Celebrate National Noodle Month at Noodles and Company

Celebrate National Noodle Month at Noodles and Company

by | Mar 8, 2012 | Articles

 

I just found out March was National Noodle Month and to celebrate, Noodles and Company invited me to the Lee’s Summit location try a few of their dishes.
All though there is a location close to where we live, I had never visited it. I figured it was just another fast food kind of place and would pass it by.  Well, I have to tell you I was quite impressed and it was not at all, what I expected.
It is a fast casual concept as you place an order at a counter, but then a server brings the food to your table and speaking of food, it is amazing! 
All vegetables and fresh ingredients are prepped twice a day and every entrée is made to order. I think the main reason I shied away from trying Noodles and Company is I assumed it was all white pastas and heavy cream and sugar loaded sauces. I am pleased to tell you that is just not the case.

 

I know it may not seem like it when you read some of my posts, but I really do like to eat healthy and try to avoid processed or fast food items.  The beauty of Noodles and Company is that you can create the meal you want.   
The menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches and of course noodles, including whole grain. You can get everything from a simple garden salad with grilled chicken to a decadent bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.
The menu is completely customizable and can accommodate special diets including gluten-free. The nutrition chart on the website offers numerous choices for fewer than 500 calories. Of course, if you want to splurge you can do that as well.  Noodles and Company has a line of “Grown-Up” Mac and Cheeses that are utterly sinful and oh so good!  I was invited to bring some guests to the tasting and brought along my sister and both our spouses.  We had an amazing lunch and General Manager Ryan Bays took great care of us. Check out all the goodies we got to sample. 
Warning: This may make you hungry!
Potstickers

The Mediterranean Salad

Chinese Chopped Salad

Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pesto Cavatappi (Substituted with Whole Grain Linguine)
Indonesian Peanut Saute

Thai Curry Soup
Bangkok Curry
Southwest Chili Mac and Cheese

Fancy Pants Truffle Mac and Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheeseburger

Gigantic House-Made Rice Crispy Treat (made fresh twice a day)

 

All of the dishes were yummy with the Potstickers, Bangkok Curry and the Indonesian Peanut Sauté being my favorite. I guess I was in an Asian mood that day. However, I might have said the Penne Rosa had I been in an Italian mood. Nonetheless, everything really was great and I will definitely be back.
Noodles and Company is committed to using fresh wholesome ingredients and even has a local grower in North Dakota that makes all of their pastas for them.  To get a behind the scenes look on how the pasta is made you can check it out the Noodles Cinema.
Noodles and Company is a great place for the whole family.  It is affordable and everyone can get what they want whether it is mac and cheese for the kids, a grilled chicken salad for Mom and Dad can even get a beer.
I always like to support locally owned when I can, but sometimes when traveling or when it is a busy weeknight and we need something quick it is not always possible.  I am so glad I have discovered Noodles and Company; they have just become my new go-to option when life gets busy! Try it; I think you will like it.
Noodles and Company has numerous locations throughout the metro.  Check their website for the one closest to you.
If you have a great food find in KC, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
Farm to Market Bread showcases Irish Soda Bread in select area stores

Farm to Market Bread showcases Irish Soda Bread in select area stores

by | Mar 5, 2012 | Articles

Below is infomation from Farm to Market concerning their Irish Soda Bread.

Kansas City, Mo. (March 1, 2012) – The craftsmen at Farm to Market Bread are feeling their Irish as they bake crunchy, savory Irish Soda Bread just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The bread is available for a limited time, March 9-17, at select stores.

Made with all-natural buttermilk, raw sugar, sweet golden raisins and chunks of butter, the bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert or as a treat with coffee. Production Manager Craig Flaker modified a scone recipe shared by a pastry chef in New York City to create Farm to Market’s Irish Soda Bread.

“The lore surrounding Irish Soda Bread is as rich and varied as the country where it originated,” says Farm to Market founder and Chief Baker Mark Friend. “We are proud of our version of this traditional Irish bread and the care and quality that go into every loaf.”

Farm to Market Irish Soda Bread retails at $4.99 per loaf and will be offered in select Kansas City-area stores from March 9-17:

· Cosentino’s Brookside Market

· Cosentino’s Downtown Market

· Cosentino’s Brookside Price Chopper

· Cosentino’s Price Chopper, 95th & Mission

· Marsh’s Sun Fresh, Westport

· HyVee ,77th & State Line Road

· Hen House, 87th and Lackman

· Corinth Hen House

· Camelot Hen House, 119th and Roe

· Prairie Village Hen House

· Deer Creek Hen House, 135th and Metcalf

· Fairway Hen House

· Hen House, 6234 N. Chatham

Lawrence residents can find Irish Soda Bread at Community Mercantile.

About Farm to Market Bread Co.

Farm to Market Bread Co.  was founded in 1993 to bring handcrafted bread made with fresh ingredients to Kansas City-area tables. Farm to Market breads are delivered daily to local groceries and restaurants. Follow us on Twitter: @FarmToMktBread.

Mestizo by Aarón Sanchez

Mestizo by Aarón Sanchez

by | Mar 3, 2012 | Articles

If you are a fan of Food Network, you may be familiar with Celebrity Chef Aarón Sanchez.  If not, you now have the chance to get to know him, or at least get a taste of the fruits of his labor.
Early in November of 2011, Chef  Aarón Sanchez debuted his new restaurant, Mestizo, at Park Place in Leawood. Mexican fare is about my favorite cuisine around and Mestizo has been on my  list to get to.
I finally had the opportunity to attend an event they were having there for some local media and was quite impressed.  The space itself it warm and inviting with high ceilings, stone wall accents and sophisticated décor.  The food is fresh, innovative and delicious.
 If you are looking for a burrito covered with fake American cheese, Mestizo is not the place for you.  Mestizo’s dishes are meant for sharing and the numerous” botanas”, or small plates are delivered in a quick fashion so that food is constantly arriving at the table.  The menu at Mestizo is one of a kind here in the metro and consists of traditional dishes and a selection of tacos all with a contemporary twist. 
The event offered a sampling of the fare including house made chips with salsa and guacamole, yucca fritters, scallop ceviche and more.
All of the dishes at Mestizo are made using fresh, sustainable and when available, many local ingredients. The masa (the dough that they make tortillas from), is delivered daily from a local supplier in KC. Enjoy watching the tortillas made right before your eyes at the on-site tortilla making station located right inside the restaurant. There is also a raw bar area where salsa, guacamole and other items are prepared fresh and even available to-go.

Mestizo’s wine and cocktail list is extensive. The cocktails are no exception when it comes to using fresh ingredients and you won’t find any of those artificially flavored mixes. Most drink ingredients are composed of just the liquor, fresh fruit, fruit juice and maybe a touch of agave nectar.  The cocktails I tried were the Sandia (Sauza Blanco and Fresh Squeezed Watermelon Juice) and the Pepino (Herradura Blanco, Agave Nectar, Fresh Cucumber Juice).  These cocktails were refreshing and light. I know we have had a mild winter but these drinks are like summer in a glass and have given me spring fever. I cannot wait to enjoy Mestizo’s fabulous patio area and spend the afternoon sipping one of these wearing a sundress and flip-flops!
This past January Mestizo participated in Kansas CityRestaurant Week and has had special events and menus for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.  The most recent event was a dinner at Mestizo and a meet and greet with Chef Aarón Sanchez that benefited the Boys Hope, Girls Hope of KC.  Mestizo’s next upcoming event is an Easter Brunch Sunday, April 8. Starting at 10 a.m., join Mestizo for a wonderful assortment of brunch items, including a kid’s menu. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s will also be offered at $5 each. Reservations currently being accepted! Call 913-752-9025 to reserve your table. 
During the media event, I had the opportunity to meet Chef  Aarón Sanchez and chatted with him just a bit about the restaurant.  He is absolutely charming and says KC is one of his favorite places. I could not agree with him more.  Please visit Mestizo soon and help give him a warm welcome here to KC!
For more information on Mestizo and other events, promotions and menu items visit, mestizoleawood.com.
If you have a great food find in KC, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
Farm to Market Chocolate Cherry Nutella Panini

Farm to Market Chocolate Cherry Nutella Panini

by | Feb 12, 2012 | Articles

Just for Valentines Day, Farm to Market Bread Company has created a Chocolate Cherry Bread. This Kansas City tradition is available for a limited time only, Feb. 8 through Valentine’s Day. This bread is made with semi-sweet chocolate, Michigan-grown red tart dried cherries and 100 percent cocoa.  Like all Farm to Market artisan breads, Chocolate Cherry is made with all-natural ingredients. This year, the recipe is being crafted into 14-ounce round loaves that make perfect gifts or treats for the office.

Farm to Market Chocolate Cherry Bread retails at $5.99 per loaf and will be offered in select Kansas City-area stores from Feb. 8-14 including Cosentino’s Price Chopper’s, Marsh’s Sun Fresh, Westport, HyVee (77th &State Line Rd) Hen House (87th and Lackman), Corinth Hen House, Camelot Hen House, Prairie Village Hen House, Deer Creek Hen House (135th and Metcalf) and Fairway Hen House. Lawrence residents can find Chocolate Cherry Bread at Community Mercantile.

Allthough this bread is absolutely delicious just eaten plain, this recipe that adds strawberries and Nutella makes a luxurious treat.

 
Farm to Market Chocolate Cherry Nutella Panini
 
1 loaf  Farm to Market Chocolate Cherry Bread
Nutella to taste
Sliced Strawberries
 
Slice bread into desired thickness. On one half of bread spread desired amount of Nutella. Place 3 to 4 strawberry slices. Top with other slice of bread.  Place in panini maker until toasted to desired doneness,  Can use skillet to toast up, turning sandwich so both sides get toasted.