by Sharm | Aug 16, 2013 | Cocktails & Wine, Food Finds, Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
Hedges Family Estates Winery recently hosted a dinner at Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen. The pairings of the amazing wines and dishes created by chef Brian made for a memorable evening and I will be enjoying both again soon.
Tannin is located in the Crossroads Art District and boast an eclectic wine list. Whether you are a wine novice or expert, Tannin offers wines by the taste, glass or bottle, to satisfy everyone’s palate. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
Tannin serves both lunch and dinner and the menu boasts a seasonal, contemporary American menu that includes a unique selection of small bites, gourmet sandwiches and eclectic entrees.With the diverse menu offerings, Tannin is the perfect place to go if you are in the mood to share a selection of small plates and a bottle of wine with friends, want a romantic dinner for two or just need a great place for lunch.
Hedges Family Estate, owned by Tom and Ann-Marie Hedges located on Red Mountain, is the largest family-owned winery in Washington State. Tom was born in Richland, Washington, while Anne-Marie was born in Champagne, France. Both of their upbringings have influenced what Hedges Family Estate is today. Read more about the family and winery here.
The dinner featured their signature Red Mountain as well as blends from their Columbia Valley Line.
I have recapped the menu below. Warning it will leave you wanting good wine and good food and Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen where you can enjoy Hedges Family Estates wine and great food will curb that craving!
Warm Brioche with Cherry and Brie with Independent Producers Chardonnay Dionysus Vineyard, Columbia Valley
Parmesan Encrusted Trout, Frisée Salad, Warm Bacon Vinaigrette with CMS Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley
Black Pepper Seared Beef Carpaccio, Local Micro Greens, Truffle Aioli with Independent Producers “The Bourgeoisie” Merlot Sagemoor Farm, ColumbiaValley
Herb Roasted Squab, Buttered Basmati Rice, Red Beets, Orange Reduction Hedges Family Estate “CMS” Columbia Valley
Slow Braised Spring Lamb, Wild Mushroom and Baby Vegetable Ragout Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain
Chocolate Covered Blackberries
All of the wines and food were phenomenal. I wish to thank Tannin and Hedges for inviting me to this event. I already knew Tannin is a great place to go to and I am now thrilled to have found some new great wines! Hedges Wines are available throughout the metro. Visit the Hedges Family Estates website for additional information on wine including tasting notes and ordering online and more.
Address Info:
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
1526 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO
Telephone:
816.842.2660
by Sharm | Aug 16, 2013 | Food & Drink, Products & Reviews, Restaurants
Chi
potle is our families favorite fast casual restaurant and I would say we frequent it at least once a week and sometimes more. So when I got word that they now offer catering and then an email asking if I would like to try it out, I was ecstatic.
The timing was perfect as we had some family coming in town for the weekend.
Chipotle sent me a coupon to try out the “Big Spread” which feeds 20 people. It includes 3 meats of your choosing and all the accompaniments just like at the restaurant which includes; white and brown chilantro-lime rice, vegetarian black beans, pinto beans, fajita vegetables, salsas ranging from mild to hot, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and lettuce.
Then to wrap all that goodness up in, crispy taco shells, soft flour tortillas and a huge bag of their amazing tortilla chips are included as well. Chipotle also supplies all of serving supplies that include bowls, utensils, napkins, serving spoons and tongs. Also included are stands, chafing dishes, fuel and matches to keep it all warm!
Placing the order was super easy! I just called 1-800-Chipotle and the operator on the other end took care of everything. Knowing that most of the family would not eat the hot salsa but that we love the corn salsa, I asked if they would sub out the hot salsa for corn salsa and of course they were happy to do so.
Picking up the order was a breeze as well and everything is packaged up in awesome reusable tote bags.
There were 14 of us that ate and all though we finished off the guacamole and sour cream there were plenty of leftovers that we broke out the next day. There were still beans left so I made a yummy black bean and pinto bean soup in my handy dandy Vita- Mix!
Although, I was able to try this spread out courtesy of Chipotle, I am hooked and will definitely be using Chipolte catering again using my own dime, because everything you need is included, the food is delicious and clean up is a breeze!
If you don’t have a group quite large enough to put on the “Big Spread”, Chipotle catering packages also offers a two meat spread, burritos by the box and a chips and salsa package that comes with chips, guacamole and 4 kinds of salsa.
I have yet to return my catering stands but will be doing it soon because if you choose to return the catering stands back to the location where you picked up your catering order, Chipotle will give a coupon for a free burrito! Currently, Chipotle Catering is only in the following areas*, but are expanding, so keep an eye out for your area. Visit Chipotle.com for further information on all catering and menu items Chipotle offers.
| • Colorado |
• New Mexico |
| • Delaware |
• Oklahoma |
| • Idaho |
• Utah |
| • Iowa** |
• Wisconsin*** |
| • Kansas |
• Wyoming |
| • Missouri |
• Nashville Area |
| • Nebraska |
• Philadelphia Area |
| • Nevada |
|
*Burritos By The Box is available everywhere.
**Excludes Davenport, IA.
***Excludes Eau Claire and Hudson, WI.
by Sharm | Nov 17, 2010 | Articles, Food & Drink, Kansas City, Local Products, What You're Missing KC!
If you have had a Boulevard beer in the past 21 years, stop by your favorite drinking establishment on November 17th at 10pm, and raise a glass of Boulevard to toast their 21st Anniversary.
On November 17, 1989, the first keg of Boulevard beer was sold to Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen just a few blocks from the brewery. Since then boulevard has added numerous beers to their line and is shipped nationwide.
Boulevard beers are currently available throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas, with partial distribution in Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The 21st Anniversary Fresh Hop Pale Ale is similar to the brewery’s signature pale ale, but kicked up a notch to celebrate its coming of age.
Boulevard is passionate about beer and has many unique opportunities for those who are passionate as well.
In addition to making exceptional beers, Boulevard offers public and private brewery tours, event space rental, beer-pairing dinners and a BrewMasters Luncheon, which is a collaboration between the brewery and a local restaurant.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend both a private brewery tour and a Brewmasters Luncheon.
The tours really give an in depth look at the beer making process as well as lots of fun facts on how some of the beers got their names and of course tasting, tasting, tasting! Did I mention tasting, because you will not go away thirsty!
The Brewmasters Luncheon is held in the beautiful event space on the third floor. The view from this space is one of the best in the city.
The Luncheon I attended featured Webster House and had wonderful dishes prepared by their chef Charles d’Ablaing.
The first pairing was Amber Ale and a Chilean Sea Bass. The second was a seared duck breast and the Long Strange Triple and the last was a Bully Porter paired with an elk tenderloin.
If you have not had the chance to go to a Brewmasters Luncheon, put it on your list. It is a really neat to experience meet Boulevards Brewmaster Steven Pauwels and learn about all the different beers as he explains them in relations to dish, and then of course tasting the way the flavors work together is the added bonus!
Happy Anniversary Boulevard!
For more information on brewery tours, Brewmasters Luncheons and other opportunities Boulevard offers visit the Boulevard website.
And as always if you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm
SaveSave
SaveSave
by Sharm | Jun 2, 2010 | Food & Drink, Food Finds, Kansas City, What You're Missing KC!
Chef Mark’s Kitchen hand crafted artisan finishing sauces, seasoning blends and instant sauce mixes are made by one of Kansas City’s most respected chefs, Mark Alan Mollentine.
Chef Mark Alan Mollentine’s interest in cooking started early. He grew up around food. Their yard was graced with fruit trees, berry bushes and always had a small garden with vegetables and herbs. Everything was always hand-made. The food was simple, but extraordinary.
Chef Mark attended culinary school in Dallas, Texas. As a culinary student he was selected by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) as “Outstanding Student” and was invited to the annual conference in San Antonio where he assisted Ms. Julia Child with her activities, including book signings and prepping for a TV Show.
His first professional “chef job” was as an apprentice at a small, private school. One day, this tiny blond girl of 6 or 7 tugged on his pant leg and when he bent down to her she whispered, “Please don’t tell my mom, but I like your food better than hers.”
Once back home in Kansas City, Chef Mark’s experience here has included eight years as a culinary instructor; banquet chef for Hallmark Cards’ family namesake country club, Hallbrook C.C.; executive chef of the prestigious Wynbrick Country Inn in Liberty, MO.,he has also owned a prominent catering business and the historic Governor’s Meeting House Restaurant in Shawnee, KS.
He is currently the private corporate chef for Gear For Sports, a Kansas City-based international corporation; chef for Good Natured Family Farms local-food alliance and he writes a food column “The Chef’s Table” for a Kansas City food magazine. Recently, he helped create the KC Food Artisans association.
He has cooked for major celebrities, renowned political figures, top corporation executives and prestigious university chancellors. He was the chef/caterer for the movie “Ride with The Devil”, where he was chosen to personally chef for the movie’s top talent, Ang Lee, Jewell, Toby Maguire, Skeet Ulrich and others. His own “screen credits” include over 20 live-television cooking segments, a DVD highlighting local holiday foods, appetizers & cooking techniques, and hundreds of private and public “chef cooking demonstrations.”
Proudly, for the past six years, He has been associated with the Kansas City Buy Fresh / Buy Local program, helping to create a better consumer understanding of local, farm-fresh foods. In connection with this venture, he launched his own line of artisan-crafted, All-Natural Sauces, Hand-Selected Seasoning Blends and Instant Sauce Mixes, under the name “Chef Mark Alan.”
The finishing sauces, seasoning blends and sauce mixes are an easy and wonderful way to add flavor to a variety of dishes. They come in some great flavors like roasted red pepper aioli, apricot dijon glaze, lemon rotisserie and sweet and smokey BBQ just to name a few.
Chef Mark’s products are available on-line at www.ChefMarksKitchen.com, at all area Hen House Markets, select Price Choppers and other local retailers. A complete list of all of his products, where to buy them and over 70 recipes are on Chef Mark’s website.
And as always, if you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing 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 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
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
