by Sharm | Jun 16, 2014 | Articles
The Raphael, a Kansas City boutique hotel noted for its portfolio of romantic getaway and special interest packages, introduces summer travelers to the places and attractions that make for a distinct Kansas City getaway with two new value packages.
The Kansas City Zoo Penguin package showcases the Kansas City Zoo’s new Helzberg Penguin Plaza and the antics of Nikita, the zoo’s rock star polar bear, with admission and special amenities plus a bonus coupon valid through July for house-baked cookies and ice cold Shatto milk.
The War to End All Wars Century package presents the poignant lessons learned from World War I (1914 – 1918) with a century look-back experience in the National World War I Museum. All packages include choice of accommodations, complimentary self or valet parking, use of Fitness Center, high-speed Internet, newspaper and refreshments in the Lobby morning and afternoon. More packages are available by calling 816.756.3800, visiting the newly revamped raphaelkc.com.
by Sharm | Jun 10, 2014 | Kansas City, Travel & Resorts
The Raphael, a Kansas City boutique hotel noted for its portfolio of romantic getaway and special interest packages, introduces summer travelers to the places and attractions that make for a distinct Kansas City getaway with two new value packages: The Kansas City Zoo Penguin package showcases the Kansas City Zoo’s new Helzberg Penguin Plaza and the antics of Nikita, the zoo’s rock star polar bear, with admission and special amenities plus a bonus coupon valid through July for house-baked cookies and ice cold Shatto milk. The War to End All Wars Century package presents the poignant lessons learned from World War I (1914 – 1918) with a century look-back experience in the National World War I Museum. All packages include choice of accommodations, complimentary self or valet parking, use of Fitness Center, high-speed Internet, newspaper and refreshments in the Lobby morning and afternoon. More packages are available by calling 816.756.3800, visiting the newly revamped raphaelkc.com.
In addition, the Kansas City Plaza hotel offers special summer entertainment and dining options. The Strings on the Green outdoor summer concerts feature a variety of ensembles performing styles ranging from jazz, rhythm & blues, pop and rock music. The concerts are Fridays and Saturdays from 4–7 p.m., weather permitting. TripAdvisor reviewers regard the hotel’s Chaz on the Plaza as one of the city’s top restaurants. Local foodies know it for its distinct brand of regional American cuisine, wine list and weekly dining specials such as Happy Hour and Weekend Jazz Brunch and Sunday Prime Time dinner. It is also one of the premier Kansas City jazz clubs showcasing talents that continue to evolve the music idiom that grew up in Kansas City. More local attractions, live music and culinary event information is available at The Raphael entertainment blog.
About The Raphael Hotel: Readers of Travel+Leisure magazine voted The Raphael one of the 2014 500 World’s Best Hotels. Kansas City’s original boutique hotel is a member of National Trust Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Raphael and its signature restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza, are affiliated with the Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels selected by Marriott International for their distinctiveness. TripAdvisor reviewers rank The Raphael as Kansas City’s top hotel and Chaz on the Plaza one of Kansas City’s top upscale restaurants.
by Sharm | Jun 6, 2014 | Articles
This recipe is a family favorite and a recent contest by Driscoll’s Berries inspired me to share it with you. The drop biscuit method adds a nice crunch to the shortcake that compliments the sweet strawberries and whip cream. #Driscollsberry @strawshort
For the Shortcakes
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoon sugar (divided use)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2 large egg
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoon buttermilk (divided use)
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
2 quart strawberries, hulled
3 cups heavy (whipping) cream
2 tablespoons of sugar
Instructions
Turn on the oven to 400 degrees. Measure the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the baking powder and the salt into a food processor. Scatter the chilled butter evenly over dry ingredients.
Pulse the processor 10 to 12 times (1-second pulses) until the butter is in tiny bits.
Add the egg, buttermilk and vanilla. Pulse until the soft dough just comes together and is a drop biscuit consistency.
The dough will be very moist. Scoop dough with serving spoon until you have a small fist size amount and drop dough onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Dough should yield 12 -14 shortcakes.
Brush tops with the remaining 2 tablespoon of buttermilk, then sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
Bake for about 18 minutes, until the biscuits are lightly browned. Cool.
Thinly slice the strawberries and scoop into a medium bowl.
In separate chilled bowl, beat the cream with electric mixer and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar (using the whisk attachment if available) until the cream holds soft peaks. Just before serving split each biscuit as you would a bagel. Top the bottom layer with a generous dollop of whipped cream, spoon on a portion of the strawberries on bottom layer then set top in place. Garnish with additional whip cream and strawberries.
Strawberries may be mixed with a few tablespoons of sugar for a juicer consistency if desired.
