KANSAS CITY RESTAURANT WEEK 2024 PREVIEW AT J RIEGER

I'm beyond excited to spill the beans (and savor the flavors) about my recent escapade at the Kansas City Restaurant Week 2024 preview event held at the fantastic J Rieger Co. Picture this: good vibes, tantalizing aromas, and a feast fit for a foodie like me!

Let's kick things off with the liquid magic – J Rieger's Monogram Lounge served up signature cocktails that made my taste buds do a happy dance. A Horsefeather whiskey wonder and a Blackberry Gin & Tonic that was pure refreshment set the tone for an epic night.

Now, let's talk eats. J Rieger's spread was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Shrimp & Grits were pure bliss. 

1889 Pizza Napoletana stole a pizza from my heart with pesto pasta, goat cheese-stuffed pepper, and more. And get this: they're unveiling their pizza line during KCRW – pizza enthusiasts, rejoice!

But hold your forks; there's more! Eight different restaurants showcased their A-game.

Lulu's Thai Noodle brought the heat with Fried Pork Wontons, Spring Rolls, and Banana Rolls. Noka rolled in with Spicy Tuna and Spicy California rolls, which were sushi heaven. 

Our House KC dished out comfort with a Chicken Salad Slider, Brisket Chili, and a Carolina BBQ Cup. Ocean Prime sealed the deal with a Five-Layer Carrot Cake, a dessert dream come true.

Mannys KC served up a Shrimp and Steak Tostada that was a flavor party. 

Silo Modern Farmhouse took us on a farm-to-table journey with a Buttonwood Farm Rabbit Ragu, Kabocha Squash Gnocchi, and Crispy Parsnips. Talk about a culinary adventure!

Now, what makes this feast even more awesome? It's not just about devouring fantastic food – it's about giving back. KCRW is partnering with Kanbe's Markets, a nonprofit tackling food waste and food deserts in KC. They're on a mission to provide fresh, affordable, healthy foods to communities that need them most. 

And it doesn't stop there. KCRW supports local restaurants and gives back to the community through its founding beneficiaries – the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater KC Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. They're all about supporting the workforce in tourism and hospitality, two areas that have faced their fair share of challenges.

Here's the best part – you can savor these incredible flavors however you fancy, whether dine-in, carryout, or delivery. The official hub, KCRestaurantWeek.com, lets you dive into menus and choose your foodie adventure.

As a long-time KC foodie, please join me in celebrating our local gems during Restaurant Week. Let's support our community, relish every bite, and share the love. Share your foodie journey with #KCRW2024, and let's make this a culinary experience to remember!

Cheers to good food and even better company. KC Restaurant Week runs from January 12-21, 2024. 

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JINYA RAMEN: EATING OUT

My blog has been on the back burner for a long time now. 2023 can be considered one of the most challenging years for me. Manifesting positive vibes to start the new year. So here's promising to update the blog like I used to. 

 As winter wraps Kansas City in its chilly embrace, one place has become a go-to haven for this foodie mama and her hungry crew – Jinya Ramen Bar. Join me as I share our ongoing love affair with this spot, a true gem that's been a big hit with our foodie family since the Kansas City chapter opened last spring.

Once again, the snowy streets led us to the familiar doors of Jinya Ramen Bar, promising not just a meal but a cherished experience. As a mom always looking for family-friendly dining options, Jinya Ramen has consistently delivered.

Our ramen escapade started with old favorites – the Spicy Chicken Ramen and the indulgent Tonkotsu Premium Ramen. Each slurp brought back fond memories of previous visits, reminding us why we keep returning. The broths, simmered for over 20 hours, continued to be the heart and soul of each bowl, a testament to Jinya's commitment to authentic Japanese culinary traditions. 

What sets Jinya Ramen apart is its unwavering appeal to our diverse tastes. Whether you're a devoted ramen fan or craving a different flavor journey, the menu caters to all taste buds. The Crispy Chicken and Gyoza, our tried-and-true companions, once again added a delightful crunch and savory note to our feast, ensuring smiles. 

The ambiance at Jinya Ramen Bar continues to strike the perfect balance between tradition and trend. The sleek interiors at the Overland Park location, thanks to @bluhawkkc, create a welcoming space for our family outings. As the first Kansas location of the LA-based micro-chain, it consistently brings a touch of the West Coast to the heart of the Midwest, and we revel in the familiarity.

Beyond the food, Jinya Ramen Bar is an artful experience. The signature mural, painted by the talented @designedbyruthie, remains a captivating centerpiece that adds a creative touch to the space, making our meal a visual feast.

Our visit to Jinya Ramen Bar wasn't just about the food; it was a celebration of family, flavor, and the warmth of sharing a bowl of joy. If you haven't experienced the magic of Jinya Ramen yet, consider this your reminder to bundle up, head over, and create your own winter memories with loved ones. As a foodie mom, Jinya Ramen Bar has secured a special place on my list of family-friendly favorites. Here's to embracing winter warmth, one slurp at a time!

Have you visited Jinya Ramen Bar with your family? Share your ramen tales in the comments below! 

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