Coming up on Central Standard Friday, host Charles Ferruzza and the Food Critics share their favorite spots outside the KC metro area for dining -- including Baldwin City, Leavenworth, Atchison, and Rocheport.
This week's panel includes host Charles Ferruzza, of The Pitch and Fat City Blog, Mary Bloch, Around the Block, Emily Farris, Feed Me KC, and Gloria Gale, of 435 South Magazine.
FOOD CRITICS REVIEWED RESTAURANTS:
Mary Bloch:
Julian (6227 Brookside Plaza)
Fabulous Reuben and house made french fries for lunch. Wonderful patio. House made corned beef and thousand island dressing.
Blanc (4710 Jefferson Ave at the Plaza and at 10583 Mission Road, Leawood)
New happy hour menu with sliders. Fried avocado taco for vegetarians was wonderful. New fire fries with habanero seasoning build in heat.
The Boot (415 Westport Road, KCMO)
Just started serving brunch with a breakfast pizza, short rib hash and eggs. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are complimentary with your entree.
Amigoni Winery (1505 Genessee in the West Bottoms)
Grand opening tonight (6/15/12) - wine tastings and Boulevard beer tastings. A Missouri wine company in Centerville.
Emily Farris:
Seva (8674 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157)
Indian food with flavors that pop. Great patio. Had the chicken tikka masala. Dishes come with rice, salad and lentil soup. Vegetable pakora appetizers are delightful. Charles went there for the lunch buffet and thought it was very reasonable. Skip the coconut soup. Excellent service. Great fresno naan with chopped raisin and nut -- loved it, and it's worth trying!
Fridas (121st and Metcalf by the Costco, Overland Park)
New location is open now. Pork tacos have "magic sauce" in them. Mary had the chicken mole - a little thin, but was really good, would get it again. Appetizer tamales were huge. Squash blossom quesadilla was incredible. Charles had a fish dish with cilantro sauce that was incredible.
Little Freshie (811 West 17th Street, KCMO)
Now with extended hours 8-6 Tues-Sun. Soda and espresso bar serving Oddly Correct coffee pour overs, sodas and snow cones. Emily recommends the Blood Orange & Rosemary soda syrup.
Gloria Gale:
Cafe Casbah (8609 College Blvd)
They've been there a good 15-20 years. Had the sole in lobster sauce, and it was wonderful. Very sweet, no rush.
El Porton (4671 Indian Creek Pky)
Great Latin American food. Wish they would create a decor. Very reasonable and good.
Cafe Gratitude (333 Southwest Blvd)
Very busy for breakfast. You get a lot of food. Not too loud.
Somerset Ridge Winery (29725 Somerset Rd, Paola, KS)
Annual art show. Great place to be outside with lots of art. Prairie Fire wood burning oven pizza was quite good.
DESTINATION DINING:
Chez Yasu (2701 SW 17th, Topeka)
French in Topeka serving excellent steak and scallops.
Lamberts (2305 E. Malone, Sikeston, MO and 1800 W. State Hwy J, Ozark, MO)
Too much food!
Les Bourgeois Vineyards (14020 W. Highway BB, Rocheport, MO)
The Blufftop Bistro is the name of their restaurant. Entrees are reasonable, priced $15-25.
Justus Drugstore (106 West Main Street, Smithville, MO)
Our Food Critic Mary Bloch shares, "Jonathan Justice does a fabulous job with local ingredients." Offers a reasonable outdoor menu for the patio only. Follow them on Facebook for updates.
The Cottage Restaurant and Gallery (1185 Highway H drive in Hermann, MO)
Our Food Critic Emily Farris, though not a fan of Missouri Wine, loves visiting Hermann. The cottage is run by women, with an art gallery, and are famous for their fried chicken and donut bread pudding. Very reasonably priced. Henry called with his review - said the chicken was a little disappointing.
The 59 Diner (Columbia, MO)
An authentic diner with lots of kitch, not too far off I-70.
Chicken Marys & Chicken Annie's (Pittsburg, KS)
Famous chicken. Travel channel reviewed.
The Brookville Hotel (Abilene, KS)
Known for their chicken. Some have found their meals under whelming.
Wandas Roadside Cafe (33080 W 83rd St, De Soto, KS)
Wobash Junction (100 W 1st Street, Stanberry, MO)
Wine Cellar & Bistro (Columbia, MO)
Trudy writes, "I recently had a GREAT dinner with wine-parings. The chef is very creative and they use all local ingredients. Even their Missouri wine was good!"
Booches (110 S. 9th Street, Columbia, MO)
In an old billiard hall. Great burgers. Cold beer. Our caller Henry says his family gives is 8 thumbs up. @KCMOKC tweets "For the best burgers ever!!! Right Downtown on 9th I believe."
Bleu (Columbia, MO)
Barbara writes, "Their specialties include a rosemary bleu-berry lemonade (alcoholic), Mac and cheese variations, and wonderful creative desserts. My last dinner there was a fabulous salmon with cheese grits. It has just moved to a new location."
Abigail’s (Rocheport, MO)
The Casbah (Lawrence, KS)
Josh in Lawrence writes, "The best burgers that are within a short trip from the KC area are at The Burger Stand at The Casbah in downtown Lawrence on Massachusetts St. All the burgers there are mind blowing, and their truffle fries come direct from heaven."
Phoa Wa (Garden City, KS)
El Zarape (Garden City, KS)
K & M (Spring Hill, KS)
Cassie writes, "K & M in Spring Hill, KS is a barbeque restaurant. It's best known for is extra large sandwich The Killer."
The RowHouse (Topeka, KS)
Michelle in Prairie Village writes, "I would suggest listeners check out a restaurant in Topeka called The Rowhouse. It is in an old home near Downtown Topeka and has a delicious prix fixe menu and wine pairings available. Last time I was there that Chef gave us a tour of the kitchen. It is lovely and the owner and chef are so personable." Phillip writes, "Well worth the drive. Creative cuisine in a really cool atmosphere Everything we have ever tried has been exceptional."
The Pad (Topeka, KS)
Gordon writes, "I lived in Topeka for 25 years, and while Bobo's is a great drive-in, the best hamburger/cheeseburger, by far, is found at The Pad on N. Topeka Blvd."
Gella's Diner & Liquid Bread Brewing Company (Hayes, KS)
Steve writes, "Chicken fried chicken and Oatmeal Stout are my recommendations."
Catalpa (Aarow Rock, MO)
John writes, "A fine dining establishment in an old house, run by the ever creative and talented Liz. She opened it two years ago and has really found her stride with this one. Excellent experience."
Jordan writes, "Its absolutely delicious and my in-laws can't stop raving about it. They live in lake Ozark, mo and frequently drive all the way to Arrow Rock just to eat there."
Arrow Rock Tavern (Aarow Rock, MO)
John shares this spot is "Long famous for it's fried chicken. Now under new management as of last year and really being run well."
Hillsdale Bank BBQ (Hillsdale, KS)
Chad writes, "Hillsdale Bank BBQ is a fantastic place in Hillsdale KS, it has really good BBQ, fantastic brick oven pizza, and great iron skillet burgers. Sit in back in the patio/garden area."
Gray's Cafe (Butler, MO)
Dana writes, "Fabulous fried chicken on Thursdays - 2 pieces white or dark, mashed potatoes/gravy, choice of 2 sides for $5.99. Wonderful small town atmosphere."
Linger Longer (Bennington, KS)
Melissa writes, "When I want to take a road trip, I opt to drive down hwy 18 to Bennington, Kansas (outside of Salina) to the Linger Longer. It is an old fashioned drug store that has been restored to all of its original glory day splendor. If you are yearning for a green river, a homemade vanilla malt or waffle cone, or even a long horn beef burger- then this is the place to go."
The Under Cliff (Joplin, MO)
Kim suggests this spot, "if only for the experience. And the giant fries."
The Elms (Excelsior Springs, KS)
Paula writes, "Chef Steven Cameron at The Elms in Excelsior Springs—does a fabulous breakfast!!—had an omelet with prosciutto, provolone, fresh spinach, & fresh fava beans, out of this world, a fennel and white raisin scone—amazing!! When the restaurant is in full swing it will be fabulous. Chef Cameron was previously at 40 Sardines."
Baan Thai (Leavenworth, KS)
Heather writes, "I have to add BAAN THAI in Leavenworth is hands down some of the best Thai I've ever had, even in Thailand. Very authentic, large place, beautiful decor, nice service. Better Thai than any place in KC, and I've tried them all."
The Peppermill & Co (Atchison, KS)
Great owners.
Snowball (Atchison, KS)
Ice Cream and Sandwiches.
NEWS:
Feasters has closed. William writes "Sadly, Feaster’s in Baldwin City closed last week. Chris Feaster is now executive chef at Café 37 in West Plains (east of Springfield). Café 37 is the best eatery in that part of the state, in a lovely old opera house on the courthouse square. And Chris is back to his magic, with a wonderful menu, lots of farm to table, and moderate prices."
Galvins, the fried chicken restaurant in St. Joseph, has not yet reopened.
A 5 Guys Pizza is coming to the Volker 39th Street area.
