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 36 - 55 of 776 (Page 3 of 40)

Submitted by candy from wichita, ks

Q: What restaraunts will be serving Thanksgiving in Wichita?

Answered 11/10/10 11:19:54 by Denise Neil

A: That's a good question, Candy, and one I traditionally answer in the paper the Friday before Thanksgiving. My guide to restaurants open and serving will be published in the paper a week from Friday (the 19th) in the paper, and I should have it up on kansas.com and my blog, blogs.kansas.com/dining, by Tuesday or Wednesday. In the meantime, here's a link to last year's story. A lot of the prices will be different, and I'm sure I'll have to add and subtract a few, but the list doesn't change drastically from year-to-year. http://bit.ly/aELB1l

Submitted by Vince from Wichita, KS

Q: On your blog, you recommended we try Adelardo's for some great Mexican food (I loved it!). I'm in the mood for some really good tamales. Do you have any recommendations on where to get the best tamales?

Answered 11/03/10 11:26:41 by Denise Neil

A: Vince, I'm glad you liked Abelardo's. I've had tamales I enjoyed recently both at Ruben's, 520 W. Douglas, and at (please don't laugh) Taco Rio, 1022 W. Douglas. Any other tamale ideas out there?

Submitted by Tim from Derby, KS

Q: Is the Eagle planning on publishing a list of restaurants that will be open for Thanksgiving? We have family coming from out of town and need to try to get reservations in as soon as possible. Thanks.

Answered 10/27/10 10:40:55 by Denise Neil

A: We will indeed to that. Look for that guide to be published in the Go! section on Nov. 19 or you'll be able to find it early online on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Submitted by Nadine Mae from Wichita, KS

Q: I am looking for a good place to get fish taco's in town. Can you recommend something? Thanks so much for your help.

Answered 10/27/10 10:39:16 by Denise Neil

A: Nadine: I also love fish tacos, and some of the most popular in town are served at Sabor, a Latin restaurant at 309 N. Mead in Old Town Square. Although it's a chain, I also love the fish taco at On the Border, which has restaurants on both the west and east side. The fish is so fried and flaky.

Submitted by Russ from Wichita

Q: Denise -- I live in Delano and noticed they've thrown that new Braum's up in what appears to be record time. Any idea when it will open??

Answered 10/05/10 14:49:28 by Denise Neil

A: I agree, Russ. I drive past it daily and have been amazed how quickly it's been built. Carrie reported last week that the new Braum's (at 201 N. Seneca) is scheduled to open Nov. 8, replacing the Braum’s just around the corner on West Douglas, which will close after business on Nov. 7.

Submitted by Dawn from Wichita

Q: Hi. I recently visited Dolci and Joe's and noticed that they now have waiters and waitresses. When did this happen and why?

Answered 10/05/10 14:47:52 by Denise Neil

A: Dawn, it's funny you should ask that because I just reported on my dining blog last week (blogs.kansas.com/dining) that Dolci & Joes (3425 E. Douglas)switched a couple of weeks ago from a standing-in-line to order system and introduced table service. The move has cut down on the amount of time customers spend in line during the busy lunch hour, managers said, and hurried diners can get in and out more quickly. Dolci & Joes also recently started a “lunchbox” special” that offers customers a half sandwich and choice of soup or house salad for $6.99.In recent months, the restaurant also has introduced a breakfast menu that includes items such as breakfast burritos. In the next couple of weeks, the restaurant plans to offer a more detailed breakfast menu plus a dinner menu, which will include items such as steaks, chops and chicken. I’ll post an update when that menu’s ready to go. Dolci & Joe’s is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Breakfast is served from 7 to 11 a.m., and when dinner starts, it’ll be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. For more deitals, call 316-613-3515.

Submitted by Dana from wichita,ks

Q: We have guests from out of town who would like to dine at a restaurant only found in Wichita. Can you help?

Answered 09/28/10 14:57:12 by Denise Neil

A: Dana -- of course you know that everyone will recommend NuWay, the crumbly but good burgers found all over town. I'm not a huge fan, though, and I'm not sure what kind of dining experience you're looking for. Wichita has a vibrant Mediterranean dining scene, too, and I could recommend Bella Luna, Byblos at 3088 W 13th St. and N&J Cafe at 5600 E. Lincoln. Another good choice -- DeFazio's, which serves delicious WichItalian food at 2706 N. Amidon.

Submitted by pat audley from wichita ks

Q: Denise, Would it be possible for you to pass on information about the upcoming 27th annual Catfish Fry this Saturday from 4 to midnight at The Artichoke? This is our annual customer appreciation event. Free catfish, red beans rice, hush puppies and fixing will be served starting at 6. Kansas Acoustic Arts Assocication will be having a benifit auction as well as providing an open mic from 4p.m. to 11.

Answered 09/22/10 10:01:14 by Denise Neil

A: It would be possible. I love a good fish fry. For those who don't know, the Artichoke is at 811 N. Broadway.

Submitted by krista from wichita, ks

Q: Is Michael Gonzalez still going to open his Metro Grill II on S. Rock Road? I drove past the location last week and didn't see the "coming soon" signs any longer. Please say it's still coming! I mean, if I have to go to Towne East and sit in the food court just to get his delicious food, I'll do it, but I'd rather sit in a comfortable restaurant without a view of the Sears.

Answered 09/15/10 10:44:36 by Denise Neil

A: He says he is still planning it, but he's hit an unexpected (and fairly ugly, it seems) snag with his landlord. I spoke to him Saturday and he's stressed but determined and says he hopes he can get the restaurant open this year. Gonzalez has planned Metro Grill II for a building at 366 N. Rock Road that’s been home to Plant and Patio and Rugs to Riches in recent years.

Submitted by Sally from Wichita, KS

Q: My brother will be visiting soon from CA and he loves won ton soup; is there some place in Wichita that has the best of this??? Thanks so much....appreciate all the info you share....Sally

Answered 09/08/10 16:02:37 by Denise Neil

A: Sally, I know it will sound crazy (and this is not probably a place you want to take your brother if you're trying to impress him with fine dining, but my absolute favorite wonton soup is served at Great Wall, a local Chinese carryout chain. You can get a giant bucket of it for less than $4, and it lasts for days.

Submitted by Kevin from Wichita, KS

Q: Whatever happened to them building a Taco Shop at 21st and Maize? Is that still in the works because they need to stop dragging their feet!

Answered 08/31/10 15:08:40 by Denise Neil

A: I'm told by Taco Shop experts that the plan is still to build a Taco Shop at the intersection but that they're still fine-tuning the deal with the developer. Read: It'll be a while.

Submitted by Janna from Wichita, KS

Q: Did the Upper Crust close? We can't find it listed in the new phone book and when we finally found a number to call it said it was no longer in service.

Answered 08/31/10 15:05:24 by Denise Neil

A: Same here. My colleague Carrie Rengers remembers that it closed a while back. She tried to find out what happened but never did find anyone who could/would tell her.

Submitted by Nancy Mehl from Wichita

Q: Denise: My husband and I have something really special to celebrate coming up. We would like to have dinner somewhere with low lights, candles, quiet atmosphere and great food. We are partial to steak and seafood. What restaurants would you recommend?

Answered 08/25/10 10:43:24 by Denise Neil

A: One place in town fits your description perfectly -- Cafe Bel Ami at 229 E. William downtown. It's hard to find, so it's easy to forget about. But it's gorgeous, quiet, romantic, and the food is excellent. You won't be sorry. Call 316-267-3433 for a reservation.

Submitted by MsDrPepper from Wichita Metro

Q: In response to Karen - I've eaten at the Kechi Bierocks many a time and the Bierocks are yummy. In some ways I think the bread is doughier and the beef/cabbage filling is a little skimpier than what I used to get from the Bierocks Kitchen out on E. Central (which I think closed finally?). But I've not gone to try out their new location in Riverside (years ago that building was Geno's BBQ and was terrific! Really miss that BBQ!).

Answered 08/25/10 10:39:24 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for sharing you bierock expertise. May have to do a story on them come fall.

Submitted by Kimberly from Rose Hill, Kansas

Q: Next time you're out looking for that 'worth the drive, hole in the wall', you should check out 'Happy House' in Rose Hill. I've recently moved there, and I have to say, it has some of the best Asian food I've had.

Answered 08/25/10 10:38:38 by Denise Neil

A: Sounds like you're happy. Ha ha. Thanks for the tip. Will check it out next time I'm in Rose Hill.

Submitted by Barb Addison from wichita, Ks

Q: Have you tried KeBab's? I have looked at the menu and dropped by the restaurant. It is nicely decorated and the food smelled good. I plan to eat lunch there on Thursday.

Answered 08/25/10 10:37:49 by Denise Neil

A: I've been to Kababs at 756 N. Tyler twice for lunch and have been more than happy both times. Fabulous chicken curry, tandoori chicken, kebabs, naan and more. Plus, the staff is very nice and accommodating. I haven't been there for dinner yet, and I wish they served alcohol, but I can highly recommend the lunch buffet.

Submitted by Andy from Wichita

Q: I have liked barbeque, but have never found any I loved since Willy's in Wichita. I have found it again: Starvin' Marvin's in Pratt, KS on the northeast corner of US 54 and US 281. The ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and loaded baked potato are outstanding. Marvin is great conversationalist.

Answered 08/17/10 17:28:13 by Denise Neil

A: Andy: Thanks for the tip. I used to drive through Pratt pretty often on my way to Dodge City, but I'd always be too distracted by Donald's Serva-teria Smorgasbord to notice much else. Ha ha.

Submitted by MsDrPepper from Wichita Metro

Q: 1) what does "Receive more information from this Expert?" do for me if I check it?? and 2) we finally got to try out Linkhaus (never mind that we drive by it nearly every day!) and we liked it. The big draw for me is that we can substitute the meatless or beef hotdogs for whatever brat or other dog was presented in the various choices. And I'd have to agree with Tammy Castleberry - the tots were awesome!! Waaaay better than Sonic. Need to try out the breakfast bowls sometime but if I liked them as well as people have mentioned, I'd like to have them for dinner too!! We voted to go back and my husband plans to bring his Friday Lunch Bunch there, since it's within walking distance from where they all work.

Answered 08/10/10 17:04:00 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for this post. I just reviewed the restaurant and wasn't as generous as you are, but another perspective is good. By the way, I'm not exactly sure what that "receive more information" button means because I've never been asked to provide any more info. So it's safe to click yes! But maybe not very productive.

Submitted by Ashlee Burlie from Wichita, KS

Q: Hey! I know you've covered frozen yogurt places a lot on your dining newsletter, but I was wondering if you could cover the new Orange Leaf self-serve frozen yogurt store on 21st and Tyler? I went in there today, and it seems like the word hasn't yet gotten out about its opening. I'm recommending it to all my friends, but a high schooler can only do so much!

Answered 08/04/10 11:22:29 by Denise Neil

A: It is good, and my colleague Carrie reports that a THIRD one is planned for Central and Greenwich. (The second should open this month at 37th and Rock.)

Submitted by Pat from Wichita

Q: Is The Anchor a byob establishment?

Answered 08/04/10 11:21:46 by Denise Neil

A: Nope.

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