15th and Grand - Celine Tio restaurants (former KC Cafe)

[dangerboy]

Storefront on the west of the 1500 block of Grand has a sign saying "Coming Soon: The Kansas City Cafe."  Looks like it might be connected to The Best of KC.

[Tosspot]

yes, the Best of Kansas City people are behind it.

[bahua]

You mean the Pitch?

[dangerboy]

The old Best of Kansas City stores, which I think only stuff online now...  http://bestofkc.com

[KCMax]

I think they still have a store in Crown Center.

[KCTigerFan]

They have Plaza and Crown Center locations as well as a sports/college store.  The new Cafe almost became a victim of the stupid KC parking regulations.  With that hurdle finally cleared they are moving forward.  The owner is a fireball and a great KC supporter.  Hopefully, it will be another great local addition to Grand.

[dangerboy]

My apologies for assuming that a business with a physical presence would mention it on their web site or even list those locations and addresses.  My mistake

[KCTigerFan]

Danger, you are right.  Their website needs a great deal of work!

Most of their business is actually company gift baskets and other corporate orders.

[DaveKCMO]

just a reminder that this place is still open for lunch M-F 11-3 and on all special event nights (first friday, sprint center). it's a great place for a quick meal alone that isn't take out (they have a bar with attentive service). they take reservations (which gets you free parking) on those event nights. my vote for best placemat in the city.

[PumpkinStalker]

A good bump.  I've always been pleased with the service and speed during lunch, although I usually go early (11:00-11:30).  Food has been excellent the 6 times I've been.

[bahua]

Yep, I've been impressed every time.

[Gretz]

I also enjoy the food and service.  Good higher-quality take on classic lunch items with very reasonable prices, and a great environment.  I work remotely here from time to time and they usually let me stay indefinitely past closing time if someone is going to be around anyway.  The old man who owns the place is great. I had a lengthy conversation with him one afternoon re: idiotic parking ordinances, city government and just KC in general; he is a great guy and has been a well credentialled city booster for many years before the current renaisance.  Bring it on out and give them some support!  I usually eat lunch later (two-ish), so haven't been in during normal lunch rush; anyone seen if they have been busy or not?

[dangerboy]

Ditto.  This is a great place that not enough people know about.

[DaveKCMO]

this place is still kicking for lunch, btw. all menu items are now $5.99. they caught my eye again with some creative marketing (sidewalk chalk announcing the 5.99 thing in the surrounding area). food is very good for the price, especially if you don't require gargantuan portions. they're also still open on sprint center event nights. i asked about making that more consistent and they said they do pretty well attracting private events and avoiding the drunks. fair enough, i say!

[WSPanic]

Just had lunch here - absolutely amazing. Two lunches - one with soup added, the other with salad added, a martini and a soda - $27 + Tip.

The quality of the food is outstanding  - had seared pork medallions with some orzo and a cup of french onion soup. Everything was top notch.

Completely surprising - definitely file this under, "can't judge a book by its cover" - or awnings, really.

[BAK]

The Admiral Artichoke Crab Cheesecake was also outstanding. I would have gone back tonight if they were open for dinner, but it will definitely be a regular lunch stop from now on.

[KCMax]

Celina Tio wants to add Collection to her restaurant collection

s no news that restaurateur Celina Tio - the chef and owner of Julian restaurant in Brookside - has also been running the lunch-only Kansas City Cafe at 1532 Grand Boulevard for several months. What is news is what she wants to do with the two-story brick building when her deal to purchase the building closes in March.

Tio's proposed restaurant for the first-floor space is to be called Collection - a name with at least two meanings for Tio.

[smh]

Looking forward to these spots opening up, though I'll miss Kansas City Cafe.

Can't wait to check out The Belfry.

[KCPowercat]

Belfry sounds very cool. The confusing hours for Collection will be a big negative.

[KCMax]

Celina Tio to bring two new restaurants to the Crossroads.