Event Marks Partnership with Downtown Bristol

Date: February 28, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Last year Houlihan’s CEO Bob Hartnett read in KC Magazine that Jane Chu would take her last meal “at any restaurant serves good fish.” He immediately penned a note that included gift certificates to the Bristol Seafood Grill out south.  At the time he didn’t realize that a long-lasting partnership with the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts would result.  “I just told her that we served great fish.”  So, when 130 Kauffman Center boosters dined at the new downtown Bristol Seafood Grill on Monday, February 25, they benefited from the relationship that grew from that note.

Everything is new again at the Bristol Seafood Grill as they open a downtown location in the Kansas City Power and Light District.  Kansas Citians flocked to their Plaza location in the 1980s when the Bristol was one of the first to bring great seafood to our area.  Since moving south, they’ve been missed by midtown residents—but no longer.

After Jane thanked Bob for the dinner she enjoyed with his gift certificates, the two decided to get together for lunch.  Bob was anxious to learn more about the Kauffman Center and soon ideas were flying about synergistic ways for the restaurant group to support the new performing arts center. When Bob offered to host an opening event at the new downtown Bristol to honor the Kauffman Center, the idea seemed perfectly in tune with both organizations. 

“Since the new Bristol is within walking distance of the Kauffman Center, we hope to see audiences visit the restaurant, both before and after performances,” Hartnett said.  “Providing this pre-opening night event for Kauffman Center supporters was a great way to celebrate these two downtown attractions.  And, we are really proud to be part of the Kansas City Power and Light District.” (The Bristol is the 111th restaurant in the group of Houlihans restaurants.)

Guests arrived just after six, welcomed by hosts and the music of jazz pianist Tim Whitmer.  Everyone immediately began to comment on the stylish décor.  The crisp, clean lines are warmed by subtle Asian elements.  Walls of birch and light cherry are complemented by dark leather chairs and booths.  Tables throughout have polished butcher block tops.  While the floor plan is very open, the dining area is arranged to promote an intimate experience. The front window of the restaurant holds a rectangular, glass-enclosed fire pit that warms both the outdoor terrace and provides interesting lighting throughout the bar area.  Distinctive art pieces and lighting fixtures catch your eye throughout—and at least two of the selected artists studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. 

Bristol servers were crisply attired, full of energy and seemed to enjoy showing off the new space and sharing the delicious menu that included lobster bisque, seared seabass and potato sage gratin.  Of course, the Bristol’s trademark biscuits were in plentiful supply, served hot from the oven.  It was all capped off by a trio dessert that gave everyone the chance to taste the restaurant’s chocolate velvet cake, carrot cake and key lime pie.

See the photo gallery of this evening of fine dining at the stunningly elegant new downtown Bristol.