Q39 releases new menu items alongside new Director of Culinary Operations
Photo by Joe Ellett
Kansas City barbecue staple Q39 is bringing some sweet spring heat to its menu. With Executive Chef Patrick Peluso stepping up as the new Director of Culinary Operations, the beloved barbecue joint is adding about a dozen new food items and another dozen seasonal cocktails to its bill of fare.
Having worked in the food industry for over 20 years, including time spent with Chef Lidia Bastianich and Chef Mario Batali, Chef Peluso and the crew at Q39 are hopeful that his transition over from his most recent gig as Culinary Specialist at Sysco will go smoothly this late Spring heading into a bustling summer on 39th street.
Q39’s new and returning menu items cover all the bases from starters to desserts—starting including Q Nachos, Smoked Brisket Meatballs, Smoked and Grilled Pork Belly, and the Best Wings on the Planet. Salads include the Q Wedge and Wood-Fired Canadian Salmon Salad. It wouldn’t be a proper menu update if there weren’t a few barbecue sandwiches, which is where the KC Q’Dog, Q Taco, and KC Cheesesteak come into play. And to wrap it all up, Salted Caramel Cookie & Dark Chocolate Brownie Samples, Key Lime “Pie”, Banana Cream Parfait, and S’mores Sundae mark the four new desserts.
The 11 new cocktails add a splash of refreshment to pair alongside the innovative, savory sustenance. They include a Whiskey Paloma, Backyard Peach Tea, Bergamot Spritz, Blood Orange Mule, Prairie Water, Dread Pirate XO, Berry Basil Lemonade, Q39 Honey Infused White Russian, Oatmeal Alexander, Mocha Martini, and a zero-proof Summer Sun Cooler.
Out of all the renovated menu items that I tried, there were a couple standouts in the mix. While I visited on an empty stomach, I still could’ve used more room by the time the evening came to a close.
Photo by Joe Ellett
Smoked Brisket Meatballs
These meatballs are unlike any that I had previously consumed. Using the chipotle sausage that is already on the menu, the crew smokes the brisket meatball slightly differently than how they would typically prepare the sausage, leaving a savory crust on the outer layer, with the juicy, tender meat that falls apart with each bite on the inside.
On top of the meatballs, you’ll find parmesan breadcrumbs that add just a little extra crunch to the texture of the shareable, along with a sweet BBQ aioli that pairs well alongside the heat of the chipotle sausage.
I could sit around and eat dozens of these meatballs, but I don’t think Chef Peluso has time to cater to that desire.
Photo by Joe Ellett
Best Wings on the Planet
Q39 is making a bold statement with the title of their new dry rub wings. And while The Peanut will forever hold the title in my heart, I can easily say that Q39 isn’t too far off. Munching on these wings, the crunch from the perfectly fried crust provides a very subtle, sweet bite. I even overheard one guest say that it reminded them of a chicken nugget’s crust in a good way, which I would slightly agree with. That would make this the best damn chicken nugget I’ve ever had.
The chicken is juicier than ever, as one would hope when biting into a wing. Paired with a side of barbecue sauce, I can say that there was not much need. While I typically don’t lean toward dry rub wings, this rub tossed with the signature Q39 Chicken Rub gives it everything it needs.
Photo by Joe Ellett
KC Cheesesteak
A fan favorite seemed to be the Kansas City Cheesesteak. This chopped smoked brisket sandwich has myriad flavors that one’s mouth almost cannot comprehend. Biting into the sandwich, notes from the caramelized onion paired with the surprising sweetness of the melted pepper jack and provolone cheese set the table for a candied treat before the realization of the smokey brisket bring you back to savory.
The simple yet perfectly intersecting ingredients make this sandwich an easy hit for me. For fans of pairing sweet and salty/savory, this sandwich might be the definition of the combination.
Q39 is located at 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111 and 11051 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210.
