★★★★★ (5 stars)
one day we planned a jaunt up to parkville, mo for a friend's block party. however, being aware that our veg-friendly diet usually means snacking on a veggie tray at parties, we decided to stop in town for small a bite to eat first. that sort of backfired in our face.
now, the reason it backfired: so much awesomeness to choose from! like two kids at a candy store - when we find large selections of food that we *can* eat, we have trouble with moderation. this was supposed to be just an appetizer to hold us over to the block party veggie tray, but turned into a full-on food fest. to start off, the husband could not resist getting the appetizer for two - which consisted of falafel, taboulei, baba ganoush, hummus, stuff grape leaves, spanakopita (not vegan), and warm pita bread.
typically we split a normal appetizer, so we were feeling a little full already and decided to put the breaks on. we split the cauliflower sammie (Karnabeat), but it also came with a side salad. our waitress, who had an awesome australian accent, had previously chatted with me about my veganism and made sure they took the feta off my salad (i had totally forgot to request it). she even let me know that the salad dressing was vegan without me asking! i love when i get service like this.
after we wrapped up an extremely messy meal, we bid adieu. i don't think i ate one damn veggie at the block party... i was so stuffed i could have popped at any minute. the only thing i can saw that isn't a glowing review is the menu is both 'mediterranean' and 'american'. it's sort of an odd combo. however, if you know what you are going for, it's not a bid deal. café cedar totally rocks and if you are anywhere near parkville, missouri, this place is a must.
website:
café cedar
location(s):
2 e. 2nd street
parkville, mo 64152
816.505.2233
Showing posts with label five stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label five stars. Show all posts
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
swagat fine indian cuisine
★★★★★(5 stars)
i've been trying different indian restaurants in kansas city for the past couple of years, and i would say the swagat has been one of my favourite experiences yet. swagat is located up north of kansas city, in a shopping area called zona rosa. although the busy shopping area didn't appeal to me, i've heard good things about the restaurant and ventured up there.
the place was busy! by far the busiest indian restaurant i've been to - perhaps because of the prime location? it was nice and clean, and definitely had a "fine dining feel". we were seated and served with some (free) delicious crackers. we then ordered the vegan-friendly palak pakoras appetizer, which was a little scary looking, but so so good. it's basically deep-fried spinach, served with some dipping condiments (that i did not care for).
for dinner, i confirmed with my server what could be made vegan. the chana masala, dal makhni, bhindi masala, aloo gobhi, and aloo palak mutter are all cheese-free, but are usually made with cream. if specified, they will make it without, and so i ordered the aloo gobhi (cauliflower & potatoes). the husband ordered something with paneer, but i can't remember what and i can't tell from the photo! either way, we both loved our meals, and their naan was crispy and wonderful.
the portions were huge - i think i got three meals out of mine (although i did have an appetizer that night). the server was pretty knowledgeable about the vegan options - although he did have to check with the kitchen on one or two things. i certainly appreciate their willingness to customize so many different options. prices are pretty on par with other indian restaurants... or at least the ones i'm familiar with. i will definitely go back and would recommend it, for sure!
website:
swagat
location:
7407 nw 87th street
kansas city, mo 64153
i've been trying different indian restaurants in kansas city for the past couple of years, and i would say the swagat has been one of my favourite experiences yet. swagat is located up north of kansas city, in a shopping area called zona rosa. although the busy shopping area didn't appeal to me, i've heard good things about the restaurant and ventured up there.
the place was busy! by far the busiest indian restaurant i've been to - perhaps because of the prime location? it was nice and clean, and definitely had a "fine dining feel". we were seated and served with some (free) delicious crackers. we then ordered the vegan-friendly palak pakoras appetizer, which was a little scary looking, but so so good. it's basically deep-fried spinach, served with some dipping condiments (that i did not care for).
for dinner, i confirmed with my server what could be made vegan. the chana masala, dal makhni, bhindi masala, aloo gobhi, and aloo palak mutter are all cheese-free, but are usually made with cream. if specified, they will make it without, and so i ordered the aloo gobhi (cauliflower & potatoes). the husband ordered something with paneer, but i can't remember what and i can't tell from the photo! either way, we both loved our meals, and their naan was crispy and wonderful.
the portions were huge - i think i got three meals out of mine (although i did have an appetizer that night). the server was pretty knowledgeable about the vegan options - although he did have to check with the kitchen on one or two things. i certainly appreciate their willingness to customize so many different options. prices are pretty on par with other indian restaurants... or at least the ones i'm familiar with. i will definitely go back and would recommend it, for sure!
website:
swagat
location:
7407 nw 87th street
kansas city, mo 64153
Sunday, November 15, 2009
bo lings
★★★★★(5 stars)
a couple weeks ago, the husband and i decided to go to bo lings chinese restaurant for dinner. there are several locations in the area, and i've been to four of them. i admit that they are all very good, but i absolutely loved the server during this particular visit. he was quick, funny ("go team!") and all together on top of things. of course, i forgot my camera, so you'll have to make do with camera phone quality.
we started with a yummy appetizer of crispy eggplant, which is egg wash free. it's served with a divine soy and ginger dressing which i could have slurped down. there was a lot - too much for two people, but we managed to put it away anyways. :)
for my entree, i decided to try something new and went for the tofu family style. note: both the tofu family style and tofu w/ black bean sauce are made with chicken broth, but if you request, the will substitute water. you really can't taste a difference. as usual, generous portions and spot-on flavour. the husband got vegetable lo mein, and said it was delish as well. its made with egg noodles, so it's only for vegetarians who eat eggs. my all-time favourite dish is the sichuan green beans, which i've tried to recreate at home.
overall, bo lings serves some of the best chinese food in the city. my only complaint is that the tofu could cut cut a bit smaller so it's not as tofu-y in the center. i'd guess that i cut each piece of tofu into about 3 separate bites. and the best part is they've got a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. you can see all the options on their website. oh, and don't eat your whole meal because their take home bags are pretty awesome.
website:
bo lings
locations:
*see website for addresses
plaza
overland park (x2)
lenexa
zona rosa
city market
a couple weeks ago, the husband and i decided to go to bo lings chinese restaurant for dinner. there are several locations in the area, and i've been to four of them. i admit that they are all very good, but i absolutely loved the server during this particular visit. he was quick, funny ("go team!") and all together on top of things. of course, i forgot my camera, so you'll have to make do with camera phone quality.
we started with a yummy appetizer of crispy eggplant, which is egg wash free. it's served with a divine soy and ginger dressing which i could have slurped down. there was a lot - too much for two people, but we managed to put it away anyways. :)
for my entree, i decided to try something new and went for the tofu family style. note: both the tofu family style and tofu w/ black bean sauce are made with chicken broth, but if you request, the will substitute water. you really can't taste a difference. as usual, generous portions and spot-on flavour. the husband got vegetable lo mein, and said it was delish as well. its made with egg noodles, so it's only for vegetarians who eat eggs. my all-time favourite dish is the sichuan green beans, which i've tried to recreate at home.
overall, bo lings serves some of the best chinese food in the city. my only complaint is that the tofu could cut cut a bit smaller so it's not as tofu-y in the center. i'd guess that i cut each piece of tofu into about 3 separate bites. and the best part is they've got a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. you can see all the options on their website. oh, and don't eat your whole meal because their take home bags are pretty awesome.
website:
bo lings
locations:
*see website for addresses
plaza
overland park (x2)
lenexa
zona rosa
city market
Friday, September 4, 2009
genghis kahn mongolian barbeque
★★★★★(5 stars)
i've been here several times, but always forget to bring my camera! i finally remembered and now get to review the best little mongolian barbeque restaurant i've ever eaten at. i guess i'm spoiled, because this was my first restaurant of this type, and having been to several since, i've learned that really none compare. it's clean, it's quaint, it's super veggie friendly.
first, there are two different bowl colours - the blue for veggies only and white for the omnivores. although there is small sign noting the distinction, some people don't know and mix it up. but the grillers are apparently trained to note the difference, and they can always tell when it's a veggie only dish. this is important because they use separate sticks to grill the vegetarian/vegan dishes so you don't have bits of meat mixed in. so awesome!
the buffet is huge. for an all-you-can-eat vegetarian dinner, it is only $11 (lunch is $8.50). there are tons of great vegetables to choose from, including fried tofu. i always overfill my bowl because i just want to have it all. not to mention they throw in peanuts, all kinds of sauce choices and rice noodles if you want. i have never been to another mongolian buffet with so many vegetarian choices. and of course, they have a full menu too. a long time ago i had a mushroom pot off the menu, and i remember it being good. i can't say much else about the menu, except that it has a lot of veggie choices.
it's casual enough for a quick bite, but trendy enough for a date night. and it's a great place for the picky eaters, because you control the flavor. the prices are right, and of course, great for the vegetarian/vegan crowd. i also just discovered they have a second location in the northland. as i said, i've been wanting to review this place for a while because everyone in kansas city should try it at least once.
website:
genghis khan
locations:
midtown
3906 bell
kansas city, mo 64111
northland
8634 north boardwalk
kansas city, mo 64151
i've been here several times, but always forget to bring my camera! i finally remembered and now get to review the best little mongolian barbeque restaurant i've ever eaten at. i guess i'm spoiled, because this was my first restaurant of this type, and having been to several since, i've learned that really none compare. it's clean, it's quaint, it's super veggie friendly.
first, there are two different bowl colours - the blue for veggies only and white for the omnivores. although there is small sign noting the distinction, some people don't know and mix it up. but the grillers are apparently trained to note the difference, and they can always tell when it's a veggie only dish. this is important because they use separate sticks to grill the vegetarian/vegan dishes so you don't have bits of meat mixed in. so awesome!
the buffet is huge. for an all-you-can-eat vegetarian dinner, it is only $11 (lunch is $8.50). there are tons of great vegetables to choose from, including fried tofu. i always overfill my bowl because i just want to have it all. not to mention they throw in peanuts, all kinds of sauce choices and rice noodles if you want. i have never been to another mongolian buffet with so many vegetarian choices. and of course, they have a full menu too. a long time ago i had a mushroom pot off the menu, and i remember it being good. i can't say much else about the menu, except that it has a lot of veggie choices.
it's casual enough for a quick bite, but trendy enough for a date night. and it's a great place for the picky eaters, because you control the flavor. the prices are right, and of course, great for the vegetarian/vegan crowd. i also just discovered they have a second location in the northland. as i said, i've been wanting to review this place for a while because everyone in kansas city should try it at least once.website:
genghis khan
locations:
midtown
3906 bell
kansas city, mo 64111
northland
8634 north boardwalk
kansas city, mo 64151
Monday, June 22, 2009
the pita pit
★★★★★(5 stars)
almost every time we go to lawrence, we eat at the pita pit. the first pic is a little older, but i was vegan at the time (just not running this blog yet). to start with, the pita pit is open late. like after-bar-show-ends-late, which is quite awesome because that is usually why i'm in lawrence in the first place.
they have a smattering of vegan and vegetarian friendly options - including fresh cooked falafel... all in convenient to-go wraps. the first time i went, they were really awesome in helping me make my falafel wrap vegan, steering me to which sauces would be acceptable. for the vegan, they have garden, hummus, baba ganoush and falafel pitas. i've tried them all and each was as tasty as the last. they also have feta and other cheese varieties for the vegetarian crowd.
for a quick-bite type of place, they are really clean and whip up those wraps in no time. they never skimp - my eats are always wonderfully overstuffed with yummy veggies. and you can pick between white or wheat pitas!
miss v's tip: try their hot sauce and hummus on a falafel pita... mercy!
website:
the pita pit
locations (2 local):
44 ne sycamore street
lee's summit, mo 64086
phone: 816.554.7482
1011 mass street
lawrence, ks 66044
phone: 785.856.2500
almost every time we go to lawrence, we eat at the pita pit. the first pic is a little older, but i was vegan at the time (just not running this blog yet). to start with, the pita pit is open late. like after-bar-show-ends-late, which is quite awesome because that is usually why i'm in lawrence in the first place.
they have a smattering of vegan and vegetarian friendly options - including fresh cooked falafel... all in convenient to-go wraps. the first time i went, they were really awesome in helping me make my falafel wrap vegan, steering me to which sauces would be acceptable. for the vegan, they have garden, hummus, baba ganoush and falafel pitas. i've tried them all and each was as tasty as the last. they also have feta and other cheese varieties for the vegetarian crowd.
for a quick-bite type of place, they are really clean and whip up those wraps in no time. they never skimp - my eats are always wonderfully overstuffed with yummy veggies. and you can pick between white or wheat pitas!
miss v's tip: try their hot sauce and hummus on a falafel pita... mercy!
website:
the pita pit
locations (2 local):
44 ne sycamore street
lee's summit, mo 64086
phone: 816.554.7482
1011 mass street
lawrence, ks 66044
phone: 785.856.2500
Sunday, February 22, 2009
mccoy's public house
★★★★★(5 stars)
i have been going to mccoy's public house in westport since i was old enough to drive. and when i was old enough to drink beer, i started going a little more often. the folks who spend time there a weird combination of mellow hipster and casual professional types that create a perfect atmosphere where you never feel out of place. plus they have a kick-ass patio that everyone loves on kansas city summer nights.
service is friendly, and they are usually pretty quick and attentive. friday and saturday nights can get pretty busy - but you can make reservations. happy hour is also busy, although they don't have super deal prices for hh as i can recall. but no matter, it's worth it.
website:
mccoy's public house
location:
4057 pennsylvania
kansas city, mo 64111
816.960.0866
i have been going to mccoy's public house in westport since i was old enough to drive. and when i was old enough to drink beer, i started going a little more often. the folks who spend time there a weird combination of mellow hipster and casual professional types that create a perfect atmosphere where you never feel out of place. plus they have a kick-ass patio that everyone loves on kansas city summer nights.
their menu is really extensive, with a smattering of every type of cuisine. and it is all really good - i don't think i've ever had a mediocre meal here. this visit was with my entire family for a celebration, and i had the sonoma vegan wrap. so good. and my vegetarian husband (and my omni-vore mom) had my big fat greek pasta, and both were full of raves.
in the past, i've had the stir fry and black bean burger (not vegan), which were both really good, as well as the hummus. and i haven't even gotten to their beer.... i'm a fan of the unfiltered wheat - it rivals my all-time favourite (boulevard unfiltered wheat). you can even get their beer in kegs at decent prices, as my friend kim did for her graduation party.
service is friendly, and they are usually pretty quick and attentive. friday and saturday nights can get pretty busy - but you can make reservations. happy hour is also busy, although they don't have super deal prices for hh as i can recall. but no matter, it's worth it.website:
mccoy's public house
location:
4057 pennsylvania
kansas city, mo 64111
816.960.0866
Saturday, October 18, 2008
ming garden
★★★★★(5 stars)
this is my new found favourite cheap chinese take-out place. we moved up north of kansas city at the end of 2007 and found this place almost immediately. the only bummer is that we can't get delivery, but no one delivers to where we live, so i can't blame them.
they have the best veggie chinese food. they even have these fried veggie spring rolls with cabbage and mushrooms that inspired my recipe for kraut rolls. and they have the hot sauce. i have no idea why they call it hot sauce, because it isn't hot at all, but it is the best f*ing sauce i have ever had. every time i go, i grab handfuls of the packets (i know - tsk, tsk). it's the perfect combination of asian sauce and vinegar twang. if you are a vinegar lover, this stuff will change your life. i'm sure you can find it at other chinese take out joints, so look for it. ok, moving on.
the husband always gets the general tao's tofu, and i tend to always get the tofu and mixed vegetables. the tofu pieces are always the most perfect sized cubes, and often i get several deliciously crispy ones. they have tons of veggie options - more than any other cheapo chinese restaurant i've been to in kc. their menu also lists the elusive veggie and bean curd soup, which i haven't tried yet, but i'm giving them bonus points for having. the servings are huge - i can get like 4 meals out of my order (which is usually: dinner, post-dinner, breakfast, pre-lunch - yea, it's that good).
website:
none
locations:
4311 ne chouteau trafficway
kansas city, mo 64117
816-452-0338
this is my new found favourite cheap chinese take-out place. we moved up north of kansas city at the end of 2007 and found this place almost immediately. the only bummer is that we can't get delivery, but no one delivers to where we live, so i can't blame them.
they have the best veggie chinese food. they even have these fried veggie spring rolls with cabbage and mushrooms that inspired my recipe for kraut rolls. and they have the hot sauce. i have no idea why they call it hot sauce, because it isn't hot at all, but it is the best f*ing sauce i have ever had. every time i go, i grab handfuls of the packets (i know - tsk, tsk). it's the perfect combination of asian sauce and vinegar twang. if you are a vinegar lover, this stuff will change your life. i'm sure you can find it at other chinese take out joints, so look for it. ok, moving on.
the husband always gets the general tao's tofu, and i tend to always get the tofu and mixed vegetables. the tofu pieces are always the most perfect sized cubes, and often i get several deliciously crispy ones. they have tons of veggie options - more than any other cheapo chinese restaurant i've been to in kc. their menu also lists the elusive veggie and bean curd soup, which i haven't tried yet, but i'm giving them bonus points for having. the servings are huge - i can get like 4 meals out of my order (which is usually: dinner, post-dinner, breakfast, pre-lunch - yea, it's that good).
website:
none
locations:
4311 ne chouteau trafficway
kansas city, mo 64117
816-452-0338
Sunday, October 5, 2008
the thai place
★★★★★(5 stars)
we went to the thai place last night for our 2 year anniversary. we first stumbled upon this restaurant about 6 months ago, and fell head over heals. it's a great place to suggest for groups or dates, because it is veggie-friendly and also offers less daring options for those who may not be food-experimental.
their online menu is a little misleading - it doesn't have everything at every location, and some locations don't have certain dishes. they list a happy hour online, but i've been to 3 locations and have still never found one. last night, we went to kc north.
our service wasn't that great, which honestly, was to be expected. i'm not really sure why, but the service is very hit or miss (at all locations). there is one server up north who doesn't even come to your table for drink orders until 7 or 8 minutes after you are seated.
i've had the veggie spring rolls several times - and they are pretty disappointing. there is not much in them except lettuce and bean sprouts. they serve it with some dipping oil (peanut oil?), which does not add anything to the dish, unfortunately. if i had to rate this place based solely on the spring rolls, i'd give it one star. seriously. we only got them last night because we were starving and couldn't find another veggie-friendly appetizer.
for our main course, the husband and i both got spicy cashew with tofu. it is our hands-down favourite item. since this was a celebration and we hadn't been there in several months, we couldn't resist the temptation. we both love spicy food - although i'm a little bit more of a spice freak. at the thai place, we order our food at medium temperature, and then also get a 'spice tray' so we can modify the heat. of course, i totally forgot to take a picture before we chowed down - we'd only split one bowl of bar pretzels between the two of us all day. so here is a picture of my dinner, once i came out of my food delirium and realized my mistake.
even though the service is only mediocre, and the veggie-appetizers are blah, i still give this place five stars. the meals and dynamite, the veggie entree options are plentiful, it is very clean and has a nice atmosphere.
**update 9/25/09: i always specify 'no fish sauce' when i order. last night, at the westport location, the server informed me that the diced green chilis on the spice tray contained fish sauce. the rest of the spice tray is vegan.
website:
kc thai place
locations:
westport
overland park (x2)
downtown (closed 2010)
north kc (closed 2010)
we went to the thai place last night for our 2 year anniversary. we first stumbled upon this restaurant about 6 months ago, and fell head over heals. it's a great place to suggest for groups or dates, because it is veggie-friendly and also offers less daring options for those who may not be food-experimental.
their online menu is a little misleading - it doesn't have everything at every location, and some locations don't have certain dishes. they list a happy hour online, but i've been to 3 locations and have still never found one. last night, we went to kc north.
our service wasn't that great, which honestly, was to be expected. i'm not really sure why, but the service is very hit or miss (at all locations). there is one server up north who doesn't even come to your table for drink orders until 7 or 8 minutes after you are seated.
i've had the veggie spring rolls several times - and they are pretty disappointing. there is not much in them except lettuce and bean sprouts. they serve it with some dipping oil (peanut oil?), which does not add anything to the dish, unfortunately. if i had to rate this place based solely on the spring rolls, i'd give it one star. seriously. we only got them last night because we were starving and couldn't find another veggie-friendly appetizer.
for our main course, the husband and i both got spicy cashew with tofu. it is our hands-down favourite item. since this was a celebration and we hadn't been there in several months, we couldn't resist the temptation. we both love spicy food - although i'm a little bit more of a spice freak. at the thai place, we order our food at medium temperature, and then also get a 'spice tray' so we can modify the heat. of course, i totally forgot to take a picture before we chowed down - we'd only split one bowl of bar pretzels between the two of us all day. so here is a picture of my dinner, once i came out of my food delirium and realized my mistake.
even though the service is only mediocre, and the veggie-appetizers are blah, i still give this place five stars. the meals and dynamite, the veggie entree options are plentiful, it is very clean and has a nice atmosphere.
**update 9/25/09: i always specify 'no fish sauce' when i order. last night, at the westport location, the server informed me that the diced green chilis on the spice tray contained fish sauce. the rest of the spice tray is vegan.
website:
kc thai place
locations:
westport
overland park (x2)
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