Cooper's Hawk

Last week we gathered at Cooper's Hawk on the Plaza.  It is a very neat restaurant with great views (from inside the restaurant and outside with the Plaza lights).  We had a great time. 

The service was very good.  Our waiter (sorry Beth I forgot his name) was attentive and accommodating.  They did not flinch when we asked to move another table over so Sara and Justin had room for their plates.

The food was excellent.  John ordered an appetizer plate and everything was tasty.  John wanted me to remind everyone he ordered the appetizer voluntarily - not for a failure to blog.  Beth's mushroom appetizer was surprising and delicious.   I really enjoyed my rigatoni and the bites from John's pork medallions.   I almost forgot about the yummy pretzel bread they kept bringing us.

Now we get to the wine.  It was so very good and not overly expensive.  The aerator they put on the table was very interesting but it must have had a hole in it.  The wine disappeared too quickly.

John gave it a 5 and I gave them a 4.5 so I guess that comes to 4.75 for us.  We would definitely go back.

Eden's Alley

Last month we went to Eden's Alley on the Plaza.  It is in the basement of the Unity Temple (I think that is what it is called).  It was pretty sweet.

It is a huge space that feels like a church basement.  I have never eaten at a restaurant space like it.  There was even a play area for kids with a huge gorilla.

I ordered the spinach and mushroom loaf.  It was great.  Deep, rich flavors, and super-duper filling.  I couldn't believe how filling, I didn't even finish the whole thing.  I also had the pumpkin ginger soup, which rocked.  My next favorite thing I tried was Sara's dish, but I don't remember the name, and according to Sara's post, she doesn't remember either.  Everything I had there was great, one of the best meals I have had at a restaurant in a while.  And seeing what could be done with vegetarian food has inspired Sara and I into taking on another meat-free month (6 days into it now).

The service was OK - the waitress was attentive, but she did spill something on Sara.  The other thing was it took forever to check out, and the meal was much more expensive than we expected.  The dishes were reasonable priced on the menu, but our overall bill was ridiculous.  We were either over-charged, or we drank the most expensive beers in Kansas City.  And the bill wasn't pre-split, and it took forever to split and settle it.  But Luke did get to watch the dancers in the space next to the restaurant while we waited.

The food was great, but it was knocked down a peg from the other stuff.  I will certainly be back soon. In fact, I was thinking about going this weekend.  I give it a 4.1 / 5.

Also: I did Bernie after I chased Luke down to get him.  And that is a fact, Jack.

I logged on tonight to write my review,
And so many people were writing poems so I guess I'll write one too.

It was the moth of December and time for josh to choose
And he decided on vegan,  what was there to lose?

He was very sad that his first choice was booked
But he kept searching and Edens Valley got him hooked.

We drove around forever looking for a spot
I think we went through 3 parking lots.

We finally found a place to park
And we walked to Eden's hand in hand in the dark

When we arrived there was a big open space
Where often you can't smell the food, but that was not the case.

As we sat down our waitress came up
Then she brought me my beer with a cup.

I was so hungry and I knew what I wanted,
The food I ordered required no animals to be hunted.

I ordered the fancy grilled cheese
And after taking a bite I said give me more please.

It was on the most delicious crunchy bread,
With cheese melted all inside, yes that's what I said.

It came with the most flavorful bowl of soup,
And trust me it tasted far from poop.

It was a tomato bisque like no other
It was even better than any soup from my mother.

I ordered a salad with crisp apple, smooth cheese and walnut
It was dressed with a dressing that settled warm in my gut.

I give this place a 4.1 for my rate,
I would love to be taken back there for a date.

One more thing I almost forgot,
I did my Bernie of shame and whatnot
But I'm not sure justin did.... Maybe he forgot?

TTWAS the Night of Dinner Club

I decided to try my hand at blogging in a poem.

Twas December Dinner Club and all thru the town
The restaurants were all booked
Giving Josh a big frown
He searched the Plaza listings with longing and care
In hopes of finding a place, with eight sturdy chairs
The pups were all nestled in his and Erin's warm bed
With visions of dog treats dancing in their heads.
Josh and Erin sat down, armed with Wi-Fi
They finally found a restaurant, and let out a sigh.
Over the internet, he sent out an email
Alas, gassies, I did not fail.
Head down to the plaza and do not dally,
for vegetarian dining, at Eden's Alley.
Like a little old lady, so lively and quick
I headed to Peculiar, lickety split.
I picked up Grandpa and headed to town
To pick up Beth, who had to limp around.
Now Josh Now Erin
On Linda and Sara
On Justin and Luke
And everyone there
To the top of the ramp
To the top of the garage
Find a spot, Find a spot
Any spot at all

I walked and walked, the looked about
I had found the door and that was no doubt
Into the dining chamber, I did walk
With my coat and my purse and a small piece of chalk
I soon sat down with my companions near
Of whom many, had already ordered a beer
I check the menu for the variety of wine
And when I saw the prices, I started to whine.
Though high as they were, I ordered a glass
The original shock, had already passed.
The waitress was agreeable, a right jolly girl
Which always makes dining, a pleasurable pearl.
A wink of her eye and a nod of her head, soon let me know I had nothing to dread.
Back to the menu for one final look, I chose several items, to inspire the cook.
A soup make of pumpkin and a variety of spice.
A nice little salad, with nuts and apples sliced.
Lastly, I chose a sandwich with cheese and ended my order with a jolly ol' please.

She spoke a few words and went straight to work
Taking our orders, with nary a quirk.
With a bit of delay, our food did finally appear,
We began to eat, with a good deal of cheer.

Farm to Market Bread on the cheese that was grilled.
My favorite bread and I was quite thrilled.
The soup so tasty, I am sure you do know
I had it packed up, so I could take it to go.
The salad was fresh and apples so crisp, I added it to my home to go list.
We each took a turn to critic the new
I gave the place a 4.2.

As we set at the table, awaiting our checks,
It arrived as one, and we exclaimed what the heck!
To the cashier we flew, one at a time,
Waiting for them to ring up each line.
There was some confusion and it seemed quite a mess
It seems we doubled the time and they got more, not less.

This brings my verse, near the last line
I am changing their score to a 3.9..
Happy Dining to all and I will see you next time

Paradise inside a church basement

In December we ate at Eden Alley, a vegetarian cafe located on the ground floor of the Unity Temple on the Plaza. What a treat.

The space is really large, with tables and chairs spread far apart, and a high ceiling. They have lots of funky art everywhere, as well as a play area for kids, which Luke really appreciated.

I started with a mocktail, a raspberry limeade with real raspberry ice cubes. It was a little taste of summer on a cold winter evening. The appetizers, generously supplied by the non-bloggers in the group, were fun to try. I enjoyed all the dipping sauces and the Greek pizza was perfect.

I forget the exact name of my entree, but it was a kitchen sink style meal: chickpeas, chutney and raisins on flatbread, topped with fresh veggies. It was very filling and flavorful, and I ate every last bite (except the several bites Justin took. He liked my dish. A lot.). Luke enjoyed the kiddie falafel plate, complete with the best-tasting brown rice I've ever had. Overall I was impressed with the variety on the menu: one could find lots of options, guaranteeing repeat visits. Another treat: my dear mom joined the group. It was fun having her there and getting to share food.

For dessert, we enjoyed chocolate cake and Justin had an iced coffee with, get this, frozen whipped cream! Wow.

Make a trip to Eden Alley for a comfort-food style meal and unique atmosphere. I would say it's perfect for a date, a big group, a family outing--just about any event.

The drawbacks: While it's not expensive outright (entrees were around $12-$15 each), the bill really adds up when you have a mocktail, appetizers, entree, side of soup, kid's meal, dessert and finally coffee, which is what my family did. It REALLY adds up. You've been warned. Next time, I would go back and just get an entree with maybe a drink or one appetizer.

I'm so glad Josh made this selection, and will definitely head back to Eden Alley.

Eden, the Vegan Restaurant

Eden the Vegan Restaurant
Had a very lovely vibe
And if you ever eat there--
You have got to try the (tomato)bisque!

All of the other restaurants
Try to duplicate their taste.
They even gave them credit
For the Taziki Appetizer Plate!

Then one bright, delightful group
Entered Eden's door.
Gassies, you have found a place
that makes us beg for more!

Now that the Gassies Love It--
Foodies shouted out with Glee
Eden the basement restaurant,
You'll go down in history!

Final Score from Mrs. Ref 4 of 5