Restaurants

Basque Cultural Center

We have friends whose family are Basque.  These are wonderful friends but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that they are even dearer since introducing us to the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco.  Not only is this a cool place with its purpose as a meeting place for the Basque community – I love its unique handball court and killer old school bar – but it also has a great restaurant!   This restaurant seriously has some of the best food, and at the most reasonable prices and don’t get me started about the bread. Read More »

Brio Tuscan Grille in Kansas City, Missouri

Mention Kansas City, and most people think of the world’s best barbeque. And it’s true; those of us who travel to this big city in Missouri nearly always enjoy BBQ beyond compare. However, anyone on vacation in Kansas City can’t survive on barbeque for every meal. My favorite classy, high-end Italian restaurant in Kansas City is the Brio Tuscan Grille, and the next time I’m in that fun city, I’ll be sure to eat there again.

Brio Tuscan Grille is part of a large chain with restaurants in nearly every state. In fact, there are two Brio Tuscan Grilles in Missouri alone. But this is no Olive Garden (nothing against Olive Garden, these restaurants are simply more upscale!) in several ways. The service is friendly yet professional, the wine list more than sufficient, and the food…Well. The entrees at this Italian restaurant are great, delicious traditionally Italian fare, and a perfect respite from the ribs and pulled pork for which Kansas City is more renown.

I went to the Brio in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, on Nichols Road. Country Club Plaza is a popular, great location in Kansas City, with a lot of luxury shopping and other restaurants for meals and drinks. Brio Tuscan Grille has competitors (Figla’s Italian restaurant comes to mind), but it more than meets the challenge. Specializing in Tuscan fare – hence the name – with beautiful decor and a warm, friendly ambiance, this restaurant has been popular with Kansas City residents for a long time. A reservation is needed on weekends, particularly for large groups.

Dining area, Brio Tuscan

Now, I was with a large group when we ate here: We sat in one of the six banquet rooms and shared large plates of traditional Italian food. There were also a couple of bottles of red wine on the banquet table, and the vino perfectly complemented our meal. Everyone was extremely pleased with all aspects of the restaurant. It’s hard to please everyone in a group! Clearly, the staff at Brio Tuscan Grille know what they’re doing. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri.