Every once in a while, Wendy and Martin Rudderforth look at each other and wonder: “How did we end up here?”

He’s from Argentina. She’s from L.A. They met on the KC restaurant scene and, in 2006, opened Pangea Cafe & Market, 900 W. 39th St., a quaint restaurant with a thoroughly global menu.

“It’s comfort food from around the world,” Martin says.

The most popular dishes? Probably the tomato-and-feta leek crepe tart ($8) or the pad thai noodles ($10), Wendy says. For dessert, the banana Nutella crepe ($4.50) and flourless dark chocolate torte ($5) reign supreme.

Pangea also serves up some locally produced food: the chicken — free-range, of course — comes from Campo Lindo Farms in Lathrop, Mo., and the tomatoes come from Crum’s Heirlooms in Bonner Springs. The Rudderforths also shop at the 39th Street Community Market for seasonal veggies.

The vibe at Pangea is fast-casual, but the cafe has its semiformal moments: every third Thursday, for example, Wendy and Martin serve a four-course beer dinner, which costs $30 per person.

Each mini-meal comes with a matching beer, and we’re not talkin’ PBR. Pangea carries elusive varieties such as Grimbergen from Belgium and Palma Louca Pilsner from Brazil.

Pangea's one of the things I miss most about leaving Midtown a few months ago. I've never had anything from the menu that wasn't great. Their special-event dinners are really nice.

Posted 236 days ago by derekdonovan