Farm-to-Table Dining in the Heart of the Midwest
Right in the heart of America, the breadbasket of our country, Kansas City chefs are fast becoming trendsetters for the culinary arts, setting the bar ever higher for fantastic farm-to-table dining. Kansas City locavores (those who eat from what is grown and produced locally) delight in farm-fresh fare straight from Kansas and Missouri farms, and more and more these options are offered at local restaurants.
Eating local is good for the environment—think smaller carbon footprint transporting food and the fuel consumption it requires. It’s good for the body—fresh food is packed with nutrients and short on chemicals. And it’s good for the local economy—supporting local farmers and businesses is the neighborly thing to do! Health-conscious moms decry the notion of survival on a diet of processed foods from “who knows where,” and while we all know the nutritional value in fast food fries is sorely lacking, where can a mom-on-the-go find healthy, nutritious and local food in Kansas City? These are just a few of our favorite restaurants for local farm-to-table dining.
Renee Kelly's Harvest at Caenen Castle
12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100, www.ChefReneeKelly.com
Hours: Wed.-Sat., 4:00-10:00; Sunday brunch, 10:00-2:00
Renee Kelly's Harvest is special. The menu changes frequently as Renee is dedicated to the farm-to-table restaurant concept supporting local farmers. With seasonal creations that are simple, elegant and delicious, Renee loves to surprise diners with new dishes. And, of course, it isn't simply the food that makes it a great treat... it's the setting. Housed in a castle in the heart of Kansas, guests are delighted at the beauty of the grand staircase, high ceilings and fireplaces. So how is it that there came to be a castle right in the heart of Johnson County? The story goes that Remigius Achille Caenen (Remi) moved to America from Belgium with his family when he was only 3. His family settled in Johnson County as dairy farmers. Over time, Remi became one of the wealthiest and most prominent dairy farmers in the area. In 1905, he began building a 14-room home, modeled after a French Castle, Chateau Chavaniac. Over the years, it was occupied by many in the Caenen family and then served multiple local businesses. Finally, in 2003, it was purchased by Chef Renee Kelly and historically renovated. In 2004, it opened as a private event facility, and in 2012 it opened as a restaurant.
With Kids in Mind: Children's brunch ranges from $4 to $6, with the adult menu ranging from $9 to $14, making this a wonderful special occasion venue to celebrate a birthday or achievement.
Local Vendors Include: Shatto Dairy Farm, Two Sisters Farm, Gibbs Road Farm, Clearbrook Farm, Farmer Frank, Windhaven Farm, Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch, Dodge City Beef, Green Dirt Farm, Goode Acres Farm
The Farmhouse
300 Delaware St., Kansas City, MO, 816.569.6032, www.EatAtTheFarmhouse.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. lunch, 11:00-3:00; Wed. & Thu. dinner, 5:00-10:00; Fri. & Sat. dinner, 5:00-11:00; Sat. & Sun. brunch, 9:00-3:00
City Market is the perfect setting for fresh-from-the-farm comfort food in a casual and hip urban atmosphere. Working with a variety of local farmers and vendors, The Farmhouse specializes in creative comfort foods. Soups, salads and sandwiches are offered on the lunch menu, with weekends featuring an extensive brunch selection. The dinner hour boasts entrees from steak and ribs to polenta and risotto.
With Kids in Mind: After a weekend visit to the City Market or a tour through the Steamboat Arabia, treat the kids to brunch at The Farmhouse.
Local Vendors Include: Windhaven Farms, Thane Palmberg, Bichelmeyer Meats, Simply Food, Prairie Birthday Farms, Door to Door Organics, Booming Acres, Goode Acres, Green Dirt, Paradise Lockers, Wakarusa Valley, Crumb Family Farms, Gibbs Road Farms, Green Gate Farms, Backyard Produce, Bloom Bakery, Roots for Refugees, Jude’s Rum Cakes, Green Acres Market
Urban Table
8232 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS, 913.948.6900, www.UrbanTableKC.com
Hours: Sun.-Thu., 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Known for chic décor creating a hip and relaxed atmosphere, Urban Table offers a fast-casual dining experience with unique seasonal creations on the menu. Located in Corinth Square, this local café specializes in farm-to-table dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests arriving before 4:00 order at the counter, and food is brought to their table. Full table service is offered after 4:00. Using the freshest and best local ingredients, the team of chefs creates salads, sammies with homemade chips, small plates and entrees. The best bargain to sample a variety is the Good Day Deal, offering a half sandwich, salad and soup for $8.75. Be sure to save room for dessert—the flourless chocolate torte is mouthwateringly delicious!
With Kids in Mind: Urban Table offers a great kids’ menu with a selection of sandwiches, but the fave for kids is available all day: breakfast, featuring a yummy chocolate French toast! Price range is $2-7/child.
Local Vendors Include: Belfonte Dairy, Liberty Fruit Produce, Scimeca’s, L&C Meat Company, KC Bread, Bagel Works, Slice and Spice.
Justus Drugstore, A Restaurant
106 W. Main St., Smithville, MO, 816.532.2300, www.DrugstoreRestaurant.com
Hours: Wed.-Thu., 5:30-10:00; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-11:00; Sun., 5:30-9:00
Chef John Justus refurbished the former family drugstore, creating a modern, artful and decadent dining experience in Smithville. Using local ingredients and modern technique, the restaurant is the winner of awards and receives strong praise from reviewers who call it "farm-to-table cooking at its finest." The restaurant is modern and peaceful, and the dishes are works of art, each prepared skillfully for diners seeking a relaxing and delicious meal.
With Kids in Mind: Patio dining is offered, weather permitting, and is the best choice with kids. This is the most upscale restaurant on our list, typically reserved for special occasions.
Kristina Light enjoys celebrating special occasions at Renee Kelly’s Harvest at Caenen Castle… a special treat for the entire family and especially her four little princesses.