National magazine, Saveur, picks Kansas City as the next big thing in food for 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Barbecue and Kansas City are synonymous.  Not many will argue but Kansas City offers much more that good barbecue and a national magazine is taking notice too.  James Oseland, editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine says Kansas City is nipping at the heels of Portland, Oregon as a culinary destination.

“That’s obvious to me,” said Debbie Gold, executive chef of American Restaurant. “I’ve known that for a long time.”  Gold says there are many reasons why Kansas City offers great food and barbecue is one of the keys.  “The barbecue places were very creative, very careful in planning on what they did." 

Creativity and mid-western ideals can be seen throughout the food in Kansas City.  But this new found attention has been a long time coming. 

“It’s been a real struggle in Kansas City to get where we are today and we’re blooming,” said Gold.

“There’s just so much talent here.  It’s just nice to finally get the recognition that Kansas City so rightfully deserves,” said Celina Tio, owner and chef at Julian restaurant in Brookside. 

Both Tio and Gold are seeing more chefs returning to Kansas City bringing their skill and talent back home.  They are also building relationships with local farmers, taking advantage of local meat, produce and other food products exclusive to Kansas City.

Tio can recite a list of local companies she features in her restaurant, everything from Boulevard beer to coffee from the Roasterie. 

“A band from Portland, that’s a big coffee town had my coffee and they just thought it was awesome,” said Tio. “So not only am I using it because they’re local but I’m using them because they’re arguably the that I can get.”

But probably the biggest reason Kansas City has received so much attention might just be all the food shows on television.  Both Tio and Gold have appeared on numerous shows displaying their talent and making a name for Kansas City. 

“The competition shows I’ve been on I think brought attention to Kansas City as well but thankfully, it brings it to all of us,” said Tio.