by Sharm | Feb 9, 2012 | Articles
Below is a list of some Valentine’s Day dining options. Call for reservations.
EXTENDED SPECIALS
Tavern in the Village – Offering a four-day special (Feb. 11-14) of Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail, for $45. The full menu is also available with specialty handcrafted cocktails. Call for reservations.
3901 Prairie Lane, Prairie Village, KS 66208
913.529.2229
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| Tavern in the Village Filet and Lobster Tail |
Westport Cafe and Bar– Available Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14, Westport Café and Bar is offering a special three-course prix fixe menu. This Paris Style Bisto is offering a a customizable menu to create the perfect meal, for $40 per person. In addition, select wines have been paired with each course of our Valentine’s Day menu for an additional $15. The full menu is also available through 1:00 a.m. and drinks served until 1:30 a.m. Call for reservations.
419 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
816.931.4740
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| Westport Cafe and Bar, Steak Frites & Profiteroles |
COUPLES SPECIAL
Zocalo – Offering an extended special as well beginning on Friday, February 10 and running through Tuesday, February 14. Zocalo is also offering a couples special. Couples will have the option to choose one shared appetizer, individual soup or salad, individual entrees, and a shared dessert. Special Four-Course Dinner for Two is $60.00. Wine and 100 percent blue agave tequila flights are an additional $15.00 per flight. The full dinner menu will also be available. Call for reservations.
620 W 48th St., Kansas City, MO 64112
816.756.5555
www.zocalokc.com
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| Zócalo Mexican Cuisine and Tequileria, Scallops and Tres Leches Cake |
Fo Thai – This newly opened restaurant features upscale modern Asian Fusion Cuisine. Fo Thai’s Valentine’s special offers a 3-Course Pre-fix Menu and one Bottle of Champagne for $120.00 per couple. The full menu will be available as well. A complimentary “surprise valentine’s bouquet will be included in the special. Call for reservations.
4331 W. 119th Street, Leawood, KS 66209
(913) 322-3636
www.fothairestaurant.com
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| Fo Thai, Surf and Turf and Warm Varhona Chocolate Cake |
VALENTINES EVE
Avenue’s Bistro – Avenues Bistro does offer up a great menu for the ‘big day’ priced nicely at $49 for four courses per person. They are also offering a four course Valentine’s Eve special that is ten bucks less and includes wine pairings! The full menu will be available Valentine’s Eve as well. Call for reservations.
Brookside: 338 West 63rd Street , Kansas City, MO 64111
816.333.5700
Leawood: 10681 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66211
913.381.5678
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| Avenues Bistro, Mediterranean Platter |
HEALTHY/LOW CALORIE
Seasons 52 – There is not a “special” Valentines dinner menu at Seasons 52, but if you want to indulge without any of the guilt check it out. All of the dishes there under 475 calories, but do not let that detour you. All of the Seasons 52 dishes I have had have been amazing. For Valentine’s Day, they have created a special chocolate cocktail. The Skinny Chocolate Espresso Martini is a mix of Voli Vanilla Espresso Vodka, chocolate coconut water, and a touch of agave nectar. It taste rich but is low in calories only 150 to be exact. You can also get special Chocolate Raspberry Valentine Mini Indulgence—chocolate cake layered between chocolate syrup, raspberry puree and raspberry mousse. This Valentine Mini will only be available February 1 – 15. The Valentine’s Day mini has 260 calories. Call for reservations.
340 Ward Pkwy
Kansas City , MO 64112 (816) 531-0052
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| Seasons 52 Chocolate Raspberry Valentine Mini Indulgence |
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| Seasons 52 Skinny Chocolate Espresso Martini |
LOCAL AND SEASONAL
Both Room 39 and Blue Bird Bistro – Are offering a Farm to Table Four Course dinners featuring dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients. Blue Bird Bistro is offering their full menu along with a Prix Fixe special for $55 per person. Wine Parings $20. Call for reservations.
1700 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64108-1142
816.221.7559
The Room 39 Four-course sweetheart dinner for $70 per person, plus an optional liquid pairing for an additional $30. Call for reservations.
Midtown: 1719 W. 39th Street
816.753.3939
Leawood: 10561 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 64111
9136487639
LUNCH
For those that are not going to be free for dinner there are a couple places offering lunch.
Amore Dessert Cafe and Coffee House – February 14th- Lunch and Love! Choice of quiche or 8″ 2 topping pizza, salad and heart shaped chocolate. Only $9.95!
4821 W. 117th St Leawood, Kansas 66211
913.327.1400
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Amore, Quiche Lunch Special
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Julian – If you are a fan of Food Network, you may have seen Owner Chef Celina Tio battling it out to become The Next Iron Chef. Although she is offering a Valentine’s Day dinner menu, it is completely sold out and has been for 4 weeks. However, you can still enjoy an Iron Chef Quality meal for lunch. Julian is not usually open on Tuesdays for lunch, but Tio is opening up for a special Valentine’s Day lunch. Call for reservations.
6227 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113
816.214.8454
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| Julian, Crispy Pork with Sweet Potato Puree and Marshmallow |
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SOMETHING SPECIAL
Saturday, February 11th, Bluestem is offering a Valentine’s Day Tea. Although teatime is mostly thought of as a “girly” thing and this would be great to enjoy with a girlfriend or make a mother/daughter event out of, I have enjoyed bluestem’s teatime with my husband and he loved it. Who can say no to any of the amazing pastry creations? They are to die for!
Enjoy an afternoon sipping fine teas with lovely pastries and assorted tea sandwiches.
$25.00 per person, $7.00 for children under 10. Seating’s are 11:00am & 1:00pm. Bluestem is also offering a Valentine’s Day three-course dinner menu for $65.00 per person.
Reservations required for both. Call for reservations.
900 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
816.561.1101
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| Bluestem, Chocolate Truffle Cookies |
by Sharm | Feb 7, 2012 | Articles
Avenue’s Bistro had been on my list to try for months and I finally got the chance to get a sneak peak at their Restaurant Week menu this past January. I was quite impressed and you can read more about that
here. I was thrilled when they invited me back try the new dinner menu that debuted February 6, 2012.
Just as it was with Restaurant Week, the new dinner menu at Avenues Bistro is impressive. It is refined, simple and elegant. In addition to the Entrée’s and Unique Sides categories on the menu, the new menu features Bistro Plates; these small plates are the perfect size to share as an appetizer with the table or a small meal for an individual. I have to say this is actually my favorite way to dine. I love getting small plates of a variety of things and then sharing them with the table.
If you have heard the saying we eat with our eyes first, then do I have a feast for you! Below are a few items off the new Avenues Bistro menu. The first four items are off Avenue’s Bistro Plates selections and the last dish is a dinner entrée featuring scallops.
Zucchini Sofrito – Braised Artichokes, Roasted Peppers, Onions, Lemon Herb Couscous.
This dish is light but full of flavor. The tangy artichoke pairs nicely with the sweet roasted red peppers and the couscous is light and fluffy.
Mediterranean Platter – Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Genoa Salami, Sicilian Olives, Sun Dried Tomato, Goat Cheese Spread, Olive Tapenade and Pecorino Romano. Toasted Ciabatta , Flatbread.
This dish screamed for a glass of wine and to me is the perfect appetizer type dish. I loved this! The goat cheese spread on the toasted Ciabatta was delicious! I am hoping I can sweet talk the chef out of the recipe for it.
Roasted Pork Belly – Asian Pear, Sweet Potato, Maple Balsamic Reduction.
This dish was sticky, sweet and satisfying. The pork belly was tender inside and perfectly glazed on the outside. The accompaniment of the sweet potatoes gave the dish a real “comfort food” feel and is a perfect dish to enjoy in the colder months.
Pan Fried Oysters – Pork Confit, Raisin Honey Compote.
Seriously, how beautiful is the presentation of this dish. Are you full yet? This dish is like three-in-one. Layer one: Toasted Ciabatta with Pork Confit, Layer two: Crispy Fried Oyster and Layer three: Pea Shoots Salad with Raisin, Honey Compote. Even if you are at a table with someone who does not care for oysters, it could still be shared, as there are so many components to it.
Pan Seared Scallops – Pea Shoots, Cherry Tomato, Beet Jam, Pistachio Gremolata, Lemon Butter.
I have to admit before starting this blog; I had never really tried a scallop. Well fast forward, a couple of years and I can say I have had a few. From what I can tell, I do not think they have much flavor. They are like blank little canvases waiting to soak up whatever the chef has in store. At Avenue’s this scallop dish shines. The Lemon Butter is bright and the Pistacio Gremolata has hints of parsley and garlic. The Beet Jam adds a nice sweet component to the saltiness of the scallops and pistachios and the pea shoots add a touch of freshness.
Everything was so good and I am looking forward to trying many more dishes off Avenues Bistro’s new menu soon. For more information or to view the new menu visit,
avenuesbistro.com.
Also for Valentine’s Day, Avenues does offer up a great menu for the ‘big day’ priced nicely at $49 for four courses per person. However, they are also offering a four course Valentine’s Eve special that is ten bucks less and includes wine pairings! This is a great special especially for those that want to celebrate early. Call for reservations.
Brookside: 338 West 63rd Street , Kansas City, MO 64111
816.333.5700
Leawood: 10681 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66211
913.381.5678
by Sharm | Jan 29, 2012 | Articles
Full Sircle Farms; Kansas City’s source for natural free range, grass fed meat.
Earlier this fall I was invited out by the owners of Full Sircle Farms to pick up a chicken to try, and take a tour of the farm. Instead of a chicken, I was actually in need of a turkey due to the fact I was hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
They were happy to substitute the turkey and I was excited to find a local farm that was offering turkeys.
At Full Sircle Farms, all of the animals are raised without growth hormones or other chemicals. Located in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Full Sircle’s Farm to Table Service delivers farm fresh foods to your place of business and to host sites scattered across the Kansas City Metro. Full Sircle also offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership for individuals, companies, churches and coops and delivers to select restaurants and grocers throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
The farm was beautiful and I almost felt a little guilty for loving lamb chops so much once I saw lambs happily grazing around the pasture. All of the turkeys were already processed so there was no guilt in picking out the 37-pound bird and evidently, the guilty feeling passed quickly as I came home with a chicken and some lamb as well.
We have been eating very well here at the Meadows household and enjoying every bite. The turkey was a hit and easier than ever to cook in my Electrolux oven that has a “Perfect Turkey” setting.
You literally press the “Perfect Turkey” button; insert one end of the meat thermometer in the bird and the other end into a socket in the oven. The oven starts itself, programs the proper temperature and then shuts itself off once the turkey has reached the appropriate internal temperature.
The turkey did come out perfect and was moist and delicious.
Full Sircle Farms is currently offering Custom Ordered – Grassland Beef, Bulk Heritage Pork, Bulk Lamb and variety bundles that are very affordable. They will also be setting up a various farmers markets to sell burger, eggs, sausage and the bundles.
Visit
www.fullsirclefarms.com for more information or placing an order.
Full Sircle Farms
13404 Cameron Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Call: 913-575-8322 or 816-560-1858
by Sharm | Jan 28, 2012 | Articles
If you have not had a chance to visit Seasons 52, it is worth a trip! The seasonally inspired menu always ensures something fresh and new. In addition, the health conscious approach Seasons 52 offers with each dish being 475 calories or less, makes for a fabulous dining experience.
I was invited on behalf of Seasons 52 to try some of their new winter menu items at their Kansas City location on the Country Club Plaza.
The new Winter Menu items offered at Seasons 52 include:
• Organic Tomato Stack Salad – with arugula, blue cheese, chopped bacon and a balsamic glaze
• Grilled Venison Chop on Venison & Mushroom Ragout – with truffle mashed potatoes
• Farmer’s Market Vegetable Plate – with roasted Bosc pears, butternut squash, grilled tofu and almond tabbouleh
• Roasted Spinach Stuffed Silver Dollar Mushrooms
• Golden Beets – with wasabi sour cream
Read more about the menu items on the Blog.
by Sharm | Jan 28, 2012 | Articles
If you have not had a chance to visit Seasons 52, it is worth a trip! The seasonally inspired menu always ensures something fresh and new. In addition, the health conscious approach Seasons 52 offers with each dish being 475 calories or less, makes for a fabulous dining experience.
I was invited on behalf of Seasons 52 to try some of their new winter menu items at their Kansas City location on the Country Club Plaza.
The new Winter Menu items offered at Seasons 52 include:
• Organic Tomato Stack Salad – with arugula, blue cheese, chopped bacon and a balsamic glaze
• Grilled Venison Chop on Venison & Mushroom Ragout – with truffle mashed potatoes
• Farmer’s Market Vegetable Plate – with roasted Bosc pears, butternut squash, grilled tofu and almond tabbouleh
• Roasted Spinach Stuffed Silver Dollar Mushrooms
• Golden Beets – with wasabi sour cream
My dinner started with the Organic Tomato Stack Salad. I know you may be thinking tomatoes are more of a summer item but the paring of them with the balsamic glaze, grilled red onions, bacon and crumbled blue cheese makes it a hearty dish. In the spring and summer, Seasons 52 will pair tomatoes with lighter ingredients, such as basil.
This along with the Chipotle Shrimp Flatbread that was shared with the table, was actually very filling and I could have stopped there. However, I had already ordered the Grilled Lamb T- Bone Chops for my entree and the Golden Beets with wasabi sour cream.
The lamb was cooked perfectly and the beets sweet and tender. The addition of the wasabi sour cream adds a quite a kick and is a unique twist.
Last but not least are Seasons 52 Mini Indulgences. These desserts are the real deal and are prepared with top quality ingredients. The pint sized portion let you have all of the pleasure and none of the guilt. Flavors include Key Lime Pie, Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Rocky Road, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Pecan Pie, and Mocha Macciato, just to name a few. They are the perfect ending to a great meal.
This was not my first visit to Seasons 52 nor will it be my last. I have had the pleasure of trying quite a few of these Mini Indulgences and all have been delicious.
Truly anyone can dine at Seasons 52 as they offer alternative menus featuring lactose free, gluten free, low sodium, garlic free, vegetarian and vegan.
I love the concept of Seasons 52. The dishes are flavorful and healthy and the atmosphere is elegant and inviting. The changing of the seasons and new dishes each week are inspiring and offer a unique dining experience at each visit.
If dining at the Kansas City location, be sure and ask for Ian to be your server, he took great care of us and will do the same for you.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
Seasons 52
340 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO64112
If you have a great food find in KC, email me.
by Sharm | Jan 27, 2012 | Articles
The Capital Grille recently launched its $18 Winter Plates Menu on January 9th, debuting three new selections: Wagyu Cheeseburger with Fried Egg and Crisp Onions, Roasted Pepper Soup and Roasted Root Vegetables. As always, guests of The Capital Grille can customize their lunch, choosing from nine “plates” offerings – three soups or salads, three sandwiches and three sides – all for $18.
According to Executive Chef Ray Comiskey, the Wagyu Cheeseburger with Fried Egg and Crisp Onions features premium Japanese Wagyu beef blended with the right amount of seasoning, and is the kind of fresh twist on an American classic The Capital Grille is known for.
Root vegetables are at the peak of their flavor in the winter, which makes the Roasted Root Vegetables a hearty addition to any lunch entrée selections. And speaking of cold weather, guests can warm up deliciously with a generous bowl of either Roasted Pepper Soup or Clam Chowder, which combines New England’s finest, freshly shucked clams and tender potatoes.
For guests with a limited amount of time at lunch, The Capital Grille ensures they can enjoy the personalized service and mouth-watering cuisine that characterize a Capital Grille dining experience and still be on their way in about 45 minutes.
I was invited on behalf of the Capital Grille to try the new plates menu and was quite impressed. The lunch selection I chose were as follows:
Roasted Pepper Soup – Warm and delicious. The perfect starter for a cold January day.
Mini Tenderloin – The house made buttery brioche bun and tender filet absolutely melt in your mouth.
Roasted Root Vegetables – The roasting process caramelizes this mix of purple carrot, sweet potatoes and parsnips making them sweet and tender.
Diners truly can have an amazing meal in a timely matter. Everything was served quickly and there were many business lunches going on. If you have a client that you need to impress but do not want to break the bank, I highly suggest taking them to lunch at the Capital Grille for one of these new “plates.”
Dessert is not included as part if the “plates” special but worth the indulgence if you like your sweets. All Capital Grille desserts are made in house including the sorbets and ice creams.
At the suggestion of our server Britt, she recommended the Coconut Cream Pie. She also suggested the Tenderloin sandwiches, which were spot on so I figured she knew what she was talking about.
Britt did not lead us wrong! The filling is creamy, the texture of the crust is like nothing I have ever had and the whip cream slightly sweet. A thin sugar crisp type cookie tops it off and adds a nice crunch.
Britt took wonderful care of us, even giving her crumb scraper to my friend after she commented on how she had been wanting one. Be sure and ask for her when you go. She will not lead you wrong and you will have an amazing meal with top notch service! Enjoy!
The Capital Grille is located at 4740 Jefferson Street in the heart of the Country Club Plaza. Reservations can be made by calling 816-531-8345 or by visiting TheCapitalGrille.com. In addition to its main dining room, The Capital Grille also features private dining rooms for up to 65 guests, as well as a Chef’s Table accommodating up to 10 guests, with a frontline view of the open kitchen. Chef is pleased to create special menus for private dining events.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
