New Mexican restaurant on James A Reed Road

By Joyce Smith

When a south Kansas City restaurant relocated after more than two decades, the owners of Cali KC in Independence quickly swept in.

They expect their new El Cali Mexican Food to be equally as successful. It opened in the Sutters Landing center, at 9530 James A. Reed Road just south of Bannister Road, in mid-November.

Olive Cafe had operated in the space since 2003 but it relocated nearby, 8015 Bannister Road, expanded and rebranded as The Olive Zaytoona.

So far the best-selling items are the Birria de res (a rich stew featuring slow-cooked beef), the Caldo de res (beef soup), quesadillas, tortas and tacos.

The menu also includes menudo (a traditional Mexican soup made from beef tripe), Plato de Milanesa (breaded and fried chicken), Mole Rojo Con Pollo (red mole with chicken), Plato de Cecina y Camarones (a cecina and shrimp dish), shrimp toast, nachos, burritos, aquas frescas, and more including lunch specials and a children’s menu. The owners also hope to have a liquor license soon.

Isias Castaneda-Dorantes and Cristina Pastrana grew up in Mexico and worked at several area restaurants before opening Cali KC Mexican Restaurant, at 11024 E. U.S. 40 highway in Independence, four years ago.

Their children help out – Edgar Jardon, age 23 next month; Lesley Castaneda, 20; and Irene Castaneda, 17.

“Our food is very traditional. Everything is handmade,” Edgar said. “It might take 20, 30 minutes to get your order because we make it fresh.”
He noticed another popular restaurant posted signs about their long wait time for fresh food – a good strategy he plans to implement at El Cali. He also wants to purchase more equipment for the kitchen to make the process less labor intensive.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.