Search Forums

Advanced Search

Denise Neil on Dining

Denise answers your questions about dining out in Wichita.

Denise Neil

Denise Neil covers the dining scene for Friday's Go! section, and she has reviewed restaurants for the Eagle since 2000. She also writes a Sunday column, which focuses on pop culture and entertainment relevant to 20- and 30-somethings in Wichita. Denise can be reached at (316) 268-6327 or dneil@wichitaeagle.com

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 776 (Page 2 of 40)

Submitted by Ashley from Wichita, KS

Q: Do you know if Tanya Tandoc has ever considered being a contestant on a show like "Top Chef" or "Chopped"? Based on the personality and skill she showed in the cooking demonstrations at the Center for the Arts, she seems like a natural. Thanks!

Answered 01/26/11 10:19:49 by Denise Neil

A: Ashely: I sort of agree with you and have asked Tanya about this before, but she is not a fan of those cooking shows. (I have to admit I'm a big "Top Chef" fan, so don't feel bad). Tanya feels like the shows are too scripted and that the chefs' personalities are muted for the sake of good television.

Submitted by Pat from Wichita

Q: When is Metro Grill opening? I heard it had a 1-15th opening but, is still closed. Thanks

Answered 01/19/11 14:43:18 by Denise Neil

A: I talked to chef and owner Michael Gonzalez today, and he's had to push back the opening a bit for various reasons. But he says he's hoping that he can get the place open by Feb. 1. Metro Grill II will be at 321 S. Andover Road in Andover.

Submitted by Valerie from Wichita, KS

Q: When is Cafe 151 opening in the Cargill Building on Main? I thought it was going to open in December. We need a good place to eat lunch on this side of downtown!

Answered 01/12/11 12:03:16 by Denise Neil

A: Valerie: It's scheduled to open in mid-February. Check out my story for more new restaurant news. http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/05/1659853/more-choices-on-the-menu.html

Submitted by Shirley from Wichita, KS

Q: On the question about Angelo's pizza - just FYI, while other DeFazio's food is definitely close to Angelo's, their pizza is NOT. The crust is entirely different - closer to a "hand tossed" than "thin crust" that Angelo's had. DeFazio's gets a thumbs up on their Lasagna, salad, manacotti, bread, and eggplant, but not pizza. I miss Angelo's pizza.

Answered 01/12/11 12:01:42 by Denise Neil

A: Shirley -- coincidentally, I had DeFazio's pizza on Sunday night. I could not get enough of it. The combo was amazing. But you are right. In retrospect, it's not like Angelo's.

Submitted by Terri Jones from Wichita,Ks

Q: I had heard that Taco Shop was opening on W 21st west of Maize Rd,is this still going to happen? Thank You

Answered 01/12/11 12:00:48 by Denise Neil

A: About a year ago, we reported that a Taco Shop would go into that new development at 21st and Maize. But in the months since then, the deal fell through for the franchisee. So unless someone else steps up, that one is not happening.

Submitted by Peg K from Wichita

Q: Have you heard ANYTHING about Dyne Quik? It's been almost a year and no hints of it opening. I can't believe the new owner would spend so much money updating it to code to let it sit there.

Answered 01/04/11 16:18:45 by Denise Neil

A: Do not bet on that one. Carrie and I both tried repeatedly to reach the guy who said he was redoing it, but he's dropped off the face of the earth. And that was a year ago.

Submitted by Becky from Wichita, KS

Q: Where my family lives in Central California, Basque food restaurants are the places to go for family get togethers. Is there any place in the Wichita metro area that serves Basque food?

Answered 01/04/11 16:18:15 by Denise Neil

A: Oh dear. I wasn't even sure what Basque food was. But a quick look at The Google shows that we most certainly do not. But I wish we did!

Submitted by Doug from McPherson,Ks

Q: Angelos had the best beef pizza and garlic bread. Is there a pizza place that comes close?

Answered 01/04/11 16:17:11 by Denise Neil

A: Doug, I've said it many times but DeFazio's food is pretty similar to what Angelo's used to serve. Owner Pete DeFazio even once worked at Angelo's. You can find them at 2706 N. Amidon, 316-838-0709.

Submitted by Brian Edwards from Augusta, KS

Q: http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/12/23/a-critical-outing/?hpt=T2 One sort of big piece of news today I thought you might be interested in. The LA Times food critic was outed by a group of restaurant owners. Obviously you, Denise, do not hide your identity. But where do you stand on the issue? Is it easier to give accurate and/or honest reviews when you're just another customer? With "foodies" being a modern Buzz Word and "critics" coming out of the woodwork in blogs/forums/etc., is there truly a continuing need for restaurant reviews in print? Interesting topics. Merry Christmas!

Answered 12/29/10 15:11:07 by Denise Neil

A: Well, Brian, that certainly is the most thoughtful question ever posted on this forum. Thanks for the link. That was an interesting read. Reviewing restaurants in Wichita is a whole different beast. We're a small town and "the scene" does not take itself nearly so seriously. Plus, I'm often criticized for being too nice, but in this town, I try to note both the positive and negative in every place I review. Of course I'd argue that there's still a need for reviews in print. A scene our size needs someone leading the discussion. I'm happy to have other people weigh in with their opinions, though, which is why we have comments open on my blog and on all my reviews -- and why we have this forum, for that matter.

Submitted by Ryan Lauxman from Wichita, Ks

Q: Denise, I would like to take my family out for dinner on Christmas someplace nice thats not asian. Would you happen to know a place thats open?

Answered 12/21/10 10:48:57 by Denise Neil

A: Two choices for fine dining: Gaslamp Grille and Lounge and Harvest Kitchen/ Bar. Read the details here: http://www.kansas.com/2010/12/17/1637295/make-merry-dine-out.html

Submitted by Kathy from Rose Hill

Q: Is Lil' Mexico on Pawnee still open? I tried to go there and it was closed and the phone number was no longer in service.

Answered 12/21/10 10:47:59 by Denise Neil

A: It is now. The restaurant at 1601 E. Pawnee closed around Thanksgiving because its owners were having trouble keeping it open. Then, Cheryl Powell, who also owns The Burger Barn on West Central, decided to buy the place. She reopened it a week ago offering the exact same menu. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, call 316-267-0594.

Submitted by Gail from Wichita, KS

Q: Just a comment - If you are looking for a 'healthy' place to dine out, try d'Sozo on S. Seneca. The food is flavorful and reasonably priced. The smoothies are wonderful! The employees are friendly, and Chef Larcher even offers cooking classes. This is a great place to dine out for lunch or dinner.

Answered 12/21/10 10:43:45 by Denise Neil

A: I agree, Gail, and speaking of -- I have a d'Sozo Groupon that's about to expire. Thanks for the reminder.

Submitted by Kathy from Newton, KS

Q: We are going to have a mini family reunion after Christmas (Sunday or Monday). There could be 20-30 people. Is there a reasonably priced restaurant in Wichita that can handle a group that big, preferably with some privacy (like a separate room)?

Answered 12/15/10 14:19:25 by Denise Neil

A: Kathy: Caffe Moderne at 300 N Mead St. (316-260-1199) has built a very nice separate room. It serves mainly salads, sandwiches and quiche, but the food is good. Larkspur at 904 E. Douglas (316-262-5275) has a separate room, too. I've also seen groups that large accommodated at restaurants such as The Anchor, a bar with great food (and a great Sunday brunch) at 1109 E. Douglas Ave. (316-260-8989). But you'll definitely want to call any of these places in advance.

Submitted by Glaine Russell from Valley Center Kansas

Q: Denise, do you know anyone who has tried Fizz yet?

Answered 12/08/10 14:06:21 by Denise Neil

A: I talked to one person who's tried it, and they had great things to say. I'll plan to try it myself in the next week or two.

Submitted by amy from wichita, ks

Q: Will Newport Grill in Bradley Fair be serving lunch? When does the new Gaslamp Grill and Lounge open and will they be serving lunch? Thanks

Answered 12/08/10 14:03:35 by Denise Neil

A: Newport Grill is open now in the former Cibola Space at Bradley Fair. Gaslamp is scheduled for a Dec. 13 opening in the former Shadow space at 550 N. Rock Road. Both upscale restaurants are serving dinner only, though the Gaslamp guys did tell me that they are considering adding lunch later on.

Submitted by Amy from Wichita

Q: Where can I go to get a really good/authentic gyro?

Answered 12/01/10 13:41:04 by Denise Neil

A: Wichita has an unusually large number of Mediterranean restaurants and therefore several purveyors of great gyro. One of my favorites is served at Le Monde, 602 N. West St. The meat is so tender, the sauce is perfect, and the pita is soft. Both Byblos at 3088 W. 13th Street and N&J at 5600 E. Lincoln also serve great gyro, though theirs are wrapped in the thinner, less fluffy pita bread.

Submitted by Julie from Wichita, KS

Q: What is the name of the Vegan restaurant on S Seneca? Also, do you know when and where that new Noodles restaurant is going to open?

Answered 11/22/10 16:49:21 by Denise Neil

A: Julie: The name of the vegan restaurant is d'Sozo, and it's at 1812 South Seneca St. Good stuff. Also, the new Noodles is getting close to done at 3300 N. Rock Road and is supposed to open the middle of next month.

Submitted by Trisha from Wichita, KS

Q: I want to get a gift card to a nice restaurant in NW Wichita for my in-laws. They deserve a nice evening out on the town. Do you have any suggestions? I prefer something local vs. a chain. Thanks for any suggestions!

Answered 11/16/10 12:25:42 by Denise Neil

A: Trisha -- Northwest Wichita is not known for its locally-owned restaurants. One that comes to mind is Kababs, a fabulous new Indian restaurant at 756 N. Tyler Road. There's also Timberline at 8310 E. 21st St. N. It's locally owned and a chain and serves steaks and seafood. A lot of people like Red Bean's, a Cajun place at 7447 W. 21st Street N. And I recently had some fabulous barbecue ribs from Sit @ Thai Bistro, a Thai restaurant at 7603 W. 21st Street. Hope one of these works!

Submitted by Sharon from Wichita, KS

Q: Do you know when Press is supposed to open on Webb Rd? I saw the "hiring" sign but no opening date.

Answered 11/16/10 12:09:03 by Denise Neil

A: Sharon: I have it on good authority that they're opening on Monday, Nov. 22. If that changes, I'll update it on my blog. I'm supposed to get a copy of the menu sent to me later today. For those who don't know, Press is a new cocktail and tapas bar at 1720 N. Webb Road, in the former Piztro's/Sabor space.

Submitted by Katie from Wichita

Q: Can you tell me when Newport Grill is opening? I heard sometime in November but was looking for something more concrete. A specific date would be nice.

Answered 11/10/10 11:20:59 by Denise Neil

A: I've heard Dec. 6. More to come on that...

Ask a question
Your Name:
Your Location (City, State):
Your Email Address:
Receive more information from this Expert?
Your Question: