5 Questions with Rebekah Dykstra from Kansas City Food Tours in Missouri
Rebekah Dykstra is the owner & operator of Taste of Kansas City Food Tours. We asked her a few questions about the local food scene...
1. What foods is Kansas City known for?
The obvious answer here would be BBQ & Steaks, and while that is largely true, Kansas City is becoming recognized as an up-and-coming culinary destination for some of the most artistic & imaginative chefs' in the nation.
We are now a solid, multicultural epicenter of everything from BBQ & Mexican to European & Farm-to-Table.
Kansas City also serves up authentic Thai, seriously great Indian, dim sum to cure the worst hangover, and street tacos that would be at home in San Miguel, not to mention a bevy of high-end, local-ingredient-driven spots where the chef strolling the dining room may have been on TV the night before.
And if you’re looking for something with a liquid base, the city’s thriving artisanal craft cocktail scene will not disappoint.
2. When foodies come to Kansas City for the first time, what should they check out?
Whew...this is a loaded question! Again, the obvious answer here is join up on a Taste of Kansas City Food Tour ! Do this at the beginning of your stay and you will walk away with a wealth of information on what is taking place in our city both in Cuisine and Culture giving you plenty of options for the remainder of your stay here!
You will also want to be sure and check out the Boulevard Brewing Company Brewery Tours as they offer several different tour options that will cater to even the most diehard micro-brew drinker.
Christopher Elbow Chocolates ! Mmmm...just saying his name makes me salivate. Chris's chocolates have been featured on Oprah's Best. He has also been voted by Food & Wine magazine as 'America's #1 Chocolatier..' RUN..don't walk to his headquarters in the Crossroads District. (Or just take my tour and you will see it then.
3. What can people expect on your food tours?
You can expect great food and great fun. Our Food Tours will take you through some of Kansas City's most historic and cultural gems by way of five-six delicious tastings from local restaurants and specialty food shops.
You’ll taste local favorites including the most decadent, artisan chocolates; a unique spin on authentic Hungarian Ghoulasch; and locally brewed beer inspired by the agriculture and crops of Kansas City farmers.
You will learn how the establishments came to be, who owns them and a few fun and interesting stories along the way.
Eating your way through the tour is just one of the highlights … add a smidge of history, a dash of culture and a pinch of famous name dropping … and you get a delicious afternoon of fun. Our enthusiastic our guides will share their knowledge and recommendations of architectural standouts, backdoor venues and Kansas City’s role in Prohibition as well as exciting local attractions and restaurants.
4. When is the best time of year for a foodie to visit Kansas City?
Anytime is a great time since many of our restaurants offer seasonal menus. It is always changing and evolving here in the culinary world.
However, April-October will really afford you the best opportunity to enjoy the weather comfortably and savor the delicious dishes that may come from the community garden or farmer's market.
5. What would surprise foodies about Kansas City?
We truly have it all; from 5 stars to no stars we are fierce competitors to the dining scenes all over the world that may be known for its cuisine. San Francisco, New York, Chicago you name it and we are in the game and a force to be reckoned with!
