Harvest by Chef Renee Kelley has been on my short list of restaurants to visit for a while. I was humbled and elated when I received the invite along with other bloggers to attend a private tasting dinner of her current menu. The outside of the restaurant felt like I was staring onto a gorgeous and enchanting magical castle. The building was lit up with Christmas lights which added to the magic. While walking through the courtyard I wasn’t sure if I wanted to throw a bouquet or frolic throughout while sing birds perched on my finger. Yes, it’s truly that enchanting.
Our service was attentive and knowledgeable of the menu giving great detail as she placed dish after dish on the table. After noshing for a while, we were greeted by the one and only Chef Kelly (in my Oprah voice). Chef Kelly is absolutely beautiful! She asked if we had questions about the menu and answered all questions in great detail. Ok, let’s get to what you really came to see…the food!
Starters –
Super Sticky Sauce Duck wings made with Guinness honey – I am a wings girl! As a matter of fact, I could eat buffalo wings every day. I’ve never had duck wings. Let me say – Get out the way chicken the duck has taken over. The super sticky sauce was deliciously sticky indeed.
Pork Belly with tri colored pear glazed topped with micro greens – Talk about bacon on steroids. The thick slice piece of pork perfection was lightly seared on top with creamy salty goodness in the middle. Pork belly is by favor my favorite part of the pig. – Sorry Porky.
Entrees –
Divine Dumplings – The dumplings are made with pecans, coconut oil, swiss chard, and parmesan cheese is so good, it will make any meat eater contemplate on going vegan.
Coffee and molasses pork chop* with smoked sunchokes, winter squash, bacon and sautéed kale. This pork chop will make convert the most devout anti-pork pusher back over to the succulent swine.
Rabbit saddle* with white bean ragout braising greens pancetta – I expected this to taste gamy, but it was not gamy at all. Sorry Bugs, I’ve ate a wabbit and I liked it.
Sarsaparilla short rib* with root vegetable puree, roasted and raw and braising greens – This was my favorite dish of the evening. Simply Amazing!
Scotch filet* with sweet potato mushroom gnocchi, demi and butter braised turnips – Harvest is the “only” place in the city where you can experience a scotch filet. And I can tell you it’s a hunk a chunk a meaty love.
Crispy skin striped bass* red rice, saffron cream, ancho glaze and petite salad – Bass is a fish I’m not accustomed too, However we quickly became affiliated with one another after a few bites. Call me!
The two favorite desserts included: Homemade Smores and the Deconstructed Apple Pie. The only thing bad about these desserts are sharing them. Trust me you will want them all for yourself. (It’s okay – dessert should be about you)
Chef Kelly shared her food story with us and it was awe inspiring. I asked her a couple of questions and was quite surprised at her answers:
1) What is your favorite restaurant? – Tannin Wine Bar & Blue Koi
2) How often do you cook outside of the restaurant? I cook only once a week for the whole week.
3) Do you support local charities – Yes, I would love to support them all. But I usually support about two a year. The experience cooking for the people of Joplin, Missouri after the disaster was so humbling.
If you have not experience the culinary genius of Chef Renee Kelly’s Harvest you are missing out. Not will the restaurant make you feel as if you are dining with royalty. The food is clean, cooked with locally sourced items, and will make you planning your next dining visit before you leave the table. Be sure to visit Harvest soon if you have not already, I promise your palate will “Thank you”.
Renee Kelly’s Harvest
12401 Johnson Dr.
Shawnee Mission, KS 66216
Telephone:
+1 913 631 4100
Looks delicious! I was so bummed I couldn’t make it since that was my birthday night. I’m looking forward to trying it soon!