Maddie Schoemann | Harbinger Online

Nica’s, like many of its neighbors in the Crossroads, marches to the beat of its own drum. The vibe, from the crazy cartoon of what we can only assume is Nica herself scrawled across the tinted windows to the warmly lit, artsy interior is fun and comfortable. The full tables on a Saturday night were a

testament to the quality of the food, but it wasn’t so busy that I couldn’t get seated right away. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable about the food, but we were ready to order a few minutes before she could get around to us.

When I was planning my visit to Nica’s I decided on a sandwich from their wide selection on the menu online. I was disappointed to find, once I’d gotten there, that sandwiches were only served at lunch. Nonetheless, the selection on the menu was great: they catered to every need or taste with vegan options or food for the gluten-free.

All of the choices sounded so good that I took forever to choose, but I ended up getting an appetizer slider trio with an Italian, Korean BBQ, and sweet Thai sandwich that were the perfect size. With its sweet tomato-ey flavor and tender meat, the Italian slider was my favorite, but the Korean pork was just as good, only a little too spicy for my taste. The sweet Thai chicken was good, but my dislike for onion and mushroom kept it from being something I would order again.

Maddie Schoemann | Harbinger Online

Now, if you have enough room left in your stomach and an extra $4 in your pocket, get a beignet. They’re definitely not cheap: a specialty beignet is between $3 and $4 for just one, but they’re more than worth it. Never having had (or heard of) a beignet, I chose a chocolate and raspberry one and was delighted to find that it’s basically deliciousness that has been deep fried and then covered in powdered sugar. If you just want a snack instead of a full meal, I would say just grab one of these for a fantastic and unusual treat.

Now, I understand that you may be wary of a place that serves so many different flavors of food under one roof. Don’t worry, I was, too. But I can assure you that Nica’s is not messing around. From their mastery of sweetly spicy Korean BBQ to authentic, down-home mac ‘n cheese, Nica’s multicultural cuisine delivers worlds of flavor in a fun atmosphere.

Stepping into the small café with my typical mid-western family, I felt like I was in a new, not entirely comfortable, arena. Scents of foreign spices piqued my curiosity and I felt like an outsider compared to the large, Arabic family who seemed entirely at home, chatting easily with the employees. Those qualms were immediately put to rest as the employees greeted us with genuine smiles and welcomes.

Marble Top Café is similar to Noodles and Company in that guests order at the counter and sit down to wait for their food to be delivered. Once again, I felt out of my element as I read menu items I had hardly heard of: falafel sandwiches, dolma, gyros. The server clearly noticed and was more than willing to explain what everything was. When my mom asked if it was pronounced “her-o” or “gy-ro,” he grinned and laughed good-naturedly, answering that there was no right way.

I ordered the falafel sandwich with fries and peach lemonade; everyone else in my family chose the gyro plate with rice and yogurt sauce. We barely noticed the five or 10 minute wait because there were so many things to observe, hear and smell. Paintings of lemon trees decorate the walls and warm colors add to the cozy atmosphere.

The first bite of the falafel sandwich filled my mouth with warm pita bread, zesty falafel, tomatoes and Tahini sauce. Falafel is fried chickpeas; Tahini sauce is made from sesame seed paste. I gobbled down the first half of my sandwich in between fries. However, once the pita bread cooled and I had eaten about half, the falafel all started to taste the same and lost some of its appeal. Once the thought entered my mind, I saw it as green mush.

Marble Top Café uses a combination of lamb and beef for their meat, which combines to form a lighter beef.  Personally, I get a little queasy thinking about eating lamb, but taste-wise, the gyros were similar to beef. For those that do not wish to eat lamb, Marble Top Café also offers chicken gyros. The simplicity of the gyros ­— meat, vegetables and yogurt sauce — allows the tastes of the different parts to shine and intermingle. As a side, the yellow rice was mediocre; its key strength being the golden raisins sprinkled throughout that add sweetness. Although the rice would be nothing special alone, it complements the flavors of the gyros.

I hardly ever order drinks, but the peach lemonade was something I would definitely order again. It is sweeter than regular lemonade and the peach flavor goes well with the curry-flavored dishes. Marble Top Café knows how to serve foods together from the gyros to the rice to the peach lemonade and baklava. The flavors were all different, yet complemented each other. The sweetness of the lemonade was a contrast to the rich spices of the meat. A flaky, nutty baklava brought my experience of a new and ethnically unique meal to a cozy close.

Three out of Four Stars

If you’re looking for a place to eat that has a good staff, is reasonably priced and most of all, delicious, then go to Sama Zama on Westport Road for lunch or dinner. They’re a new restaurant – so new in fact, that their website isn’t up yet, but don’t let this deter you. Go to Sama Zama, order an appetizer, an entree and a dessert. Don’t forget the tea. I didn’t even like tea before I tried theirs.

This Japanese restaurant first opened on Jan. 17, and you can tell that it’s new, in a good way. The interior is fresh and bright, with Japanese magazines spread across the single shelf that runs the length of a brick wall. The brick wall is the exterior of the building next to Sama Zama and is the second oldest building in Westport. It’s mostly bare, and gives Sama Zama an aged look which compliments the modern feel it has. Potted white orchids can be found in the corners of the small, one room restaurant with a bright orange wall separating the kitchen from the customers.

Sama zama means variety in English, and that one word describes the food there perfectly. Out of the six dishes I ordered, none of them tasted the same. The only dish I did not like was the onigiri, which is a ball of sticky rice with bits to pork in the center. It sounded delicious on the menu and looked amazing on the plate, but after tasting it I found out that I personally don’t like sticky rice. I much preferred the dumplings and the garlic green beans.

Ordering two appetizers, three entrees, one dessert and a pot of tea may seem like a lot, but between my mom and myself (yes, I go to dinner with my mother) we were easily able to clean each plate- except the onigiri. They’re small plates, and each one was roughly five dollars except for the shrimp teriyaki which was $10. Six dishes and one pot of tea roughly evens out to $40, not including the tip.

The service was very good, and our waiter was very well informed with what he was serving us. He also let us in on the Happy Hour, which got us two appetizers for $4 each since we were there before six o’clock. My only complaint was the constant pulsating music that was played in the background, but after a few minutes I could tune it out.

I can’t wait to go back to Sama Zama and order a new round of small plates. There are countless possibilities to choose from, and I could easily eat there 10 times without ordering the same thing twice. I’m really looking forward to eating real Ramen noodles and comparing them to the 25 cent packaged ones from the grocery store. If theirs are half as good as the shrimp teriyaki, then it will be an easy decision.

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Emma Robson | Harbinger Online

“This is my favorite piece” Christopher Elbow says, grabbing a shiny Macadamia Praline chocolate off of a tray and plopping into his mouth. Here’s where Willy Wonka would’ve called in his Oompa Loompas to sing a catchy song or do a weird little dance. But Elbow does no such thing. Dressed in a clean white chef shirt embellished with his company’s modern logo that was designed by his wife, you might think this Kansas City chocolatier simply lacks the flare of a wild chocolate genius.

Take one bite of one of his chocolates. Heck, take a lick. As soon as you do, you’ll realize you were wrong; the artistic, wild and undeniably delicious flare is in the chocolates themselves. Through hard work and a whole lot of chocolate, Elbow has mastered the art of producing and decorating artisan chocolates, creating his very own and very unique chocolate empire.

***

Christopher Elbow decided to give it one year. He’d attempt the chocolate business thing with all he had, and if he failed, well, he couldn’t say he hadn’t tried. He had the education from a Bachelors Degree in Restaurant and Business Management from the University of Nebraska and the experience from an assortment of prestigious jobs, including the head pastry chef at one of Emeril Lagasse’s Las Vegas restaurants. His confidence came from customer’s requests to buy his chocolates while he was making them as head pastry chef for The American Restaurant.

In it’s early days, Christopher Elbow Chocolates consisted of Christopher himself, his wife and a few friends working out of a 400 square foot space. They were struggling, and if they hadn’t had financial support from family to begin with, they would’ve had to call it quits. And many times, Elbow wanted to do just that.

“There were several times where my wife and I were talking like, ‘should we fold it in, and walk away?’” Elbow said.

It’s a good thing he persevered. Elbow’s big break came in October of 2004 when Christopher Elbow Chocolates won the Next Generation Chocolatier Competition. Press was their much needed prize. Elbow’s products have been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, and, most importantly, O, Oprah’s magazine.

“Once you find something you want to do, you stick with it and don’t give up. There’ll be road blocks and big challenges, but if you pack it in too early you never know what you could’ve found.” Christopher Elbow’s Advice to Success

Since then, both Elbow’s market and product line have expanded immensely. His products are now sold in over 15 states at 45 stores around the country. In 2009, Elbow opened a second store in San Francisco. This location was chosen because of the good climate for chocolate (not too hot), and because data showed a bulk of online orders from this part of the country. All of the chocolates are still made in the Kansas City factory, and, according to Elbow, that’s how it’s going to stay. Though he wants to continue to expand the company, it’s difficult to make high quality chocolates in bulk. And quality is something he will never sacrifice.

“I want it to be just as good as it was the first day.” Elbow said.

His product line has also expanded to include candy bars, drinking chocolate, chocolate ice cream and, recently, chocolate ale.

The staff of about twenty seems content to be involved in Elbow’s empire. As the company grows and relationships strengthen, brainstorming new types of chocolates and new designs becomes more and more of a group effort. The staff switches stations (from painting to packaging to mixing) every few days to ensure no one gets bored. Elbow’s staff seems quite a bit happier, and a good deal less creepy, than Wonka’s Oompa Loompas.

The Chocolates
A few new flavors are introduced each season, but the classic remain. Read the reviews of three popular pieces.

Caramel with Fleur de Sel
Caramel has never ever tasted as good as it does in this dark chocolate shell with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It slides out of the shiny shell onto your tongue in a sea of irresistible silkiness that leaves you wanting another…and then another. It’s no wonder this is the most popular piece.

Raspberry
This piece is what a chocolate berry would taste like if God had blessed us with a chocolate berry. There are two layers; the fresh raspberry pate de fruit (delicious, tart, jelly-like stuff) at the bottom, and a rich, raspberry-infused ganache at the top. One bite will have you saying “Hallelujah.”

Macadamia Praline
Elbow has created over 100 different chocolates in his time, so a piece must be darn good to be deemed his favorite. And this piece is darn good. It’s milk chocolate exterior and light, fluffy  macadamia flavored interior make it a delicious treat you’ll enjoy as much as the chocolatier himself.
 
The Life of a Chocolate

1. Create

Elbow and his team keep an ongoing list of chocolate combinations. If something doesn’t sound delicious in his head, he moves on. It can take up to three or four batches to get a flavor combination just right.

 
2. Decorate
A variety of methods are used, including splatter-painting (as seen on the Caramel with Fleur de Seul), airbrushing (as seen on the Red Wine Caramel) and silkscreening (as seen on the Mango Ginger). Decorating the molds first instead of directly onto the chocolates makes them super shiny. The goal is to make the outside of the chocolate resemble what’s on the inside.
 
3. Fill & Seal

Once the mold is cast, the chocolate is poured into it. It’s then left to set for two or three days, depending on the type of chocolate. After it’s done, another layer of chocolate is poured over the bottom to seal the layers together.

 
4. Shelve & Send
Since all of the products are made with no preservatives, they only have about a week shelf life. They’re kept in a 60 degree vault until someone comes and eats ‘em up. Fifty to sixty percent of business comes from walk-in customers, 25 percent from the website and the rest from retailers who carry the products.
 
Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, buy a box of chocolates for your loved one. At $38, they’re a bit pricey. But, trust me, they’re worth it; you can’t buy love, but you can buy Christopher Elbow Chocolates — which are basically the same thing. If you don’t want to spend as much, you can buy a chocolate bar for $7.

 
Christopher Elbow Chocolates can be purchased at these locations.

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Photos by Christian Wiles

Jake Crandall | Harbinger Online

Sanchez, whose mother was also a successful restaurateur, has starred in shows such as “Iron Chef America,” “Chefs vs. City” and “Chopped.” After opening two very successful Mexican restaurant in New York City, Sanchez has opened what will be another success at 5270 W. 116th Street in the Park Place shopping center in Leawood.

When I asked if I could meet and interview the celebrity chef, the waiter said that I was going to have to wait in line with thousands of other people after he finished filming his latest show. After hearing the waiter praise Sanchez like he was some kind of culinary god, I was expecting some fine dining.

I quickly realized that Mestizo is not a typical Mexican restaurant; the food isn’t the cheap Tex-Mex stuff made with “meat” that was squirted out of a hose. Instead, Mestizo offers fresh food that tastes as delicious as it looks.

The restaurant has a modern Hispanic design that has a blend of warm colors decorating its walls–it gave me a cozy feeling when I sat down. The restaurant’s wide windows give you a great view of the Park Place public skating rink. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to sit with all the choices of seating. Mestizo offers their customers seats either at a booth, table or upstairs in their second level that has a second bar along with several plasma TVs. Sitting indoors, it was nice to see Mestizo’s open kitchen where the chefs makes each dish from scratch.

Looking at the menu, it is impossible to find the typical burritos and enchiladas found at most other Mexican restaurants around KC. Instead, there are dishes ranging from steak tacos to sauteed shrimp to ceviche soups all created by Sanchez.

Jake Crandall | Harbinger Online

Mestizo prepares their chilaquiles by first marinat- ing the chicken breast with an agave chipotle glaze and leaving it in a refrigerator for a day to get the glaze’s sweet and spicy flavor to set into the chicken. They then bake the chicken breast onto a bed of corn tortillas before covering it in a thick cream made up of mango, lemon zest, lemon juice to add a hint of lemon to the dish. The chef then melts some Monterey jack cheese blended with Oaxaca cheese on top of the cas- serole before sprinkling some basil to top off a very delicious dish. Every bite I took out of the chilaquiles hit me with a bold blend of sweet and sour with a little kick of spicy.

When I saw the waiter walk by with an order of churros for another table, I knew what I was ordering for dessert. After taking one bite, it was easy to tell that the churros are made fresh from handrolled dough by the soft and chewy texture. They are served with ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce to dip the pastries in. The churros are a great way to finish off a lunch or dinner and will definitely satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

The only negative I found at Mestizo is the price of most of their platters. Their entrees range from $12 to $27. They might be more expensive than most other Mexican restaurants, but the quality of the dishes and the fact that it’s a professional chef makes up for it.

Mestizo offers the best cuisine from the eastern Mexican coast that have a unique touch that isn’t like any other Mexican in Kansas City. If you are looking for a delectable Mexican meal that they have never had before, then Mestizo is the perfect choice.

Jake Crandall | Harbinger Online

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This Italian recipe is so easy, the spray-tan-happy cast of Jersey Shore could make it. First, you mix 3/2 cups of heavy cream and the juice from one lemon in a pan over low heat, and then add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. While this is all melting and mixing, cook your pasta in a separate pot for about four minutes. Once the Fettuccine is done, drain the pasta and add it to the mixture. Finally, add a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s thick and thoroughly mixed. Eat and savor the flavor of your sauce that’s as fresh as Pauly D’s hairdo.

SNAP PEA SALAD
Salad is notoriously bland. For some reason, munching on leaves just isn’t appealing to most teenagers. But one can only consume so many cheeseburgers and greasy foods, so wash some lettuce and prepare a healthy salad. First, chop the lettuce into fine strips, keeping the knife blade parallel to the head of the lettuce. The thinner the strips, the crunchier the salad. Then slice up some some carrots and red peppers to add some extra flavor and crunch. Don’t forget to smother it in ranch dressing and throw in some snap peas.

FRENCH TOAST
First the Eiffel Tower, and now this toast; those French people are geniuses. Step one is simple; mix two eggs, a splash of milk and a few pinches of cinnamon sugar in a bowl. After this is ready, dip the bread into the bowl and let it absorb the mixture. Next, put the bread on the frying pan and let it cook for three to four minutes, or until golden brown, then flip it. Finally, you’re ready to feast. But before you do, drizzle some syrup and dump some powdered sugar on to maximize the sweetness. Bon appetit!

BACON SANDWICH
This bacon sandwich is delicious enough to turn even the most devoted vegetarian into a meat-crazed monster. What’s the secret to packing so much flavor into such a little sandwich? Bacon grease. By cooking the bacon first, you’re left with a pan full of delicious-smelling grease that’s perfect for cooking your egg in. Whether you prefer to fry your egg or scramble it, the grease will make it super savory. The last step is the bread. Spread some butter on it before setting it to sizzle in the grease. Allow it turn golden brown before putting together your sandwich.

MOZZARELLA STICKS
1. Fill the bottom of your pan with canola oil and put it on the stove

2.Wrap fresh mozzerella sticks in Asian wonton wrappers, making sure the wrappers cover all the cheese

3. Set the wrappers in the oil and fry until golden

APPLE NACHOS
1.Thinly slice two whole apples keeping the knife parellel to the core at all times so the slices are circular

2. Set the slices on a plate and drizzle on chocolate and caramel sauce

3. Top it off by sprinkling chocolate chips and pretzle bits on

S’MORES ON A STICK
1. Melt chocolate chips and crush graham crackers and place each in separate, shallow bowls

2. Dip the marshmallows in the chocolate, then roll them around in the graham cracker bits

3. Set them on a plate and stick a toothpick in for easy serving

And this is exactly why 77 South defied my expectations of a diner-style restaurant: it’s presented as the opposite, being an upscale ‘70s style lounge in the parking lot of the Church of the Resurrection in the Olathe suburbs. I know it seems like an impossibly cheesy combination — yet, somehow, everything pulls together creating a laid-back atmosphere with quick service and mouth-watering food.

You can expect to hear catchy music from the ‘70s contributing to the restaurant’s casual feel. Miniature disco balls embellish the walls and hanging fixtures, and the booths are in a semi-circle surrounding the bar with two flat screen televisions. Small brightly colored flowers adorn the hanging light fixtures. There is enough detail to recognize the theme, but the ‘70s era isn’t being shoved down your throat.

This restaurant is geared toward middle-aged adults, it has half price wine on Thursdays and it has disc jockey and live ‘70s music on Thursdays and Fridays. Although it is not targeting high school students, it is an inviting place to go to lunch on the weekend or for a classy dinner. The prices range from about $9 (for an appetizer) to $26 (for a steak dinner), but be sure to check their website because they have cheap and delicious specials like $1 crab rangoon Thursdays during happy hour. The menu provides a variety of foods from American to Chinese, making it a sure hit with whoever you bring along.

Burger lovers like myself, expect to pay $10 for a juicy half-a-pound of medium-well ground beef decked with the works. So, naturally, I was shocked when the receipt read $2, and it wasn’t a mistake (and trust me, I checked on that: Tuesdays cheeseburgers are only $2).  This was an inch-thick burger dripping with soy-sauce-esque seasonings that comes with cheese AND thick-cut french fries — fries and cheese alone sometimes costs up to two dollars. This is only the tip of the iceberg of reasons why I am in love with 77 South.

For my appetizer, I took the waiters suggestion and ordered crab rangoon. The filling was sweet and creamy, and oozed out of the crunchy outside layer when I cut into it. It came with a sweet chili sauce which added flare to what would have been a comfort food. The crab rangoons were shaped like mini Chinese takeout boxes, making room for more filling which had a tasteful cream-to-crab ratio (in my opinion, the more cream to crab the better).

Somehow by dessert my stomach wasn’t bursting (probably due to their European portion sizes) so I had the waiter rattle off the dessert menu while he was refilling my water glass that was never left empty. I went with their chocolate lava cake. It tasted like a semi-dark chocolate brownie that was baked into the consistency of cake. Hot fudge was drizzled around the cake providing a warm — and delicious — ending to my meal. I suggest sharing the cake with a friend, because after all of your courses, you may leave with a full belly.

This restaurant is an option for all types of people — it caters to everyone. There are gluten free fettuccine pastas, salad and seafood options for vegetarians. I know I’ll be bringing my family back for a $2 cheeseburger on Tuesday.

Urban Table is a great place to go when you have 30 minutes for lunch but don’t want fast food. This works well with the fact that the dinner menu boasts higher prices and a more non-traditional selection. A half sandwich and bowl of soup at lunch is $8 while many of the meals during the dinner hour are closer to $15.

After I decided on a Good Day Deal consisting of a BLT with avocado and a side of tomato soup, I walked up to the counter and ordered. Many of the dishes on the lunch menu are new spins on classic favorites. From a BLT with avocado to a Roasted Chicken Panini, the lunch menu offers a variety of hot sandwiches. If hot paninis are not your thing, there is also a large assortment of salads and soups, such as a Grilled Chicken salad or the Shrimp Nicoise salad.

I was then given a number and allowed to choose a seat anywhere in the restaurant, from the full wall of padded booths to the strip of patio lining the café. The service was excellent and the food arrived in about seven minutes. The way of ordering helped add to the feel of the restaurant—it was a refreshing combination of fast ordering but with a more personal touch.

The BLTA from Urban Table is in no way average. If only I could make these on lazy Sunday afternoons during Chiefs games. The warmth of the bread and bacon made it feel as though it had just come out of the oven, while the coolness of the avocado and tomato felt as though they had just come out of the refrigerator. The combination provided a particularly nice crunch. Instead of store-bought, tasteless tomatoes, my BLTA was filled with ripe, juicy ones. The bacon wasn’t the same as what comes out of my microwave at home; this bacon felt as though it was a perfect piece coming from a prize pig. The BLTA overall tasted extremely fresh—as if all the ingredients had been picked up that morning from a local market.

I’ve never before enjoyed tomato soup; however, I decided to see if this restaurant’s take could change my mind. The soup arrived and was a sizzling hot broth mixture of tomato and various other herbs and spices. My taste buds were changed for the better by the soup with due credit to the mellow tomato flavor and the mixture of spices.

The whole time I was eating, I noticed the counter top filled with desserts. I kept telling myself that there was no reason to buy one, but finally, I gave in.

Whoopee Pies from Hen House give these a bad name, but Urban Table changes that. With two cookies sandwiching a mousse-type icing, the dessert can only be described as ambrosial. The cookies were soft and chewy, the mousse divine, the creamy texture of the mousse blending perfectly with the cookie dough.  All of this combined to make a mouth watering, heavenly, and savory dessert. When the pie was gone, I found myself wishing that I had another.

The presentation of both my meal and my dessert was superb and fit right in with the rest of the decor. My BLTA and tomato soup arrived in a basket that matched the number holders and rustic lighting fixtures perfectly. With a wax paper lining, it feels extremely plain and simple.

The quick service and home like cooking of Urban Table are a nice accent to the local bar feel and gourmet food of fellow Corinth Square restaurant, BRGR. Bread & Butter concepts have made another great local restaurant that offers a different menu from BRGR, but keeps the same neighborhood atmosphere alive.

Thanks to an unplanned detour, the normally 20 minute drive took 30, but my hopes for a good meal were heightened when I reached my destination. Westside Local is nestled on Summit Street which I have come to recognize as a haven for quaint, unique dining; both Chez Elle and Fresher Than Fresh are located on the same street. The red-brick and mint-green facade of Westside Local add to its “farm to table” approach, giving it an industrial-yet-trendy vibe.

Entering the restaurant I instantly felt hip, surrounded by weathered brick walls and classy, original wall art. The art was one of my favorite details. There were several pieces that were composed of many small, 3-D red and pink flowers mounted on a background and hanging on the wall. This art was one-of-a-kind but had a calming effect with the natural flair.

My friend and I were instantly seated at a simple, wooden table and provided with a single page menu. This is where our smooth lunch plans hit a minor bump. After looking up the menu online, I was expecting to see an array of sandwiches, salads and “localities”. I was most excited for localities, which are a variety of small dishes such as deviled eggs, pears and basil pesto that you can combine to build a plate. Glancing through the menu, I was shocked to see breakfast options such as the three-egg omelet or french toast instead of the lunch options I had anticipated. Taking this in stride, I ordered the french toast with orange butter ($8) with a side of sausage ($4) and my friend ordered steak and eggs ($12). Our waiter was amiable and quick, answering our questions thoroughly and honestly, offering his personal opinions.

My french toast was a good-sized portion of fresh bread with orange butter dripping down the sides. Although the orange butter added an unexpected citrus tang, the french toast grew soggy and I found myself wishing for the decadent french toast I feast on at First Watch. My side of sausage certainly fit the fresh reputation of Westside Local; I could tell that it wasn’t just heated up in the microwave. Unfortunately the taste, although fresh, wasn’t what I think of when I picture good, mouth-watering sausage.

My meal so far was satisfactory, though lackluster, but my friend’s steak and eggs were  a problem. It appeared decent, a piece of meat slightly smaller than a hockey puck drizzled in creamy Hollandaise sauce with the normal scrambled eggs and healthy potatoes on the side. Once again, the potatoes were obviously fresh and healthy because they were seasoned instead of fried. Although they might have been better for my health, both my friend and I found them disappointing compared to their fried counterparts. The steak was the main problem. It was ordered to be cooked medium but by my judgement was practically rare. I reluctantly sampled a bite and had to force myself to swallow the pink piece of meat. The texture left me slightly squeamish and although some might like their meat that way, it was not my cup of tea.

As much as the food was disappointing, our waiter was friendly and genuine. When he cleared our plates- half the steak remaining- he asked what the problem was as if he truly cared and not just the typical “How’s your food?” He made me feel important and cherished as a customer.

The combination of the friendly service and laid-back, urban decor practically made up for the mediocre food. I had come into this meal expecting to find a hole-in-the-wall gem that I could call ‘my place’. Even after the unexceptional meal, I still want Westside Local to become my favorite cafe and I will be visiting there again in hopes that my meal was just an unlucky fluke.

But you do have to drive all the way out to 102nd and Pflumm.

Pizza Man, while not new by any definition of the word, is an experience still unknown to most East students.  And when I say “experience,” I mean it. Located in a nondescript strip mall, it seems small and unassuming. Your first clue as to what lays inside the restaurant is the multitude of Cubs paraphernalia and a gumball machine that lay inside the first door.

But there are more Chicago-themed knickknacks than your brain can process once you step into the warm, greasy atmosphere of Pizza Man. The entire dimly-lit hallway to the bathrooms is covered in a mural of different Chicago sports legends: Michael Jordan, Bobby Orr, Dick Butkus, Sammy Sosa. Signs featuring enormous hot dogs and the Chicago skyline cover the walls. A young couple ate, watching college basketball on an 18-inch TV perched on a shelf across the room. Three businessmen chatted as they ate their Italian beef sandwiches, and a family of six laughed loudly from the largest table in the restaurant. The only thing more shocking than the three arcade machines lined up against one of the red painted walls was the fact that someone actually wandered over to play them in the half hour it took us to eat.

Pizza Man may not be a sleek, organic new restaurant—but it doesn’t try to be. Instead of modern art and glass tables, it has posters advertising “Beefed Up!” Chicago dogs and dark red vinyl-covered chairs. The pizza only comes in thin crust and has a fair number of toppings available with pepperoni and sausage, as well as Canadian bacon and anchovies. I was surprised to hear that a restaurant so famous for their authentic Chicago-style food would neglect the deep-dish crust that is characteristic of Chi-Town pizza.

But all my doubts were cast aside as the pizzas were brought out on round metal plates. True, there was a relatively thin layer of grease over the surface of the pizza. But the cheese was gooey, and somehow in that tiny little kitchen they had perfected the ratio of sauce to cheese. I found myself traveling back and forth between the plastic napkin dispenser and our table several times to get napkins to wipe the remnants of cheese grease off my hands.

My pizza had pepperoni on it, done just the way it should be—crispy and lots of it. The crust was just the right width for a thin crust pizza, not a cracker and not soggy. As I downed the entire 9-inch personal pizza, I kept thinking that this would be the perfect meal to have after a hiking trip or simply a long day at school. Nothing but fat and delicious, warm, heavily topping-ed pizza.

But however delicious the pizza was, it didn’t stick in my mind. I felt like I could get an equally delicious slice at Pizza Oven or Pizza 51—two more convenient options for East students. PV’s Minksy’s couldn’t hold a candle to the flavor and texture of Pizza Man pizza. But the Chicago-style pizza didn’t blow me away completely. I can’t give an opinion on the sandwiches and hot dogs they boast of such as the Italian Beef and Chicago Style Dog because the friendly 30-something guy in a rumpled white T-shirt behind the counter informed me upon my arrival that the hot dog would take 30 minutes to make. He then pointed to the sign posted to the fake-wood paneled ordering counter which read “Call in Advance for Faster Service.”

Even though I didn’t get the opportunity to test out their other signature foods, Pizza Man lives up to the food that its name suggests. Good pizza for a cheap price ($5 for a 9-inch personal pizza plus 50 cents for each topping) made it worth the 15-minute drive out to its only Lenexa location. Would I go here every weekend? No. But if you’re feeling a craving for good ol’ Chicago-style pizza, or even a chilidog, make the trek to Pizza Man. It beats an eight-hour drive for a slice of authentic Chi-Town pizza.

Jasper’s history of excellence is well-noted, as the restaurant has won several distinguished national awards. It is one of only 95 restaurants in North America to receive the Mobil Four Stars, the highest award on Mobil’s extremely selective ranking system. Also, Jasper Mirabile, Jr., current owner and head chef, has been featured numerous times on NBC’s local news segment, “What’s Cooking.” Since it is so highly acclaimed, I had high expectations for the restaurant.

When I first walked into Jasper’s, I was immediately greeted by a life-size cardboard cutout of the Chef Jasper Mirabile, Jr. After starting to talk to it, then realizing it wasn’t real, I was escorted to my table by the accommodating maître d’.

I found myself sitting among one of about 30 candlelit, white tablecloth-covered tables and booths inside. Vibrant reds and yellows gave the room an added glow, illuminating many of the framed pictures of the Mirabile family. Nearly all the tables were filled, but quiet chatter was the only noise that could be heard over the sound of smooth jazz.

One of Jasper’s best qualities is their quick and friendly staff. Although it was packed the night I went, I was greeted by my waiter within five minutes of being seated. I then ordered and received my standard Caesar salad after about ten minutes.

As soon as I finished my salad, it was whisked away and replaced with my entrée, Lasagne Al Forno, per recommendation by my waiter. Covered in a thick marinara sauce and ricotta cheese and melted onto Italian sausage, the artfully prepared Italian classic was nothing short of delectable.

The best part of my experience at Jasper’s was definitely the dessert. My waiter rolled out a three-tier cart with 13 desserts sumptuously displayed. There were traditional cannolis, gelatos, tiramisu and cakes. I finally decided on the Cioccolatta Della Morta, or “Death by Chocolate” cake, which was a big slice of chattily layered chocolate cake with rich chocolate icing and artistically dribbled chocolate sauce topping off the edible masterpiece. I was delighted to find that it was just as scrumptious as it appeared.

I left the restaurant feeling full and satisfied. The chef surpassed my expectations; modern styling mixed with old-Italian flavor create the intriguing confection that is Jasper’s Ristorante, and I plan on being a repeat customer.

At Natasha’s, they typically do not make the same baked goods every day. They make the same type of item, but the flavors are varied or the bakers add an item or take one out. The bakers decide on the menu for the day at 6 a.m. the morning of. One item that they do make everyday is a ham and cheese croissant so good that it’s said to be sold out by 10 a.m. almost every day. The cashier told me that most customers buy it in the morning, then save it for lunch.

After much contemplation, I decided on three different delicacies: a Triple Chocolate cookie, Pan au Chocolate, and a Passion Fruit Bavarian with Mango Curd. The baker behind the counter served each of the items on a different-colored, different-shaped plate.

I tried the Triple Chocolate cookie first. The cashier told me upon my purchase that it was their staple cookie, and that the bakers make it almost every day. When I dissect the name of the Triple Chocolate cookie, I assume that it will have a chocolate batter and two different flavored chips of chocolate intermittent throughout the cookie. But this cookie had a tan batter, and was smaller than my hand but larger than my fist. First biting into it tasted delicious: there was a hint of orange, which mixed well with the moist inside of the cookie. With each bite, there was a faint difference in flavor, whether it was the chunks of white and milk chocolate, or the varying degrees of orange flavor. The differences are what really made the cookie.  I would recommend this treat to anyone who has an affinity for cookies, or just sweets in general. It was only $2.50, and worth every penny.

For my next treat, I decided to try the Passion Fruit Bavarian with Mango Curd; I had never tried anything like it before. It is served in a clear cup, cold, with a white chocolate stir stick, and features two different layers. I first tried the top layer on its own, which is very sweet, and even a bit fruity. It was good on its own, but I still expected more. Next, I tried both the bottom layer and the top layer together, which is where things really warmed up: this flavor combination was wonderful. It was a unique sweet and tart mango flavored combination, one of those wildly unique flavors that I now expect from Natasha’s vast selection. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest either one of the layers a la carte, but dipping the spoon and tasting both layers at once is superb. I can only equate it to that of a mango smoothie. If you do not like super sweet or tart things, or if you are on a tighter budget, then I would bypass this $5.50 treat.

The final dessert I tasted was Pan Au Chocolate, which I learned is a French way of saying “chocolate croissant.” This specific chocolate croissant was warmed up for me beforehand, an action that I would highly suggest to the next recipient, seeing as it increased the rich taste tenfold. When I first bit into it, I tasted a fair amount of flaky melt-in-your-mouth bread, which in itself was amazing, but left me wanting to taste the real chocolate. On my second bite, I reached the lukewarm, melted, 70 percent dark chocolate. As a dark chocolate fan, I loved it; I can imagine eating it for breakfast, or warming it up for a sweet after school snack. The bread encasing the chocolate melted instantly in your mouth, and the juxtaposed chocolate was rich and enjoyable. It was a perfect combination with the warm 70 percent dark chocolate filling. The size was perfect and proportional, and the dessert only cost a small total of $3. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes dark chocolate.

Natasha’s is an aesthetically-pleasing bakery with tasteful but relatively pricey goods. In my opinion, this would be a great little place to eat in because not only is the food great, but the atmosphere is timeless and completes the experience.

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All photos by Sammi Kelley.

Einstein Brothers

With walls covered in art and the smell of fresh bagels and pastries wafting from the kitchens, the atmosphere in Einstein Brothers is very warm and appealing. It is similar to a small, downtown bistro, full of modern art and furniture. The small restaurant is very cozy, which, if the crowd is light, is a good thing.

A large crowd, however, makes for a loud dining experience, and difficulty finding a place to sit in the limited space. The service is quick and the workers are always friendly. A recent visit to the restaurant during the breakfast rush left me waiting in a line almost out the door and without a place to sit.

By the time I got to the front of the line, my bagel of choice was sold out. My first bagel was Plain with Plain cream cheese. The thick, fluffy bagel was served with plenty of cream cheese. It was very soft and easy to eat.

For lunch, I ate the Turkey Bacon Thin, one of Einstein Brothers’ specialty bagels. The sandwich is served on a thin bagel, either plain or whole wheat. The bacon and lettuce were both very fresh and crispy.

Einstein Brothers is my go-to place when I need a quick meal. With quick service, friendly workers and excellent food, it is the perfect restaurant for any time of day.

Brueggers

The inside of Brueggers was very welcoming, with large windows and a view of the bakery in the back. Despite arriving in the middle of the lunch hour, there was no line and hardly anyone in the restaurant. The decor was that of a small French bakery, with warm colors and art and a diverse menu. The menu was full of unique bagel flavors such as Salt, Egg, Cranberry Orange and Rosemary Olive Oil. The list of cream cheese options was equally unusual: Garden Veggie, Bacon Scallion and Jalapeno were some of the choices.

I opted for Cinnamon Sugar with plain cream cheese. The thick pastry came with a decent amount of cream cheese and was served to me warm, fresh out of the oven. The warmth melted the cinnamon-sugar seasoning and spread the flavor throughout the bagel.

My other meal was the BLT. I was given the choice of having it made on bread or a bagel. The sandwich can be made on any flavor of bagel, but I chose plain. The bacon was a bit spicy, but balanced out by the light, cool lettuce and tomatoes.

Bruegger’s greatest downside was its distance. It took me 30 minutes to get there, and by the time I got there I was more relieved to be done driving than to be able to eat. However, he location was for the most part balanced out by the quality of the food.

Classic Cup

Upon entering the Classic Cup, I felt as though I was in a fancy restaurant. The European style cafe is ideal for a nice breakfast or brunch. The sophisticated environment, complete with a bar, attracts an older crowd than the other restaurants. As a sit down, somewhat classy restaurant, the Classic requires a more dressed up attire. Not black tie, but not jeans and t-shirt.

The menu was full of fancy entrees such as fritattas and eggs benedict. I chose the Lox (salmon) and Bagel Platter, a bagel with salmon and several vegetables on the side. The salmon seemed to be a day or two old, but paired with the plain bagel and cream cheese, it offered a very different taste from any bagel I have ever eaten. The cream cheese took on the flavors of the salmon, adding a unique zest to the meal.

Even my plain bagel with plain cream cheese was full of flavor. It was lightly toasted and the cream cheese was thick and creamy. The bagel itself was not as large as the others, but it was so rich that it did not matter. The Classic Cup had by far the best plain bagel out of any of the restaurants.

With its balance between a casual restaurant and a swanky bistro, the Classic Cup is the ideal place for a meal with family or friends. It offers unique dishes at a fair price and a fun, interesting environment.

The sophisticated sushi restaurant, Ra, stands amongst the cozy buildings of the new town center across the street from AMC. I have to admit, walking into Ra I felt completely under dressed in my ensemble consisting of simply running leggings, a t-shirt and my big blue Patagonia rain jacket. I was greeted by awkward stares from tables of business men and women who seemed to be on their lunch breaks.

The restaurant was packed, and I had a strong feeling I was the only person in the establishment under 20. Ra’s mature atmosphere wasn’t solely caused by their customers. Large, window sized oriental styled photos of a barely clothed woman under a red sheet were mounted on every wall to accompany the reappearing theme of red across the spread out space of the restaurant. The floors were covered with sleek, black, tiles and intricate red light fixtures hung here and there on the ceilings.

Once I was seated, I was handed two menus: a menu consisting of regular meals and a menu of every sushi combination that seemed to exist. Each different type of sushi was divided into different sections. Mango Lobster Roll, Beef Tataki Roll and Yellow Monkey Roll fell under the Signature Sushi Dishes.

It took me a while to find which sushi roles I was willing to put to the test, the list of sushi choices seemed never-ending. I finally settled for the Spicy Salmon role which came in eight roles and cost $6.98. Some roles cost up to $11, which seemed a little outrageous to me, but once I tried the sushi myself, I could tell all eight roles would be worth the full price. For one, it only took ten minutes for the food to be served. Fast service? Check.

I was expecting the spiciness of the salmon to be overwhelming, based on sushi I had tried before, but the flavor was subtle. Delicious? Check.

I was elated to find my tongue wasn’t burning from each sushi role drenched in hot sauce, and even more pleased with how fresh the salmon tasted. The salmon  had a silky like smoothness with hints of spice at the end of every bite.  It was a perfect mixture of crunchy from the crisply cut cucumber and smooth from the raw salmon in between a wrap of fresh sea-weed and white rice. I didn’t put my chop-sticks down until I was completely finished. The plate was empty as quickly as it took for it to arrive on the table, leaving my stomach fulfilled without feeling too full.

Ra’s extreme sophistication may be too much for the casual restaurant-goer. If you’re willing to pay the high prices for quality sushi, it’s worth the full enjoyment up until the very last bite.

***

Kona Grill

Kona Grill sticks to the basics. When you walk in, you aren’t overwhelmed by the need to be “hip” to dine there.

Though Kona wasn’t as spacious as Ra, it provided a casual dining area near the bar, where sushi lovers could sit near a large window overlooking the Plaza river and passerby. If only it weren’t below 20 degrees outside, I would have asked to sit in the window area.

So instead, I sat in the booth area, which had a much darker ambiance. The overall appearance of Kona wasn’t anything unique, but the small restaurant space they’re given doesn’t provide many options.

As I sat down, I was handed similar menus to Ra; one with regular food and of course the list of sushi rolls. However, instead of Asian-inspired cuisine, Kona offered a large variety of American food. I wasn’t expecting to see steak and mashed potatoes on the entree list next to different variations of the common tuna roll. The sushi menu wasn’t as long as Ra’s but provided classic sushi dishes including the California Roll and Crab Roll. I decided to be adventurous and try my hand at the Eel role (my friend swore to me it tasted exactly like chicken) and Kona’s own rendition of the Spicy Salmon role.

Even though, the service wasn’t very fast, I enjoyed the friendlier atmosphere of Kona that I received from the waiters. Not to mention, each dish was a few dollars cheaper than Ra.

I tried the Spicy Salmon roll first, which was mashed together with the hot sauce in between the seaweed. This made the texture of the meat taste less fresh and somewhat dull. The stickiness of the rice added with the stickiness of the salmon was pasty rather than tasty. I could barely taste the spicy hot sauce at all and I was tempted to drench the roll in soy sauce just to taste a bit of flavor.

The eel roll, however, was surprisingly the better of the two dishes. It was complete with freshly seared eel surrounded by seaweed and white rice, topped with a sweet eel soy sauce. I tried to put the fact that I was eating an actual eel out of my mind.

I’m glad I did too. The sweet eel sauce went perfectly with the sticky white rice on the sushi roll, bringing out the intricate flavor of the eel. I was surprised at how much it actually tasted like chicken rather than eel. It was very filling however, and I couldn’t finish all eight roles unlike Ra. so I couldn’t deny leaving it unfinished on the plate. I asked for a box and was happy to pay the total $11.00 check, tip and all.

Kona’s casual dining exprience will make you feel at home with your sushi, while combining authentic sushi meals and American dishes so you can enjoy the best of both worlds while staying true to reasonable prices.

All photos by Grant Heinlein.

Blanc Burger

The orange and white color scheme of the underground mod paradise known as Blanc Burger creates a welcoming atmosphere that was swiftly undermined by the expensive pricing and unappetizing burgers.

I entered the establishment and picked my poison (the only burger not made with buffalo meat or stuffed with something unappetizing, such as couscous and portabello mushrooms).

The Barnyard Burger I tried not only looked like a heart-attack on a bun but was also soaking with grease. This ‘burger’ consisted of a thick, tasteless patty, a layer of ham and a greasy fried egg. The overpowering flavor of ham disguised any trace of hamburger meat and the dripping wet and greasy bottom bun crumbled when I took the first bite. While I had no interest in taking another bite, I felt compelled to try the burger without the fried egg and ham to see how the patty was by itself. The burger was almost worse without the toppings.

It was dry, bland and overcooked.

Luckily I had a coupon and only paid about $10 for what they considered a $30 meal.

While Blanc Burger may be a pleasing sight, the main attraction of the restaurant only left me with a stomach ache and what could have easily been a hole in my wallet.

As I left the restaurant I found myself longingly looking at NoodIes and Co. and knowing that the next time I’m on the Plaza I will stay far away from Blanc Burger.

Shake Shack

“Local, Organic, Sustainable” — these three words jump out at me from the front window, as they’re far too rare in our money-driven society and often give way to words like “cheap, greasy and hormone-injected.” Once I entered the family-owned, family-run business I was pleased to see how packed the little place was.

The kitchen is visible behind the bar and sacks of potatoes are propped against a counter, waiting to be turned into the Shack’s hand-cut fries.

A small chalkboard hung on the wall is their makeshift menu and lists the modestly priced, home-cooked burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, onion rings and fries. I finally make my way to the front of the line and place an order for a ‘single burger basket’ and milkshake with a side of the onion rings that all the other patrons seem to be buzzing over. Forty-five minutes later and my name was called to get my ‘basket.’ As I sat down and looked at my burger I hoped it was worth the wait.

It wasn’t.

With my first bite into the burger I frowned. I had high hopes for this little place but the initial bite was tasteless, bland and, above all else, dry. My next few bites were dry until I reached the middle of the burger, which was juicy but only with the help of pickles and lettuce. It seemed all the toppings were placed smack-dab in the middle which proved for a tasty two bites and then back to the desert-dry patty.

As much as I wanted this mom-and-pop business to succeed I have a hard time imagining myself saying, “Let’s go to Shake Shack for dinner.”

Max’s Burgers and Gyros

Squeezed into the parking lot of a neon orange Big Lots and a bright yellow dry cleaners, Max’s Burgers and Gyros is easy to miss.

I ordered the classic Max’s Burger with a side of fries and was quickly served by Max himself. The bun was warm and fluffy and topped with sesame seeds. The size of the single Max Burger was almost as big as my face and I can’t imagine how big the double and triples were. The patty had a backyard-barbecue taste and was cooked thoroughly while still retaining the juiciness of a well made burger. The flavor popped in my mouth and then melded with the toppings, giving it an extra punch that was different with every bite. While it was in need of ketchup the burger overall tasted home-made yet yummy.

The burger and the diner were simplistic yet still warm and comforting making Max’s Burgers and Gyros a classic burger joint complete with Coca-Cola signs and linoleum checkerboard floors.

With customers flocking to its doors in huge numbers, it’s obvious that this is quickly becoming one of the Plaza’s hot spots. However, be warned — Glacé is known for its eclectic flavors, as anyone who’s glanced at their menu could tell you, and is not for the faint of heart. With a menu filled with interesting takes on traditional flavors (Venezuelan Dark Chocolate and Vanilla Bean), many patrons come for the famed ice cream oddities Elbow personally designed, including Farmer Bob’s Sweet Corn, Salty Pretzel, Blueberry Cream Cheese, and Thai Peanut Curry.

Before visiting this establishment, I read reviews to see how other people enjoyed Glacé. The critics praised again and again how much the ice cream tasted like the proposed flavor, but it wasn’t enough to prepare me for how shrewdly the flavors were replicated when I sampled them. I’m the kind of person who likes food to taste like it’s named, and this place blew me out of the water in that respect.

Glacé is definitely the Bertie   Every Flavour Beans equivalent of ice cream. Glacé offers 24 flavors at a time, and according to a Glacé employee, Elbow works on new flavors every week, substituting three to four new flavors into the menu at a time. The online menu is updated accordingly with the parlor’s menu.

During my visit, I sampled the French Lavender and Goat Cheese with Honey, the two most popular flavors among reviewers online. I was pleasantly surprised with the French Lavender, which upon my first bite overpowered me with its spices, replicating the intense scent of the plant, but then it softened into a delightfully creamy flavor. The Goat Cheese with Honey, while delicious and creamy, didn’t really stand out from the pack like the reviewers had promised. Still, undeterred, I tried some of the more outrageous flavors. Farmer Bob’s Sweet Corn was disgusting; it really does taste like corn, and I was not a fan. Salty Pretzel, intimidating by name, was the perfect mix of sweet and subtle, and while it didn’t really taste like a pretzel (thank goodness), the idea was met perfectly. The newly featured Kurlbaum’s Yellow Tomatoes flavor, while I didn’t try it, was quickly devoured by the little boy in front of me, who assured his mom that it was the strangest thing he’d ever tasted.

You can enjoy all 24 flavors and more, if you’re willing to pay the price ($4-5) and wait in line. Most nights, the wait is about 15-20 minutes, but the waits are rumored to be around 45 minutes on weekends, in which case customers usually lounge in the outside eating area while they wait. I went on a weekday night and lucked out, with the line only being about 20 minutes long.

The “artisan” aspect of the parlor’s title is featured not solely in the ice cream, but also in the decor. In an attempt at a modern theme, the chrome tables and chairs cram against the walls, and with concrete floors and a cool color scheme, the environment is one that makes you grab for your jacket. However, the cold atmosphere didn’t seem to deter people from standing in line, anticipating their latest flavor endeavor.

While I enjoyed certain flavors of the ice cream immensely, there were some drawbacks to choosing Glacé. First of all, if you don’t get a parking spot on the street, you have to park in the CVS lot a block away–very inconvenient. Also, if there’s one thing you don’t want in a small space, it’s lots of noise. Combine the humming of the freezers and mixed prattle of customers echoing in a small space, you get a collaboration of sound even Elbow couldn’t have concocted.

If you’re looking for something new and adventurous, I highly recommend paying a visit to Glacé. With a fabulous staff, impeccable flavors and a commendable reputation, you’re sure to have an unique experience.

What this small BBQ joint lacks in style and appearance, it makes up for in its quick, home-style ribs and sandwiches.

The chimney was smoking as I pulled up to the little stone building (which used to be an A&W’s drive-thru in the 80’s) located just west of the 75th and Metcalf intersection. It was quiet and uncrowded, with no waiting in line.

The service was the fastest out of all the stores I had been to before, with the cashier shouting back my order to the cooks right after ordering.  My pulled pork and fries came out two minutes later on a lunch tray flanked by two full bottles of ketchup and barbecue sauce. With a drink, the whole meal cost a little over $8 total.

The sandwich itself was a little dry, but it was salvaged with plenty of the surprisingly sweet BBQ sauce. Only bits and pieces of pork remained after five minutes of eating. And as for the fries, tasty as they were, they lacked the freshness of the Five Guy’s fries. They looked like the type you find in the frozen foods section of the grocery store.

Wynadotte: Good barbecue at the expense of not-so-good atmosphere.

Great Harvest

The name gives it away. Great Harvest bakes fresh bread and cookies daily, with generous free samples available at request. In-store soups aren’t available while it’s still hot outside, but come fall they’ll start the cooking again.

The store itself is located in the center of the Corinth shops, on the same block as the recently opened BRGR. Although it has some diner-style swivel chairs and a small bar, there are no true sit down tables.

The store produces five basic breads daily, and the other types depending on the day of the week. The “samples” are actually full pieces of the bread on display, which makes for a nice snack to add to your meal.

As for the sweets, there’s a bounty of different choices — from Alpine Cookies and Mountain Munchies to Biscotto and Cinnamon Rolls.

I went with a piece of Woodstock and an all chocolate cookie, only $2 total (the bread was free). Both were fresh made that day,  and extremely soft.

It may not be a place to stop for a full lunch, but if you’re looking for a cheap dessert or an extra addition to your lunch to tide you over for the rest of the day, Harvest is the place to go.

Cafe Provence

Quietly tucked into the shops of Prairie Village, Cafe Provence  comes in on the higher-end of open lunch options, with a formal selection of French cuisine to choose from.

Perhaps a little too formal and cozy for a half-hour lunch break.

With a countryside mural wrapping around the walls of the entire restaurant and fully set-up tables  the atmosphere is relaxed, formal, cozy. Although the restaurant does feature a lunch menu, it isn’t exactly fit for a high school wants; it  seemed more fitting to serve a business meeting. The prices follow the same suit; none of the lunch items go for under $10, and that’s not including drinks or a side item.

I went with a salmon salad, or “Salade de Saumon Fume” as it was called on the menu, partly because I had trouble recognizing any of the other choices. The wait time was longer, around 10 minutes, due to the fact that it was a true sit down restaurant. Also portions were also smaller than I had expected. Although the food was excellently prepared, I wouldn’t suggest this as a go-to lunch spot for the seniors. For the sake of your wallet, very special occasions only.

C Jack’s Sidewalk Cafe

Another small independent PV restaurant, C Jack’s Sidewalk Cafe is a perfect bet for a quick, inexpensive meal. It’s contemporary, light and laid back, and the cafe itself already has some established ties to East, employing several students and displaying new works of student photography every month.

The menu offers a variety of options including soups and salads, sandwiches, wraps, paninis and pastas. All the individual meals and the combinations — say a soup and half salad, or half sandwich and cup of soup — range from only $6-9, a pretty thrifty buy compared to Provence.

The Fajita Grilled Wrap I chose was made right after ordering, and the freshness shined through. The chicken was largely sliced and succulent, and that combination of that and the fresh vegetables made for a delicious wrap despite the generous amounts of chipotle sour cream gobbed inside. Along with the caesar salad, it made for a quick, fairly healthy meal, all in under 20 minutes. C Jack’s wins as my personal favorite in the PV area.

Five Guys

Let’s be honest here. If you’re looking for some comfort food, some well cooked burgers and fries, Five Guys is the place to go. Walking into the simply decorated, red and white checkered restaurant in the former Ward Parkway McAllister’s Deli, it reminded me of summer cookouts- the smell of cooking burgers, sizzling fries, crunching peanuts and the comforting sounds of classic rock playing softly in the background. I was waiting for American flags to roll down from the ceiling and bald eagles to land on my shoulder; this place was simply American.

I ordered a regular hamburger (beware: regular hamburger means two patties, you’ll have to get the “little hamburger” for one patty), regular fries, and a drink. The price- almost $10, a bit on the expensive side for open lunch.

The meal itself, pricey as it was, couldn’t be topped by any other my past burger experiences. Perfectly cooked, juicy, loaded with onions, lettuce and peppers. And the fries? Thick, generous cut, natural flavor,  fried in peanut oil, loaded into a 12 oz. cup. I had enough for the drive home, the taste of America lingering with me. Simply delicious.

View a map of all these places with travel times from East.

As I entered with two of my friends, I was greeted by a quiet atmosphere.  At 5:30 p.m., it was not a surprise that the only background noise was the soft rock music coming from the speakers.  As my dinner continued, the age group of people eating shifted from old to young.  The interior itself was fresh and warm, with walls painted a rich red color and dark wood stain booths.

After being greeted by our server, we were given complementary bread that was long and lightly baked.  I was forced to hold each piece in two hands, with a tight grip to allow me to sink my teeth into the bread.  Once I finally had the bread torn, it was quite flavorful. I enjoy my bread fresh from the oven but this bread was granite on the outside.  I have previously enjoyed hard rolls, but risking a broken tooth before being served the main dish seemed a little much.

After the “Battle of the Bread” was over, we were eager to order.  Given that the restaurant was Cajun, I knew that anything I ordered would be something I had never experienced.  When my friend ordered red bean soup, she was told, “Let me check with the chef to see if we have that.” When the server returned, we were told that the chef did not make that particular soup. I was somewhat shocked.  A new restaurant should not offer four soups on the menu and have only  a single offering (shrimp and lobster bisque) available. It was apparent that Roux was not ready for prime time, or at least discerning customers.

I ordered the Creole pasta, which was one of the server’s recommendations.  I was pleased with the dish and I felt that the dish possessed a special ‘pow’ while also having a spicy flavor.  The pasta was covered in a red sauce with shrimp sprinkled throughout.  The downer was that the dish was $17.  The entrée was good, but was it $17 good?  I think not.

The spinach salad was served in a beautiful presentation, sprinkled in a bacon-flavored dressing.   When the crawfish pie was delivered to the table, we all commented, “I hope this tastes better than it looks.” Giving it a taste test, it did.  The entrée was covered in a light, hard crust that looked stale. I questioned myself when the dish was delivered to my table, but the I was ultimately proved wrong.

After eating our main dishes, we decided to order desert.  We had the caramel apple ginger crisp and the white chocolate and key lime cheesecake.   The ginger crisp was delectable and the ice cream served with it was soft and melted in the mouth.  I savored every bite that I took from the the white chocolate and key lime cheesecake.  I would certainly order either of these deserts again.

The service at the restaurant was mediocre at best.  The food, building and service gave the restaurant the vibe of being newly opened. The waitress we had was pleasant and tried her best to meet our requests but was clearly a rookie.

Although she was accommodating, she lacked knowledge of the entire menu and did not appear to have been fully trained.  I hope that over time, the service will improve as the staff gains experience.  We hope that the same can be said for the chef, who presumably will learn to provide guests a full complement of items listed on the menu

While Five Guys may be lacking modesty, it’s nothing short of a hamburger haven serving some of the finest sandwiches ‘fast-food money’ can buy (main items range from $3.39 to $5.79, fries and drink not included). Not only that, but it deviates greatly from your typical burger joint. Kudos to whoever’s idea it was to provide customers complimentary peanuts while they wait for their greasy brownbag of food. As for the heaping sacks of potatoes mounted along the dining tables, well that’s just unique.

The rapidly expanding (three new KC area locations) Washington DC-based franchise scores further bonus points – remember I’ve yet to even bite into my burger – during the ordering process. There are four burger options: regular, cheese, bacon and bacon cheese respectively, each served with two third-pound patties. Can’t stomach the task of downing a double? You have the option of downsizing to the single-patty “junior” burger.

Now here’s the best part: the restaurant’s 15 toppings, ranging from lettuce and tomato to fried onions and grilled mushrooms, come absolutely free of charge. You could conceivably build a castle of toppings on top of your already colossal burger without spending a penny extra. Other entrees on the menu include hot dogs (regular, chili and chili cheese), the Veggie Sandwich and grilled cheese.

Oh, and don’t fret about inadequate side orders. Just as “The Long Island Press” put it, “fries alone are not to be missed.” Though the burger is its undoubted specialty, Five Guys takes plenty of pride in its hand-cut French fries imported from Rigby, Idaho. Cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil, the fries taste similar to Chick-fil-A’s. Unless you’re bringing the entire posse, a regular size ($1.99) is more than enough. Not only could a large order feed an entire Girl Scout troop, but it’ll cost you $3.79, 40 cents more than a junior hamburger. I recommend getting them Cajun style for a spicy kick during the meal.

And once it’s finally time to eat, don’t blink. My one regret was chowing down too fast and failing to register more details about the sinful sandwich. This much is certain: my burger – dressed with lettuce, grilled onions, pickles and ketchup – was juicy, tender and seemingly melted in my mouth. I was slightly concerned upon learning from the menu that their burgers were cooked well done, but all worries were wiped away after the first bite. The high quality of the meat itself is very noticeable. ‘Hot and fresh’ sums it up perfectly. Unlike the perfect circles at Mickey D’s and squares at Wendy’s, the shape of each patty varied, and every mouthful was extremely tasty.

My friend faced a similar problem of eating too fast. His burger looked much prettier than mine for the very brief period of time it was both unwrapped and uneaten. I can picture it now: two patties, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and a bit of mayo nestled between a sesame seed bun. I want one right now, really badly.

A few tips: if you want ketchup, mustard or mayo on your burger, refrain from telling the cooks when you order. Instead, keep your sandwich dry and go to the condiment area next to the soda machines. Get as much of the given sauce as you want and apply the desired amount to your burger. I ordered mine with ketchup, and the cook got Heinz happy and slopped on twice the amount of ketchup that was needed. Also, don’t get caught eating too many peanuts while your food is being prepared. Just calm down and know that a big, tasty gut-bomb awaits, which will likely obliterate your hunger for the remainder of the day.

When I went to BRGR, which is pronounced B-R-G-R, it was a Sunday night. Corinth Square is no Plaza or Power and Light District, and I was surprised that the restaurant was so crowded, especially for a traditionally slow time. The restaurant definitely had a neighborhood feel; I saw several families I knew and people were chatting comfortably between tables.

As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I was met with the hum of energy. A crowd of young men and women sat at the bar area watching a NCAA game or stood chatting with friends. In the sit-down area of a restaurant, the ages of customers ranged from young families with toddlers, to adults on dates, to a couple of grandparents.

The décor of the restaurant was very modern and urban, yet still comfortable. The tables were made of wood and were matched with metal chairs. The duct work and beams were showing on the ceiling with lights hanging down. Special accents were every where to be found whether it was a huge clock hanging by the kitchen or several large fans hanging from the ceiling. A mural illustrating an old time diner covered one wall, which perfectly contrasted with the more modern feel of the restaurant.

The service was great from the moment I walked in the door. Waiters were happy to suggest popular menu items or their personal favorite dishes. As they stopped by to make sure the food was okay, the workers offered fun conversation, talking about the history of the restaurant or offering commentary on the NCAA games playing by the bar. Sometimes the service was a little slow, but the quality of the service made the sometimes leisurely pace forgettable.

The burgers were big, juicy, and each had a different flavor. There was only one traditional burger on the menu and all of the others had a unique twist or taste. At first I was wary to try some of the different dishes, but each took an unconventional approach to a burger that made ordering and eating the food exciting.

When I went, we ordered the Juicy Lucy, a burger filled with American cheese and topped with Worcestershire sauce, lettuce, and mayo, and the BRGR, which is topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, and mustard. To be honest, I am usually the person who just gets a boring burger with ketchup and maybe lettuce and tomato, so trying these new flavors made me a little nervous. Even though I generally don’t usually like pickles and mustard, the sour taste of pickles and the tangy taste of mustard combined with the onion and cheese surprised me and I really liked the uniqueness of the dishes.

A downside of the restaurant is that the sandwiches and burgers did not come with fries or onion rings, which you had to order on the side. Each side of fries or ring cost from $2.50 to $4, which combined with a $8 sandwich made for somewhat of an expensive meal for the average high school student.

However, the taste of the fries and rings greatly overshadowed the cost. Instead of tasting like a grease-filled plate of fries that were frozen and then simply dumped into oil 5 minutes before being served, the actual taste of potato was apparent and dominant. We ordered the combo, which allowed you to chose a combination of three of the sides. The fries and rings lacked the oily, greasy feel of McDonald’s fries and were a nice change from normal restaurant fries. Like the burgers, they offered a refreshing, more home-style taste.

BRGR seems to have twists that make going to the restaurant a more exciting experience then going to a regular burger joint and bar. The water is delivered in a champagne-style glass bottle with the label “pure tap water,” the fries and rings are served with BRGR’s original “special sauce,” and the bathrooms consists of a single room with two stalls for boys and two stalls for girls.

Once you get over the initial weirdness of the bathrooms, you can see that BRGR is just trying to make your restaurant experience as unique as possible. With its easy access location, scrumptious food, and inviting personality, BRGR has the makings of a great neighborhood restaurant.

Not an inch of paint can be seen behind the rows and rows of plants and flowers making up one of the walls at Teadrops.

This was the first thing I noticed as I walked in. I had never before seen the wall of a store purely dedicated to shelves of plants. Anywhere else, this may look out of place, but at Teadrops, it complements the cool, urban atmosphere well.

The modern black couches and chairs set up around the restaurant look inviting and comfortable, the perfect place to sip a cup of tea and eat a cupcake. Instrumental music completes the chic setting of Teadrops. An enticing smell fills the air. I took one more gaze around the shop and finally turned to the source of the fresh smell: the cupcake display.

There were six different flavors of cupcakes available. Each option looked appetizing and I silently debated which ones to go with. After talking to the friendly server, I decided to go with his two favorites: strawberry and fudge. The strawberry cupcake won the decoration award by far. It had swirls of thick, rosy pink icing spread over the cake. Sparkly sugar crystals graced the top, glistening in the light. The fudge cupcake on the other hand simply had a mob of heavy icing smeared on top.

Both of the cupcakes were refreshingly chilled after having been sitting in cooler all day. However, the combination of strawberry cake and strawberry icing on the berry cupcake was almost too much for me. I think this cupcake would have been better if it had strawberry icing with vanilla cake instead, to help calm down the intense berry flavor of the icing. The icing completely overpowered the cake, so I felt as though I was eating pure frosting. I did enjoy this cupcake, but not enough to buy it again.

I saved the fudge cupcake for last, thinking the chocolate would beat the berry flavor. However, the fudge cupcake didn’t quite do it for me. The cake tasted slightly dry and it wouldn’t have been good at all if it weren’t for the sugary flavor of the icing. On both cupcakes, the amount of icing smeared on top was a little too much. But if you are the type of kid who always eats the corner pieces of cake to ensure you get the most icing possible, well then a Teadrop’s cupcake has your name all over it.

Overall, the cupcakes were just fine. Although I wouldn’t advise you to make the trip out to Westport just to buy a Teadrops cupcake, if you are already in Westport and craving a dessert then you should definitely stop by Teadrops and spend some time in this contemporary store.

(2 stars)

Dolce Baking Co

Nestled between Village Flower Shop and Starbucks sits a one-of-a-kind bakery, Dolce Baking Co. Although it may be easily missed as most people run into either Starbucks or the neighboring TCBY on their quick trips to the village, one trip inside and you will never skip by it again.

I felt at ease just by taking one step inside. Deep brown paint smothers the walls. Splashes of color in the paintings and ceiling lights accent the walls finishing off the classy look. Upbeat music flows gently from the speakers completing the comforting environment. If the warm atmosphere of Dolce doesn’t capture you enough, the display case is impossible to turn away from. Rows and rows of fresh desserts sit on the shelves calling out to be eaten. The cupcakes especially caught my attention.

They are placed orderly in round glass platters. When I went, there were four different flavors available. Dolce has eight flavors of cupcakes that change each day. A deep red cupcake stood out at first glance. I immediately decided I had to try this red velvet cupcake. Thick white icing made one huge swirl covering the cake, although the actual cake was dense. The cake wasn’t exactly one you can crumble up dry, but it definitely wasn’t melt in your mouth moist. However, the vanilla icing makes a perfect pair with the red velvet cake. Although this cupcake didn’t quite live up to its decadent appearance, it was pretty good.

As soon as my teeth sunk into the chocolate cupcake, I knew I could never go back to the red velvet again. The cake was sweet and savory. Thick icing was also swirled in a perfect spiral on top, but that spiral was soon ruined as I set out to eat every last glob of icing.

The chocolate cupcake definitely outdid the red velvet, but both were very pleasant. TCBY and Starbucks desserts aren’t even in the same league as Dolce and should never be chosen over a sweet Dolce dessert. I will never be able to walk by this shop again without craving a chocolate cupcake.

(3 stars)

Cupcake a la Mode

One display case. Two rows of cupcakes. 20 different flavors each with their own unique name.

Cupcake a la Mode’s display case is filled with rows of tantalizing cupcakes varying in every flavor    and color. The creative names range from Love Doctor to Hawaiin Honeymoon to French Vanilla OOH LahLah. These original names are a little detail that prove how much dedication and work has been put into this cupcake shop. The workers care for every last detail in both the flavor of cupcake and the presentation.

After about five minutes of debating over which cupcake to try, I decided on After Dinner Mint and the classic Chocolate Obsession. As I took my first bite of the mint cupcake, I knew I had made the right choice. The After Dinner Mint really is the perfect post-dinner dessert. The moist, fluffy cake practically melts in your mouth, as the minty icing complements the flavor perfectly. However, as delicious as this was, it still could not compare to Chocolate Obsession.

Chocolate lovers out there — this one’s for you. The light cake was warm and decadent. These cupcakes sit at room temperature, unlike the chilled Teadrops’ cupcakes, creating a less refreshing but equally flavorful taste. The chocolate icing was smeared smoothly on top, creating the perfect icing to cake ratio for each bite. It was nearly impossible to refrain from consuming the whole cupcake at once. This cupcake was everything I would ever want from a chocolate cupcake. It is my new favorite dessert.

I have fallen as deep in love with the perfectly decorated cupcakes as the chic design of the store. Vibrant pink paint smothers the walls which stand out even more against the black and gray slate floor. The upbeat environment makes you fall in love with the shop before even trying one of their insanely good cupcakes.

Cupcake a la Mode wins hands down as the best cupcake store I have ever been to. I can’t wait to make more trips out to this store until I have tried every last flavor. If they taste anything like the two cupcakes I tried, my money will be well spent.

(4 stars)

Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott

A twist of white icing is formed on top of the cupcake, like a swirl of vanilla ice cream. As I bring the cupcake closer to my mouth I notice golden brown streaks that have been torched on top to resemble a roasted marshmallow. I note the creative design of this cupcake and take the first bite, not fully prepared for what was to come. I was at a loss for words as I swallowed my first bite of this cupcake.

The chocolate cupcake was like nothing I have ever eaten before. It was light and succulent and I could have eaten a whole cake of just this. On top of that lays a layer of chocolate ganache (an icing-like topping made with chocolate and cream) that was slightly melted creating a mouth-watering flavor. After this layer comes the marshmallow icing that towers over the cupcake.

Somehow, beyond my belief, the baker of this cupcake was able to capture the taste of the soft inside of a marshmallow perfectly and turn it into icing. Any one of these elements of the cupcake would have been superb on their own, and when combined, the explosion of flavors was beyond words. I guess I am slightly biased considering I love S’mores with a passion, but believe me, this cupcake was incredible.

After eating this astounding cupcake, no other could really compare. I tried the basic vanilla & buttercream cupcake and was slightly disappointed. It tasted pretty bland, but then again there isn’t much you can do to spice up vanilla cake. It was hard to go from a delectable chocolate flavor to good old vanilla. The icing, if you can call it that, really tasted like a huge scoop of whip cream. It was airy and sweet, not your typical thick cupcake icing. Still, it tasted pretty good, but it was a disgrace compared to the S’mores cupcake.

After finishing my cupcakes I glanced around the store and realized how elegant and sophisticated Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott is. Most of the elements in the store contain either white or gold, with splashes of pastel colors. The meticulously decorated cakes placed around the store give it an extravagant and fancy feeling.

The cupcakes I tried match the atmosphere of the store, for they too were artsy and perfectly crafted. Although I have definitely had better vanilla cupcakes, the S’mores cupcake was to die for and I plan on making routine trips to Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott to eat this wondrous cupcake.

(3.5 stars)

Hi Hat Coffee House located across from The Pembroke Hill School on State Line

HiHat coffeehouse is a less-is-more kind of place.  A one-room small brick cottage,  Hi Hat makes up for it’s lack of space with it’s friendly baristas, eclectic decor and an inviting coffee aroma.

Driving down State Line Road, just a few blocks North of Shawnee Mission Parkway, it’s easy to overlook the tiny building. There are only six parking spots and a few tables out on the patio. It sure doesn’t look like much, but Hi Hat doesn’t need a big name like Starbucks or Latte Land for customers to fall in love with their drinks. Neighbors and local students have been coming to Hi Hat for years.

Walking in, I was surprised to find just one barista behind the bar. Although busy making drinks for other customers she took the time to greet me and ask me about my day. Inside, there is just one little table and a few barstools, which makes the small space very crowded. The few tables outside quickly become nonfunctioning as the temperature drops. I would definitely recommend just ‘grab and go’ with your drinks in the winter because the seating is so limited.

Scanning the drink items mounted on the exposed brick wall, we decided to get a peach jet tea, the house coffee and a chai tea. While waiting for our drinks I spotted a small torn out section of the newspaper taped up on the wall. It was a short article about how Hi Hat had been named 2009’s best coffeehouse of Kansas City.

A local artist had a small painting on the wall and Polaroid pictures of winning customers line the ceiling. Customers can choose to put their business card in a bowl to enter in the daily drawing for a free bag of coffee beans.

In just a few minutes the chai tea was ready. It was rich and creamy, with a perfect blend of spices and strong flavor of cinnamon. The chai tea was just what I needed to warm me up on this fall afternoon.

The steaming house coffee seemed slightly plain after tasting the chai tea. Though if a cup of joe is what you’re looking for this will definitely satisfy your taste buds. It was the perfect temperature and had a nice, simple coffee taste.

Although it was cool outside, the frozen peach jet tea was still refreshing. It tasted so fresh it seemed as if I was just biting into a peach. It was smooth, with none of those disgusting chunks of ice or peaches. The jet tea was by far my favorite of the three.

Enjoying the drinks, I sat down on a barstool and looked at the metal bulletin board covered in various business cards and newspaper clippings. There were people to help with learning how to play piano, reorganize a closet or put a house on the market.

They don’t have flashy signs or advertising campaigns, but still have a strong customer base. The appeal of Hi Hat is just that — it’s not Starbucks, but it doesn’t try to be.

Coffee Girls

I felt the vibe of The Coffee Girls before even entering. Looking through the glass front I could see the fluorescent orange chairs and metal tables.

The modern decor was carried throughout the restaurant with sharp edged tables and counter tops and several orange chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Once entering, I noticed that there was no wall on the left half of the restaurant but instead it was wide open to the outside. Yes, this let a few leaves and bugs in but also a nice cool breeze.

After looking around, I looked through the fairly small selection of healthy food and decided what I wanted for lunch. I decided on the Edith Wrap and picked from one of their 10 juice combinations a Liquid Sunshine. We also got a June salad, My Mango smoothie and a Coffee Girl coffee.

The prices seem reasonable, $7 and under, comparable to Panera and less then the Mixx or Dean and Deluca. The specialty drinks, juices and smoothies were a little pricier being anywhere from $3.45 to $5.

After giving our order to an edgy, tattooed man, we were handed a jumbo nine of diamonds card and sent to find a table. From there, I watched the man blend my carrot, strawberry, orange, lime and apple juice (Liquid Sunshine) then quickly grabbed it from the counter when I saw it was ready.

I was expecting a sweet, more apple juice tasting drink, but was pleasantly surprised tasting new flavors like carrot and lime juice.

I didn’t know it was possible to mess up a mango smoothie. They did. The My Mango smoothie was way too bland, it tasted like one part mango to thirty parts vanilla yogurt.

Finally, signature Coffee Girl coffee was creamy and had a strong coffee taste with a touch of sweetness. In my opinion I think it is good enough to have a whole restaurant named after it.

We sat down at the bar which looked out upon the street. The wrap and salad were brought out only minutes after we started sipping on our drinks.

The Edith wrap looked wonderful. It was sliced in half showing the basil, tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and onions. Biting into it, the flavors were all very fresh and organic. The crunch of the grape tomatoes went perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese.

As good as the wrap was, I was expecting something great out of the salad. Unfortunately, it was too much spinach not enough of anything else. There were a few diced up apples, a little bit of mozzarella cheese and some dried cranberries thrown on top drizzled with a bit of raspberry vinaigrette. Yeah,

sounds good until all the good stuff is gone and I was left with a plate full of spinach.

Finishing up our food we bussed our table and headed out the door. Leaving, we walked past a sign saying “Thank You, love the Coffee Girls and Jim”.

As we pull away I was pleased, feeling healthy and full but not stuffed.  The Coffee Girls is a fun place to grab a light, inexpensive lunch while shopping with some girlfriends

Though the dining area was small, the two four-person tables along with the counter and bar stools at the storefront’s window, gave an open feeling.  Showcased on the several large shelves were a variety of unique baked goods, preserves, and pantry items for sale. They were stocked with healthy looking treats like organic peanut butter, raw clover honey, and a vast selection of items prepared by Great Harvest Bread Company itself like syrups, baking mixes, and snack items.  As I scanned the baked goods options – morning glory muffins, whole wheat coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, apple pie pockets, and cookies- I stopped at the last one.  The image of these gigantic cookies, with choices from Peanut Butter to Alpine, piled in stacks of six per package, made my mouth water.  When I misread the price tag for these monstrous goodies, only seeing the $1.75 that made my mouth drop with the idea of six cookies for that price.  I was sorely disappointed when I realized the actual price for these treats was $1.65 for one and $8.25 for six. While the bakery is known for its diverse selection of bread — from the Six-grain Woodstock to the sweet Honey Whole Wheat — it also offers daily bread specials and cafe-fare like a full coffee menu, soup, and the option to create your own sandwich.

On my lunch visit I got the 1/2 sandwich meal for $6.25.  I got to choose my pick of bread, cheese, spread, meat, and toppings for the sandwich, along with chips and a cookie.  I went with a chicken salad sandwich with cheddar, mustard, tomato and onion, on the Honey Whole Wheat, with a Mountain Munchy cookie, and kettle chips.  I was amazed when my order was ready before I’d finished scanning the shelves of items they offered.  Even though I split this meal with my sister, I was still satisfied.  The one disappointment I had was that I was anticipating a little more sustenance from the 1/2 sandwich and the thin slices holding it together wasn’t what I expected from a bread company.  Still, if I had this entire meal for myself I would’ve had more than enough to fill me up.  The Mountain Munchy cookie packed with oatmeal, chocolate chips, walnuts, and coconut was delicious and made me feel less guilty because anything that’s made of oatmeal can’t be that bad for you.

It’s just down the street from East, there’s a friendly staff, great food, and reasonable prices. This was a bakery I was happy to have went and I am already planning my next visit.  I’ve got my mind set on those enticing cookies.