Agony and Eggtc.

*I realize this post is weeks late, but I haven't had the time to update.
**I realize that the restaurant is called Egg cetera, but I semi-prefer Egg T. C., like ecstasy.

Blame it on being Easter Sunday. Blame it on the fact that they have only been open for a few weeks. blame it on anything. But there's one thing that is undeniable--Eggtc was not impressive.

I appreciate that the new Johnson restaurant was open on Easter Sunday, and apparently so did a ton of other Kansas Citians. My two friends and I decided to go for an early brunch, and the place was packed. The decor is pretty nice for a breakfast place, with oil paintings and tiled ceilings. The place is cute and upscale for a breakfast centered restaurant, there's no denying it. The atmosphere is nice, there are numerous small tables in the main dining room (a little cramped), and there's another event room on the other side of the coffee bar. This place is much cuter than your neighborhood diner should be. Their menu is extensive, with a lot of exotic ingredients.

We sat at the coffee bar, which was nice and spacious--there are a few flat screened tvs overhanging the bar. There are a lot of a la carte options, eggs, meat, potatoes, etc, but the better value lies with the fixed combinations. We all enjoyed variations of the "Classico" which entails 2 eggs cooked any style, meat, potatoes or fruit, toast. There are several types of meat: sausage links or patties, applewood smoked bacon, chorizo; and several types of toast: english muffin, wheat, cinnamon raisin, You can also add a muffin, waffle, or pancake for an extra dollar.
There are also a ton of juices, smoothies (and since we were sitting at the bar, we saw some of them being made--let's just say some look more appetizing than others), coffees, and teas. Our waitress was pleasant, however, I do not think she has gotten the hang of waiting yet. We waited for awhile for the food, and then when it came there were some mistakes--that could be just the difficulty of many orders or whatever.

My Classico with 1 egg sunny side up, and 1 egg completely fried (which is overhard), sausage patties, potatoes, english muffin and a muffin (which I preplanned to save for later because I'm a food hoarder) came out as--2 eggs sunny side up, sausage patties, potatoes, and cinnamon raisin bread. The waitress noticed the egg mistake and had another egg, fried, brought out to me--I didn't notice the cinnamon raisin bread until halfway through my meal. Strike one. My friend's classico came without his pancake, and when they did bring it out, he was not able to choose which syrup to use (they have several different kinds). His toast was also very burnt and cold.

The food was fair--I mean, the eggs weren't very flavorful, but eggs don't usually have much seasoning of their own. The sausage was delicious, they were not too salty or greasy, but yet had a lot of spice to them. Same with my friend's bacon, and my other friend's sausage patties. The homefries were good, again, not much seasoning, but for people who are watching their salt--maybe a little better. The cinnamon bread was pretty good, not what I ordered, but decent---it tasted storebought though. The pancake was HUGE, and looked really good, although I'm not a fan of pancakes or waffles.

When we went to pay our bill, I was met with some resistance when I asked to put a total including tip onto my card. The cashier stated that she didn't know how to do it, and so to make her life easier, I just told her to put the total before tip on there. That was strike two. Then they charged me twice for my muffin, and when I notified the cashier, she became exasperated like it was my fault. This was strike three. She called someone else over to deal with me, and although the lady was nicer, she didn't really know what to do. Eventually she figured that she should just give me cash back, so I got my $2. I found the cashier's demeanor very unprofessional, I mean, what happened to the customer is always right? (In this case, I was right--they charged me twice). Anyway, the food is alright, but the atmosphere is nice for a quick brunch or breakfast with friends. The service could be improved, that yes, I'm talking to you weekend cashier at Eggtc. Even though they struck out, I would not be opposed to returning after the restaurant has time to establish itself, and possibly acquire better trained staff.

Pangea: not just an ancient geographical term anymore

Last night, I tried one of KC's newest restaurants, Pangea Cafe. Pangea is the term for the supercontinent that existed before the continental divide eons ago. This latest Pangea is situated on 39th Street, in the new strip mall next to the Oriental Buffet (across from Missy B's), and it is a husband and wife owned and operated international cafe and market. There are several types of paninis (these come with a green salad or spanish potatoes), small plates including shrimp skewers, beef skewers, salads, and desserts. I enjoyed my Brie, Bacon, Apple and Watercress panini; it was just the right amount of crispness from the bread and apples and melted cheese and bacon. The best part was the side dish my panini came with, "spanish potatoes," which are these potatoes mandolined into thin slices that are seasoned with what I thought was a blend of spices, garlic, and parsley, then fried. These people obviously know that the way to my heart is through the garlic loving portion of my brain. They were not crispy like chips, a little more soggy, but they looked like chips. They were slightly oily, but they tasted so good, I really did not care. My dining companion really liked his grilled chicken panini with tomatoes also--he agreed about the spanish potatoes. I'm telling you, they taste like heaven. The market was tiny, with a few different kinds of international beers, crackers, breadsticks from Italy, snacks from Japan, assorted teas and coffees, and a small refrigeratated case of cheeses including goat, gruyere, parmesiano reggiano, and brie. When you walk into the restaurant, there is a large chalkboard menu above a glass case that displays different entrees and desserts...it reminds me of Cupini's, but more international, and slightly more expensive. Each order is pared with a "country" instead of a number placard, which fits with the whole united nations theme. The seating is pretty well spaced, and there is a small outside seating patio. The service was fairly friendly, and the service was pretty quick. Their desserts looks beautiful in the case, and I tried the banana nutella crepe (similar to one made on Kansas City Live), which was very crisp and sweet. I love nutella, so you really can't go wrong with that. There was a coconut mango sponge cake and flourless chocolate mousse cake that looked good too...I guess I will just have to try it the next time I am there...and there definitely will be a next time. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is up to try something new, or at least try new takes on old favorites.

Custard's Last Stand

Custard is a food that has recently become near and dear to my heart. I'm from California, so custard was foreign to me until I moved here 3 years ago. I was all about the FroYo, which they need here. Custard, however, has swirled its way into my life--it's rich, smooth, thick, all the qualities I admire in a frozen dessert. In the last two weeks, I've had 3 different kinds of custard...and with Summer on its way, I will definitely be having more in the near future.

Foo's: This Brookside wonder has great concretes which are vanilla custards (They ONLY make Vanilla) with prefixed combinations of mix ins. I especially enjoy the Coffee Toffee or Cinnaberry. Or, you can make your own combinations with different toppings, nuts, fruits, and candies. There are sundaes, cones, and the staff of teens are friendly and ready to dish out whatever you order...and I mean this, two weeks ago, they were pouncing over the counter to take my order. Service is fast and friendly, and I think the custard can't be beat. There's something to be said about custard from a mom and pop shop...and it is that it is freaking awesome.

Culver's: I enjoy Culver's immensely. It's a huge chain, with lots of stores across the Midwest, but I frequent the one on Stateline, sort of near the Ward Parkway mall. The thing about Culver's that has got its competition beat is that they serve hot food too. Their ButterBurgers are delicious, and I love their own brand Root Beer. Culver's has a different featured flavor each day--last week I had Chocolate Raspberry (real raspberries mixed with chocolate custard), and some of the other flavors this month were Toffee Pecan, Turtle, Raspberry Cobbler, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and Boston Cream.

Sheridan's: I like Sheridan's vanilla custard with strawberry sauce. Their custard seems a little lighter, although it probably isn't. It also seems more velvety in texture. They've also got concretes, but I prefer Foo's. The thing about Sheridan's is they've got carts that go to a lot of different events. I've never actually eaten at a Sheridan's location, even though I live very close to one. The carts are so convenient, and there is often one set up near my school, so everyone can indulge. It's another large Midwest chain, that is further expanding...I believe one is going in at the Legends shopping center near the Speedway.

Cherrie's: Cherrie's was the first custard I ever had, and I can't say it was that memorable. I think the best thing Cherrie's has got going for it is the location. It is right on the plaza, facing South, near Williams Sonoma. Their custard is so-so, and their prefixed items are decadent, but a little too much of a good thing.

So, the summer's almost here, go out and get your custard!

Cupini's

So my friend is taking a girl out for their first date tonight. He asked where he should go for good, inexpensive food. There are few places in KC that fit this category that you could actually take a date to, but one certain crowd pleaser is Cupini's. Cupini's on Westport (across from Yoga Fix) is one of my favorite eateries in KC. I had always wanted to try it when I first moved here three years ago, and about a year later, my friend Steven and I finally went for the first time. We (and our friend Brandon) have been going there ever since. I like it there so much, I have their takeout menu permanently affixed to my fridge.

When you walk into Cupini's, you are greeted with a huge display case with some of their premade items, from assorted salads, lasagna, spanakopita and vegetable dishes. You can order those to be heated up or something off of their menu. You place your order with the guy standing behind the display case of desserts, and then you take your number to the room next door. It is a classic italian bistro setting with a down home feel, with the classic red and white checkered table cloths--a perfect, yet inexpensive (most dishes are under $6, pizzas are all under $9) place to take a date. The atmosphere is really warm and inviting, with the hot dishes arriving at your table in a timely fashion. I really like the chicken panini, the salsiccia (sausage) panini, and the mostaccioli. The food isn't 100% perfect in terms of the savory element, but it is still a homemade, fresh taste.

Afterwards, you can step in next door to the Cupini's Market, with as many fresh pastas, deli meats and cheeses as your heart could desire. It is a thing of beauty in there, I love strolling around the small area looking at the different items they've got. There's also Italian gift packages you can purchase, and the restaurant caters as well. They've just opened up a second location downtown (12th street?), so there's twice the fun. You can visit them at www.cupinis.com for an online menu and information about their products.

April Fools!

Today is a beautiful day. It is finally springtime in Kansas City, and I couldn't be happier. I mean, really, what's the deal with snow? I hope you read that with Jerry Seinfeld's voice in your head because that was the intention. I hate snow. I am from California. I don't think I have to explain.

Anyway, with the onset of spring, you can expect there to be people teeming out of sidewalk cafes and patio seating at fine establishments around the city. And then there will be the incredible lines coming out the door of Foo's, Coldstone's and possibly Cherries (those will probably be mostly tourists though).

On this lovely afternoon, after fighting my way through the throngs of people at Cosentino's Price Chopper, I decided to make a quick stop into the Plaza Starbucks. Except that quick wouldn't really be the word to describe it. After drive around aimlessly for 20 minutes, I spotted a couple leaving, and swooped in on their spot in the underground parking lot below Classic Cup, only to be confronted with a line of 10 in front of me when I got inside the 'bucks. Waiting behind 15 people for your drink (even if my drink was free due to a survey I filled out on line), I get impatient, and I promised myself that I would try to go to another coffee shop. As always, I know I lied to myself.

I like Starbucks. I know, I'm terrible. I just like the way their mixed drinks taste. I cannot drink straight up coffee because A. I think it tastes gross and B. it gives me palpatations. Call me a hypochondriac, but it's true. So I like to get white chocolate mochas (iced or hot), caramel apple ciders, arnold palmers, or iced chai lattes. And they have the best tasting stuff out there. Not to mention that there is a new barista at the Plaza location, and he is gorgeous. But alas, he is probably younger than me, which is depressing since I am in my early twenties.

So my first real post will be about coffee shops. There are a ton out there, but even though I frequent several occasionally, I will inevitably go back to the corporate giant that is the overpriced starbucks.

Filling Station/Coffee Girls (McGee or Southwest Blvd): one of the newer kids on the block, these two spots have a lot of local personality. Filling Station is the closest to me, so I have frequented it a lot more than the other location. Americano gas station themed, the beverage menu is small, but has your basics. For mixed drinks, I would recommend the Almond Roca lait, although it sort of has a bitter taste to it. I usually get the iced chai there, but they use the Oregon Chai concentrate mix which you can buy at your local supermarket. My friends really like their lunch selection of sandwiches, salads and wraps some of which come with fruit or chips. They also have fresh juices/smoothies, which are a little more pricey, but if that's your dig, they've got it.

Latte Land: With three locations (two on the plaza, and one on Stateline near Culver's/Ward Parkway Mall), and one allegedly on the way at the Power and Light district, this locally owned chain is expanding in this already crowded market. I'm not a fan of the coffee here. But, I am a fan of their smoothies. The one across from Capital Grille has a nice outdoor seating area, and as a whole they've all got nice atmosphere.

Muddy's: I've only been here once. And I swear I almost had a heart attack after drinking a raspberry latte. The coffee was incredible strong, and that doesn't sit well with me, I'm very weak. The one by UMKC (it may be the only one left) is a hangout for a lot of students, and I know some of my friends study there often. Nice cozy, kind of bohemian atmosphere.

The Roasterie: newly opened in Brookside, several eateries and markets have been selling their coffee for years. Spacious, nice outdoor seating, lots of yummy bakery treats (the berry tart is especially tempting). The baristas were friendly, and it's a nice place to meet up with friends on the weekend. Their iced chai was a little milked down for me, I mean it was like white. The older Brookside crowd is there.

Starbucks: I prefer the one on the Plaza because I think the baristas are the nicest there, and no wonder, it is a high traffic location. They also mix the drinks better there, I've never had a drink that wasn't the right sweetness. Some have been too hot/cold, but what can you do. The location inside Barnes and Noble is great because they've got Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes, and there's a nice area to sit and study. Please you've got the magazine section right next to it. The one is Westport is my least favorite location because the baristas aren't very friendly, to me anyway, and they don't mix as well. Plus, I don't like the parking situation as much. It is a bigger location though, I believe, but Broadway Cafe is next door and is always more bumpin' on the weekends. 39th Street's branch is a cute, small one, but the baristas are the friendliest of all the locations I've been to here. It's relatively low traffic on the weekdays, but the parking lot is tiny. I have yet been to the one Downtown, but my friend says it is relatively empty and a great place to study. The Lee's Summit one near John Knox is nice and suburban, enough said.

There are a ton more, most notable on my list to try: Barista at the Plaza Library, Broadway Cafe, Westport Coffeehouse and River Market Coffee. The Mixx also has coffee, but I'll talk about when I do the review of the Mixx in entirety.

First post

The title of this post is wholly unoriginal, I know, but work with me here. I am currently sitting on my couch, surrounded by jo-jo potatoes and chicken tenders from Price Chopper, and a venti iced white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. Am I asking for death? Possibly, but that's not the main point. The point is that this blog will be my avenue to share my exploits in the finest in dining that Kansas City has to offer. And the term finest is to be taken very, very loosely. And really I'm just the kind of completely untrained, unqualified food critic this city deserves. Bon apetit!