MISSION HOSTS FIRST-EVER RESTAURANT WEEK

We are all aware of Kansas City Restaurant Week, so when we heard of Mission Restaurant Week, we knew we had to check it out. Mission Business District decided to host the first-ever Mission Restaurant Week, to boost its local economy. The pandemic has hit hard on everyone, especially the hospitality industry. So the idea was to focus on the local mom and pop establishments and support them. The Mission Restaurant Week ran for a week till March 7th and had 15 establishments as its participants, as follows: 

Long Boards
Sushi Karma
The Bar (Mission ONLY)
Brian's Bakery
Estrella Azul
Thai Orchid
Energize Mission
Urban Prairie Coffee
Rock Creek Brewery*
Sand Hills Brewery
Toppers
Salsa Grill
The Corner Lalo's Kitchen
Ad Astra
Foggi Ice Cream
The Peanut (Mission ONLY)

The participating establishments had to observe COVID19 safety protocols, offering takeout, and socially-distanced dining. Most of the establishments were around Johnson Drive, so it was easy to park and walk around. Just like a pub crawl, it was a restaurant week crawl, if I might add so. 

We met up with some of our closest friends, who are Mission residents, to enjoy the first-ever Mission Restaurant Week! We started our evening with a stop at Rock Creek Brewing Co. but sadly they didn't have a place on their patio! We had our daughter and our fur babies, so we were looking for patio dining options for the evening. 

Our next stop was Sand Hills Brewery, which has really won me over! Not only did they have multiple patio dining options, but their service was amazing!  They are a full-service brewery and taproom, with two locations, one of which is in Mission. Besides their on-site offerings, they also have a range of to-go beers! I am all about supporting local small businesses and if they have craft beer, and they are dog-friendly, you know I am adding them to my list of favorites. 

We started off their Beer Flight which featured more of their signature Brews: Oak-aged Peregrine(German Pilsner), Plum Chickadee(Berliner Weisse) Barred Owl(Scottish Export), and Junco/(New-England style IPA)! If you noticed carefully, then their beer is named after local birds, whose pictures also find pride of place in the decor! Loved the ambiance which was family-friendly. So all my fellow beer-loving parents, if you are looking for a new spot to hang out with your friends, then Sand Hills is your place.

For Mission Restaurant Week, Sandhills allowed you to bring food over, from any of the participating restaurants. We picked up food from Estrella Azul! You know they are popular when you have to stand in line, to place your order. We sampled their Tacos Al Pastor(chicken), Carne Asada Tacos(Steak), and Quesadillas. They offered us Churros as we waited in line for our food! We knew it was worth the wait when we had our first bite! I will surely be back for more.  

We had also wanted to try our Corner LaLos, but they had closed by the time we headed there. 

Overall, it was a great experience at Mission Restaurant Week, hosted by Mission Business District. One of my photos of the event, also won their Giveaway, so I will be back soon, at one or more of the participating restaurants! Hope Mission Business District makes it an annual or even bi-annual event, and continue to keep it family-friendly! Bon Appetit!