Patrick

Speaking of Ponak's, I know from the owner the reason no desserts are served. Those who go are certainly aware of the volume of sales they do -- including the gallons of margaritas at the bar waiting for a table. But John learned early on that after a big Mexican meal, one person at a table for 6 having a dessert that they all lingered over was a HUGE block to the turnover. Hence -- no more desserts. Get 'em in and get 'em out. Which is why he retired to Naples quite young, leaving a nephew there to run the place and send him his checks.

I can understand a lot of reasons NOT to like the place, but lack of authentic food doesn't strike me as being one of them.

Pumpy

If you've ever spent much time in mexico, you'd agree with me. However, if you like Ponak's...fine..enjoy. However, don't confuse it with good / authentic Mexican fare. Serving lots of margaritas and dishing out piles of fajitas or enchiladas (not authentic or traditional mexican fare), does not make it good or authentic. If they didn't serve alcohol, their business would die a quick death (IMHO). PS: I went to school w/ the current manager but that's a whole 'nother story that has absolutely nothing to do with my opinion of the restaurant. For what it's worth, Manny's & Margaritas are no better. If you all have not tried La Cocina del Puerco, do so.
PS: Patrick, your mexican house wife story (that's exactly what it is) actually made me laugh out loud.

Patrick

OK, I haven't been there for three years. Apparently since John Ponak left it has totally changed. There were no fajitas on the menu when we were there, and clearly one look at the cooks would tell you that they WERE in fact all Mexican women (I wouldn't be able to tell at a glance however, whether or not they were housewives). I'm not sure why you were laughing at them. Also which region of Mexico are you talking about? I can assure you that enchiladas are INDEED a very basic Mexican dish in many parts of Mexico. Obviously you are talking about a particular region's cuisine.

I've already said I'm no expert on Mexican food, but at least I do know enough not to insist that enchiladas aren't authentic Mexican fare.

Keith

While Ponak's is a popular neighborhood restaurant, I wouldn't think of suggesting it to someone from out of town looking for great new American of fusion restaurants.

Even if someone is looking for Mexican, the metro area has at least a couple of hundred Mexican restaurants. There are 6 within 300 yards of where I type this in the suburbs.

My favorite in that part of town (which is loaded with Mexican restaurants), is Las Chiquitas. I know others who rave about Manny's.

Keith

sfamylou

The reason I mentioned Ponaks was because another poster had suggested McCormick & Schmidts, which I believe is a chain. To me, I'd rather switch cuisines from fusion to Mexican (or whatever) and eat someplace local, or in a neighborhood place, than stay on the Plaza and go to some chain place like Cheesecake Factory. A few posters really got their panties in a bunch over this whole Ponaks thing. If the original poster didn't want Mexican food, I'm sure he would have picked another suggestion; we had plenty. As to the notion that you have to spend years and years in Mexico before being able to speak about Mexican restaurants, well, poo to that. Obviously these are matters of personal tastes (not just education). I used to eat at Ponaks with many Mexican-American friends and also the former KC Times food critic, so if it's not your favorite place, it's not because the food is awful. It is strange, though: I thought KC food fights were reserved for who makes the best barbecue. (I was always a L'il Jakes -- L'il somebody else now -- and Gates fan, myself). One last thought: JJ's on W. 48th Street, across from my old apartment, was a great little restaurant with great wine list. If it's still there, that might be a good choice. Was too expensive for me back when I lived in KC.

I_eat_well

You should try a place called Sour Octopus. The menu changes everyday, It's price Fixed @ 28.00 Per Person, that's for 7 to 9 courses. It recieved a four star review from the Kansas City Star. They are reservation only last I heard the weekends usually booked three weeks out.

sunbum1944

I think you will be very happy just staying on the Plaza - there are many good restaurants there all within walking distance from your hotel- in fact I cant think of any that I wouldnt recommend!
Stephensons Restaurant seemed to have gone downhill a little the last time I was there- and its quite a drive from the Plaza. You can do better.
Enjoy- I think KC is a nice city- and the Plaza is the best part of it.

indiboo

Here are places that are all individually owned (no chains) where I have enjoyed many a good meal (in no particular order):
Cafe Sebastian (near Plaza, good lunch, great atmosphere)
1924 Main (downtown, delicious dinner and lunch)
Classic Cup (Plaza, best breakfast in town, great lunch and people watching)
Pot Pie (Westport, dinner, funky)
Blue Stem (Westport, upscale)
Oeseteria Il Centro (near Plaza, neighborhood feel)
Lulu's Noodle Shop (downtown, inexpensive)
I know I am leaving some out, but this ought to get you started.
Enjoy KC.

earl30

returned yesterday and thought I'd better report back.

monday night we asked the concierge where to go and he suggested Kona Grill. I had printed out this thread, and saw it was the first place recommended here. we went. good, not great. it took a bit to get used to the midwestern service. I'm not used to waiters wanting to be our pals. why do they care where we are from and what we do for a living. at first we thought he was trying to cruise us, but they all seem to do that there. the best part was the price, this place would be twice the cost in new york.

tuesday night, we were taken out for "the best steaks you'll ever eat". the place was called Herefords? were they kidding? horrible service, crummy atmosphere, terrible drinks, and only mediocre steaks. surely this is not the best in steaks kansas city has to offer.

now here's the part for ripley's believe it or not. yesterday after our long morning work session, all 16 of us were taken to a real local place. we were told to leave our ties and jackets in the car. we followed the others to what looked like an industrial ghetto. couldn't believe the sign when we got there >Ponaks<. several hours later we rolled out. not what I had in mind, but the best meal we had in kc, or was that the margaritas talking? excellent mexican food.

Pappy

earl--

So sorry you were led down the Hereford House myth path. ALL locals have the same opinion of the place that you do. Apparently, it was a good steakhouse once. Might have been a great place during the Truman administration, but it blows all around, and has for the 10 years that I have been here. You should have insistend that you be taken to the Plaza III. Please come back and enjoy our fine city again.

Take Care,

--Pappy

indiboo

Too bad about your disaapointing food experience. When you were eating bad steak at Hereford House, you were right across the street from 1924 Main - a great restaurant and on the plaza you were very close to several of the other places I listed in a previous post. Kansas City does has some really great food - I hope you'll get to try some of it if you return another time.

sfamylou

I feel a strange sense of vindication that you enjoyed Ponaks. I always liked Hereford House; it was where editors would take me for lunch back in my cub reporter days. It was a free steak; I didn't care about much more than the price in those days.

Keith

I've never had a good experience at the Hereford House, but it has been many years since I last tried them.

Rumor is that their additional location that opened in Johnson County is better, but I was burned (figuratively) three times at the main location and haven't tried it.

Keith

Patrick

I'm glad it wasn't just me. I found Hereford very disappointing, but everybody seemed to say it was one of the best steakhouses in Kansas City, so I've kept my mouth shut about it.

I can't believe you ended up at Ponak's, earl. But don't tell me you NEVER ate any Bar B Q?

Pumpy

While I'm on record as not liking Ponak's, I'm glad you enjoyed (to each his/her own).

As for the Hereford House, it's not much better than a Sizzler or Ponderosa(IMHO). I cannot figure out why or how it manages to thrive?

annesherrod

Arthur Bryants? No pit stop for good ole KC BBQ?
I just love it when I go to KC!