Dish & Drink KC: Whimsy-fueled eats at The Inn at Meadowbrook’s The Market and Verbena

Moonlight in Vermont sandwich at The Market at Meadowbrook. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Some places capture my imagination right away. They open a doorway to an alternate reality where I blend seamlessly into my surroundings. A combination of the whimsical wallpaper, patterned curtains, roaring fireplace, and the glowing Christmas tree inside The Inn at Meadowbrook’s front lobby inspired my vision. 

Allow me to set the (imaginary) scene for you:

I’m a stylish 60-something woman with a perfectly coiffed silver updo. The faint scent of an expensive perfume follows me everywhere in a light, pleasant cloud. Recently widowed under suspicious circumstances, I’m suspected of killing my husband. 

I’ve arrived at The Inn at Meadowbrook for a weekend of relaxation and renewal. (Premeditated murder is very stressful, and I am diligent about removing wrinkle lines before they take hold.) The Inn reminds me of my childhood summer home in Maine with its clean white exterior, double windows, and multi-pitched roof. After dropping my luggage off with the desk attendants, I order lunch at The Inn’s built-in café, The Market.

Indoor seating at The Market at Meadowbrook. // Photo by Lauren Textor

As I’m sipping from my steaming mug of Louisburg cider, a man approaches my table, placing one of his calloused hands on the back of the woven chair opposite me. 

“Is this seat taken?” he asks gruffly. In his other hand, he is holding a china plate with a singular scone. I recognize it from the pastry case as apricot and ginger. 

“How can I help you, detective?” 

He slides into the chair and steeples his fingers. Before he can say another word, my sandwich is delivered. It’s a toasted sourdough with smoked turkey, apple cabbage slaw, aioli, pickles, and cheddar ($12). My husband used to love smoked turkey. 

“Thank you, dear,” I say to the waitress, placing my blue linen napkin in my lap. 

The detective’s stomach growls. 

“Would you like half?” 

He nods toward his scone, but I tut. That’s not a proper lunch. 

“It’s called the Moonlight in Vermont. Romantic, isn’t it?” 

Delicately, I bite into a corner of the triangular-cut sandwich. The detective’s eyes follow the movement of my hands, settling on my left ring finger, where my emerald engagement ring still rests. 

End scene.

Ginger and apricot scone at The Market at Meadowbrook. // Photo by Lauren Textor

The Market at Meadowbrook

The Market serves all of the menu items mentioned and many more. My lunch mirrored our protagonist’s, except I ordered the Moonlight in Vermont and the scone for myself. 

I’m learning that I love slaw on a sandwich when it isn’t the traditional coleslaw. The Market’s apple cabbage slaw complements the sweet-and-sour pickles. It balances out the sharpness of the cheddar, while the aioli gives an added cohesion. I’m currently off most deli meats, but I couldn’t resist some quality smoked turkey, and I was far from disappointed. 

I ate two bites of the sizeable apricot and ginger scone before I was full. It’s thick and less crumbly than many of the scones I’ve crossed paths with recently. The flavor combination works well together, and the scone’s density is well-suited to sustain your energy on a wintry walk through Meadowbrook Park, which encompasses the area directly outside The Inn. 

Gift shopping for one of your fancier friends? The Market sells cocktail glitter ($8), wine-tasting journals, fresh-cut bouquets, spreads from Kansas City Canning Co., instant cocktail cubes, and pints from Fairway Creamery. 

Check out The Market’s music schedule for jazzy acts that include violinist Adam Galblum and pianist Jackie Myers. 

This year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Prairie Village is scheduled for Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. in Corinth Square, a short drive from The Inn if you want to pre-game a spiced hot chocolate or Peppermint Fog. 

The Market at Meadowbrook is located inside The Inn at Meadowbrook at 4901 Meadowbrook Pkwy., Prairie Village, Kansas. 

Beef tartare at Verbena. // Photo by Lauren Textor

Verbena

Also located inside The Inn is Verbena, which prides itself on combining East Coast traditions with Midwest flavor. It’s more opulent than The Market, for sure, with its luxurious booths and crystal chandeliers. 

During the 3-5 p.m. happy hour, which is first come, first served, seating is only available at the bar, the terrace (brrrr!), or the few high-top tables. I’d recommend the bar for the conversation, but to each their own. 

Joseph and Tara were both on shift during my visit, and they both had excellent recommendations and concoctions. 

My first drink was the bartender’s mocktail ($5). The cranberry-rosemary-thyme mocktail is Tara’s brainchild. I inhaled the aroma before the drink itself. It’s a green, earthy, purifying scent. Cranberry’s signature tartness is on full display here. The red-and-green mocktail is a perfect holiday sip for anyone who prefers to forgo the alcohol (and, despite the fancy glass, it’s fun for kids, too).

Bartender’s cocktail at Verbena. // Photo by Lauren Textor

At Joseph’s recommendation, I ordered a bowl of clam chowder ($5), which features salt pork and floating oyster crackers. It was divine. My only complaint is the size of the bowl, as I could’ve eaten the whole pot by myself. 

My second drink was the bartender’s cocktail ($9). This time, I opted for the alcohol, but this drink isn’t as merry or as seasonal as the mocktail. It’s ranch water: tequila, lime, and bubbly mineral water. I’d consider this more of a summer drink, but I’m also not a tequila drinker unless I’m planning to be out all night. 

Joseph’s second food recommendation was the beef tartare ($14). I’ve only had this dish once before, but I could still tell that Verbena’s is quality. First, the meat is incredibly tender. I chewed mine fully to savor the taste, but it’s not at all tough. Secondly, the combination of dijonaise with chopped pickles and onions made my eyes water slightly—but in a good way. As my grandmother would say, “It’ll put hair on your chest.” 

The crispy egg was not what I thought it would be, but it was wholly enjoyable. The outside is battered and hardened, but the yolk inside is still runny. The salt-and-peppery chips complete the meal. 

Verbena is located inside The Inn at Meadowbrook at 4901 Meadowbrook Pkwy., Prairie Village, Kansas.