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Central Standard

Food Critics: Lunch Time

David LaCrone
/
KC Lunch Spots
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich at the Big Biscuit, 12276 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, KS

Coming up on Central Standard Friday, host Charles Ferruzza and the Food Critics share their favorite spots for a midday meal -- whether you're in the mood for a food truck taco, pork tenderloin sandwich, burger, or bento box.

This week's panel includes host Charles Ferruzza, of The Pitch and Fat City Blog, Chris Becicka, of Ingram's Magazine and Emily Farris, of Feed Me KC. Plus, special guest critic David LaCrone of Kansas City Lunch Spots.

ON FAT CITY:
The Subject Is Lunch (Charles Ferruzza)

FOOD CRITICS REVIEWED RESTAURANTS:

David LaCrone:

Marv's Delicatessen (11554 Ash St, Leawood, KS)
A locally owned Jewish-style deli, but with a Leawood atmosphere. Table service, wine and beer. They just opened, so critics and callers encourage us to be patient and not be too hard on this place. Pitch review.

Chris Becicka:

El Salvadoreño (7926 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS)
Had a wonderful lunch, ordered the everything plate. Service was lovely. Great breakfast platter, too. Still very small, about 8 tables. Not fast food.

Affäre (1909 Main, KCMO)
"Not a German restaurant, which is all to the good." Very sophisticated, delicious, beautiful food. Had an excellent dinner. Creative use of space.

Opera House Coffee & Food (500 Walnut Street, KCMO)

Story (3931 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS)

Emily Farris:

Port Fonda (4141 Pennsylvania, Westport)
Still doing a soft opening for a while, with an appetizer menu. Follow them on Facebook for updates on when the full menu will be served. On Feed Me KC.

AREA RESTAURANT NEWS:

Peanches (900 W 39th Street) is now open Tues-Sat 5 to 10 pm

Brian in KC recommends St. Luke's Hospital for their food court. He found Mexican food, Bo Lings, Minskey's Pizza station, salad bar, seafood station, etc. Says he'll probably go back because the prices were so reasonable. Blew his mind.

El Rancho has closed in Westport.

SUGGESTIONS FOR LUNCH:

John writes in with his favorite lunch - "QuikTrip hot dog + 32 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper = $2.16 including tax, about 405 calories."

Scott on FB suggests, "Buddha, in Zona Rosa. Excellent sushi."

Aixois (251 East 55th Street, KCMO)
Opening another location downtown.

Le Peep (7218 West 111th Street, Overland Park, KS)

Clark's American Caribbean Restaurant (3623 Broadway Ave)
Opening in August, incredible food. Everything was good. Family owned and run.

Johnny Ray's Drive-In (800 Southwest Blue Parkway  Lee's Summit, MO)
Will put your cholesterol right through the roof! Susie Q Fries.

Bread for All Tandoori Naan Cafe (536 Westport Road)
Great hummus!

Anthony's Italian Restaurant (701 Grand Ave KCMO)
Real bread. Singing!

Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ (2900 Southwest Boulevard, KCMO)
Great brisket! Should be a name brand in KC. Has a great lunch special.

Hy-Vee (various locations)
Mike says he lost 20lbs on Hy-Vee Pizza! Great salad bar. Very affordable.

Steve recommends The Green Room (4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO) for burgers and beer - "This is in Westport behind the Westport Cafe. I just had a burger and fries with jalapenos and cheese. Service is a little rough, but the food is very good. They will soon serve their own beer."

Justin writes, "I hesitate to introduce the awesome world of Carniceria El Torito (4901 Saint John Ave KCMO). Forget the Boulevard, Torito has amazing traditional tacos, torta, carnitas and all of the sides expected-picked radish, limes, jalapenos, etc. Shhh. It's a secret. Chelsea and St. John in the Historic NE."

@KCLiveMusicBlog writes, "Jerusalem Cafe(431 Westport Road) is one our favorite lunch stops. Nothing like lentil soup, falafel, hummus and grilled meats bathed in ME spices."

The Greenwood Country Tea Room (502 East Main Street, Greenwood, MO 64034)
Open Weds through Saturday. Great soups.

Olympic Grill (100 E. U.S. 40 Hway, Independence, MO)
Excellent Greek food.

Costco (various locations)
Make a lunch of all the samples! Or cheapest lunch in town: order a polish sausage or pizza.

Avelluto's Italian Delight (6522 Martway Street  Mission, KS)

Maylay Cafe (6003 NW Barry Rd, KCMO)
Make their own classic bubble tea.

Cozy's Cafe (6740 West 75th Street  Overland Park, KS)
Golden boy pies.

Vietnam Cafe (522 Campbell Street, KCMO)

Genesee Royale Bistro (1531 Genessee Street, KCMO)

Happy Gillis (549 Gillis Street, KCMO)

Judy in Lawrence writes, "For lunch in Lawrence, try Pachamama's. Very expensive at night, very reasonable during the day. Quiet, beautiful, great food."

Mugs Up Drive In (700 East 23rd Street South, Independence)
Home made root beer, loose meat sandwiches, and the Wiz Burger.

Pork Tenderloin:

Barbara in Holton writes, "I really enjoy a good pork tenderloin sandwich. One of the best tenderloin sandwiches I have ever eaten is at a little restaurant in Mayetta, KS - The Whistle Stop. The tenderloin is handcut and breaded and actually tastes like pork. It is delicious! Another good one is at Streetcar Named Desire at Crown Center."

Emily Farris suggests pork tenderloin from The Rieger (1924 Main, KCMO), and David LaCrone suggests Kitty's Cafe (810 E 31st St, KCMO).

Hot Dogs:

New York Dawg Pound (7702 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Overland Park, KS)
Nathan's hot dogs, and the owners are a hoot. Mix of patrons. very efficient at the lunch hour.

Up Dog (114 N. Liberty, Independence, MO)
Great 50s feel. Paper hats and bow ties.