Here and there

Just returned from a trip to Prince William County, VA....now I know more about the Civil War than you do (probably). In the meantime, eating in the tiny hamlet of Manassas gave me a bit of a perspective on KC's fare. We've got it covered in spades - comparatively. And, because I was with other travel writers, they cooed and wooed over our fair city. Everyone seemed to either have been here lately or at some point along the way and fawned over the beauty, food, people and sites...how's that for kudos to us!

Then in direct contrast, went to Galesburg (no relative), IL for a photo shoot and ate great. This sleepy little once upon a time railroad town hosts a couple of goodies: The Landmark, where high tin ceilings and brick walls make dining on delicious crepes a SoHo kind of experience. Then there's the Packinghouse Dining Co. Set in a turn-of-the-century meat house (complete with racks, hooks and chilled temps) sounds daunting but they've spiffed it up and design some of the best steak around....or so I hear. I opted for the free range chicken and wasn't disappointed. My photographer I schlepped along is a vegetarian and was delighted with the mega salad bar. So next time you're in Galesburg...put this on your agenda!

Two Fish houses with a twist

Lovely. That's the experience I had recently attending a lunch at McCormick & Schmick's. Now featuring small plates there's no reason not to go. The crab/mango tower is perfect for one but don't get me started on the lobster risotto....so buttery and smooth....it's a must. Then if you want to really indulge, trot over to M & S Grille for the Sunday brunch. It's one of the best treats in town. Their attention to detail and variety is something I haven't seen in awhile. Eggs, breads, desserts, drinks excel clear down the line. For $18.99, you can't miss.

Sweeeettttt!!!

Check this out....it's a pizza - all yummy with peanut butter and a cookie crust. It's from Amore Chocolate Pizza Co. in Town Center.

Stop in for other decadent delights and have a bite.

It's a chocoholics dream!

Canada Dry

Yep, this is Vancouver...just got back from the Winter Games.

The place is gorgeous...filled with elegance and beauty...the setting alone is jaw-dropping. Mountains ringed with a deep, cold harbor - this is the prettiest city I've seen, outside of Paris.

With the games on the world stage, Vancouver was packed but unusually dry for this time of year. All which contributed to great strolling, ogling and eating!.

The city is so international, everything is available. No such thing as just one type of mushroom; you can get a dozen varieties at the corner grocer. A Japadog (Japanese hot dog street grub) was the hottest item with lines a mile-long.

Stayed right downtown and with the city swelling to over 8oo,ooo it was a loud but insanely polite.

To and Fro

Venturing out is what I do. Both here and there - last month I was fortunate to stay at Devil's Thumb Ranch - an elegant dude ranch outside of Granby, CO. You have to go if cross country, ice skating and snow shoeing are on your agenda.

Hecks restaurant, a gorgeous timber framed restaurant is the epitome of a handsomely rustic mountian retreat with excellent food and a vista you'll never quite believe.

On to the here and now.

Tried Frida's - latest Mexican on the horizon at 148th and Metcalf. Truly different and appealing. No cheese ... or very little, pleasing me to no end.

Cafe Trio - 45th and Main....excellent, cozy...all done up for Valentine's perfectly suited to a winter's evening. Had the Ahi tuna, roasted asparagus and split a bowl full of chicken ravioli. Loved the atmosphere and our waiter...

Amore Chocolate Pizza Company is a very sweet experience. Swig the Mayan hot chocolate.. it zings and stings but if you like this variation on the theme, you'll love this drink.

OMMMMMmg

There's little to quibble about when you find out you've landed in Nirvana.

Did you know it's in Johnson County? Neither did I.

Hot Basil sings with sparkling flavor, better than good ambiance and no distraction.

I can't tell you how happy I am to have finally found a small place that doesn't mess with what they do best, serve up delicious Thai.

The crispy coconut shrimp and sweet potatoes is radiant.

I'll leave the exclamations to you - but tell Leechai hello for me.

Truffles anyone?

On fries.

Lunching at WestChase Grille captured me and a Tastebud today.

The cool thing about this place is how open, warm and friendly it is. Plus, the food is so good. I delved into a steaming pot of French onion soup all gooey with bubbly cheese and chunks of onions, perfect on this snowy day. Accompanied by a spinach salad it was enough...or so I thought.

We were delighted with a plate of piping hot fries, all jazzed up with truffle oil. These yums are worth every crispy crumb.

Go say hi to Chase and John - tell them you've got to try the fries.