Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Chefburger

Remember the ad campaign for the Power and Light district? Specifically, the commercial that used that Petula Clark Downtown song?? I get that song in my head every time we drive through the P&L, and had it in my head during my entire dinner tonight at Chefburger. I forgot all my troubles and forgot all my cares. I employed jazz hands. I was kind of ecstatic about downtown, and with the soaring melody in my head, who could blame me?

I know it isn't fair to judge a restaurant on their third day of operation, but I was emailed today and told, in no uncertain terms, to "Go. Now." And so I did. The build your own burger operation that existed at the start of the week is now gone (possibly temporarily), replaced with eight Signature Burgers (available in beef, turkey, chicken, and veggie) and four Signature Hot Dogs. They have a standard Chef Burger, which comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and "chef sauce" for a terribly reasonable $4.99, or you can upgrade to one of the fancypants burgers for $5.99 to $6.99. My Hawaiian chicken burger was topped with bacon, pepperjack cheese, grilled pineapple, and Sriracha coleslaw. It was a gloriously messy wonder served on a big soft wheat bun with just the right proportions of everything. It wasn't a burger, it was a grilled chicken sandwich served like a burger - but it was excellent. The Chili Cheese Dog ($4.99) had black bean-chorizo chili and shredded cheddar cheese and got two thumbs up from across the table. The onion rings tasted beer-battered (yum!) and the sweet potato fries were crisp and perfectly salted. Both sides came in a generously-sized serving and were only $2.99.

If we had stopped there, I would have considered the meal to be reasonably priced for the amount and quality of the food. However, we decided to splurge and each picked a Spiked Milkshake for $7.99 each. They were worth it. The B-52 mixed Bailey's, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, and vanilla ice cream. My Alabama Slammer (with amaretto, Southern Comfort, butter pecan ice cream, and big toffee chunks) put me in such a good mood I gave an overly enthusiastic greeting to the Missouri basketball players that we encountered outside on the sidewalk. I was giddy - about my meal, about Kansas City, about downtown. If you'll indulge me...

"Things'll be great when you're/Down town/Don't wait a minute more/Down town/Everything's waiting for you."

Chefburger
1350 Walnut
in the Power & Light District

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel almost criminal for not eating there yet since I work right next door. Between business and sickness I haven't been able to go. I will within a week.

Sara said...

after you go, let me know what you think!
(they had a fairly decent beer selection, too...)

The DLC said...

They have booze? I am so there.

Anonymous said...

is this a local restaurant or a chain? is the the place that is owned by the guy behind 1924 Main and pizza bella?

The DLC said...

nope not a chain, yes it is the same guy behind those other good restaurants. Souperman too I believe.

Anonymous said...

Cannot wait! Those fried green beans are supposed to be TASTY

Sara said...

fried green beans! i saw those on the menu and was a little apprehensive....let me know how they are!

Anonymous said...

Okay, I went on Saturday, and it was awesome! I ordered the regular chefburger, and everything about it was super tasty. The buns were high quality and toasted, the special sauce on the burger was so good too. The fries were great too, not quite shoestring, but thin and lightly seasoned.

Unknown said...

I finally went for lunch the other day and had the Hawaiian burger, which was fantastic, even with sriracha slaw (I don't like cole slaw). The fries were just average, I'll have to try some other side next time.

You can check my review on Yelp.

Anonymous said...

I am sooooo adding this to my list of must tries in the city!