Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Art of Eating (and Drinking) at the PV Art Fair

Don't miss out on fresh crepes created by Nadine
before your eyes in front of Cafe Provence.
So, what's the best part about art fairs? You might say, "the art" but c'mon... isn't it just another excuse to mill around with a couple hundred people, have drinks-to-go with old friends, and eat some high-end street food?

The Prairie Village Art Fair is this weekend and as it's practically in my backyard I thought I'd share some eating and drinking information to help make it worth your while.

Foodwise this art fair has come a long way. Not only do you have nationally acclaimed French bistro Cafe Provence (previous review) right in the middle of the action but add to that Story (2013 James Beard semi-finalist chef), Tavern in the Village (locals love this place), and newcomer STANDEES (bar/restaurant/movie theater - seriously).

Information below was provided by the establishments themselves (with a couple of comments added from me). All restaurants will be cash-only for outside, patio, and tent purchases.


Go-Cups: Each year The City of Prairie Village makes a special allowance for the art fair and allows attendees to carry adult beverages within the boundaries of the fair (thank you Ordinance #2273).


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Cafe Provence
Outdoor specials will include Nadine's famous crepes. I always go for the Complete (with ham, cheese, and egg) but if you have a sweet tooth don't pass up the dessert variety (strawberry, lemon, banana or Nutella). If you like sangria (who doesn't?) make sure you get a glass or two. Good stuff. Also available outside are beer, wine, water, and soda.

Inside (and in the outdoor seating area) Cafe Provence will feature their full menu as well as an entree special created around Carolina Coast Wreckfish.


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Tavern in the Village
As their restaurant is just outside the actual perimeter of the art fair, Tavern in the Village will have a tent set up within the fair itself. The restaurant of course will be open and offering the full menu.

Food offerings under the tent include:
  • Pulled Pork Tacos with salsa verde and crispy fried onions 
  • Honey Roasted Turkey Wraps with tarragon aioli, lettuce, tomato, and sweet Peppadew relish 
  • Dill Pasta Salad made with a dill dressing, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers 
Beverages include:
  • Blueberry Vodka Lemonades (recommended)
  • Tavern Mojitos (also great)
  • Free State Copperhead Ale 
  • Boulevard Pilsner “KC Pils” 
  • Bud Light 
  • Conquista Malbec 
  • Lindeman’s Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 
  • Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Lemonade, and Water

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Story
Story is located right in the middle of the action and has a good patio for eating, drinking, and people watching. Their regular happy hour, lunch, brunch, and dinner menus will be available all weekend. Chef Thorne-Thomsen will also be offering a seasonal special: soft shell crabs - served fried crisp with lemon aioli and spring slaw.

Bartender/mixologist Christopher Wagner has a couple drink specials just for the art fair:

  • The Lilac - muddled cucumber, Pimms No. 1 Cup, grape juice, Hayman's Old Tom gin, served up with a twist. 
  • Story Sangria - red wine, brandy, honey, Cointreau, freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, infused with apple and orange slices and served over ice. 



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STANDEES
Just opened for one week this Friday STANDEES will be hosting an "open house" for people who would like to see the facility. The kitchen will be featuring a Memphis “Roc” Burger (House-ground Iowa Duroc pork (1/3 lb.), Memphis barbeque rub, crispy shallots, house-made barbeque sauce, Ciabatta bun, Belgian fries). They will also periodically be passing appetizers in front their location and selling drinks to go in plastic cups from the bar.

2 comments:

  1. Kevin, really enjoy reading your blog. You take beautiful photos - what kind of camera do you use?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Shanley! Back at you on the photos. I've got nothing on you.

    That said, I typically use one of three cameras:
    ~ Nikon D700
    ~ Sony RX-100
    ~ iPhone 4S

    The Sony has become my workhorse as it is compact, works well in low light, and supports RAW image format.

    Hope to cross paths...

    ReplyDelete