Archive for October 7, 2010

Kansas City Good Eats

Waaaay back when, I made a trip home to Kansas City over Labor Day weekend. The birthday celebration had been extended, I wasn’t going to turn down time and good eats with my family!

My mom greeted me with four flavors of cupcakes: chocolate peanut butter, red velvet, chocolate, and drumstick. They were all moist and delicious, but I have a serious weakness for the chocolate peanut butter combination, oh and red velvet.

That night we met my brother and his fiance at Room 39 for dinner, kudos to the LB (little brother) for making a great restaurant pick. He and I both chose the four course tasting menu, while his fiance and my mom ordered off the menu.

The menu changes frequently because dishes are based on what it available and in season, so we had a slew of good food that probably isn’t there any more. I tried pork belly for the first time which was described as thick, fatty bacon, but I did not care for it. It was a night of adventure, because I also tried duck breast which I could take or leave.

The items that really stood out are the rib eye steak, heirloom tomato salad and chocolate terrine dessert. And I don’t proclaim this lightly, but that was probably one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. A light mousse-like chocolate terrine was topped with hazelnut ice cream, cherries and pistachios. It was rich, luxurious and each ingredient complimented each other in taste and texture.

We had a wonderful meal in a dimly light room, which explains the poor photos out of focus, too dark or over exposed (some didn’t make the blog cut.)

The next day I fulfilled a long standing curiosity and we made a stop at the Kolache Factory.

My mom had sent me an article about it from the Kansas City Star, I’ve flipped by the coupon in the KC Entertainment book numerous times, and I finally got to check it out for myself.

The kolache originates from Eastern European nations, and is a baked pastry that can be sweet or savory depending on the filling. We chose five different fillings: lemon, apple, cherry, Bavarian cream, and caramel apple (the best, by far).  They seem to be made from a rich egg dough, and then filled (much like a danish).

The eating continued into Sunday, and as a tradition, we ate brunch after church at First Watch. Nearly every time I order the Key West Crepe, a savory crepe of egg, turkey, avocado, cheese, bacon, salsa and sour cream. It’s a good balance of sweet and salty when enjoyed with fruit and potatoes. It was hard to refrain from sticking my fork in the gorgeous fruit piled on my mom’s plate. Brunch is my favorite! I would love to find a good brunch spot in Jackson…

Full up from brunch, we didn’t eat until late that evening at my brother and his fiance’s house. He grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes and wrapped it up with brownies. He’s a master at cooking meat over an open fire, or semi-open fire. I enjoyed a grilled steak at home much more than ordering one in a restaurant.

By this time in the visit hunger was a foreign feeling, but the next day we managed to make a stop at Peachwave for some frozen yogurt (where the obsession started) and go out for dinner.

If I lived in Kansas City, it would be hard to not get a fro-yo fix every day. The cost was $0.39 per ounce, compared to Jackson’s average of $0.45 per ounce.

To wrap up our time, my mom and I went to one of my dad’s favorite places and had fabulous Chinese food at Bo Lings.

Bo Lings stands out because the dishes are always brimming with fresh vegetables, meat, and flavorful sauces. It’s not gloppy or oily. We enjoyed a pot of green tea, crab rangoon (I know, not Chinese, but still good), wonton soup, Orange Shrimp and Chicken with Mixed Vegetables.

In between the mass consumption, we took a walk each day. Every little bit helps! Not only did I enjoy every minute at home, each place we ate at is special to our family and conjured up good memories or created new ones.

Room 39
www.rm39.com

Kolache Factory
www.kolachefactory.com

First Watch
www.firstwatch.com

Peachwave
6936 W 135th Street
Overland Park, KS 66223

Bo Lings
www.bolings.com