Denis Culinary Tours

I want you to know I resist the idea of this article I’m writing.  It’s about stereotyping and generalizations.  And simplifications and categorizing and labeling.  And generations. Nonetheless, here goes: another article pitting Millennials versus Boomers.  Even if you’re not in one of those categories, I think you should read on – because restaurant life as we know it going to more and more reflect younger people’s tastes. Backing up and yet justifying my reluctance, The Center for Generational Kinetics says: “Generations exhibit similar characteristics – such as communication, shopping, and motivation preferences – because they experienced similar trends at approximately the same life stage and through similar channels (e.g., online, TV, mobile, etc.). Generation-shaping trends are most influential as people come of age, which means that members of a particular generation will develop and share similar values, beliefs, and expectations. It is important to rem...

More Bistro-ish.  Less Old-ish. It’s about the new atmosphere at André's Confiserie Suisse after their renovation. They wanted to “change everything without changing anything.” The Bolliers had already done a renovation back in 2014 of the front retail space and this summer they went to work on the back. The goal was to have an updated look but still retain the old world warmth of the former chalet. I think they definitely succeeded – new light wood floors, higher ceiling, no visual or closed off obstacles disguised as tall-backed booths and serving areas.  I checked out the place one late morning and it was clear it is a more inviting space – still seems friendly and you can hear someone else talk to you. Their Main Street Tearoom is really from the middle back, but you can sit up front, too. They’re open from 7 a.m. with lunch beginning four hours later. There are always two delicious choices which change daily plus their famous quiches. I buy their whole quic...

If you won’t believe me, believe Business Insider , a New-York-based international website which recently selected Chef Philip Quillec’s family restaurant, Café Provence , as one of the 100 best U.S. restaurants for the second time.  This award comes after several others, including Open Table’s annual assessment by its diners.  Although Philip attributes the success to everyone there, it’s clear he has made a difference since he became executive chef in 2008, returning after stints in France, Argentina, and Brazil.  Café Provence has always been a bit of an anomaly, nesting there in the Prairie Village Shopping Center – a truly French restaurant which has always embraced fresh ingredients including fish flown in daily.  And Chef Quillec’s journey has been anything but standard.  He started out in the kitchen of course, at the tender age of 13.  He didn’t especially want to be a chef, seeing all the hard work and long hours his father, Patrick, and u...

DESIGNED TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN BOTH OUR FONDUE AND WINE During September and October, we invite our guests to celebrate the extraordinary women who are making their mark on the industry today. Whether they work in the vineyard or in the boardroom, each is a winemaking pioneer in her own right. With premium ingredients and unforgettable flavor, our Uncorked 2017 dining experience is designed to bring out the best in both fondue and the variety of featured wine. Each wine selection originates with a notable woman winemaker. Cheese Fondue | Monterey Alpine Gruyére, Raclette and Fontina cheeses blended with Barrymore Rosé, fresh spinach, Gorgonzola crumbles and shallots, topped with honey-roasted almonds  Barrymore Rosé SALAD | CALIFORNIA SALAD Mixed greens, tomatoes, candied pecans and Gorgonzola cheese with raspberry walnut vinaigrette  Joel Gott Pinot Noir ENTRÉE | PACIFIC COAST Filet Mignon, Pacific White Shrimp, Herb-Crus...

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...