FOOD GLORIA'S FOOD - May 2017 - Kansas City

The Dining Experience at the Kauffman Center is a Performance in Itself 

By Gloria Gale

 

It’s a marvelous time to be in Kansas City.

 

Percolating with an energetic vibe, our town is on the map.

 

There’s no better place to boast about than the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue built by Moshe Safdie, a world-class architect. 

 

If you haven’t been to one of the myriad live events, I’m going to give you another reason to go—The Dining Experience.

 

Just before every performance at the Kauffman, this casually elegant restaurant, just beyond the south doors, assures you’ll never miss Act I.

 

Executive chef Laura Comer prepares a three-course prix fixe, seasonally designed meal that will, and should, knock your socks off. 

 

Featuring fresh ingredients, much, if not all, locally sourced, Comer incorporates edible blossoms, fresh fruits, mushrooms, and herbs into her lineup of starters, salads, entrees, and desserts.

 

Guests are invited to select one item from each of the three-courses provided for $33 per person, with the option to include 3-ounce wine pairings with each course for $45

per person. 

 

I recently had an opportunity to experience ‘The Experience’. 

 

It’s simply impossible not to be impressed by the view—our city, staged with a 180-sweep before you. Then the room invites, elegant yet understated.

 

Comer, a former pastry chef is well prepared to serve you.

 

Her flair is aptly demonstrated, as I found, starting with Vichyssoise designed with squash blossom and tarragon oil. 

 

For Act II, she roasted a spring vegetable terrine with an almond crumble and Meyer lemon gel that was nearly too pretty to eat.

 

The entrees started with a pan roasted Cornish game hen beautifully presented with wild mushrooms, pearl onion, fine herbs, fingerlings, and elderflower reduction. I had to pace myself since this dish would be followed by Ras el Hannout Lamb, garnished with minted yogurt, couscous, and apricot chutney.

 

A slight breather allowed everything to settle but not for long.

 

My guest was about to be entertained with a terrific selection of cocktails, mesmerizingly presented tableside.  I decided if I did drink, I would definitely imbibe in one of these handsomely made libations.

 

I asked about the local partners that help create such a lovely menu. Farm to Market breads, Circle B Ranch Pork, Prairie Birthday Farm’s produce and honey, City Bitty’s micro greens, and Green Dirt Farm cheese just to name a few.

 

If you’re not quite hungry for a full meal, The Dining Experience also offers small plates of lighter fare, a seasonal selection of craft cocktails, and a diverse collection of wines and spirits.

 

You’re never going to miss a performance when you make a reservation or just walk-in to this venue.

 

The curtain is going up at The Dining Experience—please find your seat.

 

www.kauffmancenter.org/dining