The American Restaurant has been on my list to try since I started blogging back in 2010, so I have to say I was ecstatic when I got an invitation to try Chef Michael Corvino’s new menu.
The minute we arrived, the host promptly attmpted to seat us until we were sidetracked by a fabulous piece of artwork made out of all sorts of different metals called Clockworks. It is a piece from the Hallmark Art Collection made by artist Robert Schneeberg (1922-2008). The piece is ornate and filled with keys, watch parts, nuts, bolts, vintage timepieces, mail slots and more. It is truly mesmerizing and seems there is always something new every time you look at it.
Once seated, we were promptly greeted by our server who gave us an interactive wine list that is displayed on an iPad. The list allows you to sort by variety, price, region and more to find the perfect bottle to go with your dinner.
Chef Debbie Gold, who was executive chef for many years, truly brought The American to the forefront with her approach to fine dining and dignified dishes and Chef Corvino is keeping that spirit alive by turning out exquisite dishes of his own.
The space is a bit dated, but elegantly classic. The views are breathtaking, with not a bad seat in the house. We ended up along a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the ice terrace and courtyard area of Crown Center. With the fountains running and the colorful umbrellas at the patio tables below, you could definitely feel spring in the air, which is what Chef Corvino’s menu is focusing on this time of year.
Each dish has elements of local and seasonal ingredients that will ignite your senses. The menu is broken into two sections and you can choose from a Tasting Menu or A La Carte. The tasting menus are a 5 course meal that truly are tastes from the best things on the menu and you can choose a meat, seafood, vegetarian or an experience option. If you are an adventurous eater and willing to try things, you might not normally go for than this is a fabulous way to experience fine dining at its best.
For those who are a bit more meticulous or just want something specific the A La Carte menu offers an appetizer, entrée and dessert. I was lucky enough to be able to bring my dad to this event and without a doubt, it was truly a special father-daughter date we will remember for years to come.
Although there were elements of the tasting menus we liked, we both decided to go A La Carte to create our perfect meal. Every dish is like plated works of art and perfectly delicious.
I think my appetizer of Ricotta with Green Strawberries is one of the best things I have eaten in my life. It had all the elements of a perfect dish with four components sweet, salty, tart and bitter. The green strawberries were perfectly sweet while the dandelion root added a touch of bitterness, but in an amazingly good way. The ricotta was creamy and slightly salty. The citrus glaze added tartness and the sprinkling of the almond brittle atop the entire dish added a delightful crunch and sweetness as well.
My dad went for the Spring Onion Consommé. The soup, presented tableside starts off with a bowl of house made green garlic ravioli, radish, puffed barley and smoked parmesan. The onion consommé is then poured atop releasing a delightful aroma.
The Entrees were delightful as well. I love gnocchi and had beautiful plate of those perfect potato dumplings intertwined with smoked maitake mushrooms. The presentation of the dish with the carrot emulsion and micro greens atop the gnocchi was almost too pretty to eat, but I overcame that quite quickly. The gnocchi was perfectly cooked and the mushrooms were smoky and hearty. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, and I am not, this dish will truly satisfy.
My dad had the local Campo Lindo Chicken. Normally served with creamy grits, The American graciously substituted a sautéed potato. The chicken was perfectly cooked. Red cabbage, salsa verde, kale chips and the confit yolk also accompanied the meal. I think the confit egg yolk was the most impressive element of the dish. Normally served atop the grits to mimic the look of a fried egg, it sat atop the potatoes perfectly cooked and when cut into still held its shape while remaining soft.
Dessert was elegant as well with Pastry Chef Nick Wesemann’s signature “Nickers Bar” which I could not pass up. This magnificent chocolate torte is moist and chocolaty with layers of cashew caramel, bacon candy, chewy nougat and creamy sea salt ice cream. It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Just as impressive was the Mascarpone bread pudding my dad ordered, which almost reminded me of a cheesecake. The light brioche acted as a crust for the creamy mascarpone that was topped with a huckleberry sorbet.
As the saying goes, that all good things must end, it did so by one last treat from the chef that included house-made marshmallows, gumdrops and mint chocolates.
The portions sizes were perfect and we were completely satisfied. The service was exceptional from start to finish with the staff making you feel as if you are the only ones dining. I am so thrilled I have now been able to try The American and looking forward to visiting again. My dad commented on what an amazing meal it was how would like to take my mom to The American to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June.
The American offers special events throughout the year including an upcoming Mothers Day Brunch and a special 40th Anniversary Dinner featuring local Crum’s Heirloom tomatoes.
I wish to thank the American for giving me this opportunity to try all the amazing dishes and better yet, the time with my dad. It was a very memorable evening, and I will not hesitate to recommend the American to anyone looking for a truly special dining experience.
The American Restaurant
200 E 25th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 545-8000