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/