KCRag Forum

KCMax wrote: For whatever reason, its not the $8-10 for a burger that fazes me, its the $4 for fries/rings separate of the burger that always makes me think gourmet burger places are expensvie. Blame years of the McDonald's Extra Value meal I suppose.

droopy wrote: Was it busy when you were there or did they seem to be struggling for business?  100% serious question.

trailerkid wrote: I don't think the Drop and Blanc are associated anymore, but I could be wrong.

Tuesday around 8:00-10:00 PM...I'd say the place was 25% or less full. I remember when it opened in Westport it was this quasi trendy hotspot. I'd say that whole persona is 110% washed away.

And the manager also had a very small, visible tattoo on her hand so I wonder if that rule about covering tattoos is incorrect.

brewcrew1000 wrote: So your saying if this place was still in Westport you would be okay with paying the prices you paid and be happy it was a quasi trendy hotspot?  

trailerkid wrote: To a degree...yes. I'm OK dropping $30 at a place with a Westport aesthetic and rocker chick servers than a Plaza basement with Noodles & Company service. There is value to me knowing I'm supporting recordbar/WC+B/Foundry type commerce rather than stuff that's aspirational to be in every strip mall shopping center.

smh wrote: Noodles & Co. service? Really?

I, for one, still enjoy Blanc on an occasion. I think the Au Poivre burge is ridiculously tasty and I love the fries. Yes, it can be a little more than I typically want to pay for a burger, but when you share the fries with someone the price is much more acceptable.

Again, just my opinion, but I like the place. I also liked the Westport location quite a bit.

trailerkid wrote: Go to Burger Stand in Lawrence if want Blanc circa 2010.

kcmetro wrote: I'm not a big beef eater, but this is one of the few places I'll eat a burger.  Haven't had Blanc yet, and it sounds like I shouldn't even bother with it.  I've had Five Guys and Smash Burger both once, and they were pretty good.  I still think Burger Stand is the best though.

trailerkid wrote: It took at least 5 minutes before I was acknowledged by the server even with the manager wandering around from table to table.

The server wears sneakers, shorts, and a Blanc t-shirt.

The server awkwardly asks me if I "know what I want" at the same time as she takes drink order.

I'm never asked about how the overpriced food tastes.

The floor manager is very nice, but visibly annoying customers with her overzealousness.

YES. It felt like a corporate Noodles or Chipotle. It was the cheapest-feeling $30 burger/onion rings/beer I've ever had.

These are all things completely opposite from an experience at a place like Hickok's where they act like...ya'know...they're a real restaurant. Blanc is obviously on auto-pilot. Go to Burger Stand in Lawrence if want Blanc circa 2010.

ChefColby wrote:
I think people just get their panties in a wad because it's not their little westport secret anymore. God forbid there's JoCo family's in there!!!! It's just gotta suck now! 

ChefColby wrote:
Sounds like exactly like the spot was when it was in Westport....I may be getting a little touchy here, but what is exactly wrong with small businesses trying to grow and expand? What are they supposed to do? Stay small and struggle? Because that's what super small companies do. I know I own one. And if you think it's overpriced why did you go back and try it anyway? Contrary to what you may think, businesses don't start out with a indie rock band mentality of just wanting to play in small venues and preach "Screw the Man!" Their small business people have a mind of an entrepreneur in hopes of hitting it big time and being the next Chipolte or the next Bourdain or Keller..

I'm just trying to figure out whats wrong with that? They may have some things to work on and may of had a few missteps but it's impossible to grow something quickly and not have that happen.

Robert from the Burger Stand is a good friend and if you don't think for one second he would want to be in Blanc's shoes your crazy.

I think people just get their panties in a wad because it's not their little westport secret anymore. God forbid there's JoCo family's in there!!!! It's just gotta suck now! 

ChefColby wrote: ....and $30 for a decent meal with QUALITY products anywhere in America isn't outrageous.

phuqueue wrote: The only thing I don't like about Blanc is the burgers aren't very good.  It just blends in with every other unremarkable burger I've ever had.