J's Carryout: Emporia, KS

J's Carryout in Emporia, KS

So often I hear locals lament something along the lines of the following:

 "There is no where good to eat"

 "There just aren't enough places to eat around here" 

Yes, comparatively to Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, Kansas City the restaurant choices are more limited; however, compared to population it is right on target in many ways.  There are always things that a community will wish they had, just as most people wish they had more money (even the people that have a good amount of money).   The key is to keep supporting the places that are unique, good, and places that are locally owned and operated to keep those businesses and economic reinvestment going.  One of those businesses for me is the quaint little burger stand on Commercial Street south of the tracks... J's Carryout.

When I order, i always go for the Loaded with everything cheeseburger and an order of onion rings.   Although J's offers a lot more on it's menu (including a delicious pizza burger) this is my preferred meal.  The key to this deliciousness, in my opinion, is the seasoned grill and the grilled onions that top the burger.  These burgers almost melt in your mouth.  The Onion rings are always cooked the way I like them.  The batter is not overwhelming, it is thin but covering and the crunch they get on these is perfection.  

In addition to the delicious food you also get the small town, Midwest friendly service that is the hallmark of great drive-ins like this.  The staff is always friendly, there is the drive thru of course, but there is also a small seating area and counter inside. This kind of delicious food takes time, so if you are sitting in the drive thru be patient- they will likely offer you a free ice cream cone while you wait.  This treat is also offered to customers inside as they are getting ready to head out the door.  A great stop for a cozy eat in, or a fabulous pick up for a picnic at the park.  

Address: 27 Commercial St, Emporia, KS 66801
Phone:(620) 342-5780

Mr. Sister Sweets Emporia, Ks

Mr. Sister Sweets in Emporia, Kansas

This lovely little cupcake and sweets shop is located at the 6th Street (Hwy 50) and Commercial Street intersection.   Fairly new to the Emporia scene, the business has quickly developed a good fan base.   Specializing in cupcakes of, well almost any flavor, their cakes and cupcakes are the highlight of the cute little shop.   In the past cupcakes have been the usual pickup, I very much recommend the Mexican Hot Chocolate, Lemon-cello  and the Bacon French Toast.   In fact, that last cupcake was the whole reason for stopping by the shop most recently.

Every year some very dear friends throw a "Pork of July" party, where every guest must bring some kind of pork dish for the feast.  This is a fantastic party for a foodie like me. This year, cooking was not on the agenda; so to the shop to fetch some cupcakes with bacon and my obligation would be fulfilled. Alas, it was not to be.  With a menu board of flavors that is the size of the average classroom whiteboard, it is impossible (not to mention impractical) to keep all the flavors in stock.   

However, all was not lost as they also provide some delicious chocolate confections and yes they had some with bacon!  

 

Now granted, you have to like chocolate and bacon or none of these will hit the spot for you.  

Chocolate covered Bacon (Upper Right)  

This is exactly what you think it is and it was a hit at the party.   The combination of sweet and salty hits the spot!

Chocolate Bacon Truffles (Lower Right)

Also a big hit, these traditional style truffles were big enough to split and share.  Hard chocolate exterior contains a lovely dark chocolate layer that surrounds the crisp bacon center.  Again, sweet good, salty good, the whole thing is lovely.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks with Bacon (Lower Left)

These are a recent addition to the store I was told.   Although they were good, they may still need a bit of tweaking to be a hit.  The crunch of the pretzel was good indicating a good ratio of chocolate dipping (a fine skill indeed).  However, the bacon bits were a bit hard to even taste in the blend of flavors.  It may be that there was too much salt (between the salted pretzel and the bacon).   The pork party brainstorm was maybe sprinkle in pork rinds instead of bacon or try an unsalted pretzel stick.

Wait- if you are not sold on this place yet-  hang on.  So after picking up the dozen assorted cupcakes for the parents, the bacon chocolate confections for the party, and two special red velvet cupcakes for the hostess who doesn't like chocolate (still baffles me); I headed on about my day.  Arriving home the treats for the party were placed in the fridge to prevent melting.  A few hours later I pop onto facebook to check in on the world... and I had a message from the proprietor of Mr. Sister letting me know that I had left part of my order at the store!  Now that is small town customer service right there! 

There are rumors that Cupcake Wars may have selected this pastry chef for their show.... and I for one hope it is true.  If you are in the Emporia area, stop by and check it out.  Wednesday thru Saturday 12pm-6pm 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MR-Sisters-Sweets/201758876539597