SundanceKC's Profile
Best Wolfgang Puck Restaurant?
I'm taking my Dad to Vegas for his 70th birthday in October, and among his wishes is to "eat a meal in a Wolfgang Puck restaurant."
Dad's a pretty basic eater — molecular gastronomy would be lost on him — and much more of a beer guy than a wine drinker. He lives in Kansas City, and his favorite restaurants are Lydia's, where he always gets the pork "osso bucco", and Johnny Cascone's, a local Italian place.
Which of Puck's properties would offer a relaxing "not to stuffy" dining experience, decent food, and will appeal to my dad's midwestern sensibilities?
Milano Kansas City
I've had a few lunches there because it's close to a friend's office, and it's not bad — not great or particularly chow worthy, but it's decent, serviceable food. I typically have a salad, and they do a nice job of offering fresh greens that aren't overly dripping with dressing. Some of the pasta dishes look a little heavy or sticky, but I've never had anyone at my table overtly complain about anything they've ordered.
I've never had a problem with the service, and I've eaten there with some large groups. Never had an order filled wrong and they're prompt with drink refills and handling the check.
It's certainly not where I would choose to take a date or go for a special night out, but for a quick business lunch when in the Crown Center area, it's certainly not a bad option.
Breakfast - NOT Bouchon
Try MOZen at the Mandarin Oriental.
Visited there a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast (not their brunch, which was served later; this was actual breakfast, which I believe they serve daily).
I had their Classic American Breakfast (eggs, mini Belgian waffles with to-die-for caramel pecan cream, sausage, bacon, coffee and juice). Husband had their Nantucket Eggs — a benedict using crab cakes. Very peaceful place, extremely lovely and professional presentation and everything was delicious. Husband even declared it as better than Bouchon, which we have enjoyed many times before.
You can download the menu at http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/dining/mozen_bistro/
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lunch in Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence has some great lunch options.
If you want light, funky and flavorful, there's Wheatfields, an excellent bakery at 9th and Vermont that offers great baked goods, sandwiches, salads. The Baker's Plate, which includes bread, olives, roasted red pepper, onions, and scoops of tapenade, pesto and goat cheese, is especially tasty. http://www.wheatfieldsbakery.com/
Esquina offers "street style" tacos and similar options in a bright, new space on the corner of 8th and Mass. I enjoyed the pork, shrimp and chicken tacos, and thought the steak tacos were well-prepared, just not to my taste. Owned and operated by the Krauses, it offers top-notch fare at really reasonable prices. http://www.esquinalawrence.com/MENU.html
And a tried-and-true, can't miss, Lawrence original is Free State Brewery on Massachusetts around 6th Street. I've never had a meal there I didn't enjoy, and highly recommend the fish and chips and the black bean quesadillas. And of course, they have great brewed-on-location beer options. They can be really busy, so prepare for a wait, plan an early or late lunch, or call ahead a few minutes to put your name on the waiting list. http://freestatebrewing.com/
And if you want something a bit fancier, there is Tellers, on Massachusetts between 7th and 8th. Set up in an old bank, the ambience is beautiful and bistro, and the menu offers soups, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas. http://www.746mass.com/menu.php
Lots of great choices. Enjoy and report back!
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Wheatfields
1224 S 103rd St, Omaha, NE 68124
soft shell crab at Oklahoma Joe's
Yes, Oklahoma Joes is serving soft-shell crab Po' Boys on Fridays during Lent (through April 2). They also offer a fried-filet-of-fish version of their Z Man (with Provolone and an onion ring). Both are sold as a "meal" with one side. The crab Po' Boy is $8.99 and it includes one side (get the fries).
I tried the soft-shell crab last night and it was OK; they serve it on a soft hoagie-style bun with a smear of "remoulade" sauce (think it was mayo, pickles and their bbq sauce), a blob of their creamy slaw and two tomato slices. The slaw and sauce balanced well with the flavors of the crab, but the winter tomatoes didn't bring much to the party.
I took mine to go, and by the time I got home, the bun had gotten pretty soggy. It wasn't great bread to begin with (a bit too soft and too sweet) so I ended up dismantling most of my sandwich. The crab was OK; generously breaded, not too fishy tasting, with a good crunch from the breading. It too got soggy from the slaw over time, but the flavor profiles worked fine together.
Knishes in Kansas City?
Had brunch at You Say Tomato today (28th & Holmes; www.ystkc.com) and they had knishes on the menu.
Can't vouch for them personaly since I didn't eat one, but what I did eat (breakfast croissant sandwich) was delicious. Don't know it its a usual on the menu or a brunch special thing, so call ahead.
Overland Park
Unless something has developed recently, I believe Mandarinism has closed.
Driving from Miami to St. Augustine — what not to miss?
DH and I are participating in a MINI Cooper event in Miami in mid June. We're flying into Miami (we're from the Kansas City area) for a few days, then driving up to St. Augustine and beyond (our many-day trip will end in Boston).
We're looking for the "can't miss" food experiences along the Florida coast. We've never really been to Florida, and are always up for an adventure, culinary or otherwise. We're staying in South Beach, and plan to spend a lazy day driving to St. Augustine. What should we make sure we don't miss along the way? What should we be sure to stock up on or bring home with us? What should we avoid (if anything)?
TIA!
Best Paula Deen Recipes?
And it makes a wonderful filling for banana cream pie. It also freezes well, so you don't have to eat the entire pie in one sitting if you don't want to... although it's awfully tempting.
American Restaurant — Kansas City
My husband and I are looking for a really great meal in Kansas City, and have heard of the American, but don't know a whole lot beyond what I could cull from their website.
Price is no object; we just want a memorable food experience anywhere in the greater Kansas City area. Would prefer downtown/Crown Center/Plaza for the general atmosphere, but am not opposed to traveling beyond bounds for a great meal.
Would The American be a good option? I'm open for other recommendations.
Is There A Good Hot Dog Place In mid-JoCo?
I've been to Danny's Dogs, so it wasn't that it hasn't opened yet; but I wonder if that location can truly support anything long term. As I recall, and it's been a while, they offered several different varieties of dogs with various toppings, and it was truly just a hot dog, nothing really special
As for other hot dogs, Sheridan's used to serve them, but I haven't been there in ages, and when I have been there, I haven't ever ordered a hot dog, so I can't vouch for either their availability or their quality. It looks like hot dogs may still be on the menu per their website, but the hot dog link doesn't actually work on the site right now, FWIW.
There's always Sonic...
Sunday brunch or breakfast in KC?
I tried to post a reply yesterday, and something went awry, so we'll try again.
My favorite Sunday brunch destinations around KC:
1) Lydia's in the Freight House. For $19.50, you get a three-course prix fixe brunch and beverage. Antipasti and dolci are served buffet-style; you order your choice of second course. I've never been dissapointed; the buffet selections are usually quite fresh and the second-course menu has something for practically everyone, including their three-pasta tasting that is very popular. More info is at http://kansas.lidiasitaly.com/
2) Blue Bird Bistro on Summit. Blue Bird Bistro prides itself on offering fresh, local, often organic food options, and they seem to really excel at their breakfast/brunch menu. Delicate but innovative flavors, nice atmosphere. Try the Blue Bird Benedict. More info at http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluebirdbistro/
Enjoy!
help: metallic cupcake liners, paper lining that?
Not a ridiculous question. I'm dying for the actual answer myself. I have done it both ways, and found bothe worked...
BTW, I know one family that used the papers... and threw away the foil cups.
Eggcetera — Kansas City
Well, Eggtc. was fine; nothing special.
We had a party of 4, and while the place was busy at 9AM, we only had about a 15 minute wait. The overall ambience is warm and friendly. We were seated in a booth in the second dining room. Had we been in the front dining room, I think we would have felt the cold breeze from the front door.
The menu is rather predictable, but extensive. Pancakes, omelets, french toast, etc. Our party had two build-your-own omeletes, one basic eggs-meat-toast platter, and a "Belgium" waffle (mine) with a side of bacon.
Coffee was hot and plentiful, and their mugs are big. The coffee was good, much better than some I've had a breakfast joints in town, but at more than $2, I'd expect as much.
My waffle was fine. They were a little stingy on the butter, but the maple syrup was the real stuff, and the waffle was fine. The bottom was speckled with little burned bits that tell me they might want to clean the waffle iron a bit more often, but that is a minor complaint. They forgot to put in my side of bacon order, so I had to remind them; they corrected it quickly. The bacon was meaty and flavorful and served appropriately crispy.
My dining companions seemed to enjoy their omelets. One ordered a biscuit as her bread choice, and it looked buttery and good. No one complained, but I did notice neither cleaned her plate, either. The woman who ordered the basic "breakfast" plate was disppointed that they didn't offer turkey bacon as an option.
The waitress kept our coffees filled, but seemed a bit eager to clear our plates and get us on our way once we'd mostly finished. I was the last to finish my meal, and I had to ask her not to take my plate twice.
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience. The bill for four was $38; each of our orders were just over $9. I wouldn't rank it over the more "creative" breakfast options like Bluebird Bistro or Room 39, but it certainly ranks higher on my list than most of the franchise breakfast options we have in town.
Costco VS Sams
My Costco carries Best Kosher Dinner Franks... and they are worth the occasional splurge. I've even found the low-fat version there on occasion.
Eggcetera — Kansas City
Thank you!
Just proves that Google doesn't work if you don't know how the name of the place is spelled.
Sounds like an interesting adventure.
Eggcetera — Kansas City
Friends have invited me to breakfast at Eggcetera on Saturday — I understand it's on Main, close to the Plaza.
I can't find a word about it on the web; anybody been? I am curious about the menu, what to expect cost wise, etc.
I see there is a place with the same name in Wichita. Are they related?
White sauce for fish tacos?
When we make fish tacos, we use 1 part plain yogurt, 1 part lo-fat mayo, a couple of teaspoons of sugar, 1 or 2 of those canned chipotles in adobo sauce minced up well, a smidge of the sauce from the can (I freeze the rest of the chipotles for future use), and enough lime juice to give it a pleasant tang.
Emarrassing to admit, but we've been known to eat the leftovers out of the bowl with a spoon.
New Years in KC
You might check if OP1906 Bar & Grill at the Sheraton on College Boulevard in Overland Park is doing anything special for the holiday. They were recently positively reviewed in The Pitch, and the menu I found online looked delicious.
And I know 40 Sardines (http://www.40sardines.com/events.html#special) has two New Year's Eve seatings.
Any new Mexican places in JoCo? - KC
Have you been to Tarahumara on 87th Street in Overland Park? It's just beyond the Central Library, between Farley and I-35. Very tasty, I thought. And very inexpensive.
The pork or chicken sopas were very fresh and very tasty, and their tamales were delicious, too. My husband and had dinner — with enough left for lunch the next day — for less than $20.
Do you collect food-related items?
So good to know I'm not alone. I just bought two scandanavian chicken bowls just because they caught my eye, and I know I'll use them for something.
I also collect teapots and mortar and pestles.
Help!!! Cake needs potato starch, can I substitute something?
Found this on foodsubs.com....
potato starch = potato flour = potato starch flour = katakuriko Notes: This gluten-free starch is used to thicken soups and gravies. Its main advantage over other starch thickeners is that it's a permitted ingredient for Passover, unlike cornstarch and other grain-based foods. Liquids thickened with potato starch should never be boiled. Supermarkets often stock it among the Kosher products. Substitutes: cornstarch (This is very similar, but not permitted for Passover.) OR arrowroot OR tapioca starch OR ground Passover matzo (This is also permitted for Passover.)
Let us know how it turns out!
KC-saturday late lunch
Room 39 on 39th Street in Midtown is a great little bistro-type place with great food — and the best chai tea I've ever had, hands down. It would be my first choice for a late lunch any day. You can check out their Fall and weekly menu at www.rm39.com.
If you want unique, you might check out the dim sum menu at Bo Ling's at the Board of Trade or at 91st and Metcalf. Call to confirm what hours they serve dim sum; I know it's lunch on Saturdays, but I'm not sure when it begins and ends. their website is www.bolings.com.
Bluebird Bistro at around 17th and Summit also has an outstanding menu worth checking out for lunch or anytime: www.kansascitymenus.com/bluebirdbistro I especially enjoy the french toast, the bison burger, the vegetable polenta, and the killer tomato sandwich.
Enjoy!
What's Your Secret Ingredient?
A touch of almond extract and a grate or two of fresh nutmeg in most baked goods, but especially in white cakes, pancakes and sugar cookies.
What to eat with cottage cheese?
Scooped out of the container with bbq potato chips.
I survived many a dorm dinner eating nothing else.
Kansas City: Brand New -or- Coming Soon
Any news or reviews on the Green Acres grocery opening at Briarcliff Village?
And is Pastry Goddess as good as everyone says it is? I noticed they have a spot at Briarcliff Village, too.
Looking for the best Pumpkin Muffin recipe
I'm so happy you liked them!
And I don't know who Emily was... it was just the name on the recipe I was given.
Dried cranberries sound like a great addition. I'll have to try that next time.
Looking for the best Pumpkin Muffin recipe
Hershey's makes them, and I found them in the chocolate chip area at my local basic grocery store. I understand some areas of the country might not carry them yet.
If you can't get them, butterscotch chips would probably be good, and the muffin would be fine without any chips as well.
A few other notes, now that I'm thinking back — this makes enough batter for about 18 muffins, and I used the entire can of pumpkin (Libby's brand, fyi) and didn't bother to measure it out, and everything turned out fine. Seemed like a fairly forgiving recipe.
Yays and nays from Trader Joe's, lately [OLD]
I agree in your assessment of the cherries as an out-of-hand snack — meh. But to use some up I added them to an apple turnover filling, and cooked the dried cherries were great.
