Vacation Report: Kansas City, Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

Kansas City: Arrival

Kansas City: Grünauer

Kansas City: Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

The Renaissance Faire

Confession time – until this weekend, I had actually never been to a Ren Faire. Upon learning that it would be available, it was decided that we would be attending (after some needed recovery from the travel, of course) and rectifying this! This particular faire actually lasts for multiple weeks, with different events each week.

It's TIME!
It’s TIME!
St. George vs. the Dragon!
St. George vs. the Dragon!
Carrie the princess!
Carrie the princess!
Carrie and I with my new mug
Carrie and I with my new mug

We took our time exploring the wares and outfits, admiring the craftsmanship of many of the items for sale. One of the merchants, Dwarf Mountain Knives had made some beautiful knives, and both my girlfriend and I saw one that we felt was perfect. It was very reasonably priced for a hand-worked blade, and felt well balanced (and solid!) in my hand.

My new knife
My new knife

20160904-RenCards

We also came across a craftsman (Clay Images) who made quite a few incense burners and water fountains in the shape of adorable dragons. Unfortunately, I neglected to capture pictures of these creations, but I foresee one entering our house in the future…

Feeling a little peckish, I opted for traditional Faire fare: a turkey leg. Served hot, it really hit the spot!

De-freaking-licious!
De-freaking-licious!

Prior to leaving, we made our way to the puzzle-ring stand, and noted that they also sold pendants. I fell in love with one with Odin’s runes on both sides and purchased that as well.

Odin's Pendant
Odin’s Pendant
The back of Odin's Pendant
The back of Odin’s Pendant
Information on Odin's Pendant
Information on Odin’s Pendant
More on Odin's Pendant
More on Odin’s Pendant

Dinner at Jack Stack

20160904-BBQMenu

For those not familiar with Kansas City BBQ (admittedly, I was not familiar with it by name, but was in the underlying methodology), it involves a slow cooking process where the sauce is involved at multiple steps. This is different from Carolina or Texas BBQ, where sauces are added at different stages, or rubs prior to cooking, and so on. Jack Stack BBQ is one of the highest rated BBQ establishments of this style in the area, so we knew we had to pay them a visit.

We started the evening with fried mushrooms, onion rings, and burnt-ends (of ham and sausage, in this case) before ordering our entrees.

The tower of onions
The tower of onions
More mushrooms!
More mushrooms!

I opted for a sirloin with Parmesan broccoli with hickory smoked pit beans (with brisket!), with others ordering various combinations (lamb ribs and beef burnt ends… brisket and baby-back ribs… and more!), and salmon. The pit beans were a favorite all around – I can see why they are as popular as they are with regulars!

Sirloin with Pit Beans
Sirloin with Pit Beans
10oz of Salmon? Nom!
10oz of Salmon? Nom!
Closeup of the potato
Closeup of the potato
Brisket and Pit Beans!
Brisket and Pit Beans!
Burnt Ends and Pit Beans
Burnt Ends and Pit Beans
Beef Burnt Ends, Lamb Ribs, and Potato
Beef Burnt Ends, Lamb Ribs, and Potato
Veggie Skewer
Veggie Skewer

Vacation Report: Kansas City, Grünauer

Kansas City: Arrival

Kansas City: Grünauer

Kansas City: Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

20160903-GrunauerEntrance
The exterior
I love exposed beams!
I love exposed beams!

For our second day, we opted for a fairly low-key start as we had been traveling well into the night (not arriving in Kansas City until midnight), and we wanted to be well-rested for our Rennaisance Faire adventure plans the following day. Our hosts mentioned many restaurants but two really stood out, so we knew we had to make time for them. Grünauer and Jack Stack BBQ. For our first night, we opted for Austrian.

Grünauer was founded by an Austrian family, and is still run by the same family. The food is carefully prepared and presented, taking additional care to remain true to tradition. The menu offered a wide variety of options, so we made sure to try a few different things. We started the evening with drinks (a Racing Bird, similar to a spicy margarita), and ordered appetizers: a plate of Austrian meats and fried mushrooms served with tartar sauce.

The Racing Bird
The Racing Bird
Jausenbrettl: Hungarian salami, liverwurst, black forest ham, bierwurst, and mortadella
Jausenbrettl: Hungarian salami, liverwurst, black forest ham, bierwurst, and mortadella
Toast for the meat
Toast for the meat
Gebackene Champignons
Gebackene Champignons

I was very pleasantly surprised by the drink, as I am usually not a fan of tequila, but the citrus flavors combined with the spicy salt (pepper and paprika were involved, I think) blew me away. The liverwurst was surprisingly delicate, while making sure you recognized its presence, and the real surprise was how well fried mushrooms went with tartar sauce. Two things I would -never- think of combining!

For entrees, we again wanted to try quite a few different options. I went with a traditional Austrian farmer’s meal (Bauernschmaus), while others had a Waygu-style beef Goulash, sirloin, Paprikahuhn, and crepes.

Bauernschmaus: Austrian Farmer's Dinner
Bauernschmaus: Austrian Farmer’s Dinner
Schwammerl
Schwammerl
Hungarian Beef Goulash
Hungarian Beef Goulash
Zwiebel Rostbraten: Center Cut Strip Loin
Zwiebel Rostbraten: Center Cut Strip Loin
Paprikahuhn: Chicken Breast with Paprika with Spätzle
Paprikahuhn: Chicken Breast with Paprika with Spätzle

Though the farmer’s plate was described as having bacon, it was truly more in the vein of pork belly. Delicious! The sauerkraut had an excellent flavor and the acidity left meat (served on top of it) tender. My girlfriend and our friends all enjoyed our respective dishes. If you are visiting, you really should make it a point to stop by!

We wrapped up our dinner with a nice cup of coffee, with some of us ordering Melange (a spiced cappuccino) instead. Delightful!

Simple Black Coffee...
Simple Black Coffee…
Or Melange!
Or Melange!

Vacation Report: Kansas City, Arrival

Kansas City: Arrival

Kansas City: Grünauer

Kansas City: Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

KCI Approach with 8 second exposure
KCI Approach with 8 second exposure

Arriving at MCI (or KCI, depending on how you remember the airport – watch out because many signs are KCI, though the IATA recognizes it as MCI), is both like and unlike arriving at other airports. For those that remember flying prior to 9/11, you will recall that your friends and family could escort you all the way to your gate. MCI is designed in a very similar fashion, where security is actually for individual sets of gates for each terminal.

Security at KCI
Security at KCI

This is very different from other airports where the folks seeing you off, or collecting you, won’t be able to see you until you leave the secured area. In fact, there are transparent regions where you can see one another as soon as you get off the plane. Extremely convenient!

Map from FlyKCI.com
Map from FlyKCI.com

Furthermore, the parking is arranged in smaller sections, for each terminal, in addition to longer term parking which can be found in the middle. Each “C” has gates along the outer edge with security for each set of five or so gates. This makes for extremely smooth arrivals and departures. Transfers can be tricky, though, if the gate you are going to is in a different security cluster. The real food options (and gift options) are located outside the secure zone, so this should also be kept in mind depending on what your plans include.

Vacation Plan: San Diego, CA

Ever on the quest for status, I am taking my girlfriend to San Diego for a week later this year. With some creative routing we will be taking four flights each way, so it’ll go a decent way in making sure I maintain my Diamond Medallion Status with Delta.

I also plan to take advantage of Citi Prestige’s 4th Night Free benefit to book my stay at the Hyatt Regency near Sea World. This will help me maintain my status with Hyatt as well as help me take advantage of their current promotion! Since all five nights are paid for, I’ll get points both from the initial stay as well as from the promotion.

I will also be routing us through DFW to take advantage of the Centurion Lounge there! Nothing like a free gourmet meal! 😀

Does anyone else have any similar runs planned?

Sacramento Eats

While in Sacramento this week, I made it a point to do a little exploring. What’s travel without food, right? If you are in Sacramento, definitely give these a shot!

Brasserie Capitale

Website: Link

Affordable French food? Sign me up! I started with French Onion Soup, which was perfectly caramelized, and a still-crunchy crouton… amazing. It was an excellent start of the evening!

French Onion Soup!
French Onion Soup!

For my entree, I opted for Gigot d’Agneau – leg of lamb wrapped around cheese and excellently spiced. It was served on a bed of white beans and still moist throughout. Quite delicious!

Lamb!
Lamb!

Fahrenheit 250

Website: Link

I am a sucker for good BBQ, and Fahrenheit 250 didn’t disappoint! I opted for jerk chicken with brisket chili and cheese grits. The grits weren’t runny (yay!), and everything had a wonderful kick to it! These folks know what they’re doing, for sure. They also have a decent selection of beers on tap – be sure to be there for happy hour!

Mmm... spice!
Mmm… spice!

de Vere’s Irish Pub

Website: Link

After a productive week, the team felt a night at an Irish pub was in order. With an expansive selection of whiskies and beers, it was an excellent decision! I opted for a Reuben with a fried egg, and their soup of the day: a turkey meatball in a curry sauce akin to that of butter chicken!

Mm... creamy!
Mm… creamy!

The hat opted for Shepherd’s Pie – also with a fried egg! It was an excellent choice from what I was told! Our server, responsible for recommending the inclusion of egg with our entrees, certainly earned her tip – she knew the menu like the back of her hand, and was happy to suggest both libations and savories.

The Hat goes Irish!
The Hat goes Irish!

 

Hyatt Regency, Sacramento, CA

I’m visiting Sacramento, CA for work this week and thought it would be a good opportunity to work on my Hyatt status. I noticed that the Hyatt Regency was located a short distance from both the customer site and the airport, so I went with that.

Location

Located downtown on L-street, the Hyatt Regency is directly across from the California State Capitol Museum. In fact, I have a great view from my room!

View from L-Street
View from L-Street
L-Street from the room
L-Street from the room
Great view of the Capitol Museum
Great view of the Capitol Museum

Restaurants

In addition to room service (and a smaller late-night dining menu), the Hyatt Regency has three full restaurants: Vines Cafe, Amourath 1819, and Dawson’s Steakhouse. In addition, there’s a Starbucks located on the premises. As you can see from the map below, there is a variety of hotels available in the vicinity as well – one of the perks of being located downtown!

Room Information

My room was located on the 10th floor, which has card-restricted access for added security. It was also positioned on the Southern face, overlooking L-street and offering a wonderful view of the Capitol Museum.

It isn't Hyatt without a robe!
It isn’t Hyatt without a robe!
Mini-bar under the TV
Mini-bar under the TV
Dermatologist developed lotions!
Dermatologist developed lotions!

Hotel Amenities

Though the hotel has a gym, it isn’t actually located within the hotel itself. To access it, you have to leave the hotel through the parking structure, and walk a few dozen feet to the gym entrance. It is available 24 hours a day, though, which is quite nice. The parking facility that you navigate through offers both valet and self park options at a rate of $20/night for hotel guests.

My personal feature at Hyatt properties is the concierge lounge. At this property it is known as the Regency Club, and it is located on the 12th floor. In addition to a spacious interior, it has a gorgeous open-air area as well.

Extremely comfortable seating!
Extremely comfortable seating!
The lounge balcony
The lounge balcony

One thing that really took me by surprise was that upon landing in Sacramento, I received a text from the hotel concierge informing me that if I needed anything, I could text them! I have never had that happen at any hotel property – Hyatt or otherwise. Kudos!

Concierge texting!
Concierge texting!

Sacramento Flight and LAX Plane Spotting

To maintain my status with Delta, I like to plan creative routes when traveling. For my trip to Sacramento this week, I opted to fly from Raleigh to Atlanta, Atlanta to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to Sacramento (instead of to Salt Lake, and from there directly, for example… or directly from Atlanta… or many other options).

737-900 First Class

My first flight of the day was on one of Delta’s 737-900s. Though the seats are quite comfortable, and the in-flight entertainment console is crisp, the air-flow in the cabin is horrendous. Older 757s and even 717s have much more directed air pressure, allowing you to remain cooler. Extremely important when you’re in the South!

First Class on a 737-900
First Class on a 737-900
737-900 In-Flight Entertainment
737-900 In-Flight Entertainment
Outlets, outlets everywhere!
Outlets, outlets everywhere!

757-200 Thrust Reversal

My second flight, the longest leg, was on a 757-200. Unfortunately I didn’t get upgraded on this leg (I didn’t really expect to, since I was flying out of Atlanta). The nice thing about this was my seat was immediately in front of the engine. This allowed me to capture the thrust-reversal upon landing in LAX!

All 757-200s use one of two engines (one of which has two variants):

According to the Delta Museum, and using FlightRadar24 to cross-check the tail-number based on flight number, I confirmed that my 757-200 was using the PW2037.

Now for some background on thrust reversal! The purpose of thrust reversal is to take some of the engine’s thrust and direct it forward instead of backwards. This allows for shorter landing distances, less wear on brakes, and make for an all around safer flying experience. If you listen after landing, you will hear a loud woosh – that is the thrust reversal process. The Wikipedia article above identifies three types of thrust reversal mechanisms available for jet engines:

  • Target
  • Clam-shell
  • Cold Stream

Purdue released a very helpful visual guide to differentiate between the three, as well as an explanation of where the thrust actually goes! Since the PW2000 series is a high by-pass engine, the cold stream type is what we would expect, and as you can see it is indeed what is happening:

757-200-Engine1
At the gate in ATL
757-200-Engine2
Thrust Reversal!

Arizona Meteor Crater

And now, a brief reprieve from AvGeekery. 😉 Very brief.

En route to Los Angeles, we crossed just south of the Barringer Crater! You can see it up and to the left of the engine intake, below.

Barringer Meteor Crater
Barringer Meteor Crater

Plane Spotting!

Upon Arrival at LAX, I made my way to the SkyClub in the middle of Terminal 5. From one of the seats along the window, I was able to see planes arrive and depart. Given LAX’s traffic, I got to see quite a few wide-bodies, as well as one of Alaska’s 737-900ERs! Lucky, on his blog “One Mile at a Time”, has a very nice guide on differentiating between different variants of wide-body aircraft. Simply put, it largely comes down to the number of wheels, engines, or doors they have. 😉

I tried to find the right version of their seat map on SeatGuru, and have provided links to those, as well. If you find something amiss, please let me know!

AlaskaAir-737-900ER
Boeing 737-900ER
AirTahitiNui-A340-300
Airbus A340-300
Alitalia-777-200ER
Boeing 777-200ER
American-777-300ER
Boeing 777-300ER
Qatar-777-200LR
Boeing 777-200LR
Lufthansa-A380
Airbus A380

After an hour and a half, because the inbound flight was a little late in arriving, I was on my way to Sacramento. It’s not a true visit to LAX without catching a glimpse of the Theme Building!

LAX Theme Building