Kansas City Shuffle - CLOSED

Overview

Hospitality legend Ben Sweeten — the man behind Surry Hills' Joe Black — has embarked on his seventh project. And this time, he's bringing a mammoth dose of deliciousness to The Rocks.

Occupying the former Cadbury Factory on Gloucester Street, Kansas City Shuffle is a meeting place for two unlikely companions: superfoods and American diner-style classics. Yep, it's hard to imagine tofu and waffles shacking up in the same kitchen, but that's exactly what's happening. And the beautiful thing about it is that health nuts and gourmands who throw cholesterol to the wind can now dine together without argument.

Kayne Papworth is the head chef responsible for breaking down culinary convention. He earned his stripes at the likes of Melbourne's Proud Mary (where Sweeten was once head barista) and Dr Morse. At Kansas City Shuffle, he's whipping up imaginative creations like fried chicken on a housemade doughnut bun with slaw, pickles and jalapeño aioli, beef brisket and waffles with smoked chilli butter and a poached egg, and toasted pumpkin bread with avocado, whipped feta, heirloom tomato and toasted seeds.

If you don't have time to sit, a neat little takeaway window allows you to nab coffee or nosh on the run. There, you'll find tasty yet healthy concoctions like chia pudding with fresh fruit, coconut and puffed grains, and gluten-free bowls with tofu, smoked chicken or salmon, as well as coffee from Single Origin.

Sweeten is from one talented family. His twin brother, Jimmy, helped out with the interior, by making the furniture from recycled oak, including a stunning, tiered light fitting. Get comfy in moon-shaped booths or get social on the powder-blue tiled communal table.