The Making of a Foodie

December 2011 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – December 2011

“Host your Holiday Parties Here.”

 

The American Restaurant

200 E. 25th Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 545-8001

www.theamericankc.com

The Hall Family continues to bless us with their culinary contribution known as The American Restaurant. But during the holidays, it’s their view of the ice-skating rink and the Mayor’s Christmas tree, coupled with the Kansas City skyline that will make any party at the restaurant sparkle. There are four private or semi-private party areas inside The American: The Upper Dining Room is the largest private area, Window Balcony is next, followed by the Wine Room . . .finally you can rent the entire restaurant which seats 350 people for your biggest events. Executive Chef Debbie Gold will be happy to create a private menu just for your unique group. CONTACT: Executive Sales Manager, Megan Nordstrom by calling the restaurant or emailing at sales@theamericankc.com for more information.

Starker’s Restaurant

201 W. 47^th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 753-3565

www.starkersrestaurant.com

Sadly, when owner and Chef, John McClure, passed away a few months ago, no one was certain if Starker’s Restaurant would continue to operate. But the culinary and management team he leaves behind, were trained well, and in the spirit of their Chef friend and mentor, and with the support of John’s family, Starker’s is to remain open and operating. The private party rooms at Starker’s are elegant and warm, add the incredible view of the Plaza, twinkling with holiday lights, and you have instant atmosphere. Rustic French décor, combined with the hearty food that Chef John was so famous for is what will make this the perfect choice for your next party. CONTACT: the restaurant at the number above or email info@starkersrestaurant.com to discuss the needs of your event.

Extra Virgin

1900 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 842-2205

www.extravirginkc.com

You have enjoyed several date night dinners at Extra Virgin, so why not consider Chef Michael and Nancy Smith’s vibrant restaurant for your private party? Extra Virgin has several private dining options, to suit small parties to larger ones. The Wine Room is their most intimate that seats 6 to 8 people. Larger parties can rent the upstairs private room, with seating for up to 30 guests. Chef Michael Smith is happy to let you order a selection of items from his regular menu, or he will also customize a menu to suit your event. You will not have to guess about the quality or creativity of the food, when you host your party at this fun and colorful restaurant in Kansas City. CONTACT: Nancy Smith at (816) 842-2205 or by email nancy@michaelsmithkc.com for help planning your holiday party.

Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle

12401 Johnson Drive

Shawnee, KS 66216

(913) 631-4100

www.chefreneekelly.com

Picture a beautifully restored castle where classically trained chef, Renee Kelly, can bring your fantasy holiday parties to life. With a full commercial kitchen right on-site, you’ll have glamorous, warm holiday surroundings coupled with the creative cuisine of Chef Renee. A spectacular service team rounds out your perfect holiday party. Choose from the more intimate Wine Cellar Room or feel like a king and use the whole castle. Convenient holiday packages are available that includes space rental, menu plans and bar options for both lunch and dinner. Chef Renee approaches every event with an eye for detail; you will be utterly impressed with her finesse in the kitchen. CONTACT: Chef Renee Kelly for availability and to secure a quote by calling or emailing at info@chefreneekelly.com.

Vagabond Culinary Events

Contact: VagabondCulinaryEvents@gmail.com

www.vagabondpopsup.com

The Vagabond Team, featuring the culinary talents of Chef Alex Pope, is available to host private dining events in your home. Pop-up Restaurant Installations are only a part of Vagabond’s many talents. If you decide that a “night in” with Chef prepared food and perfectly paired wine is what you desire this Holiday season, they would be happy to customize an artful and unique menu just for you. They specialize in custom, high-end, multi-course dinner parties for 8 - 20 guests. Prices will be determined by guest counts, menu selections and number of courses desired. A private Vagabond event is a fully customized experience, tailored to your vision. This is dining . . . dialed up. CONTACT: for a quote and to plan your creative holiday dinner by emailing VagabondCulinaryEvents@gmail.com.  

November 2011 Table Hopping

 TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – November 2011

“Comfort Food in any Language.”

 

Hot Basil Thai Cuisine

7528 W. 119^th Street 66213

Overland Park, KS

913-451-3713

www.hotbasilkc.com

 Owner, Lee Chai, worked with the owners of the Thai Place restaurants for years, before opening his own place. He knows the recipe for success. Easy to remember name, soothing and elegant décor, linens, and a staff that can anticipate what the guests want. You can find everything from “white girl spicy” dishes to “Thai Hot” at Hot Basil. Try the Gapow, ground pork chopped and stir-fried with Thai basil, bell pepper, served over rice with a fried egg on top for $14.95 at dinner. If an ingredient is in the name of the place, you should order something with that in it. Vegetarian menu is available on request. CLOSED: on Mondays, which is unusual out in the suburbs, but typical for independently owned restaurants.

Elsa’s Ethiopian

8016 Santa Fe Drive

Overland Park, KS 66204

913-648-5000

 Eating at Elsa’s feels like you’ve gone over to your Ethiopian friend’s house and had a meal prepared by their Mom. That’s because you have! Owner, Elsa Michaels, who is from Ethiopia, is the owner and cook, but it’s a family affair here, with her husband and several children helping to cook and serve in the restaurant. The dishes at Elsa’s are simple and traditional, but completely filling.  Get a taste of all of it with the Vegetarian combo for $12.99. This platter, made for sharing, is a colorful combination of vegetarian dishes served with large pieces of spongy injera bread. GO: for dinner, as depending on what you order, the food can take a little time to prepare, as all of the dishes are made to order.

Chai Shai

651 E. 59th Street

Kansas City, MO 64110

816-260-5203

www.chaishaikc.com

The Pakistani brothers Abdul and Kashif Tufail, had planned to make and sell their famous samosas to Indian markets around KC to earn some extra cash while they were both attending UMKC over a year ago. But when they opened Chai Shai, with their mother Aasma, helping them in the kitchen, the retail demand was so great for their tasty samosas, they had to stop the wholesale business all together. Therefore, you must get an order of beef, chicken or vegetable samosas served with housemade chutney to start your meal for $4. The rest of the food they serve touches both Indian and Pakistani cultures. CALL: ahead to place your to-go order, the menu is on their website, and they will have your food waiting for you.

Marrakech Café

4116 Broadway Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

816-753-7520

www.marrakechcafekc.com

 Exotic Moroccan cuisine is a rare find in Kansas City. Which is one of the reasons why brothers, Noure & Amine Kamal, decided to open a restaurant serving food from their home country in Westport. Start with a delightfully simple beet salad to start then move into the cornish hen and vegetable cous-cous or go with a beef, chicken or vegetable tajines. The beef tajine is as tender as your Mom’s pot roast on Sunday, served with dried apricots and a brown braising sauce that is the vehicle for all the exotic spices you would expect. Served with a hot basket of traditional Moroccan bread to sop. ORDER: the untraditional baklava for dessert that the brothers make in-house. It’s surprisingly delicious.

Zócalo

620 W. 48th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

816-756-5555

www.zocalokc.com

It took some doing, but owner, Chris Ridler, who also owns Sol Cantina in Midtown, hustled to get the doors open on Zócalo just before the holiday season. Happy to welcome a new independently owned restaurant to the Country Club Plaza. Executive Chef John Smith is in charge of the modern Mexican fusion dishes coming out of the kitchen here. He knows how to make perfectly spiced beans and smoky rice sing. The menu skips from appetizers that go beyond chips and salsa, to traditional tacos and enchiladas to grilled fish, pork and steak dishes. Something for everyone. Don’t look for the spice here, it’s mild, not wild. SIT: as long as you dare outside in the most remarkable transformation of an alley turned patio. Heat lamps and an outdoor fireplace element, along with ample high-quality tequila flights, will keep you toasty warm.

 

October 2011 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – October 2011

“Snack Attack.”

 

Franks

1623 Genesee Street

Kansas City, MO 64102

(816) 471-7670

www.mofranks.com

Dan Clothier, owner of Franks, was instrumental in developing the Freight House District along with his now closed restaurant, City Tavern. For his second KC concept, Dan is keeping it simple, focusing solely on hot dogs and sausages with his new place called Franks. Choose your dog, choose the size, and then your toppings. With all beef franks to sausages and brats all of Franks, well, franks are charcoal grilled with a butter-toasted bun. Sizes for dogs are regular, jumbo and über, and there is a Portobello dog too. Snack on the Chihuahua dog with frijoles rancheros, diced onion & cheese sauce, add jalapenos for a spicy kick, for $4 total. OPEN: Monday-Friday 11 am – 2 pm only, so you can only lunch on his dogs during the week.

Nica’s 320

320 Southwest Boulevard

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 471-2900

www.nicas320.com

It is a rare, in this economy, to be a Chef with a restaurant in the suburbs that is so successful you are able to relocate downtown, but that’s exactly what happened to chef/owner Bryan Merker, his wife, Monica (a.k.a. Nica) and business partner Phil Dunn. The mix-n-match menu has hundreds of options and combinations. Pick a dish, then choose what style you want it prepared: Thai, Cajun, Mexican, Italian or Caribbean. With a full cocktail menu and wine/beer list, Nica’s is a great snack stop in the Crossroads. Snack on Slip & Slide: a trio of Thai chicken, Korean pulled pork and jerk steak sliders on house-made corn smash biscuits for $12. CHECK: out their private party room in the back of the restaurant. Perfect size for small to medium sized gatherings.

Trezo Vino

11570 Ash Street

Leawood, KS 66211

(913) 327-8466

www.kctrezovino.com

In an unprecedented partnership, owner of Trezo Vino, Mark Walker, reached out and managed to interest Chef Colby & Megan Garrelts, the owners of one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in town, bluestem, to come take over his kitchen operation. The move gives Chef Colby and Chef Megan a chance to stretch their culinary consulting wings and in exchange this beautiful restaurant gets the upscale and consistent cuisine it so richly deserves. Win-win for them, and for us, as well. Snack on their beautiful Tuna Nicoise with raw tuna, caper berries, chopped egg, shallots, potato and arugula for $14. SIT: outside on the patio while you still can, or inside in the dining room to catch up with friends at the end of a long day.

Unforked by Sheridan’s

7337 W. 119th Street

Overland Park, KS 66213

(913) 661-9887

www.unforked.com

Jim Sheridan, custard and concrete tycoon behind Sheridan’s Frozen Custard, has put his big toe in the fast casual arena in a surprisingly healthy, seasonal and sustainable way with his new restaurant called “Unforked.”  With urban accents through out the dining room, the restaurant still manages to feel casual and cozy. The food is an interesting mix of salads, Mexican fare and burgers with ingredients that Jim is sourcing locally. My new favorite is the salad “Hail to the Kale” with ribbons of dark green kale tossed in a bread crumb and parmesan cheese and topped with lemon olive oil dressing for $8 for a full order. ORDER: your meal for “here,” and your custard to-go. I’m just sayin’ there will be people waiting for your table.

Urban Table

8232 Mission Road

Prairie Village, KS 66208

(913) 948-6900

www.urbantablekc.com

Bread & Butter Concepts is the restaurant group behind, Urban Table & BRGR. Owned by Alan Gaylin and Glynn Roberts, Urban Table feels light and brunchy and ladies who lunch. This is a stylishly hip alternative to the usual breakfast and lunch place. Be prepared to order at the counter, and then make yourself at home in any of the tables available where a server will come and drop off your food to you. For my money, you cannot beat the breakfast and lunch menu here. Snack on the Odessa, a breakfast sandwich with fried chicken, bacon, white cheddar cheese, gravy, buttermilk biscuit for $7 or the Jalapeno Cornmeal Pancakes with orange marmalade syrup for $7. SIT: on the covered porch for a more intimate and quiet meal.



September 2011 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping –September 2011

“Food Trucks to Try”

 

The Truck Stop

Corner of 21^st & Wyandotte

Kansas City, MO

www.facebook.com/KCTruckStop

 The Truck Stop was created as a permanent food truck lot where vendors can reserve a weekly spot to sell their goods on Fridays and Saturdays year round. The collection of food trucks that gather here can vary from week to week, so be sure to check their Facebook page where they post who will be down there. Tables and chairs are available to sit on, and trash cans are provided. Now, there is a place where you are guaranteed to find a collection of several food trucks ready to serve you. Food Truck culture is alive and well in Kansas City.

 Port Fonda

www.portfondakc.com

 Chef Patrick Ryan owns the only food truck in KC with his own 6-top inside that you can rent for the night. If you want to see what the food truck business is like from the inside out while enjoying the finest Mexican cuisine to ever come from a refurbished silver air-stream trailer, book the private table at Port Fonda. Trained by Chef Rick Bayless in Chicago, Chef Patrick’s chilaquiles with a perfectly fried egg will put his truck on your list. Find this truck in the lot of The Rieger at 19^th & Main every weekend.

 

Good You

www.thegoodyou.com

Chef Kelli Daniels is making one of the best burgers in Kansas City out of her organic rolling mobile kitchen. Using grass-fed beef, and Farm to Market brioche buns with her own secret sauce, her “Good You Burger” is not to be missed. Kelli also offers other items including something for vegetarians. With a fine dining background, Kelli’s version of good food simply comes down to using the best ingredients. 

Cajun Cabin

www.cajuncabin.org

 Mark Drouin hails from Louisianna, which is where he learned to make the cajun home-cooked dishes he sells out of his red wagon. Fragrant Chicken and Sausage gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish Etoufee, Shrimp Creole and Red Beans and Sausage round out the list of items that will with one taste take you right back to New Orleans. Quality cajun food at reasonable prices. Go! 

 

Magical Meatball Tour

www.magicalmeatballtour.com

 Chef Ceasar Reyes and Chef Venus Van Horn found they had culinary chemistry and that’s when they decided to do a food truck based on meatballs from around the globe. Italy, Middle East, Spain and a number of Vegan and Vegetarian balls please numerous and varied palates. Quality ingredients and carnival theme make this truck a “must”. 

Westport Street Fare

http://westportkcmo.com/locations/eats/westport-street-fare

After running the successful Westport Cafe & Bar in Westport, Chef Aaron Confessori and his partner Richard Wiles, decided to mix it up by opening the Westport Street Fare. This food truck is a red and yellow permanent stationary food truck that offers street food staples including, tacos, burritos, quesedillas, and tortas with a varitey of five core fillings to choose from and a featured special. Open Thursday - Saturday from 7:00p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Tamale Wizard

www.tamalewizard.com

 Bruce Swabb, happily traded his career as a tax accountant for his passion for making things that come in small packages. Bruce’s hand-made tamales from his Tamale Wizard food cart, pack a flavorful punch. His specialties are smoked pork, chicken, beef and black bean sweet potato. Sending you off to see the wizard.

 

CoffeeCakeKC

www.coffeecakekc.com

 Renee Kloeblen bakes delicious cupcakes in her bakery on 39^th Street, while her partner, Brian Jurgens, roasts his own beans to make his private label coffee called EF Hobbs. Together they make the smartest pairing in food truck history in the form of a traveling cupcake and coffee truck called CoffeeCakeKC. Hop on Twitter and see if you can get a “drive by” from this truck at work. The people in your office will thank you.

Fresher than Fresh Snowcones

www.ftfsnowcones.com

Lindsay Laricks left an advertising career to jump into the land of snow and ice. Making all of her own syrups, her flavors are 100% all natural using fresh fruits and herbs in combinations that will really blow your palate right open. Perfectly shaved ice is topped with Pineapple Serrano Pepper, Green Tea Pear or Lime Mint syrups. Find her most every Sunday in the garden on the corner of 17^th & Summit from 12 noon – 7 pm or on First Fridays in front of Hammerpress.

August 2011 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping –August 2011

“Occasional Dining”

 

OCCASION: FAMILY MEAL

Twisted

22030 W. 66th Street

Shawnee, KS 66226

(913) 441-0407

www.twistedfresh.com

Owner, Alan Rust, developed his quick-casual concept by fixing lunch for his family, which is why your family will love it. His signature item is a wrap filled with a variety of quality ingredients he nicknamed “twists.” After managing other restaurants, he knew it was time to introduce his “Twisted” concept. Located where Shawnee Mission Parkway meets K-7 Highway, Twisted doesn’t just do wraps, they do salads and tacos as well. Try the Buffalo Chicken Twist with grilled chicken, hot wing sauce and chopped celery with blue cheese dressing for $6.50. Cajun Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, 3 for $6.75, are absolutely not to be missed. TAKE: your food to-go, all of the items travel well, and this place can fill up fast.

OCCASION: DATE NIGHT

Story

3931 W. 69th Terrace

Prairie Village, KS 66208

(913) 236-9955

www.storykc.com

Story is a sleek, modern, upscale addition to the quiet Village Shopping Center, which makes it perfect for a date night out. Owned by Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen, the former Chef de Cuisine of Michael Smith and Extra Virgin restaurants and his wife Susan, who used to own a gourmet food store/cafe. Together, they make this place a bestseller. At dinner, try the delicious soft shell crab appetizer or braised octopus to start, both around $12, or for your main course get the Lamb “Crepinette” with olive falafel, artichokes, zucchini and roasted mole for $24. The food is exceptional and you won’t believe how gorgeous the space is either. SIT: outside on the umbrella shaded patio and take advantage of our summer nights.

OCCASION: LATE NIGHT

Caddy Shack

700 East 3rd Street

Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 421-4742

www.caddyshackkc.com

This friendly place, in Columbus Park, has a late night following. Owner, Joe Moretina, welcomes the crowds that come in looking for one last drink and some of his family’s own Sicilian style pizza before they hit the road home. The drinks are cold and the prices right, but it’s the pizza that will keep this place on your radar, long after last call.  Thin crust pizza comes with hauntingly sweet and spicy tomato sauce topped with cheese and your choice of toppings. A 10” one topping pizza is $9 and a 14” is $13. CALL: to have their pizza delivered to you from North KC to Plaza from 11 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm weekdays and until 2 am weekends.

OCCASION: MORNING-AFTER BREAKFAST

Poco’s on the Boulevard

3063 Southwest Boulevard

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 931-2526

www.pocosontheblvd.com

There is just something about a nice big Mexican breakfast that sets everything right in the world. Poco’s on the Boulevard delivers that meal in a serious way. Chef Lorenza “Poco” Gutierrez was the talent in the kitchen behind the Grille on Broadway for over 15 years, now she has her own place in an old Waid’s location on Southwest Boulevard. You need meundo, Chef makes menudo on weekends. Try the chilaquiles with two eggs and bacon for $7, or moyetes with 2 baguettes with two eggs, chorizo and beans for $7. Finally, you must try the migas at Poco’s, delicious. MAKE: Reservations for dinner Thursday – Saturday nights, 3 pm- 10 pm, as that is when Chef really struts her fine dining chops. 

OCCASION: GIRLS NIGHT-OUT

bluestem lounge

900 Westport Road

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 561- 1101

www.bluestemkc.com

Bluestem restaurant, owned by talented couple, Chef Colby & Chef Megan Garrelts offers 3 dining experiences. First, you can make reservations for the formal dining room and experience a 7 or 10 course fixed dinner. Next, you can come for the glamorous, but laid back, Sunday Brunch. Finally, you can hit the lounge, with it’s deep blue couches and dark ambience, it is the perfect place for a girl’s night out, open Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm – midnight. Craft bartender, Van Zarr, can be seen hustling behind bar making some tasty cocktails. Order small plates to share or a more sizable item for your own dinner. VISIT: the lounge during Happy Hour, 4-7 pm Tuesday-Friday and get ½ off all food and some drink specials.

July 2011 Table Hopping

Table Hopping

Revisiting Some Favorites

 

Happy Gillis

549 Gillis Street

Kansas City, MO 64106

816-471-3663

http://www.happysoupeater.com

Go now to Columbus Park, and eat at Todd Schulte, and his wife, Tracy Zinn’s, charming little place called Happy Gillis. Todd has been doing a home delivery soup business for years and he finally decided to open a cafe where you could eat his soup and get a sandwich too. Breakfast and lunch are both offered. As satisfying as the soups are here, you must try one of his winningly simple but gourmet sammies, all between $6-$8. Recommended choices are the Webster City BTL, Muffaletta or the tasty Banh Mi. CHECK: Out the Happy Soupeater’s daily selection of soups to-go in the refrigerated case next to the register and snag some soup to take home with you.

Eden Alley

707 W 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 561-5415

http://www.edenalley.com

In the lower level of the Unity Temple on The Plaza you will find KC’s oldest and best vegetarian/vegan/raw/gluten-free restaurant. Started by two friends in 1994, Sandi Corder-Clootz, an original owner, continues to operate the wide open, light and whimsical restaurant today. The restaurant is as colorful as the variety of food on your plate, with local art on the walls and tables. Try the Spinach and Mushroom Loaf made from multi-grain bread crumbs, fresh spinach, mushrooms, rice and tofu topped with tomato-basil marinara with roasted sweet potatoes for $6.25, an ample half order. SAMPLE: around the menu with the Tantalizing Transcendent Triplet and get an appetizer or soup and two smaller portioned entrées for $18.  

Room 39

1719 West 39^th Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 753-3939

AND

10561 Mission Road

Leawood, KS 66206

(913) 648-7639

http://www.rm39.com/

As co-owners and Chefs for Room 39, Ted Habiger and Andy Sloan have cultivated an excellent reputation for simple, seasonal and local American food in Kansas City. The wine list is also considered a perfectly cherry-picked selection offered at a very reasonable price. Dinners are an undiscovered treasure at Room 39, with service, food and wine all performing at a fine dining level in KC, without the prices or formality. TRUST: the wine pairings done by Kathi Rohlfing the GM/Sommelier for Room 39; they are perfectly in tune with the food.

Jasper’s Marco Polo Grill Cart

Located outside of Marco Polo’s attached to Jasper’s

1201 W. 103rd Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

(816) 941-6600

http://www.jasperskc.com

If you didn’t grow up with this Italian treat of a sandwich, it’s time for a proper introduction. Go visit Chef Jasper Mirabile Jr.’s Marco Polo Italian Deli where you will find his outdoor cart with the grill fired up making his specialty, a grilled Italian sausage sandwich. Made with Jasper’s own house-made Italian sausage, it is grilled to a golden brown then piled high with green peppers, onions and potatoes on a soft Italian peasant roll for only $4. TREAT: yourself to one of Jasper’s sweet cannoli pastries after your lunch, it’s Chef Jasper’s personal favorite and should not be missed.

JULIAN

6227 Brookside Plaza

Kansas City, MO 64113

(816) 214-8454

www.juliankc.com

Just count the seats inside Chef Celina Tio’s JULIAN, and you can see that the gorgeously appointed patio doubles the size of her restaurant. This means in good weather more good people can eat her good food. Get out on the patio when the sun is out, but if you go in the evening, opt for her Sunday Night Family Meal served 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. On this day, she makes one 3-course meal for only $30 per person. Each course offered is the perfect portion size so you can enjoy a glass of wine, too. KNOW: that you will still need to call ahead in order to ensure a table, inside or out.