By CHARLES FERRUZZA
The new movie Bottle Shock is based on the real-life story of a former real estate attorney Jim Barrett (played in the film by Bill Pullman) who sacrifices his life savings to open a California vineyard. Much closer to home is the story of retired firefighter Bill Crow, who dreamed of having his own restaurant. Four days ago, Crow threw open the doors to the Cook Shack Café, a breakfast-and-lunch diner at 8950 Wornall.
The tiny free-standing building was, in its most recent incarnation, another homestyle-cooking diner called Top of the Wornall. Crow and his family came in, cleaned up the place and started serving modestly priced breakfasts and lunches. I ate a fine breakfast there this morning: a bacon-and-cheese omelette (served with toast and fried potatoes) and a half order of really good biscuits and gravy.
The building has a long history. In the 1960s, it was a burger joint called the Mark-Ninety Drive-In; my friend Elsie Lavish used to take her kids there and recalls the signature sandwich as “little burgers smothered in onions like White Castles, but on a bigger bun.” For nearly two decades, beginning in 1986, the venue was a Middle Eastern restaurant called the Kabob House.
Crow’s brother was working in the kitchen with him on the morning I dined at the Cook Shack Café and his daughter and niece were the waitresses.
“Uncle Bill used to cook at the firehouses where he worked,” said his niece Sarah. “And after he retired, he wanted to cook in his own restaurant.”
There’s an idea for a movie here, somewhere.
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The food is awful. I do not recommend it. Deep fried in oil french toast made me gag. After one bite and returning it to the waitress, they refused to take it off the bill.
We at the Cook Shack Cafe appreciate the patients shown us today. All of us are rookies at this. We will get faster and better at this as we get the experience. We understand that most of you maybe on a time frame. Our goal is to diffently get better and faster, how ever we would not like to sacrafice quanity for quality. Please be patient with us, because once we really get this worked out, everyone will be happy and pleased.
Thanks
Bill
I am the new owner of the Cook Shack Cafe. My family and I would like to thank all who has taken the time to comment on our cafe. It really gives us the motavation to keep going, and trying harder to make sure all of our customers are satisfied.
We are trying to give the people in Kanasa City, and other Metro areas a different style of cooking. Hopefully, once they try our cooking, they will want to come back. We know our style of cooking may not be for everyone, however, I believe we can satisfy most everyone if they give us the chance.
Again thanks to everyone who has commeted.
I would like to THANK EVERY ONE who has "BLOGGED" about our restaurant. It really means A LOT to us. THANK YOU AGAIN!
From the staff at COOK SHACK CAFE
My wife and I just ate at The Cook Shack Cafe for the fourth time in their opening week. That's probably a better testament to their friendliness, good menu and prices, and fine, home-cooked food than any amount of praise or other description. The Cook Shack Cafe is an excellent addition to this south Kansas City area sorely lacking in homestyle food that doesn't come out of a central commissary somewhere.
This place is one of the best I will eat here
every time i can. Good job to everyone that works there.
good luck
Steve.A
I noticed the name of this joint had changed just yesterday, (nearly wrecked my car trying to read it). I HEART the name of this place, and the fact that it is family run and that the guy used to cook in a firehouse . . .at lunch time yesterday the parking lot was packed. Time to eat.
Way to go, Bill and Brenda! I'm really excited
for you! Lynn told me you have some great plans in the works. Best of Luck!! Dee
I have eaten Bill's cooking many times! I know once you try the Cook Shack Cafe it will be your regular place to eat!
I've eaten here several times since they've opened. I love the family style atmosphere and the friendly servers. I've had the chicken fried steak and a cheeseburger. Yummy!!! My grandson loves the breakfasts here. You have to try the pancakes, they're wonderful. The servings are good sized and the prices are reasonable. This is one place that I will eat at often. If you try it you won't be disappointed.
I've eaten here several times since they've opened. I love the family style atmosphere and the friendly servers. I've had the chicken fried steak and a cheeseburger. Yummy!!! My grandson loves the breakfasts here. You have to try the pancakes, they're wonderful. The servings are good sized and the prices are reasonable. This is one place that I will eat at often. If you try it you won't be disappointed.
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