The Hurley-O-Meter

Four seasons on an island and our man's still large? He must be dining on these local dishes.

Beer-cheese fondue

Patton Alley Pub, $5.49
313 S. Patton Ave., 417-865-4255
How can we go wrong mixing two of our favorite ingredients? A perfect blend of beer and cheese, and plenty of sourdough bread for dipping, leaves Patton Alley-goers feeling fine. Three-and-a-half Hurleys

Gilardi pasta

Gilardi’s, $14.95
820 E. Walnut St., 417-862-6400
The ricotta-filled pasta is rich and savory and wins enough approval to earn the namesake of its own Italian chef. Smothered in mushrooms, Italian sausage, and a lightly spiced tomato cream sauce. Three-and-a-half Hurleys

The Fat Boy

Coyote’s Adobe Grill, $7.55 (pictured)
1742 S. Glenstone Ave.
417-889-7120 The nutritional value of this beefy monster lies within the very name of the burger. The Fat Boy is not for the light at heart, and is soaked with barbecue sauce and layered with onions and peppers. Five Hurleys

The Mexican Burger

Harlow’s, $6.20
637 S. Kimbrough Ave., 417-864-5258
Harlow’s attempt at taking things south of the border does exactly that... by adding on a few pounds below the belt. This burger is loaded with spicy cheese, picante, onion, olives and sour cream. Four Hurleys

Chocolate Seduction Cake

Springfield Brewing Co.,  $4.25
305 S. Market Ave., 417-832-8277
This is not just an ordinary chocolate cake. Seducing its customer with layers of chocolate-y goodness, this cake is filled with rich chocolate pudding and finished with a chocolate cream cheese icing. Four-and-a-half Hurleys