Well, slap me in the face with a tenderloin!

 Christine's Firehouse Bar and Grill

By DC Pointer

As promised, a new place to try.  First, 2020, yea, enough said. Correct? We have had many ups and downs like everyone else. However, we were truly blessed as we both qualified as essential workers. We both had some health issues, and even working, we put on that dreaded COVID weight. The biggest highlight was we tied the knot on Halloween. Yes, done right, with costumes and all. 

Derek and Dayle's Wedding 

As 2021 came into the light and we became unfrozen from the frigid temperatures, we decided to continue blogging for my love of good food. After COVID has hit so many restaurants hard, the last report I heard that around 600,000 closed their doors during the 2020 COVID Pandemic. So onward to help these places to stay open. Go out to eat whenever you can. 

In February, hubby says to me on a Friday. "Hey, I found a place. I'm taking you out so you can do your blog." My answer was can I wear jeans? Since I have to dress up on weekdays and the weekends, I live in PJs from Friday night to Monday morning. I was excited.

He took me to Christine's Firehouse Bar and Grill located at 2012 Swift Street North Kansas City, MO 64116. The hubs don't disappoint in finding the most beautiful places to eat. As always, I knew nothing about this place. 

After our experience and doing some research for the blog, I found nothing really on the internet but found Christine's email address. So, I reached out to her to find out some history and things about this beautiful gem.

Christine Seymour purchased the place in 2014; the first owner was a young fireman, and they sold it to another gentleman, both only owning the business under a year each. Christine had worked for both and then bought it after the second owner, keeping the name Firehouse.

Christine believes, "you can go anywhere to get a drink but not anywhere to get good food." Since both previous owners had low-quality food, she took matters into her own hands when she took over.  Christine also stated that her "greatest joy knows the food is fresh and excellent, knowing we are giving excellent service, having the same employees even through COVID and all worked for free to make sure the bar stayed open." Christine shows this through the food and how attentive the waitresses were.

She also said she wouldn't be open today through COVID if it weren't for her customers. A LOT of regulars and these same customers have helped them when the staff would be overwhelmed by cleaning tables or sweeping the floors. Whatever it takes to help.   Okay, okay, on to the food.

The waitress seated us pretty fast even though they seemed busy and was extremely helpful with the menu and anything we needed.  For anyone concerned about the COVID, the waitress was wearing masks and disinfect all surfaces between customers. They have curbside pickup and have hand sanitizers on each table. That said, I ordered a drink, of course, while we looked over the menu. They have reasonable prices and a good variety that will satisfy anyone. 

The place was done with fire gear and had humorous signs everywhere you turn, which the hubs loved. This bar and grill place a no-frills neighborhood hangout; the working class knows how to work hard and play even harder. It reminded me right away of "Cheers," where everyone knows your name, and with Christine's comment about her customers, this is genuinely a "Cheers"; however, I didn't see Norm anywhere.

We put in our order of the Tenderloin Sandwich with onion rings, crispy chicken sandwich with French fries, and the sweet chili chicken wings. Come on, you know I had to order those. I have to compare them with mine and the sauce that I created.

When the food came out, we were surprised. One, we over-ordered. Like a lot! The tenderloin sandwich was the star. It was the size of the plate. It would easily feed 2-4 people, depending on their appetite. The bun is just an afterthought; it almost gets lost along with the onion rings. They also serve this the correct way, with horseradish sauce and raw horseradish. Of course, he didn't have a problem with me trying some; it was thick and juicy. Not pounded down so thin that the meat disappears.  The tenderloin was juicy and spiced just perfect. You could tell this was hand-beaten and hand-dipped; with Christine confirming this, as she has six cooks, including her, "they all cut, pound, and help with the process of making the tenderloin."

Derek's tenderloin with onion rings

Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Christine also makes sure they are at standards before hitting the window. I picture her like Gordan Ramsey standing at the pass, inspecting the food before serving the customers. The cooks know her standards since I didn't hear anything like what Ramsey does. (Yes, way too much of food programs.) The onion rings passed the test, and the onion didn't slide out of the breading

My crispy chicken sandwich with fries

You can tell that they knew how to cook. My crispy chicken sandwich was excellent. The bread and meat ratio was perfect; it was thick, juicy, and done. (No raw chicken here.) The sweet chili chicken wings, was juicy, sweet, and spicy all the same time. If I had to complain, my fries could have been a little crisper and the wings a bit crisper. However, the hubs believe that's just me; I like crispy things. So that is probably just my preference. 

In closing, Christine stated that they have live music on Fridays or Saturdays. Most bands are playing for tips only to give back. They have food and drink specials daily, except on the weekends; the Sunday night jam starts this Sunday, March 7th

Christine has mastered the tenderloins, and no matter how much I wanted to save this giant gem to myself, I had to share; after all, it's a place that they will know your name.

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Summer Eats

By Dayle Ringer

This summer has been a whirlwind of things. It seems like yesterday we were waiting for it to warm up and here it is end of the summer.  First, my apologies on taking so long to do these blogs. Life happens. In May I had two surgeries, one was planned on May 1^st and one not so planned on May 19^th.  Then my day job has been keeping me busy and then loosing a family member beginning of August, has been difficult.

Between surgeries we went to Chicken and Pickle Sports Bar located at 1761 Burlington St North Kansas City, MO 64116.  This was founded in 2016 by one man’s love over wood fired chicken and the game of pickleball.

The restaurant was extremely crowded and loud. However, this night it was pouring down rain and a severe storm was moving through Kansas City area. You move through the line to order and then go sit, the person taking our order wasn’t very helpful when we were trying to decide and asking some questions since it was our first time there. I ordered the Pulled pork sandwich; this had spicy slaw and Stevie’s sweet heat BBQ sauce and Mitch had the Sliced Brisket sandwich, which is sliced smoked brisket, jack cheese, fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, and horseradish sauce. All sandwiches come with fries or tots. We also ordered a side of Street Corn, which is grilled corn on the cob, crema, cilantro, queso fresco, and hot sauce.

My pulled pork was good, it didn’t come with a lot of BBQ sauce at all, very little. Which I think it would make the sandwich better. Mitch stated his sandwich was good also, but we both agreed both were just sandwiches and nothing to write home about. The street corn was the best thing we had; it was grilled to perfection; the toppings just took it over the top to make every bite explode in your mouth. Our waitress was attentive, after we left, we noticed that she never asked if we wanted more sauces etc.

Mitch and I thought this could be an off night for them due to the storms and everyone waiting out the storms to pass so they could play the games outside. We will be going back sometime, when there isn’t any rain or storms and try their chicken.

If you like the game of pickleball this is a place to hang out with friends, play a game, and eat. They do have tournaments and lessons available; the link is below.

In August we traveled to Oklahoma City, OK for my birthday; Mitch and I had a blast, we ate so much good food, one being from a taco truck, the tacos were to die for and the green sauce, it was extremely hot, and I just used a drop.

The tacos from the food truck. That green sauce on the side, is killer hot. These were some of the best tacos I ever eaten.

Before we left for Tulsa for my first PBR, we ate at Cheever’s Café located at 2409 N Hudson, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. I truly recommend this quaint restaurant; we didn’t have a reservation but they accommodated us and it was truly a dining experience. In 2000 Heather and Keith Paul bought the building from a young woman from Louisiana that had experience with French Cajun restaurants, which she had bought this from the Cheever family. This building belonged to Oklahoma Belle Cunningham and her husband Lawrence Cheever; Belle, bought the building from her grandmother after starting a family business of selling roses due to Lawrence becoming unemployed during the great depression.

I didn’t keep notes, or pictures due that I wanted to enjoy my much-needed time with my better half. The prices we reasonable; they have a full bar, and the specials were mouthwatering; the link is below.

Fall time is always so busy with Halloween and right after Halloween we flew out to NJ for Mitch’s nephews wedding. Stay tuned for some travel eating and a "surprise" end the year. Many blessings and eat something good this weekend.

I have a thing about taking selfies with state signs. Mitch has finally grown accustom to it. 

My First PBR in Tulsa, OK. I absolutely LOVED it and can't wait for more of them. My favorite is Ryan Dirteater. Yes, this is the one he was badly injured by the bull; but has since recovered.

Again, apologies for disappearing. I will be working on some travel eating and tonight we are going to a new place; such good eats to write about. Take care and eat something good this weekend.

http://cheeverscafe.com/

https://chickennpickle.com/

Mother’s Day at Third Street Social

By Dayle Ringer

This evening was spent with family. These wonderful ladies and Zach allowed me to share the experience of doing my blog. This mostly means; Wait! Don’t eat yet! Have to take pictures along of tasting their meal. It was an excellent time, great laughs, and memories were created. Nina is Mitch’s stepmother, (or mom he calls her) The softest caring hearted woman that I know. She has meant so much to me over the past couple of years, she has become a mother to me. Michaelle, Mitch’s sister, Nina’s daughter; there are really no step(s), we are just family. She is the most wonderful kindest sister, couldn’t have hand picked anyone better. Then there is Michaelle’s son, Zach, Mitch’s nephew (godson). We had a fun time hearing about his Sunday afternoon adventures of getting the golf cart stuck in pile of manure. I’m extremely lucky to be part of this wonderful family.

Michaelle the wonderful daughter made the reservations for the five of us for Third Street Social. I’ve eaten here several times, everything I had here is excellent. I always order something different each time. I do highly recommend making a reservation.

Third Street Social is located at 123 SE Third Street in Lee’s Summit, MO. This is also owned by the dynamite duo Andy Lock and Domhnall Molloy, they also own the Pearl Tavern, from a previous blog, that I wrote.  Just know if you hear of these two owning the restaurant, it’s legit; off the charts. This is located in the Arnold Hall that is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1946 by Sherwood Manufacturing, this housed many businesses in the past, before Lock and Molloy opened Third Street Social. When doing some research on the history, I found this building sits on the spot where the old Memorial Building used to stand. This building was made famous from President Harry S Truman where he stood and declared his candidacy for Eastern Judge of the Jackson County Court.

We started with three different starters, two of our favorite and one new. We all must been hungry. The first was crispy fried Brussels and Cauliflower; this comes with jalapeno aioli and a malt vinegar sauce, the second was Deviled Eggs; cornichon pickles and nueske’s bacon, the third, the new one for us was Pork Belly Burnt Ends; these have a dry rub and is house smoked and also charred BBQ with an Alabama Sauce, which Zach was using with his French fries since it was good together. I imagine it was. I can say there was only one lonely deviled egg left. That is how good all of them were. Also, we finally got Mitch to try the brussels sprouts. I mean, they are fried; fried, who doesn’t like anything fried. Mitch stated they were good; however, I think this will be the only time he probably will eat them. With the Pork Belly Burnt Ends, this was served with a few vegetables. I will warn, that carrot tasted sweet, then wait for it; the fire will kick in.

Deviled Eggs

Fried Brussels and Cauliflower

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Nina ordered the Chicken and Spinach Lasagna; this was a classic garlic bechamel Sauce’ with crispy americano prosciutto with a grilled baguette. I was able to take a bite. This was creamy heaven to me; I love a lasagna and it’s a great way to add in the spinach.

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

Michaelle ordered the Hot Chicken Salad, this looked so yummy and a very healthy entrée.

Hot Chicken Salad

 Zach ordered chicken strips and fries, the boy must have worked up an appetite from his earlier adventures since he ate all of it, and started on a second helping of French fries; before ordering dessert.

Mitch ordered Chicken Fried Beef Tenderloin; this was good homemade stick to your rib’s meal. A beef tenderloin, with chorizo Verde gravy, peas and onions served over mashed potatoes.

Chicken Fried Beef Tenderloin

Once again Mitch only allowed one bite. This tasted like you were sitting at your grandmother’s house for a Sunday dinner. This is really the only thing I can think of. The Grandmother’s Sunday dinner; I think I will be getting this on another trip there.

I ordered the Shrimp and Grits. I was going to order the Fish and Chips, but they already ran out, it must be that good. This Shrimp and Grits has wild Argentina Red Shrimp, with Tasso ham and cheese grits. I’m not a grits fan. These were good; Mitch stated he had better, but me not being a fan and I ate them is saying something. The shrimp were cooked excellent, I did have some with bits of shells on them, and they left the tails on. In a dish like that of how they served it; I think it would be easier to have the shells and tails fully removed to make eating easier. I didn’t think this was too spicy. I think it could have used a little more spice, at least for me.

Shrimp and Grits

You think after all that food, we didn’t need anything else, but wait, dessert time. We all tried each other’s and I think all were excellent. I will have to say, Zach’s was very rich, and he ate most of it.

Mitch's dessert, forgot the name, but had a brownie inside, The one bite I got was divine.

My Apple Pie

I’m curious to know if anyone has eaten here and if you did, did you or someone else try their Fried Fritz Bologna Sandwich? This is thick cut bologna, pickles, fried egg, Dijon, and American cheese. Let me know if you do try this. I want to try this so bad, just haven’t yet.

From our family to yours Happy Mother’s Day.

https://www.thirdstreetsocial.com/

https://www.thepitchkc.com/food-drink/article/20562339/summit-grill-owners-will-turn-historic-lees-summit-building-into-restaurant

The Crossroads

By Dayle Ringer

This is the place my boss recommend that I try. I gave Mitch the name so he could make a reservation for us. He waited until Saturday afternoon to make one, while planning out our day; the only one for that Saturday evening was at 5pm. This ended up working out for us in more ways, since our day was spent going to art stores since we both have been doing acyclic painting. Mitch is getting back into this, while I’m learning; talking to Bob Ross on TV, “My mountains don’t look like that, Bob!” Bob just smiles and says there is only “happy accidents”.

A little history on The Crossroads this was built in 1911, the Pabst Brewing Depot, back when they had Percheron horse drawn wagons loaded with beer parading the streets. During the prohibition a KC Political Boss Tom Pendergast bought both buildings; the legend is for an office and for bootlegging liquor. I have added a link at the bottom for some more history, it is an entertaining read.

The hotel by the website is phenomenal. It isn’t your typical hotel that you will find. They have different rooms; like the H.S. Truman Parlor, this room has downtown views, a 6-man poker table and a dining room table located in the room. This would be a wonderful place to have clients from out of town to stay, a honeymoon, or a relax retreat for the weekend.

We made our way up the Percheron Rooftop Bar- this has an indoor/outdoor space to relax with friends, clients, family, a group party. They have a full bar with special cocktails, craft beers with some lite bites to snack on. The views are absolutely stunning all around and if you like Bocce, they have that too. We didn’t eat anything there since we were headed to the restaurant very soon, however, if I was to order, the Drunken eggs sounded mighty fine to me. If anyone had these please feel free to comment and let me know. I did have a cocktail, Cool Hand Luca, this consisted of altos’ tequila, watermelon, cilantro, Cointreau, lime and agave. This was nice and tart, perfect for me. I imagine this on a warm beautiful afternoon full of people having a great time.

 

We arrived a few minutes early for opening time of the restaurant, Lazia, that was located on the first floor.  We sat on some comfy chairs/couches in the XR Café. They brought us water while we waited, very friendly, they have a lunch/dinner menu also, with another full bar.  I will be going back there to eat since they had woodfire pizza and it is next to an art and craft store that we like.

Once in Lazia restaurant, they accommodated us by changing our table without hesitation. The waitress we had, was very serious about her job, we didn’t need for anything during our time there, and even backed me up when I went from a sweet tea to a glass of wine. I know a leap, but a girl can change her mind. Right?  I did have a hard time ordering, not that anything wasn’t sounding bad, okay, the octopus is a stretch for me, no thank you.

We started with asparagus toast, we ordered this because Mitch was intrigued and he knew I would eat the asparagus. This consisted of toasted sourdough bread, with grilled asparagus and a sunny side egg with shaved pecorino cheese. This was divine; all the ingredient’s played very nicely, like a party in your mouth. The shaved pecorino cheese, Mitch stated, is a sharp, heavily aged and robust cheese; I would agree with this.

Asparagus Toast

Mitch ordered the Pomodoro, this is Maltagliati, san Marzano tomato, house ricotta, garlic, chili, and basil. The Pomodoro means tomato in Italian, the Maltagliati means “bad cut”. They make their own pasta and it’s literally the “bad cut” of the pasta.  Mitch let me have one bite, just one. Everything I would expect a true classic Italian dish to be. The type when you have that friend that has the Italian grandmother and everyone eats there all the time because no one else can cook like her? Yes, that good. Our left overs, I ate part of Mitch’s for lunch today; Mitch caught me; like, I need inspiration for the blog. Yea, he didn’t buy it. 

Pomodoro

I had the whole roasted Branzino, served with oregano aioli and herb salad. The Branzino is a European Sea Bass, a Mediterranean fish. This fish is a safe and healthy choice full of rich in omega 3-fatty acids. Usually I don’t like my dinner staring back at me, however, I was thrilled I tried this.

Whole Roasted Branzino

 If you like fish and never had this, you definitely need to try this; this had a mild flavor, almost sweet, and very flaky. The oregano aioli was a perfect combination for this, since the fish was so delicate. This fish has very few bones, so they are extremely easy to remove.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and dinning experience. We definitely will be back to eat at the XR Café. If you have an event coming up with a small group, make a reservation and make sure to ask for the “vault” they have a table for eight in a vault.

Table for Eight in the Vault. Photo courtesy of Lazia website

I’m impressed and thrilled that they tried to stick with all the original architecture from the old building that they could. 

This is a must try for anyone; they have three different locations after all; the Percheron Rooftop Bar, XR Café, and Lazia an old-world Italian restaurant.

Please feel free to leave any comments, we love to hear from everyone. Also, if you have any recommendations for us, please feel free to leave in the comments also. We just don’t do chain restaurants.

https://crossroadshotelkc.com/

https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/cityscape/article30397305.html

Holy Moly Macaroni

By Dayle Ringer

        Mitch is working so much; I’m on my way home from work and he headed to work that he said I “pimped” him out to my boss. (Love his humor.) Our phone call to each other, I stated that I was going out to eat for my blog since we didn’t go last weekend, and I did just that. I stayed close to home in Lee’s Summit. Pearl Tavern; located at 1672 NW Chipman Rd Lees Summit, MO. Of course, I knew nothing about this place, the way I like it so I can develop my own opinion.

     A little history, it is owned by Andy Lock and Domhall Molloy, they have more than 40 years in the restaurant business. They have a culinary director Chef Po Wang, who is the executive Chef of Pearl Tavern. Doing some research for this, Lock and Molloy, own around 6ish restaurants, from Summit Grill, Third Street Social to Boru Ramen Bar and many more. Lock is from the same mid-west town that Mitch and I are from, my realtor that sold me my house is his uncle. Also, Lock’s son, Drew, was a quarterback for MU, who was drafted to Denver Broncos. Always a small world.

    I made a reservation like I normally do, so I don’t have to wait. I didn’t need to, however on a weekend, I would suggest that you do. It is clean and modern. I didn’t even know what kind of restaurant this was, to my surprise it’s a seafood restaurant. Oh, my! My favorite! I was seated right away and my waiter, Joey, was very attentive.

     I normally get an adult beverage. This time I did not. Something else caught my eye. A cucumber mint lemonade. This was phenomenal. The right balance of cucumbers and mint, not overwhelming but know it’s there. I’m a big mint fan. At my house in Carrollton, I had a huge patch of mint that I would use to make mint ice tea.

    I started my meal with hushpuppies. I never like hushpuppies for a long time, which mostly I realized because those came from Long John Slivers…Please. What turned me around is my cousin’s dad had a recipe for hushpuppies, can’t leave any ingredient out or it won’t turn out, and somehow, I got in my head that it came from a poker game, not sure how that goes. Maybe Stacy will read this and clue us in? So now after eating his, I like trying hushpuppies to see if they compare. The Pearl Tavern's hushpuppies have roasted corn inside and served with an apricot jalapeno jelly. OMG. I make jalapeno jelly, I never thought of using apricots. This combo of the flavor of the hushpuppies to the jalapeno jelly is like peanut butter and jelly. Can’t have one without the other.

    After a very long decision process of what to order, I settled on the Lobster Mac N’ Cheese. This is a creamy cheese sauce, lobster velouté, with buttery bread crumbs. I never had this before. I know unbelievable. I thought it would be wonderful to try; since I like everything on the menu except for raw oysters. Not a fan. However, if you are; they have happy hour from 3pm-6pm, I think the oysters are a dollar each. The food did not take long. This mac n cheese, wow, it is to die for.  This was creamy, gooey, velvety, lusciousness on a fork. The lobster was melting in your mouth. The Velouté is a white sauce, stock based and thickened. It’s a classic French sauce, and is one of five “mother sauces”. Holy moly macaroni. I ended up eating every last bite, no doggie bag needed for me, almost considered licking my plate, but thought it might be rude.

Lobster Mac N' Cheese. (I forgot to take a picture before I dug in, so the photo is courtesy of Pearl Tavern Facebook site)

    For you seafood lovers, they have a list of fresh fish daily. This fresh fish is flown in daily from both coasts, gulf, and great lakes. The special that night, which I was going to get since I also have never tried, was a fried softshell po boy. If they still have that when I go back, that might be what I get. They also have a brunch menu for Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2:30pm, and I spotted with my little green eye they have a bottomless mimosa with purchase of any entrée during brunch hours. That will get me out of bed on a Sunday.

     The only two negative things I have about this place, which will not stop me from going back. The tables are so close to each other. You are literally eating with the other people, I felt like I was on a date with the couple right next to me. You can hear every conversation. The other is the price. I know It’s seafood, I know we are Midwest no coast around here; If it’s a little pricey, the tables should be farther apart especially if they aren’t that busy, seat us more apart, so I don’t go on the first date with a couple, I almost told them my hobbies, etc.

     This weekend is full of food. A place was recommended by my boss to try. I think we will be trying to go this Saturday. I just gave the name to Mitch for him to look it up and plan. Don’t want to know much before I get there. Then Sunday we are doing a Mother’s Day dinner with family at Third Street Social. Yes, owned by Lock and Molloy. So, stand by on more blogs. I will be very fat and sassy after this weekend.

     I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and a shout out to all the mothers, wanting to be mothers, mothers to be, mothers of fur babies, and single dads doing both roles. Happy Mother’s Day. God Bless each of you.

Photo courtesy from Pearl Tavern Facebook site

https://www.pearltavernkc.com/

https://www.thirdstreetsocial.com/

https://boruramen.com/

https://www.summitgrillkc.com/

“Smoke, Grill and Heaven…”

By Dayle Ringer

       Saturday night we went to Q39. I’m so excited about this place. A friend of mine was telling me about this place that Mitch and I needed to try. This person was talking about her experience and the food, the mention of bacon wrapped shrimp had me sold. I called Mitch and said this is our next place. I looked them up, and made a reservation. Mitch thought it was like a steak house like Jess and Jim’s. He was surprised to hear on the way over that the food was BBQ. “Why do we need a reservation for a BBQ joint,” he stated. Until we pulled up to the restaurant and the waiting line was out the door and the parking lot was full of cars; then I got kudos for making the reservations.

     I don’t do a lot of research online before going to eat; I want to experience it with a complete unbiased opinion, so I didn’t know what to expect, besides the bacon wrapped shrimp.  Q39 has two locations. The first is located at 1000 W 39^th Street KC, MO 64111 the second is Q39 South 1105 Antioch Rd Overland Park, KS 66210. Mitch chose the South in Overland Park. We definitely recommend making a reservation. We usually do this online, fast and easy, and there is no waiting when you arrive.

     A little history of the Q39 before I get to all the yumminess. Q39 is owned by Rob and Kelly Magee; Rob is extremely dedicated to doing everything from scratch, and the food tells the story. While reading about the restaurant, they have a five-hundred-pound stainless hickory fired smoker. They have an oak fired grill with open flame; this is for the steaks, salmons, pork cuts, burgers and vegetables. The brisket is certified black Angus beef aged 35 days, and the ribs are 3 and ½ pounds, St. Louis cut, the sausage is made in house and the sauces and rubs is Rob’s own recipes.

     The meat for lunch is placed in the smokers at 2 A.M.  for 6 hours, once this comes out the meat for dinner goes in. Our waitress stated that there are people there throughout all times to make sure the meat is done to perfection. The sauce is not a vinegar based, which tickled Mitch to no end, since he doesn’t like a vinegar based. You can buy the sauces online; they have classic, zesty, and honey glazed.  I’m thinking that our fur babies need to buy their Papa some of this sauce for Father’s Day.

     Enough of the background story…bring on the food. Mitch went to park while I got us checked in; they had us seated before our 8 P.M. reservation. The inside had high ceilings, a rustic urban contemporary fill to it. They had a bar which you can eat at, TVs with sports on, and an enormous dining room. This is a wonderful place for family and friends to dine. Our waitress was superb. They were jam packed and we didn’t want for anything, she was energetic, knew the menu, and you could tell she really liked working and eating there.

     We started with an appetizer; the bacon wrapped shrimp. Did you expect anything else? C’mon it is bacon and shrimp. This is served over a jalapeno-cilantro slaw, with chipotle mayo drizzled over the dish. The shrimp was tender, juicy, not over cooked, and the bacon was crisp. The slaw was delectable and fresh, I couldn’t stop eating it. Mitch even ate the slaw! The jalapeno was not over powering, it was just enough to add that kick along with the chipotle mayo drizzle.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

     Mitch ordered the Pit Master Brisket sandwich-this was served on a classic toasted bun, their classic sauce, provolone cheese melted just enough, and onion straws, he also ordered the baked beans. He devoured the beans first thing. Actually, I think he inhaled them because I don’t recall seeing him eat these. This baked beans, I never had them like this; they use pinto beans with the smoked meats, the smokiness comes out, with a sweetness, and the beans wasn’t hard and wasn’t mushy. The beans are fit for a king, if kings eat beans.

Pit Master Brisket Sandwich

     I went for the Judges plate; I was able to pick three meats and you can choose two sides. I decided on pulled pork, sausage and Q spare ribs, for sides it was baked beans and an apple coleslaw. My other choices for meat was chicken and brisket, since I knew Mitch would go for the brisket, I didn’t, but wish we could have added the chicken. Two things to try at a BBQ place that tells all; their sausage and their chicken. I just don’t order chicken in restaurants’; but when we go back. I will be getting that. All the meat I had, was exquisite. Nothing was dried, especially the sausage, since it is easy to do. You can tell the sausage is made in house, the ribs had so much meat on them, and you can pull the bone out with ease. The pulled pork was moist and heavenly. All the meat had a smokiness, and was not overdone. As Mitch stated, “he lets the meat do the talking.” As it should. My apple coleslaw was fresh, not over dressed with the creamy dressing, the fresh cut green apples added a crispness and acidity that it was needing.

The Judge Plate; Q Ribs, Sausage, and Pulled Pork for the meats.

Rob definitely understands flavor, and adding little things to his dishes that is needed without over powering them. Mitch voted; “hands down the best BBQ in Kansas City….”

Q39 (Photo credit to Q39 site)

https://q39kc.com/location/

Dixon’s Famous Chili 

By Dayle Ringer 

On Friday night Mitch surprised me with taking me to Dixon’s Famous Chili located at 9105 East 40 Hwy in Independence, Missouri for our date night. Sadly, to say I never heard of this place; I will be back when I can splurge on meals (the serving size; not the cost). I already know what I will be ordering on the next two visits.  

A little history; Dixon’s got its start back in the early 1900’s when Vergne Dixon began selling his chili out of a street cart in downtown Kansas City. Then in 1919, he was able to open the first Dixon’s Chili Parlor at 15th and Olive. Mr. Dixon employed men who was down on their luck; Mr. Dixon’s focused on high quality food and fast service, the business quickly grew. A little-known fact that he was so proud of his chili that ketchup wasn’t allowed in his restaurant. Also, President Truman frequented Dixon’s, he had loved this chili, so much that he was a patronage most of his life. In 1960’s with Mr. Dixon’s nephew taking over the operation he expanded to the location on 40 highway. He did change the “no ketchup” policy, however there is a .15 cent fine, that is continued today. 

When I walked in, I felt like I was in the 50’s. It is amazing little “parlor” you can sit at the bar on the stools that spin or find yourself a table. We arrived their around 8 P.M. and it was packed full of people eating and visiting. The staff was friendly and helpful with any questions that you might have.  You can order chili three different ways; Juicy, dry, or soupy. The delivery of our food was fast, even being packed, and later in the evening. 

Mitch ordered the Spaghetti Chili; I have seen this on Food network before and been wanting to try it. Since he ordered this, I went for something else (this is one of the two things I will be ordering on my next couple visits). This is Chili served over spaghetti noodles topped with (Mitch ordered) onions, cheese, and ketchup. You can order the chili with or without beans. Mitch let me try this, O.M.G. I normally wouldn’t say that in a blog, but I couldn’t even begin to describe the taste. I think I found a new favorite way of eating chili.  

Spaghetti Chili

Mitch is ready to eat and he did eat this whole thing. :) 

I ordered, of course, the foot-long chili cheese dog. This chili cheese dog is right there with the chili cheese dog in Eldon, MO at the Cree Mee. (I will have to eat there this summer and write about that. Who would drive 2+hours or so to eat a chili cheese dog with a cherry marshmallow Pepsi? This gal right here.)  The taste is different than Cree Mee’s but just as good. I didn’t think I would be able to eat all of this, but I just couldn’t stop eating it, because it was that good.  The hotdog itself was grilled, the chili was phenomenal topped with shredded cheese and pickles. No ketchup needed. 

Foot long chili cheese dog

For desserts, they have pies and they are all homemade and you can tell. We had apple pie ala mode. The crust was flaky, the apples wasn’t done enough for me, however for Mitch they were perfect. It all depends how much you liked your apples cooked. Don’t like apple pie, (I wouldn’t think you would be human if you didn’t) they had plenty to choose from, even cherry cheesecake, which that would be heaven to me. 

The second thing I will be ordering next with my couple visits will be the tacos. Yes, tacos, and they have all you can eat tacos every day for $7.95. I cannot wait to try that. Next time you're in this area and want to eat some famous chili, stop in, sit a while and bring your appetite. You won’t be disappointed. 

http://www.dixonschili.com/about-us/

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