Murray’s Tables & Tap

My good friends the Murray’s recently opened their new concept in the old Maya’s location on 129th and State Line.  The layout is a mix of restaurant, sports bar and Irish bar along with an expansive and comfortable patio.

We tried the crab cakes to start.  They are seasoned in herbs and breadcrumbs and served with a mustard mayo and a chili garlic sauce.  For me, the crab cake could have been a little more crisp on the outside and I wasn’t drawn to the mustard mayo.  But, the chili garlic sauce added a nice kick to this dish.

I went with the KC Strip (shocking, I know) and it comes with a choice of a side and also a veggie.  I opted for a baked potato and steamed broccoli, both were standard sides.  The steak was impressive.  It’s a 16oz cut that was cooked perfectly and then dressed in a little butter.  At $26 with the two sides, it’s more than a fair price.

Our server Colleen was very good.  She was attentive, fun, just put off a very good vibe.  When we asked what she liked on the menu, she was quick to point out a few favorites and different price points.  Such a nice break from when servers only suggest the most expensive things on the menu or the special that night.  If you go to Murray’s, make sure to request Colleen.

Overall, this is a great addition to the South KC food and drink scene.  Good staff, great owners and a really good design and layout.  The “Boys of Summer” hang here, they’ll always make you laugh.  Don’t hesitate, come in and give Murray’s a try.  Call me first and the first beer is on me.

Murray’s Tables & Tap

12921 State Line Rd  Kansas City, MO 64145

(816) 943-3333

http://tablesandtap.com/

Chacko’s Eatery

I’ve driven past this place countless times and finally took the time to stop in for lunch.  It’s located in the vast array of strip malls of Johnson Drive in Mission, Kansas.

It was remotely busy when I went in, there are about six tables for seating inside and two patio tables outside.  This is a bakery first and foremost, but they also serve breakfast and lunch.  I had no idea what to get, so I went with the “club.”  It is served on homemade french white bread with smoked turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, swiss cheese and dijon mayo.  The portion was good, the bread was good, the meat was good and the bacon was crispy.  The mayo was not dijon, but just your standard mayo and there was a ton of it.  So much that it’s pouring out of the sandwich since they put it on the top and bottom of it.  To me, this ruined it since all I could taste and see was mayo.  I was in mayo hell.

You do get a choice of a side (chips, pasta, veggies or an apple) and also a dessert.  The dessert was the highlight.

If you go here, you may want to ask for the mayo or whatever spread they put on it on the side.  Maybe I should just bring a sack lunch.

Honest opinions, honest I say.

Chacko’s Eatery

6009A Johnson Drive

Mission, KS 66202

http://chackoseatery.com/

Thai Orchid

Tucked away in a strip mall in Mission, KS sits Thai Orchid.  It’s right by the dreaded Drivers License Station and the DMV.  So, this area should also be known as the third circle of hell.

I’ve only dined here for lunch and they have some awesome deals.  Every special is $8.75 and includes an egg roll and your choice of soup or salad. I’m a big fan of the Pad Thai pictured above and it definitely is a generous helping.  If you decide you want to get a buzz on during lunch, they serve a full bar including specialty cocktails and sake.

Sure, the big names like Lulu’s and Thai Place get all the hype, but Thai Orchid is right up there with them, if not even better.  Don’t hesitate, stop in here and get a taste of Asia in JoCo.

Thai Orchid

913-384-2800

6504 Martway Street, Mission, KS 66202

http://thaiorchidks.com/

Here we go..

For years, I’ve been passionate about food and wine.  I consume, I savor, I enjoy.  My friends over the past year have been encouraging me to start some sort of blog in respect to local food and wine.  Well, I finally gave in.

In this blog I’ll be giving my honest opinions on restaurants.  Not just the food, but also the wine list, cocktail list and the service.  It seems service has lost it’s sense of importance in some establishments.  I’ll also be posting food we cook along with wine and cocktails we have at home.

I hope you appreciate the honest opinions you’ll find here.