by Sharm | Jun 16, 2011 | Articles
Get ready for GREAT FOOD – both growing and eating it – at the 2011 Urban Farms & Gardens Tour!
Urban agriculture is about feeding people good food – and the 2011 Urban Farms & Gardens Tour, a 12-day celebration of urban agriculture in Kansas City, offers several tasty opportunities to munch on locally grown food. Designed expressly to bring together growers and eaters, two of the events invite farmers and gardeners to celebrate the pleasures of cooking with locally grown produce. The Eat Out Local nights give a shout-out to the local restaurants which make amazing meals out of urban and locally-grown food. All in all, the week leading up to the tour is a going to be full of GREAT eating!
Sunday, June 19: Gather, Share, Feast! A local food dinner by Chef Celina Tio
Chef Celina Tio, owner/chef of JULIAN Restaurant, contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and recent runner-up on The Next Iron Chef, will host Gather, Share, Feast! A local food dinner by Chef Celina Tio at her restaurant. If you are a gardener or farmer, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to get your name on this celebrity chef’s menu as she turns produce fresh from your land into a delicious feast. Visit www.urbanfarmstourkc.com for information on how to contribute your produce to the meal. Call 816-214-8454 to make your reservation at JULIAN Restaurant for 5:30, 7:00, or 8:30 seatings – this is a great Father’s Day treat for your foodie dad!
Friday, June 24: Get Your Grow On! Cook-Off!
Want to show off your home-grown cooking? You can enter your favorite recipe in the Get Your Grow On! Cook-Off: A local food picnic on Friday, June 24th from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Loose Park Pavilion. You can enter a Local Appetizer, Local Side Dish, Local Main Dish, or Local Dessert to be judged by Ethne Clark, Editor of the national publication “Organic Gardening,” Gordon Roe, publisher, tastebud magazine, Kansas City’s own eating-well magazine, and Mary Pepitone, writer of the Kansas City Star’s beloved food column, “Come into my Kitchen.” Only 30 entries will be accepted ($10 per entry) and the winners and runners-up in each category will win fabulous prizes! To enter your dish in the Local Dish Cook-Off, go to www.urbanfarmstourkc.com under the pre-tour events tab.
Share your food with others potluck style
If you don’t want to compete, you can still join the fun of the June 24 picnic! Chuck Robinson of the Garden Center Association of Greater Kansas City, co-sponsor of this event, says, “You can share your food with others potluck style, or just eat your own food and brag about how wonderful it is to other picnickers! This is a community event celebrating the wonderful food produced in our city.” The event is free for all picnickers.
June 20-23: “Eat Out Local” Nights
Restaurants are an important component of the local food system and many are joining the effort to support local food production, as well as the local economy, and to use the freshest, tastiest products on their menu. Many restaurants will be participating in “Eat Out Local” Nights in conjunction with the Urban Farms & Gardens Tour, on the evenings of June 20-23rd. Katherine Kelly, executive director of the Kansas City Center of Urban Agriculture, which hosts of the Urban Farms & Gardens Tour, encourages resident to get out on the town. “You can eat local, eat well, and support the growing of good food in city neighborhoods.” Eat at any of the participating restaurants listed on the tour website and they’ll make a donation to the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture.
Urban Farms & Gardens Tour
We ALL eat, and more than ever in recent history, people are interested in knowing where their food comes from, who grows it, and how it is produced. The two day, self-guided tour allows you to go see Kansas City’s farms and gardens, meet the farmers, and ask them how they grow the food you eat.
The Urban Farms & Gardens Tour, hosted by the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, offers you exciting new ways to connect with the good food growing in the city. On June 25 and 26, thirty-eight urban farms and gardens across the Kansas City Metro will open their fields and garden plots for people to explore on the fourth biennial Urban Farms & Gardens Tour. Attendees are encouraged to visit as many sites as they like from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to connect with the farmers and gardeners that feed our city with fresh, delicious, healthy food.
Information and details
For information about tickets and further event details visit www.urbanfarmstourkc.com, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KCUrbanFarmsTour or on Twitter @KCFarmsTour. New information is coming in every week, so stay tuned for the latest updates! See complete list of pre-tour events below.
by Sharm | Jun 15, 2011 | Articles
HOP FEST CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY: The Well Bar Grill & Rooftop and Lew’s Grill and Bar in Waldo
DATE: Saturday June 18, 2011
TIME: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
LOCATION: Tented Beer Garden in the parking lot one block east of the The Well (207 West 74th St.)
WHAT: 20+ Craft Breweries and 250+ Craft Beers from breweries all over America, Belgium and beyond. Brewery and distributor reps will be on site to answer questions and entertain with stories about the beer.
“Hopfest is the single largest sampling selection of craft beers in Kansas City history,” said Chris Lewellen, Owner of The Well Bar Grill & Rooftop and Lew’s Grill and Bar. “We will also have truly unique beers that have never been offered for sale to the public, like Boulevard Test Sour Love Child #2, Southern Tier- Gemini, Imperial Bended Ale, Tommy Knocker Hop Strike (BlackIPA) and more.”
Complete list of beers not available in stores or bars:
Boulevard Test Sour Love Child #2
Southern Tier – Gemini, Imperial Blended Ale
Crispin – oak aged Pear and Apple Ciders – only eight in the state of MO
Lagunitas Brown Shugga 2010 -keg
Boulevard Hoppy Wheat – keg
Troubador Magma -keg Blgian IPA
Monk’s Café – keg Begian Sour
Southern Tier – Oaked Aged Unearthly (Imperial IPA)
Tallgrass – Velvet Roster (Belgian Triple)
Southern Tier – Jahva (Imperial Coffee Stout)
Tommy Knocker – Hop Strike (Black IPA)
Sample list of beers available during the festival:
Boulevard, Lagunitas, Big Sky, Fox ‘n’ Barrel Cider, Capital, Boulder, Buffalo Bill, Pyarmid, Magic Hat, Popperings, Monk’s Cafe, Petrus, Troubador, Cherish Kreik, Bilken, Delirium, Witterkerke, New Holland, Founders, Left Hand, Ska, Bear Republic, Grand Teton, Hebrew, Brother Theionius, Southern Tier, Tommyknocker, Tallgrass, Doodle, Shilling Bridge, Stone, Schlafly, New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Avery, Great Divide, Chimay, Bridgeport, Anchor, Sam Adams, McCoy’s, Ameristar Brew Pub, 75th Street and more!
TICKET INFORMATION:
Purchase tickets at The Well Bar Grill & Rooftop and Lew’s Grill & Bar or call 816.361.1700
General Admission tickets – $30.00 in advance (limited to 750 tickets)
VIP Entrance Tickets – $50.00 in advance (only 100 tickets available)
• VIP tickets get entrance at noon (one hour early access to the fest)
• Get up close and personal with the brewers
• Five special release beers available only during VIP session
Ticket includes a tasting glass, program, and hours of unlimited sampling! Rare and unusual beers to be released every thirty minutes during the festival Tickets also includes free admission Saturday night to The Well and Lew’s, where there will be live music and additional new craft beers available for purchase.
MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND
by Sharm | Jun 15, 2011 | Articles
A new feature here on What You’re Missing KC! Will be “What You’re Missing Wednesday.” On occasional Wednesdays I will post a photo and a short sentence about my most recent food find. A longer post may be written in the future about it, so if you want more information certainly keep your eye out or just contact me.
OK well enough about that I am sure you get the idea. The first “What You’re Missing Wednesday” are these Tequila infused Margaritaville Cupcakes from Stefanie Speers of Pin- Up Pastries. Pin-Up Pastires has these and many other adult and non adult flavored cupcakes. To place an order or get more info check out www.kcpinuppastries.com
If you have a great food find it KC email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | Jun 11, 2011 | Articles
Located in downtown Overland Park, Taste is quaint, charming and delicious. In my opinion, chef and owner Jonathon Dallen has created the perfect menu. This location used to be the bar and dining room called Tonic, where young chef Jonathon Dallen ran the kitchen. After Tonic closed, Dallen took over the whole operation.
The name “Taste” is fitting for this establishment, as the front page of the menu contains a list of “First Tastes” which is a collection of small plates. The variety of these small plates is perfect for the diner that likes variety. The option to order two or three small plates and get a little “taste” of everything they may be craving is something that is right up my alley.
I have been twice now and although there is another page on the menu dedicated to entrées that include Grilled Salmon, Roasted Chicken and Beef Tenderloin, I cannot seem to stray from the small plates. I love the variety and the concept of sharing that the small plates offer.
On my most recent visit, it was just my husband and I and the dishes we shared were the Appetizer Plate, ($8.00) which has a selections dips that include hummus, an olive tapenade, a goat cheese spread and a white bean salad with crostinis for dipping. 
We also ordered the Cheese Tasting Plate ($10.00) and the Seared Lamb Loin with roasted corn polenta. ($14.00) It was a great selection of plates and very filling. The cheese plate comes with both foreign and domestic varieties and is exquisitely put together. All the dips were delicious and the lamb was tender.
Taste is a place that will fit your mood. If you are feeling adventurous, you can order the Chef Tasting Plate a chef’s choice of weekly specials ($15.00) and if you are feeling generous, you can buy a round of drinks for the kitchen. ($25.00)
If you want a custom menu to create the perfect dining experience, get the Personalized Coursed Chef Tasting for the entire table where the chef will design a menu specifically for your party. (Market Price) Taste can also cater any occasion.
In addition to dinner, Taste also offers a lunch menu including a selection of sliders to pick from as well as other sandwiches and salads. Dessert is just as diverse as the rest of the menu when it comes to variety. You can choose from a cookie, gelato or chocolate tasting plate to seasonal cobbler with homemade gelato. Both times I have gone I have been too full for dessert, so I have decided for my next visit that is all I am going for!
With a bar area, dining room and patio, there is plenty of space to enjoy your “tastes.” The weather was perfect the night we visited so we opted to sit on the patio. The building consists of original brick and the atmosphere is relaxing. In the evenings candle lit tables light up the space.
With its diverse menu and dining options, Taste is a great place to go for any occasion whether it is a romantic date or a large party.
Prices ranges for Taste are as follows:
Lunch ($8.00 – $14.00)
First Tastes ($6.00 -$14.00)
Entrées ($14.00 – $32.00)
Desserts ($6.00 – $10.00)
Taste
7938 Santa Fe Drive Overland Park, KS 66204.
(913) 766-0320
If you have a great food find, restaurant or event in Kansas City you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | May 25, 2011 | Articles
McCormick and Schmicks on The Country Club Plaza has just redesigned their patio area, complete with firepits, lounges, trees and umbrellas. I had the chance to enjoy a preview event and sample some of the new cocktails including their Strawberry Margarita and Sangria.
McCormick and Schmicks new patio area is the perfect place to relax and enjoy all of their great new happy hour specials
. Details below.
Lounge Above the Plaza: Introducing New Nights
“The Sunday Night Relax,” 3:00 p.m. – close:
o $1 fresh-shucked Oysters;
o Half-price bottles of wine;
o Champagne, Sparkling Wine and Wine Cocktail Specials
o Live Acoustic Music 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday “Goose & Jazz Patio Party,” 3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.:
o Live Jazz, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
o Grey Goose Vodka specials
o $1.95 Happy Hour Menu with $1 fresh-shucked Oysters, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
“Local Cubed Thursday’s,” 4:00 p.m. – close:
o Featuring Three Local Weston businesses with wines, cheeses and spirits.
MONDAY – FRIDAY, 3:30 p.
m. – 6:00 p.m.: HAPPY HOUR on the entire patio and in the bar
o $1.00 fresh-shucked Oysters Every Day
o Summer Cocktail specials
o “Skinny Cocktails,” five specialty cocktails created all under 150 calories.
o Famous $1.95 Happy Hour Menu
Sunday – Thursday, NEW Late Night Happy Hour, 9:00 p.m. – close
o $1.00 oysters
o $2 off small plates
ALWAYS available: full menu, small plates, sushi, full cocktail and wine menus
About McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Inc.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, celebrating its eleventh year in Kansas City, serves a broad selection of fresh seafood with a menu printed twice daily and featuring the signature “Fresh List” of seafood, in addition to aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. Under General Manager Carey Grider and Executive Chef Nathan Holm, the restaurant offers an unmatched menu featuring dishes tailored to local and regional tastes. Located at 448 W. 47th St. on the famed Country Club Plaza, McCormick & Schmick’s offers an inviting atmosphere and a high quality, diverse menu for everyone from casual diners, families and tourists to business travelers and special occasion diners. Learn more at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.
If you have a great food find, restaurant or event in KC you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | May 24, 2011 | Articles
The highly anticipated restaurant Story opened its doors today in the Shops at Prairie Village. Carl and Susan Thorne-Thomsen own this contemporary American restaurant. Carl is the former chef de cuisine of Michael Smith and Extra Virgin restaurants and Susan is a former gourmet food store/cafe owner.
Steve and I had the privilege of attending a preview event last night and I have to say Story is one of my new favorite places. The space is beautiful, the service outstanding and the food is exquisite. I had the chance a few weeks ago to visit while the space was still being renovated and the transformation is amazing. You can read more about my earlier visit here.
Although the décor and clean lines of this space make it an ideal location to celebrate almost any occasion or just share a nice dinner with family or friends, it is the cuisine that will keep you coming back.
I started with the smoked duck empanadas. Earlier this month when I was chatting with Carl about some of the dishes, I remember him mentioning the empanadas so I was excited to try them. The empanadas were served with black beans, avocado puree, shaved jicama, and were delicious. The outside of the empanadas were crispy, the filling tender and flavorful and the jicama added a nice crunch to the dish.
Steve loves morel mushrooms and will spend hours in the woods hunting for them so when he saw the ravioli was served with morels, he was sold. The ravioli was rich, delicious and according to Steve, one of the best things he has ever eaten!
For our entrees, I was torn between the braised beef cheeks and the lamb. I love lamb, but the beef was served with a smoked gnocchi and well if you know me, you know gnocchi is one of my favorites, and adding in this smoky element, I knew this was something I was not going to be unable to pass up. Well thanks to the impeccable service, I was able to order the lamb and get a side of the gnocchi. It was the best of both worlds and one of the best dinners, I have ever eaten.
Steve ordered the roasted strip steak, it was cooked perfectly and very tender. Sautéed Swiss chard and potato croquettes accompanied it. The potato croquettes made the dish and I am going to have a hard time eating a potato prepared any other way now that I know they can taste like that!
I cannot forget to mention the bread. In addition to being a magnificent chef, Carl is an avid bread maker and makes all the bread in house. The bread is crusty on the outside, tender on the inside and the aroma is intoxicating. What a treat!
Both Susan and Carl took the chance to greet and welcome guests. Susan invited me into the kitchen for a sneak peak and wow, I must say it was quite impressive. I noticed all the kitchen staff working hard to execute flawless and tasty dishes. 
While in the kitchen, I saw a lemon bar being plated and decided that is what I would be ordering for dessert.
When it did come time to order dessert, our server suggested the doughnuts that are served over a pastry cream and salted caramel. Oh, man! That sounded so good, but I had my heart set on the lemon bar. Lucky for me Steve got the doughnuts. It was great to share the desserts and get a little taste of each and although the doughnuts were good, I would have to say the lemon bar was my favorite.
I loved the tartness of the lemon against the sweet shortbread crust. With dessert must come coffee and Story proudly serves Kansas City’s own Roasterie, which of course is great but what made it so special for me is the old fashion sugar cubes and cream it was served with. I loved the nostalgia of the cubes replacing those rainbow colored packets that normally accompany that cup of after dinner coffee.
Make plans to visit Story soon, it will become one of your favorites and make you happily ever after!
Story is located at 3931 W. 69th Terrace in The Village Shopping Center. The 3000 square feet restaurant seats 66 in the dining room, 20 in the bar and 30 on the patio. Story features local, seasonal creative American cuisine, with Spanish, French and Italian influences. Story’s name refers to the fact that Thorne-Thomsen is an ingredient-driven chef who searches for the best possible ingredients for his dishes and learns their story – how they were grown, where they were fished or where they were pastured. Story serves lunch Monday – Friday, brunch Saturday and Sunday and dinner 7 days a week. For dinner, appetizers run from $7-14, entrees are around $25 a piece, and desserts range from $6-10. Story offers reservations on their website www.storykc.com and by calling 913.236.9955.
If you have a great food find, restaurant or event in KC, you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
