The perfect recipe for dinner and a show in Springfield

Kuss Auditorium has a full list of events and concerts coming up well into 2018.

For ticket-holders, it means coordinating the meal before and possibly a drink and dessert afterwards.

To take the stress of planning out of it, here’s what we recommend when you’re taking in a show or an event in downtown Springfield.

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DINNER

Get a reservation at Seasons Bistro and Grille.

Why: This downtown Springfield restaurant has a locally sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

“We do a complete menu change every season, which is a lot of work, but allows us to keep things fresh and exciting for our customers, and for our staff as well. Also, we use local products as much as possible — we love featuring Ohio produce, cheese, meats, milk, yogurt, ice cream, honey, beer and whatever else we can get our hands on,” said Doug McGregor, co-owner who operates Seasons with his sister Margaret Mattox.

They do impressive food, and it’s a great way to start the evening out.

Address: 28 S. Limestone St., Springfield

Phone: 937-521-1200 | seasonsbistroandgrille.com

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AFTER THE SHOW

Head to Mela Urban Bistro inside of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Why: In 2006 Mela (Italian for apple) opened inside of the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Springfield. Its hip decor still feels fresh more than 10 years later and the bar area, which is open later in the evening, is the perfect spot to grab a post-show drink and dessert.

Options during a recent visit included tiramisu ($6), a chocolate mousse cake ($6), house made gelato ($5) and a gingerbread trifle ($6) combining gingerbread cake, sweetened cream cheese and bourbon cherries. It’s a great spot to discuss the show with your companions and have a moment to reflect with some sugar and good conversation.

Address: 100 S.Fountain Ave., Springfield

Phone: 937-322-3600 | www.melaurbanbistro.com

KUSS AUDITORIUM’S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Clark State Performing Arts Center

300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield

http://pac.clarkstate.edu, 937-328-3874

Upcoming shows: The Nutcracker, Dec. 15-16; Cabaret, Jan. 10; The Shimasaki Sisters, Jan. 20; Cristina Pato, Jan. 27; Central State University Choir, Feb. 2; Diavolo, Feb. 9; The Music of Waylon, Willie, Cash, Feb. 10; Pascal and Ami Rogé, Feb. 17; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Feb. 23; The Celtic Tenors, March 16; Misha Dichter, March 24; Springfield Symphony Orchestra, April 14; Celtic Woman, April 21; Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love, April 28.

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