Question: I'm a Kansas-based chef, is it possible to sell $160 tasting menus, or is that way too much money for the Midwest?

i track consumer prices. i am the nyc food critic for bloomberg news. i am ryan sutton.

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Question: I’m a Kansas-based chef, is it possible to sell $160 tasting menus, or is that way too much money for the Midwest?

Answer: Not too much money, if you’re serving crazy game meats! Taste & See in Wichita saw its one-night-only, $160 tasting sell out within days. The “exotic meats” menu includes Scottish hare, crocodile, alpaca, water buffalo, antelope and foie gras. Chef Jason Febres initially planned on serving lion, but withdrew that item after protests, as I reported in my Bloomberg News column today.

But still. This Little Lion affair is proof that consumers in Middle America are willing to pay as much as New Yorkers or Californians for ambitious, adventurous food. After tax and tip, these guests will shell out over $400 per couple.

And you’re still in Kansas, Dorothy.