Chuck Eats KC - November 1, 2021
Back in the Saddle!
With this issue of the newsletter, I’m hoping that the newsletter will begin a regular publication schedule. What that schedule looks like depends on some other projects that are in the works, but look for it on the first and third Mondays of each month. This also means that new restaurant reviews will be published to the website. A new podcast is in development and other services are in the works (details below).
I am always open to suggestions and feedback on restaurants that should be reviewed or special features that could be published, like restaurant history. I am not interested in hearing anecdotes about how any restaurant made you sick, as sickness is hard to pin on one specific meal. Please take those concerns up with the restaurant. I am interested in hearing any other feedback about restaurants.
Given that we are still in the middle of the pandemic, my ability to dine at or procure meals from restaurants is in flux. You will see takeout/curbside meals plated and photographed at home. My regular food and restaurant photography will re-appear in 2022. It’s also important for all of us to cut restaurant workers, staff and owners some slack for dealing with the pandemic. Please get vaccinated, please wear masks, and take care of your health, so we can all return to eating out around Kansas City.
~ Chuck Munson
Kansas City-area restaurants you’ll never eat at again
I recently published the second installment of my series looking back at Kansas City area restaurants of yesteryear. More installments are on the way, but I’ve profiled several dozen historic restaurants in the two articles. I’m looking back at restaurants that we remember, pretty much anything that closed 5 years ago and older.
The series also has a form which allows readers to suggest historic restaurants and add a note for memories about the restaurant suggested. It’s been very fascinating to read which establishments stick with people and which ones are missed by many. In that latter category, quite a few people miss Stephenson’s Apple Orchard and Restaurant.
Photo of the Week
Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Kansas City: A Tasty Guide
Have you seen our comprehensive guide to vegetarian and vegan dining in the Kansas City area? Our guide debuted in January 2020 and it is being updated regularly. We list restaurants which primarily have vegetarian/vegan options. We also include a listing of food trucks and restaurants that have more than a few veg options on the menu.
Chuck Eats KC Podcast Coming in January 2022
This blog and newsletter will be joined by a podcast in January 2022! That’s right, expect restaurant reviews, food talk and interviews in the podcast. There are lots of amazing people around Kansas City doing fun things with food, so let’s talk to them!
New Restaurant Directory
We have a new directory of Kansas City restaurants!
Mini Review - Empanada Madness
Mini review published in this newsletter will eventually see longer versions on the website.
I first fell in love with empanadas while living in Washington, DC. There were several restaurants that sold them, but my favorite was a local chain, Julia’s Empanadas, which had an excellent spinach enchilada. Perfect for this vegetarian!
Several years ago, Dining Companion #1 and I discovered Empanada Madness on Southwest Boulevard. The restaurant was very cute, cozy and fun to visit during their busy lunches. The secret sauce is literally their sauces. The arepas and empanadas are delicious, but you gotta try all of the sauces on whatever you’ve ordered. The fried plantains are also outstanding.
906 Southwest Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 503-6931
https://www.empanadamadness.com/
Openings, Closings and Transitions
- Andy’s Frozen Custard recently opened new locations at 5821 W 135th St. in Overland Park, and 7858 Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Joe’s Pizza Buy the Slice, in Westport, closed yesterday. Owner, Joe Addington, announced his retirement today. The restaurant was opened for 24 years.
This newsletter is part of the Chuck Eats KC project which includes a website that is updated regularly.
