Dining Archives - Our Changing Life

Brobeck’s Barbeque: A Kansas City BBQ Experience

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Sometimes the best meals start with a simple message. After sharing a few of our Kansas City barbecue experiences, readers kept pointing us in one direction, urging us to visit Brobeck’s Barbeque. That kind of recommendation sticks with us, especially in a city where barbecue opinions run deep.

We found ourselves pulling up to 4615 Indian Creek Pkwy, Overland Park, KS, just across the Kansas state line but firmly planted in the Kansas City barbecue conversation. There was a quiet confidence about the place before we even stepped inside.

Walking through the doors, we both felt that familiar anticipation. In Kansas City, barbecue is more than food. It is a tradition, a point of pride, and sometimes even a friendly debate waiting to happen.

A Look at the History Behind the Smoke

Every barbecue spot has a story, and this one begins with a passion for doing things the right way. Brobeck’s Barbeque built its reputation on consistency, attention to detail, and a commitment to traditional smoking methods.

Kansas City has long been known for its slow-smoked meats and thick, tangy sauces. From iconic institutions to neighborhood favorites, the city offers a wide spectrum of flavors. What stood out here was how this restaurant quietly carved out its place without leaning too heavily on hype.

Instead, it felt like a place that let the food speak first. In a region filled with familiar names and long lines, something is refreshing about a spot that earns its following through word of mouth.

That First Welcome

The moment we stepped inside, we noticed how relaxed everything felt. It was the kind of place where regulars seemed to know exactly what they were ordering, while newcomers like us were greeted with the same warm energy.

The space carried that classic barbecue joint feel, casual, comfortable, and focused on the food. There was a steady rhythm to the room, from customers choosing their seating to trays being set down with purpose.

What stood out most was the staff. They were quick to answer questions and genuinely seemed happy to have us there. That welcome sets the tone before the first bite even hits the table.

A Surprising Start

Before we even placed our full order, we were offered a sample of their ham salad. It is not something we usually associate with barbecue stops, so we were instantly curious.

I took a bite and immediately found myself leaning in for another. There was a richness and texture that caught me off guard in the best way. Crystal, on the other hand, gave me that look that said she was not quite as convinced.

Moments like this always make us laugh. Even when we are sharing the same plate, our experiences can take slightly different paths. That contrast is part of what makes these visits so memorable for us. It also meant that there was more for me.

Ol' Rays Favorite

When our tray arrived, it felt like the centerpiece we had been waiting for. Ol’ Rays Favorite gave us the chance to sample three meats, and we went all in with beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked jalapeno cheddar sausage.

The brisket carried that deep, smoky flavor we have come to expect in Kansas City BBQ. The pulled pork was juicy and tender, while the sausage added a little kick that kept things interesting.

We found ourselves slowing down between bites, taking it all in. This is the kind of meal that invites you to pause, to notice the textures, the flavors, and the small details that make barbecue in this region so distinctive.

Building the Perfect Plate

No barbecue experience feels complete without the sides, and ours arrived with cheesy corn and baked beans. Both brought that comforting balance that rounds out a tray of smoked meats.

The cheesy corn leaned creamy and satisfying, while the baked beans carried a depth that paired naturally with everything else on the plate. It felt like each bite added another layer to the overall experience.

We decided to go a little further and added a quarter pound of smoked turkey along with an order of onion rings. If you are visiting, a little planning helps. Portions here are generous, so sharing is definitely worth considering if you want to try a bit of everything.

Final Thoughts on Brobeck's Barbeque

As we examined our meal, I watched Crystal reach for the sauce and pour it over her pulled pork without hesitation. I just sat there for a second, smiling, knowing exactly how this moment was about to play out.

There is always a playful debate about barbecue. I tend to lean toward letting the meat stand on its own, while she is all about adding that extra layer of flavor. Watching her go all in with the sauce felt like the perfect ending to this visit.

Experiences like this remind us why Kansas City continues to hold such a strong place in the barbecue world. Every stop brings its own personality, its own approach, and its own loyal following.

We would love to hear what you think. When it comes to a place like Brobeck’s Barbeque, are you reaching for the sauce or keeping it simple and enjoying the meat as is?

The post Brobeck’s Barbeque: A Kansas City BBQ Experience appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Museum of BBQ in Kansas City

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:11:38 +0000

We felt a familiar sense of hometown comfort as we walked into the Museum of BBQ. We were exploring a place that celebrates the flavors and stories we have grown up appreciating right here in Kansas City. The Museum of BBQ set the stage for a journey through American barbecue traditions while still carrying the warm spirit of our own community. It was the kind of visit that reminded us why Kansas City BBQ has always felt like part of our personal story.

Being locals gave the experience a different rhythm. We were not discovering Kansas City through the eyes of travelers this time. Instead, we were peeling back a layer on something that has shaped our neighborhood meals, our conversations, and our weekend wanderings for years. Walking through those doors felt like finding a new chapter in a book we thought we already knew well.

Every display called to mind meals from past travels where smoke curled above pits in Carolina towns, Texas crossroads, and Mississippi Delta neighborhoods. Here in Kansas City, those memories seemed to gather under one roof, inviting us to follow the long path of American barbecue traditions with renewed curiosity.

. We want to thank the Museum of BBQ for hosting our visit. Rest assured, all photos and opinions are our own.

Finding Our Way Around This Flavor Filled Museum

The museum rests comfortably inside Crown Center, a place we have wandered through many times during our Kansas City adventures. Its central location makes it easy for travelers and locals to reach, and we felt that familiar sense of welcome as soon as we stepped inside. Regular hours currently run from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening, though they may shift with the season. Admission is $15 for adults, with reduced pricing for children and seniors. That balance makes it an inviting stop for nearly any itinerary.

We were greeted like old friends and found ourselves drifting into familiar BBQ-based conversation. The museum is self-guided, but we were offered some helpful advice to optimize our visit. After checking out the wide range of sauces for sale (so many were familiar names), we were ready to begin our smoke-filled journey through BBQ history.

Letting the Smoke Tell Its Story

Smoke has always been our quiet guide at barbecue spots across North America, and the museum captured its importance with a clarity that drew us in. We stood before a display that showed how a proper bark begins to form when spice rubs meet low heat and steady smoke. It reminded us of moments when we saw that dark, textured surface on brisket or ribs and knew we were about to taste something shaped by time rather than haste. A strong bark signaled a confident hand behind the pit.

A nearby display introduced different types of smokers, each offering its own personality. We learned how offset smokers work: heat travels from the firebox into the main chamber, giving the cook firm control over airflow. Vertical smokers use rising heat that circulates through stacked racks, while pellet smokers rely on compressed wood for precise temperature control. Seeing them side by side reminded us that every style, from traditional brick pits to modern steel rigs, shapes the final bite in its own quiet way.

Seeing the science presented so plainly made us appreciate how much technique hides behind each plate. Learning how smoke works its slow magic feels familiar now.

Playing Our Way Through Barbecue History

The museum surprised us by going far beyond static displays. It invites visitors to step directly into the story through thoughtful hands-on experiences. We appreciated how these interactive moments added movement and laughter to a subject that is often taught through quiet observation. It created a sense of play that made history feel alive.

The smoke ring toss taunted us as we took turns trying to land a ring on the mounted horns. It carried the same spirit we have found at roadside attractions, where simple games spark shared joy and elicit plenty of laughs.

The butcher shop play area added another layer of immersion. It echoes the early markets where butchers shaped the traditions that would guide American barbecue. I enjoyed donning an apron and serving up Crystal some fresh-cut selections.

The sauce pad station rounded out our playful experiences, as we stepped across soft, squishy pads. Before long, we found ourselves dancing to the vibe of a Saturday barbecue. This exhibit reminded us how creativity and flavor often go hand in hand.

Wandering Through the Woods

A wall lined with smoking woods invited us to imagine how flavor begins long before the meat reaches the pit. Hickory, pecan, oak, and cherry each carried memories from past trips where the wood choice shaped everything about the final bite. We thought back to one of the most unique experiences when we visited a smokehouse in Quebec City. We know that Kansas City BBQ often leans on hickory for its rich and steady burn, while apple or cherry softens the edges of pork with a gentle sweetness.

The museum deepened the experience by highlighting the difference between low-and-slow cooking and the hot-and-fast technique that has become popular in some modern settings. Low and slow relies on controlled heat and patient smoke to break down connective tissue and draw flavor deep into the meat. Hot and fast uses higher temperatures to create tenderness more quickly while still preserving a kiss of smoke. Standing there, we remembered meals shaped by both methods and how each left its own impression.

Looking at the woods again, we felt reminded that flavor begins with the land itself. The trees, the climate, and the way each region learned to use them all play a part in the story. This wall of wood made us appreciate how every pitmaster starts with the same simple choice and ends with a creation that carries the identity of the place it was cooked in.

Walking Into the Heart of Texas Beef Culture

Texas BBQ is filled with the spirit of open skies and long cattle trails. We examined a display that explained how brisket became the centerpiece of Texas identity, shaped by ranching heritage and long days of smoking over steady heat. We felt transported back to our first Texas smokehouse, where the pitmaster sliced brisket onto butcher paper.

The museum highlighted the rich crust and deep flavor that define Texas plates, and we found ourselves nodding as we remembered meals shaped by pepper, patience, and proud tradition.

Exploring Texas Traditions One Region at a Time

Texas carries so many stories within its vast borders. Central Texas celebrates simple seasoning, while East Texas leans toward sweeter sauces. South Texas adds its own influence from border culture, and each region claims a side dish that completes the meal. We recalled evenings when a bowl of pinto beans or a scoop of creamed corn turned a good plate into something unforgettable.

The museum handled these differences with clarity and warmth, helping us appreciate how every town and diner adds its own voice to the larger Texas conversation.

Sinking Into the Soft Joy of the Bean Ball Pit

During our exploration of side dishes, we happened on a giant bean ball pit. The soft spheres were designed to replicate a bowl of baked beans, and we couldn’t wait to dive in. Inside, we felt like kids again, and soon the room filled with our laughter.

The bean pit felt like a gentle reminder that barbecue has always been more than technique. It has been a source of connection and shared delight, and the museum captured that spirit beautifully.

Remembering Memphis One Rib at a Time

After finally escaping the bean pit, we moved further into our study of regional barbecue techniques. The Memphis section brought us back to plates of dry-rub ribs we discovered during a visit to Beale Street. We could almost taste the blend of paprika, pepper, and smoke as we stood before the displays. We remembered reading about pitmasters who believed that ribs should stand tall on their own without hiding behind sauce.

The museum honored this tradition with respect, reminding us that Memphis helped shape the broader landscape of American barbecue. It’s a strong belief that we can sink our teeth into, and have whenever we visit the “Home of the Blues”.

Following the Mustard Trail Through Carolina

Reading about Carolina BBQ felt like entering the cradle of American barbecue, a place where whole hog cooking shaped the earliest traditions that would later spread across the country. The coastal communities and inland farms began developing their own methods long before barbecue became a national passion. We admired how the mustard-based sauce emerged from the influence of German settlers, creating a bright, tangy flavor that has become a signature of the region.

We have never stood beside a Carolina pit as a whole hog was lowered inside, yet we have tasted the remarkable results. The museum helped us understand how long and steady heat transforms the entire hog into tender layers that carry both smoke and subtle sweetness. We remembered meals where the meat seemed to melt beneath the fork and where mustard sauce added a lively note that stayed with us long after the plate was empty. Thinking back on those moments reminded us why Carolina remains such an essential chapter in the story of barbecue and why its influence can still be felt at tables across North America.

Coming Home to Kansas City Variety

The Kansas City BBQ section welcomed us with its wide range of meats and flavors. Burnt ends, ribs, sausage, turkey, and chicken all found a place in the local story, and the museum captured that abundance with pride. We always loved how Kansas City embraced creativity while still honoring the foundations of slow cooking.

As locals and travelers, we felt proud to see our hometown’s style represented with such balance. It reminded us why Kansas City BBQ has become a crossroads of traditions across North America.

Meeting the Legends Who Built Kansas City BBQ

When we reached the section honoring Henry Perry, we stood quietly for a moment, letting his story settle in. Perry arrived in Kansas City in the early twentieth century and began serving smoked meats wrapped in newsprint to workers along the riverfront. His bold seasoning and steady smoke created a style that felt distinct even in its earliest form. The museum explained how his tiny stand grew into a local fixture and how his influence helped shape the expectations of a city that would come to cherish barbecue as part of its identity.

As we moved farther into the gallery, we felt the presence of the Gates family, whose growth from a single restaurant into a celebrated Kansas City institution showed how Perry’s foundation inspired new generations. Their commitment to flavor and community helped define a period when barbecue became a shared experience across neighborhoods. The museum also highlighted Arthur Bryant, whose restaurant became a destination for travelers, writers, and anyone who believed that a plate of ribs could reveal something honest about a place. His approach connected simplicity with character, creating meals that people still remember years after their first visit.

Walking through these stories reminded us how Kansas City BBQ was shaped not by one hand but by a lineage of cooks who understood the power of smoke, seasoning, and generosity. Each figure refined the craft while honoring the roots laid down before them. We left that section feeling grateful to live in a city where the founders of our favorite meals are remembered with such care. Their legacy continues to shape every new bite.

Taking a Tour of Sauces Across the Continent

The museum devoted an inviting section to sauces, and we found ourselves studying the variations as if comparing old friends. Alabama white caught our eye first with its creamy tang born from mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper. We remembered how this sauce pairs beautifully with smoked chicken and adds a gentle brightness to each bite. North Carolina vinegar represented an older tradition, one shaped by simplicity and a clean finish that cuts through the richness of pork in a way that feels both timeless and refreshing.

Kansas City molasses-based sauce is a familiar neighbor, carrying the deep sweetness and slow-cooked warmth that we have tasted in so many hometown meals. We appreciated how the museum traced its development through local cooking styles that value richness and balance. Kentucky black sauce introduces a very different note with its thin texture and bold, dark flavor built from vinegar and Worcestershire. We thought back to meals where its sharp character added a lively contrast to smoked mutton.

The exhibit also offered a friendly nod to the Carolina mustard traditions we explored earlier, reminding us that the German-influenced blend adds a sunny flavor that stands apart from the sweeter or sharper profiles found elsewhere. Texans are known for placing sauce gently on the side rather than letting it lead the meal. Standing before this wall of flavors, we felt grateful for the variety that stretches across North America and for the stories each bottle carries from pit to plate.

Feeling the Energy of the American Royal

The museum devoted a thoughtful section to the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. This competition has shaped Kansas City’s identity for decades. The American Royal began as a livestock show in the nineteenth century and grew into one of the most respected barbecue gatherings in the world. Over the years, it has drawn pitmasters of every background and tradition. Each brings regional pride and personal history to the smoky fields where they compete for top honors. Learning how the event evolved helped us appreciate the depth of its influence on American barbecue culture.

We felt a personal connection to this part of the exhibit because we have been blessed with the opportunity to wander through the competitor camps during past events. Those visits stay with us even now. We remembered the glow of evening light settling over rows of smokers and the gentle rumble of conversation as cooks tended their fires. Every camp carried its own rhythm, shaped by family teams, seasoned professionals, and newcomers eager to make their mark. Standing in those spaces felt like stepping into a living story where tradition and creativity meet beneath drifting ribbons of smoke.

Celebrating Pork Ribs and the Joy of Sweet Heat

Ribs have always been one of my personal measures of a restaurant’s craft, and the museum gave this beloved dish the attention it deserves. We studied the displays and thought about the different variations that so many Kansas City pitmasters have perfected. Each type carries its own balance of tenderness and flavor. Baby backs offer a slightly leaner bite, while spare ribs deliver more profound richness and a texture that responds beautifully to long hours of smoke. The St. Louis cut sits between the two, trimmed for uniformity and prized for its steady, satisfying chew. The museum also acknowledged the bold presence of beef ribs in Texas, where the sheer size of a rib becomes part of the experience. We remembered trips when a single bone felt like an entire meal, and the slow rendering of fat created a flavor that lingered long after we left the table.

The museum included a tried-and-true recipe for Kansas City-style pork ribs, and we found ourselves smiling as we read through the steps. The method relied on a thoughtful rub that balances sweet and heat in a way that felt familiar to both of us. Reading it reminded us of afternoons spent tasting ribs across the city and noting how each pitmaster found their own expression within the shared tradition. Standing there, we felt grateful for the countless plates that have shaped our understanding of ribs and for the museum offering a recipe that felt both accessible and deeply rooted in Kansas City history.

Museum of BBQ Memories

As we completed our tour of the Museum of BBQ, we felt grateful for the way it blended storytelling, flavor, and fun. The journey through smoke, history, and play reminded us why barbecue continues to connect people across North America.

Now we find ourselves curious about your story. Which regional style calls to you the most? Is it Texas pepper, Carolina tang, Memphis spice, or Kansas City sweet heat? We’d love to hear your rich stories of smoke and flavor. Drop a comment below with the best BBQ you’ve found in North America. We’d love to add it to our long list of favorites.

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Italian Delight: A Kansas City Favorite That Stands the Test of Time

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:53:41 +0000

There was a time when Indian Springs Mall was the heart of shopping in Kansas City, Kansas. Families strolled the corridors, browsing department stores, and stopping for a bite. Tucked inside the once-bustling mall, Italian Delight served up New York-style pizza slices that became a favorite for locals. I remember grabbing a quick slice or a plate of pasta while taking a break from my job in the mall. The warm, cheesy goodness became a taste of nostalgia. It was a reminder of a place where friends and family gathered. The scent of fresh-baked dough filled the air, drawing in customers looking for a comforting meal. Visiting Italian Delight was a highlight of the shopping trip. A chance to sit, relax, and enjoy a delicious, affordable meal in a familiar setting.

Our Dying Mall

When Indian Springs Mall closed, it left a void in the community. Many longtime businesses shuttered, while others searched for new homes. Italian Delight wasn’t ready to call it quits. They packed up their recipes and moved west, ensuring their devoted customers could still enjoy the same flavors they had grown to love. The transition was not without challenges. Italian Delight’s owners remained dedicated and determined to continue their tradition. They searched for a location that offered the welcoming atmosphere their customers cherished. The move was a bittersweet moment for those who had fond memories of the mall, but their favorite pizza joint survived, carrying on their flavorful tradition.

Go West, Young Man!

Italian Delight has solidified its place as a local favorite. The new location, at 8145 State Avenue, offers a familiar feel. It’s a go-to spot for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a quick bite after a long day. Their longevity speaks to the dedication of the owners and the loyalty of its customers. Many have been coming here for years, introducing new generations to their favorite pizza spot. The restaurant’s consistency and commitment to quality keep customers returning. Whether celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or simply craving a classic slice, Italian Delight provides a familiar and welcoming space. The bond between the restaurant and the community is evident, proving that good food and service stand the test of time.

New Digs

The new location offers a familiar feel. Though the surroundings have changed, the welcoming atmosphere remains the same. Customers still find the friendly faces behind the counter. The space offers plentiful seating, with the smell of fresh pizza filling the air. Booths and tables invite guests to sit and savor their meals. During my lunch, a steady stream of customers filed through the doors. The menu stays true to its roots, ensuring customers can still enjoy their favorite dishes. Even with the shift in location, the spirit of Italian Delight remains unchanged, a comforting reminder of its origins at Indian Springs.

Plentiful Eats

The menu offers a variety of Italian comfort foods. Choose from oversized slices of pizza or hearty plates of pasta. Calzones, strombolis, and fresh salads round out the menu, ensuring no one leaves hungry. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, keeping the quality high and the flavors satisfying. The pizzas are hand-tossed, with perfectly crispy crusts and flavorful sauces. Their signature dishes include tasty stromboli, creamy chicken alfredo, and classic meatball subs loaded with savory goodness. Each weekday provides a different lunch special. Whether dining in or taking food to go, Italian Delight continues to serve up the flavors that have made it a cherished dining spot for years.

Solo Stop at Italian Delight

This visit to Italian Delight was a solo outing for me, a chance to revisit an old favorite. As I enjoyed a slice of pizza, memories of past visits came flooding back. It’s comforting to see that some things, like great food and friendly service, never change. Sitting in the familiar space, I watched customers come and go. The restaurant’s atmosphere is as inviting as ever, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back meal. It was a nostalgic trip and a reminder of how food can connect us to our past. Italian Delight has stood the test of time, proving that a good meal, fond memories, and a strong sense of community are a recipe for lasting success.

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GG’s Barbacoa Cafe – Chef Inspired Cuisine

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 17 May 2024 03:45:00 +0000

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 1032 Minnesota Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas. Home to GG’s Barbacoa Café, this petite diner hides the amazing dishes that can be found inside. Originally, our friend clued us in on this hidden gem, and we could hardly wait to sample their plates. (Thank you Edgar Galicia for the solid advice!) Now we were back for more and were ready for more chef inspired cuisine.

We want to thank Visit Kansas City, Kansas, and GG’s Barbacoa Café for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

GG’s Barbacoa Pleasing Plates

The menu is comprised of a variety of photos that showcase your choices. It may seem an unusual method, but it does have a nice benefit. For people who like to take photos of their food, (Always!) it helps us see what to expect. Crystal and I decided to divide and conquer a little of the menu. Her choice was the Enchiladas Casserolas. A delightful stack of flavorful chicken is topped with a corn tortilla and fried eggs. This is decorated with salsa and sour cream, with the flair of chef-inspired cuisine. Sides of Spanish rice and refried beans round out this filling meal.

Tacos for Breakfast?

I had a hankering for some tacos and GG’s didn’t let me down. He walked me through my options and we settled on Barbacoa Breakfast Tacos. Doubled-up corn tortillas are the vehicle that gets all of the delicious fillings to your mouth. These included barbacoa beef, fluffy eggs, and creamy shredded cheese. They added some chopped cilantro and onions that could be spread as light or thick as preferred. Each tender bite was a mouthful of morning satisfaction. A heaping helping of Horchata added a sweet edge to my meal.

Chef Inspired Cuisine

By the time we finished our dishes, we found our appetites quenched. To our surprise, the owner Gabriel Gonzalez, brought us a plate of dessert. He wanted to thank us for all of the love we have shown him over the years. The creative design of the plate showed the chef-inspired style that is imparted on many of the dishes. We are always impressed at the artistic design he and his wife put into their work. The flavors and textures came at us in layers, just like a dessert should.

A Hidden Gem

When we mention hidden gems, sometimes they are in plain sight. Too often they blend into the landscape or sit in locations that make it difficult to observe. GG’s Barbacoa Café may be out in the open, but it’s easy to overlook when cruising along this thoroughfare. Although the owner has gone to great lengths to make it more noticeable. This new location puts them near another of our favorite KCK eateries, Tao Tao Chinese Restaurant. Everything about this visit proved to us that GG’s Barbacoa Cafe delivers consistency and flavor. What more could we ask for?

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All Is Right – Va Bene Italian Eatery

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:00:42 +0000

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 Va Bene Italian Eatery, at 8232 Mission Road. Their solution was to launch their business on New Year’s Day of 2021. With a renewed hope for brighter days, it is fitting that their name loosely translates to “All Is Right”. We love their positivity and are hoping they are on to something.

Positive People

Our decision to visit Va Bene was as close to spur of the moment as we get. With the week burning by quickly, I was looking forward to our Friday date night. My days had been starting early in the office, so it was perfect for a Happy Hour celebration. Doing a scan of social media, I spotted a new restaurant that was getting a lot of buzz. That’s just what the doctor ordered, so I verified with Crystal and we had our date set. The space was familiar to us from past visits to the previous restaurant. It didn’t take long for us to meet new acquaintances at a nearby table. Like us, they were loving the vibe of this new Italian eatery and feeling that all is right, at least for this evening.

Happy Hour Sips

Since it was Happy Hour, it seemed fitting to sample one of the cocktails. Our server was kind enough to point out one that I knew we would like. The Tito Lito is a delicious combination of Tito’s Vodka that has been infused with house-made Limoncello and fresh lemons. A sugar-coated rim adds a touch of sweetness to this distinctly tart drink.

St. Louis memories

When we do a Happy Hour, it usually ends up being a fusion between their special menu and the regular meal options. There was one dish that we spotted on the Happy Hour that we had to sample. The Toasted Ravioli made us think back to our time in St. Louis. After all, toasted ravioli was invented in that Midwestern city and has since become embedded in their various cuisines. While we have tasted a barbecue-infused version, the traditional style at Va Bene was very tasty.

Our Kind of Pie

With our appetites whetted, we knew that we needed something more substantial for our next course. With a menu filled with plates of pasta, sandwiches, and grilled entrees we chose one of our favorite Italian dishes, pizza. Oh, this was no ordinary pizza, this was a Fig & Prosciutto Pie. A savory base of pancetta cream, the roasted figs, and prosciutto all blend to add their own distinct flavors. The spicy kick of arugula pairs with the sweetness of the balsamic glaze to notch up the uniqueness of this dish. I wasn’t sure about the flavor combination at first but became a true believer after a couple of bites.

All Is Right

Our inaugural visit to Va Bene Italian Eatery was a glowing success. The interesting flavors were the kind that reminds us why we love exploring. Kansas City is filled with so many great pizza joints, but it’s nice to find one that has plenty of other choices. The idea that a start-up would choose to launch in the heart of a pandemic shows the drive of the human spirit. They certainly chose the right name, because we are positive that all is right at Va Bene. We can picture many more Happy Hour visits in our future.

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Cupini’s – Friends, Family, and Food

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 09:00:26 +0000

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 born in Rome, Italy where he developed his love for marinara sauce. After a successful career working for the president of Italy, he migrated to the United States. That move would eventually lead him to Kansas City and allow him to share his passion with all of us.

We want to thank Franco Cupini for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Cupini’s Counter

Franco, and his son Eddie, opened Cupini’s at 1809 Westport Road, in 2003. Their business model was basic, which makes it easy to repeat day after day. To them, Italian cuisine is all about freshness. To accomplish this, they make all of their pasta in-house daily. When a customer comes in to dine, it is these fresh ingredients that make each dish amazing. Their pasta has become so popular that they even sell it by the pound for customers to use at home. Cupini’s runs efficiently by having customers place their order at the counter, before finding a seat in the dining areas. By waving the standard table service routine, they are able to get started on dishes quicker and diners don’t have a long wait for their meals.

A Familiar Face

As we waited our turn to order, we looked around at the decor. Franco has assembled quite a collection of photos that show how important friends and family are to this business. We noticed the familiar face of Guy Fieri in a few of the photos. We have visited quite a few restaurants that have been featured by this Food Network star. In fact, we have even been bumped, if only temporarily, by Guy. This occurred during a visit to The Root Cafe in Little Rock, Arkansas. We did not look at this as being slighted, but more as we had made an excellent choice in dining destinations.

Simply Satisfying

While preparing to order, we realized that Cupini’s has a bounty of Italian cuisine choices. Matthew, who was leading the staff when we arrived, came out to offer some assistance. We discussed the variety of options and decided to sample from a few categories. Most of the main meals are served with side salads, so that covered our appetizer. We had seen photos of Cupini’s pizzas on social media, so we had to add a small one to our order. This was a wise choice and we both savored the delicious crust and rich toppings of our Margherita Pizza.

Variety is the Spice of Life

After placing our order, we found a table near the front windows. This allowed a view of traffic along Westport Road. With the tables being spaced for appropriate social distancing, the dining area felt spacious. In a flash our dishes began arriving. As they were piled on the table we began wondering what we were thinking. Matthew reassured us that they had plenty of to-go- boxes available. Now we sat there facing not only the pizza and salads but two pasta dishes.

Plenty of Pasta at Cupini’s

Crystal and I are fortunate to share a sense of adventure, although mine is a little more robust. When it comes to dining, we enjoy sharing our experiences and discussing the merits of each dish. Franco had dropped by our table to see how we were doing but quickly excused himself so that we could focus on our meals. To get a better feel for the menu at Cupini’s, we had added a plate of Chicken & Prosciutto Tortellini. The flavor was amazing and the freshness was quite apparent. We also included an order of Chicken Spiedini, which blends the flavors of chicken, ham, tomato, onion, and Mozzarella cheese. After taking plenty of photos of our tablescape, it was time to dig into our mountain of food.

Quality Control

Once our dinner had been consumed, or at least all that we could finish. It was time for me to meet up with Franco Cupini. He led me through the restaurant space to a banquet-style hall that was housed in an adjacent building. We sat for a few minutes and discussed his business philosophy. As he told me his story, the passion he has for this business became apparent. All of the moves he has made throughout his life have led him on a path to this moment. With the continued success of the restaurant, he sees that it is opening new opportunities for the future. Many of these will be offshoot enterprises that will complement the core restaurant business. It is nice to know that there are business people who are still bullish about the future.

Sweets Galore

As we were wrapping up, Franco wanted to show me how they prepare their picturesque desserts. I watched with wonder as one of the staff topped cake after cake. Clearly he had this down to an art. Now it was time for Crystal and me to sample some of the artwork. Franco led me to the front counter and walked through the large variety of sweet desserts, which they offer up daily. The choices were overwhelming, so he eventually asked Matthew to assemble a selection for us to sample. The next thing we knew, our table was decorated with four slices of artistically designed desserts. With flavors like Passion Fruit Mousse, Zuccotto, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Mousse, it was difficult to select our favorite.

Cupini’s Couple

This is one of those visits that we were glad we took a selfie, before eating. I’m sure there was probably a little marinara sauce and maybe a smear of chocolate on my chin. We were completely impressed with the freshness of the dishes at Cupini’s. When you add on the quick turn time to get orders out to customers, it makes for a complete win-win. While Italian cuisine is not one we eat on a regular basis, this may change now that we found a restaurant that is filled with friends, family, and fantastic food. Have you ever sampled the fresh pasta at Cupini’s? We’d love to hear your experiences, so drop us a note in the comments section below. Ciao!

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German Smorgasbord At Affäre

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:00:17 +0000

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 a Thai banquet to a German smorgasbord. We have tried to delve deep into this mix, but in reality, we have only scratched the surface. In just the main five-county portion of the city, it is estimated that there are over 3200 eateries. That’s a lot of spots to try to visit.

Pre-Social Distancing

One of the cuisines that we had not featured is a German Smorgasbord. In Kansas City, there are a handful of options, but one of the premier stops is Affäre. They tout themselves as a seasonal dining experience with a German twist. Located at 1911 Main Street, in the Crossroads District, it is a popular destination for upscale dining. We knew that visiting on a First Friday would be crazy busy, so we chose a quieter Sunday evening. Stepping through the door, we were greeted with a dim interior, which sets a sultry tone for an evening meal. The seating arrangement is well spaced, and this was even before the necessity of “social distancing”.

Family Dinner

On this outing, we were joined by our daughter, Amanda. All of us were eager to sample the variety that can be found at a German smorgasbord. Fortunately, we were in luck, as Affäre was offering a Sunday Night Family Dinner. This Prix-fixe meal was comprised of a starter, followed by an ample amount of protein choices. The sheer volume of food would challenge even the biggest appetites, but we knew that we could always take home leftovers.

Let’s Get Started

One of the nice things about a German smorgasbord is that you only have to make a few selections. Once your order is in, you sit back and wait for the plates to begin arriving. It didn’t take long before we were staring at a huge Salat Teller (Salad Platter). The mixture of greens was accompanied by an assortment of diced vegetables. Two dressing choices were included, as well. This was a nice palate-cleansing start to our meal.

German Smorgasbord Staples

We were still enjoying our appetizer when the first main dishes began arriving. A platter full of Weinerschnitzel was accompanied by a side of Spinach & Blue Cheese Gaspaetzle. The schnitzel was served with a spicy mustard sauce that enhanced the flavor of the breaded pork cutlet. The flavor of the meat was quite different from the chicken schnitzel we had sampled in Amana, Iowa. None of us were familiar with the spaetzle, which is a German form of egg noodles. The creamy sauce had a hint of sharpness that came from the cheese. It was the perfect side for our meaty meal.

Protein-Packed Dinner

With the schnitzel as a warm-up, we were ready for the next round of protein. Without having a full background of German cuisine, it appears it was developed for robust hunger. One can only assume that the meals revolved around heavy loads of protein designed to fuel the working class. Our server arrived with a platter that contained a pair of meaty treats. A Wagyu Beef Loin was cooked to tender perfection and accompanied by two varieties of German Brats. At Affäre, the artisan brats are made in-house using local meats and traditional recipes. These were deliciously flavorful.

As we continued to pick away at our robust main courses, we realized that we needed to save room for dessert. While these were not included in Sunday Family Dinner, there was no way that we would overlook this important portion of any German smorgasbord.

A Sweet Ending

They had a few options to choose from, so we decided to pick our two favorites. Our first choice was a Pear Tart with Almond Paste. The thin layers of sliced pear was a nice choice to pair with the creamy and sweet almond paste. Crystal wanted to make sure we sampled the Apple Strudel, and we all loved the moist layers that we found in each bite. While we savored our delightful desserts, our server packed up our leftovers for the ride home. After thanking the staff for such a wonderful experience, we made our way back into the night. All the way home we discussed the idea of finding other Kansas City German smorgasbord destinations for future excursions. Have you discovered any that you would like to share?

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Bringing The Sea to KC – Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 01 May 2020 09:00:37 +0000

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 merits of this KCK restaurant for years but had overlooked trying it out. Since we find ourselves taking a look at places closer to home, this one popped up on our radar. Getting the first impression of a new eatery from their takeout really puts them to the test. Let’s see how they did.

Why Here?

When we first heard that a Mexican seafood restaurant had opened nearby, we wondered why here? Doing a little research, I found out that owner Carlos Falcon noticed the lack of good seafood options when he and his wife moved to Kansas City some twenty years ago. Being raised in Veracruz, Mexico, he had grown up with the ocean literally steps from his home. Combining his classic French training and love for Mexican seafood dishes has allowed Carlos to brighten the restaurant scene in Armourdale. Yes, this delightful dining experience is located deep in the heart of an industrial sector of the city, at 719 Kansas Avenue. We are finding that there’s an assortment of chefs serving up amazing dishes all over KCK, just like this one we found near downtown.

Well Packed

Our order was called in and they asked us to allow about 15 minutes for them, to prepare it. That worked out as just about the amount of time it takes to get there from our home. We arrived at Jarocho, on a Friday evening, for our to-go “date night”. After a few selfies outside of the restaurant, we headed in to pick up our meal. With all of the businesses shuttered temporarily, it makes getting around fairly easy. Inside, we found that our meal was just being packed up, so we paid and headed home. This environment has certainly diminished the presentation portion of our dining experience, so the flavor is more important than ever.

Going Family Pack

The online menu at Jarocho has an astonishing amount of variety. Besides bringing the sea to KC, it also includes many standard Mexican cuisine dishes. Looking over the options, we noticed that they offer a Family Pack that comes with two entrees and a grouping of side dishes. This sounded like plenty for the two of us and would supply me with leftovers for lunch. The deal comes with some of their fresh Guacamole & Chips, which was a creamy delight. The smooth flavor of the avocado offered a pleasant alternate from their vinegar-based Mexican Slaw. For those of you used to a sweeter Coleslaw, this is a refreshing change of pace.

Creamy Chipotle Jumbo Shrimp

Since the Family Pack allows the choice of two entrees, we each decided to pick one that sounded intriguing. Crystal gravitated to the Creamy Chipotle Jumbo Shrimp. They didn’t exaggerate when they called them jumbo. This delicate dish is created with a creamy sauce that brings a punch of flavor. The mixture of jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, and onions blended so well with the cream to add a decadent taste. Paired with their Yellow Rice, it was a complete hit with Crystal. In fact, her words were “This is so freaking good!” That is the first time I have heard that phrase come out of her lips. High praise from a person who shies away from seafood, and it shows that Jarocho is definitely bringing the sea to KC.

Steak & Shrimp

Knowing what Crystal had chosen, I decided to see how well they do with beef. The Sirloin & Shrimp entree looked like a good opportunity. This dish features an 8 ounce Top Sirloin that is cooked to order. Alongside this, they included some grilled shrimp in a chipotle sauce. Like Crystal’s dish, the sauce was an amazing blend of flavors that accentuate not drown out the main course. With the addition of the sides, this was enough for me to have plenty to take for lunch. By the way, it was just as delicious reheated the following day.

Bringing the Sea to KC

Even though this was our first foray into the menu at Jarocho, we immediately realized it would not be our last. Who knew that Mexican seafood cuisine is filled with such complex flavors? Now that we have broken the seal, we will certainly have to expand on our selections. While seafood is not our regular cuisine choice, the Family Pack will certainly give us a way to sample other menu choices. Knowing that we can pick one tried and true classic will make experimenting less risky. Who knows, our next meal at Jarocho may include Grilled Spanish Octopus or the Veracruz Fish Filet. Which of those would you be willing to sample?

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Taste The Colors Of Mexico – El Toro Loco

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 09:00:48 +0000

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 even farther. In and out of each localized neighborhood we have found favorites. That doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy trying our hand at new opportunities. A visit to El Toro Loco offered a chance to sample some tastes at the western end of our city. We weren’t sure what to expect at a place called The Crazy Bull. It ended up being a chance to taste the colors of Mexico at a fresh venue.

Variety is Alive in KCK

The spectrum of Mexican cuisine in KCK runs from cheap eats to fine dining. While we have sampled a nice variety of places, it seems like new ones pop up quicker than we can explore. On previous excursions, we have dined in spots that offer incredible flavors. A visit to Tacos El Tio had us eating off of disposable plates, but the food was unbelievable. At GG’s Barbacoa Cafe, we discovered chef-inspired dishes served up in close quarters. Even specialty eateries, like El Pollo Rey, become local hot spots because of the consistent quality. These three examples each bring a different style of dining into play, but every one of them serves up an opportunity to taste the colors of Mexico.

Feeling the Colors

Stepping into the dining area of El Toro Loco, we found a bright space designed for socializing. The overall feeling was like walking into a Mexican hacienda. Colorful artwork hung on the walls, while the ample seating invited us to sit for a spell. Even though we had arrived early for dinnertime, we found that others had come up with the same idea. We were happy to share the space and noticed that most of our table mates were other couples. I guess that made sense for a Friday evening.

We had just settled into our booth when a server arrived with salsa and chips. A decision was made to start our meal with some Queso dip and one of their house margaritas. Nibbling on these stimulated our hunger for more. Time to get down to some serious menu review. There is a vast array of choices, so we were glad to have a snack to tide us over. So many of the menu items sounded intriguing and we decided that if the food was good, we would have to come back for more exploration.

Bring on the Green

While I sought out my selection, I could almost predict what Crystal would choose. It’s almost guaranteed that a dish loaded with avocado will draw her attention. Sure enough, her choice was the Avocado Enchiladas. Made with shredded chicken, they are coated with an avocado cream sauce that met with her complete satisfaction. Spanish rice is another way that she will judge the quality of a Mexican cuisine destination. This one got a big thumbs up, so I guess she’d be okay with a repeat visit.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors

When faced with the almost insurmountable task of choosing from a huge menu, I decided to fall back on my old standard. Now I don’t mean a food choice, but instead a selection process. In these hard moments, I ask the servers a series of questions designed to help whittle down the potential choices. By pointing out that I am always on the lookout for dishes that are photogenic, it makes them look at their own menu in a new light. As our server mentally walked through the menu, they described a few of the most notable choices.

I was surprised to hear them suggest Taco Salad. As they listed the ingredients and the way it is presented, I could almost taste the colors of Mexico. The dish starts with a crispy flour shell that is slightly rolled on the edges. This is filled with black beans, shredded meat (choice of beef or chicken), lettuce, tomato, cheese, and guacamole. As the dish was laid before me, it almost reminded me of a colorful cowboy hat. I enjoyed having the crispy shell to use as a scoop for the filling. As I worked my way through my meal, I savored the flavorful meat that made the base of this entree.

Taste the Colors of Mexico

While El Toro Loco is not like many of the other Mexican eateries in our city, it makes for a good addition to the group. By bringing more styles of dining and dishes to our community, it ensures us that we will have plenty of variety to select from when we are hankering for this particular cuisine. The use of fresh ingredients means that the dishes this locally-owned restaurant serves are packed with taste. We are sure there will be plenty of visits to this location for us in the future. Have you ever sampled the menu at El Toro Loco? We’d love to hear what some of your favorite dishes are, so drop us a note in the comments section below.

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Hacienda To The Heartland – Mi Ranchito Cocina & Cantina

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:45:03 +0000

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 find that almost every restaurant we visit brings its own twist to the dishes they serve. A stop at Mi Ranchito Cocina & Cantina, at 5708 North Oak Trafficway, gave us a chance to savor a new to us local chain. We couldn’t wait to taste some dishes that the owners have brought with them from hacienda to the heartland.

We want to thank Mi Ranchito for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Fiesta Time

One of our favorite things about Mexican restaurants is the atmosphere. It always seems that they are about to break out into a party. The bright colors and upbeat music primes us for more than just a dinner. It puts us in a fiesta mood. That means it’s a perfect time to share a Cabo-Wabo Margarita. This tropical version of the Mexican classic offers a fruity flavor. From looking around the place, we weren’t the only ones in a festive mood. Since we had an evening of cat watching planned, we were enjoying an early dinner. It surprised us to see so many people already at the restaurant, but hey, that’s a good sign. Clearly plenty of the locals have discovered the flavors that Mi Ranchito has brought from the hacienda to the heartland.

Tempting Teasers

We hadn’t talked to anyone before our arrival, but walking around taking photos can certainly draw some attention. After explaining to the manager what we do, he was happy to explain a little background about the restaurant. Finding out that the owners actually grew up in a small hacienda in Central Mexico explained a lot about their particular choice of seasoning combinations. To show his gratitude for our visit, the manager sent out a plate of their Cancun Shrimp to enjoy while we reviewed the menu. These spicy treats are stuffed with jalapeno and pepper jack cheese. Wrapped with hickory-smoked bacon, they were served up with a couple of tasty sauce options.

Don’t Be Chicken, Try It!

Now that our appetites had been teased, it was time for some bigger dishes. Crystal didn’t stray far from her normal, which almost always includes some chicken. On this visit, it was the Cream Cheese Chicken Enchilada. While we love the flavors associated with Mexican cuisine, it is rare that the plates offer such a pleasing photo opportunity. Her dish included two enchiladas, stuffed with grilled chicken and Monterey Jack cheese. They coat it with a cream cheese sauce and sliced avocado. Toss in some Spanish rice and black beans to add some pops of color.

Give Me Some of Everything

After my tour of the dining area, while taking photos, I had already seen the variety of dishes at other tables. Since everything looked so good, I decided to try it all! Okay, I actually just ordered the Mi Ranchito Sampler, but it feels like having everything. A pair of spicy Machaca beef taquitos, two chicken flautas, a chicken quesadilla, and one large Pollo Feliz dominate the plate. They still found some room to squeeze in some Spanish rice and refried beans. When the dish arrived before me, I knew that I not only had a delicious dinner but plenty for lunch leftovers. I would imagine that was the plan when the owners designed the meals that they brought from the hacienda to the heartland.

From Hacienda to the Heartland

With our bellies full of delectable Mexican cuisine, we realized it was about time to head to our evening of feline fun. Once again, we had found a spot where the staff is pleasant and inviting. The food was plentiful and even more importantly, delicious. While we have tons of great Mexican cuisine in our own backyard (Here’s one to check out in KCK.), this reassured us that when we travel around the metro, we can find it in just about every neighborhood. Speaking of traveling around Kansas City, where are some of your favorite stops for enticing Mexican cuisine?

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Blurring The Line – Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 09:45:09 +0000

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 the market, many wondered what new twist he could bring to this saturated market. With all of his success featuring Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, we found his new venture to be blurring the line between corporate and authentic. On a beautiful Fall day, we dropped by Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint at 1333 Grand Boulevard, in the Power & Light District.

Iconic Entry

A chance to check out the newest fall festival, Cornucopia, drew us to the P&L District. Our plan had been to park in the Crossroads and catch the streetcar. We actually found a parking spot that made walking to our destination easy. The streets were blocked off, and we found the area overflowing with family-friendly activities. While the area was certainly begging to be explored, hunger was blurring the line between seeing the sights and grabbing some lunch. We spotted Guy’s new spot and decided that we’d give it a shot. After all, we seem to find ourselves crossing paths a lot. (Here’s a diner that Guy liked as much as we did.)

Blurring the Line

After passing the mural that included his recognizable red Camaro, we made our way into the taco bar. The place is designed to replicate a local dive, with a huge bar sitting at the center. The place had a good crowd, but we were still able to find a table. When Guy’s first opened, they didn’t offer table service, which caused some confusion for patrons. This has since been resolved, so things run a little more smoothly. The decor is a mix of corporate icons and eclectic garage sale items. It would be a great place to play “Eye Spy” with your kids since there are hundreds of unique pieces scattered throughout the space.

Fajita Rajas

We were taking it all in when our server dropped by to check on us. Since we were eager to return to the festival, we hurriedly ordered. The menu is fairly straightforward, with a few appetizers and about a half-dozen taco choices. There are also some odds and ends, like sliders, salads, empanadas, and such. They have a larger selection of drink options, which show that they concentrate heavier on that side of the business. Since the place is designed as a taco bar, it was obvious that we were choosing tacos. These come four to an order, and no mixing allowed. A side of beans and rice is extra. Crystal decided to check out the Fajita Rajas Tacos, which are basically a chicken fajita taco. She quickly discovered that there is a good amount of heat included in their dishes, but not too much to keep her from coming back for more.

Al Pastor

After a quick scan of the menu, I found the Al Pastor Tacos calling my name. The description hinted of a flavor-packed meal that included beer-soaked pork as the base. Toss in some chipotle, sweet onions, Cotija cheese, avocado & tomatillo salsa, and grilled pineapple salsa for a punch of taste. The mix of sweet and heat kept me coming back for more. Since Crystal had ordered a side dish, I decided to include one of the house margaritas with my order. It has a nice tart accent and helped cut back the heat from the dishes. While our meal wasn’t the best street tacos we’ve had in Kansas City, they were an acceptable alternative when visiting this entertainment area. Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint is blurring the line between corporate restaurant and local hangout.

New Fall Festival

Now that our hunger was satisfied, we could focus our attention on Cornucopia. The first year of a festival is always a test. Since there is no history to work from, the organizers are having to hope for the best. This year they got that. Perfect weather, an interactive crowd, and tons of vendors. We found two stages featuring live bands. A small carnival was operating in front of the Sprint Center. Street vendors were serving up a mix of food and drinks. The biggest component was a large number of activities geared toward families. We loved seeing all of the kids engaged in various Fall activities. There were even a handful of spots designed for selfies. It’s a fad that does not seem to be going away, so we happily embrace it. We are hoping this new festival returns next year even bigger and better. There is always room for another great Kansas City event. What are your favorite Fall activities?

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Backyard Dining At Tacos El Tio

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 09:45:05 +0000

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 the cuisines found in our own hometown. While we still want to spread the love around our metro, we know that we need to remember the backyard dining options we have right here in KCK.

Testing Tacos El Tio

With a long list of Mexican cuisine options, we made our way toward downtown. There is a high concentration of restaurants near the Central Avenue corridor, so finding backyard dining options is fairly simple. This visit we chose Tacos El Tio, which is located at 78 N. 10th Street. Just a few blocks north of Central Avenue, the small eatery was easily identified, as we approached from the south. Inside, we found that they have enough seating for around 30 people. They also do a good amount of carry-out business, as was apparent from the steady stream of customers at the counter. While some people may feel out of place, I have gotten used to the odd looks that taking photos can elicit from others. I think most are just curious where the photos will end up being published.

Mexican Street Tacos

We found a table and our server arrived almost immediately. After reviewing the simple menu, we decided to sample a few of the more recognizable dishes. Obviously, we had to test out the Street Tacos. Tacos El Tio offers around nine different meat choices to spice up the taco options. We chose chicken, beef, and pork for our trio. The tacos are simple, yet flavorful. Topped with onion and cilantro, the spices in the meats are the real stars. After squeezing a little lime on them, we gobbled these down in a few bites. Each meat choice has its own highlights, and all tasted good. On a return visit, we would probably sample a few more of the options.

More Handheld Options

The street tacos had only whetted our appetites, so it was time to sample a couple of other dishes. A Steak Quesadilla was cooked up with a crisp shell, which made it easy to handle. The flavor was delectable and ended up being the favorite for both of us. We also selected a Chicken Burrito, which is quite a handful. Packed with rice, lettuce, and plenty of flavorful chicken, it pushed our food intake to the point that we couldn’t finish. Our server had included three sauce choices, which escalated in heat from mild to Wow! The mild version is an avocado-based sauce, which ended up being my favorite. While it had some heat, it was easy to balance with the meats.

Backyard Dining at Tacos El Tio

Our backyard dining at Tacos El Tio was certainly filling. For just around $20.00, we had more than we could eat. Of course, we rarely take home leftovers, since we never know when we will make it home. Dining here had reminded us just how much we love our hometown cuisine and renewed our commitment to showcasing more local restaurants. This choice had been a suggestion from one of our local neighborhood leaders. (Thanks, Edgar!) We will certainly be traveling around the metro, (Here’s our last KCMO taco joint) but would love to hear some of your favorite KCK dining choices. It would be great to show a little love for more backyard dining spots. Drop us a name or two in the comments section below.

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Taco Anyday at KC Taco Company

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 09:45:57 +0000

These days it seems that we are constantly seeing specials for Taco Tuesday events. While it’s nice to find a deal on one of our favorite menu items, we think that this delectable cuisine shouldn’t be limited to one day per week. We would like to propose Taco Anyday and KC Taco Company is a good spot to enjoy this new holiday. A stop at their location at 520 Walnut Street, on a Saturday evening, to join other diners at this popular Kansas City eatery.

We want to thank the KC Taco Company for its hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Delicious Drinks

We arrived in time to sample some of their Happy Hour items. They have a few specials that they rotate from time to time, so the drink menu may change between visits. We picked two that sounded intriguing. The Watermelon Mojito is a light, refreshing drink with plenty of flavors. The combination of watermelon and mint works well in this drink. Our other choice was the Pineapple Margarita. Made with their house-made infused pineapple, this glass packed tons of fruity flavor. Both of these drinks were perfect for additions to the Mexican cuisine we were about to devour.

Appealing Appetizers

One of our favorite appetizers at Mexican cuisine restaurants is the queso dip. It seems that each place has its own take on this dish, and KC Taco Company makes theirs as picturesque as it is delectable. The creamy white cheese blend makes the name Queso Blanco appropriate. Served up in a skillet, the addition of chorizo and spices kicked the dish up a notch. This reminded us of a version we had in Oklahoma City and was just as enjoyable. (You can read about Iguana Grill in OKC here.)

Quartered Quesadillas

Our daughter was joining us on this excursion, which allowed us to sample an extra dish. With our appetizer quickly becoming endangered, it was time to get moving on our entrees. First up, we had the Tres Cerdos Quesadilla. Stuffed with bacon, chorizo, and mesquite pork, this menu item is packed with protein. Fresh pico and guacamole are plopped on top, and the whole thing is drizzled with Sriracha Aioli. With good crispiness to the dish, it works well for handheld dining.

Bountiful Bowls

Something that was new to us are their bowls. It’s a good way to get a new-age twist on a taco salad. The Karma-rito Bowl is a combination of corn, quinoa, beans, pico, and sweet potato. We chose to add in some shredded pork to add extra protein. You will want that if you have more exploring on your schedule. We loved being able to blend this mix of flavors in each bite. The dish is drizzled with their house-made roasted garlic aioli.

Taco Anyday at KC Taco Company

Finally, we get to the namesake dish. Over the past few years, street tacos have become enormously popular. These softshell versions of the traditional handheld don’t have the crunch, but still include all of the flavors. We have noticed that many street taco vendors are pushing the envelope by combining unique ingredients. KC Taco Company offers up plenty of choices, but we knew that we would only be able to eat a couple. The Thai-Chili Shrimp Taco brings tons of flavor with large spicy shrimp nestled on a bed of Baja slaw. We also tossed in a more traditional version with the Carne Asada Taco. Hand-cut slices of steak are topped with onion and cilantro. This version doesn’t have as much kick, but still has plenty of delectable flavors. With so many menu items that we missed, it looks like there are many more visits in our future.

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Cafe Des Amis Offers Intriguing Dishes

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 03 May 2019 09:45:55 +0000

Our visit to Main Street Parkville allowed us to sample a wide range of cuisine options. Within a few easily walk-able blocks, visitors can find anything from casual to refined elegance for dining choices. We wanted to sample every one of them, which meant we were in for quite the culinary adventure. We chose a visit to Cafe des Amis to fall as a lunch stop, during a day of exploring. After seeing their menu posted outside of the restaurant, we were anxious to savor some of their French cuisine.

We want to thank Main Street Parkville and Café des Amis for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Cozy and Quaint

Our morning meal had been hours ago, at the local B&B. (You can read about Main Street Inn here.) Hunger was beginning to call out to us, and we were anticipating more than a meal. Having prior knowledge that owners Guillaume and Ingrid Hanriot are from the Champagne region of France, increased our anticipation. We knew the dishes would be full of delicate, yet complimentary flavors. The hostess seated us with a window view of the downtown. We timed our visit to be a late lunch, in hopes of missing the normal weekend rush. Our server, Sarah, welcomed us to the oldest business building in downtown Parkville. (Built in 1844) She walked us through the menu and included some suggestions based on dishes she enjoys.

Difficult Decisions

With Sarah’s assistance, we were able to plan out our entire meal. We knew it would come in stages, which allowed time to savor each dish properly. While this cuisine is designed to be complimented by certain wines, we decided to forego this and stick with water. Sarah brought us a tray of crusty French bread, with lavender salted butter, to munch on while our meal was being prepared.

Dining With Our Eyes

In order to get the best cross section of flavors, Crystal and I decided to split dishes where possible. We started with Salade Cafe des Amis, which combines baby greens, red pepper, Portabella mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles, and candied spiced walnuts. Even a simple salad becomes a culinary masterpiece when the correct selection of flavors are combined.

Refined Elegance at Café des Amis

The next course included a pair of seafood based dishes. It is fair to say that most people have heard of escargot, yet many have not tasted a dish containing snails. My first experience was at Café des Amis, when I ordered the Feuilleté D’Escargots. The dish consists of six Burgundy wild snails in a butter sauce, with garlic and fresh herbs. The flavor was a delightful blend that begged to be completed. It was apparent that the crusty bread was a perfect way to sop up every drop of the delicious sauce. Sarah arrived again shortly, with my order of Coquilles St. Jacques Au Gratin. This breaded and baked dish of sherry sautéed scallops and mushrooms is served in a béchamel sauce. The addition of tomato had tinted the “white sauce” to a beautiful hue of orange. The addition of a baked squid ink wafer added an architectural element to the dish.

A Taste of Brunch

Time for a confession. Not for me, but for Crystal. She is not nearly as open to new flavors as I am, so she was skipping the opportunity to sample the seafood dishes I had chosen. Her loss was my gain, as each one presented a new flavor combination that my taste buds had yet to discover. Now it was her turn, as the Quiche Lorraine was served. This labor intensive dish consists of 36 hour poached ham, bacon, sautéed onions and Swiss Cheese. Baked to golden perfection, I could immediately see that Crystal was happy with her choice. Our final dish to be served reminded me that it was a good thing I had let her have the majority of the salad.

Sensational Seafood

Sarah brought out a lidded pot that contained my order of Moules Marinières Faςon Odile. I knew that this would be all mine, since Crystal was busy with her quiche. When the lid was removed, a plume of steam rose from the pot. Inside I spied Prince Edwards Island mussels in a sherry wine, shallots, herbs, and light cream sauce. This was definitely another fantastic dish that offered a depth of flavors. Soon, my pot was empty and our meal was complete. Sarah returned to tempt us with dessert, but we had no room left for it.

Returning to Our Discoveries

Our thoughts were turning to our afternoon of exploring, and we wondered how many people would recognize the look of satisfaction that comes from a meal at Cafe des Amis. Time for us to make our way back into public, but we would carry with us the memory of the refined elegance we just enjoyed. With an afternoon still ahead of us, it was certain that we had plenty of energy to take on any challenge.

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Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Brings Smiles On A Cloudy Day

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:45:11 +0000

This Kansas City winter has brought a rollercoaster of weather. Last weekend we were anticipating our second big snow in two weeks, which fortunately bypassed us. Even with the cold rain falling from the sky, we still planned a stop at Betty Rae’s Ice Cream to check out their treat menu. We had been seeing tons of buzz lately about this place, so we figured it was time to see for ourselves. After all, ice cream brings a smile even on a rainy day.

A Hefty Menu

One of the main reasons we decided on this place was their offering of boozy shakes. For those of you who are unaware, these are like regular shakes, but kicked up to “adult only” style. When we arrived, we were not prepared for the wide range of ways to sample their small batch ice cream creations. While we stood around gawking at the menu board, we watched a continuous line of customers file by us. Clearly we were the outsiders in our own hometown.

Unique Flavors From the Beginning

Betty Rae’s is the brainchild of David and Mary Friesen. The couple met in college and spent time together scooping up treats to locals at a shop in Columbia, Missouri. While life took them into different careers, their love for creation eventually led them to open their first shop in the Waldo area. They chose to name their business after David’s grandmother, who had a love for the sweeter side of life. At Betty Rae’s these choices go well beyond chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. As we perused the cases, we saw some unique flavor combinations that made us do a double-take.

Go Chiefs!

Being a small batch operation allows them to change up their flavors regularly. While they have a core of fan favorites, like the Lavender-Honey they developed in college, new designs offer regular customers some variety. The weekend we visited, they had just rolled out a special Red Velvet Lemon Chiefscake flavor in honor of our hometown team. We couldn’t pass up a tasting of it, since it was being rationed out to make sure most everyone got a chance. We are hoping that the success of our Chiefs will turn this into a regular featured flavor.

Bringing Smiles on a Cloudy Day

We had expected the steady ice-cold rain to mean that we would find Betty Rae’s nearly empty. Boy were we wrong. The almost steady stream of customers was proof that ice cream can bring smiles even on a cloudy day. As I moved around the room taking photos, I noticed a common occurrence. As each customer was handed their highly anticipated treat, a smile would spread across their face. This repeated itself over and over, which made it very easy for me to determine a theme for this article.

Our Turn

Finally, we made our own decisions on what to order. Yes, at times we can be just as indecisive as everyone else. Where Crystal had been gung-ho about the boozy shakes, she turned around and ordered a Smore’s Sundae. It’s hard to blame her for switching, since this masterpiece is chocked full of so many of the flavors that she loves. The base for this creation began with Smore’s, Brownie, and Cookies & Cream flavored scoops of ice cream. (You get to choose your own flavors.) A healthy dose of graham cracker is shoveled on top and covered with marshmallow. A blow torch is applied to create the appropriate charring, and viola! It was left on me to order the “adult” milkshake, so I went with the Mint Chocolate Julep. This intoxicating creation contains scoops of Mint and Chocolate Cookies ice cream that are combined with shots of bourbon and Cream de Cocoa. Plop on a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate sauce and it was party time.

Get Your Art On

As we sat and savored our creamy treats, we took notice of the space around us. Those who reside in Kansas City know this is an art town. It shows in the roadside sculptures that dot the landscape. Our various art galleries hold collections of marvelous works from artists around the globe. We even have an entire district dedicated to growing new art relationships. At Betty Rae’ s, they have dedicated a portion of space to help foster this creativity in others. Besides the obvious artistic pieces that decorate the interior, there is a small gallery set up for customers to create their own masterpieces.

Grab Some To-Go Goodness

Too soon our magical creations were depleted, and we faced the reality of returning to the cold world outside. The satisfaction from our sweet treats had wiped the gloom of the dreary weather from our spirits and replaced it with a glow of happiness. Once again, we had found a new destination to add to our routine when we need that special pick-me-up. Before we departed, we noticed a small freezer filled with totable treats. Now that we know about it, we can bring the goodness home for late-night tastings. After all, there will be plenty more times that we will need ice cream to bring smiles to our faces on a cloudy day. Have you ever visited Betty Rae’s Ice Cream? What are your favorite flavors?

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An InstaTasting At Rowe Ridge Vineyards and Winery

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 10:40:23 +0000

For those who haven’t followed us long, we enjoy a nice glass of wine. Of course, we find that the reason they make so many varieties, is because everyone has their own preferences. Fortunately, we both are fans of wines on the sweet side, so it’s not hard for us to find a bottle we both agree on. On a beautiful Fall day, we joined a group of social influencers for a visit to Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery, located at 11255 Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas. This would be our first, but hopefully not last, InstaTasting.

We want to thank Visit KCK and Rowe Ridge Winery for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Welcome to the Winery

The purpose of our gathering was to learn more about the local wine world, as it relates to Kansas City. A recent cold snap had brought a period of frost, which as most know, means an end to the growing season. The advantage of winery visits is that most of the time is spent indoors, either touring or tasting. Both of these are things we enjoy. On this particular day the sun was out in full force, so we knew that by mid-afternoon the temperature would rise enough for some outdoor viewing.

The Finer Points of Wine

Pam Rowe, our hostess and the winery co-owner, addressed our group. She walked us through the various wines that can be found at Rowe Ridge. Pam explained the processes in making wine and types of grapes used. Samples of each type were poured out for us, and we graded each on a provided information sheet. The wines were served from dry to sweet, so each new variety brought us closer to our liking.

InstaTasting

After our group broke out to the vineyard, Crystal and I took a moment to visit with other staff. Under normal circumstances, the tastings would take place at their bar area. Here visitors will find personal service, where they will walk you through the tasting process in a less formal format. It offers a chance to sample as many or as few types as you desire. Crystal chose to skip over revisiting the drier wines, and instead focused on honing in on her favorite variety. Of the current eight varieties offered, we ended up liking three of them.

Into the Vines at Rowe Ridge Winery

We finished our tastings, and decided to join up with our group. The sunshine had warmed the day, so it was comfortable wandering through the vines. With the recent frost, the leaves were making their change. Pam had given us an overview of the different grape varieties and where each was planted.

While the majority of the grapes had been harvested, there were a few types that are left on the vines a little longer. This helps increase the sugar content and produces some of the sweeter wines. It also offers a group of photographers a chance to hone their skills with subjects that don’t move on them. While I wandered around taking scads of pictures, Crystal spent some time visiting with staff from Visit KCK, who were hosting this InstaMeet.

Wine, Wine, All Around

After I had taken tons of photos, it was time for us to head out. We said our farewells, and headed back to our home. A couple of weekends later, we found ourselves wandering through the Crossroads District in KCMO. We enjoy this region, because of the numerous pieces of artwork and murals that are found there. How surprised we were to find this wine mural, and couldn’t resist adding a selfie to our gallery. So, where are our wine drinkers? Let us know some of your favorite local wineries in and around Kansas City. We would love to feature them in a future visit. Drop us their name in the comments section below. Until later, Cheers!

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Tasty Bites On The Boulevard – Taqueria Mexico

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 10:00:11 +0000

Kansas City is a city filled with a diverse population. On any given day you can enjoy about any possible cuisine type that you could imagine. It provides plenty of fuel for a myriad of articles about KC restaurants. It seems that there are dozens of corridors that host a collection of eateries, which are often specific to a certain region. On the Kansas side of the state line, we visited Taqueria Mexico at 3300 Rainbow Boulevard. This Mexican cuisine restaurant has a prime spot on the corner of Rainbow and Southwest Boulevards, and the parking lot always seems filled when we pass by. This particular evening we dropped in to find out what the crowd favorites are.

Colorful Interior

We entered the cantina to a pop of color. The interior is bedecked in murals and pennants that really liven up the place. It creates a festive mood for those inside. We were seated at one of the tables and began to study the menus. Our server dropped by to get our drink order and we added a bowl of queso cheese dip to our margarita order. A bowl of chips and some salsa were delivered for us to munch on while we decided on our main dishes. The menu at Taqueria Mexico is quite expansive, so it took me a while to pare down my choice. With the margarita delivered, as well as the cheese dip, we were finally prepared to order.

Familiar Favorite

Crystal threw me for a loop and ordered a Chicken Cimichanga. This meat stuffed tortilla is deep fried and topped with a cheese sauce. The meal comes with rice and bean, but she requested the beans be left off in place of more rice. It also includes a helping of guacamole and pico de gallo. This meal proved to be more than she could eat, but she did give it a valiant effort. The shell was crispy and the meat filling was plentiful. Certainly a good value for the price. It also paired well with the margarita.

Variety is the Spice of Life

I often order a chimichanga, but since Crystal had trumped me I needed to go a different direction. Fortunately, during my long decision process I had been struggling with a second menu item. This meant that I was ready to spring this alternative out without having to start from scratch. We are sure that our server was glad for that. I chose the Burrito Tres Amigos which had excellent plate presence. The base for this dish is similar to a chimi, except that they forego the frying. It also includes refried beans, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on the interior. The fun comes with the finished product being split into thirds. Each piece is coated with a different sauce, so it brings a change in overall taste between bites. While they were all good, I would rank my favorite sauces; Cheese, Mole, then red sauce. This meal comes with sides of rice and salad. Once again, the meal ended up being more than I could complete.

Those of you who follow us regularly know that we will usually try to beat the evening crowd when possible. We try to dine around 6:00 in the evening, which means the crowds start to file in by the time we are finishing. Our experience is that this is an optimal time, since the wait staff is all present for the evening rush, but not so busy as to be difficult to find. It also means that our meals are usually prepared in a shorter time frame, so we spend less down time waiting. If you tire of the larger crowds later in the evening, you may want to give this approach a try. Just not too many of you or else we will be back to waiting like the people who dine later. Tell us your favorite dining tip that you have developed over the years. We love learning new tricks. Thanks!

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Fueling Up At The Filling Station

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 09:55:51 +0000

Coffee! It’s what gets our motors running in the mornings. We dropped by the Filling Station, at 7420 Johnson Drive, to explore their space. Now, we know there are some of you who skip this potent potable, but for us it’s part of our normal routine. We are members of a collection of groups that focus on restaurants, dining establishments, coffee shops, and various other eateries. These are carry over from our previous restaurant blog, but they still offer plenty of information about spots we should visit around the Kansas City metro area. The past few years have seen a surge in new coffee shops, which is great for coffee lovers such as us.

Providing Convenience

Filling Station is a local chain with three locations. Currently, they are found in Westport, Midtown, and the location we visited in Mission, Kansas. Touting themselves as a “Coffee Garage” it is obvious what type of business the building used to hold. The large windows and open floor plan are a perfect fit for its new purpose. The Saturday morning we visited the sunshine was glowing through the huge southerly facing windows. This natural lighting makes the space quite inviting and comfortable. It certainly makes us want to linger over a cup of Joe and some conversation.

Minimal Menu

The menu at the Filling Station is minimalist, but don’t let that influence your opinion of the quality. Obviously, they have the hot drinks area well covered, but also offer up some interesting juice combinations. How about a cucumber, mint, and apple juice? Too minty, well then order up a sweet potato, pineapple, and lime juice for a tasty treat. These 16 oz. drinks are a great addition to the morning and offer a healthier addition to our coffee routine. Don’t be surprised to find a line at the shop, but it moves pretty quickly.

Satisfying Start

We like to find coffee shops that include some delectable bites in their offerings. Filling Station has a handful of dishes designed to help jump start the morning. Our choices the morning we visited were breakfast burritos, quiches, bagels, yogurt parfaits, and a selection of pastries. Crystal is a huge fan of quiche, so I already knew where she was heading. They have a rotating selection and this day she picked one with bacon. I had to sample a bite (For the sake of the article!) and it had a nice firm texture with good flavor. I didn’t eat much crust, but Crystal ensured me that it was well made. For my morning start I chose one of their scones. This one had a combination of cranberry, almonds, and chocolate chips. It was a quite delightful flavor combination with plenty of each ingredient in each bite. With our bodies fueled up, we were prepped to head down to the Merriam Farmers Market for some shopping. Our search had been fruitful, and now we have another nice breakfast stop to add to our list. What other great coffee shops would you like to see us feature?

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Small Bites Equal Big Taste At Piropos

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 09:45:51 +0000

Friday Happy Hours are some of our favorites. There is something about the end of the week that makes them a little sweeter. We enjoy sampling various locations during the happy hours, since it lets us get some extra value for our dollars. Piropos is an Argentinian cuisine restaurant located at N. Mulberry Drive in Kansas City, Missouri. Sitting on a hillside above the Missouri River valley, this upscale dining experience offers a variety of spaces to enjoy some refreshments and delicious bites.

Western View

At first, we considered kicking back on their outdoor patio. Unfortunately, the July heat had set in and the western views meant streaming sunlight. The patio is covered and offers plenty of shade, but the oppressive heat permeated even into this space. The only wise decision was to head into the nearby bar area with its plentiful air conditioning.

The bar area is a mix of regular tables, high-tops and stools along the bar. We prefer a regular table, so we picked one that allowed a good view back in toward the bar. It makes for great people watching, while giving us a little privacy. Piropos is unlike many happy hour locations and offers a choice of their dinner menu or a special bar menu. It’s not limited to just a couple of hours either. Bonus!

Get This Party Started

Now we will be the first to admit that we aren’t what would be described as party people”. While we will usually order a round of drinks, that is about as far as we go. We both prefer to drink water with our meals, as it allows the true flavors of the dishes to come through. This visit I ordered one of their Gaucho drinks, which offers the refreshment of lemonade with a kick.

Small Bites Meal

One of our favorite style of meals is made by combining a variety of small dishes that we can share. It doesn’t take too many to fill us, and it gives us more options than just ordering an entree. Happy hours and bar menus are perfect for this style of dining, since they usually run specials on their smaller dishes. We figure it’s the best of both worlds. We started our meal with a plate of Home-made Argentine Potato Chips. These crispy chips are topped with a garlic and blue cheese sauce that includes chunks of Gorgonzola cheese. The sharp cheese sauce is a perfect topping for these freshly prepared chips. They were so good that it was hard to stop eating them even after our other dishes arrived.

Most dinners for us require some form of protein to provide that stay with you feeling. For this one we actually decided to fill it with two choices. The Tacos Piropo come as chicken, beef or fish. We chose the chicken version, which has a nice bit of heat included. The lettuce and avocado salsa helped temper some of the heat, though.

Our Favorite

The other dish we ordered was the Mini-Hamburger Sliders. Prepared with Argentinian spices, the beef is top quality, which comes through in the texture and flavor. The pair are topped with smoked Gouda, spinach, and a chipotle aioli sauce. They even toss in some sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions on the side. A perfect combination for a couple who each only like one of those sides. (Crystal took the onions and I snarfed down the ‘shrooms.) By the time we finished these meaty treats, we were both pushing away from the table. It once again proved to our tapas style dining offers us the biggest variety at the best value. If you enjoyed this article why not tell us about it in the comments section at the bottom of the page. We love hearing from you! Bon Appetit!

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Bringing The Heat – Coco Bolos

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 10:55:00 +0000

A few weeks before our visit to Prairiefire, we had been in Manhattan, Kansas. While there, I noticed a restaurant named Coco Bolos and wondered what type of food they served. Our travels that day didn’t allow me to check, but when planning our visit to this Overland Park neighborhood we got a second chance. We contacted the restaurant to let them know we would be dropping by after our museum visit, and then we just waited with anticipation. We didn’t have to wait long, before finding that this Tex-Mex restaurant is bringing the heat, even in winter.

We want to thank Coco Bolos for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Blustery Cold Day

The off and on bitter cold in Kansas City hit with a resounding ON the day we arrived at Prairiefire. By the time we were heading to lunch, the wind chills were brutal, so we weren’t too surprised to see a lackluster crowd in the restaurant. In fact, we were surprised to see so many, considering our arrival time was mid-afternoon. The brightly colored interior has a playful feel, which helps spark the adventurous mood. We were hoping the menu would mimic the atmosphere created by the various wall décor. We were greeted by the owner, Fred Merrill, and he explained a little about the restaurant, as we made our way to our table. The Prairiefire location is the second for the company, with Manhattan being the start of it all. We will have to make a point of checking the original out on a future trip.

Surfing The Menu

As we began scanning the menu, our server arrived with some chips and salsa. We noted the unique wooden bowls they are served in, which is a nice touch. The chips were fresh and the salsa had a nice kick without bringing the heat to an uncomfortable level. We skipped cocktails (A margarita would have been good in retrospect) and stuck with water for our drinks. Fred came by to see how we were doing, and it gave us a chance to discuss the food selections at Coco Bolos. He explained that the restaurant attempts to offer a good variety of cuisine styles, but puts their own spin on them. Many of the dishes present a little spice to kick them up a notch. The key is that the meat is wood-fired, so it adds a delectable layer to the flavor of the dishes. We decided the only true test would be to sample as much variety as possible.

Bringing the Heat

We started with the Trio Appetizer, which includes three of the most popular appetizers. Three bacon wrapped shrimp brought a hint of spice with the Caribbean BBQ sauce. A small saucer held crab stuffed mushrooms floating in a delicious mushroom bisque. While Crystal doesn’t like mushrooms, she was surprised to thoroughly enjoy the soup. The plate also included a chicken quesadilla that was accompanied by a jalapeno dipping sauce. Now they were bringing the heat into play. We grazed on these items, but knew we would want to save room for the main courses. Looks like we would be packing leftovers this day.

South Of The Border

Crystal wavered between dishes, but finally decided she was in the mood for something with some southern flair. The Chicken Enchilladas Suizas looked good to her, but she didn’t quite realize just how formidable the entire dish would be. Consisting of three chicken stuffed corn tortillas it has a red chili sauce, and is topped with a generous helping of Monterrey cheese. The entrée is accompanied by a helping of Navajo rice and Bolo beans. The plate is so hot they have to put it on a second plate just to serve it. As soon as they set it down, Crystal knew she would be no match for the meal, but that meant I would get to take some to work for lunch.

A New Kind of Cuban

I love Cuban sandwiches. You all know it, and I struggle passing them up any time I see one on the menu. Fred and I had discussed Coco Bolos’ version of the sandwich, and he told me it would be unlike any I had ever tried. This piqued my interest to the point that I just had to test it out. Unlike the pressed sammies that I usually get served, this version is more in the range of an over-sized grilled pork sandwich. A heaping pile of wood-fired pork loin is flavored with Caribbean jerk seasoning. Toss on some ancho aioli, a bit of cilantro pesto, and melt some cheese over it to hold it all together. Then pile on some lettuce and tomato and stand back. While this was not truly in the flavor realm of a standard Cuban sandwich, it offered up a moist and flavorful dish that was unlike any combination I had tried. It certainly hit the spot, and I split it in half to save some for later. (It disappeared before I got to it, but that just means that our son got to taste the goodness, as well.) The dish also included a pile of waffle fries, that got munched on by both of us. By the end of our meals, we were both stuffed to the gills. Our server packed up our leftovers, and we thanked everyone for their hospitality. Now that we have broken the seal on this unique eatery, we can’t wait to return to test out more of their interesting dishes. Have you ever visited Coco Bolos?

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Pancake’s Fancy Brother – Chez Elle Crepes

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:55:45 +0000

Spending the winter months hunkered down in Kansas City may not be the most tropical of destinations. It does offer us a chance to build up a backlog of topics for articles about our hometown. Fortunately, if we run out of ideas, we can simply ask our readers, and get a ton of great suggestions. A day planned for visiting the World War 1 Museum needed a great breakfast jump start, and you all really went above and beyond with the list. Many were stored away for future outings, and the final decision was made to visit Chez Elle, at 1713 Summit Street. We were anxious to sample their menu filled with pancake’s fancy brother.

We want to thank Chez Elle for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Just Like In The Movies

Chez Elle is the brainchild of owner Ellen Trakas. We were fortunate to run into her during our visit, and I spoke with her about her passion. The building has been converted from the old Summit Theater, which is evident from the remaining ticket window. Everything else bespeaks a flair of a Parisian creperie and coffee house. Ellen fell in love with this staple of French life during a stay in France. Chez Elle is not only unique in its menu, it is also one of only a few restaurants that we are aware of that is truly environmentally nurturing. The paper goods are all compostable, and they even recycle the coffee grounds for use in making garden compost for local farms.

Our Visit To Chez Elle

We met up with our daughter for breakfast, and beat her there by a few minutes. This gave us time to order some lattes, since we were already well caffeinated by now. When we entered the building, we were deposited into a large foyer, where the window is for ordering. A huge chalkboard sign lists the available crepes, which come in sweet, savory, and breakfast categories. We decided to wait for our daughter, before picking our dishes, so that we could create a trifecta of flavors. After placing our drink orders, we found some seating in the main dining area.

Soon our coffees were delivered, and before long we were joined by our daughter. By chance, the owner was in the restaurant that morning, and we had a chance to talk with her. She explained a little of the history of the building, as well as the surrounding neighborhood. As she spoke, it was apparent she had a strong connection with the area, and wanted to leave a positive mark in its history. Our discussion turned to the crepes, and it was decided that picking one from each of the main categories would give a good sampling of the menu.

Pancake’s Fancy Brother

Many people wonder what the difference is between crepes and pancakes (I used to.) The main thing is that pancakes are made with a raising agent, such as baking powder or soda, while crepes are not. This allows crepes to remain a thin skin in comparison. After we had placed our order, I wandered over to the station where the crepes are prepared. I watched with wonder, as the cook ladled the batter, and then leveled it across the cooking surface. It was very entertaining to see this being done, and at Chez Elle, there are windows that allow viewing. I’m betting kids would love to see this, as well.

Time To Dine

Our dishes arrived sooner than I had expected, and I had to scramble a little to decide the best way to photograph the plates. It was finally decided to just move them to an empty table nearby for the pictures. Our selections included one each of; Bonjour (A breakfast crepe with bacon, eggs, and cheese), Patriote (A sweet crepe with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas with whipped cream and two sauces), and Le Jardin (A savory crepe with vegetables and cheeses) . Once the pictures were completed, we all started in on our original choices. After a while, we switched plates to sample the other two varieties. By the end, there was still a portion of two of the crepes left, and all three of us were stuffed. With a solid breakfast, that included some protein, under our belts, we were now ready to go explore Kansas City. It was my first visit to a creperie, and now I’ve discovered a delicious alternative to pancakes.

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Third Space Coffee – Bonner Springs Knows Coffee

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:06:40 +0000

This year we decided to make Bonner Springs our Shop Small Saturday destination. This was planned as research for our final article of 2017 for Visit KCK. We arrived before the shops opened, which gave us the opportunity to check out Third Space Coffee located at 226 Oak Street. We had to park a couple blocks away, since they had the street blocked off for a special shopping event. As we made our way to the restaurant, we passed a variety of vendors who were setting up tables of crafts to sell.
We want to thank Visit KCK for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Busy Morning

With the event preparing to begin, the area was pretty busy. We made our way in to Third Space Coffee, and found the place buzzing with customers. The first area we came upon was a comfortable seating spot with a modern wall fireplace. The stark white walls were a perfect backdrop for the dark wood and leather furniture. Comfortable seating is certainly the theme throughout the space, as we would soon find out.

The unexpected crowd made the morning hectic for staff, but they were still smiling when we made our way to the counter. After explaining the purpose of our visit, we discussed some of the breakfast specialties that the locals normally order. Even though we had started our day with some coffee at home, we were willing to make a sacrifice for the purpose of the article. (Okay, it’s not much of a sacrifice for coffee lovers.) We ordered a couple of lattes, as well as our breakfast dishes, and then went to find seating.

Space Abounds at Third Space Coffee

The restaurant has a variety of seating areas, and just as many chair options. In the middle of the back portion of the room is a large wooden table. This is large enough to seat eight, but there are also smaller groupings. Along one wall is an area that has tables with booth seating on one side, and chairs on the other. This was perfect for us, and we claimed our stake. While we waited for our meals, I took the opportunity to explore in more depth. A small children’s area is stocked with toys to keep small ones occupied. Out the back door I discovered a second story deck with more comfortable seating. This place has lots of options for their guests.

I heard my name called out, which meant that our drinks were ready. The guy who prepared the lattes told us that he had only been doing this for about four months. We were quite impressed with the beautiful appearance, as well as the over-sized cups that the drinks are served in. After taking some pictures, we headed back to our table. Just as we sat our drinks down, they called us back to pick up our meals.

Hearty Starts

When we asked about the favorites there were two dishes that ranked high with the locals. The first was the Biscuits and Gravy. This can be ordered as a half or full order, which is the difference of one or two split biscuits. We decided to go with the full order, since we wanted to get a solid start. The gravy had a nice texture, and the flavor was good. It was not too heavily salted, and complimented the biscuits. We each ate one of the biscuits, which were quite filling.

Our other dish was the Breakfast Bite, which is what they call their sandwich. The version we chose had egg, bacon, ham, and cheese. This was all piled on some fresh wheat bread. The flavors blended well without any one being overpowering. This sandwich can also be ordered as a veggie version, but we like the protein for staying power. As we dined, we watch the steady flow of customers come through the door. It was interesting to see how organized the staff seemed to be, as they churned out order after order. Soon we had finished our meal, and we were ready to start our shopping excursion. Outside we discovered a wide array of boutiques, and our breakfast supplied us with the energy to finish our list.

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Trying New Dishes At Margarita’s

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 10:07:18 +0000

One big advantage to living in Kansas City is the wide range of cuisines available throughout the metro. It seems that no matter which area you are in you can find a good selection of restaurants. Some of the “local chains” have locations scattered around the city, so we can enjoy our favorites wherever we wander. One of these is Margarita’s, which has five locations in Kansas City.

Plenty of Seating

It is a toss-up between whether we spend more time at the Margarita’s on Southwest Boulevard or the location in Lenexa. Obviously, a lot of it depends on where we are spending our day, but for this article we visited their Lenexa spot at 7890 Quivira Road. For years they were located on Johnson Drive, in a basement, which would have been a death toll for most restaurants. Their dedicated fan base kept them busy, until it became clear that they needed a location with better access. Their move to their current location allowed customers improved parking, and the restaurant certainly has more street presence. For those who have been regulars for years, there is an appreciation that the inside is a little roomier than their past digs. A variety of tables and booths offer plenty of seating, and customers can also choose to sit at the high-tops located in the bar area.

Chips For Dips

We visited between the lunch and dinner rushes on a Saturday afternoon, so the seating was plentiful. We were seated immediately, and served fresh chips and salsa. Our server dropped by, and introduced himself. We seem to gravitate to the same menu items each visit, but decided it was time to mix it up a bit. After some explanations from our server, we finally decided on our meals. With our orders in, we could now just relax and snack on the chips. We are fans of Margarita’s salsa, and even buy it at the grocery store for use at home.

And Now For Something Different

For her meal, Crystal chose the Chicken Argentine. This consists of a grilled chicken breast that is coated with their signature Margarita Dip, which is a melted blend of cheese and spices. It comes with fresh tortillas, and a side of rice and beans. She used the tortillas to create her own version of a cheesy chicken burrito, and noted a little kick to the dish. Crystal always foregoes the beans in favor of more rice, which she added to her burrito. For my side dish, I choose to only have the refried beans, and leave the rice for Crystal. (It is obvious that opposites attract.)

I usually order a chimichanga, but on this visit, went with the tacos. Our server explained that they serve a variety of fillings, and that I could mix and match. To get a good sampling of the flavors offered, I decided to order three different meats. One taco was a standard hard shell with ground beef. It doesn’t get any more regular than this, and it had great flavor. That taco didn’t stay around long. The other two were “authentic” style tacos, which are served with onion and cilantro. I selected one with roast pork, and the other with carnitas meat. They both were delicious, and had their own unique flavor. Our meals are always so filling that we can never finish them. We chatted with the server for a bit. before making our way back to our car. We realize that Kansas City offers a wide array of Mexican food options, and it’s great that so many of them serve good meals. So, which Mexican restaurant is your favorite?

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Splitlog Coffee Helps The East Side OF KCK Get Caffeinated

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 10:08:05 +0000

Like many, Crystal and I are coffee lovers. When we heard that a new shop opened on the east end of Kansas City, Kansas we were eager to try it out. We stopped by Splitlog Coffee, at 548 Central Avenue, to check out their digs. Our timing was perfect, as we had the pleasure of a bright, sunny Saturday morning. For years, this part of the city has been left a little lacking, but things are changing. This new coffee stop is helping the East side of KCK get caffeinated.

We want to thank Visit Kansas City, Kansas for sponsoring our visit. As always, the opinions are our own.

A Long Tradition

For years this area of KCK had just existed. Nearby is the I-70 exchange, which whisked people East toward KCMO or West toward the speedway. Except for the locals, people for the most part avoided the area. Quietly the neighborhood has been slowly transforming. The Strawberry Hill area has a long, and storied history in KCK. Most people in the area know the Slavic connection, but fewer recognize the significance of the name Splitlog. We covered it in a little detail during our article on the Strawberry Hill Museum. (You can read more here>) Sitting near the southern edge of Strawberry Hill, Splitlog Coffee joins some other recent additions to the area. Many of you are familiar with SLAPS BBQ, which has made quite a name for themselves in the KC restaurant scene.

Bringing A New Vibe

Splitlog Coffee is housed in a smallish shop, but has ample room for what it serves. A good selection of tables are available for patrons, as well as window view seating across the front of the store. A picnic table outside offers some fresh air seating during nice weather, and a drive-thru option is available for those on the run. We wanted the full flavor of the place, so an indoor visit was in order. Our stop was on a Saturday morning, and the place was already half full upon our arrival. Couples lingered over coffee, while nearby some others worked on laptops. It had all of the markings of a true 21st Century coffee shop. The barista on duty explained the menu, as well as a little of the back ground of the business.

An Artful Presentation

The building used to house Flywheel Coffee, so the owners are familiar with the coffee business. They enlisted Simeon Bricker, an award winning barista who has local history with The Roasterie, to manage the daily operations of the business. Splitlog Coffee doesn’t roast their own beans, and instead focus on the end processes of coffee making. The majority of their beans are a Kenyan or Ethiopian variety, which they have roasted by Messenger Coffee, which is a Kansas City craft roaster. These full flavored roasts are delicious, and a great start to the day. We opted for an artistic set of drinks, so that we could let the barista show off their flair. The prices for these lattes were very much in line with what we find at other specialty coffee houses.

Perfectly Presented Pastries

Splitlog Coffee offers up a handful of food options to accompany their drinks. These are made off site, so that staff can focus on the coffee. The morning we visited the options included donuts from Hana’s Donuts, which is a local favorite from our neck of the woods. They also had a variety of scones, muffins, and assorted pastries from Sunflower Bakery. Since we were not familiar with this place, we decided to opt for their goodies. We picked out a Cinnamon Apple Turnover, and a Blueberry Scone to share. Both of these were delicious choices, and went well with our flavored drinks. We struck up a conversation with a couple at a nearby table, who were first timers to this location, as well. They were just as enamored with the quality, as we were, which helped confirm for us. We savored our choices, before thanking the staff for the wonderful start to our day. Now that we were caffeinated, and our bellies filled, we were ready to begin the next phase of exploring. We are certainly looking forward to finding reasons to swing by Splitlog Coffee again, and sample some more of their intriguing offerings. Have you visited this new KCK landmark? Let us know your thoughts on them.

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An Evening in the Vineyard

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 10:32:27 +0000

We discovered last weekend, that sitting in a vineyard on a hot evening helps lower the temperature a few degrees. The occasion was the Summertime Music Series at Holyfield Winery. We have mentioned this Basehor small batch vintner previously, and even written an article about them.

Jazzing up The Vineyard

Holyfield Winery runs the summer series on most every Friday evening, and will even move the event indoors if the weather demands. These are not the only events that happen at Holyfield, as they have musical performances throughout the year. They also host periodic murder mystery dinners, as well as benefits. No matter our reason, we find a visit to this local winemaker to be a relaxing occurrence.

We arrived early enough to stake out our spot in the vineyard, since the shaded area in front of the winery was already full. It is clear that these events are becoming more popular each year. We can remember times when the crowds barely filled the area just in front of the band. Now the entire front lawn was packed, and quite a few of the rows in the vineyard had small groups hanging out. This was our first time to sit among the grapes, and we were quite happy that we did. As I mentioned before, the temperature felt about ten degrees cooler, and we had the shade of the vines, as well.

This evening they were hosting Guitar Elation with special guest David Basse. The admission price of $7.00 per person was a good deal, to see a group that includes a leader who performed with Ida McBeth. I fetched a bottle of our favorite Vignoles from inside the winery, and we sat back to enjoy the soothing jazz that wafted through the leaves. There were many familiar tunes that evening, including one of my favorites, Sweet Home Chicago. Since we had left the house shortly after I got home from work, it didn’t take long for hunger to strike.

Can’t You Smell That Smell?

Most every event at Holyfield will include at least one food vendor. We enjoy a lot of them, but Prairie Fire Oven has to be one of our favorites. We noticed their signature wood-fired pizza oven, sitting atop the trailer, when we arrived. After creating a perfect seating environment to enjoy the evening, we began to smell the tempting aroma of the baking pies. A decision was made that there is no reason to torture ourselves, and I made my way over to the tent to order us a pair of pizzas. (Like that wasn’t the plan all along,)

While I waited for our order to cook, I took a few moments to speak with David White, the owner of Prairie Fire Oven. It was interesting to find out that they have Kansas City’s first mobile wood-fired oven. We can tell you from first hand experience that it makes a big difference in the taste. It also helps that they source local ingredients, whenever possible. That is something that we truly appreciate about any place we dine at, and usually ask about that point specifically. Soon our pies were ready, and I took them back to the vineyard for us to enjoy.

You Can’t Beat A Kansas Sunset

Soon our pizzas were gone, and we sat back in the coolness of the vines to soak up the sounds that surrounded us. From our vantage point, we were able to partake in some premium people watching, as the sun dropped toward the horizon. Too soon, the last rays of the setting sun filtered through the grape leaves. It was a perfect ending to a Kansas City Friday evening. As the band worked through their last set, we packed up our chairs, and said our goodbyes. Driving back toward the city lights, we contemplated our next visit to Holyfield. Whatever weekend we make it back, we know for sure that we will find a cool spot in the vineyard. Will we see you there, as well?

*We may have received support from some of the businesses listed. All of the writing and opinions are our own.

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Harry Truman’s First Job Wasn’t At Clinton’s, but It was still Sweet

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 10:30:26 +0000

We have made many trips to the historic Independence Square. On a lot of those visits we stopped in to Clinton’s Soda Fountain for a sweet break. Clinton’s sits squarely on the corner of Main Street and Maple, and offers a great vantage point for people watching.

Harry’s Home Away From Home

Clinton’s building has the honor of being Harry Truman’s first job, away from the homestead. Actually, back then it was Crown Drug Store, which was a pharmacy and soda fountain. The wood and brick building was built in the 1800’s, and has also been home to a shoe store and jewelry shop. Customers from all around the nation have stopped in to enjoy a refreshing treat, while viewing the historic photographs that decorate the walls.

The menu at Clinton’s includes a wide variety of items. For those looking for a bite to eat, there are a handful of sandwiches available. These can be washed down with your favorite soda or better yet, a phosphate. This bubbly concoction is made with soda water and flavoring, and originated in France toward the end of the 18th century. Clinton’s offers almost a dozen flavors to choose from including my favorite, Black Cherry.

Clinton’s Cold Treats

Let’s be honest with each other. Don’t we really come here for the ice cream treats. Guests can go simple with a dish or cone of their favorite flavor. They offer cake, sugar or waffle cones with single or double scoops. If you prefer you can have a Phosphate Float, which has the unique beverage with a scoop of ice cream. It’s the best of both worlds. Of course, you could also choose Harry Truman’s favorite sweet treat. According to Clinton’s, he was partial to chocolate ice cream with butterscotch topping.

Well now I’ve done It. I brought up the specialty ice cream treats. I guess the only thing to do is carry on down that sugary road. Customers have the choice of a good old Banana Split, which comes with all of the trimmings. We have the tendency to test the specialty sundaes, which include a Grasshopper, Smores, Peanut Butter Hot Fudge or even a Nutty Turtle, which Crystal tried out on our recent visit. I was feeling a little fancier, and chose the Tux, which comes with a scoop each of vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Toss in some marshmallow cream and hot fudge, and you have a delightfully special treat. At the end of our visit, we departed with good memories, full bellies, and a desire for some water. Do you ever have an overwhelming urge for a drink of water after your sugary treats?

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Warm Welcome at Los Alamos Market

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 12 May 2017 11:25:31 +0000

Los Alamos Market y Cocina sits in the middle of the Westside area in Kansas City, Missouri. Located at 1667 Summit Street, it is within walking distance of downtown or the Crossroads District. Since 2001, Los Alamos Market has occupied this corner. Nearby residents and visitors enjoy a variety of locally owned restaurants and shops.

Marketing To The Masses

During our visit, we found out Los Alamos has adapted over the years. In the early days, they focused on selling household goods, wine, beer, and Mexican items. Customers requested more from them, and soon they began offering breakfast items. Owners Augustin and Ana found that the demand continued to grow, and soon added lunch. To this day customers will still find an eclectic collection of goods for sale. Pinatas hang above shelves filled with Jarritos and assorted snacks. As we made our way past these few shelves we came to the dining area. Taking up about half of the floor space is an assortment of mismatched tables and chairs. Our arrival was after the lunch rush on a Saturday, but we still found quite a few of the tables occupied. We made our way over to the glass-front counter to order our meals.

Rustic Menu at Los Alamos Market

As we stepped up to the counter we were greeted by Augustin. We explained that this was our first visit, and a smile spread across his face. He immediately started into his presentation about all of the items available to eat. It was obvious that he is passionate about the business, and loves sharing their food with customers. This kind of warmth makes a visit that much more special. He walked us through all of the items available, and gave us a brief explanation of the components and cooking for each. What began as a lunch stop quickly turned into a mini-lesson on authentic Mexican foods. Crystal selected the Pork Carnitas plate, which comes with rice and beans. You have a choice of corn or flour tortillas, but Augustin suggested we go with the corn, so we did.

Authentic Flavor

I chose the Beef Barbacoa, which comes with the same sides, and I selected the corn tortillas, as well. We found ourselves a table, and waited for our plates to be assembled. We noted that Los Alamos Market has a diverse range of customers, and all looked satisfied with the meals they were eating. Our anticipation grew, and soon our plates were brought to the table. Two bowls of sauce were also served, and it was noted that one was mild, and the other hot. In my opinion they may have misidentified them, since the mild had lots of kick. Of course, we weren’t going to test that theory for fear that the other was substantially hotter. The food was delicious, and there was plenty to fill us, and allow for left-overs. A note to our non-heat loving readers, the slaw in the middle contains some diced peppers that also have a healthy kick. We bid our goodbyes to Augustin and Ana, and thanked them for their hospitality. After this wonderful experience the only question is, what other great menu items should we try?

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Cool Treats at Poppy’s Ice Cream

Jeff & Crystal — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:40:52 +0000

Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House is located at 307 SE Douglas in downtown Lee’s Summit. It was a welcome sight during our recent visit. For us, one of life’s sweetest treats is ice cream. Give us a warm day, and a bowl of ice cream, and we are just about as happy as we can get. When we happen upon an ice cream shop we have never visited, we just have to stop in to see what they offer. The variety of colors swirled in the different containers are mesmerizing, and we find ourselves drawn to test a few.

A Pre-visit to Poppy’s

Poppy’s Ice Cream sits just off of the main drag, which is 3rd Street. The steady stream of people with ice cream cones treats highlighted the existence of a shop. It was not difficult to follow the trail to the door. In front of the shop they have a few chairs and tables for customers wishing to enjoy a sunny day. During our visit there was a little nip in the air, so we decided to partake of our purchases indoors. We had planned to visit them later in the evening, but I wanted to get some daylight photos. It also gave me a chance to scope out the variety of sweets they carry. While I clicked away with the camera, Crystal ordered up a hot beverage to keep her fingers warm while we toured the downtown. We walked away knowing that within a few short hours we would be tasting their frosty offerings.

We returned to Poppy’s Ice Cream later in the evening to claim our self-promised rewards. While looking around, I took note of the building interior. Like some of the other buildings in the area, this appears to be an older industrial shop that has been renovated into retail use. The excessively high ceiling is covered in ornate pressed tin tiles. Exposed brick, pipes, and duct-work add to the age-old industrial feel. It certainly gives the place an old-time vibe. Before settling down to a bowl of ice cream, we first like to explore any other options. We noticed a glass display case on the side, and found it contained an assortment of candy treats. These are brought in from Chip’s Chocolate Factory, which is one of our favorite stores in Crown Center. Since we have sampled their wares on multiple occasions, we decided to focus this visit on the colder sweets.

So Many Choices

In the Poppy’s freezer cabinet, we discovered eight flavors of ice cream, and four of sorbet. The flavors rotate, and all are homemade. The menu allows customers to order a variety of frosty delights. These include concretes, shakes, sundaes, and scoops. Banana splits come in normal size, and a special Jungle Split version with eight scoops of ice cream. Talk about the potential for brain freeze. Scoops can come served in bowls or hand rolled waffle cones. The cones can be dipped in chocolate, and topped with sprinkles. For what I thought would just be an ice cream shop, this place takes customer choice to the max. We taste tested a few of the flavors that they had in stock, before finally deciding on our desserts.

We were able to speak with the owner, and discovered that Poppy’s Ice Cream is served in quite a few restaurants in the Kansas City metro. Some of these include; Michael Forbes, Blue Koi, Grand Street Cafe, and Pierpont’s. Since our trip included a myriad of dining and drinking places, we decided to go easy, and just ordered a couple of small sundaes. One was a Slow Sundae, which is topped with hot fudge, caramel, and pecans. The other was a Salty Brownie, which duplicates the other except for the addition of salty caramel. The other difference is that it all rests on top of a delicious brownie. The quality of these treats was superb, and we quickly realized why so many fine dining establishments have sought them out as a supplier. We now have a go to sweets shop whenever we visit downtown Lee’s Summit.

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Sweet Success at The Upper Crust

Jeff & Crystal — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 13:00:46 +0000

One of the reasons we look forward to visiting Downtown Overland Park is the chance to stop in The Upper Crust. For those of you that have been here, you know why we are excited. This place is a straight up pie shop with no qualms about their specialty. They aren’t trying to serve a hundred different dessert options, and have honed in on the idea of offering the best pies they can make. They do offer a few cookie and bar options, but it is clear upon entering their shop that they focus on their pies.

Their price list at The Upper Crust is fairly straightforward, but on the third Friday Local Life events they offer slices at a three for $7.00 special. Lots of people are familiar with this special, so you will want to get your picks in early. They do start running out of some varieties, as the evening wanes. We have learned that you can purchase your selections, and they will hold them for you until later, but be sure to pick them up before they close.

The experience at The Upper Crust is electric. As you wait in line you find yourself struggling to decide which flavor to try on this visit. Wait a minute! With so many choices how could you settle on just one flavor? We all know that the best things in life, like pie, come in a variety pack. Order up a few flavors, and then share them.

For our choices on this particular visit we picked (from top to bottom) Blackberry, German Chocolate, and Pecan. The fillings were awesome, but the part that separates them from many other pie makers is the crust. So light and crumbly. This place is definitely worth the trip if you are a pie fan, and if you are not they just may make you one. Give The Upper Crust a try on the next third Friday for their three slice offer, but don’t forget to get there early, as they sell out fast. Pie, anyone?

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Smoky Goodness at El Pollo Rey

Jeff & Crystal — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:30:33 +0000

The Armourdale section of Kansas City, Kansas is filled with small businesses and hard working families. Restaurants in the area, like El Pollo Rey, may cater to the local residents, but their creations draw customers from all around the metro. Many of the buildings, that house these restaurants, have been home to a variety of businesses in the past. An example of this, is the building at 901 Kansas Avenue. During its time as a Dairy Queen, we would frequent it on Wednesday evenings, after church services. Of course, this was during my younger years. Since those days, we have not frequented any of the numerous businesses that have occupied the grounds, until we stopped in to sample the smoky goodness that comes from the current resident.

Keep it Simple

El Pollo Rey has a business model focused on a very select menu. They cook chicken. No, they grill chicken, and it is scrumptious. As you drive down Kansas Avenue, you will often see the smoke rolling from the building. It would be easy to mistake it for a fire, as sometimes it is quite thick. If your windows are down you will be treated to a whiff of the fragrant aromas wafting from the building. The smell of smoked chicken fills the air. Stepping inside, you find that you can almost taste the air around you.

Smoky Goodness

The menu at El Pollo Rey is fairly straight forward. They specialize in chicken, but they also have sides to accompany it. While the prices are slightly higher than you would pay for a rotisserie bird from a grocery store, the flavor makes the extra cost a non-issue. The flavor far surpasses that of most any other prepared bird you will find in the city. The idea is so simple that it makes the final product that much better. A half-chicken order comes in around $7.00, and is more than a meal for one. Besides the bird you will also receive sides of beans, rice, salsa, and tortillas. Don’t forget to pick up some pickled onions for an added treat.

Make it a Meal

They also offer hot wings in groups of 10. We haven’t tried those yet, but others have given them rave reviews. El Pollo Rey opens at 11:00 am for the lunch crowd, and stays open until around 8:00 pm. The lines can get long and that increases the wait. many times, we have ordered our chicken, and then crossed the street to a local market. Armed with additional supplies, we head back to pick up our meal. Give them a try for some of the most flavorful chicken in town, and grab a Coke while you are there. It’s the old style made with real sugar, and not corn syrup. Now that’s some good eating.

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Sipping Local Flavor at Holy-Field Winery

Jeff & Crystal — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 12:12:12 +0000

Tucked away in Basehor, Kansas, Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery offers a charming escape for wine lovers. This family-owned winery has crafted award-winning wines for over 25 years, using grapes grown on their ten-acre vineyard. Visitors can sample wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, all produced with Kansas-grown grapes. The tasting room provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can sip, relax, and learn about the winemaking process.

Family Business

Holy-Field Winery is a labor of love for Michelle Meyer and her father, Les Meyer. Together, they nurtured the vineyard and winery, carrying on a family winemaking tradition. Les was a passionate grape grower who planted the first vines. Michelle took on the winemaking process, creating wines that have gained regional and national recognition. Their dedication to quality and hospitality has made Holy-Field Winery a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts.

Award Winning Lineup

Over the years, Holy-Field Winery has earned numerous accolades for its exceptional wines. Their wines have been recognized in prestigious competitions, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals from national and international events. The winery’s signature Cynthiana and Vignoles wines have received particular acclaim, showcasing the unique flavors of Kansas-grown grapes. Each award highlights their commitment to excellence and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.

Local Love

Holy-Field Winery embraces the community spirit with annual events that unite locals and visitors. Their popular ‘Music at the Vineyard’ series fills summer evenings with live music, good company, and delicious wine. Each performance takes place under the open sky, creating a perfect setting for a laid-back night of entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. Being one of the few wineries in Kansas, they’re proud to host an annual Kansas Day celebration.

Fun Events

Wine enthusiasts seeking hands-on experience can participate in the annual harvest. Guests can roll up their sleeves and help bring in the grapes the old-fashioned way. The event nods to traditional winemaking techniques and offers many laughs and photo-worthy moments. It makes sipping Holy-Field wines a personal experience, knowing you had a helping hand in the harvest.

Sipping Local Flavor

Holy-Field Winery offers an authentic taste of Kansas hospitality, whether visiting for a tasting, a music-filled evening, or a lively festival. During the colder weather, they host their events indoors. Please stop by the tasting room to sample their unique wines and purchase items to host your event at home. With its award-winning wines and welcoming atmosphere, this hidden gem remains a favorite destination for wine lovers near and far.

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