I threw together a few lists of notable happenings in the Kansas City culinary universe in an effort to articulate everything I have absorbed via Facebook, Twitter, Blog posts and comments over the last 12 months. Let me know if I have missed anything or more importantly, if you disagree with any of the subjective offerings below. Without further ado:
Notable Anniversaries:
The Golden Ox (60 years): I have a real soft spot for this old school west bottoms steakhouse.
Anthony’s (30 years): Speaking of old school. Jeez. Don’t miss the roving crooner who lurks around the bar with a wireless mic on weekends.
The Brick (10 years): I have tremendous respect for the Brick. Good food, good music and a wonderful staff.
Gone too Soon:
The economy and other factors claimed more than a few restaurants this past year. While not an exhaustive list, these places will be especially missed.
New York Bakery & Delicatessen: A tragedy. KC isn’t the same without the giant Reuben, a staple at this venerable institution.
Mike’s Tavern: This Rockhurst / UMKC drinkery opened its doors in 1965 and held a lot of special memories for folks who frequented it over the years.
El Cipote: This great Central American spot seemed ill-fitted to its Leawood strip mall location.
Matchstick BBQ: Wonderful sauce and expertly smoked meats.
Pangea: This favorite 39th street lunch spot closed at the end of 2008 and was probably not properly mourned.
River Dogs: This riverside hot dog shack took KC by storm over the summer, but disappeared just as it became popular.
Delaware Cafe: Now replaced by the Farmhouse, the River Market nonetheless misses this friendly, unpretentious cafe.
Adam’s Rib BBQ: Overland Parkers were really excited about Adam’s Rib, but the cost of renovation proved too much for the owner.
Rice & Beans Cafe: This tiny Latin American cafe was a regular stop for many KCK residents until its mysterious demise.
Good riddance:
Baby Jesus smiles every time a mediocre chain restaurant closes.
Cleat’z Sports Bar & Grill, Legends
Chili’s, Westport
McAlister’s Deli, Ward Parkway
Risen from the Ashes:
We counted them out, but new ownership breathed life back into two Kansas City institutions this year.
The Majestic Steakhouse
The Phoenix restaurant and jazz club
Mysterious and Questionable status:
Currently closed. No idea whether they will open again. Mike’s Tavern was on this list until a few days ago.
Hereford House: Was closed all of 2009 after a still-unresolved arson gutted the place.
Yummo: Depending on who you talk to, the Power & Light district’s frozen yogurt shop is either closed for the cold weather months, or gone for good.
Moving On Up:
These places picked up and moved to bigger and better spaces in 2009.
Lutfi’s Fried Fish opened up a nice soul food buffet in the Landing Mall
Cafe Trio moved from 3535 Broadway to the old Frondizi’s space at 4558 Main street.
Succotash briefly closed and moved from the City Market to 26th and Holmes.
Niecie’s recently opened its long-awaited space at Meyer and Troost, moving from its Prospect St. location.
Biggest Question for 2010
Will the arrival of Dunkin’ Donuts put any of our fine local donut shops out of business?