Chuck Eats KC - March Preview Edition

I've been busy over the winter months visiting restaurants, photographing and trying food, and writing. Thought I'd share what is going to be published soon on Chuck Eats KC. There are a bunch of other reviews, features, and guides in the works, including a look at ethnic grocery stores, the KCK Taco Trail, and a guide to wedding venues. I also want to get over to local archives and dig up some more restaurant histories.

As always, please contact me for story ideas, restaurant news, or corrections.

Look for everything below at the website: Chuck Eats KC

Chuck Eats KC Dining Club

Would you like to join me and other foodies as we try new restaurants? I'm setting up a Chuck Eats KC dining club, which will meet up once a month to try restaurants that are new to us. I'm going to limit the number of spots to 5 or 6, with two alternates. You will need to become a Patreon sustainer at $10/month to secure a spot. More details soon on the website.

Upcoming Reviews

Flavor of Himalaya

I was pretty excited in 2024 when I heard about the opening of this restaurant. The Indian menu sounded promising and different. It was also a needed addition to Raytown's dining scene. It's become very popular among Raytowna Beachians. We tried it several weeks ago and were very impressed.

Tuk Tuk Thai

I've been exploring Johnson County's growing Thai food scene and one restaurant that has impressed me is Tuk Tuk Thai. The restaurant occupies a spot in a little strip mall on Hemlock Street and 135th, in southern Johnson County. (near I-69). The Pad Thai with tofu I had on my first visit was outstanding. I love the vibe of the restaurant, especially all of the windows.

Tortilla Ranch

Do you enjoy creating your own burrito or taco salad at Chipotle, but wish you could support a local restaurant offering those options? Tortilla Ranch is an excellent alternative to Chipotle, offering a similar build-your-own line, but with slow-cooked, fresh ingredients.

KC Craft Ramen

If a restaurant routinely has a line out the door, that's a good sign that a restaurant is not only excellent, but had also built a fan base. Maybe I shouldn't share that the restaurant has lines, as I might add to the problem. The good news is that the popular ramen is finishing up an expansion at their location on 119th Street. I've visited KC Craft Ramen numerous times, so look for my upcoming review on the website.

Upcoming Guides

A Tea Skeptic Explores Kansas City’s Tea House Scene

I've never liked tea. Especially American style iced tea. Have long shared this with friends. But I've been exploring tea more in recent years. I've tried and enjoyed hot green and black teas at Chinese restaurants.

Kansas City’s Best Black-Owned Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, and Coffee Shops

Black History Month 2025 may have ended a month ago, but we should be patronizing black-owned restaurants every day of the year. But I've decided to compile a guide of local restaurants, bakeries, pubs, coffee shops and more, owned by local African-Americans. This will help you explore and support more of these interesting and tasty spots.

Lawrence, Kansas Dining Guide

I lived in Lawrence, Kansas from 1983 through 1989, when I was a student at the University of Kansas. Since moving back to Kansas City in the early 00s, I've been to Lawrence less than a half dozen times. Join me as I rediscover Lawrence's food scene.

Upcoming Essays

What is Your Kansas City Comfort Food

If you moved away from Kansas City, which food would you miss? Which food would you have family or friends ship to you? If you visited Kansas City, what would be the comfort food you would seek out right away? It's barbecue right? Or a BBQ sauce?

My Favorite Food Essay: Fake Authenticity

My hunch is that if you ask any food writer what book, cookbook, or article influenced them into becoming a food writer, they could name a few examples. Otherwise, food writers do read other food writers, so we have our favorites. One of my favorite pieces is an essay on Italian restaurants written in an obscure zine back in the 1990s. What is the thread that ties together Olive Garden and Buca di Beppo restaurants?

Restaurant Practices and Trends That Annoy, plus a few things I’ve changed my mind about

What restaurant practices, trends, and actions annoy you? Noisy indoor rooms? Cashless payments? Menu ordering kiosks? I've asked some friends for their nominations and I've included some of my own.

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