Weekend reads: Springfield's diversifying food scene

Text from our SGF Weekend email newsletter, written by Managing Editor Brittany Meiling

Many years ago, I remember reading a Facebook thread about how Springfield had no international cuisine. Is that changing? Lately, I've been hearing a lot about up-and-coming food and beverage spots founded by people from all over the world.

There was quite a lot of hubbub on social media when the Latin-themed coffee shop El Cafecito opened on South Campbell. It was co-founded by Cristhian Valdez, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, and I keep bumping into people who love this new place.

Earlier this year, Juliana Goodwin wrote about a cohort of international food trucks worth checking out in Springfield. And this week, a Saudi Arabian food truck (with a Halal-friendly menu) joined them. Founded by Zee Alharbi, who also works as a Springfield EMT, the nondescript truck and its owner have an interesting backstory.

Even our latest taco piece had a diverse flair to the lineup. I'm so intrigued to see an evolving food landscape.

It's always been part of our mission to provide “slice of life” coverage for Springfield, and that includes a fairly new section on our site dedicated to food. But if you prefer harder news on the weekend, don't forget we have a meaty section dedicated to deep-dive articles on public affairs issues like schools, government and more. You'll always hear about our latest one in the Sunday newsletter.

Happy reading, happy eating.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube