eating
table talk
When family visits, eating a meal together can be a great form of entertainment. Especially if they're paying. BY MEGHAN ERWIN
Aunt Mildred's hungry. Uncle Burt slept through your graduation while standing. And you don't even want to see Grandma and Grandpa unless you have an immediate plan of action. If this scene could be your own you'd better be prepared. Whether you are graduating in December or your family is just coming to visit, food is always the answer. I've checked out some local establishments that will not only tolerate large, sometimes demanding families but believe it or not, are happy to serve you and your extended weirdos.
counterclockwise from top: The Hereford House, 4931 W. Sixth St., offers private seating that seat from six to 14 people. Paisano's Ristorante, 2112 W. 15th St., has a banquet room available. - Taylor Thode/Kansan JB Stouts, 721 Wakarusa St., also offers private seating. - Amber Agee/Kansan
Paisanos Ristorante
Paisanos Ristorante, 2112 W. 25th St., is affordable and delicious. Menu items range $8 to $25. Trish Von Tersch Kearns, manager at Paisanos says a private banquet room is available on a first come first serve basis and reservations are taken for larger parties. On graduation weekends, Paisanos doesn't typically rent the private room to one family but instead seats large parties in the private banquet room. Families can order off the menu that way everyone is pleased and there is no additional charge for larger parties but a set gratuity is automatically added.
Hereford House
Deeming itself to have "Absolutely the best steak in Lawrence," the Hereford House, 4931 W. Sixth St., no doubt has excellent steaks but also has many private seating arrangements for you and your family. Hereford House has five private rooms that seat from six to 14 people and one smaller room that seats four people. These rooms are available at no extra charge. Ben Winters, employee at the Hereford House, advises students and
their families to make reservations quickly because they are getting booked for the holiday season. Order off the menu of steaks and some seafood and have an opportunity to dine in an upscale steakhouse while your parents get the bill.
JB Stouts
Although JB Stouts, 721 Wakarusa St., does not have private dining rooms, it can accommodate parties of up to 50 peo
ple. Large parties are seated at numerous tables but all are clustered together. Order off its extensive daily menu filled with entrees, salads, sandwiches and appetizers. Reservations should be made for large parties, but Kevin Anderson, employee at Stouts, said the restaurant would take reservations up until one day ahead. But remember reservations can only be made for parties of eight or more.
Meghan Erwin, Jayplay writer, can be reached at merwin@kansan.com.
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thursday, december 11. 2003