Get ready for your mouth to water as you find out where these folks like to grab a bite, and tell us about some of their favorite foods, and explain why they are so important to them today.
Laura Lock
Laura Lock is the wife of Andy Lock, who owns popular restaurants around the metro, including Summit Grill and Bar, Third Street Social and Pearl Tavern KC in Lee's Summit. She is the mother of Drew Lock, now a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, and daughter Claire Lock who attends UMKC. She also volunteers for Our Lady of Presentation Catholic School and works with and for Andy and Drew! She jokingly noted, "My kids would say I am an awful cook because my competition, our restaurants, always make me look bad!"
What is your favorite comfort food or favorite meal? Why?
My go-to comfort food is cookie dough with a cold glass of skim milk, preferably mini chocolate chips and homemade dough only. I promise my blood sugar levels are OK! I will occasionally bake the dough to enjoy hot chocolate chip cookies but not very often. This not so healthy comfort food addiction started with my mom who would always give a beater of dough to my sister and I and let dad scrape the bowl. This is one of the only recipes I have memorized. After 40 plus years of eating raw dough I can also tell you honestly that a raw egg will not make you sick, it is a false claim! My favorite meal at home is a ribeye on the grill with a loaded baked potato and sweet corn on the cob. No recipes needed and Midwest eating at its best. My grandpa and dad have always raised cattle so growing up we may have had very little, but we always had a deep freezer of beef. A good steak meal is nostalgic for me. My dad still to this day when we sit down for a good steak dinner will say, "I wonder what the rich people are eating tonight kids—it can't be any better than this!"
Do you prefer Sweet or Savory?
SWEET! I am all about sweets - sweet meats, sweet potatoes, sweet desserts, sweet drinks!
Favorite spots in town:
Pearl Tavern, Third Street Social and Summit Grill. I HAVE to say this right?! Ha Ha! They truly are my favorite. When I don't go to one of our restaurants, I enjoy Mint Sushi and Main Slice Pizza.
Quick bite favorite spot?
Panera Bread and Lakewood Local.
Favorite place as a splurge?
Splurging for me means I am getting something really bad for me, a guilty pleasure, like a DQ Peanut Buster Parfait or a chess pie from Pearl Tavern. Our most recent meal splurge was dinner in Denver at Shanahan's, an upscale steakhouse, where we ate with Drew after a pre-season game. Not sure why, we are still picking up the tab, Ha Ha, but the food and company was worth the price!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Very traditional recipe except that I use butter and Crisco sticks rather than all butter. Enjoy!
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla (we like vanilla)
1 stick of REAL butter (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup of butter-flavored shortening (Crisco sticks)
2 eggs
1. Cream butter, eggs and shortening, follow with both sugars and vanilla.
2. Mix dry ingredients together and blend into creamed mixture.
3. If you plan on actually cooking the dough, I suggest putting it in the fridge for an hour before cooking.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 minutes or less! Let them finish baking on the pan if they seem underdone.
Mike Childs
Mike Childs began working with the Lee’s Summit Police Department in 1989 and became Major in the Investigations Division of the Department this year. Prior to this position, he worked as the first K-9 officer with canine partner, Caiv. He then became a D.A.R.E. officer in both elementary and middle school instruction before becoming the department public information officer. Major Childs was promoted to sergeant in 2005 holding supervisory positions in Administration, Operations and Investigations before being promoted to captain in 2012 as a shift commander in Operations. He was promoted to major in 2015 first fulfilling the Operations Commander position before moving to Criminal Investigations.
What is your favorite comfort food or favorite meal? Why?
I believe it is popular with many, and there are a lot of variations, but my tater tot casserole always hits the spot with the family. I picked the recipe out of one of our family reunion books in the early ‘90s and I’ve been baking it ever since. In the ‘90s with young kids, and my wife and I both working full time, it was easy, simplistic goodness we would all eat. It’s still a favorite, but I haven’t won over my grandson yet, it’s a texture thing with him. Now for pure comfort, and if I didn’t care about health and fitness, a package of Oreos and glass of milk until I succumb to a food coma.
Do you prefer Sweet or Savory?
Both I would say. I think that’s why the Hawaiian pizza with peppers is so appealing. Yes, pineapple does belong on a pizza!
Favorite spots in town:
Since moving to the west side of town I’m always up for Long Bell’s, and the taco flight or O.G. burger. Word of caution though, you must eat the spicy shrimp taco first. That’s too much spice to end a meal with. I’d then go with Johnny’s for the sensory overload of live sports broadcasting.
Quick bite favorite spot?
I hate to mention this because I think it’s a hidden gem and easy to get a table, but Tiff N Jay’s is one of our favorite spots on a whim. Maybe it’s a tater tot thing again, but the tenderloin sliders and tots are outstanding.
Favorite place as a splurge?
I can’t limit the option in Lee’s Summit to just one, so I’ll say both Third Street Social and Pearl Tavern KC. Each outstanding, even without the Sunday mimosas. The Pearl could change the avant-garde silverware though, too small and spindly for my man-hands.
Tater Tot Casserole
1.5 pounds ground beef, browned
2 cans green beans, drained
Multiple Velveeta (my choice) slices or any sliced cheese
1 can of cream of mushroom soup thinned with ¼ cup or so of milk
Tater tots, full bag
Layer:
Ground beef first, then drained green beans, cheese slices, smear soup over cheese slices, then line tater tots over soup smear, and I do line them up to seal in the ingredients for a good bake.
Cook at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes
Bob Glaser
Bob Glaser has been known in our community as a champion of volunteerism for more than 50 years. Bob worked for Sears as a store manager in KC, then the Independence location, until 1992 when he retired to hold several prominent roles with more than 30 nonprofits, including Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Heart of America United Way, Hope House and more. He has been awarded several honors over the years, including LS Community of Character Lifetime Achievement Award and LS Hometown Hero. He transitioned into the world of banking when he joined Summit Bank of Kansas City as their vice-president of community development, and now acts as the community development partner for CommunityAmerica Credit Union. He and his wife, Alissa, have been married 26 years. They enjoy spending time with their five children, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
What is your favorite comfort food or meal?
My favorite comfort food is standing rib roast with angel pie for dessert.
My first job when I was 14 was sacking groceries at a Safeway grocery store. I was working the day before Mother’s Day and had not had time to shop for a gift for my mother. I went to the meat department and bought a standing rib roast, put a bow on it, and gave it to mom for Mother’s Day. After that, any time we celebrated or when I came to visit, she would make a standing rib roast with angel pie for dessert. Angel pie is a meringue crust with lemon and egg yolk filling, covered with real whipped cream.
Sweet or Savory?
A: Actually, savory with a touch of sweet!
What are some of your favorite spots in town?
A: Some of my favorite spots are Third Street Social, Pearl Tavern in Lee’s Summit and Ophelia’s on the Independence Square.
What is your favorite spot for a quick bite to eat?
A: I love to stop by at 3 Trails Brewery across the street from Ophelia’s on the Independence Square for great craft beer and snack from every restaurant on the square!
What is your favorite place to splurge?
A: Either Jasper’s Italian Restaurant or The Capital Grille.
Amy Keith
Amy Keith is the owner of FLAVOR, a new Spice Shop and Specialty Food Market opening soon in Downtown Lee's Summit. FLAVOR is your one-stop-shop for all things that bring FLAVOR to what you eat! This unique shop will offer a wide array of spices, both international and domestic; whole and ground; dried and fresh, as well as small batch sauces, marinades, salsas, from local food crafters. They will also have a selection of dried mushrooms and chilis, oils & vinegars, specialty barbecue items and many more FLAVOR-packed surprises! They will also have local cheeses. Their social media for people to watch and follow is @flavorkc1 on Instagram and Facebook.
What is your favorite comfort food or favorite meal? Why? Recipe?
It is definitely a challenge for a person who lives and breathes food to name one specific favorite food or meal. Food for me is much like music, different meals and tastes, just like different songs and notes, make me flush with unique memories and feelings. I could tell you about how my father walking though door with barbecue wrapped in brown paper from Arthur Bryant's, or how when I woke up to the smell of fresh bacon at my grandma's farmhouse, or how the Italian Sausage and Artichoke Soup (see recipe) my mom made for the holidays would make my food soul sing. However, the first time I went to the Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Kansas City in the ‘90s, where we ate multiple dishes from all over the world, was when I knew my food journey had changed forever. Dishes, spices and flavors I could never conceive of. As a tradition, my two boys and I have continued to have that eating experience every year for the last 20 years!
Sharon Rose's Holiday Italian Sausage Artichoke Soup
4 Servings
1 pound mild (or hot) Italian sausage
1 small white onion (diced)
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or chopped fresh garlic)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire powder (found at FLAVOR)
2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence (found at FLAVOR)
1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
3-4 cups chicken broth
1 jar (or can) chopped artichoke hearts (liquid removed)
In a stock pot, cook sausage and onion until meat is cooked through and onions are translucent. Add onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire powder, Herbs de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth and artichoke hearts. Simmer over medium heat for 1 hour. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with garlic bread. Double or triple as you see fit.
Do you prefer Sweet or Savory?
I'm definitely a savory gal! That's why I have a tendency to cook and not bake, and I rarely order dessert. In the last few years I have a developed a greater love for the sweets, but even better if there is a savory element, like coffee or something spicy. (Refer to my dessert pick below.)
Favorite spots in town:
This definitely depends on what I am in the mood for, but here are my most recent favorite picks:
Breakfast: Ginger Sue's: Crab Cake Benedict
Brunch: Third Street Social—Roasted Brussels and Cauliflower/Truffled Grilled Cheese & Soup de Jour (though we did kill the Tomahawk Steak for Two one time)
Lunch: Smoke Brewing, Co. —Blackened Shrimp Risotto
Happy Hour: Summit Bar & Grill—Togarashi Seared Ahi Tuna
Dinner: Konrad's (I'm not a pizza person, but I LOVE theirs and so much more)
Dessert: Poppy's Ice Cream & Coffee House—Chocolate Chipotle Sorbet
Midnight Snack: Leftovers from any of the above!
International Flair: Mali Thai Bistro or Mint Sushi
Quick bite favorite spot?
Get in, get out; Johnny Ray's forever.
Favorite place as a splurge?
Pearl Tavern—Oysters, so many oysters! And, the Cioppino is my favorite in Kansas City.
Bill Baird
Bill Baird is mayor of Lee’s Summit and is dedicated to his community. He and his wife, Hillory, have two children, Bailey and Grant, and also work together at Baird Realty Group. He has fond memories of foods from his life, and a number of favorite spots in town.
What is your favorite comfort food or favorite meal? Why?
My favorite family recipes are my mother’s fried chicken, potato salad (pickles and eggs included), and Dutch apple pie, made with red delicious apples. My grandmother taught my wife, Hillory, and I a lot of simple and easy comfort foods. For example, to this day Thanksgiving isn’t complete until the night after when we make turkey hash with turkey gravy—the greatest comfort food of all time. When time is not on my side and I am in the blues, for some reason pork or beef ribs and all the side fixings make me happy.
Do you prefer Sweet or Savory?
Just saying the word savory makes me yearn for some Pad Thai, Mexican Skillet or Buffalo Chicken Salad, but all my savory cravings get satisfied during football season with the continual servings of delicious appetizers, white and red chilis, and amazing dips my wife dishes up!
Favorite spots in town:
Sabor Latino, authentic Latino, is my favorite best-kept secret, but they are moving downtown Lee’s Summit, so I will have to share with the rest of the world now. Summit Grill is still my favorite of the “got to go trio.” However, a newcomer in town called Bella’s Italian Restaurant may end up stealing my heart. They will be open by the time this prints.
Quick bite favorite spot?
I don’t do quick bites, but when I do it has to be fast, friendly, and service-oriented. It’s not easy to find all three, but Konrad’s Kitchen has a delicious and quick lunch menu while always keeping your glass full. Drive-thru for me is only a sandwich. DQ Burgers still own me from childhood. Arby’s can’t be beat. I am willing to get in line for a Diet Coke from McDonald’s if I need a pick-me-up. If you don’t know the scoop on Coke drinks and McDonalds, it’s worth the Google search.
Favorite place as a splurge?
My favorite splurge would be a steak and seafood combo whether that is finer dining such as the Pearl Tavern or Marina Grog and Galley, an Asian cuisine such as Thai Spice’s “Amazing Thailand Dinner” or even Habanero’s Spicy Skillet (add steak and shrimp.)
