Searching for that perfect gift for a wedding or housewarming???  One of the best kept secrets in Springfield lies at 2023 S. Glenstone Avenue. Brown Derby International Wine Center boasts an excellent deli, gift shop and thousands of different bottles of alcohol including this gem from Ozark Mountain Daredevils. 

The Derby Deli (http://www.derbydeli.com) offers small plates, sandwiches, soup and salads along with a wine bar payable by the glass.  I have personally sampled the Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich and the Asian Chicken Wrap.  Both are fresh, delicious and served with a side, enough for two.  The deli is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and if the food doesn’t call to you, the eclectic collection of books, tableware, and various other offerings will.  Another note about the deli is that they serve locally made desserts and use locally made bread for their sandwiches when they are able. Tables are scattered around the deli area including a communal table, and an overflow area is also available towards the back end of the store.  Brown Derby also offers event catering and bartending services.

Scattered throughout the north and east side of the store are shelves packed with an extensive array  of elegant and useful objects that will impress any difficult to buy for family member or friend.  Personally, I would choose from the variety of coffee table books or the novelty liquor choices. 

Usually buying alcohol for me is a hasty, “I know what I want” proposition.  I rarely stray from domestic beer and can easily find what I want in any store.  The International Wine Center invitingly draws you in to wander around, browse the offerings, eat, drink, and probably spend more than you were planning to.  Even if you abstain from drinking alcohol, check out the atmosphere in the deli and browse the gift areas.  You may surprise yourself by coming back to the International Wine Center again and again.