moosnsqrl

This is news to me, too, and their wine expert is in my backyard. Thanks for the heads-up.

So, how was it?

So, without getting too mired in statistics, can you give us an idea of how your business breaks-down? Breakfast versus lunch? sandwiches versus salads? catering versus dine-in? "regular" ($8.95) sandwiches versus those with one or more "exclusive" ingredient are sides/drinks/desserts a significant piece of the pie? Really just kind of ball-park figures to give us some idea. And have you been surprised by any of these trends? (Your plan to use smart cards being reversed once you discovered customers were more likely to customize than to order "the usual" prompted this question.)

Now THAT is art! It reminds me of the Jackalope of postcard fame.

OK, so it was a little verbose. But you know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Mario won by, I believe 3 points (2 taste and one originality, I believe - she won the plating part).

Piquillo peppers (challenger), Mario was using birds. It all looked really good; we were suprised at the lukewarm reception to some of the dishes. I had to admire the challenger's chutzpah. When the actress judge said she wasn't really tasting the crawfish in one of her dishes, she pointed to the plate and said "you might want to try a bite from over there...where all of the crawfish is." It was brilliant.

Don't get me started! After somewhere (Zurich?) and Chicago had already done the fiberglass cow thing, along came the geniuses of KC. First of all, we can't quite decide if we want to embrace being a cowtown or try to shed the image, so there is always some civic inner-conflict about such things. But after two other cities had already gone down that path, it was really like beating a dead equine. Most of the "real" artists refused to have anything to do with it (NOTE: I am not saying anyone who ever painted a cow is not a real artist so please don't flame me! I'm just saying that what appeared to be the majority of those who routinely show in galleries and museums about town declined to participate). I believe Hallmark, among other local businesses stepped-up and 'encouraged' some to take on the project so it didn't fall flat. In the end, I think they did manage to auction most of them off and make some money for some cause (exactly what escapes me). So you still see them around town, but they're less visible now that they're privately owned). Next came the teddy bears. But that was too awful to even talk about. Nearby Lawrence KS did a 'parade' of Jayhawks (that noble, fictitious bird, mascot of the University of Kansas) and they were kind of fun because they were unique and relevant to the city.

Well, I have some good news and some bad news. First, the good: Our Edna Lewis tribute was (IMHO) delicious, owing to the recipes and my almost-unprecedented adherence to them. I can't remember the last time I so doggedly followed recipes and instructions but, being a yankee AND someone who rarely cooks 'Merican food, I decided for once to leave it to the experts. This was, then, her food channeled through my inexpert hands. Fortunately, she really knew what she was doing so it didn't matter much that I did not. The braised beef short ribs were pretty incredible. I've only recently returned to omnivorism after more than 12 years, but the s.o. liked 'em, too. They were quite tender and the flavor and aroma were out of this world. If only someone would market air freshener that smelled like that instead of faux floral and pine scents! The whipped rutabagas were good, if a little watery. I generally roast them with other root vegetables and this called for boiling. Knowing how the residual moisture, sugar etc varies in root vegetables, it's hard to say but I think I would try parboiling and finishing in a dry roast, then whipping. I really like the blend of rutabaga, butter and nutmeg, though. Creamed scallions may be one of my new favorite foods. Simple but delicious. I'll have to try them with evaporated skim milk if they're going to become a staple, though. Not sure I need to introduce heavy cream into my daily routine. I know you southerners will roll your eyes (and I deserve it), but I didn't realize how far my version of cole slaw had drifted. I followed the recipe almost to the letter (I just couldn't put dijon in it - it's a family thing, I guess) and it transported me back to childhood. Sometimes less is more. The tried and true sweet/sour combo of refined sugar and white vinegar was all but forgotten by me. I was surprised by all of the memories it evoked. We're not dessert eaters but I couldn't let Miss Lewis down (I know, how lame, blaming indulgence on the dearly departed, shame on me). I selected the simple and not-too-sweet option of warm apple crisp. I skipped the recommended custard sauce and drizzled a soupcon of half-and-half over tiny ramekins of it, straight from the oven. It's a good thing we aren't really predisposed toward eating desserts given our legendary lack of restraint and will power. This was tasty but we'll probably never get through the entire half-batch I made. The bad news: we're not yet digital in the photo department and I discovered at serving time that the last rolls of film had been frittered-away documenting the s.o.'s golf trip to Scottsdale last week . So instead of beautiful photos of food, I have a bunch of pictures of middle-aged me in garish attire (and various states of inebriation) standing in front of saguaros - PM me if you would like to see them.

Invest in a soft-sided cooler and take it to go - we did when we lived in A2. You'll find you are more popular when you return bearing ribs, too.

I...definitely wan to go with the soup. ← Of all the unfortunate times to make my one annual spelling/type-o error

I rarely go to movies these days but when I did, I always took food. No one ever said anything but if they had, I simply would have said "if you sold ___, I wouldn't have to bring it." I took a bottle of Pinot to Sideways. It didn't make the movie any better but I enjoyed the wine.

I thought I had reported this but apparently not. I nearly ran a stop sign in Lawrence last Saturday because I glanced over and noticed the new place was completed, tables set, flowers atop. It was morning so they weren't open but Zeemanb confirmed later that they are open for business in the new location (8th & New Hampshire, SE corner). They plan to use their former location for catering, I believe.

I'll share the outcome but you're not getting any of my scallions! Actually the idea of being able to share food over the web should be explored. Not sure how it would work but oh, the benefit to mankind. If there's anyone from Cisco reading this, please try to figure out how to route tiny packets of good food around the world at warp speed. That would be much better than smell-a-vision.

Yes, and there is one in the City Market as well. I'm with you. I stay out of the fray when everyone starts the 'Gates has gone downhill' talk because I really didn't go there much anyway, but that sauce! I saw the Ollie episode, too, and thought it was funny when she started to add ingredients in the wrong order (or before stirring the last one in or something) and he corrected her. Leave it to Ollie to make Queen Martha act like a scolded toddler. Aha, so you're a preppy!

We're having (tomorrow) beef short ribs, whipped rutabagas, creamed scallions, cole slaw and warm apple crisp. Looking forward to it. I wish Edna were her to lend a hand (but I'm sure she'll be here in spirit).

First let me say that I am really intrigued by the notion of essentially simple, everyday food elevated through the use of quality ingredients. So bravo for what you're doing. I am sure Kansas City is not on the top five list of markets into which you plan to expand, and you mentioned in the radio broadcast with Steve that you want to stay geographically tight in the early stages so you have the ability to quickly put out fires. I am curious, though, if you have a timeline or roadmap for expanding once your proof of concept is complete in the northeast? Have you come up with a formula (or adapted an existing formula) of demographics required in an area to make the gamble of locating there viable? Living in a third-tier city I am always interested in how these decisions are made. We have had a Dean & DeLuca for several years, for example, but have yet to attract a Trader Joe's. Lastly, if you succumb to the NYC trend of naming sandwiches after famous patrons, what will the Steve Shaw have on it? Thanks!

That's why I left it blank. I hope someone posts about some that they're excited about.

Happy to see, on one of the threads Ronnie refers to, that The Slippery Noodle is still going. We passed a v-e-r-y entertaining evening there a decade or so ago.

KC Media Digest for week of February 16-22, 2006 In the Kansas City Star Food Section Gail Borelli says if you want a fast dinner, dust off your slow cooker. Lauren Chapin suggests heating up these last (I hope) weeks of winter with some warming flageolets. And, even if you think you're anise-averse, Jill Silva believes fresh fennel may change your perception. In The Star Preview Section I want to thank Lauren Chapin for reminding me just how good The Blue Nile is. Open in their City Market location for nearly a year now, it's time I visit them again. You should, too. And she visits the new Plaza Library to check out The Mixx. JoMarie Scaglia, daughter of the owner of venerable Westport institution, Mario's, returns to KC to keep the family tradition. In The Pitch Charles "Caribe" Ferruzza redubs this 87th Street survivor The Shrimp Shack after the owner, responding to changing tastes and times, reskews the menu toward coastal Mexico. <><><><><> Media Digest Notes... Updates from some area media outlets, which do not 'go to press' before we do, will be edited into each week's post as they become available. Please do not reply on this thread. For discussion of any stories which are linked here, please feel free to start a new thread or contact the forum host or digester who will be happy to do it for you. <><><><><>

The next few days would not be good to visit, but late spring is always nice. And would that be the March issue of Gourmet? ← You're just saying that to give you time to pack and get out of town before I get there. No, no time soon. Actually thinking of August when it's hot and humid here. And yes, it's the March issue. Sorry.

My new Gourmet arrived yesterday and it is all about your fair city. I haven't had a chance to really read it but from my quick scan last nigt, I noticed there were some food and cookware shops listed. You all probably already know of them but I just thought I would make you aware. BTW, from what I've seen so far it really kindled my interest in visiting Montreal. I will leave it to you to decide if you think that's a good thing or not. Edited because "coodward" is not a word.

I'm intrigued by the organic, local nature of Wilshire and was very excited about eating there in a few weeks. Until I started reading that it's very glam and a "place to be seen" and other similar comments that strike fear into the heart of a serious diner. To be fair, I've heard the same about other places and still enjoyed a real meal there, so I don't want to abandon the whole idea just yet. If you've been there I would appreciate a report on the food and also on the hype level. If I'm the only one in the dining room who is NOT trying to be 'discovered' I'll wait five minutes until 'they' all go somewhere else.

MWD, Thanks for the report. I had to wait a while to reply, until my urge to make Quin Snyder jokes could be controlled. It sounds like you finally have something (or should I say somewhere) to celebrate over there. I hope it continues to develop, evolve and improve. Even though they're apparently getting more things right than not, it will be nice if they keep turnover low in the servers and polish them a bit. And maybe you could leave a Volpi wrapper on your plate, next to the uneaten prosciutto, and they'll take the hint? I have to ask (although this is a 180-degree turn from your fine dining experience) if there is still a sub shop housed in a former taco place (evident from the, um, 'architecture') on the west side of town. I can't think of the name of it but they give you a playing card to identify your order when they call you to pick it up and they have really good sandwiches. I stumbled upon it years ago enroute to St Louis and have stopped there numerous times over the years, although not recently.