White Rat at Cellar + Plate

Like most people, I have a hard time staying inside when it’s beautiful out. And because Missouri weather is so unpredictable, we have to take advantage of any nice day we can get in the spring and summer before the next heavy rain or freak snowstorm hits. So when the sun came out after a long rainy week, I texted my friend Beth deLeon to meet me for a drink at Cellar + Plate (2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield). We sank into a couch near the window to soak in the sunshine and caught each other up on our lives. After browsing the extensive wine and cocktail lists, Beth ordered a moscato (she’s a wine devotee), and I got the White Rat. The spritzy drink features white pinot noir, fresh lemon juice and tonic water. It was punchy and refreshing, mimicking the rays and warm breeze we left our offices early to enjoy. The drink went down easy, but I knew better than to order a second one if I was going to keep my dinner plans on track.