THE NEW POINT GRILLE
917 W. 44th - 816-561-7600

Lisa Bauer


Nestled on the bustling corner of 44th and Southwest Trafficway, The New Point Grille offers diners a relaxing atmosphere, a fine variety of food and wine, a magnificent cigar list, and, of course, some of Kansas City's best live jazz.

The (old) Point closed its doors in November 1998, and when word of its renovation and return began to spread, many Kansas Citians wondered what would await them inside. It has taken less than a year to create what is becoming one of Kansas City's hot spots for fine dining and music.

Before arriving at The New Point Grille for dinner, it is a good idea to call ahead and make reservations. Dinner is served Monday through Friday, 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., Saturday nights from 5:00 p.m. until midnight. On a recent Saturday evening, the door seldom remained closed as a steady stream of diners made their way into the restaurant. It was busy early, and then the rush seemed to hit around 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday, beginning at 7:00 p.m., you will enjoy sharing your evening with Kansas City musicians David Basse (drums, vocals) and Greg Richter (piano, vibes). Local artists Bob Bowman and Jeff Harshbarger (bass), Joe Cartwright (piano) and Danny Embrey (guitar) are just a few of the other talented players who occasionally perform with Basse and Richter throughout the week. Placed in the center of the restaurant, the music literally becomes part of your dining experience.

Although the restaurant closes at midnight (on Saturdays), if listeners remain, the music continues. "If the audience is responsive and things are happening," says Basse, "we'll just keep playing. I think the latest we've played is 1:30 a.m."

On August 11 vocalist (and original Point vet) Ida McBeth returns for a special engagement, vocalist Angela Hagenbach is set for one of her own on August 18, the cutting edge ensemble Malachy Papers is scheduled for August 22-24, and beginning in September, you will be able to enjoy the music of Dan Bliss on Tuesdays. The weekly lineup can also include pianists Bram Wijnands and Allen Monroe, drummer Vince Bilardo, and Kansas City singing legend Myra Taylor. Check the Friday "Preview" section in The Kansas City Star for weekly schedules.
The New Point Grille is a smoke-free establishment until 10:00 p.m. when dinner tables are transformed into cocktail tables. And the room just away from the bar where you will still be able to enjoy the live music is always smoke-free. Stroll on downstairs, however, and you will discover one of the finest cigar bars the city has to offer. Patrons may choose from a variety of cigars, and if they prefer, they may also enjoy dinner down below as well.

And speaking of dinner, the menu at the New Point Grille is full of unique and tempting delights. But, try not to let your taste buds get set in their ways. Executive Chef John Roe enjoys changing the menu and he tries to keep things fresh by periodically updating the dishes being served.

Some of the dishes you will find on the current menu include grilled king salmon over baby greens tossed with toasted hazelnut dressing and fresh raspberries ($14).

Another favorite, the bone on filet mignon, is dry-aged grilled tenderloin with cabernet steak butter, and served with Stilton potato gratinee, baby carrots and French green beans ($26).

Also a mouth-watering selection is the grilled pork chop with a brandied pear and apricot jus served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and julienne vegetables ($17).

And, if you enjoy a little spice in your life, try the sautéed shrimp and scallops served over linguini and julienne vegetables with a unique soy broth ($18).

Dinner isn't the only meal you can enjoy at the New Point. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. No reservations are needed, and daily pasta and fish specials are available. Thursdays, however, are reserved for prime rib lovers when diners can enjoy the prime rib special for only $7.25.

Another unique quality to the New Point Grille is its wine "by the glass" list. Each wine glass has three etched dots on the side. The bottom dot represents "half" a glass of wine (3 oz), the second dot is a "full" glass (6 oz), and the third dot is a "glass and a half" (9 oz). It's an especially good system if you want to try something new.

To make dinner reservations at the New Point Grille, call 816-561-7600. The variety of different foods and wines is impressive and, with the large portions served, you won't leave hungry.


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