If you plan to write about BBQ options in the Northland, don’t be uninformed about a fairly new place in Weston, Mo. Turns out you really don’t have to go as far as I might have led you to believe a few weeks ago.I wrote on the subject of BBQ snobbery just a few weeks ago and quickly received a few calls to inform me of my perceived error. The Tin Kitchen operates on Weston’s Main Street, and, if like me, you have never been inside, you might not have known that BBQ is the specialty in this restaurant. I promised that I’d make the trip and even made plans to grab lunch with my mom.
That kept seeming to get pushed back, so I took intrepid reporter Bryce Mereness there for a casual work meeting recently to give it the once over.
To refresh those who might have missed it, I recently lamented the lack of solid BBQ options in the booming Kansas City market for those of us in Platte County. The food has become trendy and is almost always delicious if you choose the right spots.
And therein lies the danger of undertaking this type of assignment.
What if I didn’t like it? I’m not very good at skirting around the truth, especially when it comes to BBQ, and I really wanted to address the Tin Kitchen in this space.
Luckily, I enjoyed myself.
The ribs at Tin Kitchen are billed as “St. Louis style” so I opted against those because if they were made in the traditional sense of those words I would’ve ordered overdone meat stuck to some bones and slathered in ketchup. Hard pass. I went with the combo plate of brisket and pulled pork which covered most of the bases on a simple menu and the side of baked beans and fries.
The meat had good flavor and wasn’t overdone. The beans were very thick, and although different from a lot of traditional versions, were more than adequate. The sauce, which you shouldn’t need much of anyway, was also just fine.
I didn’t go with the “overnight slaw,” but that gives me a reason to try again. Along with what Bryce ordered: the brisket sandwich with onion rings and cheddar. That thing looked quite filling and made me think of Joe’s Kansas City’s famous Z-Man — one of the best BBQ sandwiches you will ever eat.
So mom can still have that lunch date when she’s ready, and I’ll definitely go back. Give it a try if you are in the area.
***
Might as well stick with the business theme here, and why not more restaurant news?
Some of you may have noticed that Mexico Lindo recently shuttered its doors, taking away another dine-in option in Platte City. However, word is that El Maguey — a regional Mexican restaurant chain — will be filling the spot eventually.
I’ve never been a fan of El Maguey’s food, and I was sad to see Mexico Lindo go. The restaurant struggles in Platte City continue — unless it is fast food.
Speaking of which, I talked to city officials about the Culver’s Restaurant location on the end of the Roberts Chevrolet lot. A lot of the demo and concrete work has been completed, albeit with a brief oops with an electrical line, but the construction phase still needs time.
No delays have been announced, meaning the Culver’s could be ready to go by September as originally planned.
***
In non-food business news, Meritas Health plans to build a new facility along Running Horse Road, near Price Chopper. This will be located on one of the few vacant, undeveloped lots in Platte City. The new clinic location replaces the current one on Marshall Road.
This should allow for an expansion of services and draw in more clientele.
According to the business’ website, Meritas Health Platte City provides individualized care for acute and chronic illnesses, preventative care exams for all ages, well child care and immunizations, school and sports physicals and minor surgical procedures. The clinic is staffed by three board-certified family physicians and a certified family nurse practitioner and have staff privileges with North Kansas City Hospital.
Platte Medical Clinic became part of Meritas Health Corporation in 1996.
Ross Martin is publisher of The Citizen. He may be reached via email at editor@plattecountycitizen.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Citizen_Ross.