The Making of a Foodie

April Table Hopping 2013

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – April 2013

“Oodles of Noodle Bowls”

 

FOR RAMEN:

Sama Zama

425 Westport Road

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 756-3600

www.samakc.com

Owner, Erika Koike, opened her first restaurant, One Bite Japanese, in south JoCo, but she soon realized she needed to reach a more diverse and urban audience. Sama Zama, which means “varied” in Japanese, now calls Westport home. Her exposed and distressed brick walls and streamlined Asian décor seems much more of a fit on Westport’s new restaurant row. Looking for comfort in a bowl? Get her Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen (dine-in only) with its light, pork-based broth, topped with tender slices of pork over ramen noodles for $13. TAKE: the Spicy Ramen Challenge, and if you finished the entire bowl in 10 minutes or less, it’s free, and you get your picture on the wall.

FOR UDON:

Sushi House

5041 W. 117^th Street

Leawood, KS 66211

(913) 633-3333

www.mysushihouse.com

Sushi House is a restaurant concept based out of Chicago, even though it has been open in Town Center for many years. Owned by Tom Johnson, a local KC restaurant veteran, Sushi House has modern decor and servers who are attentive and quick. The sushi is good, but try something more comforting, get the Nabeyaki Udon for $13. A large hot pot will come to your table filled with a fragrant broth, chewy udon noodles, a poached egg, sliced fish cake, spinach, mushrooms and a single tempura shrimp. USE: the tiny shaker of Shichimi Togarashi, which translates to seven spice, to dial up the heat in your noodle bowl. The spice blend adds a welcome zip with spicy dried chilies and orange zest.

FOR PHO:

Vietnam Cafe

522 Campbell St

Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 472-4888

I first heard about Vietnam Café years ago, from Chef friends, who swore by the place. It is family run, friendly, cheap and delicious. You’ll be charmed by the inside of the place, as it still retains many of the original architectural features of the drugstore it used to be years ago. Located in Columbus Park, this is a fantastic pit stop to hit after you have shopped at the City Market downtown. The Pho is a stand-out star here. An incredibly rich and flavorful broth is cooked with your choice of meat and served over noodles with fresh bean sprouts, sweet basil, cilantro, sliced jalapeno, and lime wedges on the side for $7 a bowl. GET: your Pho on, 7 days a week. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am – 8 pm and Sundays from 9 am – 6 pm.

FOR HAND-PULLED NOODLES:

Iron Horse

918 Old 56 Hwy

Olathe, KS 66061

(913) 829-9898

www.ironhorsechinese.com

Chef Peter Wong lived and cooked all over Asia, before landing in Los Angeles. There, in his restaurant at the time, he made special hand-pulled noodles for celebrities like Bill Cosby, Sammy Davis Jr. and even former President George Bush Sr. when he was Vice President. These days, Peter, his wife and family have made their home in Olathe, and for years have been quietly serving up the fresh hand-pulled noodles and delicious Asian dishes that earned him a stellar reputation all those years ago. Seriously, get any dish on the menu that comes with their noodles. All dishes are between $6-$10. CALL: 24 hours ahead of time to order the Beggar’s Chicken, a tender chicken is stuffed with vegetables, covered in tin foil, then dirt and clay and slow cooked, sealing in all of the juices inside the dish. 

March Table Hopping 2013

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – March 2013

“Best Pizza by the Slice”

 

Johnny Jo’s Pizzeria 

1209 W. 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64112 

(816) 401-4483 

www.facebook.com/JohnnyJosPizza

When owner, John Milone, saw that his home-based pizza delivery business was paying the bills, he knew it was time to get a retail space. He found the perfect spot in the Westwood neighborhood, just west of the Country Club Plaza. Johnny Jo’s makes 16” & 18” New York style pies and Stromboli from scratch, or you can just stop in for a slice for only $3. You’ll see neighbors perched at the counter digging into a slice, watching personable John, toss dough in the air and top each pizza with red sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes and a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese. BY THE SLICE: Start simple with a slice of cheese or sausage pizza. Those are his two best sellers, one bite, and you’ll see why.    

Art of Pizza

1801 Baltimore Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 421-1888

www.theartofpizzakc.com

 Located in the Crossroads, Brooklyn-born Victor Almo’s style of pizza is definitely straight out of New York City. For a taste of the “212” right here in KC, try his lunch special and get a salad, a slice and a drink for one low price. If you decide to just go with a single slice, a one topping slice is only $2.85, or you can get a full loaded slice for $4.85, which has everything on it. The atmosphere inside is cozy, but he does get busy at lunch so you may want to call ahead to place your order if you are short on time. BY THE SLICE: Based on demand, Victor created a meataholic slice for $4.55 piled high with pepperoni, ham, sausage and ground beef.

D’Bronx Deli and Pizzeria

3904 Bell St

Kansas City, MO, 64111

(816) 531-0550

www.dbronxkc.com

 Although D’Bronx has four locations across now, the original location on 39^th Street is the one that delivers that authentic NYC neighborhood deli feel. The pizza is giant floppy slices that you must fold in half just to get them into your mouth. Owner, Don Foringer, is keeping a careful eye on his expansion strategy not wanting to get too far away from the pizza and subs that made the original location such a success. This pizza here is about the balance between the sauce, cheese and the crispy cornmeal dusted crust. A cheese slice is $2.85 and a slice of D’Bronx Special, which is “the works,” is $4.95.  BY THE SLICE: Gotta get the pepperoni when you are at D’Bronx and want a slice. Just do it. Grinders

417 E 18th Street

Kansas City, MO 64108 


(816) 472-5454


www.grinderspizza.com


Local sculptor and colorful man about town, Stretch Rumaner, has built a Crossroads culinary & entertainment empire, which he will soon be expanding to Lenexa with his purchase of Stonewall Inn & Pizza. Giant New York style pizza with a thin crust is what he is serving up, and you can customize your slice anyway you want. A slice of cheese is $3.25 and you can doctor it up from there for .50 for each regular standard issue topping or .75 for each “fancy pants” ingredient. Smoked salmon, capers and goat cheese are considered fancy here. BY THE SLICE: In keeping with the colorful nature of this place, and it’s owner, go for a pineapple, jalapeno and mushroom pizza. Live a little.             

Joe’s Pizza by the Slice

4058 Pennsylvania

Kansas City, MO 64111 

(816) 931-2777 

www.joespizzakc.com

 Owner, Joe Addington, was the bright mind that saw business potential of selling hot slices of pizza to well-lubricated bar patrons inside one of the oldest and most well known watering holes in Westport, Kelly’s Westport Inn. He started Joe’s Pizza by the Slice in the back of the bar in 1997, then expanded into the small storefront behind the bar, still keeping his original serving counter inside of Kelly’s. They serve pizza by the slice, all day, every day until 3 am. This is not fancy pizza, or NYC slice slices . . .this place just serves filling slices of pie. Don’t forget to drizzle a little honey on your pizza “bones” for dessert. BY THE SLICE: Get the combo pizza here, the crust is more substantial and can hold up to all the toppings.

 

 

 

February 2013 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – February 2013

“Places to Fall in Love with Dessert”

 

Providence New American Kitchen & Drum Room Bar

Hilton President Kansas City Hotel

1329 Baltimore Avenue  

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 221-9490

www.providence-kc.com

Pastry Chef Alejandro Diaz is the man to tempt your sweet tooth at Providence, the new restaurant inside the Hilton President. Chef Diaz hails from Mexico where he received his culinary and dessert training. Masterfully arranged, he takes a homey classic like, carrot cake, and turns it on its ear with chai pudding and mascarpone frosting with candied carrots on top. Chef Diaz favorite dessert is the S’Mores, homage to the flavors of the campfire favorite. Desserts are all $7.50 and worth a trip all by themselves. STOP: into the famous Drum Room bar for a craft cocktail made by talented bartender, Brock Schulte. Order Teddy’s Last Drop as your after-dessert drink with coffee infused ice cubes, Benedictine and bourbon.

 

 

The American Restaurant

200 E. 25th Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 545-8001

www.theamericankc.com

 

Pastry Chef Nick Wesemann, at The American, is the young chef who really ushered in an entirely new approach to restaurant desserts in Kansas City. With a playful approach, he takes childhood favorite sweet treats and reinvents them in composed plates that are as beautiful to look at, as they are to eat and enjoy. Try Chef’s famous Nickers Bar with a chocolate torte, cashew caramel, bacon candy, nougat wafer, sea salt ice cream. Consider his Snickerdoodle Cake with white chocolate cream, sugar choux, milk bubbles and macadamia sherbet. GET: a taste of his talent for a steal by visiting The BAR at The American during their Happy Hour starting daily at 4 pm. Under “Sweet Bites” try the German Chocolate Sundae with Coconut Magic Shell for only $8.

Lidia’s Kansas City

101 West 22^nd Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

816-221-3722

www.lidiasitaly.com

Pastry Chef Danica Pollard, at Lidia’s, is a culinary nomad who has honed her skill and craft with stints at New York’s Nobu and Noe Restaurant in Los Angeles. She currently calls Kansas City home, and for the last 4 years, been delighting diners with her unique flavor combinations and the intense precision of her dessert creations. Her desserts change frequently, so there is always a new favorite to discover. She tends to use seasonal flavors and ingredients that perfectly compliment the rustic nature of the rest of Lidia’s menu, but she has her own take on how those flavors come together. KNOW: that in 2012, Chef won People’s Choice for Best Pastry Chef in the Central Region from Food + Wine Magazine.

Rye

10551 Mission Road

Leawood, KS 66206

(913) 642-5800 

www.ryekc.com

Pastry Chef Megan Garrelts, co-owner of Bluestem and Rye, located in Mission Farms Shopping Center is a top-notch pastry talent in this town. At Rye, her desserts are more comforting and homey with seasonal ingredients at the forefront. These are the desserts of the region, of the grandmothers of Missouri if they used the best and freshest ingredients. Try her seasonal pie that changes frequently. When I was there, it was a bright and fragrant Meyer lemon pie. Also look for apple raisin crisps, butterscotch custard and cookies & a milk float, all for $6. DRINK: at the bar, and let talented veteran bartender, Van Zarr, show you how drinks can be dessert too. Try the “State Fair” with caramel corn infused whiskey, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth and a salted toffee rim.

 

Story

3931 W. 69th Terrace

Prairie Village, KS 66208

(913) 236-9955

www.storykc.com

Pastry Chef Nikki Perez flew on our radar when she opened Story with Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen and his wife Susan. Her desserts were to the point, but looked very playful and deconstructed on the plate. It was the German Chocolate Cake and Doughnuts, all between $7-$8, that quickly made this Chef became a person of interest to watch in pastry. Personally, it is Chef’s fried pecan pie with chocolate ice cream, cocoa nibs and brown butter and bourbon sauce that I dream about at night. Story is a sleek, modern, upscale addition to the quiet Village Shopping Center and a must for anyone looking for a sweet treat. SIT: anywhere you like, there is literally not a bad seat in the house.

 

 

 

 

January 2013 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – January 2013

“Fill ‘er up!”

 

 The Filling Station

2980 McGee Trafficway

Kansas City, Missouri 64108

(816) 931-4335

www.fillingstationcoffee.com

Owner, Robin Krause, has a transformative way of taking ordinary spaces and making them extraordinary. Her original space, in an old gas station is where you can enjoy terrific coffee and cuisine. Full of artist types, Hallmark employees and neighborhood folks, it is an unstuffy place to grab a cup of coffee and lunch. Serving Broadway Espresso and local roaster, Oddly Correct Coffees, you can’t get a bad cup in here. They also offer tasty lunch specials of the day along with a regular menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. TRY: the soup of the day and the grilled cheese sandwich combo for $8 to warm you up on these cold winter days ahead.

 

Genessee Royale

1531 Genessee Street

Kansas City, MO 64102

(816) 474-7070

www.genesseeroyale.com

Owner Todd Schulte bought this little gas station in the West Bottoms thinking he was going to open Happy Gillis 2, a second location for his wildly popular café in Columbus Park. But when he started on the inside of the building, a French country theme emerged. Todd Schulte has produced a stunning simple breakfast menu where all the downtown types nosh in the AM. Lunch menu offers one of my favorite cheeseburger in KC, called “The Bichelmeyer’s Butcher’s Grind” for $8. AFTER: lunch head next door to the Amigoni Urban Winery Tasting Room. Open Tues. - Sun. 11am-6pm, you can sample five different local wines made from French grapes grown in Missouri for only $5.

Papu’s Café

604 W. 75th Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

(816) 822-8759

In KC, we understand that great food can come from restaurants located inside of humble gas stations. The owner of this Shell Gas station decided he wanted to offer Middle Eastern specialties and with the addition of a small kitchen in the back, he created a place for Papu and Tony, the two cooks that run this place, to offer some delicious carry-out options along with the opportunity to pay for your food at the same time you purchase your lottery ticket. There is a line most days for their Lamb Gyro or their Chicken Shawarma sandwich both around $6. When the weather warms, check out their outdoor patio for additional seating. OPEN: 7 days a week, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and until 10:00 pm on Friday & Saturday.

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue


3002 W. 47th Avenue


Kansas City, KS 66103


(913) 722-3366


www.oklahomajoesbbq.com 

Barbecue fanatics in this town and across the country seek out the original location in this humble little gas station on the corner of 47th and Mission Road for two sandwiches in particular – the house specialty, Carolina-style Pulled Pork Sandwich with spicy slaw and tangy Bubba’s sauce for $6 and the Z-Man Sandwich featuring tender beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese and fried onion rings on a Kaiser bun for $7. Owners, Joe and Joy Stehney, started on the KC barbecue circuit, but now have a second location in Olathe & a third fancy pants outlet in Leawood. CALL: and place your order to go, the lines are long at the original location, if you don’t want to wait, plan ahead.

Pizza 51

5938 Mission Road

Fairway, KS 66205 

(913) 766-1133

www.pizza51.com

Jason and Shannon Pryor opened the original Pizza 51 location in an old gas station on the corner of 51^st & Oak in 2004. Then in 2011, a second Pizza 51 was opened in the family friendly Fairway area of Kansas City, again in a converted old gas station to rave reviews. What is great about this place aside from it’s family friendly vibe, is that you can swing by and grab a single slice for around $4 or stay and get a larger pie to share. You can order a whopping 26” pizza, which always brings ohhh’s & ahhh’s when a pie that size hits the table. ORDER: your favorite pizza and add cream cheese. I know, it sounds crazy, but it is crazy good.

November 2012 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – November 2012

“Comforting Cuisine”

 

Marv’s Delicatessen

11554 Ash Street

Leawood, KS 66211

(913) 322-3354

www.marvsdelicatessen.com

Owner, Steve Kerner, brought the good people of KC something that was desperately needed, a real Jewish-style deli. Located in the Park Place shopping center and named after his father, Marv, this delicatessen has no traditional counter you order at, but that won’t bother you after you taste their chopped liver and meat knish. To find comfort here, look no further than a cup of their “Mish Mash” soup featuring matzo ball, kreplach and noodles for $4. Potato Pancakes with sour cream and applesauce for $6 are also a treat. For meat lover’s, you must try their hot corned beef or pastrami piled high on traditional rye for $10. ORDER: your platters, now for the upcoming holidays. Marv’s is happy to help you cater your next event.

Aixois Brasserie

1006 Walnut Street

Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 474-0000

www.aixois.com

With their original restaurant Aixois Bistro still serving up tasty French fare to the folks in Crestwood, Chef Emmanuel Langlade and his wife Megan, decided to take on the discerning downtown diner and opened their second location in the heart of the business district. The new location is a modern interpretation of a classic French brasserie, and the food delivers comforting items that are perfect for a quick lunch out or a more leisurely dinner with clients. Try the Moules Roquefort with frites for $13, enjoy a plump mussels swimming in a light and pleasantly pungent blue cheese broth served with crispy French fries that do their name proud. GO: here for your next Happy Hour, served 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. Free 2 hour parking is available in the 1025 Main Parking Garage.

Beer Kitchen

435 Westport Road

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 389-4180

www.beerkitchenkc.com

Chef Michael Peterson keeps his food focused on being beer friendly, as the corporate chef for both Beer Kitchen and McCoy’s in Westport. This translates into a satisfying array of comforting, home cooking’ dishes. With weekly specials that change with the seasons to accommodate the local ingredients on hand, Beer Kitchen has the furthest thing from boring old pub grub. Fish and Chips for $14 are satisfying and the Short Rib Potpie for $14 features hearty root veggies sure to stick to your ribs. Burgers are the standout item, as the menu features 9 of them. Choose from classic burgers to the more original Smokestack with burnt ends piled on top for around $10. GET: breakfast anytime at the Beer Kitchen, the chicken and waffles for $13, should not be missed.

Potpie


904 Westport Road


Kansas City, MO 64111


(816) 561-2702


www.kcpotpie.com

Chef John Williams, and his wife Sarah, opened Potpie in Westport years ago, never dreaming they would actually be serving pot pie on the menu. But, they soon learned that their customers expected them to serve that 1950’s classic dish on their menu. Skip the potpie, and treat yourself to any of the simply prepared fish, chicken, pork and beef dishes on their menu. Entrees are usually priced in the teens and written on a large chalkboard, which serves as the menu, in the center of the dining room. The place is cozy but not cramped and can be quite romantic at night for dinner. If they have their famous roasted chicken on the menu, get it. TRY: bread pudding for dessert, their tasty take on this classic does not get any more comforting.

 

Uncommon Stock

549 Gillis Street


Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 510-7790 

www.uncommon-stock.com

Todd Schulte is getting back to the basics with his comforting soups. After opening the hugely successful and totally delicious brunch spots, Happy Gillis and Genessee Royale, he is now returning to his soup roots with the help of businessman Bill Haw. Uncommon Stock located in the garage next door to Happy Gillis in the Columbus Park area of Kansas City. Open Fridays and Saturdays only, Todd is selling his flavorful soups for $10-12 a quart. Every week, Todd posts what the soups will be, and all you have to do is swing by and pick them up. EACH: soup is described in delicious detail and he tells you if it is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and it’s freezability.  

December 2012 Tablehopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – December 2012

“Hotel Haute Cuisine”

 

Providence New American Kitchen & Drum Room Bar

Hilton President Kansas City Hotel

1329 Baltimore Avenue  

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 221-9490

http://bit.ly/PGpj7K

Chef Eric Carter mans Providence, the new restaurant inside the Hilton President. With natural wood, stacked stone and American flag, the décor brings home the locality of the ingredients and dishes on the menu. Try the Smoked Chicken Ravioli with Campo Lindo chicken, ricotta ravioli, baby greens and pistachio brown butter for $12 or start with the BBQ Glazed Pork Belly for $8. Desserts are homey, yet interestingly interpreted, a must do. Stop into the famous Drum Room for a craft cocktail made by talented bartender, Brock Schulte. PARK: your car out in front of the hotel with the valet, which is FREE if you eat in the restaurant or drink at the bar.

Chaz on the Plaza

The Raphael Hotel

325 Ward Parkway  

Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 756-3800

www.raphaelkc.com

When Chef Charles d’ Ablaing left The Webster House to take over the kitchen at Chaz, we knew great things would to come. Chef has taken his beautifully composed cuisine and played with flavors making his menu totally craveable. Stop in for breakfast for Lobster Benedict with fried green tomato, poached lobster, local hackleback sturgeon caviar and béarnaise sauce for $17. Another must try, the Bananas Foster French Toast for $13. Live music and a great little bar, combined with ½ price appetizers make this a fun place to hit after work. PARK: in the gated parking lot, which is FREE, next to the hotel. If the gate is down, simply press the button and tell them you are here for dinner.

The Oak Room

InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza

401 Ward Parkway  

Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 756-1500

www.kansascityic.com

Chef Chris Hall does amazing food in the elegant, yet decidedly unstuffy, Oak Room, inside the InterContinental Hotel. The menu may be full deceptively simple old school classics, but it is the perfect execution of these items that will have you singing their praises. On Friday and Saturday, join them for dinner and get their Smoked Prime Rib special with horseradish, au jus and Yorkshire pudding. Order a 10 oz prime rib for $18, or up to a 16 oz for $26. With incredible views of the Country Club Plaza, you will find this to be a romantic place to dine as well. PARK: in the FREE parking garage located right in front of the circle drive of the hotel. 

The Reserve

The Ambassador Hotel

1111 Grand Boulevard

Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 298-7700

http://bit.ly/SVTiZf

Chef Geoffrey van Glabbeek was given the task to create a sleek menu full of small plates perfect for those stopping in before or after a show, while also giving people entrée options that would leave them satisfied. He succeeded. Make a meal out of small plates like Truffled Deviled Eggs for $6 and the best KC Sliders in the city for $12. Order a more filling entrée, like Pork Belly Orecchiette with pork, pasta, asparagus and peas for $14 for a small portion or $26 for a large. PARK: in the gated parking lot to the south of the hotel, which is FREE. If the gate is down, simply press the button and tell them you are here for dinner.

12 Baltimore

Hotel Phillips

106 West 12th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 221-7000

www.hotelphillips.com

Chef Justin Voldan is relatively new to 12 Baltimore, but he has been working hard to leave his memorable mark on the menu. At breakfast, you cannot miss his biscuits and gravy that range in portions from tiny for $3 to hefty for $7. If you stop in for lunch, consider the Boulevard Beer & Cheese Soup for $5, and Black Truffle Tuna Melt for $9. Then as the dinner hour approaches, consider the Apple-Brined Pork Chop with roasted red potatoes, braised cabbage and red wine demi for $22. The Hotel Phillips also offers a generous Happy Hour with drink specials from 2-6 pm Monday – Friday that you should not miss. PARK: with the valet, which is FREE, and tell them you are dining in the restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2012 Tablehopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – October 2012

“Fall into these hot spots.”

 

The Jacobson

2050 Central Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 423-2888

www.thejacobsonkc.com

Managing partner, Michael Werner, knew his space had good bones, he told me it was simply his job to make the most of them. He and Executive Chef John Smith have succeeded admirably. A sleek urban spot with a gorgeous outdoor patio and a totally tasty upscale, yet accessible, menu will keep patrons coming back for more. Try the Bucatini Pasta with the roasted garlic and tomato sauce with fresh basil and the succulent stuffed meatballs made with beef and pork and decadently filled with goat cheese for $18. SIT: out on the gorgeous patio, and order a drink from their outdoor bar while you enjoy sculpture by our own Stretch Rumaner. Kitchen is open late.

Peanches Food & Wine

900 W. 39th Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 709-1032

www.peanches.com

Chef Pete Peterman and his wife Heather, have opened Peanches in a mostly forgettable strip center on 39^th Street, but with food this good, you won’t even care. Chef is making this restaurant his homage to his Mother, and is serving classic “Missoura” favorites in a homey, but not rustic way. These are composed dishes prepared by a talented Chef, made with simple and wholly local ingredients. Try the Braised Beef Short Ribs & Petit Filet with collard greens and potato puree for $29, and start with the Chicken Liver Parfait with Brie and housemade garlic pickles for $10. EAT: at Peanches by reservation only. The intimate restaurant will be able to serve you best if you go to their website and make reservations to dine ahead of time. 

Port Fonda

4141 Pennsylvania Ave.

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 216-6462

www.portfondakc.com

Owner/Executive Chef Patrick Ryan took his local 4-star food truck and opened its brick and mortar counterpart in the heart of Westport and it has quickly become a culinary hot spot. Start with housemade chips and two different fresh salsas for $5. Then try the Ensalada Port Fonda for $8 with bibb lettuce, sunflower seeds, avocado, roasted vegetables, chicharrones, salsa blanca. Finally, finish up with Albondigas Divorciadas for $12 with pork, ricotta meatballs, salsa roja, salsa verde, poblano rajas, crema, queso fresco. The food is cravable, the space is stunning and the scene is memorable. A restaurant where the buzz on the street delivers in spades once you hit the door. DRINK: any number of clever cocktails created by talented bartender, Travis Stewart, most of which feature tequila as the liquor of choice.

Affäre

1911 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 298-6182

www.affarekc.com

Owner and Executive Chef Martin Heuser, and his sommelier-certified wife, Katrin, have put their whole heart into transforming the former Bar Natasha space in the Crossroads into one of the hottest new tickets in town. With a plenty of seating, a location close to the new Kauffman Performing Arts center and picture perfect small plate entrée portions, this place is the new dinner and a show restaurant. You will come for the convenience and be back for the deliciously modern, German cuisine. Get Barham Farm Spring Chicken Roulade with Mangold and white clay potatoes for $10. SWEET: ending to your meal? Say yes, as Chef is making his own desserts in house. Order Cheesecake from the Rheinland $6, which is creamy and tangy. A must.

Remedy Food + Drink

500 W. 75th Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

(816) 361-9788

www.whatsyourremedykc.com

Owners, Atit Patel and Aaron Michaelis, snagged talented, Chef Max Watson, fresh off his stint at Port Fonda, to be the young gun to put the “gastro” in their pub in Waldo. Located in the old Kennedy’s location, they have made every effort to make this place feel more like a cozy bistro and less like a sports bar. Vegetarian? Enjoy several items from the menu or the daily specials chalkboard, or try the Cauliflower Steak with Grilled Radicchio and Garbanzo Yogurt Salad entree, for $12. For the rest of you, the burger with hand cut fries for $10 or the 3-piece Free Range Fried Chicken for $12 will satisfy your meaty desires. DRINK: from the small but satisfying beer or wine list, the cocktail menu is still a work in progress.

September 2012 Tablehopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – September 2012

“Not Your Usual Barbeque Dishes.”

 

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

1924 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 471-2177 

 Mixologist, Ryan Maybee and Chef Howard Hanna opened The Rieger last year serving the best craft cocktails in the city combined with an upscale, yet approachable, cuisine of made from mostly local ingredients. So, who would have thought that one of the tastiest KC BBQ dish of the year would be coming from this fine dining emporium? Get the dish that everyone is talking about: Smoked Rabbit with baked heirloom beans, fermented cabbage slaw and barbecue sauce for $24. Tender rabbit is smoked to perfection drizzled with BBQ sauce then piled on top of hearty baked beans and cooked cabbage roll. Delicious. SIT: at the Chef’s counter and watch your dinner prepared in front of you, then served to you by the Chef. Reservations are a must.

Martin City Brewing Company

500 East 135th Street

Kansas City, MO 64145

(816) 268-2222

martincitybrewingcompany.com

 Owners Matt Moore and Chancie Adams, with Executive Chef Andrew Parker in the kitchen, meant it when they promised to be more than just another brew pub, by putting good food front and center. With the best Rebuen Sandwich in the city right now, the unusual BBQ dish that you must try here is the Cowboy Mac N’ Cheese for $12. It is a creamy four‐cheese sauce served over tender elbow pasta, broiled to a bubbly perfection, topped with BBQ pulled pork, tomatoes, jalapenos, and bacon. It is so wrong, it has just got to be right. OPEN: 7 days a week, until 1:30 am weeknights & Saturdays and until midnight on Sundays. This is one of the few late night places to drink and dine in this neck of the woods.  

B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ

1205 East 85th Street

Kansas City, MO 64131

(816) 822-7427

bbslawnsidebbq.com

Owner, Lindsay Shannon, set out to have a rocking roadhouse that served up blues with a side of BBQ at B.B.’s Lawnside. He succeeded admirably. A wonderfully accessible place to hear live music, it is one of those completely unique KC experiences you simply have to put on your list, if you have not indulged yet. Although they do have plenty of traditional KC BBQ, the one dish you must try is the Memphis Minnie’s Smoked Catfish. Farm raised fresh whole smoked catfish is moist; tender served with coleslaw and battered fries for $14. GET: as your appetizer, another crazy BBQ dish called the BBQ Sundae. It is basically a pulled pork sandwich served in a mason jar. You simply have to see it to believe it.

Woodyard BBQ

3001 Merriam Lane

Kansas City, KS 66106

(913) 362-8000

www.woodyardbbq.com

 You will smell the smoke before you spot this little house with a big outdoor smoker on Merriam Lane. Follow your nose inside for simply terrific traditional barbeque. Owners, Frank Schloegel and Joe Daly, have brought back an unusual menu favorite in their iconic Burnt Ends Chili. You will get a hearty cup for around $4 or a bowl for $7 of smoky chili made with ground beef, black and red beans in a wonderful red gravy with tender chunky cubes of burnt ends mixed in. As fall approaches, grab a bowl and retire to the outdoor patio to watch the Pit Master work the smoker while you dig in. SMOKE: Like the “pros” with wood available for sale out back, as they supply many of the local KC BBQ teams and have the experience to answer all of your questions.

RJ’s Bob-be-que Shack

5835 Lamar Avenue

Mission, KS 66202 

(913) 262-7300

www.rjsbbq.com

 When Owner/Chef Robert “Bob” Palmgren (who has a long list of KC culinary credentials) decided to focus only on barbeque, he brought all of his culinary skill and creativity to the task, like the Denver Lamb Rib Dinner. You’ll get a full slab of Denver-cut lamb ribs for around $15, served with Texas Toast and your choice of one side dish. If you love succulent lamb, then these are a “must try” for you. They are tender, delicious and quite unique in the KC BBQ scene. TRY: RJ’s for breakfast. It will fast become your favorite first meal of the day place. Much like the BBQ they serve the rest of the day, for breakfast, it is all about the meat.

August 2012 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – August 2012

“Eat your veggies.”

Café Gratitude Kansas City

333 Southwest Boulevard

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 474-LOVE

www.cafegratitudekc.com

 Natalie and Mike George decided to bring Café Gratitude to KC, after enjoying their meal and the message from one of the “Mothership” restaurants in California, where the concept is based. Focused on not only delivering organic, raw and vegan dishes, they also host classes on healthful heart & mind ideals. There is a message even when ordering, as all the menu items start with the affirmation “I am.” Try “I Am Whole” for $13 and get a satisfying bowl of sea vegetables, kale, carrots, house-made kimchee and sprouts with brown rice or quinoa. SHOW: your gratitude, get “I Am Grateful,” you’ll get a bowl of grains, beans and kale and pay by donation. $7 is suggested, $14 will feed you and another person in need.

FüD

813 W. 17th Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 785-3454

www.eatfud.com

Chef Heidi VanPelt-Belle made a name for herself in the raw food world with her line of cashew cheese called Playfood. While catering, she began looking for a space to open her own restaurant. Located on the Westside, she could not have picked a better neighborhood to open a vegan restaurant. You don’t have to call yourself anything special to appreciate the fresh and simple dishes that come from Heidi’s kitchen. At brunch on Saturday, try Tofu Scramble for $9. You’ll get Central Soy tofu scrambled with local greens, red peppers and onions. It comes with roasted red potatoes and a homemade biscuit. LOOK: at the website before you go, it lists the lunch and dinner specials for the week. You’ll find raw, gluten free and nut free items too.

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 vegetarian/vegan/raw/gluten-free restaurant in KC. Started by two friends in 1994, Sandi Corder-Clootz, an original owner, continues to operate the wide open, light and whimsical restaurant today with her husband Greg Clootz.  The restaurant is as colorful as the variety of food on your plate, and matches the local art on the walls and tables. Try the Mushroom Sausage Bowl - short grain brown rice, mushroom sausage infused with fennel seed, sage and oregano, TVP, tomato paste, onions and vegetable stock. Served with grilled spinach, sour dough toast and smoky caper aioli for $12. SAMPLE: any of their delicious and healthful drinks from their “mocktail” menu, and get a natural high.

Conveniently Natural

3711 Southwest Trafficway

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 475-8004

www.convenientlynatural.com

Brian and Kim Gordon changed their family’s eating habits when Brian discovered he suffered from acute acid reflux. They realized an organic, vegan diet was the answer to his medical issues, but felt they were spending too much time in kitchen away from their family. That’s when they came up with the idea of starting an organic, vegan delivery food service in Kansas City called Conveniently Natural. They will deliver anywhere within a 30 miles radius of their commercial kitchen, or you can come and pick your meals up. A weekly plan for a family of 4 costs $199 or $8.30 per meal, couples are $109 a week and individual plans are $69 a week. CHECK: out their website for examples and recipes of the delicious dishes you have in store. 

Shop your Local Farmer’s Markets

www.fruitstands.com

This seems like a no-brainer to many of us who plan our entire weekends around a trip to the local farmer’s market, but for some, only the promise of sweet corn and locally grown tomatoes will get people out to the Farmers Market. This is the time of year when the most fruits and vegetables are at their peak, and because of that, it means they actually taste better because you are eating them in season. Famers Markets don’t carry everything year round, but they do bring us what is currently in season and sell it to us only when they are growing it. We are lucky to have many wonderful Farmers Markets all over KC. FIND: one near you by going to the National Directory of Fruit Stands & Farmers Markets website and searching by state for a list of markets near you. Eat well.

 

July 2012 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine

Table Hopping – July 2012

“Dog Days of Summer . . .Sausages.”

 

Haus

3044 Gillham Road

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 931-8500

www.hauskc.com

 Chris Seferyn, owner of Velvet Dog, and his partners in Haus, Desmond Carr and Shawn Fahey, have now claimed an additional corner on Martini Corner for their newest restaurant venture. Haus is a German-style beer garden is serving unique sausages that range from classic to gourmet to exotic for $6-8. You can add two toppings on your sausage for that price and you should definitely try the handcut french fries, which are delicious as well.  All of the sausages are handmade by Chef Alex Pope at his new butcher shop, The Local Pig. Try the Lamb, Cumin and Oregano sausage or the Chicken Jalapeño Pineapple sausage. A huge list of mostly German-style beers will tempt. SIT: outside on the picnic tables during these long summer nights, somehow everything tastes better when it is eaten outside.  

New York Dawg Pound

7702 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Overland Park, KS 66202

(913) 432-6937

www.newyorkdawgpound.com

Located right on Shawnee Mission Parkway, you will see the people eating at the outdoor tables in front of the restaurant before you actually see the place itself. Owners, Will Brown and Sal Frustaci decided a hot dog place is what KC needed, and after 20 years in the restaurant business they opened this place. They offer Nathan’s hot dogs, Scimeca’s Italian sausages, brats and even a veggie dogs for vegetarians. Their specialty dogs have names like: The Doberman, a German-style dog with sauerkraut and spicy mustard. Get the New York dog if you are craving a truly authentic representation of this regional dog. KIDS: will love the small arcade room hidden in the back, perfect place for a kid’s birthday party.

Beethoven’s No. 9 Restaurant

110 West Peoria Street

Paola, KS 66071

(913) 294-3000

www.beethovens-paola.com

Hannes Poetter opened Beethoven’s in Paola, just off the charming main town square, which is simply picture book perfect. The food is mostly German with other more traditional items on the menu too. It’s a family affair with wife/mother Ulrike Poetter serving as the manager, and son Chef Patrick back in the kitchen cooking up simple but delicious German sausages, sauerbraten, schnitzel and spaetzle. Order the veal and pork Weisswurst sausage with Curry Sauce and get two sides and a fresh-baked yeast roll for about $9. A full bar is available along with a nice selection of German beers. OPEN: to the public from Thurs.-Sat. 11 am-9 pm.

Grünauer

101 W est 22nd Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 283-3234

www.grunauerkc.com

 Chef Peter Grunauer has with the help of his son Nicholas and daughter Elisabeth, opened this impressive place in the Freight House District to great reviews. This upscale restaurant delivers traditional Austrian/German dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Hungarian Beef Goulash. Try the Schweinbraten featuring thick slices of fork tender roasted pork and bread dumplings only $18. You should not leave here without sampling their wonderful selection of handmade pork and veal sausages. Order a single sausage or sample 3 for $18, or all 5 for $25 an make it a meal. DRINK: at the Wunderbar, inside of Grünauer, late night and have the bartender whip you up a fantastic craft cocktail and order a sausage or two from their late night menu.    

Krizman’s House of Sausage

424 N 6th Street

Kansas City, KS 66101

(913) 371-3185 

You have to get up and over to Krizman’s House of Sausage in KCK to actually get Krizman’s sausage, unless you have been lucky enough to try one of Joe Krizman’s sausages at one of our local BBQ joints, many of whom smoke and serve them. Krizman’s has been making and selling sausages on Strawberry Hill since the 1940’s. They do sell to the public, so if you need sausage for 1 or 41 they can hook you up with kielbasa, bratwurst, Italian, andouille, chorizo, knockwurst and even blood sausage.  Prices are reasonable, and the staff can give you tips on the best way to prepare each kind of sausage they carry. GET: some of their delicious sauerkraut and povitica bread to take home along with your sausage.