Goin’ to Kansas City Why mess with a good thing? lectrical Rebuilder’s Association (ERA) Show promoter Polly Shea announced last July that the spring 2009 show would once again be held at the state-of-the-art KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo. Located virtually on the grounds of the airport, this venue proved to be convenient and enjoyable for ERA Show attendees in 2001 and 2003. The Expo Center provides just the right size property without feeling like you’ve walked from one side of the state to the other, and offers free transporta- tion from the airport as well as free park- ing. The exhibition building is connected by covered walkway to the headquarter hotel, Holiday Inn KCI Airport. The two-year-old Holiday Inn is a “prototype” full-service hotel with an on- site restaurant and lounge, room service, indoor pool and fitness center, and meet- ing rooms. Both facilities offer wireless Internet service and are also easily acces- sible from both I-29 and I-435. The one problem that the ’01 and ’03 events posed has been eliminated for the upcoming show. In addition to the Kansas City traditions of the Country Club Plaza, Worlds of Fun, Kansas City Zoo, River Market and Crown Center, the north and west sides of the metro area, as well as downtown, have finally devel- oped some attractions of their own. A number of golf courses, casinos, theaters and sports venues are a short drive from this year’s show venue, how- ever, the expansive Zona Rosa develop- ment is only five quick minutes away at 1-29 and Barry Road in Kansas City, Mo. Here’s an example of the food and nightlife available at Zona Rosa: Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy was born of the hospitality and delicious cuisine of authentic restaurants in Old Mexico. Known to food critics for color- ful presentations and a creative menu, Abuelo’s combines quality food with an impressive Mexican courtyard atmos- phere. This restaurant serves traditional Mexican fare, steaks, seafood, drinks and desserts. (816) 584-8557. Bo Ling’s has been one of Kansas City’s favorite Chinese eateries since 1981 and has recently been presented with the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America Award by the national publica- tion Chinese Restaurant News. The new restaurant is located on the southwest corner of Prairie View Road and 86th Terrace across from Barnes & Noble. (816) 587-7880. BRAVO! Cucina Italiana is a fun, casual white tablecloth restaurant offering classic Italian food under Roman ruins. BRAVO! invites you to enjoy its award- winning steaks, pasta, pizza and seafood. The concept is positioned between the fine-dining and casual chains, with a menu emphasis on food that is fresh, made-to-order and made using authentic Italian cooking methods. (816) 741-4114. Granite City Food & Brewery is a casual dining restaurant featuring made- from-scratch food and handcrafted beers. Its menu offers traditional and regional foods prepared fresh daily, including sal- ads, sandwiches, pastas and a variety of entrée specialties exclusive to Granite City. (816) 587-3838. Hereford House is a Kansas City tradition! Serving only the finest of steaks and delivering the best customer experi- ence possible has put them on the itinerary of Kansas City visitors. (816) 584-9000. O’Dowd’s Little Dublin is a true and authentic Irish Pub. Since opening in its original location in 1996, O’Dowd’s Little Dublin has grown to become a distinguished establishment for K.C. resi- dents and tourists. Open 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day. (816) 268-6333. Smokehouse BBQ is Kansas City’s best choice for traditional, hickory smoked BBQ enjoyed in a nice, family atmosphere. Smokehouse BBQ’s pit experts have been preparing authentic meats for a combined total of over 30 years. Their fine meats are always pre- pared to high standards of quality and consistency. (816) 587-3337. Swagat, the finest choice for north and south Indian dining is here to serve you, seven days a week, with mouth- watering dishes from India’s vast range of cuisines. If it’s a quick lunch you’re looking for, they have a fantastic lunch buffet. If it is that cozy atmosphere and relaxed ambience you want, the dinner menu that will delight you while you set- tle back and enjoy your evening. (816) 746-9400. Founded by George McKerrow, Jr. and Ted Turner, Ted’s Montana Grill features authentic American favorites in a Craftsman-style bar and grill setting remi- niscent of turn-of-the-century Montana. Menu features include beef, bison or chicken sandwiches made 20 ways, daily blue-plate specials, and homemade cook- ies and shakes. (816) 746-8337. Tomfooleries Restaurant and Bar offers a unique and fun dining experience for all! The menu is packed with tasty specialties and favorites. In addition to lunch and dinner, Tomfooleries serves breakfast on Sundays. On the weekends, be sure to try the Bloody Mary Bar fea- turing more than 50 ingredients you can use to make it just the way you like it! Bringing the kids with you? Their Kids Menu is sure to plea