What can you say about the best barbeque joint in Kansas City when it retains the crown four years running? Nothing but that it's not at all a joint and it must be the best. Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecuetakes the Gold again. Three locations from South to the Freight House District serve up tender ribs, huge, meaty sandwiches, a stack of onion rings, and smoky beans in a sauce you can buy nationwide. The Silver is firmly ensconced in the meats and fries of Gates & Sons Bar-B-Q, where damsels still belt out the famous 'Hi, may I help you?' as one word the minute you step into one of its six locations. And legendary Arthur Bryant's BBQ hangs in there for the Bronze, with both its 17th and Brooklyn address and its Amerisar Casino location still winning raves from both local and foreign devotees.
Well, it's official. For the fifth straight year, there's a superbly great place to go, right off the Plaza. The Grand Street Café, operated by restaurant gurus PB&J, is the place to go and be seen according to our readers who crowned it Golden, any time you're working (or not). Hidden in an office building but still with an herb garden beside its attractive patio and the refurbished Brush Creek running behind it, new chef Mark Valiani has invigorated the menu with new interpretations of everything from the tuna tartar to the pork chop. The Silver goes to favorite Plaza III -- The Steakhouse, whose subdued, clubby atmosphere is perfect for deal making and who moved up from the Bronze award of last year. That honor goes to the Capital Grille, whose 'Stoli Doli's' and crab cakes lead the way to a great steak and all the appropriate accoutrements.
Wow! A substantial upward burst for the Gold goes to appropriately named The Catering Company. Last year making the list for the first time in the third place spot, business continues to grow for Lon Lane and his upscale organization. The Silver once again goes to Dean and Deluca, the southtown stalwart who are making their own bread again as well as creating complete meals that taste homemade and look much better. The Bronze prize goes to Absolute Catering, a division of the Haddad Restaurant Group where, for the last seven years, they've created and served upscale delectables to parties of up to 3000, ice carvings and all.
If there's one thing this place should know how to do, it's desserts. Once again, The Cheesecake Factory slathers on for the Gold according to our readers who must be in the lines outside the turreted location on 119th as well as their Plaza gathering place. With over 37 kinds of cheesecakes on a typical calorie-packed menu as well as 12 other choices, this is the place for dessert lovers. The Silver goes to McCormick and Schmick's for the first time, and while we don't know your favorite of the seven listed, we do know the 'chocolate bag' which is really a 6' dark chocolate box filled with berries and swishy whipped cream is ours. Mortons the Steakhouse yes, the steak place in Crown Center, surprisingly sashsays forward for the Bronze, probably for their three specialty hot desserts--one of four soufflés with a creamy sauvignon sauce, a Godiva chocolate cake or their upside-down apple pie, both served with vanilla ice cream. Be sure to save room.
There's more than barbeque and steak to Kansas City, not that our waistlines necessarily demonstrate our passion for these ethnic foods which seem to be swinging from western to eastern. The Gold clangs this year for the first time for Thai Place, now four locations strong, which, whether you like spicy or mild, can suit your taste. Try the beef salad for a delicious oxymoron and their Westport location does have nice outside space. Next, for the Silver, comes relative newcomer Blue Koi, a quirky and inexpensive Westport favorite. Their pot roast with wet noodles tells you a 50's favorite can taste entirely new and deliciously different from another culture. PF Chang's China Bistro on the Plaza proclaims that Asian is truly a mainstay of Kansas City as the chain receives its Bronze award recognizing a solid menu, creatively prepared.
This category is interesting because we're not entirely sure if "family" means if you have to take your family somewhere, this is where you end up; if food is only served "family style;" or if you can take brother-in-law Ralph and not be embarrassed because the place is good natured and fringing on rowdy. Or maybe it just means great food, served by the heapful. That would be, once again, Gold winner Stroud's. We fully understand their selection for the best pan fried chicken and cottage potatoes and gravy and the cinnamon rolls even while we wonder at people who still buy their 'We Choke Our Own Chickens' tee-shirts. Applebee's, largest fast casual home-based chain with 24 locations around here, takes the Silver for its solidly prepared and varied food and friendly servers who smile even at the brats. The Bronze goes to Baja600, whose unique variety of dishes and hefty Mexican selections win with all ages.
Kansas Citians like eating at tables on busy sidewalks as well as on semi-secluded patios. That explains the Gold for The Classic Cup on the Plaza which has both and whose varied menu and excellent wine list is strengthened by the parade of visitors traipsing past their tables. Much more patio-like is Baja600, still in the same vicinity, who took over Japengo's fine terrace. The drinks are icy, the mood and the service are mellow, and so it has zipped to the Silver. Similar in mood is Joe D's for the Bronze in slightly more placid Brook-side where your neighbors are likely to be sitting next to you, enjoying a fine wine.
Distinguished from family hot-spots, these are places where you can take the office and arrange the seating so you're nowhere near your enemy. Winning this year for the first time in this category for the Gold is Hereford House, whose downtownish, Leawood, Independence and Lawrence personnel all greet crowds with great cheer and smooth accommodations--and enough food to share. The Silver goes to La Bodega on Southwest Boulevard, whose multitudinous tapas provide both conviviality and good flavors for friends and foes alike. The Bronze award is expressed to the always-favorite Grand Street Cafe-- their cozy back room seats 12 or so who want to hear every com- ment and their large tables can accommodate many more for those who don't.
When you want guests to speak well of your town, and even to come back, there's a few special places to show off. For Kansas City atmosphere and great steaks, the Gold goes to long time favorite Plaza III. Even a meat loaf sandwich turns into memories at this renowned eatery. Scooping up the Silver in this category is Grand Street Café; if you're keeping score, this is its third mention so far. Its consistency is well appreciated. And surely not least, for legends and accolades, we take company to Arthur Bryant's BBQ--how could Calvin Trillin, who helped put us on the barbeque map, be wrong? Their Brooklyn location, older than most of us, continues to serve up barbeque the way it started.
Ahhh, here's a switcharoo. This year the Gold goes to 'newcomer' (only about three years old) McCormick and Schmick's, known for its well iced oysters who plumply smile at you and variety of fresh fish which are fixed every imaginable way. One nice thing here: if fish is not your dish, there's a plethora of non-scaly morsels, too. The Silver belongs this year to The Bristol Bar & Grill, whose long time sup- porters will pay no heed to the other nominees. The Bronze skips over to Pierpont's, the elegant establishment at Union Station, where old-style ambience augments the fresh sea and lake cuisine.
Last year, somehow the Plaza III lost its three-years running Gold crown, but it's back on top again for the best steakhouse in Kansas City. This coveted award pays tribute to expertly done and flavorful steaks fixed anyway you want them, but not well-done, surely. The sides like the buttery hash browns, the desserts, and even the Irish coffees (think winter here) must also play a role. The Silver goes to the 'grammatically-challenged' Ruth's Chris Steak House where beef expertise meets credit-card largess majestically. The Bronze is owned by the Hereford House this year, where the meat is as aged as its robust fans and where newcomers fall for its KC charms readily.
You've been to church, or not, you look pretty nice, and you're hungry. Where to go? Ingram's readers vote with both their feet and their ballots--it's the Bristol Bar and Grill for the Gold, a category they've won since at least since 1999. A huge array of wonderful dishes spread throughout the 119th Street restaurant, it's got to be God's way of saying, 'Eat-up.' Spooning up the Silver is Figlio's for the first time. Its kitchen in the dining room allows you to watch them make your fresh pastas, pizzas, Italian scrambled eggs and much more before your eyes--and at a reasonable price. The Bronze is awarded to Yahooz in Town Center for its beef tenderloin benedicts, ribs, and beef enchiladas as well as all the excess associated with this Sunday tradition for big eaters.
It may be impossible to knock JJ's off its Gold pedestal where it's certainly been perched for quite some time. Out of 2000 select bottles, you can always find something just a bit unusual. This is the place to go for either bottle or glass, according to the Wine Spectator and many others--including Ingram's astute oenophiles. They also selected Joe D's for the Silver which seems appropriate as this unpretentious and cozy restaurant began life as a wine bar long before such places were common. Moving away from initials, Morton's the Steakhouse won the Bronze because it 'has everything under the sun' from $30 to $3,000 and the perfect ambience in which to sip.
Restaurant Ahhhhhh, love. Whether a two week or twenty year romance, the best place to go for that extremely special night is still The American Restaurant. Voters bestowed upon it the Gold for its beautiful interior, impeccable service and delicious courses. Note: you can also go there if you're not in love. The Raphael Hotel Restaurant takes the Silver, its cozy booths and dim lighting make that special evening even more so. And the Plaza III The Steakhouse, another quixotic place, wins the Bronze for subdued elegance and trad- itional delicacies.
It's hip, it's happening, it's what-ever they say now to designate the place to be, especially if you're under 30 and it's past 10 p.m. The Kona Grill sweeps up the Gold award as this Plaza spot which also serves eclectic pan-Asian foods from lunch to too late. Webster's, in the old schoolhouse in the 'arts district' with quite a different clientele, succeeds for the Silver with its inventive dishes for the discerning palate. Hidden treasure there: the Library--a really comfy bar that looks like one should. The new Peachtree in the 18th and Vine area wins the Bronze and shows what can happen when the Peachtree Buffet, an icon of the east side, goes upscale.
You may applaud now. Ultimate kudos time: Out of Kansas City's thousands of restaurants, give or take a few, Ingram's readers awarded the Plaza III The Steakhouse its best, most Gold award. This Plaza mainstay moves up from last year's Silver. The always favorite American Restaurant claims this year's Silver. And for the Bronze, look no further than The Capital Grille, whose calamari gives new meaning to the term spicy and whose steaks are among the very best KC has to offer.
See 'Most Romantic.' Great service is the backbone of any restaurant that wants to be in restaurant heaven, where one's very name invokes respect--and fond memories. Once again, the careful selection of staff and on-going training confers upon The American Restaurant the coveted Gold. Rushing forward for the Silver is The Capital Grille, proving that perennial big crowds can be handled with aplomb if you know what you're doing. And into this category for the first time is Morton's the Steakhouse where a knowledgeable and personable staff takes care of your every gustatory need.
For the Gold--a familiar name by now, The Capital Grille. From the moment you step into this clubby ambiance, you know even you can belong. Whether you're splitting the blue-cheese iceberg wedge and fabulous fries and rings or going the full route with gargantuan steaks, life is good here. The Silver award is Grand Street Cafe's, the much award-decorated establishment is, simply, always great. The American Restaurant triumphs for the Bronze award--pick a thunderstormy night if you've not been there for a while and watch nature's fireworks up close as you devour flawless fare.
Kansas City is not all that big, and if you've not yet tried these award winners, shame on you. First, for the Gold, is Piropos, high on a hill in Parkville, whose view is as spectacular as its Argentinean fare. The Silver goes to Yia Yia's Euro Bistro on North 64th Street where a completely remodeled interior and fun patio offers a large variety of palate pleasers, including definitely scrumptious pizzas. Travel just a bit further to Weston to visit the Bronze prize winner and be surprised by the The Vineyards Fine Dining in Weston, a special place with special food, indeed. Don't forget the Missouri wine.
The winner of the Gold, for the second year (of course, we began this category last year) is the Bristol Bar & Grill, the Plaza transplant who has done superbly in its Town Center location. The freshest seafood, the hottest, flakiest biscuits, and a convivial bar all add up to the top award. The Silver belongs to 40 Sardines, last year's 'Best New Restaurant' winner, proving that recognition was no fluke and that quality survives. And don't forget Yahooz, another PB&J restaurant, for the Bronze. It's the only restaurant in Kansas and the fifth restaurant in Kansas City to receive the Dirona Award, 'Distinguished Restaurants of North America.' PB&J has also received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and owners were named 'Restaurateurs of the Year' by the greater Kansas City Restaurant Assn.
Yes, we mean it. There are excellent restaurants outside of the metro area. Drive the quick 30 miles to Lawrence, ignore all the lithe bodies, and first go to Pachamama's New World Cuisine and discover why it has won the coveted Gold . . . as well as Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for the last three years and Bon Appetit Magazine's Best of Neighborhood Restaurants in 2002. The Silver floats to Free State Brewing Company, which is so much more. Casual, harried, and fun, this place is still phenomenally popular to both regulars and newcomers. The Bronze is appropriately awarded to Teller's, a restaurant that began as a bank and whose vaults are still serving precious commodities.