Restaurant Reviews

Maui Rules in Entertainment and Dining

2010-02-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has been to Maui knows that the island is alive and thriving in life and action. It might as well be known as the heartbeat of Hawaii. From its gorgeous beaches to its entertainment and shopping, Maui rules! Let’s not forget that if you’re looking for delicious and unique dishes prepared by world-renown chefs, Maui has some of the best restaurants in the world.

For many traveling to the islands, seafood is on their mind as their palette’s top choice. Maui has its share of fabulous fresh fish and tempting dishes. From fine dining to a casual beach side café, there’s seafood treats for everyone.

Most people who travel to Maui have a desire to indulge in a variety of delectable culinary pleasures. From blissful honeymooners and the much needed vacationers escaping cold winter climates, to the business man who couldn’t get out of that last minute trip to Maui (oh darn), everyone has a list of things they want to do or try while in Maui. Food is among the top three on so many people’s lists.

Traditional Hawaiian dishes, steaks, seafood, fruit and desserts to keep you feeling guilty forever are just the beginning of the vast choices of food available at the many great restaurants in Maui. At the above link you will discover 10 fabulous places to frequent and indulge your wildest culinary desires. If I was going tomorrow, I’d try them all…after all, how often do you get to travel to Maui? You might as well indulge in the best restaurants while you’re there!

Vegetarian Dreams

2009-04-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that frustrates many vegetarians, it's the fact that there are limited (possibly NO) vending machines that sell vegetarian sandwiches. How to Start a Business Vending Tofu Sandwiches is an article that will help innovative vegetarians (or anyone for that matter) start a successful vegetarian sandwich vending business. Check it out!

Sharp's 63rd Street Grill

2009-03-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

This has got to be one of Brookside's most popular breakfast spot on the weekends. Every time we've stopped in on a Sunday morning, we've had to wait in a long line. Is it the food, the ambiance, the location that attracts the crowds? Probably all of the above.

Despite a bad economy, crowds continue to pile into Sharp's in Kansas City. The crowd is upbeat, young and hip. The food complements hungry stomachs, no matter the age. Read more here.

Learn to Cook Kenyan Foods with Wangethi Mwangi

2009-01-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

Going out to eat is always fun and this blog usually has restaurant reviews in it, but I thought I'd expand to include various food and recipe reviews as well.

Kenyan food is very healthy as it includes a variety of creatively cooked and seasoned vegetables. Wangethi Mwangi, a busy man as a veteran journalist who currently serves as Editorial Director of the largest media company in Kenya –Nation Media Group, but in his after-hours activities, Wangethi Mwangi loves cooking.

Wangethi Mwangi has an abiding interest in media law and economics, but still finds time to cook his favorite Kenyan foods like Omena Fish Stew, Chapati and Getherie. Never heard of these delicious dishes? Well, check out his recipe site and be ready to enjoy some tasty Kenyan treats!

Photo from Travelblog.org

Rainforest Cafe, Check this Out!

2008-12-07T04:08:00.000-08:00

Review: Rainforest Cafe in Kansas City
The Rainforest Cafe is a fun place to take the whole family for a great meal. More here.

Feasting at El Mezcal in Lawrence Kansas

2008-11-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Read the short blog here.

POSSIBLY THE BEST WAY TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

2007-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

I just came across an excellent new system that can help anyone who has a personal blog or website to make extra money. Before you go doing what I'm about to tell you, be sure you don't break any terms of services, as not all blog sites will allow you to do this...however, if you have a free blog here, on http://www.blogger.com/, or have your own website, THIS SYSTEM WILL EVENTUALLY PAY MORE THAN GOOGLE ADSENSE.

It's called Pay Per Play...it launches in February and I've read up on what they're doing and I am very impressed. Basically, every single time someone clicks on your blog or personal website, YOU WILL GET PAID per that impression. They, in turn, will hear a 5 second ad.

These are big companies advertising, like Taco Bell and etc.Apparently, TV ads aren't pulling in the results like they used to cause everyone is online these days. Advertisers are moving their ad campaigns to the Internet with 5 second ads and are looking for websites willing to run their ads. Imagine, you'll be just like a TV station! You can add the code to MySpace, Facebook, Blogger and etc. I just registered and encourage anyone here who has a personal blog (outside of Blogit) and website, to get on this immediately, and start making money in the new year.

I have no doubt this will be BIGGER than adsense one day and now is our chance to get in on the ground level.Here ya go: PayPerPlay You can thank me later! Oh, and yes, it's free!!

Relocating to Kansas City? Need Restaurant Ideas?

2007-11-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Below are previous posts of some good restaurants in the area. If you're relocating to the Kansas City area, here is an article to read:

Relocating to Kansas City By Patricia Williams, Nov 01, 2007
Relocating the Kansas City is a good idea for those looking for affordable housing and the queit of the midwest. Read more»

In the Mood For Italian Food: Try Romano's Macaroni Grill in Overland Park, Kansas

2007-10-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

Several times a year, my husband and I will take a leisurely Sunday drive to Overland Park, Kansas, where we enjoy a good lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill. The restaurant is located at 9292 Metcalf and caters to people of all ages. Pasta and bread lovers will enjoy the energetic atmosphere and the culinary arts of the chefs clad in their white hats and red scarves. Through the open kitchen, you can enjoy their casual performance.

The menu items are family-sized in portion and include a hearty feast of the best Italian food you can get in the area. The traditional cuisine boasts of being rustic and home style, and having grown up in an Italian home, I can tell you, it does taste very authentic!

Although I don't eat most of their meat items like their grilled pork chops or lobster ravioli, I do enjoy their penne pastas and their grilled chicken and other specials like their sol which is seasonal.

One of my favorite things about the restaurant is their rosemary bread dipped in olive oil! Yes, indeed. As soon as you're seated, they bring out a large, round warm loaf of bread that's very tasty! You have to be careful not to just make a meal on bread and olive oil, trust me! Oh, and for Pete's sakes, forget your low carb diet when you go to the Macaroni Grill!

China Star in Overland Park, Kansas - A Super Buffet Place to Throw a Party

2007-10-04T06:51:00.001-07:00

If you want to throw a party and have give open invitation to all your friends and family for a birthday party or some other special invitation, consider the China Star Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas for the place to hold the event. Conveniently located at 95th & Metcalf, the China Star offers a nice buffet of wonderful, fresh Chinese cuisine.

The great thing about China Star is the food selection. They have the best vegetarian Chinese food around for those who don't eat meat or seafood, and for those whom do, they will feast on all the various ways China Star fixes chicken, beef and seafood.

The China Star has a large buffet with good service, lots of room for a large party or a somewhat intimate dinner. It also features staples usually found in Chinese restaurants. Though not much out of the ordinary, the food tastes fresher than in other buffets.

The atmosphere is cafeteria style, not much to write home about, but comfortable for a business lunch or casual get together with friends. We've often had big parties there for birthdays and other celebrations.

The bins are kept fresh and filled, and all the food stays warm. There is prompt seating and service, and you can go back as often as you want. They also have a limited salad bar and dessert bar with an ice cream machine.

The main problem with China Star is that it's easy to overeat. All the selections make you want to try a little of everything and before you know it, you're completely full and wishing you hadn't eaten so much! I find this problem is true with most buffet bars, and when it happens to be at China Star, you're in real trouble!

As for some of my favorite selections, I would have to say that I enjoy their vegetarian egg rolls, tofu dishes, chicken legs and sweet donuts. The rice and noodles are very well prepared. They have lots of tasty sauces to add more flavor(though the food doesn't need anything added, in my opinion) and delicious soups to keep you warm and content.

China Star continues to be my favorite Chinese restaurant in Kansas City. The place is nearly always full, but the wait is only minutes, if at all. Obviously the busiest times are from 11:30 to 1:00 and from 5:30 to 7:00. No reservations are needed. Just bring an appetite and a friend. China Star will do the rest.

The Roselle Court in the Kansas City Art Gallery: Great Place to Eat!

2007-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to have lunch is at the charming Rozzelle Court Restaurant in the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The atmosphere is, in one word, exquisite. The large, open-air Italian courtyard allows natural light to flow down from the two-story arcade, where large windows and murals decorate the high vaulted ceiling. On select Sundays live musicians perform, adding ambience to your meal and to the overall experience. In the center of the courtyard is a fountain that creates the gentle sound of water, lending more romance and serenity to your visit.

I’m usually known to dine there on Sundays on my way down to the Plaza and Westport to run errands and shop. A brunch chef is available on Sundays at the gourmet omelet station to prepare personalized omelets made vegetables and more. Also available are large Belgium waffles, fluffy pancakes, and tasty pastries. I, personally, enjoy going through the buffet lunch line that might include fresh fish, rice, a colorful mix of vegetables and a dessert. Other buffet items include a variety of sandwiches, salads, and a couple of entrees from which to choose. The desserts are always wonderful, and range from custards and cream pies to fresh fruits with whipped topping.

Because I'm a Friend of the Arts (member of the Museum), I get a ten percent discount when I dine there. After having a wonderful time at the Rozzelle Court, it's always fun to take a stroll through the Museum.

The restaurant is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. It is also open for dinner on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. On most Friday nights, visitors can dine to the sounds of live Kansas City jazz or classical music.

For more information, check out their website: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/
or call (816) 561-4000.

Best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City

2007-10-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Being that I'm Italian, I think I can say I know Italian food, so if you happen to travel to Kansas City, I want to tell you about one of the best Italian restaurants in this town. It's called Cinzetti's and truly, from the wonderful selection of dishes to the ambiance and service, Cinzetti's ranks, in my book, as the best Italian restaurant in Kansas City.

What Makes it the best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City?Selection and taste. Yes, Cinzetti's, located at 7201 W 91st St. in Overland Park, KS, has some of the finest selections in Italian cuisine. They have what one might call and "inspired" menu for people of all tastes. Truly, it's a feast not only for the eyes, but for the stomach.

When you first tour the large buffet selections, based on theme, you will feel as though you've just entered an old Tuscan Villa. The décor alone will make you feel you're in Italy. The exotic retreat like setting includes a granite and cobblestone Piazza with five themed rooms. Your senses will explode with the great selection of pastas, freshly prepared and aromatic spiced meats, chicken and fish. There's something for vegetarians and carnivores alike! From their huge pasta and salad bar to their pizza and dessert bar, and of course their station of main course dishes, you'll leave wishing you had more room in your tummy to hold it all!

Pastas

At Cinzetti's, you can expect a delicious array of Tangy Spaghetti, Penne al Rose in a tomato cream sauce, zesty Gnocchi Tomato Vodka, the Farfalle Carbonara or the Lasagna Bolognese!

Desserts

If you're like me, you hate skipping dessert, especially at Cinzetti's. Their dessert and bakery stations include delicious Apple Crisp, Raspberry Crostata, their house specialty, hand rolled Cannoli or for a lighter touch, our hand dipped Gelato, or my favorite, the Tiramisu! Also, they serve a delicious 12 flavors of your favorite ice cream.

Perfect for lunch or dinner!

Being that it's the best Italian restaurant in Kansas City, they serve both lunch and dinner. The menu items chance slightly, but you'll hardly notice. Their buffet stations always have more food than a person can ever partake of, but it's fun trying a little bit of everything!

Facts about Cinzetti's

The building is 20,000 square foot and is separated into five unique dining rooms. They have up to 80 items on display, and all are yours for the sampling!

The following include some of their menu items:

Tortini Di Patate:
Tradizionale
Cotto & Cheddar
Salsiccia
Vegetali

Zuppa:
Minestrone Zuppa
Pomodoro Zuppa

Pizza:
Pizza del Giorno
Fiorentina
Margherita
Pepperoni
Vegetali
Formaggio

Fresh Made Pasta:
Farfalle
Carbonara
Chicken Marsala
Pasta
Spaghetti Marinara
Mama's Meatballs
Pasta del Giorno

Second Course:
Tuscan Spiced Rotisserie Chicken
Carote Marsala Cauliflower
Olive Pomodoro
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Chianti Peppercorn Gravy
Eggplant Parmesan
Arancini (rice balls)
Sausage with Bell Peppers and Onion
Pesci Fritti (lightly fried fish)
Lemon Caper Sauce
Chicken Cacciatore
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
Lasagna Bolognese

Salad / Antipasta:
Fresh Grilled Vegetable Caprese
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Bruschetta with Garlic Croutons
Panzanella Salad
Pasta Genovese
Greek Orzo Salad
Sicilian Caponata
Insalata della Casa
Caeser Salad
Marinated Mushrooms
Insalata Mediterraneo

Dessert / Bakery:
Budino di Pane (bread pudding)
Raspberry Crostata
Cioccolata Amore
Frutta Del Sole
Cannoli
Piccolo Pasticceria
Apple Crisp
Strawberry & Peach Crisp
16 Flavors of Ice cream