Aaron,

Thanks for cluing me in on Rincon Colombiano Restaurante. It's always good to have a well loaded arsenal of eateries when visiting KC for prolonged periods of time. I notice that our diet becomes very meat-centric when we're in town. Nobody likes a good piece of meat better then me, but it gets frustrating knowing there aren't many veggie options out there when you want them.

Not that Rincon Colombiano Restaurante would offer all that much in the way of veggies, but it would break up our usual cycle of Barbecue, Stroud's, and Mexican for ten days. We did manage to get over to Thai Orchid with some friends and had a lovely meal.

One of our other non-red meat meals was at Jumpin' Catfish down in Lee's Summit. Dinner starts out with big community bowls of white beans and cole slaw served alongside a basket of fresh from the frier hush puppies. The beans required a generous jolt of hot sauce (already sitting on the table, knowing it would be needed), but the slaw was just right; a good creamy version with just a little tang to make things interesting.

The fish is available as a two, three, or four fillet dinner with choice of sides. I got the two fillet dinner with real mashed potatoes, and some other side dish which escapes me at the moment. The fish was excellent with a micro thin coating of well seasoned cornmeal breading on the outside, moist, succulent fish inside. Obviously, this is all country style comfort food, nothing cutting edge, no molecular deconstruction of the catfish available here. Thank heavens.

On the Barbecue front we also visited Brobecks BBQ, a relatively new place opened by Doug Brobeck, the guy who founded Stilwell Smokehouse about ten or more years ago. Doug sold Stilwell to a consortium of smartypants yahoos who thought they knew everything they needed to know about running a Greasehouse and promptly ran the place into the ground, culminating in a flash flood, caused by the water used to put out the still unexplained fire.

Anyway, Brobecks puts out a respectable product at a more than reasonable price; $4.95 for a 1/4 lb. sandwich, $6.95 for a half pounder, your choice of meat. All sides are ala carte, unless you order one of the dinners. Between the four of us we tried the burnt ends, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs. Not a weak link in the bunch.

Sides were another matter. I've always loved Doug's corn nuggets (If a statement like that isn't destined to be a banner at the top of the page, I don't know what it will take), but instead was lured by the cheesy corn bake, thinking back to the legendary version served by Fiorella's Jack Stack. I shoulda gone with the nuggets. The nuggets are crispy, creamy, cheesy fritters of sweet corn goodness, while the cheesy corn bake was a gloppy bowl of blandness that I'm surprised Doug would even serve. On the other hand, the beans and slaw were quite good. Maybe I'll check out the fries next time I'm in town.

We had plenty more while we were in town. If I get the energy and/or time I may type up a full report. Meanwhile, hope you get a chance to check out some of these places.

Buddy

Jumpin' Catfish Restaurant
834 SW Blue Pkwy
Lees Summit, MO 64063
(816) 554-3474
www.jumpincatfish.com

Brobecks Barbeque
4615 Indian Creek Parkway
(Near 106th and Roe)
Overland Park, Kansas 66207
(913) 901-9700

I'll second Aaron on Rincon: I've been there three times now, and been pleased each time. A *very* friendly crew, family pretty much, and a nice array of decent food. Not great, but decent, and just different enough from other Latin cuisines to keep one's interest piqued. I especially like their chicharones, wonderful saw-toothed things that they are.

Geo

Mike G wrote:

Gates is the only place in town that I know of that serves lamb or mutton.

I had it once at Bryant's-- Trillin talks about it in his articles-- but they got rid of it, probably, sometime in the mid-80s.

Used to be that Bryant's would run out of ribs if you didn't get there before 7pm or so. That's how I ended up trying the mutton back in the late 70's. There were delicious and I've missed them ever since '81 when Mr. Bryant died.

Allow me to wax nostalgic for a moment... I miss the big hand-painted menu board with the three clocks over it. I miss sliding across the greasy floor. I miss those generic small-top quart bottles they'd sell you the sauce in - at least they still wrap them in red butcher paper. Burnt ends weren't on the menu, they were put in a metal pan and available to gnaw on in line. You just helped yourself to a couple. And they were BURNT.

I remember when the place was closed for a year. Lots of rumors, but one day they just opened the doors again. No fanfare. No big announcement. Just word of mouth that Bryant's was open again. It was never quite the same though. I still chuckle when a newbie comments on how "dirty" the place is. Worn, but not dirty. For a while, a guy named Richard LaFrance, who had work for Mr. Athur for many, years ran a couple good joints in Bryant's style - complete with sweet potatoes mixed into the fries. But it seems he never was able to make a go of it on his own. Even when he was open, it was hit or miss that he'd paid the beer vendor and had suds. Too bad.

Back to the present here, I mosied over to Brobeck's a couple times this week as he's within about 10 mintues of here. I'm impressed. Thanks for the tips folks. Doug serves up an awesome plate of ribs. Fragrant bark, not too thick, and smoked deep. Moist, but you still have to gnaw just a touch, that meat isn't falling off. Served dry, I eat most of them without sauce and put a little of his mustard based sauce on the rest. The mustard sauce is a touch sweet, but it's given me some inspiration for making my own again.

We've also sampled the beef, pulled pork and polish sausage. Beef is a touch dry, very lean with a respectable smoke ring and good flavor. Pulled pork was too dry and not as flavorful as I would have liked. The sausage. Well, it's smoked grocery store sausage.

A side dish note: Cheesey corn is a south KC BBQ staple. I believe the Fiorellas may have been the first to offer it (the Smokestack people). Brobeck's version is awesome. First, better quality kernals. Second better "cheesey". Mouth feel is more like creamed corn, then has a cheesey tone to it. Plus it actually tastes of corn. The Smokestack version is woody kernals swimming in artifically processed cheese food with a couple pieces of ham for good measure. No comparison. Brobeck's does cheesey corn right.

Today I get a little break in a big project I've been working on and I think I'm going to mosey over to KCK and check out Jone's as recommended. There's a good little sausage shop there too, Krismann's, and I need to stock up on spicy knackwurst and some andouille.

Thanks folks.

Doug T in KC

Krizman sausage used to do a stuffed cabbage for catering. Man, it was the best stuffed cabbage I've ever had! If you go over there, you might ask them about it.

Geo

Geo wrote:Krizman sausage used to do a stuffed cabbage for catering. Man, it was the best stuffed cabbage I've ever had! If you go over there, you might ask them about it.

Geo

Thanks for the tip Geo. I'll ask them. I may put it off til tomorrow now and see how the streets fair. It's still snowing pretty hard in my neighborhood this morning.

Just a note. I used to be able to pick up Krizmann's right near me at McGonigle's market. I get two different stories about why the sausage isn't available there anymore, but I sure miss having it 5 minutes away rather than 30.

DougT--Was that Krizman's that McGonigle's used to smoke in that big smoker in their parking lot? If so, it was damn good!

Geo

Geo wrote:DougT--Was that Krizman's that McGonigle's used to smoke in that big smoker in their parking lot? If so, it was damn good!

Geo

I really haven't eaten much of their smoked stuff other than the salmon and home made italian-ish sausage. Both pretty tasty although the texture of the sausage leaves a bit to be desired. Too crumbly.

DougT, glad you enjoyed Brobeck's. I gotta tell you though, I was less impressed by the cheesy corn bake than you were. It's been a loooooong time since I've sampled Fiorella's version; it may be no better or worse than Doug's. Maybe I just don't like cheesy corn bake and should stick with the corn fritters from now on.

I do have to say that Brobeck's mustard based Barbecue Sauce is my favorite in that genre. At least as good as Maurice's out of South Carolina, but without the racist trash clinging to its reputation.

If you were unhappy with the generic quality of Doug's sausage, be sure to try the links at Jones in KCK. As stated in my post, they grind and stuff their own, giving it quite a contrast to Brobeck's version, almost resembling the coarse ground appearance of a Chicago style hot link.

One word of "warning" as you prepare to visit Jones: get ready to be fawned over by the folks who run the place. They take customer service to a new level of intimacy, calling you "precious" and "sweet thang" without a shred of irony. Seriously, they're nice people who deserve to make a go of it in an already Barbecue saturated market.

Have fun,

Buddy

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:an already Barbecue saturated market.

Huh. That's an entirely new concept to me... Is it, *could* it be possible in KC? Hmmm. I'm not so sure. In fact, I'm dubious. But then, I get AWfully hungry for bbq when I'm marooned in the snows of Montreal overwintering.


Geo

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:One word of "warning" as you prepare to visit Jones: get ready to be fawned over by the folks who run the place. They take customer service to a new level of intimacy, calling you "precious" and "sweet thang" without a shred of irony. Seriously, they're nice people who deserve to make a go of it in an already Barbecue saturated market.

Have fun,

Buddy

Thanks Buddy!

I kind of enjoy service like that. Reminds of the "old days" when Mattie and Jewel Cornelius ran Three Friends Hall Restaurant and Bar-B-Que at 25th and Prospect. Sitting around and visiting a while was just part of the whole experience. Mr Jewel always treated my dad and mom like they were something special. I sure miss that. Jone's is sounding better all the time!

Doug

Geo wrote:But then, I get AWfully hungry for bbq when I'm marooned in the snows of Montreal overwintering.


Geo

Yeah, but I'll bet you've still got more real Jewish delis and bagel bakeries than they do in KC.

Buddy

Well, now that you mention it, there is THIS:







Yum!


Geo

First off, for Buddy, Thank you. Thank you. And again Thank You! Jones' is simply an awesome establishment.

My partner Becca and I thought we'd venture over there for a little heavy lunch before KU Basketball this afternoon. We were blown away. Excellent, doting, genuinely friendly service to accompany some of the best BBQ in town.

Since we both know the area fairly well, it was a breeze to find, nestled right between the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and the edge of downtown KCK. Literally three short blocks from Krizman's Sausage.

Immediately upon walking in, you're hit by the smoke. Next, one notices that anything on the walls that was once white is now smokey yellow/brown. The aroma is intoxicating. While we stood looking at the menu, Miss Mary came up, introduced herself and welcomed us to Jones'. She went right into descrbing the menu items a bit and feeling us out so she could make suggestions. Then she left us alone and we planned out ordering strategy. No, first she asked if we "were sausage people". We assured her we are, and she's hollering back for a sample. "Sample" my kiester. They brought half an order of a home made item in natural casing that really had some nice flavors going on. A little crumbly texture-wise, but it was smoked just right and had some Italian things going on. A little fennel, a little anise thing going on, but not overdone at all. It was Becca's favorite item. All we had to do was mention a menu item, and they were shoving a napkin full of it at us for a taste.

That's how I found the rib tips (cue heavenly chord). These are awesome. Flavor, bark, aroma, easy to suck right off the fat layer and out from in between the little cartiledge pieces. I used to say the single best plate of BBQ in KC was Mr. Jewel Cornelious' rib tips at Three Friends Hall in KCMO. He retired about 5 years ago or more and there isn't a week that goes by I don't miss his rib tips. Well, Jones' really hit a home run with theirs. Even their sauce is similar to Mr. Jewel's, and they don't over do it either. Translucent red-orange. Good tang, good spice, tomato, but not flavored ketchup.

As we edged toward the counter, there were two other customers waiting for to-go orders. Everytime we'd mention a dish and Miss Mary, or Miss Debra would turn away to get us a sample, one or the other customer would lean over and whisper about how good it was. The lady on our left raved about the beans. "As much meat as beans!" She whispered, then added, "Sometimes I water it down a little the next day and eat them like soup!" It was like they were sharing secrets with us, rolling their eyes to heaven and almost swooning with anticipation of their own meals.

We finally shuffled over to our table and Miss Mary started bringing the goods. All of it was high quality. Ribs are well smoked, bark is pretty thick and flavorful. Beef was quite lean, great two-tone smoke ring, and still moist. Tough to do as lean as that stuff is. The beans were all that were promised. Lots of meat, good sauce that compliments the flavors rather than lead them.

After all the samples, we could barely get through half of our Variety Platter. Would have a hard time getting through more than half even without all the samples. So we have a fridge full of leftovers I'm looking forward to. I think the next time I go I'm getting a rib tip plate and a side of sausage. Ribs are very good, but I think I like Brobeck's a little better at this point. Better give them both a few more tries for comparison!

Anyway, it was great. I highly recommend the joint.

Here's a few pics of our visit:


The approach. Don't let the awning fool you, this is a good joint.


Inside the front door. Smoky goodness in the air.


Miss Mary bringing the goods.


A $3.00 side of Rib Tips!


Two Variety Platters and a side of Rib Tips.


The beans.

Thanks again!

Jones Bar-B-Q
609 N. 6th Street
Kansas City KS 66101
(913) 371-6400

I drove by this place many a times without ever stopping...appears to be a serious miscalculation.

DougT, glad you were impressed with Jones. How this place could be around for the last four or five years and still not be on the radar of KC 'Que lovers is beyond me. On the other hand, thank goodness they're not. The joint is so small, if the word got out I don't think they could handle the crowds.

Also, thanks for the lovely photos. Takes me back to a warm October day last fall when I was first introduced to Jones Bar-B-Q with an experience very similar to yours. Over the top customer service, samples galore, and piles of excellent Barbecue served in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Let's hope just the right amount of people find out about Jones; enough to keep them in business and profitable, but not enough to turn the place into a tourist attraction like Bryant's.

Buddy

dddane wrote:we were told Arthur Bryant's was the place to go... so go we did.

It was a big let down. This place is the definition of a tourist trap. Pricey, no locals to be found, bad/unappreciative service, mediocre food, and crowded.

When I first read this post, my immediate temptation was to chime in...I think Arthur Bryant's-as-tourist-trap-downhill-alert is a bit overdone (though clearly someone who doesn't live here and hear that is probably less sensitive to that sort of commentary). I'd never had anything less than excellent at Bryant's (though I've always preferred LC's) and I didn't see mention of my favorite order there, the sliced beef sandwich and fries.

But, exercising my well-practiced restraint, I decided to hold off until today, when my in-laws decided it would be a nice spot for an inauguration day lunch.

This was my first disappointing experience at Bryant's. Got the beef, a little cold, a little fatty, not the great flavor I'm used to. I still really enjoy their original sauce, but it's always been a bit of an acquired taste. And fries were good, fresh from the fire.

Oddly, the place was half empty at 12:30 on a workday, virtually no line, I've never seen it like that before.

Now, this isn't at all to say I'm ready to write the place off, as I've had enough great meals there, it would have to be several consecutive bad ones. I wouldn't even register this as a downhill alert, because I've heard enough reliable reports of inconsistency to have full confidence in their truth. But it's the first time I had the misfortune of experiencing it.

I've had a great meal there as recently as a couple weeks ago. But I also have to report that I've had a clinker now and then over the years.

Aaron Deacon wrote:Oddly, the place was half empty at 12:30 on a workday, virtually no line, I've never seen it like that before.

You don't think the fact that the first black President was being sworn in at that moment had anything to do with it, do you?

stevez wrote:

Aaron Deacon wrote:Oddly, the place was half empty at 12:30 on a workday, virtually no line, I've never seen it like that before.

You don't think the fact that the first black President was being sworn in at that moment had anything to do with it, do you?

I wasn't sure if the inaugural timing was in hopes of a short line, or in hopes of seeing a festive crowd, or in simple celebration of an African-American business, but regardless, I'm not sure it worked in favor of the food.

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:DougT, glad you were impressed with Jones. How this place could be around for the last four or five years and still not be on the radar of KC 'Que lovers is beyond me. On the other hand, thank goodness they're not. The joint is so small, if the word got out I don't think they could handle the crowds.

Too bad there were no crowds. I heard today, secondhand via radio report, that Jones has closed up. Very unfortunate.

I am literally heart broken. Jones was my new current favorite, and I only got to eat there once. Didn't even get a chance to bring Mrs. Roadhouse there when we were in town for Christmas.

You haven't heard any bad news about B.B.'s Lawnside, have you?

Buddy

Never been a BB's fan, and I live literally 5 minutes from the place. Lindsey and crew weathered the bridge rebuild which made access to the place dificult for almost two years. (BTW, the same bridge rebuild that killed the original Stroud's) Maybe I ordered the wrong things at BB's in the past. I'd be open to suggestions for giving them another chance. (Hint hint Buddy)

I'm planning to head up to Jones' later this morning and verify the closing. They've moved before, and I'm hoping maybe that's what's up.

If they're truly gone, we've lost a really good one.

Edit: A little on line research reveals this link: http://www.kansascitykansan.com/blogs/s ... riday/3620

The Kansas City (used-to-be-Daily) Kansan reports Miss Deborah is indeed closing the doors. This is bad news.

Aaron Deacon wrote:

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:DougT, glad you were impressed with Jones. How this place could be around for the last four or five years and still not be on the radar of KC 'Que lovers is beyond me. On the other hand, thank goodness they're not. The joint is so small, if the word got out I don't think they could handle the crowds.

Too bad there were no crowds. I heard today, secondhand via radio report, that Jones has closed up. Very unfortunate.

Radio report? You listening to Walt Bodine?

DougT wrote:Radio report? You listening to Walt Bodine?

Just every other Friday...


Geo

DougT wrote:Radio report? You listening to Walt Bodine?

Yeah, it was Walt Bodine, but I got the news from someone else who was listening. I always think I ought to listen to the Food Critics but never do. One time, I got as far as downloading a podcast, but turned out, it was the wrong one.

Slightly off topic but still related, have you watched the KC version of Check Please, yet? Any thoughts or critique you can offer? Which places have they visited so far?

EDIT: Immediately after posting this, I Googled Check Please Kansas City and saw the list of places visited so far. It's interesting what you miss not being a full time resident and just a frequent visitor. I have not been to a single place listed and the only two restaurants I had even heard of were Lidia's and Le Fou Frog. Just goes to show what you miss when you're locked into your favorites and you only have a limited amount of time to visit them all.

Buddy

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:Slightly off topic but still related, have you watched the KC version of Check Please, yet? Any thoughts or critique you can offer? Which places have they visited so far?

You know, I haven't actually. Since we got our digital tuner, we haven't been getting PBS. I've contacted them about this, not sure of the problem, but haven't figured it out.

Here's the restaurant list, which you found obviously. It's a pretty good list, I think, interesting that 2 are in Lawrence and none are BBQ.

Kind of weird...it seems that they have all the restaurants for the season, regardless of whether they've aired yet.

Obviously, I haven't watched the show since I've been in Montréal since it started, but I found the list rather odd. I've been to 4 or 5 of the places, but a whole bunch of them I'd never even heard of. Which is weird, since I know a bunch of professional foodies. Has Doug stated a premise or a (dare I say it) a 'philosophy' behind his choices? And funny they got Doug to do it, rather than any of The Usual Suspect foodies...

Geo

It's almost as if they made an intentional decision to avoid Barbecue Joints.

Buddy

Geo wrote:Has Doug stated a premise or a (dare I say it) a 'philosophy' behind his choices? And funny they got Doug to do it, rather than any of The Usual Suspect foodies...

Geo

I'm not sure how much say Doug has, I believe producers pick the restaurants from among the top 3 or something that an applicant says he or she would be willing to nominate.

I think they typically aim for eclecticism in terms of geography, cuisine, price point (though trending towards mid-range+), and popularity.

I didn't find them that off-the-radar, there are two I've never heard of (one in Lawrence); I've been to 7; 6 have been on my "to try" list; and 2 I've never really had any desire to go to.

I understand not wanting to overplay BBQ, but I would find it surprising if they neglected BBQ into season 2...I wouldn't expect to see Bryant's or OK Joe's, but I could definitely see Woodyard or RJ's or even LC's.

(Note: Mods may want to move the last few posts here, or maybe spin off into its own thread.)