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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