‘Kansas City doesn’t really have this’: Fine dining restaurant and lounge now open
The sprawling, Spanish colonial-style structure at 700 Southwest Blvd. has been home to several businesses over the past few decades.
It was most recently Casa Grande, a Latin nightclub. Prior to that it was Jared Allen’s Sports Arena & Grill, a short-lived venture from the former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, and Café Sevilla, a tapas joint and wine bar. Old-timers might recall it as the home of California Taqueria, a popular Mexican destination in the 1990s.
The building has sat vacant for several years. But over the last few weeks, new life has been stirring inside. Privee Restaurant and Lounge held a soft opening two Saturdays ago, then a grand opening last Friday.
“We’re a fine-dining establishment, like 801 Chophouse or Capital Grille, with a high-end lounge, like Mercury Room or Monarch Bar,” said Timothy Harris, who owns the bar with partner Marcus Easy. “All in one building. You see that in other cities, but Kansas City doesn’t really have this. So, that’s what we’re aiming for here.”
The menu, by executive chef Jonathan Wilson, features a $130 seafood tower, a $59 10-ounce Kansas City Strip and a $38 jerked teriyaki salmon, among other items. “It’s a mix of Kansas City and Caribbean flavors,” Harris said.
They’ve been overhauling the space since late last year. It is more than 9,000 square feet, with a large patio and seating for 350 people.
The main dining room is downstairs. Between the brick walls and arched passageways are black tables and blue banquettes; a three-sided bar with about 20 white-and-gold barstools; a DJ booth; and a stage where they plan to host jazz and R&B performances on every First Friday and occasional other nights.
On the far north end of the building is a private dining room for corporate events, birthday parties and other large parties. It can fit about 35 guests.
The Jade Room upstairs is for Black Card members. For the price of $250 per month, members get access to the room and need not make reservations. (Everyone else must make reservations online at priveekc.com.) Other perks include a complimentary bottle with every bottle service purchased, a complimentary bottle of wine every month and complimentary valet service.
“You walk in, show us your card, and come upstairs and enjoy the separate bar, full-service kitchen and DJ,” Harris said.
Privee is Harris and Easy’s first foray into the restaurant business. They met while working at Cerner. Easy lives in Miami and works as ahealth care consultant. Harris lives in Kansas City and works in commercial and residential real estate and as a director at a health care IT company.
Harris said Privee is a tribute to his grandmother, who had a catering company when he was young and who always wanted to open her own restaurant. “She passed in 2006, and this is me continuing her legacy.”
Privee is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The kitchen stays open until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday. The restaurant also offers brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “Smart casual attire” is preferred. That means no “sportswear, beachwear, flip-flops or excessively casual clothing.”
And in case you were wondering: It’s pronounced “privy,” not “privay.”
