The Kansas Sampler Foundation is an organization that encourages tourism and promotes growth in rural areas of Kansas. Now searching for the "8 Wonders" of Kansas Cuisine, the foundation wants your nomination for the most iconic/best/friendliest restaurants or foods in the wheat state by March 31. (There have been similar contests for Kansas art, architecture and commerce.)
The contest is open to restaurants anywhere in the state. The only requirements are that they have been open at least 10 years, that they're unique or have some claim to fame, and are available to the public. Also, if it's a food item, it must be made in Kansas.
Kansas Sampler is vague on the "fame" part, saying notoriety can come from the place's "food, the history of the restaurant or building, or the
owner or waitress."
So a restaurant like Cafe on the Route, which we mentioned yesterday, could be considered on both the food aspect and because its building was, according to legend, robbed by Jesse James. Free State Brewery in Lawrence could be considered because it's housed in what was once a former trolley station. Stroud's
could easily get your nod because, although it's new to the Kansas side, it's been operating since
1933. So far, Oklahoma Joe's is the only restaurant to be nominated from the area.
Kansas
Sampler says it receives multiple recommendations for barbecue,
chicken and burger joints; what makes a difference is a well-researched and
heartfelt nomination. Oklahoma Joe's is a great choice but we need more. Click here
to use the online nomination form.
In April, the organization will
announce 24 finalists. Voting for the top eight will run until June. Come June, I fully expect to be voting for a lot of local restaurants.
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