Celebrity chefs fold in Las Vegas

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In what some are calling the beginning of the end of the reign of celebrity chefs in Las Vegas, both David Burke and Charlie Trotter have stepped away from the restaurants that bear their names.

Elsewhere on this city's glittering Strip, however, chefs like Rick Moonen of rm seafood at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino have reinvented their concepts to create a more distinct upscale experience, and high-end venues such as Joel Robuchon are planning to raise prices in light of a more optimistic outlook for 2010.

Burke last week announced the end of a joint venture with E Brands Restaurants, based in Orlando, which opened the restaurant David Burke at The Venetian more than two years ago.

Back?

It's been too long. I plan on posting again.
I went to The Well in Waldo last night. Mainly to meet with some friends.
Quick up / down?
Snarky server, crude attempts at upselling, marginal appetizers.
That said, it was pretty clean, dug the deck upstairs, but with no shade, it will get crazy hot this summer.

Yahooz closing?

Rumors are swirling that Yahooz in Town Center is closing. In it's ashes will rise the Coyote Grill from early PB&J Mission Mall fame. For some reason Yahooz has never done that well. I think it has a great atmosphere and food.
I did love Coyote though.

Zest open in KC

Actually, in Southern old Leawood in Mission Farms. It joins Room 39 (a fav), and others. I had lunch the other day. It's a rather large, spacious, warm place. Great bar as well, Beautiful hardwood floor. I would suggest putting down some mats to protect during the slush and salt. A welcome addition with a few bugs to work out.

Extra Virgin opened

Finally! I can't wait to try the offal items.

Texas Tom's Closed

Violations Close Fast Food Restaurant

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Citing five “critical violations,” The Kansas City Health Department has shut down a Texas Tom's restaurant.

During a routine inspection of the Texas Tom's at 709 E. Linwood, officials discovered a malfunctioning refrigerator where food was being stored at temperatures above 70 degrees.

Inspectors also found unclean conditions on food surfaces and cited the restaurant for not having proper sanitizer liquids in the dishwashing area.

Officials say the restaurant also failed to properly date mark items, so there was no way to tell whether their food was fresh.

“The establishment was closed because, among other violations, the walk-in coolers were broken, and the food in the coolers was outside the safe temperature zone and had to be discarded,” said department spokesman Jeff Hershberger.

The health department report indicates the restaurant may reopen after resolving the violations and passing another inspection.

The walk in at 70? That's just nasty! I haven't been to a TT since high school. I guess it will be a while longer.

Star restaurant critic Lauren Chapin dies

She was the local restaurant critic. As a critic, she always had her face turned in Star press. The funny thing is everyone in the biz new her. That said, she will be missed in the biz and more importantly by her family.

New Restaurant in Leawood

Man there are tons of new places opening at the 119th area. Sullivan's, NoRTH, Trezo Vino, Ingredient, 119 (in the back of a clothing store, don't miss).
Today, I'm going to go to Ingredient. Counter service, they run the food to your table. Looks like a great place for a casual meal.

Our Church too busy

Our Pastor has decided to kill the 4:00 Christmas Mass because it is too busy. The parking lot is too full. Instead, we will have a regularly scheduled mass at 6:00 and one in the basement at 6:10. Not sure how the parking lot gets bigger.
I guess we will find another Catholic Church to attend for Christmas.

NoRTH comes to Kansas City

So, North Restaurant just opened in Leawood on Monday. Supposedly it will be the HOT new restaurant in town. Here's what they have to say about it:

NoRTH - Modern Italian Cuisine

THE DISH...
Taking its cue from an Italian trattoria, NoRTH offers a fresh new approach to Modern Italian cuisine. With sleek interiors, a sexy atmosphere, and a menu offering unique antipasti, gourmet pizzas, inventive pasta dishes and many wood roasted and grilled dishes, NoRTH is the perfect spot for any dining occasion. NoRTH appeals to a variety of guests seeking a casual, hip and upbeat venue with deliciously affordable fare.

Personally, I don't get it. It's pretty cool, but not that great. Lot's of hard surfaces means loud!

It also has a patio on the West side that is about as boring as possible, and will be scorching hot!

Good luck!

Tv royalties?

I saw this at at truck stop McD's. Is this true? Is the sign nec?

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Hotels in St Louis

I'm over in St Louis and the upscale times are here. The Four Seasons is opening in the next few months. The Westin has new ownership, has closed their club, cancelled their flat panel upgrades and seems bent on retiring their mantel as the best hotel in St Louis.
I'm in the Sheraton Clayton now, new rooms, flat panels, tres nice.