by Sharm | May 5, 2010 | Articles
Fresh. Seasonal. Local. Delicious.
You will get all of this and more at Room 39; it is one of my favorite spots in KC.
I am a big fan of supporting local restaurants and this place does it right. They work with area farmers and producers to get the freshest ingredients at the peak of the season. I am telling you, once you start eating this way it is hard to go back. Everything just tastes better.
I love the seasonal concept that Room 39 uses by making dishes according to what is in season. I feel like a kid at Christmas every time I go, wondering what the Chef has cooked up. Literally!!
One of my favorite dishes is the Gnocchi. (Go figure…If you have read some of the other posts here on the blog you will realize I love gnocchi). It has bacon and roasted cauliflower in it. The flavors blend beautifully.
I have also had their lamb, duck and steak. Everything is always prepared perfectly. My husband got this grilled romaine salad one of the last times we were there, it was out of this world. The grilling gave it a whole other level of flavor, who knew lettuce could taste like that?!
Then there are the desserts. 
They have these Goat Cheese Beignets with a Caramel Soup. I can’t even describe how good these are, you just need to taste them for yourself. We have also had a Banana Bread French Toast that was great too.
Everything I have ever had there has been unbelievably good. It is one place in KC that cannot be missed!
Room 39 offers a great tasting menu. It is 4 courses of their amazing upscale food for only $39.00. Talk about one heck of a deal!
Room 39 has to 2 locations, one in Midtown and the other in Leawood.
The Midtown locations is:
1719 W. 39th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-753-3939
Leawood is located in The Mission Farms Shopping Center:
10561 Mission Road
Leawood, KS 66206
913-648-7639
The menu can vary by location so check the website for more information http://www.rm39.com/about.htm
I recommended Room 39 to be featured on the show Check, Please! Kansas City and it was. The show airs on our local PBS station KCPT on Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. It is a great show that features different restaurants around KC. You may watch this or other episodes online http://cove.kcpt.org/video/1481393363/#
And, as always, if you think there is a great local food find or restaurant I am missing in KC Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | May 5, 2010 | Articles, Food & Drink, Local Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
Add vodka and make Limoncello! It will make everything better.
That is exactly what Jasper did at “A Limoncello Experience”.
First of all, if you have been to Jasper’s you know it is like going to a friend’s house for dinner, and that he is the most personable, sweet man you will ever want to meet.
If you have not been, get it on your list of places to go. It will become a favorite spot guaranteed!
Now about those lemons…. A multi-course treat that had all sorts of fancy Italian names that I had no idea what they meant, but they sounded sexy and of course they sure tasted good, which is really what matters to me.
We were greeted with a limoncello cocktail consisting of limoncello and champagne it was refreshing and delicious. The table was set with the yummiest Sicilian Limoncello Crackers and Limoncello and Cream Cheese Braided Bread made by the very talented Suzanne Frisse of Meadowlark Acres. meadowlarkacres.web.officelive.com/default.aspx In addition to the bread and crackers was a Lemon Ricotta and Sicillian Olives; it was a delicious way to start the evening.
The First Course: Was a Chilled Asparagus and Limoncello Cappuccino. It was this most amazing creamy asparagus soup with just the perfect hint of lemon. There was also included an Oyster Christina. 
I have to admit I was a little nervous about that as I have never been inclined to try an oyster. My husband likes them but I just can’t seem to get over the look them laying in that shell, that I have never brought myself to try one. The Oyster Christina was fried so I thought OK I can do this for Jasper because I really want the whole Limoncello Experience! Well who knew what I was missing! It was very tasty and had this lemony glaze that added just a touch of lemon flavor. Thank You Jasper for taking me out of my little culinary box!
The Second Course : Was a Scampi Limoncello and Leek Risotto.
Jasper himself did a demonstration on how to prepare the dish. He was informative and personable. I felt like I was in his home. 
The Risotto was creamy and delicious. Jasper also scores another point for getting us out of our culinary box, this time for my husband Steve. He has asked me before when we have been to other places that serve a risotto, “What’s risotto? I tell him it is a like a pasta dish made with rice. He say’s “Rice is for Chinese Food”.
So he has never tried it until now. Thank you again Jasper! He really liked it.
The Third Course Was a Pasta alla Limocello a cut pasta, with a lemon cream and local garlic chives and A Slow Roasted Limocello Chicken served with Pendelton’s ( a local asparagus farm www.pendletons.com) Asparagus and Fresh Mozza Cream Potatoes.
I was getting so full and knew dessert was coming so I had to pace myself and I am glad I did because it was quite a treat to keep the experience going the next day for lunch with my leftovers.
And last but not least, The Fourth Course consisted of “A Trio of Sweet Lemon Inspired Endings” which included a Lemon Gelato, Limoncello Cannoli and a Limoncello Tart. All were so good. 
The crust for the tart was made from Jasper’s Mothers sugar cookie recipe and I am telling you it was to die for!
Well if you are not drooling by now to make the ending even sweeter a wonderful Limoncello liquor was added to finish things up.
Are you kicking yourself already for missing this?
Well you are in luck. Jasper has a list of “Experiences” lined up for you to take advantage of that includes some of the most decadent ingredients.
The next few coming up are:
“A Mozzarella Experience”
“A Prosciutto Experience” and
“An Heirloom Tomato Experience”.
Now that I have seen what this guy can do with lemons, I can’t wait to see what he can do with these other ingredients.
Jasper takes such care in preparing his dishes. He uses as many fresh and local ingredients as possible and you can truly taste the difference.
If you can’t make it to one of his “Experiences” you must at least go for lunch or dinner. I promise you will be hooked!!
Jasper also has the Marco Polo Italian Market right next door. A perfect option when you are craving good food on the go or don’t have time for a dining room experience.
The market serves from 10:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday. Prices range from $2.75-$6.95 and features Italian sandwiches, pasta, chicken, pizza and desserts. The grill is still outside and Italian sausages are fired up daily. The market seats 55 and also does catering.
1201 W. 103rd Street | Kansas City, MO 64114 | Phone: (816) 941-6600
To register for one of the “Experiences” call 816-941-6600 or email jasperjr@aol.com
“A Mozzarella Experience” is June 17th
“A Prosciutto Experience is July 12th”
“An Heirloom Tomato Experience” is August 9th
Cost is $45.00 per person, does not include wine pairing tax or gratuity.
Make your reservations today!
For more information visit Jasper’s website.
And as always if you think you have a great local food find you think I am missing, Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | Apr 30, 2010 | Articles
Treat Mom this Mother’s Day to one of Kansas City’s great brunches. Here is a list of a few in the area.
We have reservations for Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle. I can’t wait to tell you all about.
Enjoy!
Grand Street Café
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brunch Buffet with Carving Stations
Adults $24.95
Children 12 and under $10.95
http://www.grandstreetcafe.com/
Call for reservations: 816-561-8000
4740 Grand Street
Kansas City, MO
Ophelia’s
11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adults $28.00
Children 12 and under $ 12.00
http://www.opheliasind.com
Call for reservations: 816-461-4525
205 N. Main
Independence, MO 64050
bluestem
2 options
Mother’s Day Tea Saturday, May 8th. Enjoy an afternoon of sipping fine teas with delicate parties and tea sandwiches.
Seating’s at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
$25 per person and $7.00 children under 10.
Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 9th 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
ala carte brunch menu and Sunday brunch specialties.
Please inquire about pricing and reservations.
900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO
816-561-1101
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluestem/?page_id=26
The Bristol
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adults $21.95
Children $12.95
Call for reservations: 816-448-6007
http://www.bristolseafoodgrill.com/menus/brunch/162.pdf
51 E. 14th St
Kansas City, MO 64106
Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle
Ala Carte Pricing
Call for reservations 913-631-4100
http://www.reneekellys.com/events.html
12401 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66216
Lidia’s
10:30 – 2:00
3 Course Brunch
$26.00 Per Person
Call for reservations 816-221-3722
http://www.lidias-kc.com/
101 W. 22nd St
Kansas City, MO 64108
Room 39 Mission Farms Location
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ala Carte Pricing
Call for Reservations 913-648-7639
http://www.rm39.com/menus/specialmf.pdf
10561 Mission Rd
Leawood, KS 66206
Hereford House (Independence Location Only)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adult $21.95
Children under 12 $10.95
Call for reservations: 816-795-9200
19721 East Jackson Drive
Independence, MO 64057
by Sharm | Apr 12, 2010 | Articles, Events, Local Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
When it comes to Italian in Kansas City there is only one name at the top of that list and it is of course Jasper’s. With Zagat saying it is the “Best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City” and giving it the distinct honor of being one of the “Top Ten Italian Restaurants in America” along with numerous other awards, you know it is the place to go!
Jasper himself has become a nationally acclaimed chef. He has made guest chef appearances at The James Beard House in L.A., New York, Milan, and Paris. He has been written about by every major newspaper and magazine including Laudes by USA Today, New York Times, Midwest Living, and Italy’s Cucina. When dining in Kansas City, Jasper’s has become a must visit for many.
Jasper has also been making his own Limoncello for many years and is credited for bringing the liqueur to Kansas City over 25 years ago and that is what I am here to tell you about.
Okay so what is not to love about this dangerously smooth concoction? Vodka, Lemon, Sugar, it is an artisanal masterpiece! I cannot wait to learn how to make this. Keep reading to get the scoop.
You are invited to join Jasper for A Limoncello Experience where he is going to take that liquid gold and make a whole Limoncello menu with it.
Jasper’s “A Limoncello Experience” is going to include a Limoncello demonstration and multi course small plate tasting as you have never tasted before.
You will experience Limoncello in a unique menu that includes:
Springtime antipasta, Limoncello bread,
Artisan pasta in a Limoncello cream sauce,
Limoncello Shrimp and a never before experienced handcrafted gelato & tort,
All served with Jasper’s own Artisanal Limoncello Liqueur.
A to die for tasting…A Limoncello Experience at Jasper’s this is one event not to be missed!
Monday, May 3, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Make Reservations today! Call 816.941.6600
$45.00 per person plus tax and gratuity
Tax $4.50
Gratuity $9.75
Total $59.25
Registration & Reservations by credit card guarantee only.
NO REFUNDS!
A registration form can also be found online at Jasper’s http://www.jasperskc.com/limoncello.html
Besides “A Limoncello Experience” Jasper will be hosting a number of events throughout the year and I just got wind of one called “A Canolli Experience.” My mouth is watering just thinking about that crispy shell and that sweet filling combination a canolli has and wondering what magnificent touches Jasper will put on those already perfect little gems. I cannot wait for that! Stayed tuned for details!
Don’t Miss “A Limoncello Experience.” Register today!
And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm
by Sharm | Apr 8, 2010 | Articles, Decedent Desserts, Food & Drink, Local Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
Cupcake A La Mode
What a cute and yummy store!
We stumbled upon this while out at the Park Place shopping center in Leawood. I couldn’t resist getting my great niece Kennedy her first cupcake even though she is only 11 months old. It was just so girly and pink and perfectly sweet! Just like her!
Since the writing of this post the Leawood store has closed but the Country Club Plaza location is open.
When you first walk in to Cupcake A La Mode it has the feel of a classy and chic boutique and then when you see the case of those heavenly cupcakes you know you are in for a treat.
With over 15 flavors to choose from we had a bit of a dilemma on our hands. But after much deliberation we chose a variety: the French Vanilla OOH LAH LAH, the Peanut Butter Kiss and the Pink Lemonade. They also have gourmet coffee creations so a Vanilla Latte was added to go along.
The cupcakes are moist and delicious.
I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other flavors.
Don’t miss out on this treat, it is the perfect cure for when that sweet tooth starts aching!
http://www.cupcakealamode.com/
Country Club Plaza, MO
4639 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 6411
(816) 960-1911
And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm
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by Sharm | Apr 7, 2010 | Articles
The Westside Local is the best of both worlds. Whether you are looking for the social setting of a local tavern or wanting a more trendy upscale dining experience, at a reasonable price The Westside Local will foot the bill.
This place is so good we went twice in one day.
We were there in the early afternoon and had the Summit Burger with garlic fries. I think it was the best burger and fries I have ever eaten! The burger was juicy, the fries were crisp with just a hint of garlic. The burger came with homemade pickles and homemade ketchup, so delish! For only $2 more you can get a fresh salad so I chose the roasted beet salad. It was amazing as well. The beets were perfectly cooked and just the right amount of sweetness to offset the saltiness of the goat cheese. We sat out in the beer garden enjoying the sun and weather, that in and of itself was a treat after this cold winter we have had. We had plans to meet some friends at the Screenland which is right nearby and had to bid farewell to our wonderful waiter Jason.
As luck would have it we were hungry again a few hours later and still nearby so we got to go back! This time we were inside the dining room, which has a quaint upscale feel. We were so glad Jason was still around to take care of us. He brought us the most amazing olives I have ever tasted called Castelvetrono olives. Of course the burger was so good we just had to have it again and also tried the special quinoa dish for the evening. It had quinoa, mushrooms, and walnuts; it was full of flavor.
My favorite thing about The Westside Local is that the reasonably-priced menu is compiled of rustic, seasonal cuisine using as many local ingredients as possible. There is even a small garden at the restaurant where they grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and micro greens to use in the dishes. I am a big fan of eating local, it just tastes better and everything is fresh and full of flavor.
One more thing, the beer! The Westside Local offers a wide variety of Craft Beers and they are a superb companion to the food. Each of their edibles is matched with a suggested beer, thoughtfully chosen to enhance its flavor.
If you have not been to The Westside Local you are missing out on some great local fare. Everything I have had there from the grilled cheese to the salads is delicious.
Kansas City has an amazing array of local producers that have some of the finest ingredients around that make the dishes at The Westside Local spectacular. You must give them a try. You won’t be sorry; I promise.
Westside Local
16163 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 816-997-9089
And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me
In Good Taste,
Sharm
