Greg showed me a flyer he picked up at the Kansas City River Market; "we need to check this out sometime." Rayville Baking Co, who sell their delicious fresh made breads at the market, opened a restaurant on their farm in nearby Rayville, MO. Friday night features hand made, wood fired oven gourmet pizzas and their own VanTill Family wines in a bucolic outdoor setting. "Sounds like a fun change of pace", Greg said. You have to know Greg that a "change of pace" for him is akin to a life changing experience for most of us. I eagerly agreed.
So this past Friday, we motored off to tiny Rayville, MO (pop 204, several horses and a post office) to sample the VanTill's offerings. Tagging along for the ride was Greg's neighbor Sue and her friend Marie. Greg even broke out the new Hyundai Tucson he bought a few months ago and never drives. The ride up, along MO highway 210 and then MO 10, is pleasant and scenic, snaking along the Missouri river bottom and skirting the bluffs. On this Friday, the fields were green, the trees full and the traffic light. Watching the darting and diving of a bi-plane crop duster we happened to spy along the way was something us city folk do not often see. Police and ambulance helicopters, yes.. but few crop dusters.
It took an ambling hour to get there and we found it with no problems. Once parked, we entered the building and asked the lady we saw where the restaurant was. She directed us to the restrooms. When we clarified what we wanted she sent us back outside whereupon we were told we had to go back in and order from the front. Since it looked more like their wine and baked goods store, we just assumed... well.. assumed wrong. I would suggest that the management make the ordering process a bit more clear.
Once ordered and directed again in the right place we found a spacious iron table on the patio; one of those large party tents with the sides rolled up. The bar was a table with the selections of the wines and Boulevard beer in the bottle. You could help your self to water and lemonade.
But the night was about the pizza. We ordered several to sample the wares. One was a bacon gorgonzola with balsamic glazed onions, red sauce, garlic, mozzarella and the aforementioned bacon and gorgonzola cheese. Greg selected a rosemary pear pizza with white sauce, chicken, Asiago, mozzarella, rosemary, garlic and bosc pears. The other choice was the Mediterranean with red sauce, chicken, hot Italian sausage, mozzarella, garlic, feta, onions, Kalamata olives and spinach.
The pizzas are baked right in the same room in the hand built brick oven. The crusts are crisp and tasty with just the right thickness. The bacon gorgonzola was wonderful, the strong flavors blending into a bright and unforgettable combination. The rosemary pear was a revelation. I am not always fond of fruit used in odd ways; keep the strawberries, cherries and other fruits out of my salad, soup and pizza and put them where they belong. But, as with the bacon gorgonzola, the unique flavors combined so well. The sweet pears and the lush sauce blended with the chunks of tasty chicken, perfectly accented with just enough rosemary and garlic as not to overwhelm. This is a pizza worthy of any serious pizza restaurant.
The Mediterranean was interesting and flavorful. Although tasty and perfectly baked, it was just a bit too busy with all the ingredients piled on. Damn good pizza however and quite unique.
The pizzas are generous sized and range in price from the basic spinach blanco (white sauce, spinach, cheese and tomatoes) at $13 to the $17 Mediterranean. For an extra $3.50 a generous sized fresh Greenhouse Greens salad is available with a choice of dressing. The greens were grown on the farm and thus freshly picked and mixed with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olives. Fresh, sweet, crisp and wonderful.
If you are nuts, like we were, you get a dessert too. Everything from vanilla ice cream to some of the best home made strawberry shortcake I have ever had. Not overly sweet, the shortcake was a fresh baked biscuit-like cake, not those nasty twinkie sponge things. The strawberries were grown on location, likely picked that day, and so naturally sweet. The cream on top was fresh and silky. At $4.50 it is a bargain and only available in season.
Greg had a beer, but the ladies and I split a bottle of the VanTill's own wine. We chose a white chardonel. Chardonel grapes, a hybrid chardonnay and seyval, are popular among Missouri wineries. It is a dry white wine with an abundance of fruit. I actually prefer the crispness of the regular chardonnay as opposed to the softer chardonel, but Sue and Marie were captivated by it. A fine bottle of wine, but I think next time, with the pizza, a red would be better.
Charming place, friendly staff, but don't go expecting fine tableware or to be waited upon; everything is ordered (except the wine) and paid for at the front counter. A bit clumsy, but it works once you figure out the system. As with any alfresco dining, the flies can be a problem and remember you are out in the country so they are plentiful. Get extra paper plates (the usual place settings, thankfully there were no plastic forks) to cover your pizza.
A perfect end to the evening is to stroll to the nearby green houses and see where your strawberries, rosemary, salad greens and such were grown. A few grape vines and flower gardens dot the area. Be sure to take home some bread, jam or wine if you want.
So, definitely worth the travel time from the big, bad city and we plan to go again before the summer ends. They do have the restaurant open year round with the patio covered and heated.
But go during strawberry season for the wonderful shortcake.
VanTill Farms/Rayville Baking 13986 Hwy C Rayville, MO
Showing posts with label Restaurant reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurant reviews. Show all posts
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Teocali, Authentic Mexican
When one works at or around home, a person feels the need to get out of the place now and then. So when most are returning home from a work place and want to cozy up in their own home, I am planning an escape. Thus I eat out more than I should. You would think that I would know every restaurant in town, but that is not the case. I tend to find a favorite or two and stick to my routine. Even in my escape from routine and familiar I tend to play it safe.
Thus my new favorite, once a week at least, hot spot is a charming, small and locally owned (usually my prerequisite for a good restaurant) Mexican restaurant, Teocali.
Teocali has been around since 2006, but I first visited about 6 months ago. A neighbor of mine suggested it to me in the past, but I was absorbed in Thai then and had no time for Mexican. When Greg told me about it, I remembered the ringing endorsement of my neighbor and decided to try it out.
Set just south of the sprawling UMKC medical complex and Children's Mercy Hospital, Teocali is bustling at lunch with all the doctors, nurses and students from the hospitals and medical school. The lunch specials are a bit cheaper and more routine fare such as tacos, burritos, taco salad, etc. than the dinner menu but are tasty, quick, fresh and with generous but not wasteful portions.
The owners state, both on their website and to customers personally, that the dishes are authentic and similar to the recipes used by their family for generations. The Gutierrez family is usually around while open and are always friendly and chatty. One can tell that the place already has a regular following.
Dinner menu is a bit more limited than some Mexican places, but that is fine by me as the selections are carefully prepared and sometimes off the beaten path. For example, one has to experience the unique Flautas Nortenas, a bit larger and not as dry as regular flautas, with a crisp flour tortilla wrapped around flavorful chicken and a tangy, smoky chipotle sauce. My friend Greg loves the sopes; masa patties layered with beans, meat, lettuce, tomato, monterrey cheese and sour cream, a variation on a traditional tostada. Last night I had some of the best carne asada I have ever had, tender and spicy with 6 plump, butter and garlic kissed shrimp, a bargain at $13.99. The fajitas are generous and full of tasty grilled meats and lots of onions and peppers. The ubiquitous sides of rice and beans are always flavorful and fresh. I have been less impressed with the burritos; the meat inside, whether chicken or beef is on the bland side. The chips and salsa (which they, like a growing number of restaurants do, charge for) are excellent.
My biggest quibble is with the margaritas. Strong, generous sized and tasty, but they are on tap and are often a bit fizzy. A carbonated margarita is not really my thing, but it does not stop me from enjoying them. However, last night there was not a hint of fizz and on some but not all past visits the fizz has been less noticeable. My suggestion: find a way to keep them easily on tap but without the carbonation. The bar is well stocked and features a slew of tequila which I have not sampled but looks impressive as I remember my tequila slamming days.
Tex-Mex fans will be disappointed in the lack of thick sauces, heavy cheese and hot spices. The flavors are more natural, smoky and lighter than the usual, which makes Teocali a special and unique treat.
Teocali is located at 2512 Holmes directly south of the UMKC Dental School and just east of Crown Center. Sadly, not open Sunday, my favorite day to go out, but open to 10 most nights for the late crowd.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Don't Mess With My Tenderloin
I hate change, anyone who knows me will tell you that. I am sorry, the "change is inevitable" argument just doesn't fly here. Thus I was more than a bit concerned when I heard that in March, Jerry Naster had sold the landmark Woodswether Cafe in the West Bottoms of Kansas City. It was bad enough when he moved a couple of years ago from the original Woodswether Rd location to the bigger one on 9th. Further making me nervous was the news that the new owners at one time operated a more upscale place in town. I figured this was the end of fat 6 egg omelets, plate size pancakes, hand breaded pork tenderloins that took up the whole plate, ridiculously low prices (the aforementioned tenderloin with home made fries and a huge soda for less than $8) and the beginning of $14 seared, dolphin free, ahi tuna free range organic 2 egg omeletes with port wine-ginger reduction sauce, tomato coulis (aka Ketchup).
Lucky for me, this change is mostly all for the good.
Tucked into one of the more grimy industrial areas of the city, and harder than hell to find, Woodswether cafe is definitely worth the hassle. The new owners have spruced the place up a bit, added a few new items on the menu, changed the specials and raised the prices just a bit. Still a bargain however. THANKFULLY, the incredible pork tenderloin is still as good (and big) as ever. I had 1/2 for lunch and the rest came home with me for today. Fries are still home made, service is still great with many, if not all, the same staff and the business looked pretty good for an early Tuesday lunch. Don't look for them to be open late, 3PM is the end, 2PM on Saturday and nothing on Sunday.
I do miss the occasional sighting of the always gregarious Jerry flitting around the place chatting with the regulars, the roll of paper towels at the table sufficing for napkins and the huge old menu with more choices than one can ever absorb.
There is that damn change thing again. But, for now, the spirit and the best part of the Woodswether Cafe lives on.
Lucky for me, this change is mostly all for the good.
Tucked into one of the more grimy industrial areas of the city, and harder than hell to find, Woodswether cafe is definitely worth the hassle. The new owners have spruced the place up a bit, added a few new items on the menu, changed the specials and raised the prices just a bit. Still a bargain however. THANKFULLY, the incredible pork tenderloin is still as good (and big) as ever. I had 1/2 for lunch and the rest came home with me for today. Fries are still home made, service is still great with many, if not all, the same staff and the business looked pretty good for an early Tuesday lunch. Don't look for them to be open late, 3PM is the end, 2PM on Saturday and nothing on Sunday.
I do miss the occasional sighting of the always gregarious Jerry flitting around the place chatting with the regulars, the roll of paper towels at the table sufficing for napkins and the huge old menu with more choices than one can ever absorb.
There is that damn change thing again. But, for now, the spirit and the best part of the Woodswether Cafe lives on.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Food Pictures
The garden is going great guns. Corn, okra, peppers, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes out the ass. Speaking of which....
I love Butt Cheek tomatoes, look odd but damn are they the best!
And this, my fellow fatties is half, yes HALF! of a fresh made pork tenderloin sandwich from Jerry's Woodsweather Cafe here in KCMO.
This, a plate of home made fries and a coke are a grand total of $7.50. Jerry's is the epitome of greasy spoon, located beside the railroad tracks in the most industrial, warehouse district of town. Place is packed, place is wonderful and the food is glorious and 45,000% unhealthful. The tenderloin is so damn big, that the fries come on a separate plate, no room for them. Greg went with me and he was salivating over the 4 inch high piece of pineapple upside down cake...home made... $1.75.
Glad I go there only occasionally, it is bad for my diet!
Jerry's Woodsweather Cafe 1414 West Ninth St KCMO.
Try an omlet for breakfast, if Jerry is in a good mood, there will be at least 5 eggs in the dang thing.. maybe more. I will always be fat with this bounty around!
I love Butt Cheek tomatoes, look odd but damn are they the best!
And this, my fellow fatties is half, yes HALF! of a fresh made pork tenderloin sandwich from Jerry's Woodsweather Cafe here in KCMO.
This, a plate of home made fries and a coke are a grand total of $7.50. Jerry's is the epitome of greasy spoon, located beside the railroad tracks in the most industrial, warehouse district of town. Place is packed, place is wonderful and the food is glorious and 45,000% unhealthful. The tenderloin is so damn big, that the fries come on a separate plate, no room for them. Greg went with me and he was salivating over the 4 inch high piece of pineapple upside down cake...home made... $1.75.
Glad I go there only occasionally, it is bad for my diet!
Jerry's Woodsweather Cafe 1414 West Ninth St KCMO.
Try an omlet for breakfast, if Jerry is in a good mood, there will be at least 5 eggs in the dang thing.. maybe more. I will always be fat with this bounty around!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tom Macaluso
Some people are legends in their own time. Others are legends in their own mind. Kansas City restaurateur Tom Macaluso was an unique combination of both. Macaluso died Sunday, it was announced, a little over a year after he closed his legendary restaurant on 39th st. He was 58.
One rarely knew what to expect upon entering his eatery. Well, with the exception of his large frame behind the bar, a packed room and lots of noise. The place was tiny, always busy. The food, Italian fare, was usually good, but nothing really spectacular. It certainly was not a place to take a first date, or for a quiet night out. Macaluso's was a process
The question mark was Tom himself. He could be surly, usually greeting people with a gruff "sit down", "get outta the way" or "we're full, come back another time". I do not think the word "sorry" passed his lips often. He took no crap off of anyone. People tell me if you were his friend, he'd move the earth for you. Generous to his staff, many were loyal to him to the end. But, and this is part of the legend and even his charm, if a diner stiffed one of his servers for a tip, or even didn't tip as much as Tom thought they should, he'd chase after them and admonish them publicly for their sin. Some paid up, some ran like hell. I actually saw that once, I thought it was great. Being a former waiter myself, I know how snotty people can take their frustrations out on the poor schlep who slaves to bring them their dinner. On, and complain about your dinner, he'd make it right but you'd be told not to come back. If you did, he'd likely not serve you.
The vast majority of the time, he was brash, rowdy, friendly, gregarious and just plain nuts. You could tell he enjoyed life. When the business got old and the competition from other "corporate type" restaurants got to him, he called it quits. Quitting while still on top of his game, that was his style.
Tom Macaluso was the type that would never last in the corporate run "take care of our stakeholders" cookie-cutter world of the current restaurant industry. Any corporate types that managed to infiltrate his operation would have been shot on sight... or at least kicked out the door.
Addendum: since I posted this at about 7:15am this morning, I have had at least 17 people who have searched for Tom Macaluso as of 2:35 PM. Tom was unique, and will be missed by many.
One rarely knew what to expect upon entering his eatery. Well, with the exception of his large frame behind the bar, a packed room and lots of noise. The place was tiny, always busy. The food, Italian fare, was usually good, but nothing really spectacular. It certainly was not a place to take a first date, or for a quiet night out. Macaluso's was a process
The question mark was Tom himself. He could be surly, usually greeting people with a gruff "sit down", "get outta the way" or "we're full, come back another time". I do not think the word "sorry" passed his lips often. He took no crap off of anyone. People tell me if you were his friend, he'd move the earth for you. Generous to his staff, many were loyal to him to the end. But, and this is part of the legend and even his charm, if a diner stiffed one of his servers for a tip, or even didn't tip as much as Tom thought they should, he'd chase after them and admonish them publicly for their sin. Some paid up, some ran like hell. I actually saw that once, I thought it was great. Being a former waiter myself, I know how snotty people can take their frustrations out on the poor schlep who slaves to bring them their dinner. On, and complain about your dinner, he'd make it right but you'd be told not to come back. If you did, he'd likely not serve you.
The vast majority of the time, he was brash, rowdy, friendly, gregarious and just plain nuts. You could tell he enjoyed life. When the business got old and the competition from other "corporate type" restaurants got to him, he called it quits. Quitting while still on top of his game, that was his style.
Tom Macaluso was the type that would never last in the corporate run "take care of our stakeholders" cookie-cutter world of the current restaurant industry. Any corporate types that managed to infiltrate his operation would have been shot on sight... or at least kicked out the door.
Addendum: since I posted this at about 7:15am this morning, I have had at least 17 people who have searched for Tom Macaluso as of 2:35 PM. Tom was unique, and will be missed by many.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Chefburger
Despite a faltering economy (thanks George) and cheap-ass folks bitching about paying for parking taking its toll, the new downtown Kansas City Power and Light District, not quite finished, seems to be doing ok, thank you.
Conceived in the heady days of the new Sprint Center hopefully attracting NBA basketball, NFL Hockey or some kind of steady anchor, the new complex of restaurants and clubs has had a somewhat stressful birth. But from the looks of things on a cool, cloudy but pleasant Thursday night with nothing scheduled at the Arena, the doomsday people are off the mark for now.
Gerry and I were heading for Thai but found them closed for a party. We decided to walk the block up the street and check out the place.
Raglan Road, an Irish restaurant and pub looked busy, as did Famous Dave's BBQ place and Ted's Montana Grill. Most of the restaurants have an outdoor area or large windows that open to mix the indoor and outdoor crowd. Gerry said we should try the new Chefburger restaurant, a creation of a local restaurateur who has made a name for himself with more upscale venues.
The place was packed, again boding well for the future of the district. Chefburger is a dangerous place for people like me who can not make up their mind on what to order. There are literally tons of choices for the All-American burger, but I understand the build your own concept that was initially advertised was scuttled upon opening. Large grilled sourdough buns and every topping and sauce imaginable plus the regular suspect sides of fries and onion rings (really good)are joined by fried green beans, sweet potato fries, garlic fries and big waffle fries. I opted for my favorite and was not disappointed, a yummy swiss and mushroom with grilled onions. Done perfect as were the aforementioned onion rings. Gerry had a classic patty melt and was quite happy as well.
Nestled in a courtyard but accessible from Walnut, the restaurant is all about "urban chic" meaning steel and glass, high ceilings and everything in the open. The design made for a nice bright open space, but contributed to the almost unbearable noise level. Combined with the chef calling out "Don??? Hungry yet?? Your order is hot and ready for YOU!", the omnipresent din quickly got on my nerves.
Westport Flea Market serves just as good a burger, and is 1000 times funkier and interesting. Therein lies the deal, will people go to the trouble of going downtown for the same thing, paying to park, walking to their venue?
The place is not even finished yet and the nay-sayers are out in force. I for one will do it, just to keep the urban lifestyle in business. We all can't live in the burbs, and I for one do not really want to. Frankly, KC is big enough for them all.
Chefburger
1350 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-842-2747
Conceived in the heady days of the new Sprint Center hopefully attracting NBA basketball, NFL Hockey or some kind of steady anchor, the new complex of restaurants and clubs has had a somewhat stressful birth. But from the looks of things on a cool, cloudy but pleasant Thursday night with nothing scheduled at the Arena, the doomsday people are off the mark for now.
Gerry and I were heading for Thai but found them closed for a party. We decided to walk the block up the street and check out the place.
Raglan Road, an Irish restaurant and pub looked busy, as did Famous Dave's BBQ place and Ted's Montana Grill. Most of the restaurants have an outdoor area or large windows that open to mix the indoor and outdoor crowd. Gerry said we should try the new Chefburger restaurant, a creation of a local restaurateur who has made a name for himself with more upscale venues.
The place was packed, again boding well for the future of the district. Chefburger is a dangerous place for people like me who can not make up their mind on what to order. There are literally tons of choices for the All-American burger, but I understand the build your own concept that was initially advertised was scuttled upon opening. Large grilled sourdough buns and every topping and sauce imaginable plus the regular suspect sides of fries and onion rings (really good)are joined by fried green beans, sweet potato fries, garlic fries and big waffle fries. I opted for my favorite and was not disappointed, a yummy swiss and mushroom with grilled onions. Done perfect as were the aforementioned onion rings. Gerry had a classic patty melt and was quite happy as well.
Nestled in a courtyard but accessible from Walnut, the restaurant is all about "urban chic" meaning steel and glass, high ceilings and everything in the open. The design made for a nice bright open space, but contributed to the almost unbearable noise level. Combined with the chef calling out "Don??? Hungry yet?? Your order is hot and ready for YOU!", the omnipresent din quickly got on my nerves.
Westport Flea Market serves just as good a burger, and is 1000 times funkier and interesting. Therein lies the deal, will people go to the trouble of going downtown for the same thing, paying to park, walking to their venue?
The place is not even finished yet and the nay-sayers are out in force. I for one will do it, just to keep the urban lifestyle in business. We all can't live in the burbs, and I for one do not really want to. Frankly, KC is big enough for them all.
Chefburger
1350 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-842-2747
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Night of Song
For my birthday on Monday, my neighbors Scott, Will and Marcia took me out to dinner and to the "Open Mic-Opera-Cabaret" event "Night of Song" sponsored by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. This was my first "Night of Song" and will certainly not be my last.
Created by Nathan Granner, Elaine Fox and Silvia Stoner, Night of Song is advertised as an "an impromptu ballyhoo of music". Usually comprising opera, some standards and show tunes, the show is both sophisticated and highly entertaining.
Monday's show was held at Bar Natasha, an upscale nightclub-restaurant in the popular Crossroads district. Gay owned and operated, it is not a traditional "gay bar" but more of a cabaret drawing an upscale, sophisticated audience.
The food was excellent but the menu is limited. "NO bar food here", the person on the phone told Marcia when she made our reservation. But from my limited glance at the menu, there was not much else of substance besides the 2 nightly specials that qualified for a full dinner. For some reason, our cheery and pleasant waitress just could not count that we were four and only gave us one menu. We asked for more and received one more. Ok... to move things along we all ordered the pork tenderloin special with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I got the duck soup as a starter, a slightly bland stock was full of nice duck pieces and some vegetables served "en croute". Scott got the shrimp cocktail, 4 large shrimp in a spicy creamy sauce. They looked good and should be for $14.00. We also finally convinced the lady to get drinks for all of us. They had my Finlandia Mango vodka that I love, but 303 does a better job of serving it icy cold.
But the night was about the music. The three talented singers Daniel Erbe, tenor, Stephanie Laws, Soprano and a third one whose name I did not catch but will find out were joined by the pianist(also unknown to me, hey! I had a couple of martinis by then so when I sober up, I'll get the 411, OK?)who seemingly could play anything they but in front of him. The repertoire was mostly opera favorites, Carmen (Habanera), Handel (Let the Bright Seraphim from Sampson), Manon, Susannah, Butterfly, the ones audiences love. It was fun watching the singers leaf through books titled "101 Great Arias", "The Best Italian Arias for Soprano", "Puccini Favorites", et al., deciding what to sing next. Fully impromptu, elegant and sophisticated karaoke, performed by professionals.
Definitely worth a repeat trip. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me and a couple others. I have never heard my name sound so wonderful!
Created by Nathan Granner, Elaine Fox and Silvia Stoner, Night of Song is advertised as an "an impromptu ballyhoo of music". Usually comprising opera, some standards and show tunes, the show is both sophisticated and highly entertaining.
Monday's show was held at Bar Natasha, an upscale nightclub-restaurant in the popular Crossroads district. Gay owned and operated, it is not a traditional "gay bar" but more of a cabaret drawing an upscale, sophisticated audience.
The food was excellent but the menu is limited. "NO bar food here", the person on the phone told Marcia when she made our reservation. But from my limited glance at the menu, there was not much else of substance besides the 2 nightly specials that qualified for a full dinner. For some reason, our cheery and pleasant waitress just could not count that we were four and only gave us one menu. We asked for more and received one more. Ok... to move things along we all ordered the pork tenderloin special with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I got the duck soup as a starter, a slightly bland stock was full of nice duck pieces and some vegetables served "en croute". Scott got the shrimp cocktail, 4 large shrimp in a spicy creamy sauce. They looked good and should be for $14.00. We also finally convinced the lady to get drinks for all of us. They had my Finlandia Mango vodka that I love, but 303 does a better job of serving it icy cold.
But the night was about the music. The three talented singers Daniel Erbe, tenor, Stephanie Laws, Soprano and a third one whose name I did not catch but will find out were joined by the pianist(also unknown to me, hey! I had a couple of martinis by then so when I sober up, I'll get the 411, OK?)who seemingly could play anything they but in front of him. The repertoire was mostly opera favorites, Carmen (Habanera), Handel (Let the Bright Seraphim from Sampson), Manon, Susannah, Butterfly, the ones audiences love. It was fun watching the singers leaf through books titled "101 Great Arias", "The Best Italian Arias for Soprano", "Puccini Favorites", et al., deciding what to sing next. Fully impromptu, elegant and sophisticated karaoke, performed by professionals.
Definitely worth a repeat trip. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me and a couple others. I have never heard my name sound so wonderful!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Bistro 303
A minister told a story that I actually remember. Illustrating what I do not recall, but I do remember the story. He came across the papers and records of a deceased relative that he did not know all that well. Finding the man's checkbook register, he discovered all kinds of things about him; what he liked, events in his life, kids in school, new car, birthdays etc. He learned more about that man looking at that one document than he did anything else he found.
If you looked at my checkbook, you would not see much, I write few checks. But look at my bank statements and my Visa Check Card and all that and you would wonder what Bistro 303 is all about. I have lots of "checks" to them.
Bistro 303 is the closest thing to a neighborhood bar and restaurant that I have ever known. Friendly staff, good food, good drinks; a place where everyone does know your name. Some of the patrons can be a bit surly, some of the more pretentious A-gay folks like to call it home as well. But I do not let them bother me, we just talk about them as they talk about us.
Owners Gene and Jeffrey greet their patrons, join them in a conversation or a drink yet keep the service going. Whether Sunday brunch, weekday dinner, evening happy hour (look for me there every Wednesday 5:15-7 or thereabouts)Bistro 303 always has an interesting crowd. Late night, it is packed and noisy as any bar, before 9PM, the dinner crowd is more genteel.
Sunday brunch is always excellent, the menu changes occasionally. I especially enjoy the wonderful andouille sausage as a side and the always tasty quiche. I, and other patrons, find the biscuits and gravy bland. A few mimosas, the sausage and quiche and I am happy.
Dinner and small plates change more frequently. Enjoy the unusual asparagus flan while you can. More of a souffle than a flan, it is quite tasty and topped with wild mushrooms, most unique. Their fish and chips small plate appetizer is also delightful, never greasy and a crisp, light batter. Outside of the bland gravy described above, I have never had a bad meal at 303.
The bar is well stocked, and even keeps a supply of my favorite Finlandia Mango vodka for me. The drinks are always well made and good sized, reasonable priced for a high end gay bar.
And there lies the question. Is 303 a gay bar, a gay restaurant, a neighborhood bistro, an upscale adventurous restaurant? Frankly, it is all of the above.
Bistro 303
303 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-2303
If you looked at my checkbook, you would not see much, I write few checks. But look at my bank statements and my Visa Check Card and all that and you would wonder what Bistro 303 is all about. I have lots of "checks" to them.
Bistro 303 is the closest thing to a neighborhood bar and restaurant that I have ever known. Friendly staff, good food, good drinks; a place where everyone does know your name. Some of the patrons can be a bit surly, some of the more pretentious A-gay folks like to call it home as well. But I do not let them bother me, we just talk about them as they talk about us.
Owners Gene and Jeffrey greet their patrons, join them in a conversation or a drink yet keep the service going. Whether Sunday brunch, weekday dinner, evening happy hour (look for me there every Wednesday 5:15-7 or thereabouts)Bistro 303 always has an interesting crowd. Late night, it is packed and noisy as any bar, before 9PM, the dinner crowd is more genteel.
Sunday brunch is always excellent, the menu changes occasionally. I especially enjoy the wonderful andouille sausage as a side and the always tasty quiche. I, and other patrons, find the biscuits and gravy bland. A few mimosas, the sausage and quiche and I am happy.
Dinner and small plates change more frequently. Enjoy the unusual asparagus flan while you can. More of a souffle than a flan, it is quite tasty and topped with wild mushrooms, most unique. Their fish and chips small plate appetizer is also delightful, never greasy and a crisp, light batter. Outside of the bland gravy described above, I have never had a bad meal at 303.
The bar is well stocked, and even keeps a supply of my favorite Finlandia Mango vodka for me. The drinks are always well made and good sized, reasonable priced for a high end gay bar.
And there lies the question. Is 303 a gay bar, a gay restaurant, a neighborhood bistro, an upscale adventurous restaurant? Frankly, it is all of the above.
Bistro 303
303 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-2303
Monday, February 26, 2007
Em Chamas
While driving around town one Friday AM, I caught a few minutes of the Walt Bodine Show, a long running radio program on our local NPR station. On some Fridays Walt has some local food critics in to review restaurant news and reviews. I caught a caller mentioning a new Brazilian churrascaria was recently open. Sensing a new dining experience, I talked Michael into taking me there for my birthday.
A Brazilian churrascaria is a steakhouse with an interesting concept. Waiters called Gauchos pass through the restaurant carrying the large cuts of meats and present them to the diners. One signals via a coin placed on the table. When it is on the yellow side, the meat machine is turned on and the gauchos descend. You choose how much you want from each wood grilled cut of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, sausage and turkey. It is a fixed price of $29 per person with drinks and desserts extra. A salad bar with salads and some hot dishes is included.
The service was great and for the most part the gauchos left you alone when the coin was turned off and appeared promptly when on. They were friendly and knowledgeable about their wares.
The buffet, besides being oddly placed was a bit of a disappointment. The salads were interesting but not spectacular. The hot items included a decent paella and rice and black beans that you have separate or mixed together as the Latin Americans are fond to do. Cold selections included an interesting corn, brussels sprouts and artichoke salad, some OK pasta salads, and a tasty seared tuna and spinach salad. A small dish of excellent mashed potatoes were brought to the table as was a caramelized banana to cleanse the palate.
The roasted meats were good but uneven. The sliced boneless rib was perfection, the medallions of beef and garlic were tasty but a bit fatty, the Brazilian sausage was wonderful and the smoked bacon wrapped turkey was excellent. The lamb, some of the beef cuts and pork ribs were not so good. The lamb tasted ok but was a bit dry and over cooked, the pork ribs way too fatty. A prime rib was nothing special as was a second helping of the boneless rib which was not as succulent as the first and somewhat over cooked. Some of the beef cuts were awfully salty. Despite being advertised, we saw no fish served table side. When asked, we were told the seafood was on the buffet. I guess that meant the aforementioned seared tuna on the spinach salad and the seafood paella. Only one chicken dish was offered, small smoked legs; I passed.
Michael is the wino among us so he selected a nice Argentinian Cabernet. It was excellent but M said the wine selection was ok and bit high priced. We also had a Caipirinha, a mojito like drink made from Brazilian Cachaca liqueur. Cachaca is more potent straight as I have had it served that way before. This drink was a bit sweet and fluffy for my taste.
Interesting concept and is much like the Fogo de Chao chain that is heavily advertised yet much more upscale (read expensive). I am left wondering if Em Chamas could not have went a bit more upscale and made for a more impressive experience.
Even for a Sunday, the place had a good business but once the newness wears off, I wonder how it will fare. I would go back, but to see if the place improves.
The best thing of the whole evening was a clothing store next door called "La-De-Da", I wish I had thought of that!
Em Chamas Brazilian Grill
6101 NW 63rd Terr (just off MO 45 NW 64the St aka Tom Watkins Parkway)
KCMO 64151
816-501-7100
A Brazilian churrascaria is a steakhouse with an interesting concept. Waiters called Gauchos pass through the restaurant carrying the large cuts of meats and present them to the diners. One signals via a coin placed on the table. When it is on the yellow side, the meat machine is turned on and the gauchos descend. You choose how much you want from each wood grilled cut of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, sausage and turkey. It is a fixed price of $29 per person with drinks and desserts extra. A salad bar with salads and some hot dishes is included.
“It’s a lively atmosphere, like carnival all year round, " said the owners in an article.
The service was great and for the most part the gauchos left you alone when the coin was turned off and appeared promptly when on. They were friendly and knowledgeable about their wares.
The buffet, besides being oddly placed was a bit of a disappointment. The salads were interesting but not spectacular. The hot items included a decent paella and rice and black beans that you have separate or mixed together as the Latin Americans are fond to do. Cold selections included an interesting corn, brussels sprouts and artichoke salad, some OK pasta salads, and a tasty seared tuna and spinach salad. A small dish of excellent mashed potatoes were brought to the table as was a caramelized banana to cleanse the palate.
The roasted meats were good but uneven. The sliced boneless rib was perfection, the medallions of beef and garlic were tasty but a bit fatty, the Brazilian sausage was wonderful and the smoked bacon wrapped turkey was excellent. The lamb, some of the beef cuts and pork ribs were not so good. The lamb tasted ok but was a bit dry and over cooked, the pork ribs way too fatty. A prime rib was nothing special as was a second helping of the boneless rib which was not as succulent as the first and somewhat over cooked. Some of the beef cuts were awfully salty. Despite being advertised, we saw no fish served table side. When asked, we were told the seafood was on the buffet. I guess that meant the aforementioned seared tuna on the spinach salad and the seafood paella. Only one chicken dish was offered, small smoked legs; I passed.
Michael is the wino among us so he selected a nice Argentinian Cabernet. It was excellent but M said the wine selection was ok and bit high priced. We also had a Caipirinha, a mojito like drink made from Brazilian Cachaca liqueur. Cachaca is more potent straight as I have had it served that way before. This drink was a bit sweet and fluffy for my taste.
Interesting concept and is much like the Fogo de Chao chain that is heavily advertised yet much more upscale (read expensive). I am left wondering if Em Chamas could not have went a bit more upscale and made for a more impressive experience.
Even for a Sunday, the place had a good business but once the newness wears off, I wonder how it will fare. I would go back, but to see if the place improves.
The best thing of the whole evening was a clothing store next door called "La-De-Da", I wish I had thought of that!
Em Chamas Brazilian Grill
6101 NW 63rd Terr (just off MO 45 NW 64the St aka Tom Watkins Parkway)
KCMO 64151
816-501-7100
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Jasper's Restaurant, Kansas City: That's Italian!
There is nothing like a great dining experience and I had one tonight. After our regular Wednesday night happy hour, Michael and I decided we were hungry for some good Italian. There was no hesitation, Jasper's was the only choice. Not that it is the only one in town, God knows there are hundreds. But Jasper's is special. Family owned, been in business 52 years and look at the awards:
Emeril Lagasse of TV fame has included one of Jasper's recipes in his show, a pumpkin ravioli. I am not a fan of pumpkin so I did not try it, I am sure for pumpkin fans it is heaven.
In 1954, Leonardo Mirabile and his son Jasper opened a small neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar named Jasper's. It soon became a popular dining spot. Jasper's gradually expanded its menu and remodeled the restaurant as it evolved into one of America's premiere locations for gourmet Italian food. In 1997, they closed the original location and moved to 103rd and State Line.
Without a doubt this was the best dining experience I have had in a long time. Impeccible service, incredible food. Reasonable but not cheap, the dishes are well proportioned and quite tasty.
I had two desires, both fullfilled. A true anti-pasta with salami and cheese, olives and crostini, some pepperocini and roasted pepper and a beef carpaccio. No problem said Jasper Mirable, Jr. Both were wonderful. The beef carpaccio was not even on the menu. When a restaurant will do that, they have my business for-fucking- ever! My rigatoni with the salsa modo mio was to die for. The pasta was al dente to perfection, the sausage in the light tomato-basil sauce was spicy/sweet and just ...perfection. Michael had Vitello alla Valdostana Veal filled with Prosciutto di Parma, capers and Fontina cheese in a lemon piquant sauce. It was tender and delicious.
I had a wonderful canolli for dessert and expresso and Michael had cappuccino with a coconut cake. Both just perfect.
Damn, I am happy.
Jasper's Restaurant and Marco Polo Italian Market
1201 W. 103rd St KCMO 64114
Can't be beat.
- "Best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City" Zagat
- "Top Ten Italian Restaurant in America" East-West Network
- "Distinguished Restaurants of North America" DiRona Award
- "Most Satisfying Dish of the Year" USA Today
- "Four Stars" Kansas City Star
- "Four Diamonds" AAA
- "One of America's Most Honored Restaurants" Bob Lape, WCBS Radio New York City
- "A Culinary Delight" Rave reviews for the first chef from Kansas City to the prestigious James Beard House
- "Silver Spoon Award" Ingram's Magazine
- "One of America's Top Italian Restaurants"Calvin Trillin-Time Magazine
Emeril Lagasse of TV fame has included one of Jasper's recipes in his show, a pumpkin ravioli. I am not a fan of pumpkin so I did not try it, I am sure for pumpkin fans it is heaven.
In 1954, Leonardo Mirabile and his son Jasper opened a small neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar named Jasper's. It soon became a popular dining spot. Jasper's gradually expanded its menu and remodeled the restaurant as it evolved into one of America's premiere locations for gourmet Italian food. In 1997, they closed the original location and moved to 103rd and State Line.
Without a doubt this was the best dining experience I have had in a long time. Impeccible service, incredible food. Reasonable but not cheap, the dishes are well proportioned and quite tasty.
I had two desires, both fullfilled. A true anti-pasta with salami and cheese, olives and crostini, some pepperocini and roasted pepper and a beef carpaccio. No problem said Jasper Mirable, Jr. Both were wonderful. The beef carpaccio was not even on the menu. When a restaurant will do that, they have my business for-fucking- ever! My rigatoni with the salsa modo mio was to die for. The pasta was al dente to perfection, the sausage in the light tomato-basil sauce was spicy/sweet and just ...perfection. Michael had Vitello alla Valdostana Veal filled with Prosciutto di Parma, capers and Fontina cheese in a lemon piquant sauce. It was tender and delicious.
I had a wonderful canolli for dessert and expresso and Michael had cappuccino with a coconut cake. Both just perfect.
Damn, I am happy.
Jasper's Restaurant and Marco Polo Italian Market
1201 W. 103rd St KCMO 64114
Can't be beat.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Ricardo's, an End of an Era
It is hard to even say, or to comprehend. Ricardo's Bar in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua has closed. Someone else bought it; it is going to be a Sushi bar and a dive shop. Although I adore sushi, the thought of this practically hallowed place closed is not possible. I hate change.
Ricardo's was a thatched roofed beach side bar and restaurant in San Juan del Sur. They were the pioneers. There before anyone else, there before the true flood of gringos and the money started coming in. For these first pioneering gringos, Ricardo's was Little North America or Little Europe. Ricardo's was a true international crossroad for artists, divas, drinkers and travelers. English spoken here (with US and Candadian accents)...and German and Spanish too. Everyone who has ever came to San Juan del Sur has set foot in Ricardo's, even if they didn't drink. The restaurant was a joy; great hamburgers, lasagna, or wonderful seafood spaghetti. Thankfully on my last trip to San Juan del Sur, I had some of Marie's fabulous Espaghetti Mariscos with fresh fish, clams, lobster and shrimp.... all for $6.
Rich and poor, Gringo and Nica, it mattered not on movie nights when a big sheet would be hung across the back of the building, and the latest (sort of) DVD would be shown for free. Ricardo's even functioned as a library, they had a book exchange scheme, swap 1 for 2 or 1 for 1+US$2 was the deal. They would arrange tours and make sure you had plenty to do while you were in San Juan del Sur. For many, it was a touch of "home".
But Marie and Ricardo have moved on, Marie back to Austria for a while and Ricardo building houses is just not the way things are supposed to be. Ricardo's Bar and Grill closed its doors officially on April 22. According to Cesar "...it was an incredible send off for everyone. It was more fun than sad. There was a US $10 entrance fee and you get a tee shirt with that. The T-shirt sale proceeds go to the construction of a vetinary clinic. The drinks and food were included in the price, but it was invitation only. They auctioned a lot of the pictures and memorabilia from the walls and ceilings. The proceeds from the auction went to the newly formed fire department of SJdS." You can see some pictures at Cesar's gallery: "Last Night At Ricardo's"
Corny to say, but thanks for the memories...and all the Nica Libres... Marie and Richard!
Monday, January 23, 2006
One Man's Yum is Another Man's Yuk
The birthday girl Maria wanted to go out to dinner for her 18th birthday. She wanted her brother, her mom and me to go along. As guest of honor,she got to choose the restaurant and decided upon Olive Garden. "There are a number of good Italian places in Columbia", moaned Daniel, "but she decided on Olive Garden. She thinks if it is advertised on TV, then it is good." It can't be that bad I thought. It had been a while since I had been there so I was looking forward to seeing what was new and how it had changed, if any.
The parking lot was full for a Sunday eve, but we got right in. Either everyone came in separate cars(could be, we had 3 ourselves)or there are a lot of employees.
Daniel and I had to wait for the ladies to arrive so we ordered wine from a large but undistinguished list. Appetizer was in order, but alas no real antipasta of sliced meats, vegetables, cheese and such was available. We chose a pricey $8.25 sampler of calamari, stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella. It took forever to come with some excuse that the mushrooms were started but not broiling or something. I was disappointed in the whole affair. A small serving of fried calamari, 2-3 mozzarella sticks and some mushrooms.
The main thing I remember about the place was their salad and bread sticks. The salad was a big disappointment, Lori Anne claimed hers had no dressing at all. It was served in a big bowl so I have to assume it was all at the bottom. The bread sticks were ok, but too soft and doughy.
I looked at the menu and found nothing I wanted. So I was last to order. "I see nothing I want", I moaned. "What are you looking for, steak, hamburger??" our over eager waiter asked, thinking I was some sort of slack-jawed oaf. "No, some real Italian, where is the veal piccatta or lemonata? Any interesting pastas?" I chose salmon.
Daniel ordered some chicken dish and got something else, Lori Anne had the crab and shrimp ravioli which like everything else was pricey and not large in portion. My salmon was uninspired and overcooked. Only the lemon from the appetizer plate helped to make it palatable. My salmon came with a few broccoli florets and some red bell pepper. It was dull.
The rest of the meal was not worth mentioning. Even taking off the wrong chicken order, the bill was still $75 for 4. Not bad, really, but I expected more for that.
I'll continue to avoid the place. If you want a better pasta place in a "family" chain restaurant setting, "Pasta House Company" is a lot better.
The parking lot was full for a Sunday eve, but we got right in. Either everyone came in separate cars(could be, we had 3 ourselves)or there are a lot of employees.
Daniel and I had to wait for the ladies to arrive so we ordered wine from a large but undistinguished list. Appetizer was in order, but alas no real antipasta of sliced meats, vegetables, cheese and such was available. We chose a pricey $8.25 sampler of calamari, stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella. It took forever to come with some excuse that the mushrooms were started but not broiling or something. I was disappointed in the whole affair. A small serving of fried calamari, 2-3 mozzarella sticks and some mushrooms.
The main thing I remember about the place was their salad and bread sticks. The salad was a big disappointment, Lori Anne claimed hers had no dressing at all. It was served in a big bowl so I have to assume it was all at the bottom. The bread sticks were ok, but too soft and doughy.
I looked at the menu and found nothing I wanted. So I was last to order. "I see nothing I want", I moaned. "What are you looking for, steak, hamburger??" our over eager waiter asked, thinking I was some sort of slack-jawed oaf. "No, some real Italian, where is the veal piccatta or lemonata? Any interesting pastas?" I chose salmon.
Daniel ordered some chicken dish and got something else, Lori Anne had the crab and shrimp ravioli which like everything else was pricey and not large in portion. My salmon was uninspired and overcooked. Only the lemon from the appetizer plate helped to make it palatable. My salmon came with a few broccoli florets and some red bell pepper. It was dull.
The rest of the meal was not worth mentioning. Even taking off the wrong chicken order, the bill was still $75 for 4. Not bad, really, but I expected more for that.
I'll continue to avoid the place. If you want a better pasta place in a "family" chain restaurant setting, "Pasta House Company" is a lot better.
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