Join the dish on dining on the road. KC is big and you may not wish to drive an hour.
Some areas are more challenged than others.
Travellers need Zagats. Zagats doesn't seem to cover all areas you may end up in, like Lenexa. If you are more downtown, remember Lidia's for Italian. If you are in the Plaza area, there are many good places within walking distance of one another. The Chessecake factory is just one.