Bluestem might be Kansas City’s worst kept dining secret. If you were to interview patrons at their award winning location on Westport road you might hear things like, inspiring, elegant, bright, urban but mostly just delicious. Husband and wife duo, Colby and Megan Garrelts, have been delighting the city since 2004. On a recent Sunday morning we decided it was time to give Bluestem's Sunday brunch a try.

There is nothing stuffy about the Bluestem atmosphere but somehow they pull off a refreshingly polished presentation. The lobby and bar are a chic combination of simplicity and style. The art is modern and the restaurant is splashed with bright colors lots of light.

We were quickly seated at white linen covered tables and started with a round of breakfast drinks. The wait staff wasn't quite as hipster as other farm to table restaurants like Bluebird or Westside but Bluestem's placement right in the middle of Westport keeps things feeling unmistakably urban.

Bluestem is often known for classy evenings and fine wine but we quickly found out that they know how to cook a mean breakfast. Their Eggs Benedict caught my eye right away. The dish came with a fresh side salad and some house cut potatoes. All winners.

AmyAnn stuck with a classic breakfast choices and ordered an omelet stuffed with gouda spinach and bacon. Taylor ordered the breakfast platter and got a sampling of some of the best of Bluestem's breakfast. The nuances of both dishes were what stuck out to us. The fresh greens were a hit for all of us for the unique dressing and freshness. Colby and Megan don't cut corners and you can really taste the difference in every dish.

Omelet Salad and Potatoes at Bluestem — Omelet Salad and Potatoes at Bluestem

At the end of the morning though, Bethany had picked the winner. The french toast with spiced nuts and fresh fruit won us all over.

Her plate got passed around the table a few times.

Chef Colby and Megan aren't just delighting locals with their cuisine. On May 6th, 2013 they brought home the coveted James Beard award for Best Chef in the Midwest. The award was finally given to Bluestem after 7 nominations in the last 9 years. Colby and Megan have also been busy with their new Kansas City restaurant concept Rye. The awards, the growth and mostly just the unbelievable food are making Bluestem a dining landmark in Kansas City.

Details:

Hours:

Dining Room:
Tuesday – Saturday from 5:30pm

Lounge:
Tuesday – Saturday 5:00pm to midnight

Sunday Brunch:
10:30am – 2:30pm

bluestem is closed on Monday

Website: http://www.bluestemkc.com/

James Beard Award: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/06/4222113/bluestems-colby-garrelts-wins.html