KC Breakfast Archives - Our Changing Life

Eclectic Charm At You Say Tomato

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:58:57 +0000

Our visit to You Say Tomato was proof that you should never judge a restaurant by its exterior. We were looking for a breakfast spot close to Crown Center, and being situated at 2801 Holmes made it quite convenient. This place was suggested by some readers, and we have found these tips to be quite useful. I had looked at the menu, found some interesting dishes, and made the decision to give them a shot. Little did we know what pleasant surprises were awaiting our discovery.

Re-purposed Store

When we pulled up in front of the restaurant we were immediately reminded of an old corner marketplace. Stepping through the door, we were transformed back in time to our youth, when these types of shops were more commonplace. Of course, that was back before the addition of all of the ‘big box” grocery stores that blanket the landscape. The quaint homey feeling was our first signal that this place would provide a relaxed, comforting experience. The seating is an eclectic collection of tables and chairs, which added to the charm. The place was busy, and almost all of the places were taken. We found a cute green tabletop to claim for our own.

Time To Order

We made our way toward the back of the store (It is kind of a store/restaurant combo.) to place our order. A discussion with a staff member helped us better understand the menu. We placed our coffee and meal orders, and made our way back to our table to await their delivery. I made note of the delicious cakes and pies that they offer, even though we wouldn’t be having any this morning. I like to keep this information tucked away in case we make a lunch time visit. Along one wall of the store we found a small assortment of grocery items, since this place plays double duty. It makes the time waiting for our meals a little more interesting.

Have It Your Way

When we ordered our coffee, I knew that I would not finish mine while we dined. (I had a couple cups under my belt already.) I got mine to go, while Crystal decided that she would finish hers off with no problems. It’s nice to have this option. With these delivered, we just had a short wait for our meals.

Sweet Starts

Crystal decided to go with a sweet dish, and the French Toast sounded like a perfect choice. The golden slices were complimented by the sweet crumbles and rich maple syrup. A dish of fresh berries added a nice touch to her meal, and she even let me have some bites.

Protein To Last

I knew the sweet side had been covered, so I went with a savory selection. The quiche ingredients change based on what is seasonable and available. This version included bacon, peppers, and mushrooms. The dense baked egg mixture was delicious, and quenched my hunger for quite a long time. Our meal choices were perfect for a day of exploring, and You Say Tomato was the first important discovery of the day. Since they alter their menu quite frequently, this looks like a place we will have to return to on a regular basis. What is the best dish you have ever had at You Say Tomato?

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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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Blue Bird Bistro Offers Local Flavors

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:08:09 +0000

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When we are preparing for a day of exploring, we like to start with a solid meal, that must include coffee. While we enjoy a good eggs and meat meal as much as anyone, we also like to test out new dishes when possible. Our visit to Blue Bird Bistro, at 1700 Summit Street in Kansas City, Missouri offered us a chance to do just that.

Local Flavors at Blue Bird Bistro

The Blue Bird Bistro is located on a ridge that runs between the West Bottoms and the Crossroads districts. This area is especially popular during First Friday weekends, so we visited during an off weekend. Our hope was to avoid an extended wait to dine, since we had scheduled appointments later that morning. We arrived around 9:00 am, and were able to find a nearby parking spot. Be aware that parking in this area is mainly curbside, so you may have to look a bit during busier hours.

We had no preconceived ideas about this place, since it had just appeared on our radar the prior day. Both of us were excited to see what this all-natural, organic, local restaurant would have to offer. The interior dining area is split in two sections, but being early allowed us a table in the front. This portion is dotted with tables and half-booths, as well as a counter portion served by stools. The back room is filled with more tables, and looks like they could be arranged to handle larger parties. We were seated at a two person table, which allowed a great view of any and all activity.

Farm to Table Eats

Our server was quick to bring us some coffee, while we reviewed the menu. Blue Bird Bistro posts their menu online, but we were informed that it can change depending on what ingredients are available. Being locally sourced can create additional challenges, but it usually provides for more flavorful dishes. One of the menu items that has a lot of variation are the Fancy Cakes. These are their take on pancakes, and can come with some unique ingredient combinations. Crystal heard that these were a Fall version, and decided to go with them. They were made with an organic pancake batter sprinkled with nuts, granola and sweet potato. Served with a dollop of butter and some pure maple syrup, she was set for a new flavor experience. These cakes ended up being a huge hit with her, and she raved about them for quite some time.

Seeing Crystal experimenting gave me the urge to step away from my usual omelet choice. The Blue Bird Bistro has a handful of Benedict’s to choose from, and I decided to sample the 17th Street Benedict. The dish is composed of a toasted English muffin topped with local greens, onion, mushrooms, capers, and some feta cheese. This assembly is capped with a poached locally sourced egg, and doused with hollandaise sauce. I chose to stick to a half order, as I saw that it was served with their house potatoes. The dish was filled with an enjoyable blend of flavors. The saltiness of the capers was enough to season the dish, and the feta cheese added a delightful tang to the dish. Like Crystal, I ended up being a fan of a new breakfast menu item. I may even be tempted to test out their Meatloaf or Salmon Benedict’s in the future. The fresh and flavorful menu options have certainly created a couple of new fans. How many of you have tasted the flavors at Blue Bird Bistro? Tell us some of your favorite dishes.

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Long Standing Tradition at Dagwood’s Cafe

Jeff & Crystal — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 10:35:54 +0000

The Rosedale section of KCK is filled with small to medium sized businesses, in and around the “Boulevard”. This area was founded early in the city’s life, and has had it’s ups and downs over the years. Flooding has always been a fear of the residents and business owners in this low lying land. While these trials have tested, and broken many companies, some have remained steadfast through the years. One of these is Dagwood’s Cafe at 1117 Southwest Blvd. Upon entering, you find diners lining the counter or spread out at the tables. People on their way to work mingle with families enjoying a break from their hectic days. Everyone seems to be relaxed here, and the coffee flows freely.

BLT Sandwich

This old school style diner opens at 5:00 on weekdays, and 6:00 on weekends to serve up a variety of meals at good prices. Diners have plenty of options to satisfy their hunger, including the Dagwood breakfast sandwich, which is made with eggs, cheese, hash browns, and a choice of meat. All of this is piled high on Texas toast, which is then smothered with gravy. Not a meal for the light of stomach or those watching their calorie intake. For those looking for something a tad bit lighter, the BLT Sandwich packs an appetite suppressing punch.

Breakfast and Lunch coexist.

As the morning progresses, we come to that period around brunch when you find people at the same table ordering breakfast and lunch items. While the breakfasts are filling, it is the lunch items that I enjoy the most. They have a wonderful cheeseburger, and their onion rings are crispy circles of delight. Handhelds are some of their most popular items, and they offer up a wide variety. On Monday through Friday, they begin offering their dinner menu items after 10:00 am. Looking around you see plates filled with Chicken Fried Steak or Roast Beef dinners, mingling with the late comer breakfast crowd. Seeing the constant flow of customers tells you know the food must be good. After all, they have been in business since 1938. If you have never been to Dagwood’s Cafe, what are you waiting for?

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