913-663-5777
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The Bristol
913-663-5777
The Bristol is everything you could possibly want in a fine dining restaurant. Highly deserving of Ingram's "Best Business of Kansas City" award, The Bristol delivers with unmatched quality in seafood, steaks, atmosphere, class and prompt and courteous service. The Bristol Restaurant is possibly the best happy hour hot spot in Kansas City.
Excerpt from The Pitch Kansas City Newspaper...
I was happy to hear that The Cordish Company, developer of downtown's Power & Light District, had reeled in a new Bristol Seafood Grill as part of its urban entertainment plan. Downtown hasn't had a seafood restaurant since 1992, when the Colony Steakhouse & Lobster Pot vacated the old Rusty Scupper location on 14th Street so the city could tear down that building for the first Bartle Hall expansion.
By the time the current Bartle Hall project is finished — sometime next year — there should be a brand-new Bristol on 14th Street between Main and Walnut. That would mark a triumphant return to the Missouri side of the state line for the seafood concept launched by legendary restaurateurs Joe Gilbert and Paul Robinson back in 1980. A fixture on the Country Club Plaza for 15 years, the Bristol Bar & Grill was busy right up to the day that the J.C. Nichols Company refused to renew its lease in 1995.
At the time, there was a rumor that something fishy was behind the Bristol's loss of its lease: that restaurateur Nabil Haddad, who then owned five Plaza dining operations, coveted the Bristol location. Supposedly his good pal Lynn McCarthy, then chairman and chief executive of the Nichols Company, made sure he got it. The Bristol was kicked out, and Haddad spent a fortune turning the space into a spectacular failure, the short-lived Jules. (Capital Grille took over the location in 2000.) McCarthy didn't fare so well, either. After being accused of looting the Nichols Company, the well-paid executive pleaded guilty to a charge of racketeering conspiracy in 2001.
The Bristol, now owned by Leawood-based Houlihan's Restaurants Inc., had the last laugh. Banished from the Plaza, the restaurant packed up everything — including the Bristol's signature architectural feature, a 19th-century English glass dome, which was dismantled piece by piece and installed a year later in the main dining room of a new Bristol in the just-completed Town Center Plaza. The seafood restaurant has been packing in patrons like sardines ever since.
Recently, though, the Florida-based Bonefish Grill arrived in Leawood. I wondered whether it might be luring away some of the Bristol's brisk business, so I went back to the Bristol (last reviewed here in 2002) to see what was going on.
I didn't know whether I'd need a reservation for a Tuesday night, but my intuition told me to go ahead and call, just in case. That turned out to be a good decision, because when I walked through the Bristol's door at 7 p.m. there were already several customers standing around the foyer, waiting for a table.
I was with Dick and Renée, and we didn't have to wait a minute; a hostess escorted us straight to a banquette ... right by the entrance to the kitchen. Ordinarily, I would have balked at this, but I was hungry, and it didn't seem to be too noisy or congested. Besides, the spot made it easy to wave over those tong-wielding biscuit servers who roam the dining room with their trays of hot drop biscuits. Those damned addictive baking-powder confections are another Bristol tradition that moved out to Johnson County with the antique dome; they still taste like the recipe printed on a Bisquick box, but with an extra handful of sugar.
Veteran oyster shucker Virgil Brown also made the move out south. Still, when our server handed over the single-sheet menus, I was surprised to see that the restaurant had changed its name to the Bristol Seafood Grill. "We've been in a transition for the last 12 months," explained one of the managers, ignoring my raised eyebrow. I mean, does a place need to go through a yearlong "transition" just to change a name?
That transition hasn't involved the menu prices, I was happy to note, and there are now several more "signature entrées" and five more appetizers to chose from, including an extremely generous sampler plate with flaky jumbo lump crab cakes, a heap of fried calamari and a tidy arrangement of shrimp scampi. The crab cakes were more crab than cake; the calamari was flash-fried with just a smattering of chopped jalapeño, so it wasn't too fiery; and the scampi's creamy garlic sauce was a refreshing alternative to that all-too-common greasy yellow butter-garlic glop.
This appetizer nearly did me in, but Renée bravely tackled the Bristol's variation on the caprese salad, in this case a tower of tomato slices and milky mozzarella squares on a bed of watercress, topped with a squiggle of gingered onion and splashed with a surprisingly sweet prosciutto vinaigrette.
Rather than order a full meal after appetizers and salad, Renée decided to share dinner with me. A wise move, because the lobster ravioli I'd ordered was far too rich for me to have eaten alone. The ravioli is filled not with shellfish but with minced, grilled vegetables — the tender bits of lobster meat are scattered on top of the pasta pillows, and the whole concoction drips with a decadent lobster-cream sauce.
Patrons don't have to request for a split dinner to be served on two different plates at the Bristol; it's simply done. The service here now is as polished and professional as it was decades ago, when Gilbert-Robinson was famous for having the best-trained waitstaffs in the city. Our waitress that night was a beautiful young woman, a native of Ethiopia, who fussed over Dick — we were celebrating his birthday — suggesting the potato-wrapped grouper for his dinner. He was pleased by the flaky fish, bound in thin slices of potato and then fried so that the wrappings turned golden and crispy.
"Thank goodness it's wrapped in fried potato," Dick whispered after the first bite. "Grouper doesn't taste like anything."
Actually I think grouper is a fine lean fish, but chef Dan Uche's potato crust and cabernet reduction gave it a lot more oomph than if it had been broiled and served unadorned.
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EBT Fine Dining
1310 Carondolet KCMO 64114
816-942-8870
Official Website -
www.ebtrestaurant.com
EBT has always been the standard by which all
other Kansas City fine dining restaurants have been
judged. EBT features one of the deepest wine
lists of any Kansas City restaurant, a menu of recipes
that warrant the use of private security guards to
protect, a great location straight off of I-435 and
State Line (the state line between Kansas and
Missouri) and on top of everything - LIVE JAZZ.
EBT HISTORY
Established at Westport Landing just prior to the
Civil War, Coates and Gillis originally outfitted
traders, trappers and pioneers bound for the frontier
on the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. By the 1890’s, new
ownership had emerged, and investors W.E. Emery,
Joseph Taylor Bird Sr. and William Thayer constructed
a beautiful new building on 11th Street, occupying the
entire block between Grand & Walnut. The Victorian
masterpiece, with its arcades, brick columns and
neo-Romanesque capitals, was a bastion of Kansas
City’s Petticoat Lane
until it was razed in 1971.
Opened in 1979, EBT Restuarant was designed to recall
the style and sophistication of Kansas City's Gilded
Age. Built around the original column capitals and
elevator cages from the 11th Street location, and
incorporating other artifacts from the historic site,
EBT remains faithful to Emery, Bird & Thayers pledge:
“This great store will be here every day, striving to
please you
with reliable merchandise combined with excellent
service”.
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J. Alexander's
11471 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66212
913-469-1995
Official Website -
www.jalexanders.com
J. Alexander's
History
source: www.wikipedia.com
J. Alexander's was founded in 1991 by three Nashville businessmen, Jack C. Massey, Earl Beasley, Jr. and John Neff, Jr. According to their online profile, they are "positioned between the heavily themed casual dining restaurants and the fine dining white tablecloth dinnerhouses." They operate twenty-eight restaurants in twelve states.
In 1996, Volunteer Capital Corporation, which runs the organization, sold 52 Wendy's franchises to focus on the JAX business. In 1999, they rejected a $33.8 million buyout bid from the rival O'Charley's Inc. J. Alexander's does not accept reservations, but allows call-ahead seating. J. Alexander's is very similar to Houston's Steakhouse in both menu and operations.
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The American Restaurant
200 E. 25th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
64108
Phone: 816.545.8001
Official Website -
www.theamericankc.com
The American Restaurant has long been the
choice of famous names who’ve asked for the
best restaurant in town. (But we don’t host
and tell.) That’s because everyone who joins
us enjoys the same delightful experience: The
most romantic panorama in Kansas City. The
elegance of your table. The incomparable
cuisine. All delivered with impeccable service
that takes fine dining to new heights.
Located in Hallmark’s famous Crown Center
complex in Kansas City, Missouri, The American
Restaurant has been consistently awarded both
the AAA Four Diamonds and the Mobil Travel
Guide Four Stars ratings—recognition of the
highest levels of cuisine and hospitality.
“What makes The American Restaurant’s cuisine
unique? I believe in staying true to the
origins of our food, whether it’s a Japanese
recipe or a traditional Yankee dish. When I
put together pairings for your meal, the
tastes work together in a way that makes
sense—delicious sense. The presentation is
always clean and simple, not excessively
garnished. I never stop learning: from other
chefs, from my travels, from my colleagues in
the kitchen—and from our guests. That’s what
makes being a chef so exciting.”
Executive Chef Celina Tio
Chef of the Year 2005 – Chef Magazine
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Bluestem
900 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo.; (816)
561-1101.
Official Website -
www.bluestemkc.com
Bluestem in
Kansas City illustrates the global connection
of cooking these days. The menu of this trendy
restaurant -- which offers three courses for
$55; four for $65, seven for $75, along with
12 courses for $100 -- is liberally peppered
with terms that have come into vogue here in
the last year or so: crudo, Berkshire Pork,
Wagyu beef, piquillo peppers and bottarga, to
name a few.
I could have been in San Francisco, New York
or Barcelona -- except I had driven to
Westport, one of the oldest areas of Kansas
City. It was ironic to see one of the United
States foremost practitioners of this
scientific style of cooking, Jose Andres of
Cafe Atlantico, Jaleo and Zaytinya in
Washington, D.C., was dining in the restaurant
the same night I was, sipping the
complimentary shot of white grape juice capped
with a watermelon foam.
The menu sounds familiar to anyone on the West
Coast: I enjoyed slices of hamachi draped over
a nob of lemon-marinated fennel and dollops of
golden trout roe, and a foamy sweet corn soup
poured from a tea pot over a mound of torpedo
onions, Black Forest ham and piquillo peppers.
Bluestem, which is owned by Colby and Megan
Garrelts, offers some creative combinations
that would be at home in the most cosmopolitan
setting, including escargot with chewy lengths
of fidua pasta bathed in sofritto with
linguica sausage.
The interior also has a very cosmpolitan feel:
It sports an exposed ceiling with air ducts
snaking around the room and brick walls,
accented with a wall of framed mirrors. Just
recently the couple took over a hair salon
next door and converted it into a bar, with a
separate menu; another trend that seems to be
flourishing on both coasts.
It was great to see the cutting edge shining
in the Midwest, where barbecue and fried
chicken reign supreme: the Berkshire Pork loin
is served with a Parmesan foam, mustard
spaetzle, asparagus and cippolini onions with
a sprinkling of gremolata, creating a dish
that had hearty sensibilities but respected
the ingredients.
The most exciting dish was the Campo Lindo
Hen, which came from a nearby farm in
Missouri. The chicken breast, which was sliced
and fanned over smothered okra and
coarse-ground grits, was some of the best
poultry I've had. When you add in the Crum's
Heirloom tomatoes that appear on such dishes
as the Hawaiian Sun Fish and in a pasta with
bottarga and Parmesan, you get a real sense of
place.
From The
Kansas City Star...
"This is my third visit to Bluestem, my foodie
friend's first. We marvel at the artistry of
the appetizer, clink our glasses of Van Duzer
Pinot Noir together and inhale deeply in
anticipation.
...At Bluestem, every meal over the course of four visits was a multisensory experience.
...The coup de grace is Colby's signature appetizer, the torchon of foie gras ($16). Miniature cubes of Sauterne gelee shimmy atop the muted pink round. A pair of warm brioche and three modestly peppered cherries are lined up across the serving dish.
...Clearly this young couple learned well from their teachers. Their talent will serve Kansas City well. Luckily for us, we can cheer them from white linen seats as their reputation grows beyond our Mo-Kan borders. "
Food: 3 1/2 stars
Service: 3 1/2 stars
Atmosphere: 3 1/2 stars
- Lauren Chapin
The Kansas City Star
June 18, 2004
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JJ's
910 W 48th St
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 561-7136
Official Website -
www.jjs-restaurant.com
This intimate bistro just two blocks west
of the
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The Intercontinental Hotel and Restaurant
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M&S
Country Club Plaza
4646 JC Nichols Parkway
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
(816) 531-7799
Official Website -
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
M&S Grill is located on the corner of 47th
Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway, across from
the historic Mill Creek Park and JC Nichols
Fountain.
M & S Grill is a classic American grill
patterned after the legendary eateries that
became the cornerstone for restaurant dining
in the early 20th century. Our menu features
aged steaks, the freshest seafood selections
and our unique roasted meat and poultry
choices, served in a classic, straightforward
style. M & S Grill is THE place to socialize
in the best of traditions. . . serving
classic, hand built cocktails in a spirited
and lively atmosphere.
Visit our lively bar and enjoy traditional
mixology at its best, featuring classic
cocktails made from scratch using
fresh-squeezed juices, bottled and tap beer,
or choose a selection from our extensive wine
list to accompany your meal.
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Ophelia's
We know that the phone number is cut off of
the picture so here it is - 816-461-4525
OPHELIA'S is a great place anytime.
Lunch with friends or business associates.
Dinner dates, special occasions or just
because. Lunch: Sandwiches, Salads,
Seafood, Steak, and our popular Spa menu.
Dinner: lunch plus more. Steaks, Seafood,
House Specialties and Chef's fabulous
specials! Join us, you may become one of
our regulars!
Stay in the 8 room Inn above the restaurant
for a quiet retreat!
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The Peppercorn Duck Club
2345 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-1234
Official Website -
www.hyattkc.com/pcdc
As one of Kansas City's renowned restaurants,
The Peppercorn Duck Club provides an
atmosphere of elegance, superb dining
experience, a host of wine selections and a
fabulous chocolate bar to indulge in with the
final result of making your evening
extraordinary.
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The Skies
2345 Mcgee St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 421-1234
Official Website -
www.hyattkc.com/skies
Skies is located on top
of the beautiful Hyatt Regency. Unique to
Kansas City, this extraordinary restaurant
slowly revolves and gives the diner an amazing
view of the Kansas City skyline.
Awards:
Kansas City's Best View
Most Romantic
Reservations requested
$4.00 valet parking with validation
Hours of Operation:
Cocktails:
Monday-Thursday
5:00pm - 12 midnight
Friday & Saturday
5:00pm - 1:00am
Sunday
5:00pm - 11:30pm
Dinner:
Sunday-Thursday
5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday & Saturday
5:30pm - 10:30pm
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The Raphael
325 Ward Parkway
(at Wornall Road) On the Country Club Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Phone: (816) 756-3800
information@raphaelkc.com
Toll Free Reservations (800) 821-5343
Kansas
City's "Best Kept Secret"
for Business... or Pleasure
The private setting and sophisticated fare of
the Raphael Restaurant provide the perfect
venue for serious business luncheons or
romantic dinners. Located on the edge of
Kansas City's historic Country Club Plaza, our
restaurant is the perfect place to hold your
corporate meeting, special event, rehearsal
dinner, or reception. Special monthly Prix
Fixe menus are available from our catering
department.
Online Reservations are now available.
Considered the city's most refined hotel
dining room, according to the Pitch Weekly,
and recently voted Kansas City's "most
romantic," the Raphael Restaurant offers an
elegant dining experience featuring Chef Peter
Hahn's creative continental cuisine on a menu
that changes weekly. Multiple levels provide
every table with a setting so private you can
almost hear your wine breathe.
One of the most comfortable and cozy settings
in the city, the Raphael Lounge offers a piano
bar with live entertainment on Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday evenings. The lounge is
open daily until Midnight (except Sundays).
Hours of operation:
Breakfast: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 10:00
am, Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Sunday, closed.
Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm,
Sunday, closed.
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Starker's Reserve
201 W
47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
816-753-3565
Official Website -
www.starkersreserve.com
Starker's Restaurant is one of Kansas City’s best kept secrets. Situated on the southwest corner of 47th Street & Wyandotte Street above Restoration Hardware, Starker’s has become a legendary favorite for locals and discerning visitors looking for upscale yet comfortable, traditional dining.
Founded in 1972, Starker's Restaurant is one of Kansas City’s last privately-owned restaurants on the Country Club Plaza, an upscale shopping and dining district. Starker’s offers Lunch Monday thru Friday 11:30am-2:00pm and Dinner Monday thru Saturday 5:30pm-10:00pm in an intimate dining room. Private dining rooms for business, social and family events are available for lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers guests an unmatched dining experience of seasonal, contemporary American cuisine in an atmosphere of elegance, sophistication and intimacy.
With a current inventory of 1,665 styles of wine and a bottle count reaching 12,000, Starker’s has one of the regions most extensive wine lists. Wine Spectator honored the restaurant with the “Grand Award” from 1992-2005, a prestigious award currently given to only 88 restaurants around the world. |
Starker’s Executive
Chef and Owner
John McClure is dedicated to
crafting a menu that compliments the
restaurant’s award winning wine list
by combining the best and freshest
ingredients from local and
international growers to produce his
beautiful presentations and flavorful
dishes.
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Eastside Family Restaurant
905
Isley
Excelsior Springs, Missouri
64024
816-637-5800
HOURS:
Monday | 10am - 6pm |
Tuesday - Saturday | 7am - 9pm |
Sunday | 10am - 6pm |
Family owned
and operated 7 days a week, The
Eastside Family Restaurant is a
"must eat" on our list of great
restaurants. Owners Sarah
and Roland Dice will be happy to
serve you personally from their
menu that includes an All Day
Breakfast, Excelsior Spring's
Biggest Tenderloin, Steak
Dinners and don't forget Sarah's
Homemade Pies and Cakes. Give your kitchen and your dishes a rest for a night and head out to Eastside Family Restaurant for a true Home Cooked Meal. Eastside offers a seniors menu as well as a children's menu. Stop by and tell Roland and Sarah that we said "Hi!". |
Eastside Family Restaurant MENU
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Homemade Pies
Pecan Fruit Tarts Homemade Breads Homemade Muffins
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ALL KANSAS CITY RESTAURANTS