Hot Ziggity!

I'd heard from dozens that these dogs were something. Thus...The Pizza Man...? dogs at a pie shop doesn't seem quite right but gotta give those in the know credit.

You can get'im loaded, hot or not; it's up to you.

Better than the T-Bones Ballpark dogs at a buck.

Batter Up.

A Million Tiny Deaths

There's a certain decadence waiting. It does have everything to do with sugar and a certain Red Velvet cupcake.

Europa, a tiny eatery along the rue in Crestwood is just like sitting along the Left Bank...almost. Grab a table, a good cappuccino and one of these hefty bobbles of sweetness.

Pray for a calm night and indulge.

Amen

A Tomato Isn't Just A Fruit

Once in a great while, a gem of a place jumps out.
You Say Tomato is one of those.

Thousands percent different from the run-of-the-mill eateries that dot the metro, this solid little place is more reminiscent of an old-time grocery - a place to settle and schmooze and feel like you could drag your journal, sit down with a huge cup of chai and dream about a screenplay you're about to pen.

This is where you go when you want a dose of homegrown satisfaction.

Can you tell, I loved it?

Daily postings on on the board....go for breakfast or lunch. Pull up a chair to a formica, iron or old wooden table and dish.

Anyone who wants to visit old KC will know where this quiet little place is....roughly 25th and Holmes - parked in a real neighborhood. Yes, kinda far but who cares? It's summer....

Hands Across the Water

It started with pangs on July 4th.

My very international friend decided since he was Canadian he wanted to try the All-American hot dog. This being a traditional hot-dog-day...we popped over to the Pizza Man (supposedly the place for true dogs in this town). Since they were closed it was a perfect opportunity to try Cafe Augusta....in the scheme of things, a fairly new opening.

It was almost 2 p.m. and we were both starved (although, I have to say I could last 6 months in the Artic on little more that what I have packed on in the few years)...Nevertheless, the place was comfortably busy (always a good sign) and the service more than congenial.

We ordered, met the chef and I have to say, found this place wonderfully different. I don't know if it was the food (hearty) or the non-intrusive mellow french music.

The Canadian had a hero. Stacks of fresh meat and cheese coupled with homemade chips. My dish of tomato Provencal was oozy and so delish.

This place owned by a mother and daughter have brought a new twist to the suburban scene with their reach toward good food from everywhere but fast.

I'll pick up the hot dog on the next try but until then, I'm betting on Cafe Augusta.

Later................

Shout out....

It's been brutally hot...this summer. So I decided to take my wheat-grass (or as I call it, motor oil), granola-lovin' friend of mine to drink, not eat lunch.

We stopped by L A Juice at 119th and Lamar. Giant, brain-freeze chillers are smooshed up with lots of fruit, ice, sherbet or yogurt. Then you can add any number of healthy nuggets to your liking.

I went for what I consider healthy (remember, I'm the one who eats fried ice cream), Pomegranate Bliss; he popped for a smoothie loaded with acai and other anti-oxidants.

We sat outside, sipped and watched the world go lazily (into Spin and the Cheesecake Factory) by.

I feel healthier already..........

Get Hooked!

Last evening two of my Atomic Tunas ventured over to Sumo - ultra cool, totally swank new raw bar. Not a true fan of raw anything, I was pleasantly surprised that I could sit down at a smokeless hibachi grill, watch the pyrotechnics and dig into to the meanest fried rice, bites of shrimp and cold-water lobster while everyone around me dug into sushi before eating their grilled delights.

Maybe it's the deliciously dark design, maybe it's the bar (that glows and tempts with zillions of martinis/wine/beer) or maybe it's the fun atmosphere. Community tables (read: sitting with strangers) is fine since everyone is on the same page. I'm thinking this Wichita based outfit owned by Ivy Yang and Hiedo Nambara is a great surprise for the out-south crowd.

We went for lunch but after dark, the 16 grills will be ramped up for your choice among 140 items. Here's our sampling: fish tacos, Poke-Tini, Kansas Roll, Crispy Garlic Trio, New York Roll and tempura-coated fried ice cream (I know, I know).

Be ready to toss back hot or cold sake then watch the chopping, saucing, steaming and yes, even flinging.

Big menu, big place - even a monthly disco party in the pretty bar. This should be a hit.

Sumo
135th Roe
Leawood, KS
913-851-4888