Friday, March 7, 2008

Peachtree Restaurant - Lee's Summit, MO

Yesterday, Katie and Dale took me to lunch at the new Peachtree Restaurant in Lee's Summit. I have always wanted to try their food ever since they opened at 18th and Vine, but never made it down there. They have since closed that location and are moving into the Power and Light District, which is much closer to my home. Not that it really matters after the lunch i had there yesterday. I have to say that I was very disappointed in the food and the service. I was expecting wonderful food from all that I heard and it was a very big let down.
We were seated by a very friendly hostess and our waiter was actually very friendly, too, he was just not attentive. He brought a basket of large warm rolls and these incredible sweet potato corn bread muffins, so far so good. I really wanted to order the fried chicken, but instead went with the Smothered Pork Chop which was covered in a brown gravy with sauteed onions and bell peppers. The pork chop was fork tender, but the gravy was over salted. The two sides I chose were some lackluster green beans and some candied yams that had too much clove in them. Katie ordered the Blackened Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries. The fries were good and crisp, but the chicken was on the tough side. Dale had the Chicken Tenders with some very good seasoned fries. He enjoyed his meal, but for the price 3 tenders was a little chintzy.
I also take issue with the fact that their iced tea is priced at $2.50 and I had to flag someone down to refill mine. I don't know if it's a sign that I'm getting old, but $2.50 for an iced tea is a bit much. Peachtree is not the only restaurant pricing this way, but if you charge that amount, then you better keep the glasses filled.
Not that I would recommend this place, but they are located at 1672 NW Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64081 816-554-8733 www.peachtreerestaurant.com .

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ice tea!!! You have based your critique upon this treasure because of ice tea? NEWSFLASH!!! I went to a nationwide food chain two days ago, fastfood that is, waited for 10 minutes in a fastfood drivethru, fastfood that is, and paid $1.75 for a soda with no free refills!! Stop being a cheapskate!!! I had a wonderful dinner at the Peachtree and I'm proud they are right around the corner in our great city. I truly enjoyed every minute of it!!

Anonymous said...

I could not agree more.
The service was poor - our waiter even told us good luck when we ordered drinks that would come from teh bar. He was somewhat correct - we never did get our frosty mug with our beer.
The fried chicken was good, but everything else needed some sort of help. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 the best we all rated it a 5. We will not be back. Strouds here we come!

cookinginkc said...

Iced tea was only one of the issues I wrote about, the food was not good, the service was poor and the iced tea was over priced!! I was expecting much more and was very let down!!

Anonymous said...

Hey mike, you obviously don't get out much because drinks and food cost wherever you go. You can go to any restaurant in the metro and see the same thing. The peactree is no different. And in regards to strouds with the best chicken, I guess if you say it enough you just may believe it. We all know that's a joke, but hey, we all need a good laugh now and then. GO PEACHTREE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Generally when you do a review you at least try to visit a place two times. I guess that was not in your budget. But at least try to afford them the same respect you would give other (non minority places). I think the racism is showing in your review. Considering I live in lee's summit and know the food well, im delighted the peachtree is in lee's summit. Now I can get my moneys worth.

Nathan Parsons

cookinginkc said...

Wow, to even think there is a hint of racism in that review blows my mind. The review has nothing to do with race, it's about the food. If you read my blog on regular basis you would know that one of my favorite places to eat is The Mango Room. It never ceases to amaze me when people throw out the race card. My server happened to be white, so saying he did a bad job must mean I have a thing against white servers. Cut the race crap out and grow up.

Anonymous said...

I HAVE DINED AT THE NEW PEACHTREE OF LEES SUMMIT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE
THE PEACHTREE OPENED. THE FOOD, AMBIENCE AND SERVICE WAS OUTSTANDING. THE FRIED CHICKEN, CATFISH, OXTAILS,SALMON CROQUETTES,OKRA & TOMATOES, MACARONI & CHEESE, COLLARD GREENS, CANDIED YAMS AND HOMEMADE BREADS SUCH AS THE SWEET POTATO CORNBREAD ARE TO DIE FOR.

AFTER READING YOUR BLOG I ASKED THE SERVER IF CLOVES WERE IN THE CANDIED YAMS OR OTHER SIDE DISHES.
THE SERVER RETURNED FROM THE KITCHEN AND STATED THE CHEF SAID THE INGREDIENT CLOVES WAS NOT IN THE RESTAURANT.

ALSO, UNLESS EN OWNER OF THE MANGO ROOM IS HISPANIC THE MANGO ROOM IS A NON MINORITY OWNED RESTAURANT.

JUST FELT YOU NEEDED ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING YOUR FACTS CORRECT.

SAMANTHA WALHLBERG

Anonymous said...

OK- maybe I am a moron, but I don't see how saying that the food was salty and the service was bad is racist. How do you get that? It seems that the author also compliments the friendly server and host and the crisp french fries. Is that racist, too? I think the author calls it like it is and lets others know what is going on out there. If you want to support this restaurant, then do it. Just be forewarned about the salt! YIKES!!! I LOVE home cooking and EVERYONE I have ever spoken to has told me not to eat at the Peachtree because the food isn't good. Guess what? Here is another person saying the EXACT same thing. I think I'll go with what he said.

cookinginkc said...

The last time I checked, Thelma Oliver was still the owner/operator of the Mango Room. Get your facts straight, Samantha.

Anonymous said...

Okay, here are my two cents about the Peachtree.
I read the reviews here and decided to give it a try. Four of us dined and we chose different dishes to do a little group sample. These opinions reflect our overall impressions.

Dishes:

Fried Chicken/Catfish Combo - Large portions. The catfish tenders were some of the best ever. The Chicken was good, but a bit salty.

Fried Shrimp - Very good taste but it was a bit soggy...not as crispy as one might hope.

Salmon Croquettes - Excellent all the way around...reminded me of the way mom used to cook them.

Fried Porkchops- Two large chops. Very good flavor, but again a bit salty.

Staffing is an issue. This could be a result of just getting started at this location.

Greeters (two of them) spent a great deal of time talking between themselves about how dissatisfied they were with their shift assignments while we waited for our table. I offered to take a seat in the bar if that was okay and they told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. This was a little surprising. First the indifference and then the fact that most restaurants beg you to wait in the bar and buy a drink or two.

Wait Staff - A bit disorganized, but quite friendly. It appeared that there was confusion about which servers were assigned to each table. A couple next to us, who were seated 5 minutes before us had yet to be waited on even after we had received our drinks. They had to pull our server aside and remind her that they were there.
Our server had virtually no knowledge of what the bar served. I ordered a Glenlivet scotch, which is a fairly common single malt. She had no idea what I was asking for and I explained it a couple of times. As she left to the bar she turned around and confirmed, "Glenlivet...and it's a scotch".
I was a little surprised to get a Gin Gimlet. She told me she didn't think they had Glenlivet. I asked her what scotch was available and she had no clue. I went into the bar and pointed out the bottle of Glenlivet on the first shelf. She then reordered my drink.

My wife ordered their Dirty Martini special. She told our server not too make it too dirty. The server replied, "but that's no fun". I should have known to speak up because I had the awful feeling that she interpreted my wife's comments to mean not to put too much gin in the drink. That fear was born out. The martini was nearly all olive juice and pretty much undrinkable.

This is not meant to be a slam, but I think it is important for any restaurant to do the necessary training so that employees know what the place has to offer. This could be an isolated case of a new server...so I will let it slide.

So, overall.

Will I return - Yes
Food Rating - Above average (Salty)
Portions - Large
Sides - Tasty
Breads - Wonderful
Bar - Needs a little work
Servers - Need more training
Ambiance - Very nice
Prices - Affordable
Speed of service - Depends on whether or not they realize you are there

By the way, the Gin Gimlet (my one sip) was quite good. I may order it again.

Anonymous said...

I must say that I enjoyed my Peachtree experience. I believe that the author of this blog is just not acquainted with the soul food flavor that the Peachtree offered. Ambience, ambience ambience was key! I think that the food was scrumptious and 'well seasoned' not necessarily salty. This is what REAL soulfood is about! They have their own distinct flavor that everyone may not be accumsotmed to. Its not the watered down now salt added rendition that you find and many "soul food" places. i would say that everyone has their opinion and if you tastebuds aren't ready then - this may not be your cup of tea! However if you enjoy the food tell them to hold the salt, being that everthing arrives fresh and piping hot! Smothered pork chops are the best! BRAVO!?!? And their Mississipi Fried Catfish is to die for, I'm scared to try the lemon-baked, it may be suicidal! All in all I must say that I will be back, and when I want to get a big taste on a smaller budget I will continue to visit the buffet on Eastwood Trafficway (which you all may find a little lighter on the salt!) Thanks Peachtree, I finally found a place where I can get my monies worth...

Anonymous said...

As an African-American resident of Lee's Summit, (who has grown up cooking and dining on southern cuisine from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) and a self-proclaimed extravagant foodie (I've been known for impromptu visits to the Capital Grille for lobster macaroni and cheesecake to go; I'll drive down to the Mixx for Salmon club and a bowl of soup in a heartbeat, as well as sit in Big Boy's drive-through for a jr. pork tenderloin, onion rings, and cherry limeaide---no qualms about price or gas here), I feel compelled to post about the Peachtree...
I'm all too familiar with the cheap thrill of the original all you can eat buffet location off of 50 highway---you definitely get what you pay for--decent food (sometimes too salty, sometimes too bland), lackluster service, and diners who sit in the establishment for hours after church with their shoes off, waiting for another pass at the buffet. Needless to say, I was elated when the more upscale version opened on 18th and Vine. The food was divine but the service became a running joke in the black community. Don't go to the Peachtree unless you've got a good 2 hours for the experience. They give you the basket of bread for a reason! Imagine waiting an hour and then some for food without an alchol enhanced libation! *Yes, there was a time when the owner was adamantly opposed to serving alcohol in her establishment.....Yet, that didn't stop the loyal masses who knew what they were gettng into when dining. You will make a monetary commitment that is synonamous with the likes of Houstons, Jack Stack Fiorelli's, Houlihan's, etc., when dining at the Peachtree. Now whether you feel it is worth it or not is entirely up to how you view southern cuisine. If you can't cook greens to save your life and go, "Salmon whaaat?" when someone mentions a salmon coquette, you are in for a treat. However, if you carefully watched your grandmother cleaned greens until the taste almost washed away, simmered the ham hock until the meat fell from the bone, and witnessed her shake chicken and flour in a brown paper bag (dredge...what's that?)and mimick those rituals successfully in your own kitchen, you might be a harsher critic and feel as though you can create better for less. I tend to fall in the latter category and eat at the Peachtree when I'm feeling lazy and uninspired--which is often and why I did the Snoopy dance when I heard they were moving to Lee's Summit. Each time I've visited the new location I've anticipated the slow and inexperienced servers/service, but I haven't quite grasped the inconsistent quality of the food. I concur with the previous bloggers about the catfish---it is seasoned perfectly and if I'm not ravenous, there's always a bit left over to savor later. I grew up in a family that cooked with salt and added at the table, so I'm no salt snob; however, I felt my hands and feet literally swell at the table the last time I ordered the salmon croquettes. Of course, since I'd spent almost $15 on the dish, I diligently consumed them and prayed to the hypertension gods to spare me of a stroke this one more time....
On another visit, I ordered carryout for two. The OWNER took my order and personally checked the bag when it arrived at the front some 35 minutes later--yet when I got home, I found that the muffins I specifically requested were missing, as well as the salad dressing (on the side). The side of peach cobbler that I'd spent $5 for was in a container my husband mistook for the salad dressing (yes, it was that small); my salmon was beyond edible--it was not simply seasoned, it had been brined; and my husband's pork chop had fallen victim to poor packaging. The steam from the styrofoam had turned his anticipated crispy goodness into a gelatinous, greasy, gravy soaked mess that Meals on Wheels wouldn't have delivered...When I called to complain, I reported the fiasco and was told to hold--meanwhile, my husband ordered a pizza online. After approximately six minutes and two more "Who are you holding (s)?" I gave up.
I haven't written them off but I haven't ventured back either... I'm waiting for the new location in the Power & Light district. Perhaps the fierce surrounding competition will force them to get it right.

Anonymous said...

I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN AND A NATIVE OF LOUISIANA. I GREW UP ON SOUL FOOD AND IF I MIGHT SAY I AM AN EXCELLENT COOK.

I OFTEN DINE AT THE LEES SUMMIT LOCATION AND I LOVE THE PEACHTREE THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS AND THE SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING. I RESPECT THE OWNERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOUL FOOD INDUSTRY.

THE OWNERS HAVE TAKEN NECKBONES, COLLARD GREENS, CATFISH, SHORT RIBS TO A HIGHER LEVEL.

KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
ALSO, WHEN WILL THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT START. I AM READY FOR THE SAME VIBE THE RESTAURANT HAD ON 18TH & VINE TO BE INTRODUCED TO LEE SUMMIT.

NICOLE W.

Anonymous said...

Peachtree staff and management continue with the excellent service and the delicious food.

I visit your restaurant in Lees Summit at least twice a week and has never had a bad experience.

Always, remember you can't please every one.

Also, I miss the live entertainment offered at 18th & Vine. Hopefully, you will offer live entertainment at your downtown location.

Anonymous said...

I moved to Overland Park from Dallas due to my job. I am a Black American that grew up in Texas but have travel all over the US and abroad. I also enjoy great Soul Food. I must say, that I have never eaten at the new location of Lee's Summit; however, I had a chance to eat at the former location on 18th & Vine as well as the Buffet location. I must say, the Band was GREAT, however, the service was a little discombobulated, but nice. The food was somewhat of a disappointment. And I must admit, I tried multiple times. I found the salmon and pork chops to be a bit salty. The greens were not fully cooked, which gave you a crunchy texture. The Mac 'n' Cheese were good, but a little dry. Basically, all of the vegetables seemed as if someone had doctored up those out of a can. A cheap brand at that. But I did find one food item that I liked, the fried Catfish. I cannot stomach anything else from the Peachtree locations. And, it’s hard to mess up fried catfish. As far as your Buffet locations - - THAT'S A TRADGEDY. It should be shut down.

Signed - - Still looking for Great Food in the KC area KANSAS or MISSOURI.

Anonymous said...

Im from Dallas also. And the Peachtree dominates anythimg that dallas has to offe. the food and service is on par with anything that i have experienced in Dallas, Kansas city, or any other place. I think for southern cuisine, no one beats them. I cant wait for their new location to open. That will be the hardest part, which location to visit!!!

Anonymous said...

I love the peachtree. The food was outstanding, the service was great. And wow, their fried chicken is the best in the midwest. I especuially enjoyed those sweet cornbread muffins. i hate I couldnt take more to my mother in joplin. I told her not to worry, I'll bring her some for thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

The food and service was great. I'm going back as soon as i can and taking friends with me. They are a little dressy for my taste but, I'm a flip flop kinda guy. But they all were nice and pleasent and welcomed me right in. the chicken is outstanding. The okra and tomatoes and green beans were grreat!!! The lemonade is really sweet though. i guess thats southern for you. Overall A-

Anonymous said...

KOOODOOOS to the peachtree. I loved 18th and vine, Im not a buffet person, but im so happy they are in lees summit now. I wish they had live music though here but as long as i can get my grandmas style salmon crouqettes im happy. If you go, try a monday or tuesday. You ,may have a wait on the weekends.

Anonymous said...

I loved the food. My server was slow but i could tell she was new. We were greeted with open arms and seated quickly. Im from New York so we do move at a fast pace. The food took about 17 minutes to come out. But it was worth the wait. The smothered chops and baked chicken actually had seasoning!!! can you believe that. I'm going back again, and again, and again.

Anonymous said...

Try the honey glazed salmon if you go back. The best salmon ive had in years. And this is a soulfoood restaurant??

Anonymous said...

Outstanding meal, great service, the ambiance was wonderful. I think if anyone complains they just dont go out to eat or just dont understand southern style food. I read some of the copmments and i have to say im perplexed. If things are so bad, why go back. The food is not salty, it's seasoned. If you are a diabetic and take salt....of any kind....dont eat out. MAybe you shold go to strouds or cracker barrel. But if you want authentic southern style food the Peachtree is where it is at.

Anonymous said...

The best soulfoood restaurant I've been to. Roscoes chicken and waffles cant touch it, justins..please..., Sweet georgia browns is a joke. The peachtree's food, ambiance, menu selection, and service is on par with 5 star restraurants. They are kc proud and that's what i like. And those sweet potato cornbread and coolard green dip are to die for. My wife turned me on to them last month and weve been back 4 times. The only negative is that they dont give you many rolls. well, i need i need to lose some pounds anyway.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THE PEACHTREE!!!!

FOOD IS GREAT!!!!

SERVICE IS GREAT!!!!

THAT LIGHT SKINNED MANAGER SUCKS THOUGH!!!

Anonymous said...

I visited the Peachtree of Lee's Summit this Sunday, They were busy and we had a 20 minutes wait. The host were gracious and polite. Our server was nice but seemed new. The food was wonderful. I loved everything I had. The lemon baked catfish, fried catfish my brother had was wonderful. My daughter said the burger was just ok. i will recommend you try them out. I will be going back.

Anonymous said...

The best food Ive had since I moved back from charlotte. I loved the buffet, but now I have something closer to home. Hell, just thinking about it makes me want some now!!!!

Anonymous said...

We dined there Saturday night my wife and I. I was intimidated by the ambiance becuase it was nice inside. We heard rumors about the long waits but we decided to find out for ourselves. THANK GOODNESS WE WENT. The food was OUTSTANDING. The best fried chicken I have ever had. Strouds, are you kidding me. I ACTUALLY TASTE SEASONINGS!!!!! They have truly southern flare. the sweet tea is actually SWEET. The cajun fries were delicious also. cant wait to take my Uncle there when comes to town. hes going to love it. great taste runs in the family.

Anonymous said...

**** I have visited many soulfood or southern cuisine restaurants. I have been on the road driving trucks for 17 years. Whatever city I go to I want to check out the soulfood restaurant because that is what I was raised on In central Louisiana. If you factor in the total package, DECOR, SERVICE,FOOD, and PRICE, there is no southern style soulfood restaurant that compares to the Peachtree. The service may be suspect on occasion but what restaurant is perfect all the time. Hell, when I went Sweet Georgia browns in Detroit, they all but called me out of my name for asking for more tea. My favorite at the peachtree is the boiled spiced shrimp( YOU KNOW I'M FROM CAJUN COUNTRY. The fried catfish is great too. Sweet potato cornbread is really good, never had it before going to the Peachtree. But I would surely recommend this restaurant to anyone that visits kansas city. By the way,try the buffet if you really want to stuff yourself.

Boone Eubanks

Anonymous said...

I'm probably this restaurants biggest fan. My wife and I go there every sunday after church. I love to talk to Amelia and Regina every sunday at the front desk. And to say that this is not authentic southern cuisine, or that it's too salty, or that the service is not up to par is plain "ridiculous", laughable even. Who does it better...Strouds, Big mamas rolls, Bob Evans, Neicies, Papa Lous, come on folks, I need to loosen my pants to let out a full and hearty laugh on that one. Oh, and by the way, it sounds like the lady from Arkansas and Louisiana, that knows so much about cooking southern cuisine, that visits both restuarants is quite a hater. For one, the owners, Vera Willis and James Willis NEVER, NEVER, and I do mean NEVER work the front desk for ANY REASON. So that lets me know your comments are very suspect. For haters like that I have 2 questions.....

1. IF YOU HATE IT SO MUCH, WHY GO BACK? Im quite sure you all cause problems when you visit the restaurant.

2. WHY SHUT DOWN THE BUFFET WHEN THEY ARE OPENING RESTAURANTS IN DALLAS AND ST PAUL, MN??? Be quiet, that is inside information!!!

So "haters" do them all a favor and stay out of the way of true progress. Looks like Peachtree is moving nationwide.

Note to all, the Peachtree has it going on. Whether you see it now, you will see it later when they are nationwide. GO PEACHTREE!!!!! Make Kansas City and Lees Summit Proud!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great restaurant and food. Best food I've had in Kansas City. I love KC bar-b q--- more but this is surely a place I will visit whenever I get back in town.

Paulie H. Brancato

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding me, no one even cooks with pork anymore. I hope the so called southern cooks realizes that is quite unhealthy, maybe thats why you're shaking at the table..LOL

Anonymous said...

Best food in Lees Summit as far as I'm concerned. Longhorn is close but thats about it. Peachtree is great for the city and I'm happy they are here. I hated driving all the way to 18th and Vine. I hear their buffet is really good, many say better, but I don't do buffets. I do wish they had a band though. I think we should all call in and request a jazz band on someday throughout the week....who's with me!!!!! Oh wait, let me call them, i need my fried chicken fix. Without a doubt the best in the city.

Anonymous said...

My parents love this place. I've only been to have drinks. Will go though to dine in. Looks great on the inside too.

Anonymous said...

BEST FRIED CHICKEN AND CATFISH IN THE TRi- STATE AREA!!!!
The baked chicken kicks a$$ too. Wow, love the mac and cheese and collard greens. I love to drink the juice from the collards. Hell I dont care, Im from the ozarks dude. I'll give the peachtree 4 stars. They do great jobs

Anonymous said...

Great..
Restaurant...
Too..
take...
family...
and ...
friends...

I even met Ginuwine the singer there. He's so fine""""""

Anonymous said...

I love the person who thought they could post a bunch of Fabulous comments about the Peachtree all in one night. Did they not realize the date and time would be posted at the bottom? There is no way that many people all decided in 1 nght at the same time they would review the Peachtree.
So now we all know the Peachtree needs help - this coes from an Alabama girl who knows good soul food.

Anonymous said...

The best southern food I've had since I moved to Kansas city. The fried chicken and sweet cornbread is truly divine!!! The servers are inconsistent but the food more than makes up for it. Since I've been in Kansas city I have tried jazz's, the mango room, and Peachtree. Peachtree is the best by far. Hey, is mango still open?

Anonymous said...

I've ate there 3 times and it was amazing every time. Every thing I have ever had was superb.

Anonymous said...

going tonight, interested to see who's reviews i line up with. getting the fried chicken for sure.

kyle gebhart

Anonymous said...

My family and I ate at the Peachtree in Lee's Summit today. At 12:30 on a Sunday there were only two other tables occupied. That should have been our first clue. The food did not taste good. The ribs were fatty, the okra and dressing had a weird taste. The dressing was very salty and the macaroni and cheese was burned. All came at a fairly hefty price. It's a shame because it's a beautiful facility, nice people working there and it's in a great location. I would highly recommend the other Peachtree restaurant off Eastwood Tfwy. Much better food and it is a buffet.

Anonymous said...

I have been to the Lee's Summit location at least 10 times. I brought my in-laws, and my parents from Canada, we have taken friends, and my husband and I have gone alone. The food is excellent to my taste. They have a wonderful lobster bisque that I keep hoping will be the soup of the day every time I go... alas, I have only had it the one time. I usually have the Jazzy Wings and either the Meatloaf or the Smothered Pork Chops. The portions are huge, so there is always some left to take to lunch to work. The staff is friendly, albeit a little confused and seemingly unaware of their menu and/or bar offerings - be that as it may, the food is worth the service. I may be biased since I waited tables for many years during college, so my opinion of service may differ from what is being offered these days.

Undoubtably I would recommend this restaurant to ANYONE - there is something for everyone on the menu and not everything is for all tastes, give it a chance, and give it a second chance if your first wasn't what you thought it should be =)

Lisa Wallace - Lee's Summit

Anonymous said...

this restaurant is going downhill and is ran by crooks.