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Apr 24

Manhattan – Baan Thai

On a recent work related trip to Manhattan, a coworker suggested that I should eat at Baan Thai, located on 1709 Fort Riley Boulevard. If you know me, you know that I love pork! I believe that pork deserves to be its own food group!  Besides pizza, barbecue and Mexican food, Asian cuisine is a great way to include pork in your diet!

I stopped into Baan Thai early on a Thursday afternoon, and had the entire place to myself. I was thoroughly impressed by the cleanliness and décor of this restaurant. In fact, it is probably one of the cleanest and most orderly restaurants I have ever eaten at.

According to their website, they have two other Baan Thai locations, including one in Lawrence and one in Leavenworth, and an Asian Noodle Shop in Manhattan. The Manhattan Baan Thai location hasn’t always been a Thai restaurant, in fact, it used to be a Taco Casa.  You wouldn’t be able to tell that this place has been anything but Baan Thai when you step inside. The Asian influenced atmosphere of this location is on point.

For my supper, I ordered the delicious pork pot stickers (one of my favorite menu items), as an appetizer, and had the yellow curry with pork as my main course. If you love curry, they also serve up red or green curries.

Until next time,

Chris

Apr 17

Topeka – HHB BBQ

After working a trade show in Topeka, I decided to grab some dinner before heading home to southeast Kansas. On a tip from fellow blogger Mike, I stopped at HHB (Hog, Herd, & a Bird) BBQ.

HHB BBQ is located at 906 S. Kansas Avenue, which is only a stone’s throw from the Capitol Building.  Although HHB BBQ is located in a downtown building, it has the typical barbecue joint vibe. As you walk in the front door, you will find a dining area to your left, a meeting area to your right, and a counter and bar area towards the back of the restaurant.

For the pork lover, HHB BBQ features pulled pork, pulled pork nachos and baby back ribs. Pulled pork can be purchased by the pound or on a sandwich, and ribs can be purchased on a dinner place or by the slab. I enjoyed the ribs and would order them again if I was in the neighborhood.  Additionally, many of HHB BBQ’s menu items, including meats and sides, are gluten free.

If you find yourself in the Capital City, check out HHB BBQ, and as it says on their lunch and dinner menu, let them “show you how were havin’ fun puttin’ it on a bun!”

Until next time,

Chris

Apr 10

Kansas City – Mudbug Cajun Po Boys

 

“Mudbug” is a slang term for a crayfish (commonly referred to as a crawdad, in Kansas).  A mudbug is actually not a fish, but a crustacean, similar to a lobster or a crab. These animals are commonly found in the southeastern portion of the U.S. and are the official state crustacean of the state of Louisiana.  As you might expect, the mudbug is a popular feature of Cajun culture.

Mudbug Cajun Po Boys, located in North Kansas City, is a hugely popular Cajun restaurant located in a small north Kansas City location at 4702 NE Vivian Rd.

Owned by Louisiana transplant and longtime Kansas City culinary extraordinaire Christopher Jones, this place brings true Cajun flavor to the area. They serve up a variety of great “Po Boy” sandwiches.

A Po boy is a traditional Louisiana style sandwich on a baguette, and generally featuring some type of seafood. As homage to Kansas City’s barbecue roots, Mudbug’s serves up a phenomenal K.C. Po Boy featuring smoked pulled pork. This sandwich is a feast for the both the eyes and stomach.  The pulled pork has a hint of spicy Cajun seasoning rather than a more traditional barbecue seasoning.  The tiny bit of heat from the pulled pork pairs deliciously with the lemon pepper slaw, and fried union straws. The mixture of flavors work perfectly to create a taste not traditionally found in Kansas City cuisine.

If you love pulled pork but are searching for something different, I suggest you try the K.C. Po Boy from Mudbugs Cajun Po Boys. You won’t regret it!

Until next time,

Chris