May 25, 2015 7:00 am • Zarda Bar-B-Q, one of the founding fathers of Kansas City barbecue, first opened its flagship location in 1976. Thanks to its mouthwatering smoked meats and legendary “Bar-B-Q” beans, the restaurant quickly became a staple for ’cue in KC.
This year, Zarda has debuted its “limited reserve” menu, adding four innovative dishes to its traditional crowd favorites. True to their name, the off-the-menu items are available in very limited supply, and could be switched out for a new dish at any time.
“The menu hasn’t changed much over the years,” Zarda COO Terry Hyer says. “Our barbecue is old school. We’re all about the smoke.”
The pit masters at Zarda don’t rely on rubs or salts; they use Ozark hickory to smoke lean cuts of meat for a distinctive, delectable smoky flavor that Zarda loyalists have come to love.
Zarda’s new limited reserve items are special, seasonal and truly a meat-lover’s dream. Take the limited reserve sandwiches. The Hog Wild – stacked high with layers of juicy ham, pulled pork and crisp bacon; the Average Joe – a towering masterpiece of smoked beef, turkey or ham topped with melted provolone and two onion rings; and the limited reserve Turkey Crunch – succulent slices of deep-fried turkey breast, provolone, bacon and a housemade chipotle mayo.
The limited reserve ribs (prepared in small batches and only available Mondays) are absolutely delicious – seasoned to perfection and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Hyer and the rest of the Zarda team have a true passion for barbecue and are continuing to develop and expand their limited reserve options. This summer, they are featuring a Sweet Carolina pulled pork sandwich, and once the leaves start to change, they will introduce a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs corn bread bowl.
“I love food,” says Hyer, “I love barbecue, and every season we want to introduce a few evolutionary items that will reshape palates and expectations.”