches the same lovefest last year, then failed to mix it in to my repertoire. I vow to never make this mistake again.
        Maybe if we flood the place, they’ll move out of the Elfindale Center.

        Allen

        • Steve

          No better time to start than tomorrow (Wednesday). Have the nopales special — it is a sort of stew-like combination of pork and cactus in an insanely delicious red sauce. You will not be sorry.

  • Allen Vaughan

    FYI, went to Nonna’s last night and the fried lasagna was nowhere to be found. It was a one-time, special item, I guess. Not sure I like that, either. It got me to their restaurant, then left me disappointment.

    Allen

    • Allen Vaughan

      Or disappointed, if you prefer proper English.

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