FOOD

VERBENA Picturesque Dining.

Emily Lane: Back in early 2018, Stewart and I moved to the suburbs. We’d been living in an intimate one-bedroom condo in Westport, and while we enjoyed our urban environment, the 900 square feet was a bit too cozy for the two of us plus our Wheaten Terrier, Toaster. Add in the fact that we were expecting our first child, and we knew we needed to relocate. We found our new home just south of the new development Meadowbrook Park. Once a 136-acre country club and golf course, it’s now home to beautiful walking paths and lakes, multiple playgrounds, single-family homes, twin villas, an apartment complex, and the newly opened boutique hotel, Inn at Meadowbrook. While all of that is certainly appealing, Stewart and I cheered when we learned there would be a dining component added, and it would be owned and operated by the Quillec family of Kansas City food fame (Café Provence, French Market), and we knew, instantly, this would become a new favorite of ours.

Verbena was able to open this May despite having been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’d be remiss not to state that, clearly, we remain in strange and uncertain times as we continue to navigate the pandemic, and dining out is a highly personal choice. Luckily, Verbena offers a picturesque patio for those who feel more comfortable dining outdoors, and they also offer curbside to-go. And don’t forget The Market, located next to Verbena and also owned and operated by the Quillec family, where you can get a more casual,

seasonally inspired breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as well as market staples such as gourmet cheese, seasonal salads, pastries and breads, and even wine and beer to-go. But for this article, we’re excited to share our first experience with Verbena, which almost immediately secured a spot on our list of places that require a return visit.

Stewart Lane: From the beginning, this menu transports you to the shores of Kennebunkport with delectable offerings like their dressed egg with old bay and sardines, salt cod croquets, and the most amazing hot crab dip intensified with artichokes, mascarpone bechamel, spring garlic, and old bay. The aromas and character of the food matched with the warm and comfortable decor created by the Quillec family are matched exactly with the vision of their newest concept. The emphasis on East Coast flavor is a nod to Patrick and Joanne’s

Diamonds sparkle...

even at a distance.

early years of their relationship living in Vermont and Patrick’s attending the New England Culinary Institute. As we progressed in our meal, we saw the same flourishes this culinary family is known for. Simple ingredients are expertly paired, prepared, and presented in a way that wows the eyes and tingles the taste buds. The summer vegetable salad was a mixture of tender and hearty greens, radishes, zucchini, and yellow squash with torn croutons and a clean vinaigrette. And don’t miss the cocktail menu – there are some creative libations that are the perfect start to your meal. A favorite is The Meadowbrooker, featuring Tom’s Town botanical gin, fresh lemon, fresh lemon thyme, housemade verbena syrup, and topped with sparkling brut.

EL: From start to finish, this was one of those meals where Stewart and I were cleaning (or potentially licking) our plates. It’s food that is so well executed with perfect flavors, and I found myself repeatedly saying “YUM” out loud as I continued to savor every bite. Chef de Cuisine Kara Anderson, who has made an impressive resume working at prominent KC restaurants, must be completely in her element at Verbena. Her skill and palate shines through in every item.

SL: I feel that all chefs have an item or two that, when seen on a menu, they are immediately drawn to. It’s usually something simple, a dish that can only be outstanding or completely disappointing. For me that is always a roasted chicken. And Verbena does not disappoint, serving a crispy browned chicken, skin crackling as it yields to rich and juicy meat, enhanced with a pan sauce that coats each piece like a favorite blanket. Completing the flavor profile was the addition of preserved lemons, sautéed into spinach, which added the perfect acidity and saltiness to cut the richness of the chicken and sauce. Light and fluffy whipped potatoes rounded out an exceptional entrée. We also added a side of roasted mushrooms, which are not to be missed. The pan-seared salmon was a textbook example of elegance with simplicity. Seared salmon with the crispest skin is expertly seasoned and served with tender

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green beans, enhanced with garlic and cherry tomatoes for a light, yet hearty, profile. The smashed and fried pearl potatoes were a star, with creamy insides and served with a generous dollop of crème fraiche. Like Emily said, we happily cleared our plates.

EL: I’ve decided I must find a way to befriend Pastry Chef Sara Osborn, because she is making my dessert dreams come true! Osborn states she focuses on nostalgia in her baking, which is a concept any chocolate chip cookie afficionado can appreciate. We ordered the summer berry trifle, featuring strawberry mousse, the fluffiest vanilla bean sponge cake, almonds, and local berries, making it the ideal summer dessert and not too heavy, even after the big meal we had. I’ll be longing for another chocolate caramel chunk cookie with ganache, bourbon mousse, and fleur de sel until we make a return visit to Verbena. Not to mention, I’ve never seen a cookie plated more beautifully. It’s a must-order item for me.

Amidst strange times in the world, we are proud of the Quillec family for continuing to do what they do best – bringing culinary excellence to the KC Metro – and we wish a long and prosperous future for Verbena.

Verbena is located at 4901 Meadowbrook Parkway in Prairie Village, Kansas, and is open daily for lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., for dinner starting at 5:00 p.m., and for Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended (913.329.7800) and more information can be found at verbenakc.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Emily and Stewart Lane are natives to Kansas City. Stewart is the Executive Chef of Inspired Occasions catering, and Emily does freelance marketing and communications for arts organizations in the KC metro. Along with their one-year-old daughter, Evie, they live a life filled with food and culture.