Boulevard Brewing Company celebrates 21st Anniversary

Boulevard Brewing Company celebrates 21st Anniversary


If you have had a Boulevard beer in the past 21 years, stop by your favorite drinking establishment on November 17th at 10pm, and raise a glass of Boulevard to toast their 21st Anniversary.

On November 17, 1989, the first keg of Boulevard beer was sold to Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen just a few blocks from the brewery. Since then boulevard has added numerous beers to their line and is shipped nationwide.

Boulevard beers are currently available throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas, with partial distribution in Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The 21st Anniversary Fresh Hop Pale Ale is similar to the brewery’s signature pale ale, but kicked up a notch to celebrate its coming of age.

Boulevard is passionate about beer and has many unique opportunities for those who are passionate as well.

In addition to making exceptional beers, Boulevard offers public and private brewery tours, event space rental, beer-pairing dinners and a BrewMasters Luncheon, which is a collaboration between the brewery and a local restaurant.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend both a private brewery tour and a Brewmasters Luncheon.

The tours really give an in depth look at the beer making process as well as lots of fun facts on how some of the beers got their names and of course tasting, tasting, tasting! Did I mention tasting, because you will not go away thirsty!

The Brewmasters Luncheon is held in the beautiful event space on the third floor. The view from this space is one of the best in the city.

The Luncheon I attended featured Webster House and had wonderful dishes prepared by their chef Charles d’Ablaing.

The first pairing was Amber Ale and a Chilean Sea Bass. The second was a seared duck breast and the Long Strange Triple and the last was a Bully Porter paired with an elk tenderloin.

If you have not had the chance to go to a Brewmasters Luncheon, put it on your list. It is a really neat to experience meet Boulevards Brewmaster Steven Pauwels and learn about all the different beers as he explains them in relations to dish, and then of course tasting the way the flavors work together is the added bonus!

Happy Anniversary Boulevard!

For more information on brewery tours, Brewmasters Luncheons and other opportunities Boulevard offers visit the Boulevard website.

And as always if you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

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Beer Kitchen

Beer Kitchen


I was most disappointed when I heard that One80 Lounge in Westport had closed, it was one of my favorite places in KC. I loved the sleek and urban vibe and the sophisticated menu offerings were amazing!

What once housed the sleek and sophisticate One80 Lounge is now called Beer Kitchen.

Owned by the same group as McCoy’s, The Foundry and the late One80. I was sure it was worth trying and added Beer Kitchen to my list. I could not have been happier when my friend Shannon from FrothyGirlz, (which is an awesome site about pop culture and movie reviews) called me to go to go lunch there. She knows the owner James and we had the chance to visit with him.

So the big question for James, why the switch? He said that his partner and him have a such passion for beer and really wanted to focus on bringing in unique beers and while serving up gourmet bar food.

I am here it to tell you , even though I am sad to lose One80, Beer Kitchen did not disappoint! The food is phenomenal and the menu is just as impressive, but in a very different way.

With a variety of burgers ranging from the Barvo burger which has crispy prosciutto, the Braut burger, a house-made bratwurst patty with beer-braised kraut and of course a classic with lettuce, tomato and pickles makes the menu approachable.

The comfort food offerings include oven-fried chicken, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a create your mac and cheese with mix-ins like prosciutto, caramelized onions, maytag blue cheese and more. I also cannot forget to mention there is breakfast available anytime.

For my lunch I chose the “build your own lunch box” which includes a choice of sandwich or flatbread and then add a salad, soup, or a bucket of fries or chips.

The sandwich I chose was the short rib sandwich. It had smoked Gouda, caramelized onion, oven-dried tomato, arugula and horseradish aioli all grilled up on sourdough bread. This sandwich is unbelievable. The flavors are so good and I love the texture of grilled sourdough bread. The salad I chose was the baby arugula salad it had beets, walnuts, shaved fennel, sun-dried cranberries and was topped with a goat cheese croquette. I am a sucker for a salad like that. I love the combination of the salty goat cheese and the sweet cranberries together. Shannon opted for the grilled four cheese sandwich and the butter lettuce salad. We also shared an order of the truffle fries. Everything was exceptional!

Beer Kitchen’s burgers and sandwiches are made from a custom blend of brisket, short rib and chuck tenderloin from the locally owned McGoingles Market. The breads and buns are freshly baked and from the locally owned Farm to Market Bread Company. Beer kitchen also house makes their bread and butter pickles and three kinds of ketchup. I loved the chipotle it was the perfect blend of spicy and sweet.

With a name like Beer Kitchen, I am sure you are wondering about the beer. Beer Kitchen offers a variety of beers and beer cocktails. All though I did not partake at this particular luncheon, the summer beer, which is a scrimshaw pilsner with citrus vodka and rosemary infused lemonade, would be right up my alley. They also offer a variety of martini’s, specialty cocktails, and wine. The beer menu changes constantly so there is always something new to try. You can check the website for a complete listing of beers for that day.

After this meal, I have decided I will miss One80 that much! I was so impressed I checked back with James to see if we could come in and “show” you what you are missing, by shooting some video. He was very gracious and took the time to talk a bit about Beer Kitchen and let me sample a few dishes. Check out this link to get to see what you are missing. Warning…it will make you hungry!

I am really looking forward to visiting Beer Kitchen again. I hope you do the same! I promise you will not be sorry.

For more information visit the Beer Kitchen Website.

Beer Kitchen
435 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO
(816) 389-4180

And as always, if you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Beer Kitchen Number 1

Beer Kitchen on Urbanspoon

 

 

Thanksgiving offerings around the Metro

Don’t feel like tackling that turkey this Thanksgiving? Here is a list of places offering some traditional and not so traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Some places are only taking a limited number of reservations so call early to secure your spot.

Gaslight Grill

5020 West 137th Street
Leawood, KS 66224
(913) 897-3540
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
12pm thru 7 pm
$31.95 for adults
$16.95 for children ages 6 years to 12 years.
FREE children under 6 years old
Lynn Zimmer and the Jazz Band will play in the Back Room from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Starker’s Restaurant
201 W. 47th St.
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 753-3565
Starkers will be offering a three course brunch from 11am 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. A traditional and alternative menu will be offered. Cost is $33 per person.

Julian

6227 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816)214-8454
11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Butternut Squash Soup
Traditional Turkey Dinner – brined and roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, cranberries, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and gravy
Pumpkin cheesecake
Three courses for $30 per person

Buca di Beppo

310 West 47th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816)931-6548
11am to 8pm
Traditional Thanksgiving feast of turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and vegetables. The regular menu will be available as well.

Country Keepsakes Tea Room
501 Main
Belton, MO 64012
(816)-348-7888
The Tea Room Buffet will feature:
Oven Roasted TurkeyRoast Beef Brisket–
Crab Cakes
Herb StuffingCheesy PotatoesMashed Potatoes
Sweet PotatoesGreen Bean CasseroleBroccoli Rice CasseroleHomemade Rollsvariety of saladsa plentiful dessert buffet
Beer and Wine menu available
Seating times are: 11:00, 12:15, 1:30, and 2:45
Seating times are in one hour and fifteen minutes increments in order to accommodate all guests. Cost is $25.99 per person.

Benton’s Prime Steakhouse

Atop The Westin Crown Center Hotel
One East Pershing Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
(816)391-4460
Located on the 20th Floor of the Westin Crown Center Hotel, Benton’s will feature over 100 food items as well as turkey, steak, salmon and traditional Thanksgiving fare. Price: $49pp, age 5-10 $15, age 5 and under are free 10:30am-3pm.

Figlio Italian Restaurant
209 W. 46th Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64112-1534
(816)561-0505
Thanksgiving Dinner buffet with all the trimmings from 10am. $26.95 per person, $9.95 for children

Shield`s Manor Bistro

121 Main St
Platte City, MO 64079
(816) 858-5557
Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 7 p.m. The $32 meal includes turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry-pecan relish, green beans, buttered corn, house-baked bread and dessert.

Range Steakhouse
One Riverboat Drive
North Kansas City, MO 64116
(816)889-7159
Harrah’s Buffet will serve prime rib, turkey, stuffed salmon and traditional Thanksgiving fare from 11am -9:30pm. Price: $22.99 for adults and children.

The Oak Room
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816)303-2945
Five-course prix fixe meal in the Oak Room for $65/person. They will also have a Rooftop Level buffet, also $65. Children 6-12 are $30 and those 5 and under at free. The rooftop is perfect for Plaza Light watching!

Fran’s Restaurant and Bar

11 E. 14th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816)221-4551
Open 24 hours and serving a 3 course traditional Thanksgiving dinner from noon on.
The price is $18.95.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
700 W. 47th
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816)531-4800
Open from 12-9pm Thanksgiving Day.
Traditional Thanksgiving meal for $34.95.
Also offering the regular dinner menu.

Plaza III

4749 Pennsylvania
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816)753-0000
Open from 11am-9pm. Offering regular dinner menu as well as a plated Thanksgiving dinner. The plated dinner is all you can eat.

The Capital Grille

4740 Jefferson St
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 531-8345
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the regular menu, the restaurant will offer a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner with the bird, dressing and mashed potatoes for $29 per person.

Wil Jenny’s Tables and Tap
6700 W 135th St
Shawnee Mission, KS 66223
(913) 897-1114
Thanksgiving Buffet on the holiday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring fresh salads, peel-and-eat shrimp, herb-roasted turkey, smoked prime rib, beef brisket and pineapple brown sugar pit ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, green chile mac-and-cheese, corn pudding, dinner rolls and a variety of desserts. Adult prices are $21 per person and $12 for children ages 5-12 years old; children under age 5 are charged $4.

Avenues Bistro
Leawood
10681 Mission Rd
Leawood, KS 66206
(913) 381-5678
OR
Brookside
338 W 63rd St
Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 333-5700
The two locations of Avenues Bistro — Brookside and the newer venue in Leawood — will offer a $135 take-out dinner that serves eight to ten hungry people.

The selections include a choice of whole roasted turkey, sugar-cured ham or roasted prime rib. A choice of two potato options (mashed spuds with gravy, candied yams, potato casserole or brioche stuffing); choice of one salad (either spinach salad or roasted butternut squash salad); choice of one side dish (green bean casserole, balsamic glazed carrots, roasted butternut squash or corn souffle casserole) and a choice of two desserts from this list: pumpkin pie, pumpkin cream cheese roll, pecan pie, German apple spiced cake, chocolate gateau, or vinsanto cake. All of the dinners include cranberry sauce and dinner rolls with butter. Orders must be made no later than Tuesday, November 23 at 2 p.m.

Whether you choose to go out, order it to go or roast up your own feast. What You’re Missing KC! wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving.

If you have a great food find in KC, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Parisi Artisan Coffee

Parisi Artisan Coffee

A hand crafted masterpiece created just for you.

Parisi Artisan Coffee located on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City is an extension of the locally owned Paris Brothers, Inc, which is a specialty foods distributor in KC. Coffee in essence is a specialty food and one of the largest items Parisi distributes so it only seemed fitting for them to add this division.

My first experience with Parisi came a few years ago when they were at my local Costco handing out samples. I thought it was quite good and I have been buying it ever since. Now that I am all about spreading the word on great local food finds I think you are missing, it only seemed fitting to add them to this blog.

I had the incredible pleasure of attending a “cupping” at Parisi Coffee. With their master artisan roaster John Welsh and director of marketing, Scott Presnell. Now, if you are like my husband and thinking that sounds a bit kinky. I need to explain that a cupping is like a wine tasting but with coffee.

Though not kinky, the cupping is quite intoxicating. The aroma and flavors along with the French press brewing method makes it a delightful experience. John explained that since no two coffee beans are the same, each one has a different roasting method. I found there were many correlations between roasting coffee and cooking methods. Just as you start a piece of meat into a hot pan to form a crust and then lower the temperature to finish cooking or slow roast a turkey for hours, different types of beans are roasted in a similar manner.

Parisi crafts coffees that deliver an exquisite taste experience. The artisan roasting techniques, along with the type of bean gives each coffee a unique and different flavor. Though hard to tell when just sipping a single cup by itself, tasting them side by side really brought out the different flavors of each coffee. I was amazed at how different each one was.

The first tasting was from Kenya and was a great cup of coffee. I did not realize how strong it was until I tasted the next offering which was from Ethiopia, it was much more mild. Next was Costa Rica, it had a much sweeter taste, then the Sumatra, which was very smooth. It was truly unique to experience all the levels of flavor. Parisi also offers an extensive line of chemical-free decaffeinated coffees using the Royal Select water process.


Parisi coffees come from regions all over the globe including Peru, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia and more. What I like most about Parisi is that their coffees are handcrafted from seed to cup. Some beans are certified Fair Trade, some are organic, and some are certified through Parisi’s own artisan standard Eco World Family Farm. Parisi takes pride in visiting the farms and having relationships with the area farmers and growers.

Parisi Coffee hand selects every raw coffee bean based upon quality and has them shipped directly to Kansas City. Then, they individually roast them in very small batches under the watchful eye of their master roaster. Each batch is then quality “cupped” or sampled.

You would think with all this personal attention that it would be priced out of reach, but it is not. Buying local coffee is not only worth the price because your purchase supports area companies and jobs, but in some cases, it is even more affordable than the national alternatives. Parisi’s 2-pound bag they sell at Costco is priced less per pound than even Dunkin Donuts coffee. Which by the way is not actually roasted by Dunkin Donuts, but by JM Smuckers, which also roasts Folgers coffee in the same plant.

Parisi believes that roasting coffee is truly an art form and is hoping to educate consumers in the near future by hosting coffee paring dinners. Just like fine wine and craft beer, Parisi Artisan Coffee is a handcrafted masterpiece.

Parisi coffee is served at some great area restaurants including: Eggstc, You Say Tomato, Pandolfi’s Deli and even Jasper’s. You can find Parisi at most stores throughout the metro and online. Visit Parisi’s website for more information.

If you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Join Bristol Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert’s for the Release of the  Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage Artist Series Collection

Join Bristol Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert’s for the Release of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage Artist Series Collection


Join Bristol Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert’s as they celebrate the release of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage wine, a collaboration between artisan wine-making and some of the world’s greatest artists.

The Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage wine is made from carefully blending the top lots of each vintage for power, elegance and structure.

For $25 (price includes tax and gratuity), guests will enjoy a sample of each of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage wines as well as $25 toward the purchase of dinner. The series includes the following wines:

• 2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage (Winemaker – Bob Bertheau)
• 2007 Canoe Ridge Merlot
• 2007 Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

A wine expert from Chateau Ste. Michelle will lead the tastings and educate guests on the core varietals and flavors to look for in each of the wines tasted. One lucky guest will receive a box set of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage wine collection.

Reservations are suggested, but not mandatory. They are only accepting a certain amount of guests for the event, so it is strongly recommended that you call the location you wish to attend ahead of time. Dates, locations and times are listed below.

Bristol Seafood Grill Leawood
Sunday, November 7, 2010
6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
5400 W 119TH ST
Leawood, KS
(913) 663-5777

Bristol Seafood Grill Downtown Kansas City

Monday, November 8, 2010
6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
51 East 14th Street
Kansas City, MO
(816) 448-6007

Or

Monday, November 8, 2010
6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
J. Gilbert’s Overland Park
8901 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS
(913) 642-8070

About Bristol Seafood Grill Leawood

Conveniently located in Town Center Plaza, the Bristol offers the area’s freshest premium seafood, an impressive selection of wines and handcrafted signature cocktails mixed by bar chefs who are well practiced in the art of mixology. The service is seamless and the inviting,upscale casual atmosphere truly sets it apart from other Leawood and Overland Park restaurants. Our vibrant happy hour features ultra-premium cocktails, appetizer and lobster specials, as well as signature handcrafted martinis.

About Bristol Seafood Grill Kansas City An icon in the city since 1980, you’ll find the second KC location just two blocks from the Sprint Center downtown. It offers the area’s freshest premium seafood, an impressive selection of wines and handcrafted signature cocktails mixed by bar chefs well practiced in the art of mixology. The service is seamless and the atmosphere offers a unique blend of the upscale and casual chic. Our vibrant happy hour features ultra-premium cocktails, appetizer and lobster specials, as well as signature handcrafted martinis.

About J. Gilbert’s Overland Park

J. Gilbert’s is a local restaurant that features the highest quality steaks from Certified Angus Beef ® Prime- the highest grade of beef available anywhere.

Enjoy!

If you have know of a great food find, restaurant or event in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm