The Making of a Foodie

May 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping – May 2009
“I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so.”

Edokko Restaurant
8615 Hauser Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 888-8878
http://www.edokkokc.com

Owner, Anne Ai, spent considerable time and money converting a Chinese restaurant in Lenexa into the stunning show piece called Edokko. Zen stones, fiery red walls and warm wood creates an inviting and upscale environment, which is only matched in awe by her commitment to high quality Japanese/Asian food. Her steamed or pan-fried pork dumplings 6 for $5 are delicious and made from scratch to order. Try the Hamo (Eel) with Japanese truffle sauce or Pan-fried Red Snapper for $13 and Kobe Beef Nigiri, 2 pieces for $10 will melt in your mouth. Ask Ann about her extensive sake list, she will charm you with her knowledge. OPEN: late and 7 days a week, until 10:00 pm weekdays and 11:00 pm on Fri. & Sat.  

Domo Sushi & Grill
6322 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 333-6315

This calm little spot, located right off the main drag in Brookside, doesn’t look like much on the outside, but step in to find an oasis from the busy streets. This restaurant is a friends and family affair, take the Japanese country mural painted on the wall by local artist, Mila Geisler. She also works as a server at Domo’s. Head Chef Koji-san brings years experience to his restaurant and locals give him props for his makimono or sushi rolls and creative noodle bowls. Try their signature dish, a sashimi plate made with white tuna and salmon topped with a tangy yuzu ginger sauce for around $9. CATCH: your breath and visit them at lunch, the atmosphere is quiet and meditative.

Jun’s Authentic Japanese
7660 State Line Road 

Prairie Village, KS 66208
(913) 341-4924

Jun’s is considered by most to be the “granddaddy” of all Japanese restaurants in town. Back when Jun was behind the sushi bar, he put every guest at ease with his outgoing personality while he introduced them to his cuisine. When Jun retired, he sold his successful restaurant to a man who was working with him and knew his way with fresh fish. Aside from the sushi, come to share Shabu-shabu, a tableside hotpot with noodles, tofu, fresh veggies and thinly sliced beef for around $25. Watch your server make this lovely soup using her chopsticks to stir the ingredients in the broth to cook them. This is what “shabu-shabu” literally means “swish-swish”. SIT: at the sushi bar or back in the traditional tatami seating areas separated by screens.

One Bite Japanese Grill
8602 W 133rd Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
(913) 897-9388
http://www.onebitegrill.com
 
Erika Koike opened One Bite Japanese Grill as a Japanese pub, or izakaya, that does not serve sushi, but instead more traditional Japanese small plates.  People come here to eat a quick meal or grab a snack, but with it’s sleek, colorful interior it feels more like a place you want to stay and play. Bring a friend and order about 2-3 items to share. Start with pan-fried pot stickers get 6 pieces for $6. Try the Modan Yaki a crispy egg pancake layered with chicken, veggies and golden fried noodles for $12. Then get the One Bite Scallops for $12 or One Bite Spare Ribs for $10. DRINK: one of their colorful little cocktails or get the Japanese soda, Ramune. Half the fun is just trying to get it open.

Kaiyo Sushi inside of Cosentino's Downtown Market

10 East 13th Street

Kansas City, MO 64106-2924

(816) 595-0050

Sushi Chef David Loo, and his wife Karen Ming, were running their successful Japanese restaurant, Kaiyo, in Leawood, when the Cosentino Family approached them about opening a second sushi bar inside of their brand new market downtown. It was a match made in heaven. This is no ordinary supermarket sushi, Chef David Loo, himself, is down there daily working lunch and then he is back in his home restaurant in Leawood for dinner. Order the Spicy Tuna hand roll $7 or the Caterpillar roll $10, then ask what’s fresh and have a few pieces of that. TALK: to sushi Chef David Loo. Once he knows you and what you like, he can steer you towards what’s fresh and in season.

April 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - April 2009
“Neighborhood Charm”

Oak 63
408 East 63rd
Kansas City, MO 64110
816-569-6310

Chef J.B. Bremser’s first restaurant, Chez B, was located in the back of High Cotton after Honeymom’s closed. Now he has brought his southern French cuisine and bistro food to a new address just east of Brookside in the old Café Masion space. A tiny kitchen and no storage, means he shops for what he puts on his menu daily. Lunch is rumored to have the best Rebuen in town, but dinner is a French affair with most entrée’s around $15. Try the Seared Duck Breast over arugula salad for $14 and don’t miss the pomme frites. Menu and wine list are short, sweet and simple. ASK: Chef J.B. what is fresh that day to ensure you get the best he has to offer, if he promotes it, you should expect it. 

Stonewall Inn
10242 Pflumm Road
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 492-3066

Listed as one of the oldest restaurants in Johnson County, the Stonewall Inn is a little over 30 years old. This restaurant is located in a little white house that sits behind a little stone fence that shares a parking lot with Stonewall Pizza. The original owners, the Kieltyka family, started out serving kielbasa and sauerkraut, which is still excellent, but the current owners have also added homey favorites, like pan-fried chicken to the menu. The relaxed, lodge-like atmosphere is casual and comforting. With good burgers, sandwiches and their two-piece pan fried chicken dinner for $9, Stonewall is easy on the wallet too. FEEL: free to bring your kids to eat, although there is a full bar, it is kept separate from the dining room.

Jasper’s
1202 West 103rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816)941-6600
http://www.jasperskc.com/

Chef Jasper Mirabile, Jr. or “JJ” and his brother Leonard carry on the family tradition started by their father Jasper Sr. even after moving from their original location on 75th Street to their current home in Watts Mill. Not content to rest on his numerous laurels, Chef Jasper has taken great pains to keep his menu creative and his Italian restaurant up-to-the minute current. He offers seasonal menu’s highlighting the newest techniques and dishes he picked up from annual trips to Italy and the world of slow food. Standouts are the veal dishes for $19 and the Osso Buco for $24. DON’T: miss the opportunity to try their selection Italian wines or any of the house-made “cellos”, a traditional Italian apéritif /digestif. Lemoncello, Blood Orangecello and now Applecello that are all made in house and are stellar.

Potpie
904 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-2702
http://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. They do a mean pot pie, but you will love the creative and comforting fish, chicken, pork and beef dishes on the 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. STOP: in for a cocktail at the little bar and you’ll have a front row seat to see into the galley kitchen.

Broadmoor Bistro inside Broadmoor Technical Center
6701 W. 83rd Street
Overland Park, KS 66204
http://www.broadmoorbistro.org/

Before last year, when money from the school district allowed Broadmoor Technical Center to build this new “bistro”, these culinary high school students were cooking Wednesday night dinners for friends and family only. They started out as 25 person practice dinners in classrooms, but soon grew to over 250 people. Go online to view upcoming menus and reserve your seat for one of the final bistro dinners of this school year. An incredible deal, get 4 gourmet courses for $25, with all dishes concepted and prepared by student talent. No alcohol is allowed or served on campus, but you’ll never miss it. HURRY: and make your reservations to attend one of the Wednesday “Bistro Nights” dinners in April before school ends in May for summer break.

March 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - March 2009
“Dive in to these Drive-In’s”

Christy’s Tasty Queen
1405 South 55th Street
Kansas City, KS 66106
(913) 287-2800

Owners, Marla & Lowell Christy, are thrilled their restaurant is on the map with foodies across the KC metro. By lunch, a line snakes out the front door for Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches that are as big as your outstretched palm and made from scratch each morning. Breading hundreds of pork loins each day, each is dipped into a milk bath then dredged with three different types of breading. Although they have a tempting menu full of other items, it is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich for $5 that they claim as their own. This family-run operation is fast and friendly, chatting up any new faces they see coming through their doors. EAT: outside (as there is no inside seating) when the weather allows at the handful of picnic tables located outside of the restaurant. 

Mugs-Up Root Beer Drive-In
700 East 23rd Street
Independence, MO 64055
(816) 254-7040

Bill and Ann Kendall have owned this mecca to loose meat and root beer for about 15 years. If you speak to anyone who grew up in the Independence area they will speak nostalgically about Mugs-Up. Loose-meat Zip Burgers for $1.85 feature feather light ground beef sandwiches while Whiz Burgers, Zips with cheese, are only $2.05. Bill tells me his Root Beer, $1 for a medium, is still mixed in the basement, so you know you must get the Big Black Cow — a combo of root beer and vanilla ice cream. MAKE: sure you tell your carhop if you want your items for here or to go. If you order root beer for “here” you will get the traditional glass mug, get it to go and you will get a portable Styrofoam cup.

Sam’s Tastee Treat
435 South Parker Street
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 764-4757

What started as a Tastee Freeze in 1963, owners Sueko "Sam" and Hugh Silvernale, changed to Tastee Treat when they took it over in 1997. The location is interesting, with just a handful of seats inside. But the most important thing you need to know is that they offer over 40 different flavors of shakes or malts. Dipped cones and plain ones. The menu includes all of the usual Drive-In favorites, but it’s the selection of dairy treats that will keep you coming back again and again. Although the name has changed, the creamy frozen treats remain the same. CALL: before you come at the end of the year as they close for a few weeks around the holidays. (Many thanks to Kansas Travel for allowing me to use their photo.)

Teresa's Drive-In
6450 Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64126
816-483-0370

For 20 years, owner, Sam Gallo Jr., has been providing his loyal customers on the east side simple, honest burgers, fries and shakes along with a whole host of other diner staples such as corn dogs, tacos and breakfast sandwiches. What his restaurant lacks in location, atmosphere and seating it makes up for in value. A single cheeseburger (a whole lotta burger) with everything is only $3. They have old-fashioned shake flavors including Butterscotch, one of my favorites. Teresa’s kitchy sign, featuring a cute carhop, is the only landmark you need to find this little hole-in-the-wall. PULL: through the drive-thru for a faster fix, you won’t miss anything by not going inside.

Stacks Drive-In
3828 North Chouteau Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64117
(816) 452-1003 

The sign above Stacks Drive-In located near the entrance of Harrah’s Casino says “serving you since ’62”. No doubt a simpler time with simpler fare, but the menu can still hold it’s own today. The food reflects an Italian influence in addition to its more traditional favorites. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Italian Sausage Sandwiches and Italian Steaks all sit beside a host of staples like cheeseburgers and spicy chicken sandwiches. Try the Double Cheeseburger for around $5 and get two thick and juicy patties of beef piled high with fresh toppings on a soft bun. See what brings families and bikers alike to this daytime and late night dining spot. SAVE: room for dessert and go across the street to the famous Donut King and sample one of their 36 kinds of donuts, open late.

February 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - February 2009
“Red Hot Love.”

Extra Virgin
1900 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 842-2205
http://www.extravirginkc.com/

Chef Michael Smith made us wait for his second restaurant, Extra Virgin, as construction delays pushed the opening back. But, it was well worth the wait. On the dramatic red walls hangs a painting of the movie “La Dolce Vita” that plays off the mod lighting and raw metal olive branch sculpture. Its arty vibe gives this place sex appeal. But the small plates of adventuresome yet rustic, satisfying food is the reason to flock. Must order Roasted Marrow Bones for $12, Duck Confit Crostini for $8, Grilled Beef Tongue with sweet and sour beets for $10 and Peruvian Ceviche for $11. TAKE: a handful of friends with you, although tapas are fine for two, they are divine with four people or more.

Cancun Fiesta Fresh
4019 Pennsylvania Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 756-2120
http://www.cancunfiestafresh.com/

General Manager Rafael Pinedo runs one of the busiest taco trucks in the city that isn’t actually mobile. Located in an old garage in Westport across from the Beaumont Club, this modest but clean, friendly and affordable little place serves up authentic street tacos along with the usual Mexican fare. Get soft warm, corn tortillas filled with your choice of meats: Marinated Beef, BBQ Beef, Roasted Pork, Chicken, Ground Beef, Beef Tongue (must try!) or Beef Cheek (seriously good!) with chopped cilantro and diced onion for only $1.75 a piece. A great place to be called a cheap date. Open for lunch, dinner and late night – when they become the place to nosh post-cocktails. VISIT: on Tuesdays when all street tacos are only $1, not available for delivery.

Chosun Korean BBQ
12611 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66213
913-339-9644
http://www.chosunkoreanbbq.com/

Owner Keun-Bae Jeon, wants you to enjoy dinner and a cooking show at Chosun Korean BBQ. At dinner, you will, with the help of your waiter, cook thin slices of spicy pork or beef tableside over your own gas grill. Pull the meat from the grill and wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves topped off with side items like - kimchee, seaweed salad, cucumber and daikon radish, steamed egg and tofu. At lunch the grills are not lit, but you can still order off their authentic menu – including traditional bibim bap rice bowls for $9 or a haemool pajeon - crepe spiked with grilled squid and green onion made for sharing for $13. WAIT: for a grilling table, if you catch them on a busy night.

Masala’s Authentic Indian Diner
7301 W. 91st Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 649-8888
http://www.kcmasalas.com/

While the owner of Masala’s may choose to remain a mystery, this restaurant is one you should definitely explore. Located in front of Whole Foods, the dining room is lovely and light at lunch when their excellent buffet is served, and yet it positively transforms into an upscale retreat at night. The Indian community supports this relative newcomer to the scene, one look at the menu and you can see why. The large menu features Northern and Southern Indian dishes. The selection and variety of everything from Indian drinks to desserts is impressive. MIX: it up by ordering Masalas Mixed Grille for $18 featuring chicken, lamb, fish or shrimp from the tandoor oven, a vegetarian selection from the menu and a Bread Basket for $8 and you should be covered.

Copa Room
14944 W. 87th Parkway (87th and Lackman )
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 825-5200

When he closed the original Copa Room at 34th and Broadway, owner Carlo Cammisano knew it was time to move his restaurant closer to home. His family home located in Lenexa. Now Carlo’s mother, Kathy Fiorello, who still does all the cooking, serves up all of the same Italian dishes she did when they were downtown and packing them in. The remodeled space is airy and looks like a highly stylized rec room. For the best of both worlds order the Basa, a lightly floured Basa fish filet, sautéed and topped with a lemon butter sauce, served with a side of penne pasta with alfredo and comes with a house salad and bread basket all for $21. LISTEN: to live music with your meal on Wed-Sat. nights when Rat Pack-style singers entertain with old favorites.

January 2009 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - January 2009
“Soup’s on!”

Hien Vuong Restaurant
417 Main Street (inside the City Market)
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 842-1020

The City Market has developed into a real United Nations of food and culture, with the Hien Vuong Restaurant proudly representing the country of Vietnam. Located in a garage, the place is tiny, with tables crammed into every corner. You will be seated and place your order with assembly line efficiency. Order a bowl of Phở and experience a soup that eats like a meal. Phở has mounds of white rice noodles in clear, flavorful beef broth, with thin cuts of beef or seafood and garnished with bountiful fresh herbs and aromatics - such as green onions, cilantro, sliced jalapeño, Thai basil, lime wedges, and bean sprouts all for around $8. GET: your Phở on for lunch any day other than Tuesday, when they are closed.

The Happy Soup Eater
(run out of Happy Gillis)
549 Gillis Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 471-3663
http://www.happysoupeater.com

Todd Schulte started The Happy Soup Eater several years before he opened Happy Gillis in Columbus Park. The idea was to make tasty homemade soup with all-natural ingredients and deliver them to your doorstep. Todd still delivers quarts of soup to many zip codes across the metro area. To get on the list, go to the website, sign-up and receive his weekly emails with the list of soups that are available, then place your order and pay online. Some recent soups: White Chicken Chili with Roasted Green Chilies for $13 or Gingered Sweet Potato Soup for $12. TRY: some of his other delicious and inventive food items he will occasionally offer, like Macaroni & Cheese Royale and Pumpkin Seed Spinach Pesto.   

Thai Place
4130 Pennsylvania
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-THAI
(4 other locations in KC)
http://www.kcthaiplace.com

Owner, Ann Liberda, has expanded her families’ restaurant empire from the original location on 87th Street to 5 locations across the city. This means great Thai food cannot be far from where you are. For a full understanding of the hot, sour and sweet flavors of Thai cuisine, order any of their exotic soups. Try a large bowl of the Volcano Soup overflowing with your choice of seafood, chicken or vegetables all swimming in a heady broth of lemongrass and Kafir lime for around $9, or get the rich and creamy Galanga Soup with a coconut milk, galanga root and lemongrass broth packed with your choice of seafood, chicken or vegetables for $10. SAVE: a little cash and come in for their soup selections at lunch when the prices are about half.

Bloomsbury Bistro
4101 W. 83rd Street

Prairie Village, KS 66208
(913) 642-9900
http://www.missionroadantiquemall.com

Dig out this little treasure of a restaurant located in the middle of the Mission Road Antique Mall. Owner, Chef Cari Jo Cavalcante, makes simple, hearty old-fashion dishes you remember loving as a child, and does them to perfection. They have two soups each day and people rave about them. Try their famous German Potato Soup, a clear broth soup with hunks of potatoes, carrot, smoked sausage, and sauerkraut a good sized bowl is around $6. Make it a combo by adding a half sandwich or salad for a few dollars more. PUT: your name on the list for lunch, as sometimes there is a bit of a wait and then wander the antique mall. They will call your name when your table is ready on the speakers.

Souperman
1724 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-SOUP
http://www.soupkc.com

You cannot mention great soup in Kansas City and not mention Chef Rob Dalzell’s Souperman. Located in the old TWA building on Main Street, Souperman has carved out a quick and tasty lunchtime business serving some of the most creative soups in the city. With selections like Smoked Tomato Cheddar, Lemon Chicken Artichoke, West African Peanut Chicken and Moroccan Lamb and Lentil – you can see the variety and ethnic influences in his core group of soups. His soups are also filling which makes them a great value. Soups come in two sizes 8 oz. for $3.50, or 16 oz. for $5.50. ORDER: your lunch online, to make sure if you have to brave the cold, that your soup is waiting on you to zip in and pick it up.

December 2008 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - December 2008
“Shopping for Foodie Gifts with a Bite.”

Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates
1819 McGee Street 

Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 842-1300
http://www.elbowchocolates.com

Christopher Elbow started his chocolate making career as the Pastry Chef for The American Restaurant. Eventually, he found a space of his own and began making his hand-painted beauties full time. Now, he has moved his whole operation into a sleek space with a retail store on a quiet block on 18th Street downtown. Go in for some customized bon-bon shopping and treat yourself to a glass of Liquid Chocolate for $4. The drinks are spiked with various fruit or spice flavors similar to those he uses in his candies. GIVE: a box of custom chocolates or let them choose for you. Almost too pretty to eat . . .almost. A 4-piece box is $10 and they go up to a 42-piece box for $75. 

Upper Crust Pie Company
Inside Pryde’s Old Westport Kitchen and Home
115 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 531-5588
http://www.prydeskitchen.com/

Pryde’s has been a mecca for kitchen gadget lovers in KC for over 39 years. Located on the lower level in back of their jam-packed kitchen shop is the Upper Crust Pie Company. Upper Crust sells an impressive selection of homemade seasonal pies & quiches every Friday and Saturday. Sisters, Jan and Elaine, make petite pies for around $7 that feed 1-2 or fruit, nut or cream pies for around $19 a pie. They are now accepting Holiday Pie orders. Upper Crust also offers two types of quiche on the weekend. GIVE: a colorful Fiestaware pie baker for $16 from Pryde’s and let the cook in your life make their own flaky confection from scratch.

Culinary Center of Kansas City
7920 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, KS 66204
(913) 341-445
http://www.kcculinary.com/

When Laura O’Roarke started the Culinary Center of Kansas City in downtown Overland Park in an old carriage barn she had converted, she had a dream to bring culinary community to KC. Ten years later she has expanded her operation to include cooking classes, team building, private dinners, catering and a retail kitchen shop. The newest program offered to the public is “Staff Lunch”, served every Tuesday from 11:30 am -1:30 pm. For $10, first come/first serve, you will dine on a delicious meal the CCKC Chef has prepared, plus dessert. GIVE: culinary inspiration and education with a gift certificate to attend a cooking class, or for more serious cooks consider gifting the Professional Culinary Arts Program offered at CCKC.

Parker Farms Natural Meat CSA
Tom and Paula Parker
43602 Hwy F
Richmond, MO 64085
816-470-FARM
parkerfarms@peoplepc.com
http://parkerfarmsmeats.com/

Give the gift of locally raised food to your family or someone you love by joining a community supported agriculture group. CSA’s can be found for meat and eggs or just vegetables during the spring and summer months. It’s basically a system of buying food direct from the farmer with no middle man. You benefit from local, grass-fed meat/eggs and they benefit from a guaranteed income. Parker Farms is a meat (beef, pork, lamb & chicken) and eggs CSA with a 12 month program. All of their beef and lamb is 100% grass-fed. The meat is delicious and the fresh farm eggs will always remind you why local is better. GIVE: a whole share of meat & eggs for $1,150 for the year or get a half share for $600.

Restaurant.com
1-888-745-6991
info@restaurant.com
http://www.restaurant.com

In these economic times, eating out can sometimes feel like a luxury you cannot afford. Check out Restaurant.com for a way to enjoy your dining experience more affordably. Working with local restaurants, Restaurant.com offers gift certificates that you can purchase at a discount online. Choose from thousands of great local restaurants – like Teocali, 1924 Main, Tatsu’s French Restaurant, Waldo Pizza and many more. Just enter your zip code and begin searching for a restaurant you fancy. Most restaurants offer at least a $25 certificate that you can purchase for only $10. Restaurant owners are willing to sell these certificates at a discount to bring in more customers. GIVE: a great meal with discounted gift certificate for a whole host of independent restaurants across the Kansas City Metro area, and while you are at it, pick up some for yourself.

November 2008 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - November 2008
“Giving Thanks for these New or Notable Eateries.”

Teocali Mexican Restaurant
2512 Holmes Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 221-4749
http://teocali.com

On a quiet street in the Longfellow/Dutch Hill neighborhood, find Teocali east of Hallmark, north of Truman Medical and south of Children’s Mercy. Seek out this charmer and settle in for authentic Mexican food and service with a smile. Owners, Enrique & Chela Gutierrez make food from their home in Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico. Order the Carne de Puerco con Chile, and get chunks of tender pork slowly simmered in smoky hot sauce served with rice, beans and either corn or flour tortillas for $9. Fish tacos are also a house specialty here for $9. Margarita’s rule or try the Horchata, a traditional drink of cinnamon, sugar and rice-water. LIVE: or work within a reasonable distance and place a minimum order of $25, and they will deliver.

Kabab & Curry
12112 West 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 888-8040

You won’t miss the newly opened Kabab & Curry in the back of this Lenexa shopping center because owner, Surinder Becker, has smartly hung a sign that says: “Yes, we’re open!” With a soothing upscale dining room, the breadth and quality of the Indian dishes delivers almost as much pleasant surprise as the decor. Most impressive is the list of traditional Indian breads, try an order for $2-$3. Sample various types and flavors of Roti, Naan, Paratha, Kulcha or Puri. Kababs from the tandoori oven are cooked to perfection, while the spicy Lamb Bhuna for $12 and the Curry in Chicken, Beef or Shrimp really deliver the heat. GET: your food spiced the way you prefer from mild to spicy, or ask for guidance, they know what level of heat tastes the best.

Delaware Cafe
300 Delaware Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 842-0303
http://www.giphter.com/delawarecafe

Here’s the buzz about the talented young guns at the newly reformed Delaware Café, which used to be just a breezy lunch spot in the River Market. The team is culinary whiz kid, Executive Chef Joe West, formerly of Bluestem along with Chef Chris Eis, formerly of 1924 Main and Chef Andrew Stannard, formerly of 40 Sardines. The lunch menu remains largely the same, but the dinner menu is filled with sassy dishes like, Pan Basted Sea Scallops with cauliflower pureé, foie gras pierogi, huckleberry “paint” and foie gras crisps for $27. Flirting with gastro techniques and eye-popping presentations, know that there is a method to the madness as the food is delicious and wholly satisfying. ORDER: the Kitchen Table Eight Course Tasting, $85 a person, and give thanks we have this team downtown.

Café Europa
323 E. 55th Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 523-1212

Café Europa is serious about serving the best classic American food at reasonable prices in Brookside. Owner, Andy Atterbury, hired Executive Chef Nate Feldmiller, formerly of Circe on 39th Street, and Pastry Chef Anna Morrow to figure out the type of restaurant that would be in demand and meet the needs of the diverse neighborhood clientele they serve. Café Europa does a brisk lunch business, with memorable soups, quiches and sandwiches. Try the Turkey with Sweet Nutty Cream Cheese sandwich served on thick homemade bread for $9. Chef Nate does a casual and relaxed dinner too, thus ruling the restaurant roost in the Crestwood Shops. SWEET: and sour, get the famous Lemon Cake for dessert, a carry-over item from the previous owner, Gigi Cowell.

t*a*s*t*e
7938 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, KS 66204
(913) 766-0320

Executive Chef Jonathon Dallen left his first restaurant, Tonic, and KC two years ago to tour the world on a yacht as a personal Chef. He came back to downtown Overland Park, where he bought the same space where it had all began. He has named the new restaurant Taste, in the hope that people would order many small plates to taste. See 26 small plates for you to mix and match all between $5-$12. Try the Tasting of Meat Satays with dipping sauces (Chef’s choice) for $10. Taste delivers comfortable food with a hint of Asian influence and all of the seafood dishes are a standout. This will be your favorite neighborhood hang-out. TELL: the Chef the number of “tastes” you are up for and he will gladly prepare a special plate for you to sample them all.

October 2008 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - October 2008
“Excellent Eating in Unexpected Places.”

IN A BANK:
EBT Restaurant
1310 Carondolet
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 942-8870
http://www.ebtrestaurant.com/

South of I-435, inside of the UMB bank, is a downright glamorous restaurant that serves fine food with a side order of KC history. EBT is the unique vision of local restaurateur Ed Holland. The name, EBT, comes from Emery, Bird, Thayer – the three men that owned the largest and most successful department store on Kansas City’s Petticoat Lane. Local talent Executive Chef Tate Roberts honors that history with his golden era classic cuisine. At dinner, try the Golden Brown Diver Scallops with Tomato Risotto and Truffle Vinaigrette for $10, then order the Sautéed Rainbow Trout with Browned Butter with asparagus and whipped potatoes for $25. DINE: in a piece of history, request the table inside the gilded elevator cage salvaged from the original store.

IN A SCHOOLHOUSE:
Webster House
1644 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 221-4713
http://www.websterhousekc.com/

The dramatic Romanesque Revival style building was perfectly restored inside and out in 2002 by owner, Shirley Bush Helzberg. It opened for business as a charming antique and gift shop with a restaurant that quickly became the hot spot for “ladies who lunch”. With the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Center going up next door, Webster House has decided to offer delicious dinner service beginning September 10. At dinner, order the Asparagus and Black Truffle salad with poached quail egg for $10 and follow that with either the Thyme-roasted Diver Scallops for $25 or Braised Veal Cheeks for $26. ASK: To sit at the Chef’s Counter when you make your reservation and feel the kitchen heat while chatting with charming Executive Chef Charles D’Ablaing.

IN A GAS STATION:
Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue
3002 W. 47th Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66103
(913) 722-3366
http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com/

Barbecue fanatics in this town and across the country seek out 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 $6. Owners, Joe and Joy Stehney, started on the KC barbecue circuit, but when they started winning awards, they knew it was time to open a place of their own. SLIP: next door to the liquor store, once you have placed your to-go order, and pick up some beer to get all of your food groups covered.

(Oklahoma Joe's Z-Man Sandwich photo taken by Achtung BB for his blog found here.)

IN A FASHION BOUTIQUE:
119, The Restaurant (Inside the Soho 119 Boutique)
4419 West 119th Street
Leawood, KS 66209
(913) 338-5800

Soho 119 is the hip, new retail outpost in Leawood, where you can feed your craving for designer fashion and gourmet cuisine all under the same roof. This full-service restaurant, located in the back of the store, feels as swanky as the clothing surrounding you. Executive Chef, Chris Dressel, prepares your meal behind glass. Order the Gazpacho, with it’s smoky bite, for $10. The Salmon Salad for $14 features warm, velvety poached salmon served on a bed of mixed greens with orange and avocado slices and an arresting mint vinaigrette. Fresh Burrata mozzarella and Italian Speck ham appetizers also impress. AFTER: retail hours come through the backdoor, much like a speakeasy, and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine from their impressive list.
 
IN A FARM HOUSE:
Stroud’s Restaurant & Bar
5410 NE Oak Ridge Drive
Kansas City, MO 64119
(816) 454-9600
http://www.stroudsrestaurant.com/

With their newest location now open off Shawnee Mission Parkway, it can be easy to forget comfort and old-fashioned charm of this log-cabin turned farmhouse turned restaurant north of the city. But that would be a shame, because the James Beard award winning pan-fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy just seem to taste better in familiar surroundings. Owner, Mike Donegan oversees a true institution for families all over KC. For only $14, get your choice of pan-fried chicken pieces, tossed salad, choice of potatoes, green beans and cinnamon rolls. LONG: waits are a breeze, take the kids down to the pond to skip rocks or visit the breezy screened in porch for a starter drink and some popcorn.

(Stroud's Fried Chicken photo taken by Michael Stern and posted on Roadfood.com here.)

September 2008 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - September 2008
“Frozen treats that can’t be beat.”

Murray’s Ice Cream & Cookies
4120 Pennsylvania Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
(816) 931-5646

Operating in the same crevasse of Westport for 20 years makes Murray’s Ice Cream & Cookies an absolute institution in KC. Owner, Murray Nixon, still makes all of the ice cream in the shop by hand. Try her signature flavor Chocolate Flake Fromage and taste cream cheese flavored ice cream with flakes of chocolate chips throughout. A single dip cone is around $2. Other favorites are One Drunk Monk (chocolate, Frangelico, hazelnut) and Lemon Sorbet. Her flavors change daily, and she offers handmade cookies, ice cream sandwiches and Brown or Black Cows. Come when the sun goes down and see families, art students and neighborhood groupies all sitting outside together enjoying a collective creamy group hug. CLOSED: during the winter months, December-February, when open hours are Wednesdays-Sundays 12:00 noon to 10:30 pm.

Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard
3832 West 95th Street
Leawood, KS 66206
(913) 383-3667

AND

6235 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 523-2520
http://www.foosfabulousfrozencustard.com

Betty Bremser’s original Foo’s in Brookside is like visiting an old friend – comfortable, friendly and full of memories. Visit their newest outpost, owned by Jeff Stottle, at 95th Street and see your old friend in a new light. With room to move and a funky modern décor, somehow the custard seems even creamier here. Made with Foo’s incredible vanilla custard, concretes, are they way to go. Try the Cinnaberry concrete with cinnamon and strawberries or the Java the Nut with coffee, pecans and chocolate chips. A small concrete is about $3. TREAT: yourself to a box of Christopher Elbow chocolates to-go, Foo’s at 95th is one of the few that sells them. 

Paleteria Tropicana
830 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 221-0192

You won’t need to know a lick of Spanish (other than muchas gracias) to taste some of the finest fresh fruit popsicles and sorbets in this city.  This clean, bright and friendly Paleteria on “The Boulevard” is hard to miss with colorful umbrellas and gleaming silver outdoor tables and chairs. Step inside and check out the flavors of tropical sorbet in the case. Lime, Coconut, even Mamey, for about $1.50 for a generous scoop. Try the Tamarind for something different and delicious. The frozen fruit bars are almost more interesting than the sorbet. Mango Chili? Corn? Avocado? WOW! WATCH: what flavors of sorbet the neighborhood locals are ordering, then get what they are having, guaranteed to be delicious.

Argento Italian Gelato
21 East Third Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 803-6023

Hiding out in the City Market in a very simple space, but serving some very complex yet wholly satisfying gelato is Argento’s. Find owner, David Marrone, behind the counter most days ready to open your mind to a world of flavor and texture with authentic Italian gelato. Try seasonal favorites like Tortoni (buttery tasting gelato with little pieces of coconut cookies crumbled in it.) Don’t miss Olive Oil and Turkish Espresso gelato for something uniquely gourmet. Get a single scoop of gelato for a couple of bucks, and shop the market. This gelato is so worth the trip. ASK: to sample anything you please, they are happy to offer small spoons of several flavors until you find the one that speaks to you.

Fresher than Fresh Snowcones
1957 Refurbished Shasta Trailer
Every First Friday
Hammerpress Studio
110 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
http://www.fresherthanfreshsnowcones.blogspot.com/

On First Friday’s, you could not miss Lindsay Laricks if you tried in her uber-cute, 1957 turquoise blue, “Canned ham” Trailer with icon Snowie the Snowcone on top. Parked outside Hammerpress, which is owned by her boyfriend, Brady Vest, you will find this charming whisp of a woman selling all-natural and hand-made snowcones. For $3 a pop, she will sell you a snowcone using syrups she makes using the freshest ingredients and herbs that come from her own backyard. Her roster of flavors tells you everything you need to know: Lime Mint, Ginger Rose, Blackberry Lavender, Watermelon Basil, Lemon Prickly Pear, Green Tea Pear and Espresso & Mexican Cane Sugar. ORDER: for fun the Daredevil Special, which is her secret flavor of the day. Her first Daredevil flavor was the refreshingly health-conscious Agave Hibiscus. It was a hit!

Jenny Vergara is a full time Foodie and a woman on quest to develop her palate and herself through cooking, eating, drinking, traveling and writing. She has spent the last 5 years documenting all the restaurants she found along the way in a series of personal restaurant journals she keeps for her own enjoyment. Email her at tablehopping@gmail.com or keep up with her Foodie adventures at  http://www.makingafoodie.com.

August 2008 Table Hopping

TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping - August 2008
“Best Places to Wine and Dine in Kansas City.”

JJ’s
910 West 48th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 561-7136
http://www.jjs-restaurant.com/

Only a restaurant with the history, legendary wine list and a recently rehabbed menu like JJ’s could survive the construction woes they have had for the last year and still not miss a beat. Locally owned by restaurateur Jimmy Frantze for over 20 years, JJ’s has a wine list with over 2,000 selections of mostly French and California wines. But it’s the combination of that list coupled with dishes like Wild Boar Ragu for $24 and Elk Rib Chop for $39 created by former Frondizi's executive chef, Linda Duerr, should put JJ’s on your short list. PARK:  anywhere you can find a parking spot, or use their valet service and make your car someone else’s problem.

Starker’s Restaurant
201 West 47th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 753-3565
http://www.starkersreserve.com/

The warm and intimate dining room at Starker’s Restaurant has one of the best views of the Country Club Plaza, and a wonderful wine list that continues to evolve with the owner/chef John McClure at the helm. The buzz is that this may be the next culinary dream team – John McClure, Dave Crumb as Sous Chef who was formally of Blue Stem and Jim Cooley, as the Sommelier. The hearty menu full of dressed up comfort food highlights their local food focus. Taste the 21 Day Dry Aged Strip Steak with Thane's turnips for $36 and pair that with the local beet salad with endive, walnuts and blue cheese dressing for $10. STEAL: a deal with Starker’s new three courses for $33, and save enough to get a great bottle of wine to go with it. Offer good Monday-Thursday through August 28.

Room 39
1719 West 39th 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 fine dining prices or formality. Try the Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with peach and rhubarb chutney for $23 or the Swiss Chard and Gruyere Tart for $18. TRUST: the wine pairings done by Kathi Rohlfing the GM/Sommelier for Room 39, they are perfectly in tune with the food.

Avenues Bistro
338 West 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 333-5700
http://www.avenuesbistro.com/

Brookside’s best kept food and wine secret is Avenues Bistro. Located on the corner in what used to be a dry cleaners, you will find this sparkling little gem of a restaurant owned by Joe Birch. With a food menu that skips all over Europe and back, you will be tantalized by the Braised Short Ribs Stroganoff for $19 and the Black Forest Jaeger Schnitzel for $17. Make a point to meet crazy passionate Wine Director Tim O’Neal who will do everything in his power to dazzle you with his creative wine list that keeps tempo with the menu. COME: in on Sunday nights and get 25% off all bottles. Talk to the Wine Director and off-list bottles are 50% off.

Osteria Il Centro

5101 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-2369
http://www.osteria-ilcentro.com/

Neighborhood folks and wine lovers alike mingle together in harmony at the quaint Osteria Il Centro. The vision and management of their impressive value priced wine list is the work of General Manager, Justin Rufus. The excellent Italian food is a fine partner to good grape juice offered. Get the Seafood Ravioli $18 or the Veal Piccata $20 to get a true sense of the kitchen skills. Get yourself to Osteria Il Centro and learn what the rest of the juice heads in KC already love and appreciate about this place . . knowledge and selection at a steal. VISIT: on Monday night where all wines by the glass are on special $7 a glass. With the quality of selection they offer, this is a steal.

Jenny Vergara is a full time Foodie and a woman on quest to develop her palate and herself through cooking, eating, drinking, traveling and writing. She has spent the last 5 years documenting all the restaurants she found along the way in a series of personal restaurant journals she keeps for her own enjoyment. Email her at tablehopping@gmail.com or keep up with her Foodie adventures at  http://www.makingafoodie.com.