Ask a foodie: When you have an out-of-town guest, what is the one restaurant/dish you would recommend?

Matt Glenn

All of my family and friends are anywhere from two to five hours away. So, it's a rarity to have visitors making the trek toward the Bootheel. When we do get guests to entertain it seems we have to go show them the finer things of the area. The first two things that have to happen are to go to any of the several watermelon stands, and to Bader Farm Inc. for a bushel of peaches. Then before the out-of-towners take off to the other side of the state, a visit to Grandma's Old Fashioned Donut's food truck for a fresh donut, then over to the Cream of the Crust Ice Cream Parlor for some handmade ice cream in an old timey parlor. Folks who visit me must be induced into a proper food coma before sending them on their way.

Nick Johnston

When we have guests visit from out-of-town, our first recommendation is Port Cape Girardeau. This restaurant has the perfect blend of a "locals only" joint and historic cultural icon. The building is rich with history and located downtown, next to the river. Plus, the food and service has always been great for my family. For a slightly different experience, I also suggest Keller's at the Isle of Capri Casino. It is not open every day, so check first, but it has a million dollar view of the river and bridge from the patio! Happy eating!

Mary Castillo

Cajun Etouffee Spud from Broussards Cajun Cuisine in Cape Girardeau.Submitted by Mary Castillo

One of the first restaurants I was treated to as an out-of-town guest was Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, the original location. It seemed to be a well-known staple of the downtown scene and it is one of the places I take my guests. As far as I know, it is the only place in Cape Girardeau featuring traditional Cajun-style fare. Much has changed since my first visit. Broussard's moved to a beautifully renovated, two-story space a few doors down from their original location. Increased dining spaces include options for a view of Main Street or the Mississippi River, adding to the NOLA-esque vibe. I popped in for lunch one afternoon and ordered my favorite, a crawfish Étouffee stuffed spud. The potato was served piled high with chunks of crawfish and bacon bits slathered in cheese with just the right amount of spice to give it that Cajun kick -- absolutely delicious. I also ordered their homemade bread pudding. The bread pudding is divine. Warm. Rich. Sexy. Sexy? Hey, that is the word that came to my mind. I sat there and wondered how I could adequately convey what I was experiencing. I think their bread pudding could possibly be used as a relationship barometer, even more effective than your standard Facebook quiz. When you take the first rich, warm bite and begin to get lost in the aroma and flavors, think about whom you would like to share the experience with. That person may be your true love. If you're single, be grateful you don't have to share. Happy eating!

Rebecca LaClair

You are sitting at your table, innocently watching the toy train circle the room near the ceiling. A flash of golden brown catches your attention and you look away from the train to see HIM. Standing there, legs set wide, carrying a tray of rolls like Atlas holding up the world, the roll thrower waits to see your hand rise. From across the room he throws your toasty, hot roll to you and nails every throw. And that, my friends, is why whenever anyone comes to visit; I take them to Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, Missouri. Nationally known, Lambert's has solid southern county cooking (oh my, those fried potatoes!), great decor, and yes, even "throwed rolls." It's a little slice of Americana crossed with a roadside attraction and I always turn into a five-year-old when I walk through the doors.

Ellen Gipson

Every city has the its own version of an amazingly unique, quirky, hole-in-the-wall, one-of-a-kind, "World's Greatest Cup of Coffee" restaurant, but Southeast Missouri has something else, something really special that I have not found anywhere else in my travels. Our gas stations have a drive-thru window. Yes, that's right. Sodas, tea, coffee, candy, pizza, fried chicken, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, cinnamon rolls, nachos, potato wedges, fried fish, wings, corn dogs, soups all from the comfort of your driver's seat. And oh yes, of course alcohol too, because that makes sense. So to capture the true Southeast Missouri essence -- jump in your car and get in line.

-- Compiled by Joshua Hartwig