Dickey's Barbecue has tasty BBQ but watch how much they place on your entree

I saw that this place was opening near the Costco and thought it might possibly be a good BBQ place to try. So I planned on coming out during its opening day (Nov. 7)on a balmy day. My plan was to try the BBQ brisket and see how it would fare. I selected the big "bunned" special priced sandwich and chose brisket. I love brisket and wanted it test it out against all that I have tried while judging on the bbq circuit . After seeing how much beef was put on my sandwich, (it looked quite small bit of meat- like a big half dollar), I was not pleased even for this "special". I asked the cutter “to put more meat on it “. I mean why start out a business and be stingy about the meat, which would be one of the signature entrees on the menu? He did so. He did ask if “I wanted the (BBQ) sauce? “(in these parts most want sauce on their meat but it was nice to ask anyway). I said “yes” and a tablespoon of sauce (not very thick) was ladled on to the top. I found it odd that a plain piece of white onion was on the meat (which I took off).
There were some people in the dining area but not as many as I expected. The menu is extensive: sides , kids meals, meat plates, sandwiches, make your combo, salads and takeouts. But I was taking mine "take out" (which I told them first when they asked). I was only going for the meat this time so I did not test the sides etc.
I should have asked for more sauce (on the side) as there was little “saucey taste” soaked into the meat. But it had a very good smokey flavor. So maybe “ little sauce” was a good idea (for once). The consistency was a little chewy but not "melt in your mouth". The sandwich bun had tiny yellow seeds and the bun had a real good consistency, not too dense. The meat was almost “all meat” with little fat or gristle so I was happy about that. So all in all, the BBQ was good but not the best I ever tasted. (Maybe it was laying around too long which is should have had some moist juice to keep it more moist?
I enjoyed the beef, flavor and sandwich. If and when I go back, I need to try the sauce , turkey and sides So try the beef ( pork etc) but make sure you notice how much of the beef comes with the meal. “Where’s the beef, pork or etc “ is important!

Post your feedback
How do you like your brisket? soft chewy or ?

Restaurant Finds : Boling's dim sum

We came here to this small city chain restaurant for dim sum as my stepson wanted for us to try it. It was very crowded as dim sum here is popular on Sunday. We tried some of the dumplings and other dishes. While good I did not think anything was really outstanding in my mind. Dim Sum can get get pretty pricey though when each dish is added up. Next time I would rather focus on an entree and try them instead.

Restaurants I hope to try someday (RIHTTS) : not Wai Wai as it is part of the Thai place chain

If this place is one of the "Thai place local chain" restaurants I most likely will not try it but we shall see.


Another new one I need to try for sure is this one which seems very new.
La Bodega, KC’s first authentic Spanish tapas bar, serves up one fantastic happy hour. I've peeked inside but have never been here though.
50 percent off tapas, sangria, wines by the glass, well drinks, draft beer and domestic bottles. More >>
From 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the restaurant offers half-price tapas and drink specials, including sangria by the pitcher or glass, wines by the glass, cervezas and premium well drinks. La Bodega also serves outside on its lovely sidewalk. Inside and out, the music is surprisingly good; one recent evening, we heard a mix that included Devo, Pet Shop Boys, Bowie, the Clash and the Cure.

* Best Of 2009: Best Happy Hour
* Best Of 2005: Best Martini
* Best Of 2005: Best Small Plates
* Best Of 2001: Best Tapas
The Tapas is great along with the best Mexican food in Kansas City I hear. Sangria seems good too.

Marsala: Are the rating for this restaurant wrong?

Are the rating for this restaurant in Overland Park wrong? Indian food is remarkable, flavorful and has many much to offer for everyone’s palate. Sampling Indian and Asian restaurants and fare in the Kansas City area and the US, has always been a passion. Good Indian food at restaurants is enjoyment as there are so many different tastes to savor.

My curiosity was piqued when my attention was raised about this place after it replaced a Hawaiian restaurant. I've known about this one since it opened. My friends tried it and liked the buffet but trying it still not been achieved. Why? Because despite the majority of people giving this restaurant a 72% rating ( currently) , the feedback by many is anything less then stellar. In fact most reviews rate quite poor to fair. To me , the actual words and feedback by people after eating is far more an indicator then the percentage. From the reviews, the food does seem to be INCONSTANT with the food, service or tastes. Other comments seem to in reflect this mode as well (check out all comments not top ones).

Because of these reviews posted by others , I feel I will not waste my money on this place. I won’t even "Bite the bullet because there are too many other Indian restaurants locally that I like that are consistent. I don’t have to wonder when I am going in “what am I in for - good or bad food, food service etc”. I am all for an adventure but this place seems to have many "roadblocks ". I don't want to waste my $$$$. So I will go elsewhere.

Restaurant Finds: Sarpino's superb pies and more

A Sarpino's flyer came in the mail. Initially I thought " oh no, another startup or chain pizza joint with lousy pizza." I almost threw it away but instead too a peak inside the massive menu. I am glad I did for a variety of reasons.

This chain (originated in few other states) is starting up in Kansas and trying to make its "mark" among all the pizza joints around. It is on Quivira in a small niche of store on the northern side of the strip mall with the Jayhawk bookstore. There is limited seating and as I waited for our pie to bake, there was a brisk takeout of many pies. But back to the offerings.

The menu is massive which really piqued my interest. Difficult to choose from Gourmet Pizzas (16); Wings and Sides; Specialty pizzas (11); Create your own pizzas with 37 toppings; Pasta (4); Salads (4); Calzones (9); Sandwiches (7). What made it even better we were enticed by the nice coupons on the flyer.

It was a touch choice. One or two toppings pizza don't make it for us most of the time and so we targeted the Gourmet and Specialty pizzas. I chose the Tuscany (red pepper, grilled chicken, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, garlic, green peppers, green olives and their scrumptious Sarpino's cheese. My wife ordered the Mediterranean with olive oil, zucchini, eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, cilantro,and the Sarpino's cheese.

When we got home, we dug in. Both were brimming with every bite of excellent flavor, The crust was on the thick side which is what we prefer. We both agreed both were excellent and would be back to try pizzas and parts of the menu. We also agreed this was some of the best pizza we have ever tasted (another favorite is Neopolitan Spin Pizza).

I believe Sarpino's has our vote and I believe will be grabbing a share of the pizza chain market. Pizza Hut and the other chains just don't stack up!

Restaurant Finds :Hot Basil Thai Cuisine

Thai is my favorite food cuisine. It’s variety, nuances, sweet sour and and other flavors, just make it so more interesting. The variety, freshness and differences then most ordinary Chinese fare make it different then the other Asian fare. Thai food can tempt your palate “ outside Chinese fare” and give you more appreciate for different foods and flavors. . I had seen this place before it opened and was hoping it would be thee Thai place locally that we would want to come back to, again and again. It is such a place. After we ate here, I can say that it is my favorite Thai restaurant because it is locally owned and not part of chain, it is close by, has reasonable prices. The varied menu has all types of entrees, appetizers, soups, salads and lunch and dinner entrees. This is a place for all those who love Thai and Asian food and want to get away from the "hum drum" regular Chinese fare. And don't think Thai food is very spicy as the meals can accomodate your tastes. The owners and wait staff are most gracious. Already does great take out business. Give this nice place a try! You will not be sorry.

Indian recipes on the internet

This site has some very nice India oriented recipes that I have tried. These recipes are similar to some Indian recipes that I have had at Paradise India and Korma Sutra in Overland Park, KS and Rasoi in Pawtucket (next to Providence, RI)
http://www.asianonlinerecipe.com/


Recipes to go with Paradise India review

Spinach Dhal Recipe
Many different types of dhal are eaten in India and each region has its own specialty. This is a delicious, lightly spiced dish with a mild nutty flavor from the yellow lentils, which combine well with the spinach



I n g r e d i e n t s : ( S e r v e s 4 )

1 7 5 g / 6 o z / 1 c u p c h a n a d h a l o r y e l l o w s p l i t p e a s

1 7 5 m l / 6 f l o z / æ c u p w a t e r

1 5 m l / 1 t a b l e s p o o n o i l

1 . 5 m l / º t e a s p o o n b l a c k m u s t a r d s e e d s

1 o n i o n , t h i n l y s l i c e d

2 g a r l i c c l o v e s , c r u s h e d

2 . 5 c m / 1 i n c h p i e c e f r e s h r o o t g i n g e r , g r a t e d

1 f r e s h r e d c h i l i , f i n e l y c h o p p e d

2 7 5 g / 1 0 o z f r o z e n s p i n a c h , t h a w e d

1 . 5 m l / º t e a s p o o n c h i l i p o w d e r

2 . 5 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n g r o u n d c i l a n t r o ( c o r i a n d e r )

2 . 5 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n g a r a m m a s a l a

2 .205 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n s a l t



M e t h o d :

W a s h t h e c h a n a d h a l o r s p l i t p e a s i n s e v e r a l c h a n g e s o f c o l d w a t e r . P u t i n t o a b o w l a n d c o v e r w i t h p l e n t y o f w a t e r . L e a v e t o s o a k f o r 3 0 m i n u t e s . D r a i n t h e p u l s e s a n d p u t t h e m i n a l a r g e p a n w i t h t h e w a t e r . B r i n g t o t h e b o i l , c o v e r a n d s i m m e r f o r 2 0 - 2 5 m i n u t e s , o r u n t i l t h e y a r e s o f t .



M e a n w h i l e , h e a t t h e o i l i n a l a r g e , h e a v y p a n a n d f r y t h e m u s t a r d s e e d s f o r 2 m i n u t e s u n t i l t h e y b e g i n t o s p l u t t e r . A d d t h e o n i o n , g a r l i c , g i n g e r a n d c h i l i a n d f r y f o r 5 - 6 m i n u t e s u n t i l s o f t e n e d b u t n o t c o l o r e d .



A d d t h e s p i n a c h a n d c o o k f o r 1 0 m i n u t e s o r u n t i l t h e s p i n a c h i s d r y a n d t h e l i q u i d h a s b e e n a b s o r b e d . S t i r i n t h e r e m a i n i n g s p i c e s a n d s a l t , a n d c o o k f o r 2 - 3 m i n u t e s . D r a i n t h e s p l i t p e a s , a d d t h e m t o t h e s p i n a c h m i x t u r e a n d c o o k f o r a b o u t 5 m i n u t e s . T r a n s f e r t o a w a r m e d s e r v i n g d i s h a n d s e r v e i m m e d i a t e l y .

**
Lentils and Rice Recipe
Here, lentils are cooked with whole and ground spices, potato, rice and onion to produce a tasty and nutritious meal. Red split lentils are widely available in most supermarkets. Before cooking they are salmon-colored and they turn a pale, dull yellow during cooking. They have a mild, pleasant, and nutty flavor. Soaking them in water speeds up the cooking process but isn't strictly necessary.



I n g r e d i e n t s : ( S e r v e s 4 )

1 5 0 g / 5 o z / æ c u p t u v a r d h a l o r r e d s p l i t l e n t i l s

1 1 5 g / 4 o z / Ω c u p b a s m a t i r i c e

1 l a r g e p o t a t o

1 l a r g e o n i o n

3 0 m l / 2 t a b l e s p o o n s o i l

4 w h o l e c l o v e s

1 . 5 m l / º t e a s p o o n c u m i n s e e d s

1=2 0. 5 m l / º t e a s p o o n g r o u n d t u r m e r i c

1 0 m l / 2 t e a s p o o n s s a l t

3 0 0 m l / Ω p i n t / 1 º c u p s w a t e r



M e t h o d :

W a s h t h e t u v a r d h a l o r r e d s p l i t l e n t i l s a n d r i c e i n s e v e r a l c h a n g e s o f c o l d w a20t e r . P u t i n t o a b o w l a n d c o v e r w i t h w a t e r . L e a v e t o s o a k f o r 1 5 m i n u t e s , t h e n t r a n s f e r t o a s t r a i n e r a n d d r a i n w e l l . P e e l t h e p o t a t o , t h e n c u t i t i n t o 2 . 5 c m / 1 i n c h c h u n k s . U s i n g a s h a r p k n i f e , t h i n l y s l i c e t h e o n i o n a n d s e t a s i d e f o r l a t e r .



H e a t t h e o i l i n a h e a v y p a n a n d f r y t h e c l o v e s a n d c u m i n s e e d s f o r A 0 2 m i n u t e s , u n t i l t h e s e e d s a r e b e g i n n i n g t o s p l u t t e r . A d d t h e o n i o n a n d p o t a t o c h u n k s a n d f r y f o r 5 m i n u t e s . A d d t h e l e n t i l s , r i c e , t u r m e r i c a n d s a l t a n d f r y f o r a f u r t h e r 3 m i n u t e s .



A d d t h e w a t e r . B r i n g t o t h e b o i l , c o v e r a n d s i m m e r g e n t l y f o r 1 5 - 2 0 m i n u t e s u n t i l a l l t h e w a t e r h a s b e e n a b s o r b e d a n d t h e p o t a t o c h u n k s a r e t e n d e r . L e a v e t o s t a n d , c o v e r e d , f o r a b o u t 1 0 m i n u t e s b e f o r e s e r v i n g .




***
S o u t h I n d i a n L e n t i l s a n d V e g e t a b l e s R e c i p e

S o u t h I n d i a n L e n t i l s a n d V e g e t a b l e s R e c i p e P u l s e s a r e p e r f e c t f o r e a s y a n d i n e x p e n s i v e m e a l s . C h o o s e a s e l e c t i o n o f y o u r f a v o r i t e v e g e t a b l e s , s u c h a s p o t a t o , c a u l i f l o w e r , c a r r o t s a n d b e a n s f o r t h i s t a s t y d i s h . Z u c c h i n i ( c o u r g e t t e s ) , e g g p l a n t s , b e l l p e p p e r s , s n o w p e a s a n d b r o c c o l i w o u l d a l s o t a s t e w o n d e r f u l i n t h i s c u r r y .


I n g r e d i e n t s : ( S e r v e s 4 - 6 )

6 0 m l / 4 t a b l e s p o o n s v e g e t a b l e o i l

2 . 5 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n m u s t a r d s e e d s

2 . 5 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n c u m i n s e e d s

2 d r i e d r e d c h i l i e s

1 . 5 m l / º t e a s p o o n a s a f o e t i d a

6 - 8 c u r r y l e a v e s

2 g a r l i c c l o v e s , c r u s h e d

3 0 m l / 2 t a b l e s p o o n s d e s i c c a t e d ( d r y u n s w e e t e n e d s h r e d d e d ) c o c o n u t

2 2 5 g / 8 o z / 1 c u p m a s o o r d h a l o r r e d s p l i t l e n t i l s

1 0 m l / 2 t e a s p o o n s s a m b h a r m a s a l a o r g a r a m m a s a l a

2 . 5 m l / Ω t e a s p o o n g r o u n d t u r m e r i c

4 5 0 g / 1 l b m i x e d v e g e t a b l e s , i n b i t e s i z e p i e c e s

6 0 m l / 4 t a b l e s p o o n s t a m a r i n d j u i c e

4 f i r m t o m a t o e s , q u a r t e r e d

6 0 m l / 4 t a b l e s p o o n s v e g e t a b l e o i l

2 g a r l i c c l o v e s , f i n e l y s l i c e d

H a n d f u l f r e s h c i l a n t r o ( c o r i a n d e r ) , c h o p p e d



M e t h o d :

H e a t t h e o i l i n a h e a v y p a n . F r y t h e m u s t a r d s e e d s , c u m i n s e e d s , d r i e d r e d c h i l i e s , a s a f o e t i d a , c u r r y l e a v e s , c r u s h e d g a r l i c a n d d e s i c c a t e d c o c o n u t u n t i l t h e c o c o n u t b r o w n s .



M i x i n t h e m a s o o r d h a l o r r e d l e n t i l s , s a m b h a r m a s a l a a n d g r o u n d t u r m e r i c . S t i r i n 4 5 0 m l / æ p i n t / s c a n t 2 c u p s w a t e r . S i m m e r t h e m i x t u r e u n t i l t h e l e n t i l s a r e m u s h y . A d d t h e m i x e d v e g e t a b l e s , t a m a r i n d j u i c e a n d t o m a t o e s . C o o k s o t h a t t h e v e g e t a b l e s a r e c r u n c h y .
I n t h e o i l , f r y t h e g a r l i c s l i c e s a n d f r e s h c i l a n t r o . P o u r o v e r t h e l e n t i l s a n d v e g e t a b l e s . M i x a t t h e t a b l e b e f o r e s e r v i n g .

**
C u r r i e d C a u l i f l o w e r R e c i p e

C u r r i e d C a u l i f l o w e r R e c i p e I n t h i s d i s h t h e c r e a m y c o c o n u t s a u c e c o m p l e m e n t s t h e f l a v o r o f t h e s p i c e d c a u l i f l o w e r . T h e s a u c e a l s o g o e s w e l l w i t h b r o c c o l i . F o r a p r e t t y p r e s e n t a t i o n u s e w h o l e m i n i a t u r e v e g e t a b l e s .



I n g r e d i e n t s : ( S e r v e s 4 - 6 )

1 5 m l / 1 t a b l e s p o o n g r a m f l o u r

1 2 0 m l / 4 f l o z / Ω c u p w a t e r

5 m l / 1 t e a s p o o n c h i l i p o w d e r

1 5 m l / 1 t a b l e s p o o n g r o u n d c i l a n t r o ( c o r i a n d e r )

5 m l / 1 t e a s p o o n g r o u n d c u m i n

5 m l / 1 t e a s p o o n m u s t a r d p o w d e r

5 m l / 1 t e a s p o o n g r o u n d t u r m e r i c

6 0 m l / 4 t a b l e s p o o n s v e g e t a b l e o i l

6 - 8 c u r r y l e a v e s

5 m l / 1 t e a s p o o n c u m i n s e e d s

1 c a u l i f l o w e r , b r o k e n i n t o f l o r e t s

1 7 5 m l / 6 f l o z t h i c k c o c o n u t m i l k

J u i c e o f 2 l e m o n s

S a l t t o t a s t e

L i m e w e d g e s , t o s e r v e



M e t h o d :

P u t t h e g r a m f l o u r i n a s m a l l b o w l a n d s t i r i n e n o u g h o f t h e w a t e r t o m a k e a s m o o t h p a s t e . A d d t h e c h i l i , c i l a n t r o , c u m i n , m u s t a r d , t u r m e r i c a n d s a l t . A d d t h e r e m a i n i n g w a t e r a n d k e e p m i x i n g t o b l e n d a l l t h e i n g r e d i e n t s w e l l .



H e a t t h e o i l i n a f r y i n g p a n , a n d a d d t h e c u r r y l e a v e s a n d c u m i n s e e d s . A d d t h e s p i c e p a s t e a n d s i m m e r f o r a b o u t 5 m i n u t e s , s t i r r i n g f r e q u e n t l y . I f t h e s a u c e h a s b e c o m e t o o t h i c k , a d d a l i t t l e h o t w a t e r .



A d d t h e c a u l i f l o w e r f l o r e t s a n d t h e c o c o n u t m i l k . B r i n g t h e m i x t u r e t o t h e b o i l a n d t h e n r e d u c e t h e h e a t . C o v e r w i t h a l i d a n d c o o k u n t i l t h e c a u l i f l o w e r i s t e n d e r b u t s t i l l r e t a i n s a b i t o f a c r u n c h ( i f y o u l i k e y o u r c a u l i f l o w e r m o r e t e n d e r , c o o k f o r a l i t t l e l o n g e r ) . A d d t h e l e m o n j u i c e , m i x w e l l a n d s e r v e t h e c u r r y h o t w i t h t h e w e d g e s o f l i m e t o s q u e e z e o v e r .

Gastronomic Musings: In my travels do I compare the food, restaurants and cuisine to Kansas City?

I not to compare the state of the art of food in Kansas City eateries (well maybe except BBQ)and try to tell how better other states and cities are to Kansas City's food and restaurants. I love the food in Kansas City and think the restaurants and the food are just fine. Sampling from other places around the country helps me appreciate many times what we have in Kansas City. But I do like to broaden my horizons.
Having just returned from RI, Connecticut and New York City ( reviews coming), I am even more reminded that I love to eat at other places outside of Kansas City. Scoffing at our restaurants, how they don't measure up to other gastronomes is not my style. There are similarities and contrasts and finding more eateries outside of Kansas City. Analyzing other places outside of Kansas, "picking on" how they don't meet the standards of other cities' cuisines is not my style. However as I perused the Kansas City Star article " Area chefs stir up National Known" (3/21/2009), I noticed that I am 0 for 9 for eating at several of the award winning restaurants noted in the article.

The first two are being considered for the prestigious James Beard Award ( coming up in a couple of days). These are Colby Garrett's Bluestem and The American (with Debbie Gold). The other establishments are fine restaurants in their own right and have garnered considerable notice as : Room 39 (my wife has and liked it), Michael's Smith's Extra Virgin, Krauses Dining in Lawrence, Lidia's (Lidia Bastinanich) and Jonathan Justice's Justice Drugstore (noted for its ongoing litigation to keep the name Drug Store in its title) , Lawrence's Local Burger (Hilary Brown). So have I not attended these places? It's not because I don't know about these places, because I do. I know where they are (I was near Justice Drugstore for a party nearby!) but its money that the factor.

The main factor for me not entering the fray is $$$. Eating at most of these places (well Local Burger is one I can make in the future) requires serious amounts of change. In this economy in particular, I don't have it. I really look for the "hidden jewels", the restaurants in Kansas City and on my travels, that have food with reasonable prices but yet are a level above the normal fare either with ambiance, quality, service, differences in menus and more.

Possibly the first one I will try will be Local Burger and then Bluesteam (I've been dying to at least try happy hour there). The others will have to wait. I hope that our local chefs get the James Beard award. It's another feather in their cap and may inspire Kansas City eateries. I don't have to be inspired as I liked what I see already and what is happening. But if more people know about our (fine) dining and other eateries all the better. That is on the reasons why I started this blog and others write theirs. To spread the word what we liked about Kansas City and how our foods' fare.

Overprices burgers , it's just not my type of place

One of my friends asked me to meet them at this restaurant for burgers. It wasn't my idea and you can bet that it won't be my idea on my on. Yes there are many type of burger combinations here but they are all way over priced. Yeah they come with fries (all you can eat?) but that does not excuse jacking up the prices so much. I had one of the lower prices burgers and got onion rings instead of the disgusting fries. Its a little noisy as there are always children which is fine but why drag them to this overpriced place ( just to eat more fatty fries?). I had a good time with my friends. I see this place from the road all the time but you can bet I won't be entered it. I have better places to eat. Sorry to be a downer on this review but "it just did not set well with me".

Frontera Mexican : level above regular mexican fare

I'm always looking for interesting food. Sometimes my wife "beats me to the punch" and discovers a restaurant with her friends before I do. My wife and her group ate here. There are more and more Mexican restaurants building and many are little (local) franchises. This is one little chain that is expanding. My wife brought back part of the dinner to eat later and let me sample it. The spinach chicken enchilada had a nice creamy and cheesy sauce with it. Leafy spinach taste integrates well with the cheese. I liked that the side dish black beans weren't the usual bland tasting side dish. The black beans had a decidedly distinctive tangy onion flavor that I liked. The big black beans still have their shape. These are mixed with onions to give them the more unique taste. The fluffy rice was good too. This place has extra taste with the enchiladas and the distinctive black beans. The flavors that take a dish to the next level is what I look for so this place passes the test. We will try this place together and try the salsa. There is another one opening in Olathe so we shall see and I will let you know.

Thai Treasure I here it is better

We were here a long time ago (one a buffet). Food was not great. I love Thai food so I will be interested in reviewing this place under new management to sample the Thai entrees.

Jersey-Boyz-Deli-Subs has spoiled me- great subs here

This place has spoiled me in terms of eating subs. We ate here before it moved down the road. The subs are enormous and are very tasty. This place gives you a lot for your buck more then almost any other sub place.

Good but not fancy Greek food

We have eaten here several times over the years. The meals are the usual and standard Greek fare but they are tasty and the prices are very reasonable . The amount of food is not "spartan" so you get your money's worth

Higher Level Palate Pleasers : Rucci- it's not quite our taste in Indian food

My wife and I ate here at the buffet and also once with my son. Some Indian restaurants mix Northern Indian and Southern Indian recipes. This place does have good Indian food but the spices and some of the food are different then what we usually like. The butter chicken and the other food it just is missing something. Maybe because it has less spice or the food is made from a different region of India? If we won’t go back then I have to give this place thumbs down. It just does not have the taste we like for Indian fare.

Cafe Casbah does Middle Eastern with a flair

We have been here several times. It is a classy looking place which is fancier then the average Eastern food fare place with higher prices as well. The are a perfect choice for guests or family meals. Get tips on making shish are first rate along with the rice. Expertly grilled and tasty.

Upscale, inside is a little dark but the food shines

Upscale restaurants are not my standard place to go. While I I have more then five reasons to choose a restaurant (more about these thoughts later in the another blog segment to come), they do come about . I finally had a chance to come here near dusk one early night for a group meeting. The sun had just set. The place was dark inside but I found out that the food shines here.s. The menu is upscale and so are some of the prices going up to $37.50 for entrees like the USA Prime Cab Kansas City Strip (did I forget its 12 oz) with cheddar mash potatoes, red onion rings. The place was packed. But at this function I was attending, I could choose from a small but highly touted menu of entrees from the bigger menu which had a very nice assorted appetizers, soups, salad, steaks, pork chops and more. I could see why people have come here before and like the place. This place has, the menu has variety and there items that are what I say " are a level above ordinary and more" . While the prices are a little (or very ) steep for my liking, I could see why this place is a favorite for many. But what would be my conclusions?
The house salad was the first course and that was the easy part. The entree choices were a little more problematic. There were the 6 oz Center Cut, the pan roasted chicken w/Marsala Sage sauce and the Grilled Atlantic Salmon Buerre Blanc. I knew the steak would be good. The Buerre Blanc (see recipe below) with Salmon ( that I love) did not sound that interesting except for the Lobster with it. What piqued my interest was the Pan Roasted Chicken that would come with Marsala Sage Sauce. Now somehow the last one sounded the most interesting choice which I ordered. I debated changing my order for several minutes but I stuck with it. I was glad I did.
While others liked the steak and the salmon, but the plating mesmerized me (now when have said that and enjoyed plating ? Well possibly one of the best I have seen since I at Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger near Newton, Mass last year).
The salad (garden variety greens, frisee, radicchio, watercress, and an rather unspectacular Honey Balsamic vinaigrette with shredded Parmesan. The chipotle mashed were fine but the chicken was sublime. The sage and Marsala wine reduction sauce married well with the two small chicken breasts (normally $18.75). Slightly sweet with a slightly wine tangy flavor. I really savoured each bite of the wood fired chicken. I definitely would have try to duplicate this recipe and I found one (see below).
I chose the New York Style Cheesecake instead of the Chocolate Velvet Cake because I love cheesecake (any kind, anywhere) and don't make it myself. It came with an Oreo with Raspberry sauce and it was dreamy. The service was excellent and attentive.
I might never come back here again but we might together for a special occasion. The ambience is nice. Though its dark inside, I know what I like the the menu so I may not have to use my red light to read the menu. But if I do, I could see getting the Blackened Chicken ( with smoked gouda , roast pepper cream sauce ) or the Jamacian (which I love) Chicken or we share the Caribbean Mixed Grill. Until that time, check back for similar recipes. If I make a recipe like this delicious Marsala sage sauce and see what my wife thinks. I think she will like it.

Whole Foods I like but I sure would like Trader Joes to come here

I usually come here to get spices. I also sometimes get dough for making my pizza. I have noshed on some of the free stuff but have never eaten at the food section. Everyone remarks about the higher price of most items but the place is interesting, the people are friendly and you can get vegan, all sorts of vegetarian, beef, fish, pizza and so much more in the way of different canned food etc. It's always a nice place to come in and browse and buy different items I would not find in a regular grocer. While I like this place and even better the hometown one in Lawrence, I wish Trader Joe would come here. (more at my blog)

Had to try that Jack Daniels steak

We've been here several time but not since this place TGI Froday rolled out its new items, several from the Ultimate Challenges recipe contests from Food Network. I've been judging on the BBQ circuit and have seen the Jack Daniels competitions on TV. The closest I could come to it was by tasting the Jack Daniels Flat Iron steak. It was very tender. There is quite a variety to the menu and its got a little better ambiance compared to Applebee's. I like that the menu is constantly evolving, changing and different recipes are always entering the scene. That's what will keep me coming back to find new levels of spicy and other different types of foods and recipes.

awesome spin on the different pizza but also gelato is superb

The pizza is light, crusty and very tasty. Many interesting pie toppings. We particularly love the garlic pizza with tomato. There are many other options for this wood fire pizza place which is nice and cozy. Also they have pizza specials on Mondays 2:1.Also check out the superb gelato. I thought the pumpkin spiced gelato is one of the most superb gelato flavors I have ever tasted. It was so good I bought a pint of it to take home!

Another one goes down this time Amor de Brazil

CLOSED:

I was really surprised when Copeland was let go to make this new Brazilian restaurant. I was surprised because I thought Copelands was consistently good. We had been there at least once or twice a year since it opened. The meals were always cajun, well prepared and the place seemed hopping and full. It shutting down makes me wonder about the state of the food industry sometimes- what makes a restaurant keep on going and others to shut down.
I also wanted to come to a place like this Brazilian place when I first saw that they had these steak places in Texas . But at $33 a head plus tip, we are talking $40 before you do anything else , for one meal. I can really put it away but I have a hard time "stomaching" $33 for one meal no matter how good it is (more about that later in another part of my blog). A special ad was for $19 for like a lunch but it did not include all the meat or the salad bar. I looked at the salad bar, having gone once inside to check it out. It did not look better or as great as I thought it would be compared to the salad bar at Cinzettis in Overland Park, KS or one of my latest favorites, the salad bar at Ruby Tuesdays, which I consider once of the tastiest and flavorful salad bars.
I have never seen this place really packed. Usually there are no more then maybe 6 cars in the parking lot as I go by weekly after working out or going to work out.
Now someone else says they are closed. I went by and took a picture. It sure is shut down with the sign on the door (next to the window). Quite possibly the other restaurant like this in Kansas City and the new one on the Kansas City Plaza( that is like the one I know of in Texas and other places) was the fatal blow. I mean how many all you can eat Brazilian restaurants can you have around in this area. Apparently one less.