Black Dirt restaurant review

Black Dirt

Needs Some Work

The newly anticipated restaurant fails to satisfy with the food and price.

BY GRACIE ROBERTS REPORTER

Black Dirt, the long awaited restaurant, finally opened Jan. 19, yet does not fulfill the hype with its disappointing dishes and steep prices. However, the restaurant’s atmosphere and prime location attracts all kinds of customers.

James Beard-nominated owner Jonathan Justus opened Black Dirt in the South Plaza on 5070 Main Street. In addition, he also owns a popular restaurant in Smithville called Justus Drugstore. Justus was inspired by his work in a Parisian restaurant with the concept of having no more than five elements. He ended up bringing that into his work and cooking at Black Dirt, aiming towards items of three to five elements, meaning the dishes served at the restaurants would only have three to five components to that specific dish.

The menu is broken into four categories: small plates cold, small plates warm, small plates cold and warm, and larger plates. As for dessert, of course there is also a menu for those with a sweet-tooth. Bar snacks are also available for those who take advantage of the bar area for those who are simply hungry and need a snack before their meal is served.

One of the most popular cold plates is the “Missouri Caesar,” at a price of $10.50. It is not the typical caesar salad as the lettuce is first char-broiled and paired with cubes of fried catfish that take the place of croutons. The salad is also served with a trout based dressing instead of the typical anchovy dressing. Different and unique? Absolutely. But for those true caesar salad fans out there, it might not be their cup of tea. A few other “unique” menu items involve gizzards, duck, pigtail and duck eggs. Don’t worry though, for the more classic customers they offer a mean fried chicken using local Kansas City “Campolindo Farm” chicken.

Another cool and distinct factor of the restaurant is that they support local businesses ranging from Campolindo, Westover Farms and FEATURED Shatto. If one believes in supporting local businesses, they should give the restaurant MEALS: a try. FRIED CHICKEN

From a price standpoint, small plates $24 are at a $10 price point and large plates go up to $70. For those on a budget, it is MILK PRAISED recommended to stick to the small and BERKSHIRE PORK warm plates or the wallet will be sorry. However, atmosphere of a restaurant $22, gluten free is a crucial factor and Black Dirt provides a sense of friendliness and liveliness. DAILY STEAK FROM Inside, the place was very clean and VALLEY OAKS FARM well put together. The outside of the $24, gluten free restaurant was open and the sign was well-lit with bright green, that will surely attract customers. The restaurant is also BARLEY AND ALLIUMS $22, vegan in a popular area: South Plaza. SundayThursday, they open at 4 p.m. and seat until 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday they open at 4 p.m. and seat until 11 p.m. With the times being a bit different than most places, it ends up as an inconvenience.

The bottom line is that Black Dirt is definitely unique but not exactly as exciting as Kansas City locals had hoped.

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