Table Hopping – February 2011
“Double Dates ”
The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
1924 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
(816) 471-2177
Owner, Ryan Maybee and Executive Chef Howard Hanna have finally opened up their joint venture in the old 1924 Main space downtown. Those in the know flocked to see the new space and menu these two had produced. The food has Italian and French influences but a stick to your ribs, hardiness that really satisfies in these cold winter months. Pork in every way imaginable is being served here, start with the pork soup and roll from there. Luscious pastas and crisp salads are all perfectly portioned and casually cool. End with bourbon-filled chocolates that are hand-made in house. CALL: ahead to book a seat downstairs, after dinner, in a dark corner of Manifesto, Kansas City’s speakeasy, and your night with the best craft cocktail in the city.
Genessee Royale
1531 Genessee Street
Kansas City, MO 64102
(816) 474-7070
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. Chef Blair Cobbett, formerly of You Say Tomato, has produced a stunning simple breakfast and lunch only menu that offers my new favorite cheeseburger in KC, called The Butcher’s Grind for only $8. AFTER: lunch head across the street to the Amigoni Urban Tasting Room. Open Wed. - Sat. 11am-6pm, you can sample several different local wines made from French grapes grown in Missouri soil for FREE. Find one you like and buy a glass or purchase a bottle to enjoy at home.
La Bodgea South
4311 W. 119TH Street
Leawood, KS
(913) 428-8272
James Taylor had no sooner closed ReVerse on the Plaza, before the announcement was made that he would be opening his second La Bodega tapa’s restaurant in the One Nineteen Shopping Center where the old JP’s Wine Bar used to be. Taking special care to bring all of the colors and warmth from his first location makes this a sexy place to dine. Sharing food is an intimate experience. Excite your palate by ordering a wide variety of cold and hot small plates and a fine bottle of Spanish wine to share. BEFORE: dinner, stop at André’s Confiserie Suisse at 119th & Roe, across the street, for a lovely box of locally made Swiss chocolates for your sweetheart. René Bollier is carrying on the family tradition of chocolate making in this their second location. (Photo by Mary Bloch, food blogger for Around the Block.)
The American Restaurant
200 E. 25th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 545-8001
There are certain places that come to mind when you start thinking about romantic nights out on the town. The American Restaurant, with Executive Chef Debbie Gold and Pastry Chef Nick Wesemann, have special occasions locked down. Make your reservation for a romantic dinner for two and ask for a window seat. Enjoy some of the finest food at the hands of some of the most talent culinary staff in the city. The synchronized service that the staff provides coupled with Jamie Jameson’s wine knowledge will ensure a 5-star experience. START: your night with a glass of champagne at the top of a different building downtown by making a reservation at Skies the revolving restaurant at the top of the Hyatt Regency Crown Center and enjoy a 360 degree view of KC.
bluestem
900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64133
(816) 516-1101
The power couple of fine cuisine has got to be Chef Colby and Chef Megan Garrelts, owners of bluestem. When they offer a special holiday menu, there should be no hesitation; it is going to be stellar. For Valentine’s Day, they are hosting a gorgeous 3-course menu for $65. The menu features Colby’s perfected entrées like 36 Hour Short Rib Tenderloin and Campo Lindo Chicken Piccata with roasted garlic gnocchi. Then at the end your meal, you will have your choice of one of Megan’s delicious desserts, like Chocolate Pudding Cake with vanilla-rose strawberries, milk chocolate ice cream and toasted meringue. TWICE: the fun, and yet a totally different way to experience bluestem is through their Valentine’s Tea on February 12, featuring small finger foods and lovely tea service to share.
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