I had heard that Umi would be open today. On a whim, I took my two sons (ages 1 and 3 1/2) to have a teppanyaki style dinner. The interior of the restaurant is quite striking. There is a floral motif that runs throughout the restaurant, from a subtle pattern on the flooring to bold works of art on the walls. The women's bathroom has a really pretty red and silver tile on the walls. They definitely put a lot into the interior decorating!
As I noted, we chose the teppanyaki dinner (rather than dining from a menu that includes sushi, soba noodles, bento boxes, etc.) That area of the restaurant is bright and has clean lines. We were served a broth with mushroom and scallion as well as a salad with ginger dressing. The hibachi chef did a nice, entertaining job with the meal. Everything was as you would hope it would be for teppanyaki. If you haven't had it before, it's a fun meal where the chef cooks at your table, do fancy tricks, and serve you fried rice, sauted vegetables, and the meat and/or seafood of your choice. The staff was very sweet to me, trying to help entertain the boys.
Overall, I would say this is the best of the teppanyaki-style restaurants that I've visited in NE Kansas. I will go back again to try the sushi and, my favorite dish, age tofu. I'll remember to bring my camera with me when I go back.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sourcing Local Meats
Every Saturday morning is the Downtown Farmer's Market at the corner of 5th and Humboldt. You'll find vendors selling local meats, produce and baked goods. For more information on the market: http://www.localharvest.org/downtown-farmers-market-of-manhattan-kansas-M2177
One of the vendors at the market is Darrell Parks, of Parks Pasture Pork. You can get excellent quality, organic (though not packaged as such, since it is not butchered in an organic facility) pork from Darrell. This pork is some of the best I've ever tasted, and is raised in a very sustainable way. His farm is close to Manhattan, so you can go check out how the pigs are raised on pasture and buy from him and his wife, Donna, directly.
More information about Parks Pasture Pork:
http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/cwfp/parks.pdf
http://www.kansasrivervalley.com/producers/ps110.php
David Heidebrink has some very high quality (often grades out as prime) beef to offer. Like Parks, they sell by the pound at the Downtown Farmer's Market (Saturday mornings) and by the side and half-side. The beef is very well marbled and flavorful. In addition, he and his wife sell eggs, vegetables (this time of year it would be asparagus, arugula, spinach, etc.), jams, nuts and other products.
Here is info on contacting David and his wife Jamie:
http://www.localharvest.org/the-heide-way-farm-M26127
One of the vendors at the market is Darrell Parks, of Parks Pasture Pork. You can get excellent quality, organic (though not packaged as such, since it is not butchered in an organic facility) pork from Darrell. This pork is some of the best I've ever tasted, and is raised in a very sustainable way. His farm is close to Manhattan, so you can go check out how the pigs are raised on pasture and buy from him and his wife, Donna, directly.
More information about Parks Pasture Pork:
http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/cwfp/parks.pdf
http://www.kansasrivervalley.com/producers/ps110.php
David Heidebrink has some very high quality (often grades out as prime) beef to offer. Like Parks, they sell by the pound at the Downtown Farmer's Market (Saturday mornings) and by the side and half-side. The beef is very well marbled and flavorful. In addition, he and his wife sell eggs, vegetables (this time of year it would be asparagus, arugula, spinach, etc.), jams, nuts and other products.
Here is info on contacting David and his wife Jamie:
http://www.localharvest.org/the-heide-way-farm-M26127
Food Network Coming to Manhattan, KS!
Rumor has it that the Great Food Truck Race is coming to Manhattan, KS this weekend. Learn more about it here: http://blogs.pitch.com/fatcity/2011/05/the_great_food_truck_race_roll.php
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Imperial Garden Express
Imperial Garden Express looks like a basic Chinese takeout restaurant. I hadn't considered trying it, figuring it was just basic, American-style Chinese food. However, armed with a tip from a friend, I decided to give it a go. Here's the tip: they have a separate menu, handwritten in Chinese, with entirely different items than their American menu. So, I marched up to the counter, told them that I knew about the "secret" menu, and asked to see it. They showed me it. Which, of course, was no help to me, since I don't read Chinese. After a bit of discussion, I ordered a spicy beef noodle soup. It was delicious. The broth was deep colored and richly flavored with star anise and chile, lots of chile (read: this soup is spicy!)
In any case, this place is promising! I told him that there were Americans who would like to read the "secret" menu. I asked them to translate it. Hopefully, they will. Until then, your options are: 1) learning to read Chinese, 2) selecting from the Chinese menu at random, or 3) ask them to help guide you through the options. For the third choice, you might help them by telling them what kind of meat you want (chicken, beef, pork) and if you want something spicy, and if you want noodles or rice.
In any case, this place is promising! I told him that there were Americans who would like to read the "secret" menu. I asked them to translate it. Hopefully, they will. Until then, your options are: 1) learning to read Chinese, 2) selecting from the Chinese menu at random, or 3) ask them to help guide you through the options. For the third choice, you might help them by telling them what kind of meat you want (chicken, beef, pork) and if you want something spicy, and if you want noodles or rice.
View of the dining room.
The spicy beef noodle soup.
Imperial Garden Express
421 Tuttle Creek Blvd Manhattan, KS 66502
421 Tuttle Creek Blvd Manhattan, KS 66502
Hours :
10:30 am to 9:00 pm Everyday
10:30 am to 9:00 pm Everyday
Phone : (785) 537-1888
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