When my husband and I go out for dinner, and when we have out of town guests visiting, dining at a locally owned restaurant is always a priority.  Fortunately, the Brookside/Waldo area has plenty to choose from–everything from the upscale casual option at Plate to a slice of pizza to go at Pizza Tascio.  Faculty Tables and Patio, at 600 E 63rd, is now another option—locally owned and operated, reasonably priced and a cozy, casual atmosphere. 

Co-owner and chef James Landis has been cooking in KC area restaurants for 21 years now; past spots include Le Fou Frog and Blue Grotto; he also helped open Ragazza.  When the owner of this space, formerly the Flying Horse Taproom, suggested he take over and open a new restaurant, he agreed–as he always wanted to run his own place like so many chefs!   The name was suggested by a former St Peter’s School teacher, and as James’ parents were teachers, he thought Faculty Lounge would be a fitting  homage to the family.

Landis created the menu, leaning on his knowledge of French and Italian recipes, but with a dash of his Midwest background stirred in.  On the menu you will see tempura cheese curds, deconstructed apple pie, a trout dish  and the very popular butter burger. Homemade sea salt caramel corn was on the “snack” menu when I stopped by. And of course there is a full bar, with non alcoholic beverages and a “bartender’s cocktail” that changes each day.  “I want this to be a neighborhood place” says James, “someplace people will visit a couple of times a month”.  Faculty Tables offers a happy hour from 3-6 Tuesday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11-2:30; on the second Monday of the month, there is a ticketed  four course food and wine paired meal.  The website is still a work in progress and there’s a glitch with the Tock reservations system to be worked out; just stop in for a visit soon!   Remember to check out their rotating display of local art on the walls when you go by. ! Faculty Tables and Patio is located at 600 E 63rd St.