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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 56 - 75 of 776 (Page 4 of 40)

Submitted by Ralph Decker from Winfield KS

Q: A little over a year ago I asked about Sunday brunch buffets in Wichita, but serveral (Olive Tree, Eaton Steakhouse, Piztro's) have closed. Piccadilly, Granite City, Yia Yia's, Legends and Sweet Basil remain. Any new ones?

Answered 08/04/10 11:21:40 by Denise Neil

A: Ralph -- I don't know how adventuresome you're feeling, but Zaytun, the fabulous Indo-Pak bistro at 2020 N. Woodlawn, apparently has an amazing Sunday buffet. You won't get pancakes but you will get naan and a whole bunch of exotic and delicious stews, meats and salads. It's served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Also, the Hereford House at Terradyne Country Club in Andover has a Sunday brunch buffet with a waffle bar and an omelet bar. It's open from 11 a.m .to 2:30 p.m.

Submitted by Karen from Wichita, KS

Q: Have you tried the beirocks at The Beirock Restaurant at 11th and Bitting? I understand they have a location in Kechi also...they are very good and they freeze well for later.

Answered 07/28/10 11:25:03 by Denise Neil

A: No, I haven't but keep meaning to stop there. I do love bierocks and they're back on my mind after reporting on Newton's Breadbasket, which serves them daily at lunch.

Submitted by Karen from Wichita, KS

Q: Denise, Have you tried Abelardo's yet? If so, what are your thoughts? I'm originally from southern California and moved out here two years ago. My family and I tried Abelardo's last week, and it's so good. It's a knock-off of a mexican chain called Aberto's & Albertaco's in Calif. They have the best Carne Asada nachos. Their shredded beef is muy bueno. Also, their 3 rolled tacos smothered in cheese and guacamole is delish! It reminds me of the chains back home that I've been longing for. I'm so glad they opened for business and hope they do well out here!

Answered 07/21/10 10:17:23 by Denise Neil

A: I really liked it. It's not too different from a lot of those other 24-hour Mexican places in town, including Tacos Lopez and Rene's. But the burrito I had was delicious, huge and inexpensive, and I looooove the homemade tortillas. Abelardo's just opened at the corner of Maple and West.

Submitted by Marci from Wichita, KS

Q: I was disappointed at the lack of representation from female chefs at the celebrity/chef cookoff last month. For that matter, I rarely read anything about female chefs in Wichita. Are there any local female chefs (besides the obvious Tanya Tandoc) who deserve some props for stimulating the palate of local foodies?

Answered 07/21/10 10:11:39 by Denise Neil

A: Marci: This is a question I constantly ask myself -- and others. I know of only a few in Wichita, including Chris Collier, the chef at the private Candle Club. If anyone knows a local female chef I'm missing, I'd buy you lunch if you shared it!

Submitted by Tammy Castleberry from Wichita, KS

Q: I've been to LinkHaus 3 times now and *LOVE* it! I've had breakfast there twice and can honestly say that I will never go to Spangle's for a breakfast bowl as long as LinkHaus is open. It was that good! Their chili cheddar dog was almost more than I could eat and was really tasty. I wondered why their tots were so much better than everyone else's. I mean, tots are tots, right? Wrong! LH has a dedicated fryer for their tots so their tots ( whoch as double fried for crispness) taste like a tot, not like chicken strips, onion rings or whatever else fried a restaurant serves. That's why I stopped buying tots (and fries) at some places as they tasted like dirty greased that had been used to fry everything under the sun. I sat and talked to the owner. Really nice guy. I like that he's tried to make the place as "green" as possible from the decor down to the plasticware. I don't know what else to say other than give it a go!

Answered 07/14/10 14:09:13 by Denise Neil

A: That is good to know. I'm hearing mixed reviews about Linkhaus (7817 E. 37th St. N) so I'm happy to hear that they have a totally satisfied customer. I have to get out there and try it myself very soon.

Submitted by Renato from wichita, ks

Q: Have you tried Clifton Wine and Jazz out yet? I haven't heard any reviews good or bad yet.

Answered 07/07/10 13:59:33 by Denise Neil

A: I never did, and now it's almost too late. Owner Joe Zakas just closed the wine bar/eatery at 3700 E. Douglas. But she's planned a going-away party for Friday, when she'll try to sell her remaining food and liquor. For a $10 cover, which will go to a charity, customers can have free food and discounted drinks starting at 7 p.m. Zakas is looking for a buyer for the club, though she hasn't ruled out reopening it someday.

Submitted by Jim from Wichita

Q: Is Wasabi - the sushi place close to Larkspur really "opening soon" or did someone just forget to take the sign down?

Answered 06/29/10 17:29:24 by Denise Neil

A: Funny you should ask, Jim. I just went across the street to investigate that question. The owner promises that the restaurant, which will serve sushi and other Japanese dishes at 912 E. Douglas, will open in July. He's faced several delays, but when I peered in the window, I could see that the place was put together and nearly finished. Training his staff is the next step, the owner said. I'll let you know when I get a firm date. You can read more about this at blogs.kansas.com/dining

Submitted by Glaine Russell from Valley Center, KS

Q: Have you had any feedback on LinkHaus hot dog's on 37th and Rock.

Answered 06/23/10 11:25:29 by Denise Neil

A: Not yet, but I've heard mixed reviews. Anyone been there?

Submitted by Peggy from Wichita

Q: Dyne Quik on north Broadway is still closed. Any idea why? We were just by there a few weeks ago and nothing stirring.

Answered 06/23/10 11:25:15 by Denise Neil

A: I think we can go ahead and give up on that one for now. Since we reported earlier in the year that it would reopen, we haven't been able to reach the new owner, and nothing has happened. Maybe someday...

Submitted by Mike from Wichita

Q: My wife and I were in the Eastgate shopping center this past Saturday and happened upon Tsubasa Japanese restaurant. It was about lunch time so we stopped in. It was very good. Very authentic Japanese food (not a hibachi grill), and reasonably priced; The employees were very gracious as well. I'd never had chuwanmushi, a delicate egg custard appetizer with mushroom and shrimp and some other ingredients. It was delicious. We're west siders and don't get out that way very often, but I think it will be well worth the trip for another meal. I think it would be worth taking a look at if you haven't been there yet.

Answered 06/22/10 13:09:27 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for this message, Mike. You are not the first person to write me about this place. Eager to give it a try.

Submitted by Roger Jones from Wichita, KS

Q: How could you do an article on fried chicken and not mention Carriage Crossing in Yoder? Its totally outstanding!!!!!

Answered 06/15/10 16:11:54 by Denise Neil

A: Roger, you make a good point. I was trying to focus on fried chicken within the Wichita city limits, but Carriage Crossing is always worth mentioning. Here's a link to my original fried chicken article: http://blogs.kansas.com/dining/2010/06/15/fried-chicken-frenzy/

Submitted by L Lee from Wichita

Q: Have you tried College Hill Cafe? Good prices, good beef dishes.

Answered 06/15/10 16:10:03 by Denise Neil

A: No, but it's on my list of places to try. I've heard good things about it. What specifically do you like? (College Hill Deli and Catering, by the way, is at 3407 E. Douglas.)

Submitted by Kelly from Wichita, KS

Q: You had an article on a restaurant that was serving a new dish of Macaroni & cheese with shirmp,crab and lobster meat. Can you tell me what the restaurants name was? Thank you so much. Kelly

Answered 06/08/10 15:45:40 by Denise Neil

A: You are talking about the lobster, shrimp and crab mac and cheese at Mike's Wine Dive, 4714 E. Douglas. Behold the menu description: "A seafood menagerie of succulent lobster, shrimp and crab meets an American favorite. Our mac and cheese is made with Cheddar and fontina cheeses mixed in a creamy white wine sauce." It's $18. For more info, call 316-613-2772.

Submitted by Kay from Medicine Lodge, KS

Q: Do you have the address for the Italian place on west street. We couldn't find it last time we were up there.

Answered 05/26/10 11:31:04 by Denise Neil

A: 120 N. West St.

Submitted by Darrell from

Q: Are you sure that Little Monk's is closed? I drive by there 3-4 times a week and see the "Open" sign on and have seen a few people walking in and/or out of the door. Just curious

Answered 05/26/10 11:30:44 by Denise Neil

A: Little Monk’s is closed, but a similar build-your-own noodle bowl restaurant has replaced it at 4734 S. Broadway. It’s called Mr. Ka-Pow’s, and it invites customers to choose their meats, veggies, noodle style and sauces to construct an Asian noodle dish. Mr. Ka-Pow’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 316-522-5276 or visit the web site at www.mrkapows.com

Submitted by Robin from Mulvane, KS

Q: Denise, have you ever tried Bravo's Italiani in Valley Center? It's awesome! Would like to see the word get out about this 'hidden treasure'.

Answered 05/19/10 11:52:53 by Denise Neil

A: No, I haven't. I am thinking about doing a story about hidden treasure restaurants in Wichita's surrounding community's. Anyone who has other suggestions should e-mail me or call me at 316-268-6327.

Submitted by RHahn from Boston, nMA

Q: I am from out of town, but I am planning my friends bachelorette party in Wichita. I was wondering if you had recommendations for places to go. We were looking for upscale dinning and nightlife locations. I would appreciate your recommendations.

Answered 05/19/10 11:52:02 by Denise Neil

A: I may have the answer to your question. I've just written a story about Mike's Wine Dive, an upscale restaurant that just opened at 4714 E. Douglas (316-613-2772.) Another option is to eat at one of the nice restaurant's in Old Town Square (at Second and Mead in Wichita's Old Town area) such as Sabor Latin Grill or Uptown Bistro then migrate across the plaza to Oeno Wine Bar for bachelorette frivolity.

Submitted by Suzanne L. from Wichita, KS

Q: 1) Is Chill Gelato at the Waterfront permanently closed? You last reported the west-side location was closing, and the Waterfront one was changing its menu. Now, there doesn't seem to be anything there. 2) Any chance the Spaghetti Works building will hold a Spaghetti Works restaurant again? Or a Spaghetti Factory? We think either of these reasonably-priced, family-friendly restaurants would fit right into Wichita's downtown scene.

Answered 05/12/10 11:36:40 by Denise Neil

A: Chill is still open, but it's dropped its lunch service. So now it's a gelato-only place and open from 3 to 10 p.m. daily. As for the Spaghetti Works building, I feel the same way you do. I'll have to double check with my biz team friends, but I don't think there are any immediate plans to put anything in that space.

Submitted by Matthew from Wichita, KS

Q: A while back Bangkok on South Rock Road had a fire and it looked like that was it. Recently I have seen a sign outside their south Rock Road location stating they were opening soon. Any idea as to the date? I can't wait to have that panang again!!

Answered 05/12/10 11:33:12 by Denise Neil

A: I have good news on that front. The owners of Taste of Thai, a delicious Thai restaurant at 447 N. St. Francis, are taking over the Bangkok location at 2020 S. Rock Road and are keeping the old menu and all the old recipes. So fans can still have the food they were used to. They hope to open some time next week.

Submitted by Jorge from Wichita

Q: Has a date been set for the Bossa Grill to open? Even if it is approximate? This is the Brazilian restaurant, right?

Answered 05/04/10 13:18:39 by Denise Neil

A: Jorge -- I spoke to the owner today and he says he's aiming for a June 15 opening date. Bossa Grill is described as a fast-casual restaurant with a style similar to Pei Wei, where customers order at a counter and then are served at a table. The menu will include grilled chicken, fish and other healthy Brazilian-influenced dishes. Bossa Grill will be at 3242 N. Rock Road.

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