TRUSTED RESULTS
An October State of Mind
October is a feast for the senses—tablescapes, scents, colors. The air cools, the leaves shift, and suddenly we crave flavors that warm us from the inside out. Chili on the stove. Apples baking in the oven. A table that invites us to gather before winter’s chill settles in.
This month’s Food & Drink Issue is our way of leaning into that October state of mind.
For me, the smells of fall always lead back to memory: football, family, friends, festivals, and flavors. May you be blessed with the aroma of chicken, vegetables, and fresh herbs filling the air, reminding us how food nourishes not just the body but also the soul. And if you’re looking to savor the season beyond the table, visit Table Rock Lake for the changing colors, then stop by Cellar 417 for craft kitchen, fresh pasta, and the perfect wine pairing.
Food takes us on a voyage of the senses. It reminds us. It brings us back to the table. And it brings us back to what just may be the definition of love.
DONNA KING, PUBLISHER @SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Donna King | donna.king@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Brian Walker | brian.walker@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Zielinski, Angela Broockerd, Rhiannon Johnson, Pauli Reep
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jess White, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Want to be seen in the magazine? TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
8: Sunflowers at dusk Clever, MO 9: Señor Julian Mexican Bar and Grill 10: First Watch
Living Fully Again with Personalized Physical Therapy
For many, digestive changes or incontinence can take the joy out of food and daily life. At Enhance Physical Therapy, specialized physical therapy addresses core strength and pelvic floor health, helping patients regain comfort, control, and confidence. Their tailored approach goes beyond recovery — it restores freedom. Take the first step toward lasting relief. Visit https://enhance-physicaltherapy.com/ or call 417-812-5729.
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Where Craft Beer Speaks for Itself: Uncle Bob’s Brewpub
Uncle Bob’s Brewpub in Nixa is a nano-brewery with a full liquor bar and a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers. Guests can also catch occasional live music, featuring local performers and regional acts. With craft pours and community events, Uncle Bob’s offers a straightforward spot to enjoy a drink with friends. Visit Uncle Bob’s Brewpub, 1851 N State Highway CC, Nixa.
Community Banking Since 1872, Recognized as Missouri’s Best Today
Mid-Missouri Bank has served southwest Missouri since 1872, blending trusted community banking with modern solutions. Named Forbes Best Bank in Missouri for 2025 and honored with multiple regional awards, the bank delivers exceptional service in lobbies, drive-thrus, and online. CEO & President Brian Riedy notes, “We’re committed every day to working hard and working smart, in pursuit of being the bank of first choice in our communities.” Open an account at openaccounts.midmobank.com
Photography by Tiffany Enowski
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Outdoor Dining and Views
Bear Creek Wine Company and Brewery https://bearcreekwinecompany.com | 417.443.0036
Cellar 417 cellar417.com | 417.527.3799
The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms finleyfarmsmo.com/eat-drink/the-ozark-mill-restaurant | 417.210.6644
Cassell Vineyards cassellvineyards.com | 417.893.1758
Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory hotelvandivort.com/vantage-rooftop | 417.851.1768
Pizza Shop
Neighborhood Pizza Cafe neighborhoodpizzacafe.com | 417.833.4411
14 Mill Market | Food Hall 14millmarket.com | 417.763.6500
Slap Box Pizza & Wings slapboxpizzawings.com | 417.886.3333
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Turkey Creek Brewery turkeycreekbrewery.com/ | 417.218.8362
Rebar Kitchen & Taproom rebar-taproom.com | 417.530.2309
Coffee Shop
El Cafecito - The Little Coffee Shop elcafecito417.com | 417.665.2486
Echelon Coffee echeloncoffee.com | 417.374.2739
Brick & Mortar Coffee brickandmortarcoffee.com | 417.812.6539
Eurasia Coffee Co culturecstreet.com/eat | 417.720.1949
Architect Coffee Co. architectcoffeeco.com | 417.771.5030
Grocery Store
MaMa Jean’s Natural Market mamajeansmarket.com | 417.881.5326
Harter House Nixa harterhouse.com | 417.724.1470
Hy-Vee Grocery Store hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=4267 | 417.444.6860
ALDI stores.aldi.us/mo/nixa/310-n-old-wilderness-rd | 855.955.2534
Price Cutter of Springfield - W. Republic Rd. pricecutteronline.com/stores/price-cutter-of-springfield-w-republic-road | 417.888.0466
Best Ambience
Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub jimmssteakhouseandpub.com | 417.886.5466
Farmers Gastropub farmersgastropub.com | 417.864.6994
Nicola’s Ristorante Restaurant nicolasristorante.com | 417.886.3700
Char Steakhouse and Oyster Bar charsteakandoyster.com | 417.823.8383
The Garrison at Finley Farms finleyfarmsmo.com/eat-drink/the-garrison | 417.210.6644
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESS WHITE
Cellar 417 blends craft cuisine, curated wines, and heartfelt hospitality with community at its heart.
Crafted for
Community
It was a moment of serendipity that reunited a family and forged a new life in an Ozarks community that welcomed them with open arms.
Michelle Hostert was running errands with her husband, Chris, at their home in Orange County, California, when a social media post stopped her: Vino Cellars at the Lake in Branson West was closing its location with breathtaking views on Table Rock Lake. Hostert was disappointed. After visiting friends who were moving to the area, the couple had fallen in love with the lake community and purchased land a few years earlier with the dream of building their next home. Vino Cellars was on their must-visit list.
Then she saw the next post: the property was for sale.
“I said to myself, ‘I wonder what a wine bar sells for?’” says Hostert. “I showed it to Chris—he ran his own construction business for three decades and specialized in hospitality, hotels and restaurants—and he agreed it looked intriguing. The seed was planted.”
The idea evolved as the couple traveled to Table Rock Lake to meet up with their son, Travis Larsh, a chef, and his girlfriend, Delaney Van Dinter, who had opened a restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin. “We thought if Travis and Delaney were interested, we could seriously look into it. This opportunity just ‘checked all the boxes,’ as Chris likes to say. All four of us needed to be involved, putting our different areas of expertise and passions to work together. It was a quick and unanimous ‘yes,’ and then the real work began. But everything aligned one piece at a time, like it was meant to be,” says Hostert.
Larsh, who trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and worked at Portland’s James Beard–award-winning Ox, dreamed of opening his own establishment—one with a community-focused approach to hosting and entertaining.
“We saw the community that Vino Cellars built,” Hostert says. “When we bought the property, we envisioned continuing that sense of community everyone loved.”
Celebrating its one-year anniversary in September, Hostert says Cellar 417 has accomplished its goal of being Branson West’s go-to craft kitchen and wine bar. Chris Hostert’s talents are evident in the warm, inviting interior. He recently transformed the lower level into an
Chef Travis Larsh
Auggie
“WE’VE NEVER LIVED
IN A SMALL TOWN AND IT’S JUST AMAZING. WE LOVE THE COMMUNITY. WE’VE MADE SO MANY CONNECTIONS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME— IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE LIVING IN A HALLMARK MOVIE.”
–DELANEY VAN DINTER
elegant wine cave with a 24-station wine dispenser for “pour-it-yourself” tastings. “You can sit in this cozy rock space, sample wines, take note of what you enjoy, and then buy bottles you love in our retail area,” she says.
Larsh’s creative menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and made-from-scratch dishes, including house-made pastas, baked focaccia, and seasonal entrées. “We serve our dishes tapas-style so people can share and experience a variety of tastes and combinations. That’s how I discovered my love for the flavors, textures, and complexity of food. And of course, a variety of wines are paired perfectly. Our wine-pairing events are always sold out. Our retail also features a thoughtful collection of wines from around the world and the West Coast,” he says.
Van Dinter has a gift for hospitality, Hostert notes. “She learns from our wine purveyors, is very intuitive, and takes the time to talk with guests—understanding what they’re looking for and suggesting pairings that align with their tastes,” she says.
Over the year they have hosted paint-and-sips, craft classes, and local musicians, but the main draw is the food, wine, and community. “You can take a beautiful drive to the lake, have an amazing meal and a glass of wine with a great view, and meet friendly people,” Hostert says.
Next on the horizon is a private dining room. “I’m looking forward to hosting more wine dinners, cocktail dinners, and meaningful events such as weddings, rehearsals, and birthday parties,” says Van Dinter.
When they are not at Cellar 417, the Hosterts enjoy lake living, while Larsh and Van Dinter relax at Moonshine Beach or by the river with their dog, Auggie. “We also enjoy spending time at home, relaxing and looking at cookbooks,” Larsh says. “What I’ve loved most about this year is working together with Delaney and watching her dive into wine and cocktails.”
“And I loved learning from Travis and seeing him evolve as a chef,” Van Dinter adds.
“The biggest surprise has really been all the encouragement and support from people in the community. Even before we opened, people stopped by to see what we were doing and to tell us how special the place already felt to them. They shared in our excitement for this new chapter. We’ve never lived in a small town, and it’s just amazing,” she says. “We love the community. We’ve made so many connections in such a short time—it feels like we’re living in a Hallmark movie.”
Learn more at cellar417.com.
Chris Holstert
Delaney and Travis
THE SEASON’S BEST SANDWICHES
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Stacked forFall
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-tomake sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.
Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Caprese French Bread
INGREDIENTS
• French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme or rosemary
• Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 2–4 tbsp pesto (thinned with olive oil)
• Balsamic glaze
• Optional: 4 slices prosciutto
• Fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Brush bread with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Layer mozzarella slices on the toasted bread. Add fresh basil. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted. Optional: Top with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze.
Honey Glazed Pear & Chicken Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz goat cheese
• Fresh arugula
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Honey, to taste
• Butter for toasting the bread
• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced
• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)
• A handful of fresh arugula
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp garlic aioli
• 1 brioche bun (toasted)
INSTRUCTIONS
Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Savory Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)
• 6 oz roast beef
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Arugula
• Cherry tomato
• Caramelized onions
INSTRUCTIONS
Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
Donna turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Springfield City Lifestyle
Published by Donna
Loved by Springfield
Cozy Autumn Cookbooks
After a sizzling summer, when the last thing we wanted to do was turn on our ovens or stovetops, autumn has finally arrived. Shorter days and cooler temperatures draw us back into our kitchens to create our favorite comfort foods, but we often find ourselves stuck when it comes to new ideas. Whether you’re the family chef, an entertainer who loves to feed a crowd or a solo cook, you’re likely looking for some seasonal cooking and baking inspiration.
Filled with perfectly curated recipes, mouth-watering photos, cooking tips, and personal insights, the following four new releases are here to help. They offer solutions to your daily dinner dilemmas, celebrate our nation’s vast culinary history, teach you how to bake the best biscuits and satisfy your sweet tooth. Add these amazing cookbooks to your personal collection and you will add hundreds of new recipes to your repertoire, creating an endless array of delicious dinners and desserts. Spend a chilly night expanding your cooking talents or learning a few new baking tricks and watch how a quiet evening at home can quickly transform into something truly special. It’s time to celebrate the season, so put down that delivery app and pick up these tasty new cookbook releases, filled with recipes to keep you happy and cozy all season long.
Warm up your kitchen and celebrate the season
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes
BY ERIKA COUNCIL
Bomb Biscuit Company’s founder and head baker Erika Council pairs her heritage (she’s the granddaughter of legendary soul food chef Mildred Council aka “Mama Dip”) and immense skill set to deliver a heartfelt and tasty tribute to the Southern biscuit. Featuring classics and new favorites, this recipe collection is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing
BY TRACEY ZABAR
Smaller size, same big flavor! Tracey Zabar has edited her famous recipes to allow home bakers the opportunity to create their own smaller versions of her famous cakes in the comfort of their own kitchens. Each seasonally organized recipe serves two to six people—perfect for creating a tiny treat to share or to satisfy your own sweet tooth.
The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2 Edition:
100 Memorable Recipes to Celebrate the Diversity and Flavors of American Food
There’s something for everyone in this companion cookbook to the second season of The Great American Recipe . The fun, feel-good cooking competition highlights some of our country’s most talented home cooks and captures the rich culinary history of America. From generational family treasures to regional cuisines, this recipe collection exemplifies how food represents and unifies our communities and cultures.
Skinnytaste
Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer
BY GINA HOMOLKA, HEATHER K. JONES, R.D.
Streamline your dinnertime routine with these easy, delicious, and healthy recipes, each requiring seven ingredients or fewer. Featuring 105 original recipes plus 15 beloved fan-favorites from the website, Skinnytaste Simple focuses on using minimum ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
Event Venue
Arlie’s Farm in Rogersville, MO is fully landscaped, lovingly maintained, and now features a brand-new horse buggy perfect for unforgettable photos From intimate gatherings to outdoor weddings, the venue offers natural beauty with no setup stress Beth and her team take care of every detail so you can enjoy your moment Now booking 2025-2026 dates Call or stop by to explore the farm
RO A D CHOW
FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACKS GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERY TASTE PALATE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? These easy-to-pack and satisfying snacks are a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare them together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
DIRECTIONS:
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
TRAIL MIX
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup puffed quinoa or puffed millet
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup whole roasted almonds
• 1/2 cup raw pepitas
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup dried banana chips (broken in half)
• 1/4 cup chopped dried mango or papaya
• 2 tablespoons candied ginger
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
DIRECTIONS:
1/ In a medium mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together until evenly combined.
2/ Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 4TH – 5TH, 11TH – 12TH, 18TH – 19TH, 25TH – 26TH
Harvest Fest
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 3825 W. Farm Road 146 Springfield | 9:00 AM
Harvest Fest 2025 at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, runs every weekend in October with free admission. Enjoy barnyard races, corn maze, hayrides, cow train, inflatables, horse rides, and more. Pick pumpkins Oct. 1–24 and festival weekends. Activities have small fees. Details: ParkBoard.org/HarvestFest or 417-837-5949. Time: Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays, 12-6 p.m.
OCTOBER 10TH – 12TH
Apple Butter Makin’ Days-Mt Vernon, MO
Downtown Mt Vernon, MO | 9:00 AM
Apple Butter Makin’ Days, held each October since 1967 on the Mt. Vernon courthouse square, draws over 105,000 visitors annually. The highlight is apple butter cooked in copper kettles over open fires, using century-old methods. Demonstrations run from dawn to afternoon, showcasing tradition at one of Missouri’s most beloved festivals. For schedule of events: https://www.mtvchamber.com/apple-butter-makin-days.html
OCTOBER 11TH
Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
Hollister on Historic Downing Street | 9:00 AM
Mark Your Calendars for October 11th 2025! The Hollister Grape and Fall Festival is a long standing Hollister Tradition. With unique vendors, crafters, businesses and live entertainment including a real live grape stomp competition there is something for everyone. The Festival is one day packed full of fun and community with nearly 10k annual visitors.
OCTOBER 19TH
Pets and Pumpkins - A Fall Festival for the Entire Family
Park Central Square-Downtown Springfield | 11:00 AM
The Pets and Pumpkins Family Festival returns to Park Central Square, Springfield, on Oct. 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person/ pet and includes all activities, plus one of the largest costume contests and walking parades. Fun for the whole family—including pets! https://www.facebook.com/events/473722968575794?ref=newsfeed
OCTOBER 24TH
Goodnight In The Galleries
Wonders of Wildlife-500 W Sunshine St, Springfield | 7:00 PM
This October, guests ages 5+ can spend a thrilling night in the Wildlife Galleries, inspired by Night at the Museum. Explore with a digital scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, and a live animal encounter. Sleep beneath Africa at Night’s haunting beauty, enjoy a movie with popcorn, and wake to breakfast. Registration closes October 10, 2025. https://wondersofwildlife.org/event/goodnight-in-the-galleries/
OCTOBER 26TH
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
Stone Chapel at Drury University | 6:30 PM and 8:45PM
Experience a hauntingly beautiful candlelight concert at Stone Chapel, Drury University, featuring a string quartet performing Halloween-inspired classics. Under the glow of candlelight, enjoy music from Thriller, The Exorcist, Stranger Things, Beetlejuice, Psycho, Ghostbusters, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more. This unique, multi-sensory event brings spooky favorites to life in an unforgettable setting. https://feverup.com/m/355174
Carve out some time for
