The American

For more than 40 years The American Restaurant has been 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.

"I thought it would be wonderful,” she said, reflecting on The American's 25th anniversary in 1999, "if this could be the place to come to put the exclamation point on a special occasion.”

That, The American most certainly has been, and continues to be.

Long-standing upscale New American restaurant in an elegant Crown Center venue with skyline views.