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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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