Look Away, Vegetarians

Yesterday was the 47th birthday, celebrated by dinner at Jack's Stack on the Plaza. Yes, you can get good, authentic Kansas City barbecue on the Plaza these days, if you walk past the soul-less chain restaurants that infest it.

I'm ashamed of my gluttony, but let me tell you that the Three Rib Platter does not consist of a platter with three ribs. No, we're talking three different rib varieties, from three different animals. A lamb, a pig and a cow (sounds like the beginning of a clean joke) gave their lives for my feast last night, and the smokers at Jack's Stack made sure their sacrifice was honored with the incense of hickory.

Normally, I'd balk at $4.75 for a pint glass of beer, but not when they fill it with Grimbergen, one of the world's best Belgian ales. Every other place I've ordered this amazing beer, it's come in one of those little goblets that is the size of a wine glass. But when you order up a Grimbergen here, you get a tall glass full of world-class dubbel. While it will come to you way too cold to fully enjoy, take your time and let it warm up for one of the great beer bargains in Kansas City.

Great meal, great beer. Not bad for an old man . . .