To say Kansas City’s BBQ game is competitive is a bit of an understatement, but Chef Rob Magee has proved once again why Q39 is consistently at the top of every local and national list.
As a way to celebrate five years of serving up some of KC’s best, he’s created 15 new menu items that maintain the flavor and quality you’d expect from this national championship winning chef – so to say I was excited to accept an invitation to preview them is almost as equally big of an understatement.
A little background for those not from the Kansas City area: BBQ isn’t just a way to prepare food in the Midwest. It’s a point of pride that’s engraved in our way of life. Seriously. BBQ is at the center of nearly every celebration and gathering in KC – Chiefs tailgate: BBQ. Graduation or birthday: BBQ. Literally any gathering with loved ones: fire up the grill and make up a plate. There’s a comradery that stems from time spent around the grill and a unique loyalty to the way your region cooks it up. (Ask me about our time in Atlanta when people tried to convince us that Georgia BBQ was best. Hard. Pass). And while some with less refined palates may try and tell you that Texas or Carolina BBQ take the top spot, I’m here to tell you they’re wrong. Plain and simple. Kansas City does it best.
Which brings us back to Q39. To stand out here is a feat in and of itself, so the fact that Chef Rob continues to innovate while keeping that top-quality standard is pretty impressive. Each creative “classic BBQ with a twist” item on the new menu boasts a perfectly unique, satisfy flavor, and is paired with sides that will have you drooling at the table. He’s also proved that you don’t need to drown everything in BBQ sauce to make it a mouthwateringly good experience — most of the new items don’t feature sauce. It’s an added layer of appeal for those looking to satisfy a craving without adding unnecessary calories.
I’ve got the full list of new items below for you to peruse. Vegetarian friends, check out the buffalo cauliflower wings with buttermilk dressing. Chef Rob shared that this is his favorite appetizer on the menu right now because it offers a light but flavor-packed snack before all that savory meat. My husband is still dreaming about the P.B.L.T and I’m currently making plans to incorporate the new Mac and Cheese into my everyday life.
Oh, and pro tip: don’t skip the drinks. Each martini is served with a “side car” for a little extra splash of fun. And the smoky old fashioned is my husband’s new favorite drink. Q39 smokes their own honey. It is magical.
New Starters + Share-ables
- Smoked Beef Brisket Poutine: Crispy fries, beef brisket gravy, chopped brisket, white heddar cheese curds, classiv BBQ sauce + chives
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Smoked and Grilled Pork Belly: Bacon-onion marmalade and apple slaw
New Salads
- Chopped Salad: Mixed greens, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sharp cheddar, chopped egg, pickled onions, balsamic herb vinaigrette
- Q Wedge: Baby iceberg, pork belly bacon lardons, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, smoked blue cheese, spiced onion straws, buttermilk dressing
New Specialty Sandwiches and Burgers:
- Grilled Pork Belly Sandwich: Bacon-onion marmalade, sliced granny smith apples, and Dijon aioli on a toasted bun
- P.B.L.T: Smoked pork belly bacon, crisp iceberg lettuce, roasted tomato, and aioli on toasted bread (My husband’s favorite of the night!)
- Chicken Griller: Classic sauce, provolone and toasted bread
- Smoked Beef Belly Dip: Provolone, horseradish aioli, toasted hoagie
- Q Burger: Grilled pork belly bacon, sharp cheddar, BBQ sauce, onion straws
New Wood-Fired Grilled Plates
- Smoked Chicken Cassoulet: Chipotle sausage, white beans, spinach, onion, tomato, thyme
- Herb Smoked Pork Shank:Cavatappi pasta, smoked bordelaise, sauce, chives (I don’t normally eat pork, but this was uh-maz-ing)
- Kansas City Strip Steak: Bearnaise butter and mac and cheese
New Sides
- Cucumber Onion Salad: In a dill vinaigrette
- Orzo Pasta Salad: Roasted Cherry tomatoes, spinach, peppers, basil vinaigrette
New Desserts
- Carrot Cake with Lemon Icing
- Drop Donuts with Chocolate and Raspberry Sauce
- Seasonal Ice Cream Pie
Q39 has two locations: 1000 W 39th St in KCMO and 11051 Antioch Rd. in Overland Park. They are almost always packed, so make sure to snag a reservation!