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The Kansas Sampler Foundation announced the 24 finalists for the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine. From 124 public nominations, the following were selected to represent the diversity of Kansas cuisine.
In alphabetical order:
* Anchor Inn, Hutchinson
* Bobo's Drive In, Topeka
* Brookville Hotel, Abilene
* Carolyn's Essenhaus, Arlington
* Charlie's Mexcian Restaurant, Leoti
* Cozy Inn, Salina
* Crawford County Fried Chicken
* Crazy R's, Goodland
* C.W. Porubsky's, Topeka
* Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence
* Fritz's Union Station, Kansas City
* Grand Central Hotel, Cottonwood Falls
* Guy and Mae's Tavern, Williamsburg
* Hays House 1857 Restaurant and Tavern, Council Grove
* Hibachi Hut, Manhattan
* Homer's Drive Inn, Leavenworth
* Josie's Ristorante, Scammon
* NuWay, Wichita
* Olive Tree Bistro, Wichita
* Paolucci's Restaurant, Atchison
* Pho Hoa, Garden City
* Prairie Nut Hut, Altoona
* Trapper's Bar and Grill, Simpson
* WheatField's Bakery, Lawrence
The criteria was that the restaurant had to originate in Kansas, be in operation for ten years or more, be a non-national franchise, and be iconic beyond their home region.
Foundation director Marci Penner said, "If someone dropped in to Kansas on a parachute and went to every one of these 24 restaurants, they would know our history and people pretty well by the time they waddled back home. This list has everything on it from steaks to Vietnamese food, fine dining to ribs served on newspaper."
The public may vote for their top eight online at www.8wonders.org or once by paper ballot. Ballots can be picked up at one of the finalists or by calling 620.585.2374. One e-mail address may be used three times to vote.
"We know that there will be great debates and controversy about this list," Penner said. "Imagine the job of picking only 24 out of all the great restaurants in every part of the state. The second grouping of 24 was also an excellent list. Use this as as starter-kit list and get out there this summer and eat your way across Kansas!"
The contest purpose is to educate the world about Kansas and encourage travel. Penner said, "I really hope people will learn more about these restaurants by clicking on the pictures at www.8wonders.org. The story behind the food and faces is what makes a person fall in love with these locally-owned places."
The Cuisine contest is one in a series organized by the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation. The eight rural culture elements used by the Foundation to help a town assess itself are each showcased in their own contest. Previously, the top 8 Wonders have been decided in Architecture, Art, and Commerce. After Cuisine, the focus will be on Customs, Geography, History, and People. The overall 8 Wonders of Kansas were contested and announced on Kansas Day 2008. All results can be seen at www.8wonders.org.
The Kansas Sampler Foundation announced the 24 finalists for the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine. From 124 public nominations, the following were selected to represent the diversity of Kansas cuisine.
In alphabetical order: * Anchor Inn, Hutchinson * Bobo's Drive In, Topeka * Brookville Hotel, Abilene * Carolyn's Essenhaus, Arlington * Charlie's Mexcian Restaurant, Leoti * Cozy Inn, Salina * Crawford County Fried Chicken * Crazy R's, Goodland * C.W. Porubsky's, Topeka * Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence * Fritz's Union Station, Kansas City * Grand Central Hotel, Cottonwood Falls * Guy and Mae's Tavern, Williamsburg * Hays House 1857 Restaurant and Tavern, Council Grove * Hibachi Hut, Manhattan * Homer's Drive Inn, Leavenworth * Josie's Ristorante, Scammon * NuWay, Wichita * Olive Tree Bistro, Wichita * Paolucci's Restaurant, Atchison * Pho Hoa, Garden City * Prairie Nut Hut, Altoona * Trapper's Bar and Grill, Simpson * WheatField's Bakery, Lawrence The criteria was that the restaurant had to originate in Kansas, be in operation for ten years or more, be a non-national franchise, and be iconic beyond their home region. Foundation director Marci Penner said, "If someone dropped in to Kansas on a parachute and went to every one of these 24 restaurants, they would know our history and people pretty well by the time they waddled back home. This list has everything on it from steaks to Vietnamese food, fine dining to ribs served on newspaper." The public may vote for their top eight online at www.8wonders.org or once by paper ballot. Ballots can be picked up at one of the finalists or by calling 620.585.2374. One e-mail address may be used three times to vote. "We know that there will be great debates and controversy about this list," Penner said. "Imagine the job of picking only 24 out of all the great restaurants in every part of the state. The second grouping of 24 was also an excellent list. Use this as as starter-kit list and get out there this summer and eat your way across Kansas!" The contest purpose is to educate the world about Kansas and encourage travel. Penner said, "I really hope people will learn more about these restaurants by clicking on the pictures at www.8wonders.org. The story behind the food and faces is what makes a person fall in love with these locally-owned places." The Cuisine contest is one in a series organized by the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation. The eight rural culture elements used by the Foundation to help a town assess itself are each showcased in their own contest. Previously, the top 8 Wonders have been decided in Architecture, Art, and Commerce. After Cuisine, the focus will be on Customs, Geography, History, and People. The overall 8 Wonders of Kansas were contested and announced on Kansas Day 2008. All results can be seen at www.8wonders.org.
