The University News

Issue date: 3/9/09 Section: Culture

Media Credit: Corey Light Aixois

Media Credit: Corey Light Margarita's

Media Credit: Corey Light Jerusalem Café and Bakery

Media Credit: Corey Light Genghis Khan

Media Credit: Corey Light Blue Nile Café

College students too often rely on the old standards as a means of satisfying our appetites. We order a pizza from Papa Johns, a "Five-dollar Foot-long" from Subway or we head to the nearest drive-thru in hope of a fast food fix.

Unfortunately, we don't take advantage of all of the intensely unique food establishments tucked away throughout Kansas City. Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of the best places to eat food "off the beaten path" - places where you are expected to eat with your fingers, design your own entrée or smoke hookah upstairs.

Aixois

251 E 55th St.

Kansas City, Mo. 64110

(816) 333-3305 Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner 5:30-10 p.m.

Chef and co-owner Emmanuel Langlade is no stranger to French cuisine.

Ben Johnson, a manager at Aixois, believes as a native of Aix-en-Provence, France, Langlade refuses to shy away from the French essence when preparing his entrées.

"A lot of the foods are from a traditional French style - almost country," Johnson said. "The food is good yet affordable and delicious to eat in its simplicity."

Many of the ingredients that go into the entrées are locally grown and locally raised, according to Johnson.

By eating at Aixois, you not only support the local Brookside economy, but a national culture.

Average price per person: Lunch $7-12 Dinner $15-24.

Margarita's

2829 Southwest Blvd.

Kansas City, Mo. 64108

(816) 931-4849

For Mexican that's way better than anything from Taco Bell, head downtown to Margarita's.

Margarita's may not be the most cultured restaurant in town, but they know how to make a good drink!

"Best and strongest margaritas in town!" Mike Palmerin, floor manager of Margarita's boasted last Saturday night.

Palmerin also said that you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in the restaurant who wasn't happy with their food or their service.

And how could you be disappointed? With blaring 70s and 80s classic rock on the speakers and your chips and salsa supply constantly being refilled, who could have anything bad to say?

Average price per person: $7-12.

Jerusalem Café and Bakery

431 Westport Road

Kansas City, Mo. 64111

(816) 756-2770 Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"If it's not broke, don't fix it" could be the motto for one of Kansas City's staple Mediterranean restaurant. Karim Haj, a waiter at Jerusalem, boasted that Jerusalem has had the same menu and the same chef since 1990.

Clearly, Jerusalem Café is doing something right. In addition to pleasing its customers, Jerusalem has racked up numerous awards that include "Best Vegetarian" and "Best Gyro".

Whether you go in for a full course meal (hummus, Greek salad, falafel and baklava) or just head upstairs for hookah with your friends, you won't be disappointed.

Genghis Khan

3906 Bell St.

Kansas City, Mo. 64111

(816) 753-3600 Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-10:30 p.m., closed on Sundays.

If you're a picky eater, Genghis Khan is the place for you.

Judith Gallipeua and Bruce Lee, a Kansas City couple who frequent the Mongolian barbecue locale every weekend, praise the restaurant's attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile.

"We're both vegetarians and they will prepare the food anyway you want," Gallipeau said.

But if you're unlike Gallipeau and Lee and you don't trust the man in the kitchen, you can make your dinner yourself! In addition to being able to order off the menu, you can partake in the famous Mongolian barbecue style dining.

If you're not familiar with what exactly Mongolian barbecue is, imagine a huge buffet that enables you to put whatever raw foods you could imagine into your bowl with noodles and then hand it off to someone else to stir fry it for you in seconds.

Blue Nile Café

20 East 5th St

Kansas City, Mo. 64106

(816) 283-0990

Closed on Mondays,

Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

Sun. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Located in the Kansas City River Market, Blue Nile Café boasts its reputation as the oldest Ethiopian restaurant in town.

I would argue that Selamawit and Daniel Fikru's place is one of the best restaurants in town.

Not only because the food was great - I had yebeg tibbs (lamb prepared with injera), but because the service was beyond great.

Daniel Fikru eagerly guided me through every step of my first Ethiopian experience.

"You have to eat everything with your fingers!" Fikru said.

He was also kind enough to explain everything on the menu and gave his suggestions for first-timer-friendly entrées.

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