Snap-a-licious!

This evening I was treated to yet another of my favorite Kansas City restaurants, RED SNAPPER. Having lived in New York City for 10 years, when I moved back to KC the one thing that I was dreading was the lack of quality Asian Cuisine. Of course, there are countless Chinese restaurants on every street corner of the city from small take out windows to amazing spaces. I was fortunate to live very close to a take out place that specialized in a more healthy take on take out and were very conscious of oils and fat so I really become accustomed to great, cheap, healthy food - oh how I miss it - Kar-Luck was the name. When I first arrived in KC, my eating habits really took a hit as I could not find a good quality, HEALTH conscious Asian restaurant. My search lead me to a restaurant that had just opened on the edge of the Crossroads called Max's Noodles and More, I had found my oasis. Max and Kim Chao not only provided a welcoming atmosphere but incredible food at incredible prices. I quickly became a regular and cried when they finally lost the space so that a parking garage could be built. After much talk of staying in the area, they decided to concentrate on a different concept and opened Ohana Hawaiian BBQ in Overland Park - We miss you downtown, Max and Kim! OK, to bring it back around, Max's brother opened Red Snapper and that has taken the place of my fix for Asian food. The food is just delicious, the sauces are not heavy and the company is always good! One of my few indulgences into fried foods these days are the Smoked Salmon Rangoon which are just a good excuse for fried food. The smoked salmon takes this Midwest classic to an almost gourmet level. My favorite dinner is Tofu with Mixed Vegetables which was my favorite down at Max's - I'm happy to report that the brothers have that in common. The Hot and Sour Soup is packed full of tofu, pork, egg and a few veggies and is not too sour and not too sweet, just perfect. I highly recommend Red Snapper, I haven't found one thing that I haven't liked.

Red Snapper
8430 Ward Parkway Plaza
Kansas City, MO 64114
www.kcredsnapper.com

Hungarian Delight!

As my first posting, I would like to chat about Monday nights at Grinders in the Crossroads District of KC.
Every Monday evening, a very delightful man by the name of George cooks Hungarian food at this local artist hangout. Grinders is a very colorful place with good food and it's mixture of eclectic's only compliment the amazing personality of George. George used to own a cheese and sausage shop on Main Street by the Plaza for many years and would hire Art Institute kids to work there. Now the tables have turned as George has returned to Grinders to work for Art Institute alum and local legend, "Stretch". For $7.50 you get a big plate full of whatever George has prepared for the evening, tonight was Chicken Paprika. You get a quarter chicken nestled on a bed of rice/pasta with a side of corn with beans - it is just scrumptious! A plate full is very filling and the atmosphere is worth every bite! I highly recommend Monday's at Grinders - well, any night for that matter. The pizza's and subs are great as well.

Grinders
417 E. 18th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
816.472.5454