What to Eat on a 100° Day? Our Go-To Light and Breezy Menu Items
When summer hits full swing and the temperate creeps past 100 degrees, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy meal. You know the feeling—sticky heat, blazing sun, and the kind of humidity that makes even the idea of turning on an oven feel like a crime. At Palm and Paddle Grille, we’ve built our menu around sunshine, flavor, and the kind of breezy island vibes that cool you off from the inside out.
So when it’s sweltering outside and you’re craving something satisfying but not smothering, we’ve got you. Whether you’re coming off the lake, strolling in from downtown Springfield, or simply escaping the kitchen heat, these fresh, flavor-packed dishes are just what summer ordered.
Here are our top picks for those triple-digit days:
Pulled Jerk Chicken Bowl
Tender pieces of our roasted jerk chicken served over Island Rice, grilled fresh pineapple, cucumbers, Seasoned Black Beans, Flame-roasted Corn, avocado, and pickled red onions. Drizzled with our Palm & Paddle Jerk Sauce.
This dish checks every box when it comes to cooling, refreshing fuel. The base of seasoned rice and black beans gives you just enough substance to keep you going, while the bright, juicy flavors of grilled pineapple and cucumber cool your palate.
Our jerk chicken is slow-roasted and pull-apart tender, with just the right balance of smoky heat and island spices. It’s bold, but never overpowering—thanks to the drizzle of our house-made Jerk Sauce that’s savory, sweet, and a little tangy. The avocado adds that smooth richness, while the flame-roasted corn and pickled onions give each bite a pop of brightness and crunch.
This bowl is the kind of meal that satisfies your hunger without weighing you down. It’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and made for hot weather eating. Pair it with an ice-cold pineapple soda or one of our frozen cocktails, and you’ve got the ultimate chill-out combo.
Jerk Shrimp
House-seasoned shrimp topped with Sweet ‘n’ Sour Slaw, Chipotle Lime Crema, chili crisp, and pickled red onion.
When it’s 100 degrees outside, seafood just hits different. Our Jerk Shrimp are bold in flavor but light on the stomach—perfect for those who want something zesty and satisfying without going too heavy.
We season each shrimp with our in-house blend of island spices and quickly grill them to lock in that charred flavor while keeping the texture juicy and tender. Then we pile them high with tangy Sweet ‘n’ Sour Slaw, a drizzle of creamy Chipotle Lime Crema, and just a touch of chili crisp for that sneaky heat. Pickled red onions finish the dish with a refreshing snap.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a main or sharing with friends, the Jerk Shrimp are a go-to favorite for hot weather. They're craveable, refreshing, and carry just enough kick to keep things interesting without tipping into too-spicy territory.
Calypso Salad
Mixed greens tossed with mango salsa, fresh grilled pineapple, cucumber, red onions, and cilantro in our Honey Lime Dressing. Topped with avocado slices and croutons.
Light, hydrating, and totally summer-ready, our Calypso Salad is a true island classic. It’s crisp, colorful, and full of bright flavors that help you beat the heat one cool bite at a time.
We start with a fresh bed of mixed greens and layer in cucumber slices, red onions, and a refreshing mango salsa that brings a touch of sweetness without being sugary. The grilled pineapple adds a warm, caramelized note that plays beautifully against the chill of the vegetables. And our house-made Honey Lime Dressing ties it all together with citrusy brightness and a little sweetness.
Creamy avocado slices give the salad a velvety finish, while crunchy croutons add a little texture without making the dish too heavy. Whether you’re vegetarian or just in the mood for something refreshing and meatless, this salad is everything you want on a blistering July day.
Want a little extra protein? Add grilled shrimp or jerk chicken to the Calypso Salad for the best of both worlds.
Why These Dishes Work in the Heat
When the weather turns brutal, your body naturally craves foods that are lighter, higher in water content, and easier to digest. That’s why our go-to July dishes are packed with:
Fresh produce like cucumber, pineapple, mango, and avocado
Cooling herbs and citrus (lime, cilantro, honey-lime dressing)
Lean proteins like shrimp and jerk-seasoned chicken
Balance—a mix of heat, sweetness, acidity, and texture
Each dish is crafted to energize without the sluggish post-meal crash. You get bold flavor and real satisfaction—but in a way that leaves you ready to keep enjoying the sunshine, not curled up under the AC regretting your life choices.
Bonus Tip: Cool It Down with a Drink
If you’re really feeling the heat, pair one of these dishes with something from our drink menu:
P&P Punch
Dominican Manhattan
Mocktails
Frozen Cocktail
Come Chill with Us This Summer
At Palm and Paddle Grille, we believe good food shouldn’t just fill you up—it should transport you. Even on the hottest Missouri days, you can count on us to bring the breeze with refreshing flavors, tropical ingredients, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes every meal feel like vacation.
So next time the sun’s blazing and your appetite’s stuck somewhere between “starving” and “sweating,” skip the drive-thru and come see us. Our Pulled Jerk Chicken, Jerk Shrimp, and Calypso Salad are all standing by to help you cool down, refuel, and ride out the heat in island style.
Ready to escape the heat?
Join us this week for good vibes, cold drinks, and breezy bites—no sunscreen required. 🌞🌴
