Zaina

Mr. Ref here, this month we went to Zaina, which is Mediterranean food.  I would have to say I was disappointed.  Josh has always come up with some of the best choices we have had over the years, even if some of them have been a little scary, or maybe challenging is a better word, but the food has always been really good.  Zaina, not so much.
I had the beef gyro platter and it was okay.  I am not real familiar with this type of food, therefore I was looking for something that said BEEF, after all "What's for dinner?"  I have had a beef gyro sandwich in the past and usually they are good, not great to me.  The beef gyro platter wasn't awful, but it wasn't something to write home about, for me.  The place looked more like a cafeteria or a fast food place, and had very little decor.  It looked like it could have been a "Mom & Pap" type joint, but even that did not seem the case.  I am sure for lunch or a quick bite, sometimes it would be fine, but not as a place you would want to visit frequently, more of a change of pace kind of place.  I gave it a 3 out of 5, nothing special.

Zaina satiates for cents

Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, tobouli, pita bread and Downtown KC ambience adds up to a very fine supper experience!  It probably cost more to drive to the restaurant than it did to get a full dinner plate.  The entree (chicken) was not extraordinary until I mixed it with the tobouli served on my plate.  Then it really rocked! The tobouli was overwhelmingly parsley and had a tart bite that paired perfectly with the grilled chicken and yogurt sauce.  The saffron rice was forgettable and not worth ingesting the calories.
The supper crowd was sparse in the cavernous space, but this meant that we could take our time at the counter looking at the menu and speaking with the attendant who guided us in our choices with more patience than we had a right to expect.  She brought our dinner plates out with a smile, very shortly after our orders were placed, and the food seemed hot and fresh cooked.
If this place were closer to home, I would want to visit weekly!  Reminds of Johnny Rays Diner in Lee's Summit, but serves Gyros instead of burgers.  What a bargain at around 8 bucks/plate1  Final score from Mrs. Ref 4 of 5.

Q39

Last month was Richard's pick, and it was a good one: Q39.  It is now my favorite BBQ restaurant in KC.

West 39th is a great area that is home to passed GAS gems like Anna's Oven - so it had that going for it right from the start. The atmosphere inside was great.  Modern and very nice, but casual.  The food was served on plates not in baskets.  Our server was great - very friendly and quick with suggestions.

I had the judges platter - which included smoked chicken, brisket, and ribs.  The ribs were super tender, and the chicken was super moist, but what really impressed me was the brisket.  It was so perfectly cooked and tender.  I really appreciated how much emphasis Q39 put on the meat, and not just sauce.  In fact the sauce was served on the side, which I thought was great.

They also had a good beer list, and the sides were excellent - I had apple slaw and baked beans.

My only complaint was they had two or three big screen TVs with MMA on them pointed right at me - watching two men beat the crap out of each other is not the most appetizing thing in the world.  To their credit, they did change it as soon as I asked. 

Overall it was a great place, and one I would recommend to anyone. 4.6/5.0

Q39

Move over Kansas City BBQ restaurants,  Q39 is in town.  I have been to many of the Kansas City BBQ spots, but none meet the delicious food served at Q39.   The venue itself is bright and open with table service.   What is KC BBQ know for, is it the sauce, the burnt ends, the ribs,  the smokiness of the meat.  It something different for each person and each BBQ joint.   Jack Russell  the best sauce,  Smoke House the best chopped meat,  Winslow's great turkey.  Everyone has something wonderful to offer, but Q39 is the most well rounded of all.  I had the pulled pork and a smoked chicken breast.   The pulled pork, was tender and smoky, but the highlight was the smoked chicken breast, moist, smoky and the most delicious dish I have ever had at BBQ restaurant.  I will go back many times.  I rate Q39 4.5/5.

Q39 = yummy

Q39 = YMY - kind of sounds like an algebraic formula.  Don't get me wrong I like algebra but it can't compete with food - especially BBQ from Q39.  Great food and great service.  I have never had such tasty chicken wings and my Q39 burger was incredible.  I could only eat half and had the rest for lunch the next day.  Even reheated it was delicious.   John's burger was just as tasty.  The next day I told several people about it for it was just too good not to share.  BBQ is not my favorite food either but we will definitely return for another great meal.   definitely deserves 4.5/5