Taste and See comes to McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Robert J. Dole Community Center will soon house a new restaurant in place of Deb's Café, which was closed and torn down in 2012.

Taste and See, a restaurant in downtown Wichita, Kan., partnered with McConnell AFB to open a new location on base in early February.

"We're excited about them coming here," said Jacquelyn Crutchley, 22nd Force Support Squadron deputy director. "We're going into new territory with them and we can't wait to see what they can do for us."

Taste and See specializes in global cuisine, or food dishes with a twist from different parts of the world. The restaurant is also known for its interactive staff and an open kitchen, allowing guests to see the work put into their food.

"We want everyone who comes to dine with us to experience dining out rather than just 'going out to eat,'" said Steven Bacci, Taste and See general manager. "Food is such a universal language and degree of comfort that by bringing unique and or familiar dishes from around the world, we can find ways to allow us all to enjoy each other as much as we enjoy the food we eat."

The Dole Center location will be open to anyone with access to the base.

Bacci, an Air Force veteran, wanted to open a restaurant on base to provide service members easy access to quality food, he said.

"We want to let all of McConnell to know that you don't need to go off base to get a great meal and have a great experience," said Bacci, "nor do you have to break the bank for the best food around, by serving our nation you deserve the best and we hope to provide that for you right here in the Robert J. Dole Center!"