Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

1^ ^aodl CALIFORNIA RANCH HOUSE — Linwood and Tracy. The wails here are decorated with blown-up reproductions of the illustrations in Paul Wellman's book, "Trampling Herd." Also worth seeinij is a mural on the east wall of the old cattle trails, with reproductions of many famous cattle brands. All quite in keepini; with the spirit of the Ranch House, and interesting in their own right. Likewise, the food. No -entertainment (except a juke box), no drinks. I'ist good solid food. Mr. Griffith is trail boss out here; and you may see Fred Ott or Tom Devine wandering in and out from time to time. They're co-owners. That's right, Tom is Andy Devine's brother. DICK'S BAR-B-Q — "Up the Alley" — off I2ih. between Wyandotte and Central. Duck into the alley — and there it is — a big bright dining room that once was a gambler's den. You'll recognize it outside by its several stained glass panes, and inside by the barbecue oven. The oven is just inside the door, and those logs are real hickory. They keep 'em stacked in the main room. The cook will open up the oven, too, to show you chickens browning lusciously over the smoke, or maybe it will be ham or beef. They grind their own meats here, and the chili is excellent. For atmosphere there are checked tablecloths, old show bills plastered all over the walls, and Dick Stone. He's co-owner here, with Jimmy Nixon. The place is open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and if you drop around after the theatre, you'll probably catch the stars of any production that's in town, eating sauerkraut and barbecue. There's a piano for anyone who feels the urge. No liquor. EL NOPAL — on West J3th — opposite Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The darndcst nook-andcranny you ever saw. with some (A the finest Mexican food in town! It's just a plain little frame house, with two tiny rooms filled with tables, folding chairs, a heating stove, and a big juke box. The walls are hung with flashy PORTS OF CALL Latin pictures that must have been salvaged from old calendars. A friendly black-eyed girl brings in your order — and we suggest that you choose the "combination." This gives you tortillas, enchiladas, tacos. and beans or rice. Or you may want tamales — with the prints of real corn shucks still in the cornmeal part — or some chili. Go easy with their sauce, too; it burns! The cute child who stares around corners at you is Suzanne. (The spelling is ours.) GREEN PARROT INN — 52nd and State Line. One of the nicer excuses for taking a little drive. Mrs. Dowd maintains an establishment of real quality, with excellent food served skilfully in a gracious atmosphere. Three large dining rooms arc softly dressed, linens and silver are company best. Families like it for something a little special. And the fried chicken is extra-special. You'd be wise to have reservations. Call Mrs. Dowd at LO. 5912. KING JOY LO— S West 12th— up.st<iirs. Chinese cooks produce dishes of some authenticity in this amiable restaurant where Don Toy presides. They feature chop sucys, plain or fancied up with shrimp or other items; chow mein; egg foo yung; and a really excellent soup. Also fried rice that's rather rapturous. Tea, too. of course, and rich little almond cookies. If none of these strike your fancy, there are American dishes available. It's fun. if you can get there first, to sit at a window table and watch Kansas City go by, up and down Main or 12th Street. The furnishings are in character, and you'll like the tables — heavy carved affairs with marble center. TEA HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD— 9 East 4Uh. You'll find it a few blocks west of the Gallery, just off Main. It's a huge and splcmfi^J old house, filled with fireplaces, oak beams, and a sweeping staircase. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Thatcher, a couple of genial ladies who know their business, have created and maintained a reputation for good CITY HALL • KANSAS CITY food, well prepared and neatly served. Their waiters have lovely manners, and they're quick. Fried chicken is the feature, presented in its proper setting — snowy linen, bright silver, bits of Spode — all sedate and genial, gently Victorian, and really very nice. Capacity is ciround 125, but you must have reservations. Phone WEsport 7700. WEISS' CAFE--I2I5 Baltimore. The only place in downtown Kansas City where you find crisp golden potato pancakes, chopped livers, and Gcfulte fish. It's a big, busy restaurant that features kosher-style cooking. Marinated herring, cheese blintzes with sour cream, Jewish soups and matzos balls, rich and complicated pics — they're all on the bill of fare, along with meats, chicken, and hearty breads. It's a family restaurant, especially on Sundays, and only about half the crowds arc Jewish. The gentleman who hustles a tabic for you will probably be Mr. Weiss. WESTWARD-HO!114 "Famou.* Old Wf.^1 1 2th Street." Gather round, you buckeroos, thar's meat in them thar sandwiches! This new landmark on the old Westport Trail features Kansas City steaks, "Trail Boss Size"; Dodge City Double veal chops, "As