Dish & Drink KC: Queso tots at Harp Barbecue and gnocchi at YaYa’s Euro Bistro 

Spicy Queso Tots with Pork at Harp Barbecue. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Harp Barbecue is no-nonsense good grub

Harp Barbecue has a simple chalkboard menu with the specials written on colored construction paper and taped beneath. That’s how you know it’s good before taking a single bite.

A laidback platter at Harp. // Photo by Lauren Textor

When I’m evaluating barbecue, the quality of the sides factors in at 30% to my overall satisfaction. In this case, I ordered mac n’ cheese and beans to accompany my main: Spicy Queso Tots with pork. Not the healthiest meal, sure, but one that I felt I deserved. 

I strongly believe that mac n’ cheese shells are the way to go when you’re having a barbecue. They hold onto the sauce, they’re tender when cooked right, and they’re easy to season. The same gooey cheese sauce on the shells was drizzled over my golden-brown tots, because why mess with a good thing? 

My tots were also smothered in pork, to the point where it was falling off to the side of my tray. I ate as much as I could, dipping forkfuls into barbecue sauce as I went. The beans were garnished with jalapeños, a nice touch that added a slight kick to the smoky, saucy side. 

Although Harp Barbecue is the type of casual place where you order at the front, receive your food on a plastic tray, and grab your own napkins, I had plenty of people checking up on me. Everyone wanted to know how I was enjoying my meal, but my mouth was almost always full, so we communicated through elated thumbs-ups. 

Harp Barbecue is located at 6633 Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO 64133.

Gnocchi at YaYa’s Euro Bistro. // Photo by Lauren Textor

YaYa’s Euro Bistro food sources locally 

YaYa’s Euro Bistro is all stone, tiles, and iron—heavy architecture that at first made me reconsider my solo lunch plans. There was a line in front of me, but since I was alone, I was promptly seated at the bar. Despite the decor, the staff was friendly and started chatting with me immediately about the book I was reading. 

YaYa’s is named after the cofounder’s grandmother, who was an ambassador’s wife with a passion for cooking. The establishment has been around since 1995 and makes it a priority to partner with local businesses like Shady Brook Ranch, Midwest Pasta Company, and Liberty Fruit Co., which is what originally drew me in.

The menu is based on small plates, including the popular potato gnocchi ($14), which the bartender recommended as a quick lunch. Then she asked if I wanted bread. If my answer to that question is no, then something is seriously wrong. Soon, a warm, crusty partial loaf was deposited in front of me, along with dipping sauce. 

The gnocchi is served in a dish with roasted chicken, lots of gorgonzola cream, and spinach. While the menu describes the dish with spiced walnuts, mine was topped with blue cheese. Some people are vehemently opposed to blue cheese— I’m not, but I did find it overpowering when combined with the gorgonzola. Both the gnocchi and chicken are tender and easy mouthfuls. However, if you’re not into extremely creamy, soupy dishes, then this one isn’t for you. 

The staff prepared an extra Caesar salad ($12) by accident and offered it to me so it didn’t go to waste. The greens made me feel extra healthy since I hadn’t consumed any other fruits or veggies that day. It’s a standard salad, nothing special, but the croutons were good and crunchy. 

YaYa’s is more suited to a group outing than a quick pop-in-and-out, but the staff will ensure you’re taken care of regardless. Ask about conscious food sourcing and the vendors who supplied the ingredients for your dish. 

YaYa’s Euro Bistro is located at 7021 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS 66223, with additional locations in Salina, KS, and St. Louis, MO.