There's so much time, so little to do. Strike that, reverse it. -- Willy Wonka
I've had some incredible meals and experiences in the past year here at Fat City. But I've also realized there is still a lot left to taste and see in Kansas City. As a result, I've put together a personal bucket list of five food experiences that I'd like to tackle before I leave the city of fountains.
Until two months ago, first on that list would have been smoking a whole pig.
5. Designing my own blend with the Roasterie. I'm not talking about the company's MyBlend service, which allows you to craft a custom blend online. I'm talking about sitting down in its roasting plant to cup and find the perfect blend for my house. The Bender Blend has a nice ring to it.
4. Louisburg Cider Mill Tour. I've come to the conclusion that I would do just about anything for apple-cider doughnuts. It's just a bonus that the cider mill tour lets you see how apples are pressed into cider.
3. Launch a Jewish Deli campaign. As Charles Ferruzza recently lamented, there are no great Jewish delicatessens in Kansas City. If we can spend this much energy on light rail, I don't see why we can't get behind a campaign to bring a truly great reuben to the city. I also wouldn't mind a gut-busting corned beef or pastrami sandwich every once in a while.
2. Blue Stem's 10-course tasting menu. This would be my Man vs. Food moment without the horrible part where I have to put my fork down in defeat. I've always wanted to eat like chef Mario Batali -- this would be a golden opportunity.
1. Compete in the American Royal. If I win? Eternal, smoked glory. If I lose? I've spent a weekend over the smoker with beer in the cooler and a story that I can trot out at Christmas, ad nauseam.
What's on your culinary bucket list here in KC?
[Image via Flickr: Rick McCharles]
Showing 1-4 of 4
I found Blue Stem to be a complete disappointment. I had previously dined at Tru (the Chicago restaurant where Blue stem's chef had trained) and it was magnificent. Maybe it was an off night but at those prices there can be no "off nights".
ANYTHING from my favorite restaurant that is gone but never forgotten - Pangea. If I ever win Powerball I'm hiring Wendy Rudderforth as my personal chef!
Great dishes that have kicked the bucket:
Double cheese burgers at the original Streetcar Named Desire on Main; Easter Brunch at the Muehelbach (sp?) Hotel; Fried Chicken at Boots and Coats in Watts Mille; Fried Chicken at Grannies downtown; Sandwiches at Soakies downtown; Creamy baked chicken and apple dumplings at the old Stevenson's. And so forth. Compensations: Ruben Sandwiches at Kemper Gallery and Da Bronx; Napoleons at Andre's, Murray's Ice Cream; Grinders at Mario's, and of course, sandwiches at Arthur Bryant's.
My greater self would want a dinner featuring courses from all my favorite former PB&J restaurants. The smoked crab dip from Coyote to start. The Mama Mia from Paulo and Bills for my entree. The phyllo brownie from Paradise Gill for dessert.
My lesser self would open an In A Tub on the Plaza so the rest of KC could appreciate the Northland's culinary treasure.
like
dislike
