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Experience Excelsior Trip Planner 2021

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UPSCALE DINING IN A CASUAL ATMOSPHERE

19 years ago, sisters Wendy Baldwin

and Jill Rickart decided to take a

chance on a new business venture in

downtown Excelsior Springs. At the

time, the downtown was a shell of what

it is today, but the sisters saw potential

for growth that they could be a part of

and help spearhead.

Their restaurant, Ventana Gourmet

Grill, came to life in February 2002,

offering a casual yet upscale dining

experience that was previously lacking

in this small town. Their corner building

is a sight to behold, with historically

ornate ceilings, original wood floors

and brick walls full of the antique

charm that Excelsior Springs has come

to be known for.

The menu is eclectic, with choices

for every preference, from pasta to

award-winning steaks, and everything

in between. On any one table you

might find a Caesar salad with a cup

of lobster bisque soup, a bowl of New

Orleans Cajun pasta with a side of

Parmesan pita bread, and a prime rib

with zucchini and a baked potato. If it’s

a Tuesday night, you might even find

an order of their all you can eat shrimp.

Along with their gourmet entree

choices, Ventana boasts an extensive

wine list, beer and spirits, and is famous

“ Arainy day in Excelsior Springs called

for comfort food. We found it at Ventana

Gourmet Grill. Crunchy Parmesan grilled

cheese sandwich with chips, pickle and a

cup of tomato basil soup. Excellent, unique

taste to an all-time classic meal.

Friendly (masked) staff, quick service,

very satisfied. I’d do it again! Oh, and the

atmosphere. Great old restored building.

Fromthe wood floors, exposed brick walls,

heavy woodwork and nice, original tin

ceiling, the place just delights the senses.”

-J.L. Schmidt, Google Review

for their homemade cheesecake.

Their forward thinking momentum

has led to multiple expansions over

the years. With the growing need to

accommodate larger groups, such as

wedding or retirement parties, they

expanded their business to include

what they affectionately call “ The O.R.,”

also just known as “the other room.” In

2018, they expanded again, opening a

bakery right next door called “ Ventana

Sweet Kneads” to satisfy the needs of

those with a sweet tooth. Along with

delicious homemade sweets, including

gluten free options, guests can find

many fun novelty items to shop from

like old-fashioned candy, cheeky

kitchen decor, tea tins and much more.

2020 brought a beautiful new

website, that shows the full menu,

gives information on daily specials and

makes ordering carry-out easy as pie

(we mean cheesecake!).

If you’re in the mood for high

quality food brought to you by

friendly faces, please be sure to visit

Ventana Gourmet Grill, located at 117

W. Broadway. Their menu is available

at www.ventanagourmetgrill.com. If

you would like more information on

hosting a party in their event space,

please contact 816-630-8600.

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