Denis Culinary Tours

I’m So Excited NOW There’s a very cool event coming up on September 29 th and if you’re a foodie and /or you like jazz, you should get your ticket NOW.  It’s the inaugural SupperClub 2017 , sponsored by Les Dames d’Escoffier, the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, and the American Restaurant.  I know you are familiar with at least one of the three – the now premier event space in Kansas City.   The other two are philanthropic organizations, one women professionals in the culinary professions and the other jazz supporters, who are combining to provide scholarships in those respective vocations.  Anyway, what’s even more cool to attendees are the others who are contributing their skills – I just have to list them:  chefs Debbie Gold ( The American ), Celina Tio ( the Belfry ), Renee Kelly ( Harvest ), Theresia Oto (The Monarch Club ), Katee McLean ( Krokstrom Klubb ), Remy Ayesh ( Café Sebastienne ),  Alison Reed ( JCCC ) ; mixologists Julie Ohno from t...

Today I’m writing about something I’ve not attended so I’m basing this on (very reliable) hearsay and the past success of this on-going event.  I’m talking about the Gaslight Grill in Leawood -- you know, that’s the place where they have live jazz music five nights a week and a great happy hour Sunday through Friday, a cool bar and a lovely patio. Specifically, what I’m talking about is their monthly special, where Chef Michael Hall does, really, whatever strikes his creative fancy and what’s fresh and delish.  He’s fixed wild boar and wagyu ribeye and Dover sole (VERY unusual here) and does all kinds of unique interpretations – and this special dish is offered along with their 28 or so entrées. For August, it’s a fresh sockeye salmon which began last week and will continue as long as the fish are jumping and immediately flown to the restaurant.  And next month, as Fall is soon upon us (gasp), Chef Hall has committed to individually sized beef Wellingtons. I love...

Maggiano’s Little Italy® will open its first Kansas location today, paying homage to Overland Park’s rich Italian-American history. Maggiano’s prides itself on its made-from-scratch dishes, based on recipes that have been passed down through generations of Italian families and are now being shared outside of Nonna’s kitchen. At the helm of Maggiano’s newest location are Executive Chef Randal Wheeler and Managing Partner Sergio Tibavisky.  “We are excited to add to Overland Park’s already burgeoning Italian community with our own version of Italian-American comfort food – served with passionate hospitality in a space that we call home,” said Tibavisky. “As we open our doors to the community, our hope is that Maggiano’s becomes a place for Kansas Citians to celebrate special milestones or nights out with family and friends.” Guests are seen as an extension of the Maggiano’s family, treated to home-cooked Italian classics. Each dish is made with high-quality seasonal ingredi...

That title above is a tagline and it’s pretty darn perfect.  About a month ago, I went to a rosé tasting at Tannin’s Wine Bar and Kitchen on 15 th and Walnut and tasted about five, seven, ten, who knows? different varietals of my favorite summer drink.  Yes, of course, small sips only.  Then, this week, I went there for one of the Restaurant Guide’s Dine-Arounds which introduces hotel professionals to various restaurants in town.  Tannin’s has been around since 2011 and the wine choices, and their knowledge about those wines, has always been excellent.   What I was reminded of, both times, is how good their food can be, too.  Their appetizers are varied and fresh.  We had three different small plates that second night – a bruschetta with grilled bread, heirloom tomatoes on garlic basil spread, an ahi tuna dish with avocado and red cabbage spicy slaw, and a pork tenderloin on brown rice with buttered beans, tender-crisp carrot and cucumb...

The Restaurant Guide of Kansas City is a locally owned company that has been tantalizing Kansas City’s taste buds for the past 19 years. Not only do we offer up-to-date information on area restaurants in a print version, online and via social media, but we also offer Restaurant Guide Gift Certificates . These certificates can be used at over 50 restaurant locations including favorites such as Jack Stack Barbecue , Hereford House , Webster House , and Margarita’s as well as Waldo Pizza , BD’s Mongolian Grill , The Melting Pot and the newly opened A1 Sushi and Hibachi in Overland Park. Recipients love them because of the wide variety of cuisine and prices as well as the diverse areas of town from which to choose. These $25 certificates can be used as holiday gifts for employees or customers, for incentives, rewards, anniversaries, new employees or just to plain say “Thank You” to someone.  The certificates never expire and do not lose value over time.  O...

A Surprising Experience  The other day, right around my favorite time (yes, that would be happy hour time), I wandered into Fogo de Chao on the Plaza. I wasn’t looking for the full Brazilian churrasco experience but I did want a little something . . . and a drink. So it was a double-nice surprise when some complimentary appetizers came with my drink. Beers and bites are available for $4 and their Brazilian inspired cocktails are $8 – so of course, I was forced to order a caipirinha (cachaça, which is sorta like white rum, limes, cane sugar).  In talking with the bartender, I found out that during lunch, you can get their Market Table and Fiojoada Bar for just $15 – about the same price as any nice lunch on the Plaza. It’s $27 at dinner time and both include a huge selection of come-back-as-much-as-you-want “sides” – some of which seemed like main course alternatives to me. There are the soups, salads, charcuterie with all kinds of meats and cheeses, smoked salmon –...

This week I attended a fabulous dinner at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and it has occurred to me that I’m not doing this kind of thing often enough. This was called “The Longest Day to Drink Rose” and six different rosés were featured. Honestly, each one was better than the last, or next, and all the food, prepared by six chefs with each in charge of one, was better than the last or next. Or something. It was a fun evening – great food, drink, and I met some very cool people, too.  Most of our better restaurants do an occasional wine or beer dinner or just what’s billed as a special evening. Usually, it’s financially a good deal because everyone cooking, pouring, or serving is hyped to do their very, very best.  Here are five things to know:  Prior:  1. When you make your reservation, be sure to confirm date, time, and whether it’s individual tables or group seating. If it’s group, and you want to be seated with your friends, be sure to tell them. ...