Food Traveler Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 134

Midwest hays Sitting right along Interstate-70 in the western part of Kansas is Hays. Steeped in Western American history, this college town is serving up flavors you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of a prairie. The anchor of the Hays food scene is the 2013 Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year, Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co. Take a glance inside and you will see banner after banner declaring their mastery of craft beer. Make sure to pair your flight of beer with one of their great dishes celebrating the town’s German heritage. Two doors down from Gella’s is the Paisley Pear Café. Rotating their menu 132 FoodTraveler l Winter 2016 KANSAS to reflect the season, the café’s quaint space is the perfect way to break up a long road trip. After your meal, stroll around the retail portion of their store and purchase kitchen appliances and gadgets to recreate your meal in your own kitchen. If top-notch competition BBQ is more your style, stopping at TK’s Smokehaus is a must. Your meal will come off a custom-built smoker using 100% natural wood then topped with TK’s signature BBQ sauce. Continue down the historic downtown and you’ll feel like you aren’t in Kansas anymore when you see Sake2Me Sushi. Converted from an old gas station, Sake2Me’s chefs will surprise you with their mastery of classic rolls and their own twists on the cuisine. Before hitting the road again, get your caffeine fix across the street at Breathe Coffee House. Collaborating with a roaster in Kansas City, Breathe will give you a big city coffee experience in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Visit haysusa.com to see all of the incredible dining experiences waiting for you in Hays.