Dish & Drink KC: Restaurant Week recap at Thai Zappz and Louie’s Wine Dive

Kee Mow (drunken noodles) at Thai Zappz. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Vivid flavors at Thai Zappz

Last week, I feasted on the offerings from businesses participating in this year’s Restaurant Week. 

After scanning menus online, my friend Sara and I decided on Thai Zappz for lunch. Neither of us had ever been, but it’s relatively close to where she lives in Overland Park. Plus, a three-course meal for $20 sounded pretty unbeatable. 

Steamed chicken dumplings at Thai Zappz. // Photo by Lauren Textor

For our first course, we both chose the steamed chicken dumplings. When it comes to dumplings, I almost always prefer steamed to fried, as it gives the filling more opportunity to shine. The outer shell is also more tender and succulent, without the greasy feeling that fried food often comes with. I knew we’d chosen right upon our first bites. 

Tom Kha soup at Thai Zappz. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Next, the soup. I love soup in general, and I especially love Tom Kha soup. It can be difficult to strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, but Thai food exceeds here. Coconut milk adds a layer of flavor to broth without compromising its delicacy. Cilantro is one of my top herbs for any dish, and the fresh, citrusy taste pairs well with coconut. Slices of mushroom and chicken add robustness. 

Red curry with tofu at Thai Zappz. // Photo by Lauren Textor

For our main course, I chose the kee mow (or drunken noodles), while Sara opted for red curry with tofu. I can only vouch for the smell of her plate, but mine was as stimulating and colorful in flavor as it was in visuals.

All of these items are on the Thai Zappz permanent menu, although they have returned to their standard prices. 

Thai Zappz is located at 14893 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223.

Crisp pecan Brussels sprouts at Louie’s Wine Dive. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Louie’s Wine Dive

I love ordering lunch at a bar with a book in my hand. Louie’s has the type of atmosphere where you can still feel sociable while dining alone, but you don’t need to fear being randomly hit on. I felt comfortable hopping into a high chair, ordering, and then awaiting my meal with only the company of a horror novel. 

A butternut squash bisque was specially offered for restaurant week, but I chose the pecan brussel sprouts instead per the bartender’s recommendation. I’m a firm believer that all vegetables can be made delicious with the right sauce, and these come doused in sweet serrano sauce—so much of it that Louie’s serves it in a bowl instead of a plate. It’s impeccable, and the parmesan on top is *chef’s kiss*.

Champagne fish and chips at Louie’s Wine Dive. // Photo by Lauren Textor

For my main, I ordered the champagne fish and chips in rice flour batter. Generally, most battered cod tastes the same to me, and this was no exception. The sides of super salty, super crispy fries and tartar sauce came as no surprise, either. It’s good, but even while trying to distinguish itself as elevated pub food (hence the champagne instead of beer battering), it’s not too distinctive. If I rewound my meal, I’d go for the Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich.

I’m not much for solo drinking, but of course, Louie’s Wine Dive has an impressive wine menu that I’ll be returning to sample with friends. During happy hour, which is 3-6 p.m. daily, all wine bottles from the list are 25% off. 

Louie’s has locations in Clayton, MO, and Des Moines, IA, in addition to the location at 6701 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS 66209.