Anyone who says that small towns are dying out has not been on Cottonwood Street in Strong City, Kansas on a weekend evening. This small town has seen a boom in the local traffic on weekends thanks to the opening of a superb local eatery called Ad Astra. This wonderful little establishment has found a niche that some might find surprising. The intriguing menu is full to bursting with locally raised products, many of which are organically raised. This is not a mom and pop restaurant, a small town diner, nor a fancy eatery. This is a unique blend of the feel and tastes of all of these styles rolled into one. It is a small building and reservations are a must! The popularity of this Flint Hills treasure has made it a destination spot for many foodies.
On a recent visit I was able to try out some new delectable dishes that were wonderful. Started off with a Goat Cheese, Fig Jam and Caramelized onion Flat-bread Pizza starter. This dish was sweet enough to be a dessert pizza. The flavors melt seamlessly into each other much the way they melt over the light flat bread crust. For me it would be too sweet to eat solo or as a meal substitute, but to share as an appetizer OR dessert works perfectly. This dish is a hit on the menu.
Another starter are the Wings which have become an American staple on many menus. Why these are better lies in the size and taste of the product. The cooks prepare the sizable wing portions with a nice sauce that glazes perfectly. The overall flavor is great in that way that it is balanced so that it is not a bland experience, nor is it a clear out the sinuses.
For the main meal it was the Spicy Slaw Burger on a Pretzel Bun with homemade chips that called my name. For burger lovers, this restaurant offers some great flavor combos and selection of the type of patty- beef, longhorn, or bison. For this visit I selected the longhorn patty. This burger had a nice juicy flavor and the crisp crunch of the slaw was fabulous. This burger was a hit. The chips are really good as well, but they can be a little dry. Would love to see this establishment add a unique sauce to go with their chips.
To be honest, this restaurant is always a hit with me. The menu variety meets the need of most any craving and the nightly specials only enhance that fact. The wait staff is friendly and although busy, tend to do a good job taking care of guests without making them feel rushed. The interior is kitschy with a wonderful homey feel that encourages conversation and enjoyment. Some weekend, if you find yourself heading to the Flint Hills area of Kansas, take the time to call ahead to Ad Astra for a reservation (if they can get you in) for a relaxing and tasty dining experience. Remember- they are only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
For more information click here http://www.adastrafood-drink.com/
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