Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Rachel Murphy

MACALUSO’S RESTAURANT
1403 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-0100

Italian food lovers won’t be able to spend much time in Kansas City without being urged time and again to go to Macaluso’s. The food is outstanding and the portions are large. Appetizers include crab cakes and steamed mussels. Among the many fine entrées is the New Zealand rack of lamb with a Dijon rosemary crust and, a favorite, cioppino, shrimp, scallops, salmon, clams and mussels in a cabernet and tomato herb broth. The pan-seared sea bass is also delightful. Owner Tom Macaluso opens his restaurant only for dinner and offers a private lounge and dining, along with jazz entertainment. Reservations are suggested. Although it will be difficult to resist eating your way through all of the large portions, try to reserve space for the exceptional gourmet desserts, particularly the white chocolate cheesecake.

By Amanda Knoles

FRENCHY’S BISTRO
4137 East Anaheim Street
Long Beach, CA
(562) 494-8787

Located in a strip mall neighboring an industrial area, this charming French bistro consistently gets kudos from food critics and boasts an army of loyal customers who rave about the friendly service, intimate atmosphere and menu featuring classic and nouvelle cuisine. Signature dishes include French onion soup, foie gras, crispy orange duck, braised lamb shank provencale, and pork tenderloin with potato custard and mustard sauce. Grand Marnier soufflé is the must-have dessert.

YANNI’S GREEK TAVERNA
3500 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 362-8871
If you’re on a tight budget but have somebody to charm, I’d try Yanni’s. Romance for me is in the ambiance—Greek bouzouki music in the background, a lovely mural along one wall, adorable Greek (I assume) waiters, and a compact little bar in the back of the room. The menu is large, with items listed first in English, then in Greek. While the food isn’t innovative or gourmet, it is fresh and filling. The feta cheese in nearly every dish is the real thing! I love spanakopita (spinach pie in layers of flaky filo dough) and usually begin with that. The beef souvlaki platter comes with seasoned meat skewers in pita bread, tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), Greek salad, and french fries. Since I’m a spinach fan, I’ve often ordered the spanakorizo, a blend of spinach and rice served with feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Save room for the baklava (a classic dessert of filo pastry layered with crushed nuts and pure Greek honey)—it’s heavenly! The outside seating is perhaps Yanni’s greatest draw, allowing dining couples the pleasure of people-watching in lively Cleveland Park.

by Eleonora Boreyko

LOLA
30 West 22nd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue)
(212) 675-6700

A brunch staple at any time of year, Lola is a Chelsea institution. Brunch is more than just eggs, including Lola’s signature fried chicken, a catfish “po’ boy” sandwich served with sweet potato fries and homemade tomato relish, and pork chops smothered in country gravy. With its twists on classic soul food and airy décor (the place has space) Lola would be a winner even without the main brunch attraction: Gospel. A roster of the City’s best singers and musicians rock the house every Sunday. If you go there you will leave with both mind and spirit well fed.