Candle Club

I had experienced this club over 10 years ago, and didn't really remember much, it was a dinner party, I do remember that the food was good back then.  I went again recently just to check out the band that was playing.  The place was exactly what I expected... keep in mind, my grandmother worked there 50 years ago.  The worst part of the club was the smoke.  The experience was entertaining at the least... wow!  All age groups, mostly all smoking.  The dance floor is located off to the side of the band stage (very awkward).  I believe it has loyal regulars... I actually saw someone there that was there the last time I happened to be there!

My parents recently joined the Candle Club so I got to be my dad's guest last night. One of Wichita's oldest and most well-kept secrets, this is a private, members-only club which gives the whole experience an air of exclusivity that makes going to the Candle Club special.

One of my biggest complaints about Wichita diners is how early they eat their evening meal. Yet here we were at 6 p.m. trying to eat before a 7 p.m. event, and the dining room was empty. The hostess walked back and forth reserving tables for future members, so I knew the room would eventually be packed. This is my kind of (virtual, since they weren't there yet) crowd.

I had the Beef Carpaccio salad ($13) with a side of Roasted Fingerling Potatoes ($3), and a glass of Rosenblum Zinfandel ($7). The thinly sliced tenderloin was not raw as I had expected, but seared very rare, and displayed around the outer rim of the plate. In the middle sat a pile of baby spinach tossed lightly with shredded parmesan and capers in truffle oil and garnished with a lemon. The flavors together were very light and uncomplicated. Just the right amount of tart and salt with the beef. Dad had the Calf Liver and Onions with a salt-crusted baked potato and creamed spinach ($15). Organs aren't my thing, but the texture was nice and the flavors of the caramelized onion with the savory gravy and crispy breading were a nice medley. I couldn't get past the iron mineral flavor of the liver, but it was liver. You can't get around it.

Ambience was straight out of a Good Ol Boys lounge from the 70's. Gold-frosted mirrored walls, burgundy leather chairs, rich old dudes smoking cigarettes...  It made me miss my great grandpa Pop, who lived into his mid-80's and was a member of the Candle Club for decades.

There is no other place in town like the Candle Club. Sometimes it seems a little puffed up and ridiculous to think of an exclusive members-only dinner club, but I have to admit I'd be genuinely sad if it ever went away. Definitely worth the experience!

This place simply rules.  Great food, awesome atmosphere (70's lounge)  Cool entertainers like Elvis impersonators, Beatles tribute bands, etc.  You have to be a member to enter, but if you get in it's worth it.  Met the owner, he and his wife were very nice to us and sat down and chatted.  They even bought us a couple of drinks.