Cravings: The Grille at Park Place

The Grille at Park Place

by erin jones   |   photographs by lauren frisch pusateri

Great Food, Great Atmosphere! There’s something endearing about a restaurant that is run by people who care so authentically about the full experience they give their guests. It’s not just about the food, although a great menu will certainly fill seats. It’s about the atmosphere, the community, and a staff who lives and breathes hospitality. It’s about valuing your guests and investing in the details. A great location certainly helps, and so it appears that The Grille at Park Place has it all.

Park Place is a quaint pocket of specialty shops, restaurants, offices, residences, manicured green space and free garage parking at the corner of 117th and Nall. It feels more like Main Street USA than Leawood, and for that, I love it. At the heart of the community, overlooking Barkley Square, is The Grille at Park Place.

From the beginning, co-owners Mitch Kerns and Executive Chef Kevin Clayton could see the potential in the space, with existing architecture that was unique, inspiring and perfectly suited to fulfill their vision for a sophisticated yet versatile dining experience. They warmed the interior with rich leather and natural wood finishes, contemporary lighting and stylish embellishments. Then The Grille came to life.

The concept for The Grille is one that Mitch, a seasoned restaurateur, had been sitting with for years. Kevin, a notable chef with local pedigree, was the right fit to execute his vision. Together they established an upscale but down-to-earth neighborhood hub that has many identities: an intimate private dining option; a hip happy hour spot; a high-energy night scene; a special event space. The Grille is one year into its new life at Park Place and it’s well-established in the neighborhood. Over those 12 months, Mitch and Kevin paid close attention to the feedback they received and responded in earnest, because, above all, this restaurant is about the guest experience. The staff motto is “relentless pursuit of perfection,” and it’s obvious in the impeccable service, exemplary food quality and beautiful accommodations that everyone, from ownership to management to staff, takes the success of this business very personally.

Fresh seafood is flown in daily to provide Oysters Rockefeller, Norwegian Salmon and Seared Ahi Tuna, but you can also order a burger. You won’t see anything on the menu that you don’t recognize, but you might see an old favorite with a new twist, such as the Gourmet Hot Dog. Kevin is charmingly understated when he describes his work as “simple food done well.” He strives for quality and consistency, and each dish is created from scratch with the best and freshest ingredients available. He recently rolled out a new menu that includes new Express Lunch options and an expanded happy hour menu. “We want this to be your home away from home,” said Kevin. “We’re not a destination restaurant; we are a regular go-to. We want you to come see us multiple times a week and know that every time you come in, your food will be exactly the way you like it.”

I insist that you order the jumbo lump crab cakes; I consider myself a crab cake aficionado and these are by far my favorite in town. Do you like duck? Not sure? I wasn’t either, but after tasting the duck confit salad with bleu cheese crumbles, candied pecans, dried cranberries and Champagne vinaigrette, I am now a card-carrying member of Team Duck. Who knew?

And you must promise you’ll save room for dessert because, ladies, Red Velvet Cheesecake. This isn’t a time to be shy; order the cheesecake. You will need about ten million steps to account for the splurge, but it’s okay, because: Red Velvet Cheesecake.

Speaking of splurges, The Grille’s cocktails are really something special. As if the patio and firepit or the outdoor rooftop space overlooking the Square weren’t enticing enough to linger over a couple of drinks, The Grille serves up the most artfully presented cocktails I’ve ever seen. The Petal Pusher has to be my favorite, as much for its pretty purple color and floating bloom as the surprisingly tangy, floral flavors. There are some unique conversation starters on the bar menu. The Hemingway Daiquiri is identical to the original recipe of the famed writer’s signature drink. The iconic El Diablo is believed to have been around for over 100 years, since tequila was first introduced in the United States. During happy hour, you can enjoy these and many other signature cocktails for half price, alongside $6 appetizers.

After 7:00 p.m., the tranquility of cocktail hour gives way to the intimacy of private dining and on weekends, to a kinetic energy fueled by rooftop dancing. Every Friday night, DJ Stann gets the party started with a great mix of tunes that appeal to all ages of rug cutters. Two Saturdays a month, live bands rock the Rooftop. Whether you’re looking for a quick business lunch, a few drinks after work, a romantic date night, or something a little more exciting, The Grille is versatile enough to offer a variety of experiences, all with taste, sophistication and attention to guest satisfaction as the top priorities. HLM

Find The Grille at Park Place at 5270 W. 116th Place, Leawood; visit grilleatparkplace.com for menu previews, gift certificates and reservations.