Article Susan Fotovich McCabe | Photography Angela C. Bond
Some things never change. And by that I mean that a night out at one of Kansas City finest restaurants must always include a reservation at EBT.
Nothing compares to the elegance and sophisticated ambience of this Kansas City favorite, around since 1979 and located inside the atrium of the UMB Bank building at 1310 Carondolet, near State Line and I-435. EBT takes its name from former downtown Kansas City department store, Emery, Bird, Thayer. In fact, the restaurant’s décor includes many items taken from the department store when it was demolished in 1971, like the stained glass, much of the masonry, wrought iron archways and most notably, the two brass elevator cages. Guests can actually reserve a table in one of the two elevator cages, almost feeling transported to another time and place! Each elevator cage can accommodate up to four guests.
Renovated in 2006, EBT is as contemporary as it is classic and sports some of the most whimsical lighting I’ve ever seen. My husband and I recently dined at EBT when we decided we wanted to enjoy a long, leisurely dining experience with good food. In between the bread and the salad, we glanced upward to describe what each light fixture looked like to us. The serene sounds of small, bubbling water features and roses (fresh and lighted rose sculptures that hang above the bar) made it a peaceful dining experience.
Our evening began with a plentiful basket of breads, some soft and some thin, toast-like slices that have a taste that’s addictive! Our Caesar salad and Spinach, Feta and Almond salad arrive, and both were delicious, though I could have easily ordered the Apple, Gorgonzola and Red Leaf salad.
It was tough deciding on the entrees. Selections such as Truffle-Honey Glazed Pork Chops, Lemon, Tomato and Fennel Chicken, Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin Medallions and Grilled Atlantic Salmon caught my eye. But in the end, my husband ordered the 12-ounce Kansas City Strip, hand-cut, dry-aged, grilled and finished with a Bordelaise sauce. I was swayed by the special that evening, a Petite Filet Mignon, topped with baby Gulf shrimp and a creamy sauce. A cheese-infused serving of mashed potatoes and vegetables rounded out our orders.
EBT General Manager Adam Horner describes the restaurant as a “scratch kitchen” whenever and wherever possible, going to the extent of baking its own dinner service bread fresh daily and all its own salad dressings from Chef Tate’s personal spice mixture recipes. All are 100 percent gluten free.
In fact, Horner says EBT is continually taking steps to be more gluten friendly and always willing to accommodate whenever possible.
As good as the menu was the night we visited, EBT has even more surprises in store this month. EBT is launching a new specialty cocktail menu, Classics with a Twist, featuring cocktails such as the ‘Green Eyed Monster,’ a Hendrick’s Gin Gimlet, served up with basil-infused lime syrup and a fresh cucumber wheel garnish. It is rolling out new lunch and dinner menu items, as well, including an updated wine list. Check EBTRestaurant.com for updates on Wednesday wine nights from 5 p.m. to close, with 50 percent off all bottles priced $75 and lower. EBT also offers a Happy Hour, Tuesday-Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with special pricing on appetizers, well cocktails, wine, beer and martinis. Its second-floor, private dining room can accommodate up to 50, offering a bird’s eye view of the restaurant below.
Of course, don’t leave without enjoying one of EBT’s delicious desserts. In addition to made-to-order soufflés, guests can order Fresh Berries and Cream, New York Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bean Crème Bruleè, Almond Praline Ice Cream, Limoncello Flute or Bananas Foster, prepared tableside for parties up to 18 after 5 p.m.
EBT is open for lunch, Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. One of my favorite features of visiting EBT online is the ability to make my reservation myself via its online reservation booking system. Just click the “reservations” tab and explore the menu online so you can enjoy the good food and unique décor when you arrive!
EBT | 1310 Carondolet | Kansas City | 816.942.8870 | EBTRestaurant.com
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