Visual Traveler: Broadmoor Bistro, Overland Park, KS

                                     Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post  
1) Education Meets Delicious Meals at Broadmoor Bistro
2) Education Never Tasted So Good
3) Broadmoor Bistro Slideshow

Education Meets Delicious Meals at Broadmoor Bistro

In the early days, we sampled delicious and gorgeous meals crafted by culinary students at Broadmoor Technical Center (in the Kansas City metropolitan area) amid cafeteria surroundings - a decision that made perfect sense given this program was part of the Shawnee Mission School District curriculum. 

But when the school district opened a brand new LEED-certified building, in 2017, the culinary program moved to its current Broadmoor Bistro space at The Center for Academic Achievement. The only high school to partner with the James Beard Foundation, its students serve customers amid an upscale space full of curved walls, linen napkins, and windows onto a kitchen that would be the envy of any culinary professional.

'Education Never Tasted So Good'

Available on most Wednesday evenings during the school year, online reservations to dine here disappear so fast that walk-in customers aren't feasible. It's no wonder. From the moment your first plate arrives at the table this stellar program's apt tagline - Education Never Tasted So Good - rings true. 

I've enjoyed several multi-course dinners there with coworkers, in recent years, when the only thing missing was a great glass of wine. Alas, having wine available isn't likely to happen given in this restaurant primarily run by high school students. 

The menu varies significantly, depending on the evening's theme - and perhaps whether a guest chef is sharing their passion and recipes with students on a given evening. Meals typically begin with fresh bread and butter, and perhaps housemade jam or jelly.

Several dishes I and co-workers enjoyed have included:
​ -Butternut Squash Soup – a gorgeous, velvety smooth dish incorporating roasted apple bits with toppings of maple cream and bright green peppercress (see slideshow photo)
 -Pumpkin Ravioli featuring braised rabbit plus tiny, ultra-soft Brussel sprouts with Chardonnay mustard beurre blanc and plenty of Parmesan
 -Skin-on Pan Roasted Sturgeon served atop linguini and garden vegetables, in rich seafood beurre blanc
  -Seared Duck Breast with Heartland grains, broccoli rabe and huckleberry peppercorn syrup

But there's always room for dessert at Broadmoor Bistro. Here are several that I and dining companions have tried: 
       - Flourless Chocolate Cake
       - Bread Pudding with stewed peaches and whipped cream
       - Crustless Sweet Potato Pie with maple cream and ginger walnut ice cream

Is your mouth watering yet? Whether you live in the Kansas City area or are just passing through on a Wednesday night, treat yourself to a top-notch meal at Broadmoor Bistro. 

Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the cuisine of this destination during several visits, specific details have undoubtedly changed.