"Hi, May I Help You?"

I've been on the short end of the dining experience more than once. Sometimes despite the fact that the destination has received favorable critical reviews. The evening, or lunch, begins with tons of promise and invariably ends on a less than stellar note. This was not the case last week when I was commissioned by work to attend a conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Whenever I travel, business or otherwise, food takes center stage. My mission is always the same, find the local eateries that offer fresh seasonal cuisine. Fortunately for yours truly, sweet, spicy slow cooked meat is always in season in KC...heh, heh, heh. The City of Fountains, as KC is also known, makes a great case for being the undisputed King of BBQ cities. The 'sweet heat' as I affectionately call it, is the brand of Midwest BBQ that has cue enthusiasts all over the nations licking their chops. 

I was only in town for 3 days, so I had to choose my places to throw down wisely. I went to a couple of places but none stood out more than my final lunch there. Gates BBQ  is a true Kansas city institution that has iconic status among locals and fans of BBQ the world over. And deservedly so.

I eagerly passed through the door and was overwhelmed by the sweet, smokey aromas of slow cooking mastery that greeted me, nay taunted me. After composing myself, my dining companion and I jockeyed for position in the line of some 20 or so people. Now I remember from my previous visit a couple of years ago that it's important to know what you want to order ahead of time. When the friendly Gates employee proudly (and loudly) asks, "Hi, may I help you?" You better have your game face on. You do not want to slow up this lunch train if you know what I'm sayin'. And then, after what seemed like an eternity, the question was sprung on me...

"Beef on Bun with Fries!" I exclaimed in semi-retarded, but enthusiastic fashion.

How can one go wrong with amazingly tender, smokey slices of beef smothered in a house made sauce on a sweet bun? You can't. It can not be done!

My work colleague was plenty happy with his pork on bun selection. The conversation was limited as we fiendishly devoured our lunch. 

It should be noted that Gates expertise goes far beyond the sandwich. They also feature all of the classic BBQ favs: ribs, chicken and beef are all on the menu at reasonable prices. I heard the gentleman in front of me order a "1 and a half," which is just your normal meat of choice, plus half that amount all on one soft fresh roll. Pure genius. The choice of BBQ sauces they offer is also a major bonus. Just pick your favorite and dip or slather until your heart's content. Varieties include: Original, Sweet, Mild, and my personal favorite, Extra Hot. 

Our plates were empty, bellies full, and we had a plane to catch at KC International. And although we smelled like a BBQ pit, were uncomfortably full, and had a 2 1/2 hour plane ride, we didn't care. It was well worth it and a great way to end the trip.