The American

It’s been called a “truly grand restaurant” and “a work of art in its own right,” a restaurant “on the forefront of the American cuisine revolution” where “true culinary artistry is a constant.” For more than 40 years The American Restaurant has been all that, putting Kansas City on the nation’s culinary map and introducing local fine dining fans to some of the country’s most celebrated chefs. But perhaps its best description is less about The American’s legendary food, service and ambience, and more about the role it has played in Kansas Citians’ lives. It comes from the late Adele Hall, ardent fan, civic leader and wife of Donald J. Hall, chairman of Hallmark Cards, Inc., owner of the Crown Center real estate development The American calls home.