WRW2016 - Chester's Chophouse

My second choice for Wichita Restaurant Week was Chester's Chophouse Wine and Bar, located on the beloved Waterfront.  Everything you have probably heard about this restaurant is true... it is pricey, it is freshly prepared, it does have a bit of a cold shoulder atmosphere, and it does mainly have a male clientele base.

Now with all of that said, none of that is negative in my eyes.  I don't mind paying top dollar for excellent food and service.  I like wait staff that knows not to interrupt my dining and conversation with unnecessary questions.  And I'm a woman, so the more men dining around me, the better!  Lol....

A friend and I arrived later on Monday evening to give the restaurant a go.  I had been twice before several years back, but my friend had never been.  Upon arrival, I mentioned the front doors.  It's one of my favorite things about this place.... large front doors.  Okay, okay...  on to the meal.

Our server was pleasant and let us know about all of the specials.  We started off with the recommended appetizer of shrimp cocktail, marinated in a lovely sauce and brought to us in a beautiful vessel.  We were encouraged to dump the appetizer on the plate provided so we could taste everything together.  My friend enjoyed it more than I did.  I prefer a classic shrimp cocktail.

I encouraged my friend to get a steak as I remembered the steaks were excellent and cooked to perfection.  He ordered the 12 oz New York Strip.  It was accompanied by three different sauces for dipping.  The sides chosen were asparagus with feta cheese and the warm German potatoes.

I had the recommended tilefish with risotto.  Delicious! I couldn't eat all of my meal and I wanted to make sure I had dessert.  We chose the creme brulee pie.  I was hoping it would be warm, but it came out cold and full of fruit.  Still good.

Asparagus with Feta

German Potatoes

New York Strip Steak

Slice of Creme Brulee Pie

Creme Brulee Pie

Tilefish and risotto

The dinner was good, the conversation and company even better.  Prices are a little steep, so be prepared to pay.  I wouldn't normally come here for a steak as I can grill a better one myself.  Also, if you are a woman, just know there are a lot of men who meet here for dinner.  So..... enjoy!

Up next... The Hungry Heart!

WRW2016 - Olive Tree

Wichita Restaurant Week..... ahhhhhh.

Not sure where I have been the past few years for WRW, but this year I decided to try as many restaurants as I could.  The plan this year was to eat at places I have never been or have not dined at for several years.

I am also happy the community has a way to work together in giving back.  I love how this is helping the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

I started on Sunday with the brunch at Olive Tree.  Olive Tree is located at 2949 N. Rock Rd (29th and Rock) and I believe is the former Piccadilly Grill.  This restaurant mainly does banquets and catering now, but they do a pretty decent brunch buffet.  For $17, we had choices from fresh pastries, salads, made-to-order omelets, a variety of entrees and side dishes, breakfast items, a dessert bar, fresh fruit and cheeses and a good selection of drinks and flavored coffees.  It's definitely worth the money if you can eat all that is offered.

The buffet itself reminded me of a mini Vegas style buffet, with each food category having its own table or hot bar.

Fresh fruit with a variety of meats and cheeses

Hot bar with breakfast and lunch items

Cold Lebanese table with delicious bits

My first plate.... breakfast to start!

All of the food was at the right temperature and looked appealing.  We couldn't try all of it.  There was just way too much to choose from!

They had a chef on hand to make omelets to order and there were several other items to choose from.  There was a bread table with lovely pastries and rolls, a full table with hot entrees and an entire dessert table with lovely sweets.

It was definitely worth the time and money.  Our server was nice and our drink glasses stayed full.  I never had to wait for my decaf coffee to be refilled.

So if you are looking for a great brunch buffet, please try the Olive Tree.  I know we will be back again!

Up next...  Chester's Chophouse.