Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

By Rachel Murphy

SIENNA
303 West 10th, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 527-0220

Sienna is an intimate bistro, seating only about 50 people, in an ambiance of muted tones and lighting. This reasonably priced, upscale eatery is not your traditional Italian restaurant, but there is plenty of Tuscan influence amid the variety of delicious entrées, sandwiches, salads and oven-fired pizza. The first-time diner will want to try everything and the returning patron will be hard-pressed to decide whether to try something new or enjoy again a spectacular favorite. Don’t miss the roast pork chop, which will melt in your mouth and amaze you with its delicious flavors, the tenderloin or the pan-seared tuna. Sienna is adjacent to the Quality Hill Playhouse (in fact, they share an entrance) so you may have to wait if you arrive at the same time as the before-theater crowd. But once theatergoers depart, Sienna settles back into a very relaxed, European atmosphere you are sure to enjoy.

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.