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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 36 - 55 of 671 (Page 3 of 34)

Submitted by Kathy from Wichita

Q: I find it hard to comprehend why in the July, 3 2009, GO! section why you would mention Payne Place, a barbecue establishment that has been closed for so long now that I have lost track of even how long it has been!! Nothing was even mentioned that the establishment is now closed; I doubt if you even knew. I still find your credentials questionable.

Answered 07/07/09 15:51:04 by Denise Neil

A: Slow down there, Kathy! Maybe you are thinking of another restaurant but Payne Place certainly is open. In fact, the photo that went with that story was taken there. Payne Place is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2724 E. Central. Call 316-686-1074 to check for yourself.

Submitted by Charnetta from Wichita

Q: My husband and I are considering trying out Old Town Martini Steak House this weekend for his birthday. Have you even been to this restaurant and do you have any recommendations?

Answered 07/01/09 11:22:31 by Denise Neil

A: Well, if you're going to, I'd do it now. The restaurant is closing at the end of July, and the owners are going to focus all their attention on their catering business. I haven't actually eaten at the restaurant, which is at 711 E. Douglas, in several years. But I have friends who liked it, and the building -- it's in an old train depot -- is gorgeous.

Submitted by msdrpepper from Wichita Metro

Q: As a north-end homie, I can tell you that Frida's is alive and well. The bridge is back in business. When it was down, I had to either get on 21st somewhere around Broadway or Waco and head west towards the 21st & Amidon area, to get to Fridas (or to Thai Bihn supermarket which is usually why I was in the area). But this past thursday or friday (18th - 19th), I was in the area again and could get to it just fine from 21st & Amidon (coming down West K-96 & Meridian exit to where it merged into Amidon.). So come on down! Bridge is fine!

Answered 07/01/09 11:19:35 by Denise Neil

A: Tacos and piratas for all!

Submitted by Tammy from Wichita, KS

Q: You really should stop recommending Louisiana Fried Chicken to people as the place has been closed for a few weeks. The phone is disconnected.

Answered 07/01/09 11:19:12 by Denise Neil

A: I appreciate the heads up. Did not realize they'd gone out of business but I'm noting it in this Friday's paper. Thanks for the tip.

Submitted by Merle from Wichita

Q: What is the new eating place going up in front of the Target on Greenwich Road. The address is 2255. It is between the Kanza BanK and the old Chilli's. Thanks.

Answered 07/01/09 11:18:41 by Denise Neil

A: I saw that last night, too. It's going to be a Subway, apparently.

Submitted by Gary from McPherson, KS

Q: Denise, What are some good restuarants for fried chicken in Wichita, excluding Strouds? We like Strouds, but timing will not work out. Please help as I need the info soonest. Thanks

Answered 06/24/09 10:03:50 by Denise Neil

A: There are lots of places in town that have fried chicken as an occasional special, but not too many that specialize in it. Besides the fast-food places, the ones that come to mind are Neighbors, a bar with very good food at 2150 Amidon, and Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken, a carry-out only place at 5132 E 21st St. N.

Submitted by Warren Radcliff from Wichita, kansas

Q: Hello Denise – Is there restaurant etiquette on noise? Recently my wife and I went to Old Chicago in Old Town, the food was great but at one of their busyness times of the day their music was too loud. With everybody trying to have conversations over the loudness of their music, it made having an enjoyable meal a not so enjoyable meal. Can you help on getting our wonderful restaurants in all of Wichita educated on noise competitions?

Answered 06/16/09 16:38:25 by Denise Neil

A: Loud music is bad, bad, bad. I'm having a bigger problem lately with waiters or waitresses choosing to sweep sweep sweep right by the tables of people still eating. Can it not wait for a slow period? I will put this observation out there and hope that a few restaurant types see it.

Submitted by kc from Winfield, ks

Q: Do you know when Jose Peppers will be open?

Answered 06/16/09 16:37:09 by Denise Neil

A: I spoke with someone in the corporate office just last week, and they gave the opening date as July 20. But of course, restaurant openings usually get behind so don't start counting on that burrito just yet. For those who don't know, Jose Pepper's, a Mexican chain, is taking over the former B.G. Bolton's space at 11423 E 13th St.

Submitted by Paula from San Antonio

Q: I lived in Wichita in the mid 50's as a child and remember eating at the Hickory House. It was pretty well known then, but I think it is no longer in business. They presented an appetizer cart prior to dinner with many delicious items. I still remember the potato salad and would love to have the recipe. Does anyone there remember the restaurant and have access to any of their recipes? Thanks for your help.

Answered 06/10/09 10:44:20 by Denise Neil

A: The Hickory House was before my time in Wichita, but readers still frequently ask about it. In fact, when searching the Eagle archives just now, I found two other instances where readers had asked for this very recipe: Once in 1986 and once in 1991. I'll put it out there and see if anyone has the recipe or a suggestion where to get it. Anyone? Anyone?

Submitted by Robert Bubp from Wichita, Ks

Q: I wanted to point out that Manna Wok, at 4865 E. Harry, is a Korean restaurant. Excellent, too.

Answered 06/03/09 11:11:10 by Denise Neil

A: Looks like I missed a few. Thanks for the info. I've heard about this place and would love to try it out.

Submitted by Paul & Pam Bush from Derby, KS

Q: Hi Denise. Wanted to let you know that we made it thru the alphabet. 1 year, 26 letters, 28 restaurants. Thanks for your help. www.paulandpam.com

Answered 06/03/09 11:10:39 by Denise Neil

A: YAY! Can't wait to read up on your culinary adventures, and I know several readers agree.

Submitted by mike farha from Wichita

Q: How can i get signed up to the A la Carte weekly e-news letter?

Answered 06/03/09 11:09:49 by Denise Neil

A: Step one: You need to be a registered user of Kansas.com, which is quick and easy to do. Follow the instructions on the home page. Step two: Go to kansas.com/newsletters and select Wichita A La Carte. Step 3: Let me know if you have trouble with these instructions.

Submitted by Glaine Russell from Valley Center, KS

Q: Denise, thanks for the info on the Korean food. Now I am wondering if Wichita has amy SABU SABU or hot pot restaurants. I visit Japan and China a lot and they are very popular there. They have pots recessed in the tables that are full of boiling broth an they bring you a plate of raw meats and vegies and you cook your own meal.

Answered 06/03/09 11:08:22 by Denise Neil

A: Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen! I can safely say that no, Wichita does not have anything like that. Hot Stone Korean Grill at 3743 N Rock Road (which I forgot about when answering the Korean restaurant question last week) thought about doing the cook-your-food-on-your-own-hot-stone-at-the-table thing but quickly abandoned that idea. Though I hear it is a very good restaurant, and one that I have on my list to try a.s.a.p.

Submitted by Doug Hillman from Wichita

Q: Hi Denise: I think there is a great Mexican cuisine on 21st on the Asian Shopping Center. Frida's Mexican Grill. I went the first time to this place when Joe Stumpe made a review. Great food taste, fresh and I love those piratas, just amaizing. Last wednesday, I had a lot of problems to get there. The bridge contruction on 21st St is just making them lose their business. The detour is just far away and people don't know how to get there. We need to support them. That's a shame how this situation is affecting them.

Answered 05/27/09 10:20:51 by Denise Neil

A: Doug -- I share your pain. I, too, love Frida's with every fiber of my piratas being, and I, too, recently had a very hard time getting to the restaurant. The owner tells me the construction has affected business negatively, but I'm told it's almost finished so it's my hope they'll recover soon. I do not even want to imagine a Wichita without Frida's (which for those of you who don't know is at 1580 W 21st St N.)

Submitted by Glaine Russell from Valley Center, KS

Q: Does Wichita have any Korean restaurants?

Answered 05/27/09 10:18:28 by Denise Neil

A: I'm not aware of any restaurants that are strictly Korean, but Hana Cafe -- a popular sushi restaurant at 325 N. Mead in Old Town Square -- is owned by a Korean woman and features many standard Korean noodle dishes, including yaki soba and bi bam bab. Call 316-267-3766 for more info.

Submitted by Earl from Wichita

Q: Now that I am 55, I was wondering just when the "Senior prices" kick in. I noticed a lot of the Easter buffets give a senior price, but nothing to say when you are officially a Senior citizen.

Answered 05/20/09 10:49:07 by Denise Neil

A: Unfortunately, it's kind of all over the place, depending on the restaurant. A lot of those holiday buffet places say 62 and over. Meanwhile, Chili's senior age is 65, Golden Corral's is 60 and Denny's is 55. A good rule is just to call the restaurant before you go and find out.(Though very few actually "card" seniors to make them prove their ages.)

Submitted by mary kaplan from wichita,kansas

Q: How do I sign up to get your columns automatically as an email?

Answered 05/20/09 10:25:07 by Denise Neil

A: You cannot get my columns automatically via e-mail but you can get my dining newsletter, Wichita A La Carte, by registering at kansas.com then visiting kansas.com/newsletters and clicking on "Wichita A La Carte."

Submitted by Robert from Wichita

Q: Wasn't there a couple in wichita that had a website where they were doing reviews of local restaurants starting with a different letter of the alphabet each month, do you still have that link?

Answered 05/12/09 16:23:43 by Denise Neil

A: Yes, you're right. Paul and Pam Bush planned to eat their way through the alphabet, and when we last checked in with them in October, they were killing off "K" at Knolla's Pizza. Seven months later, they've worked their way up to "U" (Uptown Bistro.) Catch up with their adventures by visiting http://paulandpamdate.blogspot.com/

Submitted by alice from towanda

Q: Ever since moving to kansas, I've heard of Rocky Mountain Oysters. I read about the Prairie Nut Hut listed on the 8 wonders of kansas. Is there a restaurant in the Wichita area where i can sample these infamous oysters? thanks!

Answered 05/06/09 10:39:43 by Denise Neil

A: Now you DO know what Rocky Mountain Oysters are, don't you? I remember clearly the confusing day at the Knights of Columbus in Dodge City when my parents explained it to me. At any rate, I polled some Twitter friends and found at least two local places that serve them. One is Paula's Bar & Grill at 10510 Southwest Blvd. The other is The Hoof and Horn supper club at 425 N. Commercial Ave. in Sedgwick. Happy dining.

Submitted by Kim from Wichita

Q: You've got to admit, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Wichita is Yen Ching. The waiters are attentive and professional and the food is excellent.

Answered 04/29/09 10:32:07 by Denise Neil

A: I absolutely will admit that. It is and has always been one of my favorite local Chinese restaurants. Have you ever tried the sizzling rice soup?

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