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I can be reached by e-mail at barnett@ku.edu |
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This
French bistro, Aixois, (pronounced "x-wah") provides unusually good
value. Unlike many French restaurants in this country, Aixois
provides large quantities at very reasonable prices with a friendly
unpretentious staff. If I lived nearby, I'd patronize this bistro
regularly. The chef, Emmanuel Langlade, was the sous chef at Chez Nous in Austin, Texas, in an exceptional location in the center of the Sixth Street nightlife area of that city, before he moved to Kansas City as a partner in Cafe Des Amis in Parkville, north of the river. He now as owner, with his wife Megan, of Aixois. If it had not been for some positive reviews that I read, I would not have tried Aixois. During the eight years that I lived in Austin, Chez Nous was one of my least favorite restaurants. But Chef Langlade is from Aix-en-Provence in the South of France, was trained in Marseille, and has also worked in the UK, Paris, and Washington, DC. So I thought it was worthwhile to find out whether a restaurant he owned would be less disappointing than the restaurant in Austin at which he was sous chef. Indeed, Aixois ("the man from Aix-en-Provence") is not disappointing in terms of value for dollar. But if you are looking for an upscale French restaurant that represents the best of the Cote d'Azur, this is not the place. Instead drive downtown to Le Fou Frog for the city's best southern French food. For central or northern French, try Tatsu's or Cafe Provence (oddly misnamed). Aixois is usually listed as being in the Country Club Plaza, so I have located it in that section of these reviews. In fact, if you look at this restaurant's web site, you will find that a map leads one to believe that Aixois is just across the intersection from the "Plaza." But Aixois is about 10 blocks south of the Country Club Plaza in an area called Chrestwood Shops, which is considered part of the South Plaza area. Also in that area a few doors down is the Cafe Europa. |
| Baja 600 600 Ward Parkway Ward Pkwy and Pennsylvania Kansas City, MO 64112 816-931-6600 |
This
is a pleasant, casual Southwestern restaurant of the "California Mex"
style, with an attractive dining room. Among their specialities
are the excellent Baja fish tacos and the fresh guacamole made
tableside to order. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and
dinner (and between). The dramatic domed bar remains open after
the dining room is closed. |
Bo Ling's Chinese Restaurant 4800 Main St. 816-753-1718 web site |
This restaurant is part of a chain with multiple locations
in the Kansas City area. The dim sum is available from 11 am - 3 pm on Saturday and
Sunday at both this Plaza location and at the Overland Park location at
9055 Metcalf Ave (east side of Metcalf in the Gateway Center). My most recent experience at the Plaza location was not as good as my prior experience at the River Market location a year earlier. I've heard that the River Market restaurant has always been better than the Plaza one. Perhaps that is true, or perhaps both have gone downhill. Since I have not recently been back to the River Market restaurant, I don't know whether it is still as good as it was a year ago. The location that is most convenient to Lawrence is at 9574 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, across the street from Oak Park Mall on the west side of Quivira in Orchard Corner Center. Unfortunately that location does not offer dim sum. |
| Brio Tuscan Grill 500 Nichols Rd Chain's web site Restaurant's web site 816-561-5888 |
Brio
is an Italian chain restaurant affiliated with the related chain,
Bravo, owned by the same corporation located in Columbus, Ohio.
While Brio restaurants are upscale of Bravo restaurants, and
very much upscale of Buca di Beppo, Brio's and Bravo's styles of
preparation are both characterized as Tuscan. Bravo is described
in the Airport and North KC
Vicinity section of this site. However, Brio is better in every
way than Bravo. Brio's preparations are much closer to the real
Tuscan style in Florence than the Americanized style at Bravo. In addition, the atmosphere at Brio is suitable to a Tuscan restaurant. In Tuscany, especially in Florence, there is great pride in the cultural heritage of the area, with the Uffizi Gallery, in particular, being among the world's greatest art galleries. The music at Brio on their sound system frequently includes Italian opera, not Frank Sinatra. On the walls, you will see pictures of scenes in Italy, not photos of actors from the Godfather movies. As a chain restaurant, Brio is a big surprise. It is among the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City. While some of the locally owned Italian restaurants are sometimes more innovative, Brio does what it does extremely well. The Brio chain is by far the best chain of Italian restaurants in the United States. At the Brio on the Plaza, the second floor bar area is also noteworthy. It includes one of the most comfortable lounge areas in the city, tables on the surrounding heated patio with an outstanding view of the Plaza, and a number of elegant dining rooms for private parties and groups. No reservations are accepted on the upper level, which has open seating. Most of the doors to the patio are kept locked closed to avoid wind into the main area, so you may have to try a few of those doors to find out how to get to a patio table. Brio is a winner. |
Buca di Beppo 310 West 47th St. 816-931-6548 web site |
This
inexpensive Italian restaurant is different from the other restaurants
reviewed in this web site. The others tend mostly to be middle to
upscale. Buca di Beppo (literally translated as "Joe's
basement") is a Minneapolis-based large national chain of
modestly
priced unpretentious southern Italian restaurants. No restaurant
in this chain is remotely in the same league as Jasper's, which is a
fine Italian restaurant in the South KC area. But there is a
reason that Buca di Beppo has been so successful nationwide. In
fact in some ways I prefer this restaurant to some of the pretentious
Italian chains, such as the Olive Garden, which do not live up to their
pretense. For an enjoyable lunch at modest price, Buca de Beppo
can be a good choice, so long as you judge it relative to its
intent. It is located in a cavernous basement containing many amusingly decorated rooms, with the most popular being the "Pope Room." If you are not into this restaurant's downscale "chic," and you are looking for a more glamorous Italian restaurant in the Plaza, you may wish to try the Brio Tuscan Grille (also part of a chain), or better yet drive south to Jasper's, which is not part of a chain. |
<code=45>
Cafe Europa 323 E. 55th St. Kansas City, MO 64113 816-523-1212 |
This
restaurant is a few doors down from Aixois in the Crestwood Shops. It is in the South Plaza area about 10 blocks south of
the Plaza, just east of Brookside Blvd, which is called Main St. when
north of the Plaza. (It changes name when crosses Brush
Creek). Cafe Europa is unbeatable in value for dollar. The
quality of the food and the preparations is very fine. In
addition, the wine list has good wines. The surprise is that the
prices of the food and wine are far below what I would expect for such
fine food and fine wine. Cafe Europa previously had served only lunch, but closed for three months for renovation and acquisition of a liquor license. Now they have a liquor license and serve dinner as well as lunch, and are rumored to begin serving breakfast soon. I can only say that this restaurant's preferences are my preferences. The chef's use of herbs and spices and sauces and his use of fresh ingredients are exactly to my taste. Although he is originally from Kansas City, he worked with one of the most famous chefs in New York --- and it shows. |
California Pizza Kitchen 4743 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City, MO 64112 816-561-2420 web site |
This
national chain first opened in Beverly Hills and specializes in
California style pizza. Unlike Chicago style, the crust is thin,
and is baked rapidly in a hearth oven at high temperature, and with
choices of toppings that you would never find on "authentic" Italian
pizza in Naples, Italy. Unfotunately they do not offer whole
grain crust, which would be excellent with this style of pizza.
They also offer various pastas, but not with whole grain pasta. Most entrees are offered with a choice of vegetables and pastas, including the excellent wok vegetables, which they do just right. Also the blue crab cakes are winners. I very much like the Dakota pea soup (after I add some crushed red pepper). I am less enthused with the salmon, which has the consistency of frozen fish. The wine list is a big plus, as is fitting for a California chain. They offer many good California wines at reasonable prices. The restaurant has many comfortable booths, including two large oval booths at the rear of the dining room. |
<code=2> Capital Grille 4740 Jefferson St. Lunch: M-F, 11 am - 2:30 pm Dinner: M-Th, 5 pm - 10 pm F-Sat: 5 pm - 11 pm Sun: 5 pm - 9 pm 816-531-8345 web site |
This
restaurant is part of a chain of very expensive steakhouses.
Despite its name and its well known restaurant in Washington, DC, this
restaurant chain began in Providence, which is the "capital" of Rhode Island. Capital
Grille is one of the most expensive restaurants in Kansas
City. Capital Grille
attracts the city's "power players." If you want to be among some
of the city's most influential entrepreneurs and politicians, this is a
place to go. The high
prices at many such steak house chains, such Morton's (now closed at
Crown Center) and Ruth's Chris, serve as a form of "country club
dues" to assure
an elite clientele. You are not paying only for the food
there. You are paying for the package of outstanding atmosphere,
service, and food. This said, I must admit that I like Capital Grille a lot. The decor, service, and food at Capital Grille are better than at most country clubs and as good as, if not always better than, the other steak house restaurants in KC. If you value the atmosphere and excellent service at Capital Grille along with the excellent food and are willing to pay the premium for that combination, this is a wonderful place to dine. Relative to the other high priced steak houses, this is the best. For example, this one does provide a vegetable with a few of its entrees. Don't expect that at Morton's, Plaza III, or Ruth's Chris. Despite the high prices, I have always felt that I got my money's worth here. I can't say that for the others. In fact all those steak houses, including Capital Grille, say that everything is a la carte, but those words have a somewhat different meaning here. At the others, it means no vegetables at all with the meat. In fact, I often find that the vegetables served here with the meat are adequate without ordering anything more. That is never the case with the others. But be aware that vegetables are included with only a few of the entrees at Capital Grille, such as the salmon and tenderloin. If you should want to order anything else, I'd suggest the chopped salad, which is enough to be divided into small salads for two. The dressing that I prefer is the olive vinegarette. Also they provide a basket of wonderful fresh bread at no extra cost, including the best pumpernickel raisen bread in Kansas City. The side of assorted mushrooms also is outstanding, but if you get two entrees plus the salad, you will likely be overordering, if you also order the mushrooms. In fact you might want to skip the salad too, and see if the entree alone is enough. That would be kind to your wallet. Also the chefs here are very flexible, so you can order preparations that are off of the menu. For example, you can order blackened shrimp as a substitute for the salmon, which also comes with vegetables. If you would like to try an unusual drink, try the Stoli Doli. It is pineapple juice with vodka. They really do it right here. Regarding service, all of the servers here are trained to the highest standards. I usually ask for Debra Washington as server, but you won't be disappointed by any of the people who work in this excellent restaurant. If you really want to be served by Debra, it is best to call her directly, since she has a "day job" and is only at the Capital Grille on about two evenings a week. If you should wish to call her directly, you can do so at 816-729-7393. If you should be interested in one of the specials of the day, you should make sure to ask the price before you order, or you may get an unpleasant surprise, when the bill arrives. If you are with a group and want a private dining room, they have a few that are excellent, including audiovisual equipment well suited for a business meeting. For a small group, you could request table 1 (the Board Room). For a steakhouse, the seafood selections are surprisingly good. For example, I've had the salmon here and at Ruth's Chris: no comparison. Much better there. This is a high priced restaurant that is worth the cost. |
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The
Plaza location of this national chain is a Kansas City landmark.
The menu is not limited to cheesecake, but of course if you like
cheesecake, you won't want to miss this restaurant (unless you really
like cheesecake, and know what it can be at its best). The
restaurant's location
is hard to miss in the Plaza. But the lines to enter can be
long. If you would like to try this restaurant, it would be best
to get there
at an off hour, when you are more likely to be able to acquire a table
without a long wait. Perhaps it should be mentioned that there also is another Cheesecake Factory in Overland Park at 6675 West 119th St. ( 913-451-6272) with a similar decor and the same menu. Perhaps it also should be mentioned that if you are looking for the best cheesecake (baked within the past hour and still warm), don't go to any Cheesecake Factory anywhere in the country. I've experience the real thing only once (in a restaurant in Washington, DC) and nothing compares. It was wonderful. The truth be known, all of the Cheesecake Factories in this very enjoyable chain acquire their 33 varieties of cheesecakes from the corporation's facility in Calabasas Hills, California, which freeze them and sends them to their affiliates. If you have had fresh made cheesecake, you will be disappointed by the cheesecake at any of the Cheesecake Factories. But if you don't know the difference, you likely will find any of the restaurants in this chain to be very enjoyable. |
|
The Classic Cup Cafe 301 W. 47th St. 816-753-1840 web site |
The
Classic Cup is a favorite restaurant at Country Club Plaza. The
chef is innovative and sophisticated and seeks out the freshest organic
produce and fish. The restaurant is casual, and the prices are
very reasonable. On a cold winter evening, the table for two in
front of this restaurant's fireplace, along with dinner by this
restaurant's wonderful chef and a bottle of wine, is my idea of the
start of a perfect evening. In addition, this restaurant's Sunday
brunch is outstanding. |
| Eden Alley 707 W 47th St. Basement of the Unity Temple on the Plaza 816-561-5415 web site |
This
is the best vegetarian restaurant in Kansas City. The restaurant
is located in the basement of the Unity Temple on the Plaza. The
temple is on the southwest corner of Jefferson and 47th St.in the same building as Uno's Chicago Grill and Capital Grill.
Eden Alley is especially well known for its Saturday brunch from
11 - 4 pm. On Monday and Tuesday, it is open only for lunch but
is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday - Saturday. Although they
do not have a liquor license, they do have a good de-alcoholized beer
called Kaliber, made by Guiness. |
| Figlio 209 W. 46th Terrace www.figliokc.com 816-561-0505 |
This
mid level Italian restaurant can be a very enjoyable place for a
leisurely meal overlooking J. C. Nichols Fountain on the east side of
the Plaza. Do not expect high-end Italian fine dining here, but
the dining room atmosphere and the Italian-American menu is very
pleasant. While the pasta sometimes is overcooked, the pizza and
the appetizers can be excellent. |
| <code=1Frondizi's Restorante 4558 Main St. Now Changed to Cafe Trio. See Midtown section. |
Frondizi's
has closed. I can't imagine why. It was excellent. It
now has been replaced by Cafe Trio, that has moved to this location
from its former location on Broadway. See the Midtown section
regarding Cafe Trio. To location is only a few doors down from Jardine's on the same block of Main Street. Dinner at Trio and jazz at Jardine's? I'll have to try that. |
| If
you look for this restaurant on the Country Club Plaza map or on
the Plaza's web site, you won't find it. For that reason, I had
long overlooked it, when at the Plaza. I found out about it only
when taken there by some people "in the know." In fact it is a
first rate restaurant that is a match for any inside the Plaza.
It is located on Grand Ave, which is on the south side of 47th St
just east of Main Street. This can be a bit confusing, if you
arrive via Main St., since 47th St. changes names to Brush Creek Blvd (or Emanuel Cleaver Blvd)
on the east side of Main St. Maybe next week, the name will
change again. Don't ask. Instead of taking Main Street from
the north, it is less confusing to take the J. C. Nichols Pkwy, since
you will see the name of 47th St. on the right side at the intersection
with that street and Emanuel Cleaver Blvd on the left side of the same
street. Also there is a left turn lane from J. C. Nichols Pkwy to
get onto 47th (oops, I meant Emanuel Cleaver Blvd. Leaving the
restaurant also can be a challenge. When you drive up Grand to
47th St (or whatever it is called there), you will find no traffic
light and a nontrivial left turn. If you manage to make that left
turn, you will have to get into the right lane rapidly to get onto Main
St., if you want to head downtown on Main St. It probably is
easier instead to make a right onto 47th St (of one of its aliases),
then a right onto Oak St two blocks later, then a right onto Rt 56
(Volker Blvd), and then a right onto Main St (well, actually on that
block, it is called Brookside). Any foreign power that might try
to invade Kansas City, would surely get lost at the Plaza and cornered
there. Maybe it's a trap. If this restaurant were inside the Plaza, you would need reservations far in advance, even on weekdays. As it is, it is very popular and certainly merits its popularity in every way. This restaurant is large, including a bar/lounge area, and dining room with wicker chairs, and an outside dining area, along with a private dining room for special events. There is a large outdoor parking lot behind the restaurant with a strange sign saying you can park there only between 11 am and 2 pm. Don't believe it. Even the employees of the restaurant don't understand the reason for the sign. If you are dining at the Grand Street Cafe, you can use the lot saying it is for that restaurant at any time of the day or evening. You cannot use the underground indoor lot, which is for Winstead's burger restaurant next door. This restaurant has one of the best happy hours in Kansas City (M-F, 3 pm - 7 pm; Sat 11 am - 3 pm & 9 pm - close; Sun 3 pm - close). You can only sit in the bar/lounge area to get the happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers, but you also can order from the regular menu in the bar area, and the bar area includes some very pleasant booths as well as the usual bar seating. They are not always willing to consider those booths to be bar/lounge seating eligible for the happy hour prices, but it's worth a try. I had previously stayed away from this restaurant's happy hours, since the view in the bar area was obscured by the cloud of cigarette smoke. But now that that is over, I've given it a try. With their generous servings, two happy hour appetizers and one shared entree is fine for a 2-persons dinner, and they'll split an entree onto two plates for you, if you ask. Best of all is the live jazz on first Thursdays of each month in good weather. The jazz starts at about 5:30 pm in the bar area. To get a table in that area on one of those Thursdays, it is best to arrive before 5 pm. If you arrive later than that, the only available seating will be in the regular dining room, where the happy hour prices will not apply. But there is another reason to go there on Thursdays. Their wine bottles are priced at half price on Thursdays. The service at that restaurant is sophisticated and excellent. I often ask for Amanda A, but all of the servers are first rate. |
|
| Houston's 4640 Warnall Rd. KC, MO 64112 816-561-8542 chain web site menu |
This
restaurant is part of a huge chain. The menu is traditionally
American with nothing innovative or upscale included. But the
quality is first rate and the prices reasonable. Also the
atmosphere is first rate, with many dimly lit booths and excellent
background music. The price of wine by the bottle is more
reasonable than by the glass at this restaurant. This chain is not out of Houston Texas. It actually originated in Tennessee. But the owner is from Houston. Parking is easy in the close public lot about two doors north on that street. |
| InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza (Formerly the Fairmont Hotel) (The Oak Room) 401 Ward Parkway 816-756-1500 | This
hotel, overlooking the Plaza from the south, was originally the Alameda Hotel, was bought by
the Ritz-Carlton chain, was subsequently acquired by the equally outstanding
Fairmont chain, and now by the InterContinental chain. To people serious about restaurants, the
Ritz-Carlton chain is famous for its dining rooms, which include some
of the country's very best restaurants, such as the famous Ritz-Carlton
dining rooms in San Francisco and Atlanta (Buckhead), both five star in
the Mobile Guide. The Ritz-Carlton's emphasis on its fine dining
was maintained by the Fairmont chain and now the InterContinental chain, when they acquired this
hotel. Although the hotel's Oak Room is not in the same league as
the Ritz-Carlton dining rooms in San Francisco and Atlanta, or with the
elegant Ritz-Carlton dining room in Clayton (St. Louis West County),
Missouri, the Oak Room is the best hotel dining room in Kansas
City. In addition, the Oak Room shares its wonderful view of the
Plaza with the Oak Bar next to the Oak Room. The Oak Bar has a
balcony overlooking the Plaza and some of the best jazz entertainment
in Kansas City on some nights. On top of this hotel is a room that previously was used as a bar and now is unused except for private parties. When it is not in use, you can enter that room for the most spectacular view that exists of the Plaza. That view is not to be missed, especially when the holiday lights are on following Thanksgiving. We have stayed at this hotel, repeatedly dined in its Oak Room and periodically enjoyed drinks and entertainment at the Oak Bar. When we have distinguished guests at Kansas University, we arrange for them to spend a night at this hotel, if they are interested in seeing the Plaza. |
See the Johnson County section of this site. |
|
| [format (3)] Jardine's Restaurant and Jazz Club 4536 Main Street (one block off plaza) Web site 816-561-6480 |
The
best jazz at the Plaza. But the food, which is fine, is not among
the best at the Plaza. This restaurant/club can be crowded and
attracts a following that is serious about jazz and the city's jazz
heritage. If you would prefer more upscale dining with your jazz
entertainment, then try the club at Plaza III. On Saturday evenings, which are particularly popular and can attract a crowd, the main performance starts at 7 pm, but the doors open at 6 pm. If you get there early, you may be able to get a table even without a reservation. But it is best to have a reservation and arrive at around 7:30. This restaurant's navy bean soup is outstanding, and is vegetarian (i.e., contains no ham). The house wine, Sycamore Lane, is reasonably priced, but not comparable to the other wines on their wine list. I particularly like the McManis chardonnay. |
<code=42,46> JJ's 910 West 48th St. 2 blocks west of Plaza on 48th between Belleveiw and Madison Ave. Kansas City, MO www.jjs-restaurant.com 816-561-7136 |
This
restaurant has won repeated awards from Wine Spectator as having one of
the best wine lists in the world, with an especially astonishing choice
of over 50 Port wines by the glass. The wine cellar contains more
than 40,000 bottles with a selection of over 1,800 wines, including
some admirably low priced bottles from Spain and South America.
The
restaurant specializes in steak, seafood, and pasta, with a continental
and contemporary American style (I'd say more American than
Continental), which distinguishes it from some of
the other high-end steakhouses in Kansas City. The restaurant is
easily overlooked, since it is a couple of blocks west of the Plaza,
rather than being within the Plaza, but should not be overlooked.
JJ's has valet parking, which is a good idea for a location that close
to the Plaza, but the valet parking is not cheap. The one way
streets in that area do not make things
any easier for those not familiar with the streets near JJ's.
After 5 pm, you can self park at no cost in the Paddock Plaza surface
parking lot on the east side of Belleview Ave just north of the corner
with 48th St. In that area, Belleview is one way heading south
and 48th is one way heading east. While the wine list is widely recognized, I find the appetizers also to be noteworthy. This chef offers a very good selection of appetizers, including many that are vegetarian (but not the soups, which all contain chicken or beef stock). If you don't want steak, they typically have at least two seafood dishes on the menu along with one or two fish specials of the day, along with pastas. I was very pleased with how fresh all ingredients are here, including the fish and the salads. The style is New American, which emphasizes the use of fruit in sauces, but if you would prefer a less sweet preparation, they'll substitute an olive oil based sauce. The Kansas City Star's critic especially recommends the bouillabaisse, which she says is the best she has ever had. The best I've ever had was at the restaurant New York on the inner harbor of Marseille, France, and they do not use chicken stock in the broth. JJ's does. No comparison. |
| Kona Grill 444 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112 816-931-5888 web site |
This
restaurant is part of an Arizona chain. The dining room is very
attractive, with many comfortable booths. There also is a sushi
bar. But it is difficult to know how to characterize it.
The restaurant is part American, part Japanese, and part
Pan-Asian. It is fine for what it is, but is not among my
favorites. |
| <code=106,107> M & S Grill 4646 JC Nichols Parkway KC, MO 64112 816-531-7799 Email: ms79@msmg.com web page |
The
M&S Grill is owned by the same organization that owns McCormick and
Schmick's, but while McCormick and Schmick's specializes in seafood,
the M&S Grill is a traditional American informal grill, including
steaks and other dishes, along with seafood. While the variety of
seafood offered at the M&S Grill is much smaller than at McCormick
and Schmick's, the seafood is as fresh at M&S Grill as at its
bigger sister restauraant, since the seafood supplier is the same and
the seafood is delivered fresh 7 days a week. When they offer
"dry pack" scallops, they are outstanding. Those are chemical
free and have never been frozen. It is not uncommon for scallops
to be treated with phosphates to get them to bind with more water and
thereby weigh more. Some of the most attractive tables are the booths along the windows with views of the J. C. Nichols fountain. But in the evening, they open up a second dining room that has private booths enclosed by curtains. If you would prefer that privacy, then ask for a "snug booth." This restaurant and its affiliated McCormick and Schmick's are more likely to be open on holidays than other restaurants at the Plaza. If you are a pescaterian, you will be please to learn that this restaurant grills its fish on a separate grill from meat. |
|
McCormick and Schmick's Above Z Gallerie down the block from Gap 448 West 47th St 816-531-6800 Online reservations available on their web site at: web site |
This
national chain is a very good place to go for seafood, with one of the
largest menus of seafood selections of any seafood chain. But
Bristol's, which previously was also in the Plaza, and now is in the
Overland Park/Leewood/South KC area and the Power & Light District
downtown, is somewhat more reliable.
On the other hand, the selections at McCormick and Schmick's are
broader than at Bristol's. High on my list of preferences at
McCormick and Schmick's is their blackened corvina (from Texas) with
crab. The wine list is rather oddly structured here. They have a large list of wines by the glass in two different size glasses and a separate list of wines by the bottle. There seems to be no overlap between the two lists. In addition, the wines by the bottle all are rather upscale, while the wines by the glass are more modestly priced. If you want a bottle of wine at a modest price, ask for the price of a bottle of wine from the by-the-glass list. They will sell any of them by the bottle, but will only tell you their prices, if you ask. Their excuse is that they did not have room to list all those prices by the bottle, but of course it only would have taken a third column to the right of the columns of the two glass sizes. They price the bottle at three times the price of the large glass, so if you plan to have more than three of the large glasses, it is best to buy a bottle. The tables by the windows are especially desirable. There also are some very nice booths on the top level next to the display of liquor bottles in a glass enclosure. In fact I prefer the booths. On weekdays, they have a happy hour with inexpensive appetizers from 4 pm to 6 pm. But you can order from the happy hour menu only within the bar area. The best of their happy hour is on Wednesday, when they have live music from 5 - 8 pm, and discounts on oysters on the patio from 4-6 pm. This restaurant and its affiliated M & S Grill are more likely to be open on holidays than other restaurants at the Plaza. If you are a pescaterian, you will be please to learn that this restaurant grills its fish on a separate grill from meat. |
| The Melting Pot 450 Ward Parkway KC, MO 64112 816-931-6358 web |
This
restaurant is part of a Swiss fondue chain. Everything is brought
out to the table uncooked, and you cook it or just coat it in a fondue
pot, containing melted cheese, chocolate, oil, wine sauce, or some
other sauce. That includes the entrees, which you cook in the
fondue pot in a heated sauce. The restaurant sprawls underground
through many rooms. The most private room is in the far back of
the labyrinth, where there are relatively private booths containing
tables for 2. The most private of all is at the far rear of that
room and is table number 45. The restaurant also includes a
pleasant bar area, if all you want is a drink. There is a parking garage directly above the restaurant. Entry is from the Pennsylvania St. side next to the California Pizza Kitchen. I find this to be one of the more crowded and unpleasant of the Plaza garages, so I prefer to use one of the others and walk a couple of blocks to this part of the Plaza. |
The Mixx 2855 Main St. Kansas City, MO 64112 816-756-2300 web site |
This
restaurant is especially popular among vegetarians, people using the
public library next door, nearby white collar workers, and KCMO
students. They indeed do make great salads. But if
you are expecting a relaxed atmosphere with table service, you will be
disappointed. Although they have wine and beer, you order
everything at a long counter, almost like a cafeteria, and carry the
salad and beverage back to your table yourself. If you order a
sandwich, they will give you a number and someone will bring it to your
table. It is in the South Plaza Area on Main about 2 blocks south of Ward Parkway. If I were in the area and wanted takeout food, this would be high on my list. For dining in, it is somewhat like Pangea on 39th St; but I like Pangea better. |
|
|
This
national chain of Chinese restaurants offers large menus with many
choices. This location offers a very attractive dining room,
especially after sundown, when the lighting in the dining room is very
attractive. All of the tables are comfortable, but I especially
like the booths. For a Chinese restaurant, the wine list is
surprisingly good. What I especially admire about this restaurant is the fact that it has a table of nutritional information on its web site about nearly every dish on their menu. That table includes calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbs, and fiber. But after you have seen that table, you might want to think twice about how often you will want to dine at that restaurant. Especially look at the calories and carbs. Foods, such as meat, that normally would have no carbs at all, have lots of carbs here. Obviously there is no shortage of sugar in their sauces. Ever wondered why nutritionists so often recommend the Mediterranean diet rather than the Chinese diet? If so, you might want to take a look at the highly informative online P.F. Chang nutritional table. Unlike most American Chinese restaurants, P. F. Chang's offers many seafood choices. I have tried the shrimp and tuna, which are excellent, and the Alaskan salmon, which is fair. |
| Plaza III Steakhouse 4749 Pennsylvania Ave. web site bcampbell@haddadgroup.com 816-753-000 | Although
not everything on this menu is steak (e.g., they have salmon, chicken,
and lobster), this restaurant's specialization in steak and roast beef
could not be clearer. Since I am not an authority on steaks, I do
not presume to comment on this restaurant's steaks. But those of
my colleagues who are serious about steaks say this is a wonderful
place for steaks. What interests me more than the restaurant
alone, is the combination of the restaurant with the jazz club in the
basement below. That club, called The Club at Plaza III,
is one of the most enjoyable jazz clubs in Kansas City. Dinner
at the restaurant followed by an evening at the jazz club below can be
a highlight of Kansas City's nightlife. In fact the restaurant's
menu is available in the club below, so you can do both at once.
But this restaurant follows the usual convention in upscale steak
restaurants: a la carte means that even the meat is a la carte,
so you will need to order, and pay for, vegetables separately.
When dealing with that kind of bill, I'd rather be at the Capital
Grille, where I like both the food and the atmosphere better than at
Plaza III. On the other hand, Capital Grille does not offer live jazz. |
| <code 40> Chaz on the Plaza Raphael Hotel Dining Room 325 Ward Parkway www.raphaelkc.com information@raphaelkc.com 816-802-2152 | The
improvements in this restaurant are dramatic and far more than I had
anticipated. I was last there about three years ago, when I
stayed in the hotel for a night and had dinner in the restaurant.
It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had in a restaurant or
hotel in Kansas City. I read that there had been a change in
management of the hotel a couple of years ago. In addition,
following the change in management, the restaurant was closed for many
months for renovation. I had considered giving it another
try. But my prior experience there was so bad, that I was
hesitant to try it again. Then I read the review of the
hotel's restaurant, now named Chaz, by the new restaurant critic
for the Kansas City Star, Cindy Hoedel. The review was very
positive. So I decided to take the risk to try it again. To my astonishment, the improvements were very major. The service and the food were much better than three years ago. Although there has been no change in the executive chef, what he is doing now is enormously improved. Also the menu is much better than it had been. Cindy Hoedel's review stating that Chaz serves the best crab cakes in Kansas City was right. I also was very impressed by the halibut, which was very fresh and prepared in a manner that complemented the fish very well. The wine list contains many good choices, including an admirable number of wines at moderate prices. The restaurant has live music by local groups starting at 6 pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. There is a happy hour from 5 - 7 pm on Monday through Friday. The happy hour menu says it is for lounge only, but if you request it while seated in the dining room, they will permit you to order from that menu as well as from the regular menu. You can park in the hotel's garage, if dining at Chaz. The entrance to the garage is on the east side of Wornall Rd just to the south of Ward Parkway. As a "foodie" restaurant, Chaz is not comparable to the American Restaurant or Bluestem, but the prices at Chaz are lower, the food very enjoyable, and the atmosphere unique. I have been back only once since the horror show three years ago, so I cannot comment on all of the servers; but this time I was served by Steven, and he was excellent. In short, my opinion about the prior management is --- good riddance. Now I'll be back. |
| Tomfooleries Restaurant 612 W 47th Kansas City, MO 64112 816-753-0555 web site |
This
casual chain restaurant has a happy hour and live bands some
evenings. I like their vegetables and their really excellent
hummus. I haven't had much else on their menu, but I have had the
tilapia and salmon, and I'd never again order either of those or any of
the seafood in this restaurant. They have many other good
selections, so it is easy to avoid the few seafood selections. |
re:Verse 618 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO web page 816-931-7811 |
This
restaurant purports to be a "beatnik bisto," and it does have an art
deco appearance. But the real beatniks, while ahead of their time
in appreciation of upscale coffees and teas, were not known for their
fine dining. Then true to form, this restaurant is not among the
best in the Plaza. However, it can be a pleasant place for lunch
(served until 4 pm) or dinner (served after 4 pm). The best buy
is dinner on Sunday, when re:Verse offers wine bottles at half price,
if you order dinner for two. They have live music on some evenings. If you check their web site, you can find out what and when. |
| Rozzelle Court 4525 Oak St. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art www.nelson-atkins.org 816-751-1279 | Although
not within the Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is neaby.
Its cafeteria, the Rozzelle Court, has the most elegant setting of any
cafeteria I've seen in this country. |
| <code=104> Ruth's Chris Steak House 700 W. 47th St. www.ruthschris.com 816-531-4800 | If
you have not been to a restaurant in this chain of steakhouses, you
should try this one at least once. It is the most upscale chain
of steakhouses in the country. The quality of everything,
including the steaks, fish, and
vegetables, is always first rate---or better. The atmosphere
always is outstanding, and the service always is perfect. The
downside of all this is the price. Everything is a la carte, and
the bill has a way of adding up to an upleasant surprise. These
days I would be far less willing to pay that price to make a Ruth's
Chris steakhouse part of my steady diet. Nevertheless, it is an
experience that should not be missed. You may wish to do this
only once. On the other hand, you can keep the prices down here,
if you do not over-order. Two entrees and one vegetable side is
more than enough for a couple. In fact one vegetable side easily
could be shared by three. On the other hand, Capital Grille is
only about two blocks away. |
| <code=13> Starker's Private Reserve 201 West 47th Street www.starkersreserve.com/ 816-753-3565 |
This
is a first rate fine-dining restaurant; and unlike most of the other
restaurants at the Plaza, is not owned by a chain. The restaurant
is expensive, but well worth it. The chef, John McClure, is a
graduate of the famous Culinary Institute of America in New York.
He previously worked at some of the areas best restaurants, including
the American Restaurant and 40 Sardines. The dining room gets rather noisy when crowded, but you can avoid the crowd by arriving when the restaurant opens at 5:30 pm. |
| Tomfooleries 612 W 47th Street Plaza 816-753-0555 tomfooleries.com |
This
enjoyable informal restaurant also has a location at Zona Rosa.
Tomfooleries' food is not upscale, but can be surprisingly good.
The Sunday brunch is really outstanding. There is entertainment starting at 9 pm on many nights. |
| <code=43> Uno Chicago Grill 4710 Jefferson KC, MO 64112 816-931-1599 web |
Unfortunately this restaurarnt has closed. It remains to be seen what will replace it. This restaurant, located next door to the upscale Capital Grille, was a particularly good choice on Wednesday evenings, when all of their wines by the glass are half price. On other evenings, the wine bottles are a better deal than the wines by the class. Their wine choices are better than you might expect at a chain. For example, they have both Indaba chardonnay from South Africa and Hess Select chardonnay from California (which I prefer). In terms of red wines, they have Red Truck pinot noir (better than you'd expect, with that name) and Hess tri-county cabernet-sauvignon. Both are really good, although I somewhat prefer the pinot noir. They have Alamos malbec from Argentina on the wine list, but unfortunately can't get that malbec anymore. They do have South African Excelsior cabernet-sauvignon, which I like. They have the best vegetable soup in Kansas City, but frequently sell out of that soup at lunch. If you are on a low carb diet, you should be aware that this soup includes a lot of corn and potatoes. The have brown rice, which is an admirably healthy alternative to white rice, but unfortunately it is mixed with sweatened fruit, which to my taste ruins it, and they cannot remove the fruit that is already mixed in. The parking lot with entrance next door has a direct entrance to this restaurant from inside the garage, so a good choice in bad weather. For a chain that emphasizes pizza, this one has a surprising number of seafood selections, including Norwegian salmon, halibut, shrimp, and mahi mahi. I'd guess that they all are frozen. I've been happy with the halibut and shrimp, but disappointed by the salmon. They also offer to blacken the mahi mahi on an iron skillet. I really like that. But if you ask, they can blacken shrimp or haddock on an iron skillet, and those are really big winners here. In addition, they are lower in mercury than mahi mahi. |
|
I can be reached by e-mail at barnett@ku.edu |
