ISO dinning & fun in KC

Tatsu's also has very reasonable prices and a great wine list.

Also, Lidia's in the Freighthouse District, next to Jack's Stack owned by award winning chef Lidia Bastianich who won James Beard Foundation, Best Chef NY City about ten years ago.

Michael won the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef Midwest with his ex-wife Debbie Gold. That was about 2002. I would not characterize his food as simple or classic, nor would he. It is more contemporary American and his is one of the finest restaurants in our city. Originally Posted by bigbirddog

I had lunch with Michael Smith at Extra Virgin about two months ago. He described his food specifically as simple and classic. To be fair, we were discussing Ferran Adria at the time, so maybe he was comparing himself to one of the most cutting edge chefs on the planet. However, his own Web site describes his food as "fresh, simple, unfussy American fare."

One of my favorite dishes at Extra Virgin is the Spanish anchovies. It is simply white anchovy fillets drizzed with an exceptional, sweet olive oil and garnished with roasted grape tomatoes and parsley.

His 2002 James Beard award was for best graphic design. It was 1999 when he won the best chef in the Midwest.

Finally, we shouldn't forget KC's own "The Next Iron Chef" contestant and James Beard Best Chef Midwest winner, Cellina Tio, chef/owner of Julian in Brookside. Cellina is trying a comfort food with a gourmet element in this local spot. Originally Posted by bigbirddog

Celina Tio was also on the last season of "Top Chef Masters". Interestingly, she followed Michael Smith as head chef at The American Restaurant here in Kansas City

Love sweetbreads! (as long as you don't stop to think what they really are) Originally Posted by Smoking Monkey

I love sweatbreads as well. I just had a great plate at Ralph's Ristorante in Philadelphia last week.

It sounds like for the next Restaurant Week here in Kansas City we should arrange an ECCIE night out.

Thank you guys so much for the wonderful suggestions. It is way more beautiful here than I imagined. Thank you again for having us ( Maria and I ) in your city. I think I shall try Lidia's in the Freighthouse District,first for lunch today.

Hey I wonder if I can get a discount if I tell them they came highly recommended on Eccie

Hey Kitten... Lidia's is an excellent Italian choice. Have a great lunch. Sorry I am missing you two this week!

I may just have to pop over the pasta bar myself today......

Another James Beard winner cooking up a great dinner at Bluestem -- one of my favorites.

Hey Kitten... Lidia's is an excellent Italian choice. Have a great lunch. Sorry I am missing you two this week! Originally Posted by Wizard of Ahhhhs

Wizard you must be punished for your disobedience. Wizard go straight to Miss Kittens room for discipline. You know I came all this way just to take mustache rides