Mother's Day Brunches

Treat Mom this Mother's Day to one of Kansas City's great brunches. Here is a list of a few in the area.
We have reservations for Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle. I can't wait to tell you all about.
Enjoy!

Grand Street Café
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brunch Buffet with Carving Stations
Adults $24.95
Children 12 and under $10.95
http://www.grandstreetcafe.com/
Call for reservations: 816-561-8000
4740 Grand Street
Kansas City, MO

Ophelia’s
11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adults $28.00
Children 12 and under $ 12.00
http://www.opheliasind.com
Call for reservations: 816-461-4525
205 N. Main
Independence, MO 64050

bluestem
2 options
Mother’s Day Tea Saturday, May 8th. Enjoy an afternoon of sipping fine teas with delicate parties and tea sandwiches.
Seating's at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
$25 per person and $7.00 children under 10.

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 9th 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
ala carte brunch menu and Sunday brunch specialties.
Please inquire about pricing and reservations.
900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO
816-561-1101
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluestem/?page_id=26


The Bristol
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adults $21.95
Children $12.95
Call for reservations: 816-448-6007
http://www.bristolseafoodgrill.com/menus/brunch/162.pdf
51 E. 14th St
Kansas City, MO 64106

Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle
Ala Carte Pricing
Call for reservations 913-631-4100
http://www.reneekellys.com/events.html
12401 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66216

Starkers
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3 Course Brunch
$33.00 Per Person
Call for reservations 816-753-3565
201 West 47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
www.starkersrestaurant.com

Lidia’s
10:30 – 2:00
3 Course Brunch
$26.00 Per Person
Call for reservations 816-221-3722
http://www.lidias-kc.com/
101 W. 22nd St
Kansas City, MO 64108

Room 39 Mission Farms Location
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ala Carte Pricing
Call for Reservations 913-648-7639
http://www.rm39.com/menus/specialmf.pdf
10561 Mission Rd
Leawood, KS 66206

Hereford House (Independence Location Only)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brunch Buffet
Adult $21.95
Children under 12 $10.95
http://www.herefordhouse.com/content/independence.php
Call for reservations: 816-795-9200
19721 East Jackson Drive
Independence, MO 64057

ONE80

One80
Located in the heart of Westport.
One80 Lounge is sophisticated and sexy. The décor is urban chic with aged brick and wood with modern lighting and accents. It is classy with upscale bar food and entrée’s with an extensive drink menu. One80 was the winner of Best of KC by The Pitch in 2008 and voted best small plates by Pitch readers.

We were there a few months ago and had these amazing Praline Cheese Truffles. These little gems consist of goat cheese, rosemary, pecans and honey. I immediately fell in love with them and made it a mission on recreating the recipe to enjoy whenever I wanted. I believe it was a success because we were just back there the other day and ordered them and I have to say my recipe is pretty close and they are delicious. I call my version Almond Encrusted Goat Cheese with Rosemary and Honey. They are my go to dish whenever I am asked to bring something, and for the friends that have had them they are requested to be brought! I will share the recipe with you at the end of this post so you can enjoy it for yourself.


I have to say that even though you may learn how to make those delectable little gems it is still worth the trip to One80. Their menu is extensive from small plates to full entrée’s and breakfast is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

It is a great place to go with friends and share the small and not so small plates and that is exactly what we did. In addition to the Praline Cheese Truffles we had the Tuscan Steak Kabobs, the Chips and Dip, the White Bean Hummus and the Three Cheese Gnocchi (my favorite)!






It was a delicious evening that included good company, good drinks and of course good food. You are missing a great time if you don’t gather some friends and try out One80 for yourself!
http://www.one80lounge.com/home.cfm


And as always if you think there is something I am missing regarding the KC food scene Email me

In Good Taste,
Sharm

P.S. Here is the Recipe.
You could of course use pecans if you wish. I must have had almonds on hand when I was experimenting with the recipe so that is how it ended up with almonds. I have also made my own flatbreads to go with it on occasion and if you have time is really worth it. I will add that recipe too. But if you are pressed for time any store bought artesian cracker works great.

Almond Encrusted Goat Cheese with Rosemary

1 11oz. Package Goat Cheese
2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary leaves, minced
1 Cup Chopped Almonds
Honey to taste

Bring Goat Cheese to room temperature add minced rosemary mix well. Using a small scoop form into 20 1” balls and roll in
chopped almonds to coat.
Place on serving platter and drizzle with honey.
Serve with crackers or flatbreads.
Yield: 20 1” balls



Crisp Rosemary Flatbreads

1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary plus 2 (6-inch) sprigs
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil plus more for brushing
Flaky sea salt

Preheat oven to 450°F with a heavy baking sheet on rack in middle.
Stir together flour, chopped rosemary, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in center, then add water and oil and gradually stir into flour with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Knead dough gently on a work surface 4 or 5 times.
Divide dough into 3 pieces and roll out 1 piece (keep remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap) on a sheet of parchment paper into a rectangle(shape can be rustic; dough should be thin). With Pizza cutter or sharp knife cut into squares. Leave intact!
Lightly brush top with additional oil and scatter small clusters of rosemary leaves on top, pressing in slightly. Sprinkle with sea salt. Leave rectangle on parchment and place onto preheated baking sheet and bake until pale golden and browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer flatbread (keep it on parchment) to a rack to cool, then make 2 more (1 at a time) on fresh parchment (do not oil or salt until just before baking). Break into pieces.
Flatbread can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

A Limoncello Experience

When it comes to Italian in Kansas City there is only one name at the top of that list and it is of course Jasper’s. With Zagat saying it is the “Best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City” and giving it the distinct honor of being one of the “Top Ten Italian Restaurants in America” along with numerous other awards, you know it is the place to go!

Jasper himself has become a nationally acclaimed chef. He has made guest chef appearances at The James Beard House in L.A., New York, Milan, and Paris. He has been written about by every major newspaper and magazine including Laudes by USA Today, New York Times, Midwest Living, and Italy's Cucina. When dining in Kansas City, Jasper's has become a must visit for many.

Jasper has also been making his own Limoncello for many years and is credited for bringing the liqueur to Kansas City over 25 years ago and that is what I am here to tell you about.



Okay so what is not to love about this dangerously smooth concoction? Vodka, Lemon, Sugar, it is an artisanal masterpiece! I cannot wait to learn how to make this. Keep reading to get the scoop.

You are invited to join Jasper for A Limoncello Experience where he is going to take that liquid gold and make a whole Limoncello menu with it.

Jasper’s “A Limoncello Experience” is going to include a Limoncello demonstration and multi course small plate tasting as you have never tasted before.

You will experience Limoncello in a unique menu that includes:
Springtime antipasta, Limoncello bread,
Artisan pasta in a Limoncello cream sauce,
Limoncello Shrimp and a never before experienced handcrafted gelato & tort,
All served with Jasper's own Artisanal Limoncello Liqueur.

A to die for tasting...A Limoncello Experience at Jasper's this is one event not to be missed!

Monday, May 3, 2010

7:00 p.m.

Make Reservations today! Call 816.941.6600

$45.00 per person plus tax and gratuity

Tax $4.50

Gratuity $9.75

Total $59.25

Registration & Reservations by credit card guarantee only.
NO REFUNDS!

A registration form can also be found online at Jasper’s http://www.jasperskc.com/limoncello.html



Besides “A Limoncello Experience” Jasper will be hosting a number of events throughout the year and I just got wind of one called “A Canolli Experience.” My mouth is watering just thinking about that crispy shell and that sweet filling combination a canolli has and wondering what magnificent touches Jasper will put on those already perfect little gems. I cannot wait for that! Stayed tuned for details!

Don’t Miss “A Limoncello Experience.” Register today!

And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me


In Good Taste,

Sharm

Cupcake Ala Mode

Cupcake A La Mode

What a cute and yummy store!
We stumbled upon this while out at the Park Place shopping center in Leawood. I couldn’t resist getting my great niece Kennedy her first cupcake even though she is only 11 months old. It was just so girly and pink and perfectly sweet! Just like her!




When you first walk in to Cupcake A La Mode it has the feel of a classy and chic boutique and then when you see the case of those heavenly cupcakes you know you are in for a treat.






With over 15 flavors to choose from we had a bit of a dilemma on our hands. But after much deliberation we chose a variety: the French Vanilla OOH LAH LAH, the Peanut Butter Kiss and the Pink Lemonade. They also have gourmet coffee creations so a Vanilla Latte was added to go along.







The cupcakes are moist and delicious. I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other flavors.


There are two locations, one on the Plaza and the other in Leawood.
Don’t miss out on this treat, it is the perfect cure for when that sweet tooth starts aching!
http://www.cupcakealamode.com/

And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me

In Good Taste,
Sharm

The Westside Local

The Westside Local is the best of both worlds. Whether you are looking for the social setting of a local tavern or wanting a more trendy upscale dining experience, at a reasonable price The Westside Local will foot the bill.

This place is so good we went twice in one day.

We were there in the early afternoon and had the Summit Burger with garlic fries. I think it was the best burger and fries I have ever eaten! The burger was juicy, the fries were crisp with just a hint of garlic. The burger came with homemade pickles and homemade ketchup, so delish! For only $2 more you can get a fresh salad so I chose the roasted beet salad. It was amazing as well. The beets were perfectly cooked and just the right amount of sweetness to offset the saltiness of the goat cheese. We sat out in the beer garden enjoying the sun and weather, that in and of itself was a treat after this cold winter we have had. We had plans to meet some friends at the Screenland which is right nearby and had to bid farewell to our wonderful waiter Jason.



As luck would have it we were hungry again a few hours later and still nearby so we got to go back! This time we were inside the dining room, which has a quaint upscale feel. We were so glad Jason was still around to take care of us. He brought us the most amazing olives I have ever tasted called Castelvetrono olives. Of course the burger was so good we just had to have it again and also tried the special quinoa dish for the evening. It had quinoa, mushrooms, and walnuts; it was full of flavor.

My favorite thing about The Westside Local is that the reasonably-priced menu is compiled of rustic, seasonal cuisine using as many local ingredients as possible. There is even a small garden at the restaurant where they grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and micro greens to use in the dishes. I am a big fan of eating local, it just tastes better and everything is fresh and full of flavor.

One more thing, the beer! The Westside Local offers a wide variety of Craft Beers and they are a superb companion to the food. Each of their edibles is matched with a suggested beer, thoughtfully chosen to enhance its flavor.

If you have not been to The Westside Local you are missing out on some great local fare. Everything I have had there from the grilled cheese to the salads is delicious.

Kansas City has an amazing array of local producers that have some of the finest ingredients around that make the dishes at The Westside Local spectacular. You must give them a try. You won’t be sorry; I promise.

Westside Local
16163 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108 816-997-9089

And as always if you think there is something I am missing in the KC food scene, Email me

In Good Taste,
Sharm

A Fabulous (Tea)Time!

Well if you didn’t make it to bluestem’s Spring Tea, you missed out!

It was spectacular, I think the pictures will speak for themselves.
My hubby and I enjoyed it very much. This tea time is definitely not just for girls.

The tea sandwiches were Smoked Salmon with Herbed Cream Cheese, Egg Salad and Grilled Turkey and Swiss and they were all delicious!

The desserts were breathtakingly beautiful and tasted even better than they looked! The platter had Brown Sugar Scones, Banana Tea Cake, Carrot Cake, Meyer Lemon Meringue Tartlets, Spiced Raisin Shortbread and Chocolate Devil’s Food.

And of course it would not be tea time without tea. There was a wonderful selection of Serendipi Teas. I had the Egyptian Chamomile with French Lavender it was delish!

I also got the chance to chat with Chef Megan and must say she is absolutely charming and so very talented.

If you missed out I am sorry, but don’t worry - there is another one coming up in May.
Saturday, May 8th Mothers Day Tea. Seating’s at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Call for reservations so you don’t miss out on this one 816-561-1101.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Beer, Wine and Cigars! Oh, My!

April is filled with all sorts of special events. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Kansas City has it all.
Here is a list of the different events to choose from:

Saturday, April 3rd Tea Time at bluestem. Seating’s at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Call for reservations.
900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO
816-561-1101
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluestem/?page_id=26


Sunday, April 4th Eater Brunches
Locations scattered throughout the city:whatyouremissingkc.blogspot.com/2010/03/easter-brunches-z.html


Wednesday, April 7th Em Chamas Brazillan Wine dinner
$70 per person
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/emchamas/winedinner.pdf


Thursday, April 8th 6:30- 9:30 – Party with a Purpose at The Culinary Center of Kansas City
All hands on deck for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience benefiting two Kansas City non-profits: Unicorn Theatre and SAVE, Inc. This might be the only time in history when there's no such thing as "too many cooks in the kitchen." Attendees will exercise their culinary muscles as we roll up our sleeves and work together to prepare wholesome, delicious meals for the residents of SAVE, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides housing for those living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet meal, complete with wine; a hands-on cooking experience with an award-winning chef; and an unlimited supply of warm fuzzies knowing they’ve helped brighten the lives of others.
Cost is $100. Per person; maximum 75 guests
For more information visit www.unicorntheatre.org/spring.htm


Friday, April 9th Pub Crawl at KC Power and Light District
Five KC Live! venues are set to participate in the pub crawl from 8 p.m. 11 p.m., including Johnnys Tavern, McFaddens Sports Saloon, Living Room, Tengo Sed Cantina and Pizza Bar.
The entry fee is only $5, and all proceeds will be donated directly to Animal Haven. Participants will register the night of the event, in front of the KC Live! Stage. The first 100 patrons to register receive a free Spring Fling t-shirt. Participants must be 21+.
http://www.powerandlightdistrict.com/index.cfm?page=calendar#/events/168


Saturday, April 10th Downtown Dinner Club at The Culinary Center of Kansas City - Just show up anytime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. and you will be served a “Chef’s Choice” dinner! You’ll be seated “European-style” at community tables where you can converse with friends or meet new ones.
Cost is $25 per person
(Includes full dinner with dessert and nonalcoholic beverages; serving anytime between 6:00-9:00 p.m. only on Saturday 4/10/10; no advance reservations accepted; this is a "walk-in" event only; first-come, first-served … until the food runs out!)
http://www.kcculinary.com/


April 11th Melting Pot: National Cheese Fondue Day, Cheese for Charity

To make reservations for this special event,
call 816-931-6358


Sunday, April 11th
Slow Food Kansas City
presents
Green Eggs & Ham
Slow Food Brunch

Casa Somerset
16315 W 287th St., Paola, KS 66071

Sunday, April 11th
12:00 noon
$25.00 per person
(tax and gratuity not included)

Slow Menu

Mimosas / Orange Juice / Apple Cider
Sweet and savory breads with fresh fruit
Eggs Benedict
Apple Sausage with potatoes and peppers
Louisburg Cidermill doughnut bread pudding with Bananas Foster topping

If you would like to bring your own wine, please feel free to do so

This local menu features:
Ham and sausage from Schenker Family Farms in McCune, KS.
Louisburg Cider Mill doughnuts and cider
Fresh, organic green eggs from Vickie Scruggs
Meadowlark Acres breads & preserves

Seating is limited...make reservations TODAY!
Call 913 557-9288 for reservations or email mikehursey@hughes.net

Portion of price goes to Slow Food Kansas City


Monday, April 12th
7:00 pm
JJ's Restaurant
JJ’s cordially invites you to join owner - winemaker Steve MacRostie for a dinner
highlighting wines from MacRostie Winery, matched with selections of JJ’s cuisine.
$70.00 per person
Seating is limited. Call 816-561-7136 for reservations.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.

910 West 48th Street
(2 blocks West of the Country Club Plaza)
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 561-7136
http://www.jjs-restaurant.com/jjswinedinner.pdf


Tuesday, April 13th
Blue Grotto Beer Dinner from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
6324 Brookside Plz, Kansas city, 64113 || 816.361.3473
Join Blue Grotto for a four-course menu paired with Boulevard beers. Steven Pauwels, Boulevard’s brewmaster, worked personally on the menu with chef James Landis. You won't want to miss out on this exquisite union of fine brews and excellent cuisine!

Tickets are $45 a person and seats are limited. For reservations, call 816.361.3473.

Menu for the dinner:

Course One:
Goatsbeard Farm Goat Cheese, Vidalia onion confit, argula, hazelnut vinaigrette served with Saison Brett

Course Two:
Scallops baked in nori butter, grapefruit essence, fried ginger, wakame served with Tank 7

Course Three:
Lamb Carbonnade with Sixth Glass Quadruple, pommes parisienne, root vegetables served with Pilsner

Course Four:
Pear, Almond and Mascapone Tart, spiced brandy syrup, chocolate served with Dark Truth Stout



Wednesday April 14th Bluestem
The Titanic Wine Dinner
6:30pm Reception / 7pm Dinner
900 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO
Call for reservations
816-561-1101
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/bluestem/?page_id=26


April 17th, 2010
The Melting Pot
Cheese Cooking Course Join in the fun with our general manager Sara as she demonstrates the special techniques we use to create our delicious cheese fondues. Includes cheese fondue and wine tasting. $20.00 per person Call ahead for reservations please, 816-931-6358
1:00-2:00


Wednesday, April 21st
Extra Virgin
Wine Highlights by Wine Director Jamie Routledge & special guest, certified sommelier, Rich Zellich from Pinnacle Imports
Menu will be posted shortly
Dinner begins at 6:30pm $65 per person plus tax & gratuity
Seating is very limited for this special event
so please call 816.842.2205 for your reservation.


Wednesday, April 21st
Makers Mark
Oliva Cigar Dinner
Three Oliva Cigars and a three course dinner paired with the Crown Royal family of Canadian whiskey. Reservations are limited, please RSVP today at 816.442.8115 or emily@markersmarkrestaurant.com


Thursday, April 22nd
Yia Yia's will host a wine dinner featuring the wines of the Merryvale Vineyard in Napa Valley. Chef Martin Woods will prepare a coursed dinner with each dish perfectly paired with one of the vineyards finest selections. The cost will be $65 a person and
reservations are required
4701 West 119th Street
Overland Park, KS
913-345-1111


Saturday, April 24th
Wil Jenny's beer dinner
6700 West 135th Street
Overland Park, KS
from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Join Wil Jenny’s at its Boulevard Beer dinner this month. Chef Royal Cheuvront creatively paired mouth-watering dishes with Boulevard beers. This five-course experience is sure to sell out so reserve your spot today by calling 913.897.1114. Cost is $45 per person. The menu is below.

Unfiltered Wheat Beer paired with Unfiltered Wheat Beer poached Chilean sea bass with meyer lemon vinaigrette and organic micro greens.

Boss Tom’s Golden Bock paired with ancho chili crusted smoked diver scallop with creamy cheddar grits and citrus pomegranate BBQ sauce.

Tank 7 paired with sweet tea and grapefruit brined free range chicken breast zoddled in Tank 7 butter sauce with wilted pea shoots.

Double-Wide IPA paired with cast iron seared prime Kansas City strip with Double-Wide IPA peppercorn demi over wild mushroom and barley ragout.

Sixth Glass paired with bing cherry marmalade and chocolate ganache baked in phyllo with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.


Sunday, April 25th
The KC Original restaurants will present Urban Picnic 2010
at Nara

Enjoy food, wine, beer & live entertainment - all included in your ticket price of $45 per person. More than 25 restaurants are hosting food tables, we'll have wine tastings, Boulevard beer, and 3 bands in performance [Matt Shoaf, Kiddo & the Condor, and Mike Breen].

The event also features a bartender's competition, photo booth, caricature artist as well as a silent & live auction - with proceeds benefiting the students of 2 great culinary arts programs: DeLaSalle Education Center & Broadmoor Technical Center.


Tickets-$45 online; $55 at the door -- per person. Ticket includes food, wine, beer and entertainment. Event is from 5-9 PM.
/www.wix.com/mdunstan/urban-picnic


Thursday, April 29th
Mark your calendar for the 14th annual Forks & Corks benefiting Harvesters The Community Food Network. Forks & Corks is your chance to experience more than 30 of Kansas City's finest restaurants and more than 20 premier beverage purveyors all in one evening, all under one roof. The food and wine tasting event is Thursday, April 29 . in the Grand Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center. from 6-9 p.m
www.harvesters.org/GiveMoney/Index.asp?Reference=ForksCorks