Having had terrible dining experiences in my last two outings, the only way to go was up! Gram & Dun was definitely up. The third eatery from the Bread and Butter Concepts group, Gram &Dun stands above them all. BR:GR and Urban Table in the Corinth shopping center are both very good, but nothing melted in my mouth like the Loaded Baked Potato Gnocchi and Short Rib Grilled Cheese I tried on this visit. Located on the Country Club Plaza in the old Baja 600 space, you would never recognize it as a former Mexican restaurant. It’s very hip, a bit dark, and pretty loud, but nothing took away from the dining experience - just don’t expect to whisper secrets with your dining companions. It doesn’t appear to be a kid-friendly place, although I’ve never let that stop me before. I didn’t see a kids’ menu or high chairs, but I wasn’t really looking for them either. And let’s face it – there is nothing wrong with saving a few locations for “adults only” dining!
On to the food – wow. A friend and I split two entrees to sample the best of both worlds. The Short Rib Grilled Cheese sandwich ($12) is described as “Provolone, arugula, pickled onions, blackberry jam and nine grain bread”. It was the perfect mix of savory and sweet. It was served with house fries, and though I’m not a fry connoisseur, they were pretty close to perfect! The Loaded Baked Potato Gnocchi consists of “chive gnocchi (potato dumplings), house-smoked bacon, cheddar curds, and sour cream sauce” and is served between two very large potato skins. I wasn’t lying when I said this food melted in my mouth, and I didn’t want the experience to end. However, as good as the gnocchi was, it was very rich. There was no way I could have eaten the whole thing, and I am glad we split the two entrees. The menu selection is big, and the concept is a trendy spin of the “Soul Food” dining experience. There is a wide variety of choices ranging from shrimp cakes to the CFC and Waffles (Corn Flake Fried Chicken and Herb Waffles). I know I should try something new next time, but it will be hard not to order that sandwich again!
What made the meal even more enjoyable was the availability of a recent wine find of ours. Santa Julia Malbec is a cheap bottle of wine ($8 - $10 in a liquor store), but a very good one! A couple of glasses rounded out the meal perfectly. With their extensive bar menu, you too will find the perfect pairing to complete your meal.
Those dining with me also tried the Beer Can Chicken Sandwich (Big!!), Blackened Shrimp and Grits (Good, but perhaps not worth the $19 price tag), and the Fried Goat Cheese & Avocado Salad (“Really good, but will try something more substantial next time.”)
Country Club Plaza
600 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-389-2900
I can’t wait to go back!
BCuzWeSaidSo
***Update***
We visited G&D again this past Sunday evening after taking the boys to see the Easter Bunnies on the Plaza. Ginormous double stroller and all, we walked in to the restaurant and asked if they could accomodate us. Whether or not they wanted to, they did, taking our stroller and putting it in their storage room. They don't have a kids' menu, but said they modified some dishes for kids - Chicken Tenders, Grilled Cheese, and Buttered Noodles. No idea on price - we opted to have T eat from our plates, as he's not big on eating these days. The milk we ordered for him was $2.50, so I have a feeling they weren't cheap. I had the Catfish BLT with the Creamy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon side. Dave went with my suggestion of the Baked Potato Gnocci. All were good, but the sandwich didn't really compare to the Short Rib Grilled Cheese from the first visit. There wasn't a lot of fish, and it had a hint of lemon. The brussel sprouts were awesome though...if you like brussel sprouts, you'll love these. As I said, this was a Sunday evening, so I'm sure they were more accomodating than they would be on a weekend night. With our unseasonably hot weather this March, the huge patio was full, and oh how did I long to be one of the cool people sipping their drinks out there!!
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