New Happy Hour and Late Night Menu at blanc burgers + bottles

If you have not been to blanc burgers + bottles lately it is worth stopping in. The Plaza locations has added a new happy hour and late night menu that includes their new blanc tacos (choose three) fried avocado, carnitas, buffalo chicken, mahi-mahi for only $6.00.

There is also a selection of 2oz burgers (choose three) traditional, pulled pork, cool slider and new school for only $6.00.

I had a chance to try these new items and they are great! They have also added more beers to their already impressive list and offer everything from traditional light favorites to the stout and heavy craft beers.   

With great drink special and a yummy selection of appetizers, blanc burgers + bottles is the perfect place to meet.

Happy Hour runs Monday – Friday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Late Night is Monday – Saturday 9 p.m. – close.

blanc burgers + bottles has also made some adjustments to their  lunch menu with 9 options to choose from. The quick fix lunch offers a burger with side, soup or salad choice for $8.95. There is also a soup and salad option for only $7.95.

I cannot write this post without including a couple of my favorite picks that I think are a must try.

The Inside Out Burger - Blue cheese stuffed burger, applewood-smoked bacon, onion ring, house-made ketchup + mustard, butter lettuce, onion brioche bun.

Chicken Caprese - all natural hormone-free grilled chicken, fresh goat cheese, tomato, basil mayo, watercress, balsamic glaze, ciabatta bun.

I know the chicken caprese is not technically a burger, but that is the great thing about blanc. They have a wide selection of burgers but offer plenty of other choices including vegetarian options. That along with the extensive beverage collection is sure to please any palate! 

 Country Club Plaza
4710 Jefferson St.
Kansas City, MO 64112
816.931.6200

http://www.blancburgers.com/

In Good Taste,

Sharm

 

SPIN! Neopolitan Pizza Opens Fifth Location

Here is an official press release regarding the newest opening of SPIN Pizza.

 KANSAS CITY, MO (May 23, 2012) – SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza will begin serving award-winning artisan food without the gourmet price at its new Lenexa location beginning May 28. Locally owned and operated SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza’s fifth location will open at 9474 Renner Blvd. in the Prairie Center shops. Known for its exceptional food made from fresh ingredients and its eclectic, affordable premium wines, the restaurant will offer seating for 100, a bar, and an outdoor patio that seats 48. On Tuesday evenings during the summer, live family-friendly music will be played on the patio with no cover charge.

“This is a growing area and a great match for SPIN!,” says co-owner Edwin Brownell. “Our location is convenient to both residential areas and businesses that employ approximately 11,000 people. We look forward to becoming part of the neighborhood, serving those who have asked for a SPIN! in this area and new patrons.”

Since opening its first location in 2005, SPIN!® has been awarded “best pizza” by many of Greater Kansas City’s publications. SPIN! recently was named one of the “Rest of the 101 Best Restaurants” in the nation by top foodie website TheDailyMeal.com. Its Margherita Pizza was crowned one of the nation’s best dishes of the year by a national restaurant magazine, and its architecture won Best of Show at the Mid America Design Awards.

SPIN!’s menu is created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith. In addition to a variety of hand-spun traditional thin-and-bubbly crust, rustic whole wheat, and gluten-free stone fired pizzas, SPIN! serves an array of appetizers, soups, salads, signature Panini and Italian deli sandwiches, and gelato ice creams. All of SPIN!’s soups, salad dressings, pizza toppings and ingredients are prepared daily from fresh produce and meats.

SPIN!’s pizza dough is made fresh every day using several types of flour including one specially imported from Italy. All the toppings – such as mushrooms, caramelized onions, tomatoes, artichokes, even chicken sausage and pancetta (Italian bacon) – are roasted each morning in a stone hearth oven. A variety of cheeses are hand grated. The menu features both traditional Pizza Rossa (red pizzas with crushed roma tomato base) and Pizza Bianca (white pizzas with roasted olive oil glaze).

SPIN! serves a variety of affordable premium wines priced well below traditional restaurant prices.

SPIN! also is known for its unique community outreach programs including free weekly bike rides during the summer. Open to all ages and skill levels, the rides will be led by experienced cyclists who emphasize safety. Rides will be held at 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Lenexa SPIN! Bike ride participants and their dining companions will enjoy a 10 percent discount on food after the rides.

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza has locations at 4950 Main in Kansas City, Mo., 1808 N.W. Chipman Rd. in Lee’s Summit, Mo., 6541 W. 119th St. in Overland Park, Ks., and 14230 W. 119^th St. in Olathe, Ks. A sixth location is scheduled to open in the Corinth Square Shopping Center in Prairie Village, Ks.

The 3,500 square foot Lenexa location will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

SPIN! is owned and operated by Gail and Richard Lozoff and Edwin Brownell, who are experienced in large multi-unit expansion, franchising, and operations.

For information, please visit www.spinpizza.com.

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About SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza

Award-winning SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza is known for its exceptional, artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price and its eclectic, affordable premium wines. SPIN! has been

named best pizza by every major Greater Kansas City publication, one of the “Rest of the 101 Best Restaurants” in the nation by top foodie website TheDailyMeal.com, its Margherita Pizza was crowned one of the nation’s best dishes of the year by Restaurant Business magazine, and its architecture won Best of Show at the Mid America Design Awards. SPIN!’s menu is created in

collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith. Founded in 2005, SPIN! has four locations with two more under construction in the Greater Kansas City area and has announced its first franchise will be located in Southern California. This is the second national concept created by SPIN! co-owners Gail and Richard Lozoff and Edwin Brownell, who are experienced in large multi-unit expansion, franchising, and operations. www.spinpizza.com.

 

New menu at EBT Restaurant

 

If you have not been to EBT Restaurant lately, you are certainly missing out! This iconic restaurant has been opened in Kansas City since 1979 and boasts the ever-talented Chef Tate Roberts, who has just created a selection of new menu items. I recently had the chance to visit EBT with some other Kansas City Foodies for a sampling of some of the dishes and we all agreed the new menu items are delicious!

The new cocktail menu has taken many of the classics everyone loves but has given them a twist that adds a unique flare, beautiful presentation and the delicious flavor you crave. Some of the new cocktails include:

Green-Eyed Monster (Gimlet)

Hendrick’s Gin, shaken with basil-infused lime syrup,

Served up with a slice of fresh cucumber.

 

The Original (Old-Fashioned)

Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Angostura bitters-soaked sugar cube,

muddled with fresh peach and blackberries served on the rocks

with a splash of soda and peach flag.

Pimm’s ‘New’ Cup (Pimm’s Cup)

Pimm’s No. 1, cucumber-infused lemonade

On the rocks with a lemon twist and cucumber slice.

Peugeot (Sidecar)

Courvoisier VS, Grand Marnier, lemon-infused orange syrup,

Shaken and served up with a slice of fresh orange and a sugared rim.

New appetizers on the menu include many house favorites like Bacon Wrapped Tiger Shrimp and Flatbread Pizza. The pizzas are available gluten free if desired and Chef Tate house-makes the bacon the shrimp is wrapped in. If you are a reader of this blog, you know that seafood is not one of my favorites, but this was delicious!

All of these Pizzas were a hit with the group and the gluten free option was amazing!

The combination of the new flatbread pizzas are flavorful and include, Truffle-Dressed Spinach, Ricotta with Candied Shallots, Hummus, Roasted Red Peppers and Mint Infused Goat Cheese and a Five Cheese with, Salami, Capicola and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto.

The salads at EBT offer something for everyone whether you prefer a classic Caesar or iceberg wedge to a layered Caprese and more. 

EBT House Salad

Mixed greens, Diced Carrots and Celery, Grape Tomatoes

Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan Vinaigrette.

Apples, Pears and Arugula

Baby Arugula & Spinach, Sliced Apples, Sliced Pears, Strawberries

Snow Pea Shoots, Pumpernickel Croutons, Feta and Chive Vinaigrette.

Grilled Belgian Endive Caprese

With Vine-Ripe Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Mozzarella,

Parmesan Crisp, Balsamic Vinaigrette and White Truffle Oil.

I was torn between the Apple, Pear and Arugula and the Grilled Endive Caprese. I chose the latter and was not disappointed.  The basil is fresh, the mozzarella is creamy, and the tomatoes are ripe. It is served in a crispy Parmesan shell with balsamic vinaigrette. The portion is very large and would be a great starter to share.

The dinner menu at EBT offers both classic and contemporary cuisine and a variety of dishes were ordered at the table. The Rosemary Studded Colorado Lamb T-Bone was my entrée of choice and I also had a chance to try the Pork Chop as well. Both were delicious and everyone was pleased with the dishes they chose. Some entree choices at the table included:

Rosemary Studded Colorado Lamb T-Bone

6 ounce Domestic Colorado Lamb T-Bone, Grilled to Perfection, with Grilled Potato Salad and Baked White Bean Ragout finished with Rosemary Yogurt Sauce.

Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut a la Shanel

With Sautéed Leeks and Baby Spinach, Buttery Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes in a Littleneck Clam Broth.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Boneless Chicken Breast, Lightly Breaded and Sautéed, Topped with Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Capers

Tomatoes and a Light Garlicky Cream Sauce.

For dessert, I highly recommend the Bananas Foster. This dish is prepared table-side and is not only fun to watch but is also quite tasty.

The warm caramel sauce against the cold ice cream creates a chewy brittle and the bananas add a fresh and light element, while still being decadent.

The carrot cake was another favorite of mine with wonderful hints of nutmeg and cinnamon and a great cake to icing ratio.

In addition to all of the amazing dishes available, EBT offers an atmosphere that is elegant while still being comfortable and inviting and the contemporary lighting and original pieces from the Emery Bird Thayer department store add character. The menu features lunch, a bar and happy hour menu and of course dinner.  Although EBT has been around for many years, its approach to dining is current and fresh and you are “missing out” if you have not been lately.

If you are looking for a great place to just have a drink and appetizer, a delightful dinner or just want dessert, EBT Restaurant is the perfect place.

Be sure and check out EBT's website for more information on menu items and coupons.

EBT Restaurant

1310 Carondolet

Kansas City, MO 64114

In Good Taste,

Sharm

The Boot Ristorante The Boot Launches Daily Happy Hour Menu

The Boot officially introduces Happy Hour on Friday, May 4, with a daily menu that offers $1 fresh oysters and $1 housemade meatballs, along with half-price Antipasti and pizza. Happy Hour drink specials include imports, microbrews and Boulevard Brewing Company draft beers, in addition to $5 wines. The rustic-style Italian bistro offers the Happy Hour menu daily in the bar and dining area from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Boot is located next door to its sister concept the French-inspired bistro, Westport Café & Bar, in the heart of Kansas City's Westport Neighborhood. In addition to the new Happy Hour menu, The Boot’s full menu is available until through 1:00 a.m. with drinks served until 1:30 a.m.



Happy Hour Menu at The Boot: 
 Meatballs….$1.00 each
(Classico, Porco Piccante or Chicken)
 Daily Oysters….$1.00 each
 Cheese Plate….$5.00
(Grana Padano, Cow’s Milk Ricotta, Taleggio, Gorgonzola Dolce and Aged Provolone)
 Salumi Misi….$5.00
(La Quercia: Coppa Americana, Prosciutto Piccante and Lardo)
 P.E.I Mussels….$5.00
(with Pomodoro) 
 Short Rib Ravioli….$5.00
 Pizza….$7.00
(Quattro Fromaggi, Luigi, Porco or Spinachi)

Wine
Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Du Ragon….$5.00
(Bordeaux, France)
Chardonnay, Morse Code….$5
(Padthaway, Australia)
Tamas Double Decker Red….$5
(Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Central Coast, California)
Shiraz, Morse Code….$5
(Padthaway, Australia)

Beer
Leffe Blonde….$3
Stiegl Goldbrau….$3
Anchor Steam California Common….$3
McSorley’s Black Lager….$3
Boulevard Tank 7….$5
Boulevard Dry Stout….$3

For more information on The Boot and the new Happy Hour menu, please visit The Boot Ristorante on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thebootristorante and follow on www.Twitter at twitter.com/thebootkc

About The Boot
Officially open February 9, 2012, Kansas City now has an Italian café and bistro, The Boot Ristorante.  Based on the rustic Italian dining experiences found in the cities of Italy. The Boot Ristorante is a full-service, casual Italian eatery located in the heart of Old Westport in Kansas City, Mo. Situated directly next to its older French-inspired counterpart, Westport Café & Bar, The Boot offers a similar dining experience with an Italian point-of-view. Developed by Chef Owners Aaron Confessori and Richard Wiles, the menu features antipasti, house made pasta, pizza, entrees and desserts. Bringing the true charm of Italy to Westport, The Boot offers rustic Italian cuisine crafted with a blending of fresh, simple ingredients and Italian tradition with a menu of customizable dishes. The menu also includes handmade meatballs, locally-made Krizman’s sausages and three sauces.  Handcrafted cocktails and a boutique wine and beer list are served in the intimate 1000 square-foot setting, reminiscent of a rustic Italian bistro. Located at 415 Westport Road in Kansas City, Mo., The Boot serves a full menu daily, Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – midnight, with the bar open until 1:30 a.m. and midnight respectively.  For more information, call (816) 931-4868 or visit www.facebook.com/TheBootRistorante