Our new Executive Chef, John Klingele, grew up in downtown Kansas City. It’s hard not to fall in love with food there. He has worked in kitchens from the moment he was old enough, learning skills like butchering sides of beef to making soups and everything in between. After apprenticeships in several French restaurants in the Kansas City area, he moved to Columbia where he continued to pursue his culinary passions in several area restaurants.
He then met Emilee and embarked on their journey together to not only improve their own skills, but to invigorate the local food scene. The Blufftop welcomes them and invites you to The Bistro to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Hailing from a small town in Indiana, our Chef de Cuisine – Emilee, received a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu. She helped open Magnolia’s Bakery in downtown Chicago and honed her fine dining skills while working with a Michelin Star Chef in Lincoln Park. Her passions then took her to a cooking school for children where she helped her students not only learn to cook but also cultivate a healthy relationship with food.
While serving as Executive Chef at a Columbia bistro, she met her now husband, John, and we are so thrilled to have them both at The Bistro.
Featuring delicacies such as steamed mussels, porchetta confit, and steak au poivre, the new dinner menu at The Bistro is sure to please. Join us for a superb meal paired perfectly with award-winning wine, hand-crafted cocktails, and an unbeatable river view.
It’s hard to beat an evening at The A-Frame Winegarden, but when we add talented musicians to the equation, it’s next level! We still have several amazing local artists on the docket this season. Join us on Sunday’s at 5 p.m. for Summer Music on The Blufftop.
- Aug. 14th – Blake Gardner & The Farmers
- Aug. 21st – Marcella’s Ghost
- Aug. 28th – Pat Kay (of The Kay Brothers)
- Sept. 4th – Calvin Street Band
Every year the Collector’s Series Wine Release is highly anticipated and as usual, our winemakers did not disappoint with this year’s featured wines.
2021 Vignoles Traminette: This semi-sweet, Missouri grown white wine is crisp and fragrant with a burst of honeyed, floral, and tropical character including guava, pineapple, lilac, and apple. Affectionately called “VT” on The Blufftop, this beloved release is always highly anticipated and sought after.
2021 Chambourcin Saignée: This Saignée rosé utilizes a unique method of winemaking that results in a darker, more robust style. The vivid hue portends bright aromas of plum, violet, watermelon, cranberry, and blackberry pie that complement the silky soft mouthfeel and refreshing finish.
2020 Merlot: Aromas of plum, blackberry, rhubarb pie, almond, and mace guide this beautifully balanced, medium-bodied Merlot. The palate features notes of plum, fresh cherry, black currant, cedar, and a hint of vanilla with notable tannins and bright acidity that encourage cellar aging.