Tuesday, February 1, 2011

DiCarlo's Mustard Seed


Tucked away just east of Noland Road on 40 highway in Kansas City, but very close to Independence, Lee's Summit and Blue Springs you will find DiCarlo’s Mustard Seed Mexican-Americana Restaurant and Bar.

The building that houses DiCarlo’s Mustard Seed Mexican-Americana Restaurant and Bar has been around for over twenty years. It is mostly known for being The Mustard Seed Restaurant & Bar, which opened its doors in 1985 and established itself as an excellent restaurant and bar that served the greater Kansas City area. Customers would come from all corners of the state to eat, drink and dance. The Mustard Seed soon established itself as one of the best night clubs in the city.

For the past three years it has been DiCarlo's Mustard Seed Mexican-Americana Restaurant and Bar and if you grew up East of the city like me, you may be so used to the Mustard Seed building being there that you drive right by.

Earlier this fall I was at an event where Dicarlo's had samples of their salsa. I tried the Smokee Sweet and it was love at first bite! I bought 2 bottles right then. The Smokee Sweet Salsa is amazing. It tastes just as it sounds. The chipotle peppers in the sauce add a wonderful smoky hint along with a little spice but then is toned down with a little sweetness. DiCarlo's salsa flavors include Hot, Mild, Smokee Sweet and a Mexican Marinara which are available for purchase at some local grocery stores around the metro and also at the restaurant.

After my salsa purchase, I had the chance to meet the owner's daughter Mimi. As we chatted I could see that she was passionate about the restaurant and really cared about the food and ingredients used in their dishes. I thought if the salsas were this good, and the owners are that passionate, I would love to try their other offerings. I also overheard a couple of by standers rave about their Swiss Enchiladas, so I decided I had better add DiCarlo's to my list.

Lucky for us Steve and I just happened to be out and about the other day and craving Mexican. We both love Mexican food! I suggested we try DiCarlo’s.

As I mentioned earlier if you live or grew up east of the city you may be so used to the Mustard Seed building being there that you drive right by and I am guilty as charged! But now I am here to tell you to STOP!!! It was great!

Since I have been there three times in the last three weeks! I decided I better get busy and let you know what you are missing! The food at DiCarlo’s is created from scratch with only high quality and fresh ingredients. The sauces and salsas are all house made. You can truly taste the difference.

My first visit was for dinner and it was just Steve and I. I had the Enchilada Trio. With a red sauce that had just the right amount of heat, the melted (real) cheese, and the soft corn tortillas, it was a perfect version of the classic enchilada. Steve is a burrito person and had Mr. D’s Burrito. A classic burrito filled with ground beef and topped in chile verde sauce and a house cheese blend. We also split a half order of Fredricko’s Nachos for an appetizer.



When the nachos came out were amazed at the size of a “half order.” The plate was piled with chips and topped with beans, ground beef, cheese, bacon, lettuce, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and a scoop of sour cream and guacamole. It was huge and we really should have stopped there but as you read above, we did not.

As we ate, Mimi whom I had met earlier, came over to say hello and introduced us to her mother, Mary DiCarlo. Mary was as delightful as Mimi and we had a great conversation! I love meeting the owners of locally owned places and seeing the passion they have for their business.

On the second visit, we were with some friends which made a party of four. We had just attended a school play and decided we needed Margarita’s and Nachos. On this occasion, we ordered the full order of Fredricko’s Nachos and still had a few leftover. This is a great dish to order if you are there with a group! The plate is huge!

My third visit was for lunch with a girlfriend. This time I ordered the Poblano Chicken Enchiladas. As expected, it was another great meal.



DiCarlo’s is a great late night hang out. Open until 3:00 a.m. DiCarlo’s still has that night club atmosphere starting around 9:00 p.m. The building is divided and with a dining area on one side and a bar on the other. The dining area is light with an Aztec style décor, the bar side has some high top seating and area for dancing which leads to a great patio outside. There is also an area that can be used to host a birthday party or a get together.


In Addition to all the Mexican dishes, DiCarlo's offers American favorites as well including steaks, pastas, salads, salmon and more. Take a second look at the Mustard Seed grab a friend and enjoy a great meal. Make sure and tell them I sent you!

DiCarlo’s Mustard Seed Restaurant
15015 East US Hwy. 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
Phone: 816-373-4240
Fax: 816-373-4005
E-mail: dicarlosmustardseed@live.com

In Good Taste,
Sharm

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