Restaurants

Hemingways at Bass Pro

Posted at August 18, 2006 11:50

By Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe is on the fourth floor of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, that “Granddaddy of All Outdoor Stores.” This fine dining destination has a balcony seating area that overlooks the bustling store below. In the main dining area, a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium provides constantly changing entertainment. As attractive as the setting is, the food is the real star here.

Executive chef Marcel Bonetti’s career has spanned three continents, from his uncle’s hotel in the south of France to hotels and restaurants in England, Switzerland, Australia, and now the Ozarks, where he has lived for almost a decade. His flavorful touches transform everyday foods such as chicken, shrimp, and chowder into signature specialties.

The 350-seat restaurant was named for one of this country’s most famous sportsmen and writers, Ernest Hemingway. He once wrote, “I have discovered that there is romance in food when romance has disappeared from everywhere, and as long as my digestion holds out, I will follow romance.”

At Hemingway’s, the romance includes Ozark catfish, sesame salmon, orange roughy, tuna, lobster, and other fish and seafood specialties. Or try the coconut chicken, Caribbean chicken, pork chops, prime rib, or almost any cut of teak. Even the appetizers are out of the ordinary—try alligator tail with sweet jalapeno sauce. You can order off the menu or opt for the elaborate buffet. The Sunday brunch buffet is especially popular.

Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe is located in Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 1935 South Campbell, Springfield. Open 7-10 AM and 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday (9 PM Monday-Thursday in Feb.), 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday (brunch until 3 PM). For more information, call 417-891-5100 or visit www.hemingwaysbluewatercafe.com. Reservations are recommended on holiday weekends.

February 2006

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