The world might be in a weird a place right now, but some things haven’t changed: date nights and supporting local. We may not be “eating out” in the traditional sense of visiting a restaurant, but my fiancé and I find opportunities each week to support a local eatery by ordering take out or curbside. Our most recent endeavors was to Jarocho’s Mexican Seafood in Kansas City, Kansas.
Ordering carry-out was the easiest experience. The discounted menu they have posted online reflects their current takeout offerings, and is pretty expansive. There was a mix of apps, entrees, and specials – including several $10 meals for lunch. After a good look-over, and a consult of their Instagram, I decided on the memela. My fiancé picked the seafood paella, and we both agreed on the blue crab queso. Upon calling to place the order, we got a bowl of red pozole too as it came recommended.
Pickup and payment were simple. Employees had gloves and masks, and there was a place for pens after signing. I provided an approximate window of arrival, and was a little early. To allow other guests in, I waited outside. Within minutes everything was brought to our truck, plated, bagged, and ready to take home. It was honestly the longest drive ever, I wanted to dig in as soon as the bags were in the car.
My fiancé deemed it a “table meal” (i.e. no eating on the couch!), so we laid everything out, filled our plates, and dug in. I don’t think I can fully convey how delicious this meal was. Between the soft, homemade tortilla, the crunch of slaw, and the tender carne asada of the memela and the paella loaded with fresh prawns, mussels, calamari, and fish seasoned to perfection, and the crunch of the tortilla chips covered in creamy queso, we couldn’t have asked for a better meal.
This dinner provided a small sense of normalcy in this “new normal”. I love being able to support local businesses like Jarocho’s. While how this happens might be different, it’s still a possibility.
#SupportLocalKCK Tips for safely dining with 1889 Pizza or any other Kansas City, KS restaurants during COVID-19:
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Seek out information on what restaurants are currently offering and what their hours are. Many Kansas City restaurants are still serving customers via carryout, curbside and delivery apps. Note that some restaurants have family specials, adjusted menus and hours. Check with the restaurant's website or social media pages for this information. See our updated Kansas City, KS restaurant update page for more
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To avoid crowds and a wait, consider ordering during the week vs. weekends or off-peak meal times.
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A wait may be unavoidable. Consider this when choosing what time you order.
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If payment is not available online, ask about the possibility of payment over the phone.
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If possible, only send one family member in if curbside is not available.
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Remember to tip servers, delivery, cashiers, etc as if you were dining in. .
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Comply with all of the CDC's recommendations for avoiding COVID-19 including practicing social distancing, covering your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face cover when out and around others, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you arrive back home. See here for more information.