10 Culinary Adventures to Try in Kansas City

10 Culinary Adventures to Try in Kansas City

Indulgent experiences in KC make for a city of flavors.

Kansas City used to be known strictly for its world-class barbecue, but in recent years the landscape has expanded to include an impressive array of urbane and creative food options.

This comes as no surprise to locals who enjoy on a daily basis the talents of some outstanding chefs, many of whom left our hometown to hone skills and burnish reputations, only to return to their roots to delight and nourish us.

But it’s not solely restaurant meals that seduce us these days. On any given day, there is an enchanting experience in which to indulge around the city. Whether it is an underground supper or dinner in a field, if you live to eat or drink, this list is for you.

Amigoni Urban Winery

The lovingly restored Drover Telegram building in the West Bottoms is now home to a stunning winery. Available for private parties, it’s also open six days a week so visitors can taste each of the Amigoni varietals. Purchase a wine flight (or Boulevard beer) and a cheese plate from Green Dirt Farm or Shatto Milk, and feel good about keeping it local.

The Broadmoor Bistro

The Broadmoor Technical Center in Shawnee Mission runs a culinary arts program. Multi-course dinners are hosted by the students several times a month. Reserve a spot and be prepared to be wowed by our future culinary stars.

Cellar Rat

Take a wine education class! Tired of listening to wine snobs extol the virtues of their favorite cabernet or discuss the earthy quality of an Oregon pinot noir? Sign up for a class at this popular Crossroads wine shop and learn the lingo from an expert. Sniff and swirl your way through the tastings, and then test your newfound knowledge the next time you peruse a wine list or shop for wine.

Farmer's Markets

Farmer’s Markets abound in the metropolitan area, from the River Market to Overland Park and Lee’s Summit. Check the hours before venturing out, but do make the tour for fresh produce, meats and chef’s demonstrations.

Green Dirt Farm

Green Dirt Farm in Weston has the best adult field trips going. During the warmer months, its owners host Farm to Table dinners beautifully prepared by a rotating stable of local chefs and Cheesemaking Appreciation events highlighting GDF’s own cheeses paired with local wines or beer.

Local Pig

Chef Alex Pope recently opened a butcher shop in the East Bottoms featuring locally sourced meats. It’s worth the drive to pick up freshly ground sausages, custom cut ribeyes or farm fresh eggs. Before going home, stop out back at Pigwich, Pope’s outdoor sandwich trailer, for a Thai meatball banh mi or porchetta sandwich.

Powell Garden

Enjoy the Barn Dinner Series. Grab some friends and head to Kingsville, MO. A guest chef will be on hand to create a multi-course dinner employing seasonal ingredients in the Heartland Harvest Garden. Communal tables add to the ambiance of this farm-to-table experience.

The Test Kitchen

Submit your e-mail address on the Test Kitchen website to enter a lottery and put your trust in local foodie and TK owner Jenny Vergara. If you’re one of 20 lucky winners, you’ll be treated to an adventurous evening in a secret location. Different chefs and mixologists devise each month’s menu.

The Truck Stop in the Crossroads

Experience the food truck scene on First Fridays in the lot at Wyandotte and 21st streets, when dozens of local food trucks park and serve. Sample an array of foods including barbecue nachos, gumbo, paella, tacos, burritos and cupcakes, and then stroll through the nearby Crossroads Arts District galleries elbow-to-elbow other Kansas Citians enjoying an artistic evening.

Winemaker Dinners

Gram & Dun, Bluestem and Room 39, among other restaurants, bring in vintners from the West Coast or Europe for a special evening. The wines are paired with a customized prix fixe menu, and both chef and vintner hold court as they discuss each varietal and dish. So much more than a typical night out, it’s a fun way to meet people, enjoy fabulous wines and taste dishes that aren’t on the regular menu.

Restaurants in KC

801 Chophouse - Power & Light District

Region: Power & Light, Downtown