In April 2024, Visit Springfield, Missouri, launched a deliciously unique adventure—the Cashew Chicken Trail. As participants made their way through the city’s best spots for this beloved local dish, they could collect various prizes along the way. But the true crown jewel was the ultimate Cashew Chicken Connoisseur prize, reserved for those who completed the entire trail.
Chris Eiberger was the very first to conquer the challenge in its entirety! We couldn't resist catching up with him to get the inside scoop on his flavorful journey.
How does it feel to be the first one to complete the cashew chicken trail?
I was honestly shocked when I learned I was the first to complete the entire trail. I knew I would be near the first few people to visit them all, but I didn't know I'd be the first. With my daughter being born near the end, I thought someone else would surely become the first while I was helping care for her during her first few weeks.
I also made Facebook posts for each stop, which has earned me the title of "The Cashew Chicken Guy" in a few of my friend groups. Friends who have moved all over the country told me how much they enjoyed hearing about what I ate for lunch that day. The ones who have moved out of the area always express that one thing they miss is good Chinese food, specifically cashew chicken.
What inspired you to embark on this ultimate cashew chicken quest?
My personal theme for 2024 was setting goals and achieving them. When the trail was announced and released, I figured I'd do enough to get the shirt and the chopsticks and call it there. However, that was nearly half the restaurants, so I figured I might as well finish the other half.
Around the time the trail was released, I was looking to expand my lunch options. I had been going to the same 10ish places repeatedly and needed something new. The trail gave me a checklist of places to try, even if all I tried from each place was the cashew chicken.
Besides the food, what’s the most memorable experience or story from your trail adventure?
Just near the end, my daughter was born. I don't remember how many stops I had left, but my daughter's birth mid-trail is by far the most memorable part. I took a six-week break and still managed to be the first to visit every location.
What was your absolutely favorite cashew chicken spot and why?
Full disclosure: I have ties to the founder and current owners of Lucys. My step-great-uncle was married to Lucy, and helped start the restaurants.
Going into the trail, Lucy's was my favorite and it still is. I've always had a great experience there and I enjoy a few of their other dishes, as well.
Was there a particular stop on the trail where the dish completely surprised you, and why did it surprise you?
There wasn't one particular stop that surprised me but a group of stops. These were the places you wouldn't expect to find cashew chicken: the Philly cheesesteak shop, a movie theater and a grocery store. None of these had particularly amazing cashew chicken, but I was surprised at the gap in quality between the two Hyvee locations.
I was surprised by the different portion sizes at each stop. Some places only gave a few pieces of chicken, while others I had enough leftovers for a second meal.
Did you develop a strategy for tackling so many restaurants, or did you wing it?
I started with a few of the big names and places I was familiar with. Then I kind of "spiraled" out from the office as I neared the end of the trail.
How would you describe the "classic" Springfield-style cashew chicken to someone who's never tried it?
The "classic" Springfield-style cashew chicken has many elements, but they are simple. Firstly, the breading has to have a crunch, even after it's been soaked in the sauce. The sauce has to be a balance of what most would call "gravy," the more oriental flavors/ingredients (oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, etc.), and just a bit of a nutty flavor.
There are a few places in town that have this almost down to a science. When I was younger I did not like the onions or cashews on top, but the dish no longer feels complete without them. The rice, for me, must be fried. I know some people like their rice more on the steamed side, but in my opinion, for this dish, fried is the best.
Lastly, the sides. Wontons are my favorite, but I appreciate a good crab rangoon or eggroll. Free egg drop soup is always a bonus.
If you could create your own cashew chicken dish, what would you add to make it unique?
Again, I'm a purist, but I think the place to experiment with is the rice. If I sold my own dish, I'd offer more options for the type of fried rice. Quite a few places in town add carrots to their rice, which I'm not a fan of, but they are trying to add flavor.
Do you have any advice for someone else considering jumping on the trail?
Not to be cliche, but "Just do it!". There's a lot of good cashew chicken in the area! I would also treat it as a list of restaurants to visit and order something other than just the cashew chicken. There are a lot of other good options on the menu at every stop. I kind of burnt myself out on cashew chicken, but it was worth it.
Learn More
If you want to do the Cashew Chicken Trail yourself, head to springfieldmo.org/cashew to learn more.
