JAM: June/July 2004 Issue: Club Profile

Red Vine, Red Hot

New Orleans truly does meet Kansas City at 18 th and Vine's newest establishment. The Red Vine Cajun Restaurant and Jazz House combines a rich atmosphere with a menu dripping with Cajun favorites.

On March 6, 2004 , Sebrina McCrainey and her husband Emmanuel celebrated their dream in reality. Red Vine began a hypothetical concept when Mrs. McCrainey developed the business for a marketing project at Webster University . She took the idea to the Internet when she created an online dessert business, and eventually, with the help of the jazz district, turned her class project into a full-scale restaurant and entertainment venue.

The McCrainey's chose the jazz district as the destination for their dream because of its history. Mrs. McCrainey recalled her father talking about the district when she was young, and she wanted to take part in that history herself.

“Whether we flourish or not we will go down in history,” said Mrs. McCrainey.

Red Vine offers an array of live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 8 pm . Fat Tuesday will be a weekly celebration at the Cajun inspired establishment beginning in June. Red Vine will host jam sessions on Wednesday for local jazz musicians, and Thursday is karaoke night from 11 pm to 2:30 am . Friday and Saturday nights feature live music with such talents as Max Groove, BMW, and James Whitney and the Salt and Pepper Band.

Red Vine charges a five-dollar cover charge at the door regardless of the patrons' intention to dine, and the restaurant has a strict age policy; no one under the age of 25 is allowed in the establishment during entertainment hours. Mrs. McCrainy attributed the age policy to their desire to maintain a mature crowd.

I visited Red Vine on a Saturday night, and as I walked to our high, marble-top table in front of the stage, I quickly realized Red Vine is not a hole in the wall Cajun restaurant. The vaulted space is rich with red walls, exposed brick, and massive archways. The large windows look out to the action on 18 th Street , and jazz inspired artwork adorns the walls. Red velvet and candlelight give the restaurant a sexy ambiance. At first I was getting a romantic vibe, but once James Whitney and the Salt and Pepper Band began playing upbeat jazz tunes, the atmosphere took a lively shift as patrons began dancing.

Complimenting the atmosphere, the menu boasts regional favorites such as po'boys and crawfish, but the options are not limited. The menu extends from chicken strips to a KC strip to lobster tail, options to truly accommodate any pocketbook. From the corn chowder to the blackened chicken alfredo, our meals were scrumptious. The most impressive part of the menu is the extensive list of specialty drinks; all cleverly titled with jazzy inspiration. I recommend the Miles Davis (Southern Comfort, Hennessy, grenadine, and sour mix).

While not perfect the service is sincere. The management team kept a watchful eye and was ready to alleviate any problems.

Red Vine is obviously doing something right. The evening I attended, there was a steady flow of patrons and rarely a seat empty. The music was energizing, the food warming to the soul, the staff endearing, and the price affordable. I deem Red Vine the perfect date destination.

-- Emily Willson

Red Vine Cajun Restaurant and Jazz House is located at 1700 East 18 th Street and opens at 11 am Monday-Saturday. Monday-Wednesday the doors close at 11 pm, Thursday-Saturday 1 am. For more information call (816) 472-VINE.






	Search our site:		Red Vine, Red Hot New Orleans truly does meet Kansas City at 18 th and Vine's newest establishment. The Red Vine Cajun Restaurant and Jazz House combines a rich atmosphere with a menu dripping with Cajun favorites. On March 6, 2004 , Sebrina McCrainey and her husband Emmanuel celebrated their dream in reality. Red Vine began a hypothetical concept when Mrs. McCrainey developed the business for a marketing project at Webster University . She took the idea to the Internet when she created an online dessert business, and eventually, with the help of the jazz district, turned her class project into a full-scale restaurant and entertainment venue. The McCrainey's chose the jazz district as the destination for their dream because of its history. Mrs. McCrainey recalled her father talking about the district when she was young, and she wanted to take part in that history herself. “Whether we flourish or not we will go down in history,” said Mrs. McCrainey. Red Vine offers an array of live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 8 pm . Fat Tuesday will be a weekly celebration at the Cajun inspired establishment beginning in June. Red Vine will host jam sessions on Wednesday for local jazz musicians, and Thursday is karaoke night from 11 pm to 2:30 am . Friday and Saturday nights feature live music with such talents as Max Groove, BMW, and James Whitney and the Salt and Pepper Band. Red Vine charges a five-dollar cover charge at the door regardless of the patrons' intention to dine, and the restaurant has a strict age policy; no one under the age of 25 is allowed in the establishment during entertainment hours. Mrs. McCrainy attributed the age policy to their desire to maintain a mature crowd. I visited Red Vine on a Saturday night, and as I walked to our high, marble-top table in front of the stage, I quickly realized Red Vine is not a hole in the wall Cajun restaurant. The vaulted space is rich with red walls, exposed brick, and massive archways. The large windows look out to the action on 18 th Street , and jazz inspired artwork adorns the walls. Red velvet and candlelight give the restaurant a sexy ambiance. At first I was getting a romantic vibe, but once James Whitney and the Salt and Pepper Band began playing upbeat jazz tunes, the atmosphere took a lively shift as patrons began dancing. Complimenting the atmosphere, the menu boasts regional favorites such as po'boys and crawfish, but the options are not limited. The menu extends from chicken strips to a KC strip to lobster tail, options to truly accommodate any pocketbook. From the corn chowder to the blackened chicken alfredo, our meals were scrumptious. The most impressive part of the menu is the extensive list of specialty drinks; all cleverly titled with jazzy inspiration. I recommend the Miles Davis (Southern Comfort, Hennessy, grenadine, and sour mix). While not perfect the service is sincere. The management team kept a watchful eye and was ready to alleviate any problems. Red Vine is obviously doing something right. The evening I attended, there was a steady flow of patrons and rarely a seat empty. The music was energizing, the food warming to the soul, the staff endearing, and the price affordable. I deem Red Vine the perfect date destination. -- Emily Willson Red Vine Cajun Restaurant and Jazz House is located at 1700 East 18 th Street and opens at 11 am Monday-Saturday. Monday-Wednesday the doors close at 11 pm, Thursday-Saturday 1 am. For more information call (816) 472-VINE. RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.