After much debate we decided to just eat at the bar and take advantage of their $2.95 bar bites. We ordered four of these and it was more than enough. We order two flat bread pizzas, their mini meatball sliders and spinach dip. Everything tasted amazing! The flat bread pizzas were full of flavor and freshness. The spinach dip served with crackers was filling enough for two. It was just the right amount of food for a very good price.

In order to fully celebrate any occasion I ordered their chocolate cake with ice cream. It was a lava type cake that was outstanding. The best part of any meal is desert and Bravo lived up to my expectations. We had a perfect dinner and service was great. We will definitely be going back!

They were very apologetic and even discounted our order for the error. Once we got the correct food it was very good. Not as good as Chartroose’s Philly’s, but a close second. The fries were plentiful and seasoned to perfection. As we were dining the server never once checked on us after the mistake. I am not sure if it was embarrassment, but we did not see her again until she brought the check by. You think you would make sure no drink refills were needed, but maybe she was busy. Then before we were leaving we noticed the wall behind us had a broken plate covering where electrical outlets use to be.

The wires being clearly exposed within reach of any young child who might explore and injure themselves. Hopefully these are not live wires, but a plate cost around 20 cents and could be replaced easily. The establishment has some history and could be updated for safety reasons. Dinner was good, service was a little disappointing and the concerns over the safety have me a little worried. I might be back, but I will give it some time so maybe they will make the necessary repairs.

Grinders is in the heart of the crossroads district and proves to pack some serious cures for those food cravings. I tried to visit Grinders earlier this year, but due to a concert in the vicinity it was over packed and the wait would have been a little too long. But this night we lucked out. We sat down in the Grinders West building, but we ordered from both the original and the west menus. We started off with an order of chicken wings with the “Death Sauce” and man was it killer on the taste buds. For dinner I tired a couple of different items. First I split the Baja burger…cooked medium and it was ok. Nothing spectacular. But then we got our pizza we ordered. The Le Hog which features a creamy white sauce and multiple bacon, ham and meatball toppings. The pizza was delicious. The crust was impeccable and by miles the best pizza I have had in Kansas City. The ambience was very modern and I really enjoyed the service and food. I will be going back to Grinders to try their other specialty pizzas and I recommend you to do the same.

I previously have enjoyed the food at Abuelo’s, but this time I think I may have over rated them or perhaps they changed their recipe. The restaurant which in the past seemed to be busy was rather slow at this time. We were seated quickly and it took some time to be greeted by our server. However once we got our drink and food order in it seemed like the pace picked up tremendously. I ordered the lunch chimichanga with chicken meat. I found the chimichanga a little overcooked and did not care for the queso it was drenched in. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious.

Overall the service was spot on, with our waiter checking in frequently and offering us dessert, but the food was not up to par. Not sure what has changed since my last visit there over a year ago, but Abuelo’s can’t compare to some of my other favorite Mexican restaurants in the KC area.

Dining on a Saturday in the early afternoon was slightly busy, but the restaurant offered adequate seating which meant no wait time. Unfortunately I was unable to try any of the alcoholic beverages, but my friends tried the Big Dog Beer Bong and loved its Bloody Mary style with a new intense flavor. The drinks are a little on the pricey side of $8 and up, but the Big Dog Beer Bong is served with a Corona that makes it more than substantial.

After reviewing the drinks it was time for some snacks. Hungry for dinner & appetizers we decided to try out the Chicken Nachos which were amazing. The chicken had great flavor, the toppings were fresh and it was very filling for the entire table. For dinner I opted for the best of both worlds. I settled for the Smoker, a burger with slices of Backfire slow smoked brisket served with fries. It was cooked to perfection and had a delicious smoky flavor. They had two wonderful sauces available. One was tangy and sweet and my personal favorite was the hot and spicy habanero flavored sauce.

The food was great and service could not have been better. My only complaint would be that the prices were on the high end. But then again at the Legends aren’t all the prices?

During our wait we had a drink at the bar. I was immediately impressed with the cocktail prices. Their specialty drinks were no more than $5. I don’t know of many places where their specialty cocktails are less than $7-8 per drink. These drinks were of good size and tasted amazing. Once our table was ready we were seated. We were seated with another party of four for eight in total at our very own table/grill. The purpose of most Japanese Steak houses is to make the food right in front of you. This adds to the entertainment factor and makes for a unique dining experience.

The food was very reasonably priced. I ordered the chicken teriyaki and my husband tried the steak and crab. Not only do you get an entrée but you get a full course. It starts with very flavorful soup that is only the beginning to a scrumptious meal. Following the soup was the salad which was very fresh and served with an original ginger dressing. Up next is the rice which was cooked to perfection. As you are finishing up the salad and rice the cook brings out an appetizer of shrimp for all parties. The fun part begins. As he cooks all the food in front of you it is amazing. Eventually setting the grill on fire with flames rising several feet high, which leave you wondering if your eyebrows were singed off. It is all part of the fun.

As the cook is serving the shrimps, you are encouraged you to catch one. Everyone passed this task except for me. I am not very coordinated and failed twice. The shrimp were cooked to perfection and a perfect snack until the main course. Finally it was time for our dinner. My chicken teriyaki was served with a side of bean sprouts and veggies. All were cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. The chicken was very flavorful and made for a very filling meal. After dinner was finished we were served a little dish of sherbet ice cream to make for a perfect meal. All this for under $30!!

Where else can you dine that is relatively inexpensive and have a great evening? The only downside is that it is a little rushed. When you are served your sherbet it comes with your check. As GoJos is very busy they do seem to rush you a bit so they can get the table ready for the next group. Still loads of fun and I know I will be back.

Buzz Halloweenie Roast :

A personal favorite event I will be attending. Hosted by 96.5 The Buzz, Halloweenie Roast Beaumont in Westport, October 28th. Musical guests include Flock of Seagulls, Jet, The Ravonettes and many more. All ages show for an affordable $9.65 gets you a ticket.

Terror at the Train Station 7:

The Bacchus Foundation brings back their infamous Terror Party, T7, to the revamped Midland Theater in the Power and Light District. The largest Halloween Party in Kansas City brings over 2,000 costumed folks and it’s all for charity. Including wonderful appetizers, drinks and costume contest. Party goes from 8pm – 3am on Halloween night (Oct 31) at the Midland Theater. Tickets are $37.50 in advance at the Midland Box Office, or at Terror Party

Nightmare at Crosstown Station:

Crosstown Station brings back its Nightmare 2009 at 1522 McGee. The party, which includes two floors of live music, DJ’s spinning, costume contest, and drinks galore promises to be a night of meyhem. Tickets are $30/$35 at the door. or 4 for $25 per person and may be purchased at Crosstown Station.  It is strongly recommend to buy in advance.

Martini Corner :

The Martini Corner pulls out all the stops this Halloween by hosting it’s Halloween on the Hill party with all five bars participating with drink specials. The bash starts at 8pm. Martini Corner is located at 334 E 31st. Party starts at 8pm on Halloween night.

Halloween Haunts at Worlds of Fun :

A great event for terror and fun! World’s of Fun, the midwest’s largest theme park, brings back Halloween Haunts 2009. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ghouls and ghosts swarm the park while guests enjoy over 175 acres of Halloween themed thrill rides and attractions. With Asylum Island, extreme haunts and the fog rolling in at 7pm– Halloween Haunts has something scary for everyone. Not recommended for children under 14 after 7pm.

Party Monster at Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge :

Party Monster is back for its fifth year at the Voodoo Lounge on October 31st. With drinks flowing till 3am and DJ Spider and DJ the DJ mixing–you can’t go wrong by heading to Party Monster. $1,000 costume contest, doors open at 9pm. Tickets are $10 and are available on VoodooKC. Call 816.889.4237 for VIP reservations and table requests. Tickets are $10 in advance through Ticketmaster. This is a 21+ event.

Ghost Tours:

Looking for a spooky night on the town. Check out some great tours given in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison area. Tour buses will take you to the most notorious haunted places in the area. Each tour includes over a dozen stops and tours last for about an hour and forty five minutes. Sounds spooktacular. For further details CLICK HERE.  Tickets are $19.50 per person.

Maul of the Dead:

Just when you thought it was safe to go to the mall again!
It is 1978, a decade and a day after Night of the Living Dead!  Six strangers take refuge in an abandoned shopping mall, only to find zombies lurk behind every mannequin and rubber tree plant. Coterie At Night Series, Rated PG-13:
TICKETS – $12 All Ages; $9 if you have the Discount Deal; GROUPS – 10 tix for $10 each; advance orders only; DISOUNT – Get $2 off at the door by wearing polyester when purchasing tickets night of show. For more details CLICK HERE.

KC Haunted Houses:

As always the KC area has a wide selection of haunted houses. The variety includes -

• The Beast 1401 West 13th Street KC, MO 64102   816-842-4280
• The Edge of Hell 1300 West 12th Street KC, MO 64101   816-842-4279
• Catacombs 1100 Santa FE St  KC, MO 64101   816.474.3845
• Fear 1100 Santa Fe St.  KC, MO 64101   816.474.3845
• Cavern of Terror 14500 Old Quarry Rd Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 816.799.6624
• Macabre Cinema 1222 W 12th St. KC, MO 64101  816-842-4280
• The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe 1100 Santa Fe KC, MO 64101   816-842-4280

Be sure to research these haunted houses online as most offer discount tickets/coupons.

Have a safe & happy Halloween weekend!

As you approach the main entrance you can have photos taken and are greeted with champagne. Once you enter the Speedway its food & drinks galore. There are two ten car garages to the left and right. The middle is filled with sponsor tents, bars around every corner and a band with dance floor up front.

We immediately hit up the food and tried out many of the dishes offered by Bristol, Andre’s, Los Cabos, Mike & Charlie’s, Capital Grille, P.F. Changs, Tasso’s and many more. As you stop at each of the restaurant’s booth you will have a sampling of some of the best cuisine. Steak cooked so tender it literally melts in your mouth. My favorite being Capital Grille with meat cuts that were flavorful with every bite, sided with delicious mashed potatoes. Following dinner was desert. The winner being Cupcake a La Mode, offering a variety of flavors that had me craving the cupcakes days later.

This event was lively, fun and full of tasty treats. I know I am ready to go next year. This black tie event reached superb goals this year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and guests, the eight annual Treads & Threads grossed more than $1 million. Keep an eye out for this event next year and donate to a good cause and enjoy a fun evening under the stars.