City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (816) 391-4460

Address: 1 Pershing Rd.

Description: Ah, decisions, decisions. Shall we have the Western Auto sign, the Marriott Hotel light display, or the Liberty Memorial flame? Those aren’t menu items, they’re just three of the spectacular views from Benton’s floor-to-ceiling windows 20 floors above the Westin Hotel. The interior is nearly as spectacular, especially the 16 original works by namesake and beloved Kansas City artist Thomas Hart Benton. Chef Martin Hueser deftly supervises a panorama of dishes, from double-cut pork chops to tasty holdovers, such as steamed dumplings, from the days of the popular Asian eatery downstairs, Trader Vic’s. And if you think a steak is a steak is a steak, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Benton’s starts with twenty-one-day-aged certified Angus beef flavored with a signature seasoning that adds a unique, tangy hickory flavor. Benton’s is also the place to find bison prepared several ways—leaner and, some say, more flavorful than regular beef. Benton’s also prides itself on serving wild Canadian sockeye salmon, a fine finny choice, along with lobster and crab cakes. The Sunday brunch is a celebration of eye-popping choices—over 100 items in all, including healthy fresh fruit, an omelet station, and carving stations with prime rib. Another “prime” time to come is Thurs through Sat evenings, when the pretty lounge offers live jazz to go with the view. Check the Web site for wine flights and appetizer specials. In fact, that’s where we snagged a coupon for a free flambéed dessert prepared tableside one evening. Or you could simply watch the flame over the Liberty Memorial to your left.