Sunday Brunch at a Castle

This month, my oldest daughter celebrated a birthday. As part of her gift, my husband took her on a special Daddy / Daughter Date (Mini Golf and GoKarts at Cool Crest) and I took her on a Mother / Daughter date for Brunch.... in case you didn't know, Brunch is much more grown up than simply having breakfast or lunch. As this was a special celebratory Birthday Brunch, we wanted something extra special. And, that led us to Sunday Brunch at Renee Kelly's Harvest at Caenen Castle. Yes, Brunch at a Castle... in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

My daughter enjoyed the special treatment while enjoying a delicious brunch in a beautiful setting. The castle is beautiful. We immediately noticed the grand staircase (guests are permitted to go up and look around), the 22-foot-tall limestone walls, beautiful hand-carved fireplaces, and local artwork. The grounds are equally beautiful, landscaping a gated patio. The restaurant was great fun for a little girl with a fascination with princesses, but is equally charming to adults wanting to enjoy a brunch, date night, or parents' night out.

Renee Kelly's Harvest at Caenen Castle

12401 Johnson DrShawnee, Kansas 66216913.631.4100http://www.chefreneekelly.com

Hours:


Wed-Sat, 4pm-10pm

Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

About the Food:

Renee Kelly's Harvest, is special. The menu changes frequently as Renee is dedicated to the Farm to Table Restaurant concept supporting local farmers. The food is from local farms, prepared by a local chef, and the result is simply delicous! During our Brunch, I enjoyed quiche and fruit and my daughter enjoyed the beignets. Everything was terrific... the food, the setting, and the service. Children's Brunch ranged from $4-6, with the adult menu ranging from $9-14. And of course, it isn't simply the food that makes it a great treat... it's the setting!

About the Castle:

So, by now you're probably wondering about a castle smack dab in the middle of the United States, and if you're not in the habit of driving down Johnson Dr., it's quite possible you had no idea it was there. The story goes that Remigius Achille Caenen (Remi) moved to America from Belgium with his family when he was only three. They settled in Johnson County where the father and brothers worked as farmers. In 1879, Remi (then 26) purchased 100 acres from Lloyd Reitinger, who had purchased it originally from Joseph White a Shawnee Indian. Eventually Remi purchased most of White's 1200 acres, making him the largest land owner in the area.

In 1880, Remi married Mary VanHercke. They had nine children and Remi became a prominent dairy farmer. Mary passed away in 1901. In 1905, he began building a fourteen room home, modeled after a French Castle, Chateau Chavaniac. Remi and the nine children moved into their castle, Caenen Castle, in 1907. Over the years, it was occupied by many in the Caenen family and then served to 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 this year opened as a restaurant. The castle is on the Kansas Historic Register and celebrated 105 years in 2012.

Next time you're looking for a special restaurant experience, give Renee Kelly's Harvest a try. You'll love the delicious and nutritious food and the one-of-a-kind exquisite setting.