Growing up in the Midwest, we discovered the depth of flavors that can be found in this region’s dishes. I remember waiting impatiently as my grandmother fried up chicken for Saturday night dinner. The smell was intoxicating and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into the crispy coating. Fast forward a few decades and …
Delivering Crunch – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken Read More »
Barbeque is almost a religion in Kansas City. Everyone has an opinion and a foundation from which they formed it. Rosedale Bar-B-Que started life on July 4, 1934. Originally known as The Bucket Shop, this was the spot for hot dogs and beer. What started as a way to survive the Depression, soon became a …
Judging barbecue restaurants has always been subjective. We’ve approached our visits with an open mind. This has allowed us to find something we enjoy at each stop. A relative newcomer, to the Kansas City BBQ scene, is Buck Tui BBQ at 6737 W. 75th Street, in Overland Park. Their menu is a mix of East …
Opening a new barbecue in Kansas City is always risky business. With over 100 competitors already churning away, you’ll find yourself in an uphill battle. It’s like competing in the American Royal BBQ Contest every day. When a friend clued us in on a newcomer in North Kansas City, we just had to test it out. …
Let’s time-travel back to 1957. The world was cast into the “Space Race” with the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite. In America, Jailhouse Rock was climbing the charts, while Elvis purchased Graceland. Frisbees first hit the market and The Music Man opened on Broadway. (You can read our article about the composer …
How many times have you faced the seemingly unsurmountable task of choosing what to have for dinner? It would be nice if they put a variety of cuisines in one space, so you could pick and choose your favorite dishes. Well someone was listening to our suggestions and created Parlor KC. This glorified grownup food …
It feels a little repetitive to mention that we live in a city filled with amazing barbecue restaurants. While we may not have sandy beaches or snow-capped mountains, any given day can bring the smell of grilling meats wafting across the landscape. When we are looking for southern BBQ in Kansas City, we have a …
As I sit writing this article, my mind is wandering back to our table at HomeGrown Kansas City, located at 338 W. 63rd St. in KCMO. This Wichita-based restaurant broke ground in our hometown and has seen amazing success. It may just be their delectable pop tartlets, which are great paired with a cup of …
On our excursions to New Orleans, we have become accustomed to enjoying some of their amazing food dishes. While we participate in most every cuisine, it is the southern flair of Cajun and Creole that bring some of the best flavors to the table. When KC Daiquiri Shop had opened a second site, we were …
When people mention dining in Kansas City, many will think of barbecue. While it is certainly a popular subject in our hometown, it is far from the only cuisine to be found here. In fact, there are tons of great eats to be found tucked away all over town. Kansas City, Kansas is our neck …
On any given day you are likely to smell the aroma of barbecue in Kansas City. The very fabric of the community is saturated with the intoxicating scent. Breaking the barrier to become a successful BBQ restaurant in this town is no easy feat. Chef J has learned this lesson as the new kid in …
The end of a workweek is certainly a reason for a celebration. This particular week had been rather brutal, so it was an easy decision to add a Happy Hour event to our Friday evening excursion. We wanted something fresh and new, so plans were set for a visit to Tavern in the Village. Located …
It’s hard to remember how many times we have been floored at the idea of businesses launching at the height of the pandemic. We understand that once a ball gets rolling, you just have to see it through. Still, the idea of beginning during such an unstable market has to be frightening. When we spotted …
It saddens us when we hear about a local business having to shutter its doors. Unfortunately, this was an all too common occurrence in 2020. On a positive note, there were many new enterprises willing to take a risk during those uncertain times. One that evidently felt it best to let 2020 pass by is …
Breaking the BBQ barrier in Kansas City isn’t easy. On any given day, the smoky aroma of barbecue permeates the very fabric of the city. It isn’t reserved just for game days or the Fourth of July. Barbecue is the lifeblood of the city. The idea of launching a new restaurant in this atmosphere can …
For decades, the McLain family served the locals in and around the Waldo area. Three generations of the family-operated this local bakery, delivering pastries, bread, and cakes to eager customers. There would often be long lines waiting for their chance to snatch up some of the goodies. When the McLain family sold the business in …
When we heard that Denver Biscuit Company was coming to KC, images of fluffy mounds, covered in gravy, filled our thoughts. Little did we know, the reality would be fat stacks of folded biscuit bliss that would challenge our appetites. Our affinity for southern-style foods means that we love folded biscuits, although we never turn …
There are a few ways that you could describe the Drunken Worm. This hole-in-the-wall eatery looked to be barely there, from the street. Once we passed through the doorway, we discovered a cozy cantina filled with a variety of tequila and tacos. This Mexican cuisine destination sits at 1405 W. 39th Street and offers upwards …
They say that change is inevitable and that it is often for the better. While we sometimes find ourselves saddened by the loss of a familiar haunt, we try to accept it as fate. When McCoy’s Public House closed, after over 20 years, we were fearful that space would be lost for a long time. …
Like many of you, we enjoy a visit to our local city market. In fact, the historic City Market in Kansas City has been a staple of the downtown since 1857. The vibrant neighborhood that surrounds the market is filled with unique shops and restaurants. Going in search of a fun evening out, we planned …
To be successful in the restaurant business requires a high level of commitment. It helps when you have your priorities clearly determined. Franco Cupini is a man who is dedicated to friends, family, and food. His love for the restaurant business shines through when you see him working at his Westport eatery, Cupini’s. Franco was …
What draws you to a new restaurant? Over the past three years we have written articles for around 50 restaurants in the Kansas City metro. When you add in all of the other cities that number jumps to nearly 200 articles. Prior to starting this website, I hosted a restaurant blog that featured many more. …
It seems that people are coming up with new ways to re-purpose familiar items all of the time. Finding alternative uses for shipping containers seemed to be a logical next step. A visit to North Kansas City, Missouri showed us how one group of ingenious people had built a space that combines function and frugality …
Kansas City can be described in many ways, but we like to think of it as the “Melting Pot of the Midwest”. Within the boundaries of the metro, you can find nearly every ethnicity. This provides an amazing array of cultures, and they each bring their unique cuisine to the table. Diners can choose from …
Living in the landlocked Midwest has its pros and cons. While one of the biggest pluses is the amazing people in every city and town, there are things we miss at times. Traveling around North America has allowed us to sample a variety of cuisines and flavors from all corners of the continent. The tastes …
With the Stay at Home orders in place, you may have noticed an increased number of Asian restaurants in our blog lately. This has happened for two main reasons. First, we have recently discovered this amazing cuisine, so we are catching up on all of the great options around our hometown. The second reason is …
Have you ever made an assumption about a business based on partial information? This has actually happened to us a few times. It often occurs because we have failed to thoroughly research. Let’s look at an example of such an oversight. We first noticed Lulu’s Noodles during our day trips to downtown Lawrence, Kansas. During …
We have been visiting D’Bronx Authentic Deli for years. Our introduction to this New York-style eatery came in the 1990s, which was not too long after they appeared on the landscape. Their 3904 Bell Street location has always been our go-to spot for handhelds and pizza pies. In fact, one celebration included an attempt to …
Handhelds And Pizza Pies – D’Bronx Authentic Deli Read More »
Living in the landlocked Midwest can limit our access to fresh seafood. Few places have the dedication to do the legwork required to keep this type of pipeline running. Fortunately, we have a delectable option right in our hometown. Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood is bringing the sea to KC. We have been advised of the …
Bringing The Sea to KC – Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood Read More »
We all have our home town favorites that seem to draw us back over and over. For some, it may be the atmosphere or the feeling of nostalgia. One thing that is usually required is the ability to deliver a consistent meal that we can count on time after time. Living in a larger metropolitan …
As we approach the one month mark, since our hometown implemented the “Stay At Home” rule, we find ourselves adapting to this new reality. While we all hope it is temporary, we know that there is the possibility that it will remain around, in some form, for many months. In the meantime, we are working …
There is a lot of uncertainty floating around Kansas City right now. We find ourselves in the middle of the Covid-19 shutdown. Businesses are learning how to adapt to this new paradigm. While many have reduced hours and even scaled back their menus, others have temporarily closed. That is the case for Green Room Burgers …
Green Room Burgers & Beers – The Sun Will Shine Again Read More »
How many of you are ready to get back to some sort of normal life? Crystal and I love to visit new restaurant destinations, but this “curbside only” situation is putting a damper on our exploration. Fortunately, we have a good backlog of places we had already visited, so we can keep supplying some new …
Living in Kansas City, Kansas means that we are blessed to have the best Mexican cuisine options in the Midwest. Our hometown is known far and wide for being the home to numerous taquerias (taco stores), carnicerias (meat stores), and cantinas (bar & grills). When you add in the panaderias (bakeries), you expand the list …
Living in a city filled with amazing food and drink destinations means that the options always outweigh the opportunities. With the winter weather releasing its grip on Kansas City, it’s time for us to spend more time exploring. Over the colder months, we make note of places we pass and add them to our “future …
When we heard that Snooze A.M. Eatery was planning a Kansas city location, it brought a smile to our faces. We enjoy a standard breakfast as much as the next couple, but the chance to start your morning with a twist makes it extra special. This funky and friendly Denver-based chain has a reputation for …
Start Your Morning With A Twist – Snooze A.M. Eatery Read More »
What happens when you gather six chefs all under one roof? You end up with an upscale food court, like the one at Strang Hall, in downtown Overland Park. The idea for this chef collective came from a desire to add a new twist to the dining scene. This collection of restaurants allows the locals …
We have to believe that we are not much different than most of our readers. Like others, we enjoy a good meal, and trying new restaurants is usually a fun experience. During the winter, we find ourselves having brunch more often. A good example was a stop in Room 39, located at 1719 W. 39th …
How often do you find yourself wondering why you haven’t frequented a place more often? It seems that we eat at the Jerusalem Cafe food truck every time we are shopping in the West Bottoms, but rarely visit their brick and mortar in Westport. Clearly it was time to check out their new home at …
Kansas City has become a destination for some of the best Mexican cuisine north of the border. All across the metro, diners will find an array of options, with dishes that originate from the various states in Mexico. Much like dining across the United States, each Mexican district has its own flavors to impart. We …
Hacienda To The Heartland – Mi Ranchito Cocina & Cantina Read More »
Let’s face it, us Kansas Citians have a thing for barbecue. There may be other cities that claim the crown for this delectable cuisine, but there is a reason that the World Series of BBQ is held in our hometown. For those needing more proof, just drive by Arrowhead Stadium before a Chiefs game, and …
Kansas City has slowly, but surely become a haven for Mexican cuisine. From the small Mom & Pop street taco shops of KCK to the larger chain restaurants scattered throughout the metro. It seems that finding a taco vendor is just about as easy as locating a barbecue. When Guy Fieri decided to jump into …
Blurring The Line – Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint Read More »
To this day, we are amazed at the number of hidden gems that we find spread around the Kansas City metro. There are so many alcoves and pockets dotting the landscape. Thank goodness for Google Maps, since finding places in the pre-computer age was much more difficult. Of course, there are paths that many of …
It never ceases to amaze us, that one specific dish can have so many variations. A prime example of this is pizza. We are sure that images of various versions of this Italian delicacy are floating through your mind. Not only are there a myriad of ingredient combinations, but these days there is an untold …
Saint Louis Style Pizza In Kansas City – Leo’s Pizza Read More »
A visit to City Market, in downtown Kansas City, offers a chance to hang with the locals. It is also the place to find locally produced fruits and vegetables, as well as other cooking ingredients. With all of this freshness so close, it’s no wonder that the restaurants in the neighborhood are so popular. While …
How many times do we drive past a hole-in-the-wall destination without even noticing? If we are being honest with ourselves, this happens to us more than we like to admit. A prime example is a small restaurant that sits at 210 S. 7th Street, in Kansas City, Kansas. Home to GG’s Barbacoa Café, this diminutive …
With all the restaurant options out there, we still enjoy a good old burger joint every so often. These days it seems to get harder and harder to find these stops, as everybody wants to make gourmet burgers. On a visit to downtown Overland Park, we dropped by The Snack Shack on Santa Fe to …
Burgers, Fries and Satisfaction At The Snack Shack Read More »
Recently, we had a chance to experience the “Taste of Central” festival in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. This event offered participants an opportunity to sample dishes from a variety of restaurants that they may overlook on a regular basis. We have to admit that we are just as guilty as others of forgetting to showcase …
Exploring Kansas City is a passion for us since it is our home town. Our metropolitan area is unique, as it crosses a state line. While geographically there are actually two Kansas Cities, we treat the metro as one big melting pot. We enjoy showcasing the entire metropolitan area and show the same love to …
We are always on the lookout for a chance to sample a new restaurant. Kansas City is filled with so many great eateries that it is impossible for us to capture the taste of them all. Even a casual Saturday morning can expose us to a new spot, like a recent visit to downtown Overland …
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