Week Eighteen- Q39

Q39- Kansas City BBQ
1000 W. 39th Street
Kansas City, MO

This weekend we were joined by my sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Derek, who came to visit from St. Louis. They were craving some KC BBQ so we chose to make a reservation for Q39. We heard great things about this restaurant and wanted to try it for ourselves! 

We arrived at the restaurant about a half an hour before our reservation time. Awesome atmosphere with a very open large dining room and then another smaller room in the back, which I would assume would be for large parties to rent out! 

We enjoyed a couple beers at the bar while we waited for our table and we (Clinton) watched the Royals game. I have to say that the service at the bar was nothing special and in fact a little disappointing. They were polite bartenders but more awkward than friendly and the way they interacted with the servers was a little off... in a rude way. 

Since we showed up a half hour early to the restaurant, the hostess said that since it was busy we would still have to wait until our reservation time to get seated. No problemo ... as we made ourselves comfortableish at the bar. However, she said that she would come get us from the bar when the table was ready. Our reservation time came about and nothing. Clinton asked about our table and the gentleman said that he called our name and we didn't respond. We don't believe that happened. 

Anywho...
we got seated in the large dining room and had EXCELLENT service right away where our waitress was very quick to greet us!

Onto the food...

Week Eighteen's Instagram Post! 

For the Table:
-Q39 Spiced Onion Straws ($6.50) that was served with a BBQ Aioli. We all thought they were delicious and would definitely recommend.

For Me and Sarah:
-Romain Caesar Salad and added a piece of grilled salmon ($14.00). The salad was very tasty and the grilled salmon was DELICIOUS. We were in the mood for Caesar. Next time we go, I would want to try their Wood-Fired Grilled Salmon Salad. After all, it is award-winning. 

-Midtown Veggie Burger ($8.50). Sarah and I have both had our fair share of veggies burgers out and this one was... different. Not exactly what I was expecting because the consistency was comparable to cornbread and the patty itself was a whiteish color. This burger came with lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette and a chipotle mayo. The toppings were delicious and we both added a little bbq sauce to try!  

For Clinton:
-Sliced Burnt End Sandwich ($9.50) minus the bun.. Cabo Diet. He really enjoyed the sandwich and said multiple times that it fell apart in his mouth. Very tender and would definitely order it again! 
-Side of baked beans ($3.00) were "frickin' awesome." He would order two sides of it next time. 

For Derek:
-Combo Plate with 2 Ribs and Sliced Brisket ($17.00) which came with a side of house-cut fries and coleslaw. He seemed to enjoy his KC bbq quite a bit! 

Recommendation:
-Overall, this place was delicious and we would highly recommend! It was nice to be joined with great company in such a nice atmosphere. 

Deb 

Week Seventeen - Yard House

Yard House - P&L District Location
1300 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105

This week we were treated with some special guests - Johnny was in town from Dallas, Haley and Lemke both tagged along, as well as Johnny's friend from work, Cameron.  We went to Yard House for happy hour (menu) (M-F 3-6 pm) and all ordered off the happy hour menu.  Additionally, our friend Josh is a manager so we were able to see him, too.

BEWARE: Parking is a nightmare.  There is a lot of construction downtown right now with the street car (which runs down Main - the street Yard House is on) as well as the new high rise lofts.  For quick parking, you can park under Power & Light for $2.00.  We were lucky to find street parking at 13th & Grand and walked two blocks.

Food

I ordered the happy hour chicken nachos ($7.00 - down from $11.35 regularly), as did Johnny.

Chicken Nachos - partially demolished

The nachos were really good.  They are a little on the different side - the beans that come on them make them a little more BBQ than Hispanic/Mexican. Regardless, this plate was empty by the end of the meal (as was Johnny's).

Deborah ordered the Margherita Pizza ($6.00 - down from $11.75).  

Margherita Pizza

In addition to a typical margherita (tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil), this pizza had garlic gloves.  Deb said it was good but would order it with out the garlic cloves next time, which is surprising because "there can never be enough garlic," according to Deb.

Haley ordered the chicken lettuce wrap ($7.00 - down from $11.65).

Chicken Lettuce Wrap

The menu says the lettuce wrap comes with chicken, tofu, pine nuts and green onions.  I can't confirm because Haley won't respond to my text message.  It also comes with three sauces (pictured).  She finished a good portion of the wraps so I assume it was good.  Also, I found it weird it was served in a taco salad-esque bowl because I feel like most people order lettuce wraps to avoid carbs.  However, it made a nice presentation.

Lemke got the boneless Buffalo Wings ($6.00 - down from $10.95).

Boneless BBQ Wings

Obviously, this picture was taken after Lemke demolished his wings.  Also, he doesn't like celery, and doesn't use ranch for his wings, so if you ever go to eat with him and he gets wings, feel free to chow down on the condiments for him.  You have my permission - I'm his attorney.

Drink

I believe we all ordered import/microbrew pints, which are $2.00 off regular price.  Each beer is priced differently so I won't list all of them.  I had a River North White and an Odell 90 Schilling.  Deb had an O'Fallon Wheach (surprise!) and ... wait for it... a bud light, with a lime.  I wanted to order one of the Yard House house beers but they are waiting on the bureaucrats in Jefferson City to grant their licensing to brew in-house, or something.

Recommendation:  If you're a beer connoisseur, Yard House is a must.  They have loads of beer.  Also, we enjoyed great service in a great atmosphere.  Two thumbs up.

Until next time - 

Clint.

Week Sixteen- The North End

The North End
(recently changed name and ownership- used to be La Sala's)
910 E. 5th Street
Kansas City, MO

We will be in St. Louis next week for a wedding and to celebrate Mother's Day with my family therefore this weekend we celebrated early with Clinton's mom and family! 

We started off the day at the First Friday Celebration (the first weekend of the month) down in the West Bottoms. There are tons of antique shops in old warehouse buildings that open up (some open every weekend but many are just open on these first weekends of the month.)  It was an awesome event with a variety of food trucks, live music and tons of people walking around.

We were told by someone that we had to try this restaurant/deli called La Salas near the River Market. This restaurant has been around for 90 years but just recently changed names and is now called The North End. The food is apparently the same but now with different ownership and name. There are old family pictures posted on the walls, a patio on the side of the building and bar inside. It is a small place where you order at the counter and a server will bring the food to the table. 

I ordered: 
-Appetizer Cheese Toasted Ravioli ($5.99) with a side of marinara
-A side of Olive Salad ($3.99). 

Both were fantastic! The T-Ravs were very flavorful and better than the average toasted ravioli. I've been looking for a place in KC that sells olive salad as good as St. Louis' The Hill markets. Although it's not AS good as the olive salad that I get in St. Louis, The North End's Olive Salad was GREAT! 

Clinton and his mom, Christy ordered: 
-Homemade Giant Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ($7.49 each). Clinton ordered a side of chips. Christy ordered a side of waffle fries. 

Clinton said that it was large and had a good texture. They both really enjoyed the sandwiches. 

Craig and Justin ordered: 
-Chicken Parmesan Dinner ($8.99 each). Each came with a side of pasta with marinara sauce and two slices of bread.  

They both enjoyed their meals!

Recommendation: The places that may look like a "hole in the wall" are some of the best. I would definitely want to go back and try their eggplant parmesan or one of their pasta dishes. GREAT CHOICE... would definitely recommend. 

-Deb 

Week Fifteen - The Classic Cup

The Classic Cup
301 W. 47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112

This week we walked down to the plaza to have brunch at The Classic Cup.

From the front

Deb ordered the lox and bagel platter ($12.95).  I ordered the classic eggs benedict ($9.95), ham on the side.  We each ate half of our meal and then switched plates.  Neither of the dishes tasted "bad" but they weren't great, either.  The bagel was very plain.  The hollandaise sauce on the eggs benedict wasn't super flavorful.

Top: lox and bagel platter.  Bottom: classic eggs benedict, ham on the side.

Recommendation:  The atmosphere is pretty neat.  The interior is nice and about a week after we ate here, we realized they have quite a decent sized patio - this might be the only reason we ever go back. If you're looking for a brunch spot, try Genessee Royale, The Restaurant at the Cheshire, or Westport Cafe and Bar.

Week Fourteen- The Westside Local

The Westside Local
1663 Summit Street
Kansas City, MO 64108

We visited this restaurant on a Thursday night where we sat outside in their beer garden on a picnic table. It was a beautiful night out and were joined by great company who recommended this joint!

The Westside Local

The Inside View

It was a late dinner out so Clinton and I decided to share our meal out!

We ordered the Kale Salad ($8- Small Entree) which was our first time having kale. The texture is very different from the lettuce that we are used to but still very delicious. This salad included shaved brussels sprouts, almonds, parmesan, friend shallots and covered with maple-tahini vinaigrette. This salad also came with Brown Sugar Bacon, which Clinton asked for on the side. The Kale Salad was very flavorful and we would definitely recommend!

The main course that we chose to split was the Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger ($12) which was FABULOUS! The burger consisted of cannellini beans, sweet potatoes, red peppers, jalapenos, bread crumbs, quinoa, emmentaler, dwarf sugar pea shots, maple tahini vinaigrette was served on a farm-to-market vegan bun. Clinton was a little hesitant when we first ordered the burger but ended up really enjoying it. It was delicious!! The burger came with a pickle (always a plus) and a choice of a side ... we chose parsley french fries which were very tasty!

Neat Statue Outside of the Restaurant.

After dinner, we went around the corner from The Westside Local and were introduced to a beautiful viewpoint of the city!

Recommendation: We would definitely go back to this restaurant! It was a unique experience where we were able to try new dishes that we definitely enjoyed!

Great outside patio that I would love to go back to sit outside and try their happy hour on Monday-Friday from 3:00-6:00pm.


-Deb 

Week Thirteen - Martin City Brewing Company

Martin City Brewing Company
500 E. 135th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64145

On April 11, we went to Martin City Brewing Company (MCBC) to end Passover.  For those who don't know - Deb basically couldn't eat carbs for 8 days so we thought no better way to break Passover than pizza (MCBC was up for best pizza on The Feast Magazine).

The layout of the restaurant was interesting - it is actually two different buildings.  One building is the Pizza & Taproom and the other is The Pub.  We sat on the Pizza & Taproom side which was nice - however, we originally wanted to see live music which we later found out was on The Pub's side.  At any rate, we sat at the bar to avoid a wait for a table.  There is also plentiful outdoor seating.  The bar is pretty neat in that it wraps completely around one wall of the restaurant such that you can sit outside or inside and be at the same bar.

Beer list at the bar.

We started off with a couple of beers (each $5.00) - a Blonde Belgian Rye for Deborah and a Belgian IPA for myself.  We each had another beer with dinner - an Abbey ($5.00) for Deborah and a different IPA ($5.50) for myself.  As you might guess, all of the beer is brewed by MCBC.  All of the beer was delicious.

My first IPA of the night

We started diner off with an appetizer of Garlic Cheese Bread ($6.00).  It was great and the pizza sauce for dipping was really good.

Garlic Bread appetizer

 For dinner we split a 12" pizza ($9.75) - half jalapeno and half bruschetta mix.  The bruschetta mix was different than we envisioned but it was awesome - we hadn't had a topping on a pizza like that before.

Pizza Pie

 I ended up buying a growler of the Blonde Rye ($15.00 but is only $10.00 to refill).  They had glass and stainless steel - I opted for glass.

Front of glass growler

"Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor." - Oliver Wendell Holmes 

Recommendation: We really enjoyed MCBC and want to go back.  We'd like to go for an afternoon of patio weather and enjoy some live music.  A must try.

-Clint