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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 1 - 15 of 669 (Page 1 of 34)

Submitted by Robyn from Kansas City

Q: Can you please email me last years list of restaurants serving Thanksgiving buffets in Wichita? Thanks!

Answered 10/30/09 17:36:02 by Denise Neil

A:

No one wants to cook this year because I'm getting this question a lot. I actually won't compile this list until the week before Thanksgiving, but below, you'll find a list of the places that were open last year. If you can't wait for the updated list, you can call you favorite and see what they have planned.

Bishops Family Dining, 4200 W. Kellogg, 316-943-0393.

Cinnabar Cafe, inside the Marriott at 9100 Corporate Hills Drive, 316-651-0333.

Furr's Family Dining, 1606 S. Georgetown, 316-618-9850.

Golden Corral, 616 S. Ridge Road Circle, 316-945-5100, and 11006 E. Kellogg Drive, 316-686-0669.

Green Mill Restaurant, 549 S. Rock Road, 316-687-6455.

Hometown Buffet, 6820 W. Central, 316-942-4334.

Legends, inside the Airport Hilton, 2098 Airport Road, 316-945-1966.

Olive Tree and Chelsea's, 2949 N. Rock Road, 316-636-1100.

Ryan's Family Steakhouse, 3323 N. Rock Road, 316-636-9329.

Spears Restaurant and Pie Shop, 4323 Maple, 316-943-2783.

Ted's Montana Grill, 2142 N. Tyler Road, 316-773-4443.

Stroud's, 3661 N. Hillside, 316-838-2454.

Yia Yia's Eurobistro, 8115 E. 21st St., 316-634-1000.

Submitted by Jenna from Garden Plain

Q: I remember reading about a sushi restaurant that was going to open at 119th and Maple soon. Any updates on that place?

Answered 10/27/09 15:29:05 by Denise Neil

A: That restaurant will be called Kanai, and today the owners told me that it will open either right before or right after Thanksgiving near Shorty Small's on the southwest corner of 119th and Maple.

Submitted by Shamela Jackson from Wichita Kansas

Q: Hello Denise! This is not actually a question, it's an invitation. My family recently opened up a small BBQ carry-out off of Hydraulic and Wassall. I am certain that it is the best offered in town. I want to invite you to come to our church this Sunday for a "Family and Friends Day" service, which afterward my father is catering the event. I believe that if you came and tried our food, that your comments would help get the word out about our business. Our church, Greater Pentecostal COGIC is located at 730 N Cleveland 67214, Sunday October 4th beginning at 11am. We would love for you come, enjoy, and taste our wonderful food! Please come give us a try. Thank you, Shamela Jackson

Answered 10/27/09 15:08:25 by Denise Neil

A: Shamela: Please send me the name of the restaurant or at the very least a way to reach you!

Submitted by Mary from Wichita, KS

Q: Do you have any info or reviews on Zaytun by Accent Lighting?

Answered 10/27/09 15:07:23 by Denise Neil

A: I haven't been there yet but can tell you what we've already repoted. Zaytun (2020 N. Woodlawn, Suite 300, 316-613-2474) means "olive," and the restaurant that recently opened in the former Fusion Pizza space features cuisine with Persian, Turkish, Lebanese, Indian and Pakistani influences and offers a buffet every day but Saturday. Owned by former Latour man Syed Abbas, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Submitted by Pam from Wichita

Q: Is something going in the former Krazy Kaz location on E. Douglas?

Answered 10/20/09 15:12:39 by Denise Neil

A: Yes -- the former owners of Old Town Martini are planning to open College Hill Deli and Catering in the space at 3407 E. Douglas either at the end of this month or the beginning of next. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Submitted by Glaine Russell from Valley Center, KS

Q: Denise, not a question but some follow-up on the Tropics Lounge. The Tropics was opened by a Jazz drummer named Bob Smith. He wanted to have a place where he and all his musician friends could get together after the clubs closed to have Jam Sessions. During the 40's 50's and 60's north Broadway had some great Jazz Clubs, The Esquire, High Hat, Swingland and many more. These clubs booked some of the greatest Jazz and Big Band musicians of the Time. They would all gather at the Tropics after hours and on Sundays. Bob was the drummer for the Norman Lee orchestra for many years until his death. While the sandwiches are still great and a good deal for the price. They are not near as good as they were in the 50's 60's and 70's due to the changing of the bread purveyors.

Answered 10/20/09 15:10:14 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for your perspective and your memories.

Submitted by Nancy & Clinton from Newton, KS

Q: Denise, Thank you for all you are doing. We eagerly anticipate your weekly email. Today we read the sign on the door at Monterey East. They are only going to be open Thursday - Sunday and will be going out of business October 31. Any idea who will be there next? We're pleased to have another Playa Azul location in Wichita, however were Monterey customers before we found Playa Azul back when they just in Augusta.

Answered 10/20/09 15:09:46 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for the tip. I went to check it out, and it's true. They'll close on Oct. 31, the victims of slow business. But the west side location at 5905 W. Kellogg will remain open. Not sure who will be there next. There's a for sale sign in front of the store, so I'm sure the current owners are as eager as you are to get the answer to that question.

Submitted by brenda from wichita,ks

Q: have you ever had lunch at the palms lounge former tropics lounge? They have the best BIG sandwiches, hogie,ham& turkey, roastbeef, very fresh and clean place.Half ham sandwich chips,pickle $4bucks fantastic

Answered 10/13/09 15:15:45 by Denise Neil

A: Brenda -- I'm told that Palms Lounge at 2705 N Broadway (316-425-5553) is still The Tropics, technically, but was taken over by a new owner at the first of the year, who changed nothing but the name. The Palms still has everything The Tropics did, including the famous ham sandwiches you mentioned. 2705 N Broadway St Wichita, KS 67219-4218 (316) 425-5553

Submitted by Mike Simpson from Haysville, KS

Q: FYI - You could do a follow up on Sunday's story about the American Royal BBQ contest... A local team from the Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ restaurant, took 1st place in ribs in the Championship Invitational portion of the contest (124 teams) and the following day placed 9th in ribs in the open contest (over 400 teams). I can't wait to go by the restaurant to check out the trophies.

Answered 10/13/09 15:08:51 by Denise Neil

A: Thanks for the tip! I'm writing about it this week.

Submitted by Max from Wichita

Q: Dear Denise, I noticed in your question and answer section you mentioned a new restaurant at 9th and Cleveland called "Da Louisiana Chicken & Waffle House" On the front of the Wichita Plus Home Shopping Magazine for Sept.-Oct. 2009, Solo’s Diner features a picture and ad that reads “Home of Chicken and Waffles.” I noticed that you recently mentioned the diner, but made no mention of the Chicken and Waffles offering. Thought those who love C&W might want to be aware of a west side option.

Answered 10/07/09 10:22:41 by Denise Neil

A: Max -- You are correct. Solo's diner, which recently opened inside the Best Western Airport Inn & Conference Center at 6819 W Kellogg, features a chicken and waffles dish, which the staff says is so far very popular. Can't wait to try this combo.

Submitted by Kevin from Wichita, KS

Q: Hi Denise! If you haven't had a chance to check out Lilli Mae's in the old 54 Diner building you really need to. We were there the day it opened and have been back several times. The food and the service are excellent! The prices are also very reasonable. We have had breakfast there and on Sunday had the Pot Roast special. It was great!!! Kevin

Answered 10/06/09 16:53:08 by Denise Neil

A: I keep noticing the sign as I drive by on Kellogg. Thanks for the tip. Will give it a try soon.

Submitted by Andrew from Wichita

Q: Is there really a Chicken and Waffles restaurant at 9th and Cleveland, Wichita??? If anyone knew, it’d be you. Thanks,

Answered 09/25/09 10:33:34 by Denise Neil

A: It's true. "Da Louisiana Chicken & Waffle House" is at 1412 E. Ninth and serves, well, chicken and waffles... and lots of them. I've heard from a very reliable source that it's a cash-only business, so go prepared. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and the restaurant stays open Friday nights until 3 a.m.

Submitted by Dee Dee from Wichita, KS

Q: Whats going on at Samurai on E 37th St., next door to Dollar Tree-last Monday they had their windows blocked/taped with black plastic??

Answered 09/22/09 15:26:38 by Denise Neil

A: I just called the restaurant at 6605 E 37th St. N. and was told that it was closed over the Labor Day weekend so that the staff could do some general cleanup(and the windows were blocked and taped during that time.) But it's back open and operating now.

Submitted by Jane from Wichita

Q: Are there any plans to bring another restaurant to that empty 54 Diner spot on Kellogg? It's so visible from the road.

Answered 09/16/09 10:26:16 by Denise Neil

A: Yes, there is. A new diner called Lilli Mae's will open in the spot at 206 E. Kellogg that previously housed 54 Diner and R&S Barbecue. It will serve country-style breakfast and lunch dishes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Submitted by rebecca from mulvane, ks

Q: We have the best Korean restaurant in the area right in Wichita Kansas. Manna Wok. Your readers have mentioned it several times. My family and i have eaten there for 15 years or more. Start with the beef bulgogi or the stone bowl bibim rice. While it is still summer you should try the cold noodle soup. It is very refreshing on a hot day and you will find yourself remembering the taste while thinking, "I need another bowl of that today".

Answered 09/09/09 10:30:41 by Denise Neil

A: There is certainly a devoted Manna Wok contingency out there, I'm learning. Thanks for the recommendation, Rebecca. Must get there soon.

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