Verbena Restaurant — Restaurant in Prairie Village

This was our first visit to Verbena which opened in mid-2020. It was a perfect Saturday evening in KC metro area and we were committed to finding place we hadn't tried that offered al fresco dining. Immediately Verbena came to mind and we excitedly dressed appropriately for this casual fine dining experience. Arriving at the property which was formerly Meadowbrook Country Club that has recently been developed into a mix of retail, residential and upscale apartments. This complex is stunning, located in Johnson County Kansas side of the metro area. Combined with the breeze the low humidity and temps in the high 70s we felt transported to ShangriLa (That's a good thing right?).

As we approached the restaurant we noticed everybody parked along the street leading to the establishment so we found the closest spot available and perfectly parallel parked our chariot. We quickly exited our vehicle with both a sense of excitement and nervousness. Will it be too full? How long before we'd be seated? OMG what a beautiful night!

As we approached Verbena we walked right past the outdoor dining area and it was a gorgeous setting with stone, string lights, beautiful and massive flower arrangements, a lakeview and many people enjoying the experience. Once inside a warm and friendly hostess approached us and asked if we had a reservation. We cheerfully said no but that was okay because we were going to sit outside. Her smile narrowing ever so slightly told me everything I needed to know... We were going to be eating inside 😩

Like the professional gourmands that we fancy ourselves to be we took it in stride. It was our first meal of the day so we were anxious to get the ball rolling.

Perusing through their offerings of adult beverages they had a very good selection of wines which is expected, some interesting cocktails if a little on the sweet side. Surprisingly no Manhattan's or Old fashioned on the menu which have made a huge comeback the last few years. No worries you can still order them and we did and the barkeep did an outstanding job and they have large ice cubes 👍

We took our time perusing the menu. On the left side appetizers, salads and small plates. On the right side all their main entrees price from $25 to $33 each. We settled on a couple options, a Char fish option and Shrimp and grits. The Char dish was delicious light flavors but very balanced nothing overpowering and perfectly cooked. The shrimp and grits which I usually avoid because it's all too common these days was recommended and I was pleasantly surprised with its strong and bold flavors. Before our entrees arrived we chose to share their version of a wedge salad. It is not your typical wedge salad and it was fantastic.

As expected for this price point the service was warm and friendly, very Midwestern if a tad on the slow side. I deduct ZERO points for slow service until 2022. Most establishments are understaffed and it was a busy night and everyone was busy yet managed to maintain a Midwest nice composure. Hat tip 🎩to the staff.

After dinner we were determined to enjoy some time outside so we ordered a couple of after dinner drinks and headed towards the patio to enjoy the lights the flowers and the lake... it was heavenly. Shortly after we noticed a fire pit that drew us in on that that beautiful night. Luckily there was plenty of room around it and we snagged a couple of comfortable rocking chairs and ordered another round of adult beverages. It was truly a fantastic end to a beautiful Kansas City evening 🙏

Verbena is part of the structure that houses the Inn at Meadowbrook. We took a walk in the lobby and around the property and we're excited to not only dine again at Verbana but stay at The Inn.. gorgeous.

So value is a relative term, I can tell you that it's easy to spend $70-$100 per person (tip included). Given the experience I just shared with you, for us it...

Dinner at Verbena KC was exceptional. Chef Aaron Cross Wells-Morgan has curated a menu sure to keep your tastebuds enchanted. The dishes are elegant, refined, with familiar yet unexpected flavor combinations that kept us wanting more. The pleasant atmosphere, setting is picturesque setting, attentive service. Thank you chef Morgan for your hospitality. #eatlikealadyshould

FOR COCKTAILS WE HAD THE:

SPRING WATER Jrieger’s premium vodka, fresh lime juice, house-made apricot syrup, st. germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling brut rose, peach bitter.

THE WINGMAN Chateau de Millet vs bars Armagnac, Grand Gala orange liqueur, Oolong-orange syrup, fresh lemon juice.

FOR DINNER WE HAD THE:

Crab Fritters Golden spheres filled with fresh crab meat, fried to in a jalapeño, coconut lime sauce.

Lobster bisque An oversized buttery crunchy crouton bathing in a hot creamy, decadent lobster bisque bisque with notes of cherry, pickled carrot, tarragon, and fennel.

KFC Karaage fried chicken thigh, cured cucumber, yuzu ribbons in a white soy glaze, dressed with a gochujang miso mayo, togarashi, and candied nutty sesame seed

Grilled Spanish Octopus Juicy Octopus served over a grilled leek, warm potato-leek espuma, espilette pepper, potato crouton, smoked chili sambal.

*Hamachi Crudo�Tahini buttermilk, crispy sushi rice, white soy, shaved fennel, tobiko roe, finished with cilantro oil.

Beef Tartare A crispy egg, over finely chopped beef tartare seasoned with horseradish, honey mustard potato crisp, bone marrow dijonnaise, pickles.

English Pea Pierogies Crescent shaped potato purses filled with a fresh cheese pea filling, accessorized by cubes of confit bacon, spiced crème fraîche, english peas, pea sprouts, radish.

Doppio Rectangular fluffy pillows filled with mushroom ricotta filling, caramelized onion chicken liver filling, topped with morel mushrooms, sherry jus, rye crouton, honeyed pearl onion.

FOR DESSERTS WE HAD:

Apple Crisp spiced granny smith apples, bourbon caramel sauce, brown butter ice cream.

Chocolate Mousse dark chocolate mousse, smoked chocolate ganache, caramel, dulce de leche cremeux, candied hazelnuts.

Crème Brulée vanilla bean custard, poached pears, spiced candied walnuts,...

Had this place on our list because of the nice patio. However the food and cocktails surpassed our expectations! We didn’t have a reservation and due to a wedding party we had to sit at the bar, but we met Tara, the bar manager (I think, and opera singer, hellooo! and generally lovely, beautiful human) so it was a very happy accident. She is very knowledgeable about the flavors and ingredients and is happy to answer questions. Though it was pretty busy at the bar, she handled it like a pro and we never felt neglected.

For food we ordered oysters and tuna ceviche for appetizers. Both were fantastic, the ceviche having layers of flavor. Our entrees were the salmon and filet. I substituted brussels sprouts for the rice with the salmon and while I’m sure the rice is delicious, absolutely no regrets about the sprouts. And the salmon was PERFECTLY cooked, something I rarely experience in KC.

The filet was also great (I took a bite) although I do wish there had been more peppercorn. The fingerling potatoes were a perfect accompaniment, serving a crispy, perfectly salted exterior and fluffy inside.

Drinks, I felt like we couldn’t go wrong. There’s something for every mood. The smoked old fashioned is top tier - they smoke the syrup so A) the flavor is balanced and B) no extra wait (sorry to those who fiend for a live smoke shot, but we’re quality over showmanship here!) I also highly recommend the spring water which is rosé forward and comes in the cutest glassware.

Then we got dessert and once again the layers of flavors and balance knocked our socks off. The chocolate “cake” was lighter than you might expect (divinely so) but still had the perfect satisfying combination of salty and sweet.

All of this without mentioning the quaint ambiance (yet bustling at the time) - we can’t wait to get back to enjoy a relaxing evening...