There's more to going out to eat than what's on your plate. On this Friday's Walt Bodine Show, we turn the tables for a look at area dining from the service perspective.
The Food Critics will be dishing about the best spots in town for great service. Join co-host Charles Ferruzza, The Pitch and Fat City Blog, Chris Becicka, Ingram's Magazine, Mary Bloch, Around the Block, and Gloria Gale, 435 South Magazine for the latest restaurant news and reviews.
Wait staff and customers alike will be encouraged to chime in. Who is your favorite server in town? What should more people know about tipping? What are your customer/waiter horror stories?
FOOD CRITICS REVIEWED RESTAURANTS:
Chris Becicka:
Chaz on the Plaza (325 Ward Parkway)
Might be the best Reuben in town. The Reuben was fabulous. Not homemade sauerkraut, but great corned beef.
Mesob Pikliz (3405 E Independence Ave, Northeast)
Great Ethiopian and Haitian food, lunch buffet.
Sweet Siam (7809 Quivira Road, Shawnee, KS)
Sauces are wonderful. Great rice, lamb, and coconut cake.
Mary Bloch:
The Burger Stand, Casbah (810 Mass Ave in Lawrence)
The burgers were fabulous. Makes their own ketchups and sauces. Great operation. Black bean burger was awesome.
Sama Zama (425 Westport Road)
Westport Cafe and Bar (429 Westport Road)
Packed for brunch. Got people seated within 10 minutes. It was hopping, really fun.
Gloria Gale:
Buddah (8741 NW Prairie View Road, Zona Rosa)
There's a lot going on there. It was good. Kenji Fusion.
Zocalos (620 West 48th Street)
Very loud. Liked our server a lot.
La Bodega (703 Southwest Boulevard)
Flamingo on a Saturday night. Good tapas.
The Farmhouse (300 Delaware Street)
The Farmhouse chef is now running Cafe Thyme at Powell Gardens in addition to The Farmhouse.
Charles Ferruzza:
El Porton (4671 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park)
YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
William called to tell us about Main Street Coffee in Independence
Kevin in Fairway called about The Boot (415 Westport Road) - "Really great Italian food."
Jim in KC wrote in about Martin City Brewing Company (500 E 135th Street) -- "Excellent ruebens.....homemade sour kraut. Many beers and great menu."
ON TIPPING:
Carl in Leavenworth writes, "Remember when you are having food delievered.....if the service was good, please tip your driver. Some companies charge a 'delivery fee' and people believe that the driver gets that, but they usually only get a portion of it or nothing at all. I drive part time in Leavenworth for a major chain, and it's irritating to take an order for $60-100 dollars worth of food and the customer charges it, but does not leave a tip.....and I give the best service that I can give......but no tip. I understand that the economy is bad, but I've seen my tips drop 70% in the past two years. "
Check out David Hayden's excellent website Tips2.
