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| Libby, Moi, Lauren |
What… you ask… a culinary scene in KC? Yes, I say… and a good one! Over the last 10 years I have been to KC many times to visit my friend Lauren and her family and have become very close with her sister Libby and more recently their husbands, Ross and Nick. Like me, Lauren and Libby are both big foodies, so it is always an adventure when we get together to try new places as well as for them to cook fabulous feasts. We decided that this weekend we would explore the culinary scene in their hometown as well as have some home cooked dinners; and what a treat it turned out to be.
I arrived on Friday at lunchtime and our first stop was “Houston Houston Kansas City
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| Nick, Libby, Me, Lauren & Ross at Justus Drugstore |
In the evening, the five of us (Lauren, Libby, Ross and Nick an of course myself) went out to Smithville , MO
The next morning we got up at a very leisurely pace and drank coffee until we all decided to get ready to go out for lunch. We decided on something healthy and easy and ended up at “The Mixx.” The Mixx is a bit like “Tossed” that I went to in Boston Boston Missouri
Next on our list was shopping. Not so much, sadly, as it was ruined by a torrential downpour that didn’t seem to want to stop. No serious damage done, which is probably a very good thing now that I come to think about it.
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| Ahi Tuna from The Mixx with fried egg |
In the evening, Lauren decided to invite a few friends over for dinner. She made her Aunt Karen’s famous “Pasta Primavera.” I quote from Aunt Karen’s recipe book… “simply the best dish I make!” I have to agree with Aunt Karen, it was truly one of the best pasta dishes I have tasted J. Lauren is going to be my next “Guest Blogger” so will share this fabulous dish with you.
The evening was a lot of fun with a great dinner, fun wine and a few rounds of “Taboo”, which just made for some hysterical moments.
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| A replica of Diana's wedding cake |
Sunday morning and a gorgeous, sunny 75 degree day in Kansas City
The boys went home and we decided to go and see the “Diana” exhibit at Union Station. The station itself is quite spectacular and definitely worth a visit. It has lots of exhibits going on at any one time. The “Diana” exhibit is really not worth $28/person at all, I am sorry to say – I even feel guilty saying it with being British and all. You do get to see her wedding dress as well as some of her gowns and outfits, which was quite nice, but apart from seeing her ballet shoes and a school report from when she was a child, I can’t say I would ever recommend it. I probably would if it was $10.
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| Al Fresco dining Nick, Libby, Ross, Lauren, Sharon & George - Ross's parents |
Sunday night, and yet more food! This time it was Ross’s turn to play Chef and what better way for a man to do this, than to hit the Man-Grill! Pork Ribs, Beer Can Chicken, leftover Pasta Primavera, Potato Gratin, Corn on the Cob and Fruit Salad. Oh, and one of my favorite little wines, the Sebastiani Rose – a clean, crisp, fresh summer wine – very very very drinkable - woops. We sat outside and enjoyed each other’s company (and Ross’s parents company) and fun banter. I so want an outside space. It is just the best thing to have dinner and wine outside with friends on a warm evening. It just makes you damn happy!
One final day left and another 75 degree day with a perfect gentle wind and no humidity. Lauren goes to Pilates on Monday morning so, as I don’t bend, not even a little bit, I decided on going for a run. Oh right, and my race is less than a week away!!!! I ran five miles – oh yes I did! My knees are like old lady knees with creaking bones and lots of ouches every time I stand up! They hurt… a lot L.
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| Last day in KC! |
After showering, I knew I wanted to be outside before I had to go to the airport, and even more so, because I knew it was snowing in Boston
What is even more fun is that I am back to work for only two days and then off to Napa
KANSAS CITY, MO DINING
JUSTUS DRUGSTORE, SMITHVILLE MO
AND WESTPORT CAFE & BAR, KANSAS CITY, MO
Opened in 2007 by Chef, Jonathan Justus, with a vision of keeping part of the Bistro with the original fixtures from the original pharmacy. He turned the empty space into a stylish restaurant specializing in deftly prepared creations made from local meats, fruits and vegetables. The menu is quite small and changes regularly. It features four or five starters, about four salads and about 10 entrées with specials each evening. The wine list is reasonably priced and has super choices. all of the dishes has a wine pairing if you are stuck for a decision.
We started the evening with some fun cocktails. They infuse all their own liquors on-site and have some very inventive libations on offer. The bartender looked like he had just walked off the movie set with James Dean! He absolutely belonged behind the original malt shop/pharmacy counter. After perusing the amazing creations on the cocktail list, I decided to go for the “Chocolate Malt.” Definitely not a drink for children I might add! The Chocolate Malt contains House-infused malted-barley and coffee vodka, house made chocolate syrup, sherry, fresh local cream; shaken and served up. It took me about five seconds to drink it! It was so amazing!
I had already been warned that we were in it for the whole evening. This is a full dining experience and not for the faint-hearted or for those that want a quick bite. They make every single dish to order and they don’t even start your next dish until you have finished your first. We sat down at 8.30pm and were not done until around 12.15am! This, my friends is cross-country leisurely run and not a sprint and absolutely worth every minute! This is a true celebration of food!
We all started the evening with a starter/salad each and with the expectations that every dish would be passed around to share. On our list was the Mushroom Gnocchi, Goose Carpaccio, Berkshire Pork Tail Fritter, Farmer’s Platter and Goat Cheese Salad. All were presented as works of art and I have to say, tasted just as good. If I had to choose, I would say the Mushroom Gnocchi was my favorite. The mushroom sauce was absolutely delicious and the gnocchi just melted in your mouth. My second in line was the Goat Cheese Salad. The cheese, jam and bacon just exploded in your mouth as an incredible flavor sensation. I have never had Goose Carpaccio before and I have say it was very interesting. Very gamey, with a strong flavor, but still quite light.
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Goat Cheese Salad wild blackberry jam stuffed, house cured Berkshire bacon wrapped, local goat cheese , crostini, shallot white wine vinaigrette, mixed greens, apple
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Goose Carpaccio pickled onion, cucumber ice, basil emulsion, mustard vinaigrette, lavender salt, pink peppercorns, capers
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| Pork Loin, bone removed, and stuffed with Polenta and Gruyere over warm bitter greens |
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Majinola American Kobe Amaretto-Plum Braised Brisket savory oyster mushroom brioche bread pudding, fennel onion carrot slaw
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Coffee Bomb meringue sphere, almond custard, mocha custard, espresso brownie, Kahlua/cherry, Amaretto/raspberry, orange clove ice-cream
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| Chocolate Mint Decadence chocolate ganache, milk chocolate, champagne mousse, chocolate/rose hip ice cream, mint milk, malted |
The Chef, Jonathan, came over to chat to us for a while, regaling us with stories of his time in France
The whole evening could not have ended more perfectly. Over-full, satiated and hold your tummy happy. What a fabulous evening of indulgence.
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| Me and Jonathan in the kitchen |
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Brunch at...
Upon walking into the Westport Café we were greeted by almost everyone that worked there. Everyone just seemed happy. It might have been the gorgeous, sunny day we were having, but it still made me smile. This is what brunch should be about… happy people, smiling faces and a leisurely meal with friends.
The restaurant itself is very bright with large windows at either end of the restaurant. It has fully exposed brick and white-washed walls. We were seated at the back of the restaurant against a floor to ceiling window that overlooked a courtyard.
Our waiter came over and offered us all coffee, which we happily accepted and then proceeded to drink copious amounts… truly, fabulous coffee. I loved the big white round cups they served them in as well. They were like small soup bowls. You almost needed two hands to pick one up.
The menu offers very French bistro cuisine and is a little reminiscent of Gaslight in Boston
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| Eggs Norwegian wcb english muffins, 2 poached eggs, smoked salmon, hollandaise |
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| brioche french toast honey lavender cream, bacon or sausage |
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| Mussels with Blue Cheese and Bacon |
My friends all ordered the French Toast, Croque Monsier, Mussels in Blue Cheese and Bacon. Everyone seemed very happy with their orders and all plates were completely cleaned. I did try the mussels and they were amazing. I must try to recreate this dish also. It cant be that hard?
What a happy, long, leirsurely brunch and a fun place! This is what it is all about.
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