Beyond Barbecue: Kansas City’s Restaurant – Collection

Quick: What’s the best barbecue in Kansas City?

There is nothing that riles up Kansas Citians quite like the great barbecue debate. I’m sure that each of us has at least one BBQ restaurant that we’ll go to dinner-war for. Personally, I love barbecue, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate living in a city that has entire festivals celebrating smoked meat, burnt ends, and sweet sauces.

But beyond barbecue, a culinary culture is developing and thriving in our city. There are a number of local eateries serving up incredible cuisine. Just off the top of my head, I can name three James Beard Award Winners (the Oscars of the cooking world) from right here in Kansas City.

One of those decorated chefs is Celina Tio, owner of Julian in Brookside and her newest pursuit, Collection which is located in the heart of the city at 1532 Grand (more about that later). I first became aware of Chef Tio while watching “The Next Iron Chef” on the Food Network. She fiercely battled through the reality competition and came sooooo close to winning the whole thing. But that loss is our gain, and thankfully she stayed in Kansas City.

Chef Tio has also appeared on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” but don’t think that she’s let the notoriety go to her head. As far as I can tell (we’re not BFFs or anything … yet), she’s super down-to-earth. Her typical attire includes a pair of jeans rather than a large chef’s hat – and it’s a good thing, too, as when she’s not in the kitchen, greeting customers, or waiting tables, she might very well be playing with power tools. Chef Tio, both figuratively and literally, builds her restaurants from the ground up. The last time I saw her, she was kind enough to show us the new bar area that she’s constructing in Collection.

Speaking of Collection – you must go there! I know what images come to mind when you think of fine dining: too stuffy and way too expensive. I really don’t think it’s either. Not only the chef, but all of the employees are so great and super-friendly. They won’t raise an eyebrow when you order an “incorrect wine pairing” or mispronounce Manchego cheese. And you can come dressed to the nines, but they won’t blink an eye if you show up in a t-shirt (unless that’s all you’re wearing).

Unlike other gourmet restaurants, eating at Collection doesn’t require that you take out a second mortgage. The prices are comparable to many sit-down chains, but you’re getting fresh ingredients and out-of-this-world flavors. They offer a variety of contemporary dishes including a pulled chicken sandwich with creamy slaw, bacon, and a smoky sauce ($10) and seared local trout with English pea pancakes and cream mushrooms ($20). But I have to say that one the best things I’ve eaten in Kansas City was the creamy polenta dish at Collection which is served with agrodolce mushrooms, wilted spinach, and a poached egg (for just $14). Let me tell you – this dish is so insanely good that I kept waiting for the men in white coats to come and drag it away.

Collection may not be the ideal location for teeny-tots as they don’t have a kids menu, but my eleven-year-old son gets the bacon cheeseburger with a poached egg ($13). The burger is not only served with homemade fries, but homemade pickles and homemade ketchup, too. He LOVES it! And I figure that anytime your kid asks to eat at a restaurant that doesn’t let you draw on the tablecloth, it’s a definite win.

Collection serves a limited selection of desserts including an ever-changing cookie plate and a “coffee cake.” This is not your grandmother’s coffee cake with cinnamon streusel, but a treat for those whose mouth waters for mocha. This moist cake covered in an espresso glaze will make your eyes roll to the back of your head.

And just in case you’re wondering, I am in no way getting paid to write this post. I’m just that passionate about this restaurant. It is perfect for a date night, lunch with friends/coworkers, or dinner for families without super young kids.  It would also be an ideal place to grab something to eat before heading to see a show at the Sprint Center. Collection is open for lunch Monday through Friday and after 4 pm Thursday through Saturday.

You can find Collection on Facebook, at the Collection restaurant website, or by calling 816.471.7111.