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Published: August 10th 2010
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Just back from dinner at Gates Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri. Apologies for the lapse in travel blog postings, but here is the update since Saint Louis. Terrible idea to drive on a Sunday in Missouri - the traffic was horrible. But we arrived in Kansas City in 4.5 hours and got checked into the Hilton Hotel President...seemed appropriate, huh?
We are about two blocks from the Power and Light District - live music, restaurants, shops and pubs. We went for a quick bite and decided to see a movie. But before I get to that a couple of observations:
At the Power and Light District, Jim was stopped twice for his "professional camera" which was against the policy of the complex. Regardless of how adamant we were that the camera is our family camera, the security guards watched us a like a hawk and made us feel very unwelcome. We probably wouldn't have even made it there had the restaurant we wanted to try been open. Showcased on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, we had really wanted to go to Swagger but it was closed on Sundays - bummer! Sad because it is very unlikely that we would make
it back there while in KC.
We saw Inception with Leonardo Di Caprio and it was terrific. But what really made the movie was the cinema suites - these big overstuffed reclining chairs with tables for each spot. Included in your ticket was a $15 food or drink voucher for a really nice menu of food, snacks and drinks. We ordered sandwiches and drinks before the movie started. It was a perfect date night - dinner and a movie all in one!
This morning, we awoke to reports of record heat and got the day started early with a breakfast at Mamma's Diner on 39th Street. Also showcased on the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives program, this turned out to be a really, really good breakfast! Jim had bacon waffles (yes, waffles with bacon in them) and I had their famous corned beef hash. A little less guilt than the past few days as I woke up early to get a work out in before Jim got up!
After breakfast, we went to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. A very modest and appropriate recognition of his leadership legacy, the library was a really nice way to
spend a few hours. I will cover more about Truman in a separate blog posting. Having read so much about Truman in the past few months, it was fascinating to see how he chose to display his incredible role in history. Much like the man himself, the exhibits were very down to earth, respectful and unassuming.
After that, we headed back to the Power and Light District to plot and scheme our Kansas City barbecue dinner. We had been accumulating recommendations from locals since our arrival yesterday - Smoking Gun BBQ, Famous Dave's BBQ, Gates BBQ, Jack Stack - which was the best?? With only so much room in our bellies, which to go to?!? We ended up at Gates BBQ - a strange cafeteria like ordering station where you apparently grunt your meat order to a woman who then shouts it to the kitchen. We were so out of our element, we stood like deer in the headlights -- no dead animal pun intended!! We finally decided to share a combo plate with beef ribs, sliced ham, sliced brisket and a chicken breast. Having learned from our trip to Pappy's Smokehouse in Saint Louis, we steered clear of eating too much of the sides or ANY bread! Having now enjoyed Texas, Memphis, Saint Louis and KC barbecue, Saint Louis wins HANDS DOWN!! Gates was delicious, but didn't hold a candle to the amazing smoky flavor of Pappy's.
Tomorrow we are heading to Dodge City Kansas, a necessary stop on our way West. My only point of reference is a very funny scene in National Lampoon's Vacation - hopefully, it will work our better for our quick visit!
Sad to finally admit that were are officially heading for home. A bit homesick, I am excited to get home. But I am very sad to have this incredible trip begin to wind down. But we do have two weeks left! Stay tuned!!
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Virginia Weber
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Bacon Waffles
Tonight I shall dream of bacon waffles and corned beef hash while soft jazz serenades me. Thanks for the wonderfully descriptive narratives, Dena.