La Bodega Awards

La Bodega Restaurant Review:

James Taylor's eatery draws people to Southwest Boulevard to feast on tapas and paellas, sangrías and martinis. The space, wide-open and gregarious, is a riot of color: a mosaic in primary hues covers the bar, earth-toned nudes float along one long wall and a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows gives diners a panoramic view of the street. The lengthy menu is a mix of hot and cold small plates meant to be shared --- but also includes salads, sandwiches and entrées. Grilled shrimp wrapped in pancetta are served with a modest horseradish sauce. Beef tenderloin is crusted in Cabrales blue cheese. For something lighter, try the ensalada de mariscos Mediteranea, a lemony ceviche. Paellas include the “golden seafood” --- served in a traditional pan, the dish comes to the table sizzling hot with lovely, crusty rice beneath all the seafood and vegetables. Vegetarians will find much to enjoy, including the queso de cabra al horno (goat cheese baked in a basil and tomato sauce) and the champiñones a la plancha (roasted mushrooms dressed in a garlicky sauce). Also located at 4311 W. 119th St., Leawood, 913-428-8272.