Table Hopping – October 2011
“Snack Attack.”
Franks
1623 Genesee Street
Kansas City, MO 64102
(816) 471-7670
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
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
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
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
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.
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