Unforked: A UNique restaurant in OP

Posted: July 31, 2012

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As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I have become more aware of the produce I purchase and the restaurants I patronize. Freshly prepared and preservative-free food is not only better for you, but it’s better for the environment and very often supports our local farmers. Although we all strive towards good health, it is oftentimes difficult to find a tasty AND healthy meal when we head out to a restaurant.

Since 2011, a special restaurant in Overland Park has been serving fresh, organic, and locally-grown food. Unforked is a Sheridan’s (think custard) concept located just off 119th and Metcalf in Overland Park. You may have driven by and noticed its distinctive construction and design, which only gets cooler on the inside. The menu is vast and prepared daily by hand. I like to research restaurants before I go to them and luckily, Unforked’s website is filled with facts and videos on how they prepare their food. How many of us can say that we know exactly how our food is prepared when we’re outside of our home? Or where the ingredients even come from?

Voo Doo TacoJust this week, I opted for two of the three summer specials: the 24/7 Taco, described as “creamy, addicting chipotle-spiked napa slaw topped with sweet n’ tangy sesame BBQ beef shortribs and fresh cilantro” and the Honey Mango Lassi, “A delightful blend of sweet mango, yogurt, Shatto milk and a touch of local honey.” Both are extremely flavorful…and affordable! Other favorites dishes include the Chicken Crunch Taco, the Hail to the Kale salad (super healthy and delicious!) and of course, the custard. Any custard.

Some fun UNForked facts if you are not yet convinced:

• All of the used ingredients are hormone-free and steroid-free.
• The custard is made with five pure ingredients: milk, cream, egg, sugar and vanilla.
• The smoothies are made with 100% fruit and the burgers are made without fillers.
• The eggs are freshly gathered by hand from straw-filled nests.
• The fruits are supplier-checked for 100% pesticide free pure goodness.
• The honey, beer, tortillas, chips, meat, bread and eggs all come from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

If you are what you eat, then check out UNForked this summer! If you have any other restaurant suggestions for where to find local, organic and tasty food in Overland Park, please share them on our Facebook wall. To our health!

~Liron

Chaz on the Plaza: A delightful place for breakfast too

Posted: April 12, 2012

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and enjoying breakfast at a restaurant is a favorite of mine.  My husband and I like to kick off our busy weekends with a good breakfast out when possible. There are so many wonderful places to choose from, but one of our special places is Chaz.  We so enjoyed the charming atmosphere, special cuisine and wonderful service that it became a favorite of ours.  Chaz on the Plaza is the signature restaurant at The Raphael and offers creative American cuisine.  It is known as a wonderful place to enjoy lunch, or a romantic dinner, and has a lounge that offers entertainment by local musicians Tuesdays through Sundays.  We were so pleased to find it is also a wonderful place for breakfast a well.

The breakfast menu at Chaz features traditional fare with a special touch.  You can get Chicken Fried Steak, Eggs Benedict, Lox and Bagels, or Smoked Salmon Benedict just to name a few of their entrees.  There is something for all tastes from light to heavier fare.  My personal favorite is the Petite Filet with toasted gorgonzola, parmesan potato cake, eggs and Hollandaise sauce.  They also serve morning cocktails, such as mimosas, breakfast martinis and several more special selections.  We enjoyed this dining experience so much that we now have several friends meeting us for breakfast there regularly and it is always a fun event.

Chaz on the Plaza is a wonderful dining experience. I highly recommend giving it a try, and think you will enjoy it as much as we do. You may become a regular too!

~Jeanne

Restaurant Week in Kansas City

Posted: January 12, 2012

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Has there ever been that restaurant that you’re just dying to try, but know it is a bit of a reach (if not completely out of reach) for your budget? I have lots of those “special occasion” restaurants that I want to get out and try – places like The American Restaurant and Morton’s Steakhouse (no longer in KC). Kansas City is a mecca of culinary delights and I find that I’m constantly finding a new place I want to try. For the last couple of years, these “special occasion” restaurants have become an option for an average January Wednesday evening or fun Friday out. The restaurants of Kansas City are teaming up for Restaurant Week, which features the culinary delights of Kansas City and showcases some old-favorites and unique talents in the foodie world of KC.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Select a destination of choice from the restaurant list.
  2. Click on the OpenTable links to make your online restaurant reservations in advance. If the restaurant does not have the OpenTable reservation option, you will need to let the restaurant know when you arrive that you are dining in for Restaurant Week.
  3. Show up during Restaurant Week and enjoy your specially-priced multi-course meal ($30 for dinner or $15 for lunch).

You may want to know what I’ve experienced personally from Restaurant Week. I’m sure you’re thinking $30 for a multi-course meal at The American for dinner is unbelievable. I thought that, but let me assure you, I was not disappointed. The first year, my husband and I enjoyed dinner at The American. We were sat at a table with a view overlooking downtown Kansas City. Our meal began with each selecting an appetizer. I got the steak tartar. Then, you had a choice of soup or salad. For the main course you could have steak, fish or chicken. Complete with a dessert to sweeten the deal. Menus change each year and the menu is posted to the restaurant listing, so you can check it out before you go. Last year, my husband and I went with my sister and her husband to the Capital Grille. You can read about my experience by reading the blog post “The Staff can Make the Difference.”

This year, restaurant week will be January 20-29. I can’t wait! I know I’ll be checking out some place new. What will you try?