LoAnn Loves...Kansas City Eats

Photos in order: Courtesy Kansas City CVA; Getty
Story by LoAnn Halden

Kudos to fellow gay travel writer Andrew Collins for turning me on to blue bird bistro (1700 Summit St.; 816-221-7559) during my last visit to Kansas City, Mo. When I make it back to my hometown, all my travel journalist instincts shut down and I end up spending way too much time on my aunt's couch, snacking on comfort food; it doesn't occur to me to dig for hidden culinary gems. But this tucked-away, west-side-of-downtown eatery specializes in sustainable, local, and organic fare that's worth seeking out on your next trip through the Heartland.

Gourmet magazine named it one of the country's best farm-to-table restaurants in fall 2007 -- but there's no pretension in this casual spot, cozily nestled into an 1890s brick building with pressed-tin ceiling and a drugstore-tile floor. Each mouthful of the pizzas, salads, and mouth-watering house-made desserts is a blissful reminder of what food is meant to taste like when it's not addled with additives. And we didn't even get to the seasonal risotto, organic green curry, or roast bison. Next trip!

I wouldn't have found blue bird bistro without my friend's tip. Why not share yours with other readers: What's the best restaurant you've stumbled upon in recent travels? Send a description to loann@outtraveler.com and I'll include some in an upcoming "LoAnn Loves…" column.

LoAnn Halden is a contributing editor to OutTraveler.com. Check back often for more dispatches on her travel "loves."