Best of KC; August 2021 by Kansas City Magazine

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DINING • HEALTH • ARTS • SHOPPING • BEAUTY • FUN

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Experience the Malfer Way. Compass Realty Group is a licensed real estate broker in Missouri and Kansas and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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OUR MISSION

We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.

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Kathy Boos kathy@kansascitymag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Martin Cizmar martin@kansascitymag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Nicole Kinning nicole@kansascitymag.com EDITORIAL INTERNS

Sophia Lacy Evan Musil

PHOTOJOURNALISM INTERN

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ART DIRECTOR

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Nina Cherry, Jill Draper, Lauren Fox, Natalie Torres Gallagher, Danielle Lehman, Susie Whitfield PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Caleb Condit, Amber Dawkins, Joanna Gorham, Jeremey Theron Kirby, Samantha Levi, Rebecca Norden, Sam Taylor

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Discover properties in the Kansas City market & across the country at compass.com Compass Realty Group is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

AUGUST 2021

54 BEST OF KC

Camp KC

Indy Rocks

Flower Moon

Glamping is the season’s hottest trend. Here are four great spots around KC.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Exploring the very scooter-accessible town of Indianapolis.

A Martin Scorsese film based on tragic events on the Kansas state line.

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In This Issue AUGUST 2021

S WAY

TA S T E

Boot Camp

Over-the-top cowboy boots that go beyond beige.

109

Sweet Treats Doughnuts worth driving to Parkville for.

T H E LO O P

Kaw Patrol

What you should know about a plan to redevelop a railroad bridge in the Stockyards into a tourism draw.

Fever Pitch

110

Taco ’Bout It

Grab Your Basket

112

Perfect Punch

Open Air

114

Get to know Royals pitcher Brad Keller.

Taco Naco’s road from tent to shop.

Luxurious picnics are blowing up in Kansas City.

An old English cocktail recipe gets a facelift.

No tent needed for these local glamping spots.

Virgin Sips

Zero-proof cocktails around the city.

116

Newsfeed

The latest in KC food news.

118

E V E RY I S S U E

’Cue Card Thai-inspired BBQ in OP.

16 Editor’s Letter 33 Calendar

85 Faces of KC

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

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KILLE RS OF THE FLOWE R MOON

SPECIAL SECTION

New laws may create a nightlife district in Johnson County.

B RA D KELLER ROYALS PITCHER’S LO CAL FAVES

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K AW C R O S S I N G

The KC housing market is intense— where’s it headed?

KAW CROSSING O UR HIGH LINE?

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Drinks in Joco

120 Backstory

JOCO B A RS BIG CHANGES FRO M NEW LAWS?

Market Watch

38 Backbeat BEST OF KANSAS CITY

08.2021

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DINING • HEALTH • ARTS • SHOPPING • BEAUTY • FUN

Artist Sam Taylor’s vision of a Kansas City pinball machine.

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KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

FROM THE EDITOR

C O N T R I B U TO R S

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Sam Taylor

ILLUSTRATOR

This month’s pinball-themed cover was drawn by London-based illustrator Sam Taylor, who has done work for Nike, Nickelodeon, Bloomberg, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

Evan Musil

EDITORIAL INTERN

The news story on the future of bars in Johnson County was written by Evan Musil, an intern majoring in magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. He enjoys learning Spanish and misses going to concerts.

Susie Whitfield WRITER

The feature on the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon film was written by Susie Whitfield, a retired English teacher who has previously written about Mercury 13 astronaut candidate Sarah Ratley, tenant rights advocacy and the financial crisis facing caregivers for adults with disabilities for Kansas City magazine.

MARTIN CIZMAR ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID BABCOCK CONTRIBUTOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOANNA GORHAM

hen it comes to parking, I’m a cheapskate. I spend money on plenty of things others might find frivolous, but given my suburban Midwest roots, I just can’t understand why I should have to pay money to leave my car anywhere that’s not Manhattan. When staying at a boutique hotel, I’ve been known to find a street spot in a dodgy area a few blocks away. There’s a quiet, shady street in Portland, Oregon, where the neighbors hung bootleg “no airport parking” signs after I helped popularize it as an ideal spot to leave your car and take the light rail to the airport. Which brings us to Kauffman Stadium, where they now want twenty American dollars to park your car in the endless asphalt ocean. My first time out to the ballpark this year, I paid. But by the second time, I was looking for an angle. I ended up calling restaurants, hotels and gas stations in the vicinity, only to be told I’d be towed. Then I found Jesus—specifically, a church across from the K that, in the spirit of goodwill to all men, lets you park for free during Royals games. For Chiefs games, they do charge twenty bucks, which they use to fund outreach ministry. Destiny Life Center Ministries exemplifies the generosity and good vibes that make Kansas City such a wonderful place to live. As its senior pastor Cynthia Kivett told me, the building has been a blessing to the church, and they’re happy to share that blessing with others. The church has a strong focus on helping people who’ve struggled, and its motto is that it’s a place “where every child of God is destined for greatness, regardless of their past.” It’s a good reminder that oftentimes it’s those people who’ve walked the roughest road who are quickest to lend a hand to others—even if it’s just something small, like helping a family work a night at the ballpark into their budget. This year’s Best of KC package is full of people and places like Destiny Life Center— those doing their part to make this city a better, friendlier and more interesting place to live, from a soccer club that focuses on mentoring refugee children to a creative reuse center that serves as a thrift store for arts and crafts supplies. We’re proud to highlight these folks as Best of KC editors’ picks alongside the results of our readers choice poll, which drew a record 550,000 votes in the final round. Our annual Best of KC issue is a project we work on basically all year long, and we hope Martin Cizmar this year’s installment helps you celebrate the EDITOR IN CHIEF spirit of the city—and maybe saves you a few MARTIN@KANSASCITYMAG.COM bucks on parking along the way.

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COURTIER

S H O U T- O U T

NUMBERS FROM THIS ISSUE

Width of the Rock Island Railroad Bridge over the Kaw River in feet. It will be widened to forty-five feet as part of a bold redevelopment plan. PA GE 2 3

700

Varieties of hot sauce made at Spicin Foods on Southwest Boulevard. PA GE 6 2

1821

Year when Kansas City was inhabited by fur trader François Chouteau, subject of a new play by local playwright Philip blue owl Hooser. PA GE 12 0

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

B O N U S C OV E R AG E

Our most talked-about post from the past month was about local restaurateur Jasper Mirabile, who made an appearance on the Fox News morning show to discuss his troubles hiring staff in the post-pandemic economy. The show’s host pointed out that some restaurants are now “raiding” competitors’ kitchens by offering signing bonuses. “That’s unbelievable,” Mirabile said. “To come in and take one of our employees, that’s just not right. To give them a $2,500 signing bonus, some restaurants are offering. It’s unbelievable!” Here’s what readers had to say. “My family has had a lot of really good memories at Jaspers. Now that I know not only will he not pay his employees a living wage but he gets mad when other people will, I can’t possibly eat there.” —Sean Kosednar “Jasper’s received almost half a million in PPP money for payroll AND his business is UP twenty-two percent since 2019.” —Danny Vandelay “This seems simple to me, I’m not sure what he doesn’t get. As a business owner also, if I am doing well and my business is up twenty-two percent, then my employees should be benefiting from that also. I have a sliding scale right now: The more I make, the more my assistant makes so we both stay motivated to hustle.” —Tara Green

“

This is the last issue for associate editor Nicole Kinning, who has moved on to an editorial role at an international home and gardening website. We’ll miss her talent, work ethic and amiability immensely.

BEHIND THE SCENES

“Jasper’s been wilding on this for a while. Surely one of his many friends in local PR/media could mention that debasing the people you’re trying to hire on Fox & Friends is not a winning strategy.” —Liz Cook “Hold on, is this still a capitalist system or is he arguing for some sort of communism where he has his own employees who are assigned to work for him?” —isthattrulyneeded via Reddit “And $2,500 for a full-time time hourly position only equates to an extra $1.20/ hour for the first year of work. It’s not nothing, but not wild extravagance either.” —Jonathan Pinkerton “Imagine going on Fox News just to complain about paying your employees.” —Ellie Jackson

Extra shot from Nicole Kinning’s visit to the bridge over the Kaw for this month’s Loop. CORRECTION

Our Top Dentists list incorrectly identified the practice area of Bruce C. Cummings, who specializes in prosthodontics.

Kansas City

P.O. Box 26823 Overland Park, KS 66225-6823 (913) 469-6700 EMAIL: editor@kansascitymag.com

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7/13/21 8:47 AM

L E A D I N G T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N I N K A N S A S C I T Y

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALEA BONJOUR

KAW CROSSING A century-old railroad bridge over the Kansas River is being developed into what may well become a signature tourism draw for the city. BY N I C O L E K I N N I N G

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

T H E L O O P K AW C R O S S I N G

to add more public exercise infrastructure, approached him. “[Wyandotte has] one-twenty-seventh of the linear trails per person than Johnson County next door,” Zeller says. “So they came to us and said, ‘Hey, can we make a public-private partnership to make the bridge also have a public crossing?’” At first, Zeller was resistant (“we imagined ten-speed bicycles zipping across it”), but the details were ironed out, meaning KCK will now have a connection to the metro trails network.

Could the Rock Island Railroad Bridge become our version of New York’s famed High Line?

ICHAEL

ZELLER’S

for Kansas City’s old bridges runs deep. “I went to North Kansas City High School just across the river,” Zeller says. “As high school and college students in the early eighties, we would hang out on ASB Bridge on Saturday nights with a case of Old Style beer and swing our legs and step onto freight trains.” A few years ago, he was boating down the Kansas River when the Rock Island Railroad Bridge came into view. “It was just abandoned,” he says. “I said, ‘Man, somebody ought to do something with that. Maybe put a restaurant out there and call it Chicken on a Bridge.’ And it was just a joke, right? I then spent the next four or five years trying to persuade somebody, anybody, to do something fun on that bridge because I wanted to live in a town where I could drink a beer and eat chicken and listen to a concert on a bridge.” The abandoned railroad bridge lies just over the Kansas state line—Missouri begins in the parking lot—and was built in 1905 to carry trains loaded with cattle across the river in the Stockyards District. After years of coordinating inspections, feasibility studies and grants, Zeller started an LLC called Flying Truss and

A P P R E C I AT I O N

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

in May, KCK voted unanimously to invest in and grant a lease for Zeller’s proposal. The bridge project will break ground this winter for a St. Patrick’s Day 2023 opening. One huge motivation behind the project, Zeller says, is getting people to interact with Kansas City’s rivers more. “A big challenge has been bringing people to the river and helping them overcome local hand-me-down bias and fear and demonization of our own rivers,” he says. “We recognized that the bridge was sort of like found land. It was steel land that didn’t have an address but that was above a river in the middle of a major metropolitan area.” Zeller worked with the same feasability consultants who helped plan New York City’s famed High Line, which is now one of the city’s most popular landmarks in a city with no shortage. Here’s what you need to know about the bridge. It’s Kansas. Although the bridge was acquired by KCMO in the 1980s, only to sit vacant, it’s technically in Kansas. The state line falls fifty feet from the bridge along the gravel space that separates it from American Royal Drive. Because it’s in KCK, it’s getting more attention from officials there than it might on the other side of the state line. After Zeller signed a lease, the Unified Government of KCK, which is working

It’s already leased out. The bridge’s lower deck, which is two hundred and fifty-five feet long, will have a food hall with two commercial kitchens to be used by Slap’s BBQ and Buffalo State Pizza. Nick Carroll, owner of Replay Lounge in Lawrence, will own and operate the bars and manage the liquor license. The lower deck will also have an event space. The top deck will house another event space with a dance floor, bar and coffee shop plus an overlook facing the river. It’s very sturdy. The bridge has been through a thorough engineering inspection. “They had told us what we had suspected: that it’s a battleship,” Zeller says. “It’s built to carry locomotives and fully loaded freight trains on the move. And, critically, it was never salted like an automobile bridge would have been. Salt is the enemy of steel.” Right now, the bridge is twenty feet wide. It will be widened with steel beams to become forty-five feet wide. There will be plenty to do. The Stockyards District has what Zeller calls “adjacent momentum” with the new outdoor music stage Lemonade Park and a new apartment complex going up next to the bridge. “Things are coming our way. And we want to be a good neighbor and a catalyst,” he says. “Think Quixotic up in the rafters on a Saturday night or the KC Symphony playing from a riverboat anchored at the center of the Kaw. We’ll have art fairs and craft beer festivals.” Bikes will be available to rent to pedal up and down the levee, along with kayaks and canoes available to use in the Kaw.

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THE LOOP HOUSING

Covid didn’t start the crisis, but it did worsen it. “It’s always been a seller’s market,” says Sarah Montgomery, lead buyer specialist at Dani Beyer Real Estate. “However, it’s definitely intensified.” As people spent more time at home during the pandemic, they’ve recognized the need for more space and a comfortable home, says Sharon Barry, associate broker at ReeceNichols. And since the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near-zero in the first days of the pandemic, there’s been a stronger incentive for prospective owners to enter now. It’s not ending soon, but it’s probably not a bubble. Despite the worrisome rise in prices, national experts don’t expect a crash. As prices continue to soar due to low inventory, demand should slow. But this won’t happen overnight. “I don’t foresee the buyer’s side changing much over the next two years,” says Trent Gallagher, a realtor at Compass Realty Group.

Kansas City’s long-standing reputation for reasonably priced real estate has been challenged by a topsy-turvy market. Here’s what you should know. BY E VA N M U S I L

H E K A N S A S C I T Y H O U S I N G M A R K E T I S I N T E N S E , with soaring prices and limited availability challenging the city’s reputation for affordability. Nationwide, record-low interest rates and rising demand are met with a depleted inventory. The result is dramatic price jumps and homes selling in days. According to the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors, the median price in May 2021 for an existing home in the KC area was $255,000, about a nineteen percent increase from the same time last year. The number of available properties has dropped by fifty-three percent compared with 2020. How did we get here? And if you’re thinking about entering the market, what should you know? We asked some of the city’s most knowledgeable real estate agents.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

It might be best to stay in the market. It sounds risky, but the future could be riskier. Interest rates won’t stay low forever. “I perceive the market’s going to continue to appreciate, and it’s a great time to buy,” Gallagher says. There are limited ways for buyers to have leverage. Cash buyers typically move to the front of the list, Barry says, but that isn’t a realistic option for many people. She believes having good credit and placing a large down payment can help. Some people are rolling the dice by waiving inspections, but Montgomery recommends against it “unless they have a solid pre-inspector report from a reputable inspector,” she says. Montgomery thinks the best advantage is finding the perfect agent. “Don’t hesitate to shop for agents and make sure you have a good fit,” she says. It can be a stressful process, but having someone friendly and knowledgeable can help you push through it.

ILLUSTRATION BY MELANIE ADLICH

REAL WILD

Don’t expect a huge increase in inventory. Steep lumber prices shouldn’t slow down construction, Montgomery says, but it’s one of the reasons new housing is so expensive. The median new house price in the KC metro has jumped nearly twenty-one percent from last year to $439,425. In 2021, the metro has already issued nearly twice as many new building permits as last year, but it takes time to build. More existing homes might enter the market when the federal moratorium expires July 31 and foreclosures spike. But Gallagher doesn’t expect it to have a strong impact. “With buyer demand so high, they’d all be picked up, and we’d still be back where we are right now,” Gallagher says.

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BAR SOME Will new laws open Johnson County to its first-ever nightlife district? BY E VA N M U S I L

D R A S T I C M E A S U R E S ’ O P E N I N G was a gamble, and not because it opened in the middle of the pandemic last June. The downtown Shawnee speakeasy serves elegant hand-crafted cocktails but no food. Until November, Johnson County technically required establishments to make thirty percent of their earnings in food sales. “We didn’t build a kitchen,” says co-owner Jay Sanders. “I’m not a chef, so trying to sell food would be a disservice to our customers.” Thankfully for Sanders, a repeal of the food sales requirement passed with seventy-eight percent of the vote. In May, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a measure allowing customers to grab alcohol to go after the pandemic. Together, these changes finally opened well-off and population-dense Johnson County to bars—real bars—for the first time. Now, the question: Will the bars come? Kansas has a long history of constraining alcohol, dating back to Prohibition. It was the first state to ban alcohol in its constitution. Kansas is still by default a dry state, and counties must elect to allow alcohol sales if they choose. In Johnson County, alcohol wasn’t sold by the drink in public establishments until 1987. Then, the food sale rule remained as a restriction.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Which is why craft beer grew huge across the state line before catching on in Kansas. Before the repeal, spots like Red Crow Brewing Company in Olathe would hire food trucks and take orders inside their building, which would count as food sales for the brewery. Limitless Brewing co-owner Emily Mobley, along with the help of other local breweries, started the campaign to place the repeal on the November ballot. She opened Lenexa’s Limitless to stay in Johnson County. “This is our home,” she says. “We didn’t want to be far from home.” Mobley also believes customers in Johnson County would rather stay close than cross the state line for drinks. With the repeal, it might now be easier to open and operate a bar in Kansas than Missouri. “In Missouri, every server has to get training and a permit from the city,” says Mike McVey, lawyer and co-owner of Transport Brewery in Shawnee. So could Johnson County build a bar culture to rival the Crossroads and Westport? Not in a rowdy, reliving-your-college-years kind of way, says Chris Roberts, head brewer at Red Crow. “If it’s gonna be anything, it would be more laid back, either with a little food still or a wine-type bar,” Roberts says. But in Shawnee, where Drastic Measures now sits surrounded by three craft breweries, president of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Ann Smith-Tate hopes to transform the city’s historic downtown into a nightlife district that serves a slightly older and more casual crowd. She says the downtown district has seen fifty-seven million dollars in private investment in the last two years. Sanders believes downtown Shawnee’s cheaper property values and authentic feel could help it become a bar hub for Johnson County. “I don’t want to see a craft cocktail bar in every neighborhood, but I want to see a good bar that pays livable wages and offers good ingredients in every neighborhood,” he says. Although McVey sees potential in more bars popping up, he hasn’t seen any new ones yet. “These cities in Johnson County don’t want a problematic club-type atmosphere,” he says. “Instead of not having them, I think they’ll try to control them.” Limitless, Transport and Red Crow still host food trucks at their breweries despite the repeal. Roberts says they keep customers from going elsewhere for food and prevent unwanted heavy drinking. “It slows down their consumption, which in the end is good for everyone,” he says.

PHOTOGRAPHY OF DRASTIC MEASURES BY JAY SANDERS

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WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN AUGUST

August

GO: Screening on Thursday,

August 5, at the Black Box, 1060 Union Ave., KCMO. Indoor screening at 5 pm, outdoor screening at 8 pm.

LEARNING LANGUAGE Hugo Ximello-Salido isn’t the first documentarian to train his lens on Muxe (pronounced MOOche), a third gender that’s an established and celebrated part of the Zapotec culture in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture, a new documentary from KCbased Ximello-Salido that will make its local premiere at the Queer Narrative Festival at the Black Box West Bottoms, stands out for not just its striking imagery but also its deep dive into the cultural roots of the Muxe. “There are many documentaries about the Muxe community, but

none of them ask why they are concentrated in Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca,” he says. “Zapotec language doesn’t use pronouns like we do—so this is telling us that Zapotec culture views on gender, prior to the Europeans, was very different.” Muxe aren’t what Americans would call transgender, he points out; they’re Muxe. “Something that really surprised me is how well integrated they are into their communities,” he says. “One of the things that I did was interview a priest. I asked many questions: How does Catholicism see the Muxe community? Are they judged by the church? His point was that it doesn’t matter—for anyone, you will be judged depending on your actions.”

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

T H E B E AT C A L EN DA R

August

August 21 and will include national and local acts, vendors, food trucks and family activities. The marquee event at the LGBTQ+ festival is the KC Pride Parade midday on Saturday. Volker Park (aka Frank A. Theis Park) at Oak Street and Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., KCMO. Parade at 11 am.

and dives into relatable topics such as coming to the abrupt realization you’re nonessential and the natural awkwardness of curbside carryout. Kansas City Improv, 7260 N.W. 87th St., KCMO. $52 two-seat table, $104 four-seat table. improvkc.com.

816 Day August 16

Gucci Mane August 1

Gucci Mane at the World War I Memorial? Bingo. Everybody Looking. Shining For No Apparent Reason. Shit Crazy. All About The Money. That’s All. Gucci Mane with Lil TJay & Yung Bleu. World War I Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, KCMO. 7 pm. $50–$150.

Jason Mraz August 3 Every time a man dons a fedora and steps onto a coffee shop stage to sing lowkey love songs, he’s hoping to someday become the next Jason Mraz. The record run of “I’m Yours” atop the charts has empowered Mraz to hang out with Al Gore and invest in a chain of vegan restaurants. For this tour, Mraz brings along a thirteen-piece reggae band. Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, KCMO. 7 pm. $30–$100.

The Jazz District’s annual celebration of the city’s eastern area code actually falls on Monday this year. The weekend before will feature Fly Friday, where revelers dress in vintage finery at 18th and Vine, and a Saturday Block Party with vendors, live music, food carts and stepdance. August 13–16. 18th and Vine, KCMO.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Cowtown Ballroom... Sweet Jesus

Pride Parade

August 4

August 21

The legendary Cowtown Ballroom was a counterculture icon that fostered much of KC’s avante garde culture in the seventies. To mark its fiftieth anniversary—the venue opened with a Flying Burrito Brothers show in 1971—Lemonade Park is screening Joe Heyen’s documentary with special musical performances from Janet Jameson (Billy Spears Band), Rick Bacus (Morningstar) and John Anderson. Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO. 7 pm. $20.

After a hiatus, the Kansas City Pride Festival is happening in Theis Park on the weekend of

Steve Treviño August 13-14 Standup Steve Treviño has modernized the ancient art of complaining about a marriage in which there’s “paperwork involved” in hanging out with his friends but his wife “is just gone.” His new special, My Life in Quarantine, was shot last year at an outdoor theater in front of a distanced and masked audience

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs August 28 After a year off, Chiefs tailgaters have to wait until the final week of the NFL preseason to shake the rust off and get some reps in the parking lot at GEHA Field. The league cut the preseason from four to three games, so it remains to be seen whether the third game is still the dressrehearsal, as it was in the past, or if it’s now like past preseason finales, where the starters play a series or two before the deep bench players and practice squad guys face off. Don’t expect much Mahomes, but do expect plenty of revelry in the lots before this night game. GEHA Field, 1 Arrowhead Drive, KCMO. 7 pm. Prices vary.

Wilco and Sleater-Kinney August 12

Musically, Wilco and Sleater-Kinney isn’t the most obvious bill. The feminist punk band and jammy dad rock band with an alt-country twang would have been an odd pairing when the two acts emerged in the late-middle nineties. But, of course, time has a way of smoothing out petty distinctions between contemporaries. Especially here, given the direction of Sleater-Kinney, which has found deeper, slower grooves (check the May single, “Worry With You”) since parting with longtime drummer Janet Weiss. Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, 1228 Main St., KCMO. 8 pm. $35-$88.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY RESPECTIVE VENUES

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T H E B E AT C O SMO -ISH QU IZ

PICK YOUR PUNK How do you know which iconic Punk is your concert destiny this August?

A. I don’t expect them to get along—honestly, they have way too much in common. B. D oesn’t relate to her directly but also had an extremely messy relationship that is picked apart by weirdo fans. C. G ets along great and hangs out regularly with her. They’ve somehow made, like, three movies together?

When it comes to cinematic ambitions, you want a Punk who... A. I s a dedicated documentarian who strives to capture objective reality, even if it’s more sad and disturbing than funny. B. I s ambitious but a little scattered, doing a cameo on X-Files, then making a weird musical about plutocrats or taking a part in an adaption of a JT Leroy novel. C. I s mostly into silly, self-referential cameos—would play a bartender in the Spice Girls movie or appear in Austin Powers or a Will Ferrell movie.

When it comes to their political leanings, you want a Punk who... A. I s sort of wonky and broadly understood to be on my side but not because of any explicit—and thus potentially inflammatory—statement. B. Is a bomb-throwing lefty who always has some scene drama going. C. T akes a mature, cynical and rather droll approach to political discussion.

How would they break up with a longtime drummer? A. I ’m sure everyone would say all the right things, but, honestly, they’re both passive-aggressive and it might get messy. I hope they’d try seeing a counselor. If it all fell apart, they’d probably just make it seem like the other one’s fault. B. N o drama. One day they’re gone, never to be heard from again. C. D rummers are for life. There’s no harm gigging on the side, but I expect my Punk and their drummer to be together until death.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

MOSTLY A You’re going to see noted documentary filmmaker Carrie Brownstein (some scenes of Portlandia were apparently staged by paid actors, but you’d never guess) as she comes to town with her iconic riot grrrl band Sleater-Kinney. SleaterKinney with Wilco. August 12. Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, 1228 Main St., KCMO. $35-$87.

MOSTLY B You’ve got a date with Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong, who is touring with Dropkick Murphys. Armstrong has lived pretty much every punk cliche over the years. His hair is too thin for a Mohawk now, so he’s got a bushy Beer Guy beard going for this tour. Rancid with Dropkick Murphys. August 11. GrindersKC, 1826 Locust St., KCMO. $90-$250.

MOSTLY C Legend Elvis Costello has grown milder with age and is now mainly focused on Broadway. He isn’t doing a full tour right now, but, happily, he is popping into Uptown Theater for this gig with longtime band the Imposters. Elvis Costello. August 27. Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. $55-$155.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY K AILI MILLER

When it comes to how well they get along with your bestie, Courtney Love, you’re looking for a Punk who...

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JAZZ FOUND HIM KC Jazz luminary Everette DeVan— Hammond B3 organist, bandleader and mentor—dies at 71. BY N I N A C H E R R Y

E 38

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

V E R E T T E D E V A N L I K E D T O S AY that he didn’t find jazz; jazz found him. When he was eighteen, DeVan walked into Emmitt’s Lounge at 27th and Prospect and heard a vibraphone for the first time. Immediately captivated by the unique timbre of the mallet percussion instrument, he humbly asked to sit in. DeVan was hired on the spot after this performance. He then formed his

first band, The Means/DeVan Trio, with vibraphonist Kent Means and drummer Rusty Tucker. Means and DeVan worked together for the next seventeen years. DeVan was a Hammond B3 organist, pianist, bandleader and educator. After suffering a stroke in 2014, DeVan faced a series of health challenges. He passed away on July 3, at the age of seventy-one. Through both his mentorship and musical prowess, DeVan’s legacy lives on. A legend himself, DeVan played amongst and opened for other legends throughout his career, including Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, Marilyn Maye, B.B. King and Nancy Wilson. DeVan could swing like no other, and the groove master stayed true to the Kansas City jazz tradition, deeply rooted in the blues. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1950, DeVan began playing piano at the age of five, inspired by his mother and grandmother, who were both musicians. He studied at the Conservatory of Music in Pueblo and credited his beloved uncle Carl Carter for turning him on to jazz. Aside from DeVan’s outstanding musicianship, he was a mentor to many. “He wanted to be a mentor, and that’s what he did,” his wife, Gaye DeVan, says. “He left a strong footprint, or should I say ‘keyboard print.’” DeVan’s flame carries on through those he mentored, including local vocalist Eboni Fondren. Fondren leads her own band, Eboni and the Ivories, in addition to frequently being a featured artist with prestigious ensembles such as the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. “It was almost like he had his own groove school,” Fondren says. “Everything was a life lesson. These were things you can’t get in a book or a classroom. He taught his students to listen with their fingertips and their instincts.” Posts remembering DeVan on his Facebook profile reveal a common theme: He left an impact on people regardless of the amount of time spent with them. Performing with him was a lesson in itself, as he knew how to constructively challenge students on the spot. DeVan was recognized multiple times for his extensive contributions to Kansas City jazz. In 2000, he was inducted as an Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz and won the Frank Smith Spirit of Kansas City Award. In 2006, he was named “Missouri Jazz Treasure” by Governor Matthew Roy Blount. In 2016, he was inducted into the American Jazz Walk of Fame alongside Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone, and he’s now immortalized with a bronze medallion installed on the sidewalk in the 18th and Vine district. “He will never be forgotten for what he brought to Kansas City jazz,” Gaye says. Aside from music, DeVan adored animals and was a devout Christian. “At the end of the day, he loved what he did,” Fondren says. “He loved having the opportunity to share that gift with the world. That was his passion; that’s who he was.” GO: For information on or to help establish the Everette DeVan Scholarship Fund, email Eboni Fondren at jzzylady@gmail.com.

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S WAY I N T ERV I E W

Get to know Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller. BY E VA N M U S I L

of baseball, luck can change from one day to the next. Royals fans are familiar with both the highs and lows, but Brad Keller is figuring out how to steady the ship. The twenty-five-year-old pitcher won a spot on the Royals’ roster in 2018. Since then, the rightie has been a reliable piece of the rotation. Even after contracting Covid weeks before the 2020 season, he battled through lingering fatigue to finish the season with a stellar 2.47 ERA and be named the team’s pitcher of the year. Keller has had ups and downs this season, but he’s become a stalwart piece of a young club that’s trying to bring glory back to KC. I N T H E V O L AT I L E S P O R T

How did you feel when first coming to Kansas City? To be honest, at first I felt a little iffy. My first time in Kansas City was for a pre-draft workout with the Royals, and while we were there a tornado came through. My brother and I were in the hotel room with sirens going off, and we were in full panic mode. I’m terrified of tornadoes because we have them back home in Georgia. When I was traded to the Royals in 2017, I thought, “I’m back in Tornado Alley.” But I absolutely love Kansas City. I’m from a small town [Flowery Branch, Georgia], and Kansas City is actually a big city with a small-town feel. Everyone loves and cares for each other. Through thick and thin, they’re still there behind you. What was your major league debut like? I remember Ned Yost called me into his office

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

What do you like most about Kauffman Stadium? There’s something about those fountains. It could be a thousand degrees outside, but you hear the fountains running and it brings a calmness over you. When I was in the bullpen, a veteran player told me that it was the best way to calm down. It takes away the buzz of the crowd and you don’t hear anything else. What was your favorite team growing up? The nineties Atlanta Braves when they went on those stupid runs where they won all those pennants. Watching John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, every game looked like a lot of fun. I spent every birthday at a Braves game.

KC FAVO R I T E S Up-Down KC “Before Covid, I loved playing the games there. It brought me back to being a little kid playing Mortal Kombat and NFL Blitz.” WWI Memorial Viewpoint “Any time family or friends come into town, I take them there. I don’t think there’s a view like that in any other city. Mission Taco “That place is the bomb. I always get in and get out with tacos and some chips and dip.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON HANNA /K ANSAS CITY ROYALS

THE GEORGIA TORNADO

and told me I made the team, and I just blacked out. I don’t remember what he said after those words. I made my debut on opening day 2018 in the bullpen, which was also the first opening day I’d ever been to at all. It was against the Chicago White Sox, and it was freezing cold. I also got my first major league strikeout. I marked off all my firsts, back-to-back-to-back. It was a surreal moment.

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5 steps for your own luxury picnic

Bellafête is throwing the prettiest picnics in the city. BY K AY L A S Z Y M A N S K I

and restaurants closed, people found safer ways to get together. Luxury picnics, first spotted on the coasts, have made their way to Kansas City. These upscale twists on a basic pastime are becoming the summer’s trend. Erin Greenbaum and Taylor Steen are bringing luxury pop-up picnics to Kansas City with their business Bellafête (@bellafetekc on Instagram), which means “beautiful party” in French. We talked to Steen and she shared some tips for creating a great picnic party. WHEN

THE

PA N D E M I C

TOOK

OVER

How and when did you start Bellafête? Erin and I have been talking about starting a small business together for a while, but we weren’t sure how we were going to set ourselves apart with all of these amazing event planners and coordinators. So one night over happy hour, we were chatting about luxury picnics and decided that would be our niche, and it all really stemmed from there.

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

What sets Bellafête apart? We really pride ourselves on catering and tailoring to our specific clients. We try to make every picnic unique and special. We never want to have the same picnic twice. Our picnics have more of a light and airy, timeless and elegant feel, whereas I feel like some of the other picnic companies in KC are more boho or moody. What would be your ideal setup for a luxury picnic? The Nelson-Atkins Museum lawn. For decor, we would do our dusty blue with white and gold accents. A must-have is an arrangement from Paige at Paige’s Petals and a charcuterie board from More Cheese Please KC and a bottle of wine. What is next for Bellafête? As we get to colder months, we really want to start expanding our event planning and design services. We want to continue creating bespoke and beautiful parties in Kansas City and really leverage our event design. We are also excited about debuting our luxury igloos in November.

Pick your theme

Pick a color scheme or a theme and revolve everything in your picnic around it.

Find a location

Pick a beautiful and picturesque location. Everyone wants to have that Instagram moment—I think that’s why we’ve seen a surge in luxury picnics. Also pick a quiet spot—somewhere with not much noise pollution where you can relax and enjoy good conversation.

Bring your favorite table settings

Using real glassware, dinnerware and flatware brings that elegant, luxurious feel.

Bring company Grab your besties or your significant other to enjoy the picnic with you.

Bring your favorite food and drink Charcuterie is light and easy to snack on while you’re sitting outdoors at a picnic setting. And who doesn’t love cheese? Add some meats and accompaniments like olives or almonds and pair with your favorite bottle of rosé.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY K AYLA SZYMANSKI

LIFE’S A PICNIC

What is your process of putting together these picnics? We start by chatting with our clients and get a feel for what they’re wanting. We consider the occasion, so whether it’s a birthday or bachelorette party, proposal, whatever it is, and then we also consider the theme if they have one, the location that they’re wanting and color scheme. From there, we start our creative planning. We take everything that [a client] has given us, and then we kind of brainstorm, start with the colors that we have and get one statement piece and then build off of that, whether that’s our chargers or our glassware. Pinterest is our lifesaver.

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KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

INTO THE WOODS Four great glamping options around KC BY M E G A N F O L M S B E E

H R O U G H O U T T H E PA N D E M I C , properties on Airbnb and HipCamp became a popular escape from the bed-to-computer cycle. Now, people are planning their muchneeded getaways and looking hard for unique experiences. Kansas City has a growing list of glamping—camping, but a little more glam—sites that give all the allure of the outdoors while stepping up with luxurious amenities. Check out these four glamping spots in the area and keep your vacay close to home.

SUITE TEA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI

3605 N. 59TH ST., KCK & SWOPE PARK

A glamping brand new to the scene this year, Suite Tea has two plots—or tent villages—with private tents, beds and lounge areas. Although Suite Tea’s original village, Watkins “C” Ranch, is just a few blocks from KCK’s busy Leavenworth Road, it’s an escape on land surrounded by horses. “There, you have access to horse riding and horse lessons,” Suite Tea co-owner Tiffany Watts says. “It’s on a very open, private piece of land that you can walk and just explore at your own leisure.” Suite Tea’s newest village is at Camp Lake of the Woods at Swope Park. Watts and her team partnered with Kansas City Parks and Recreation to make it happen, and as of June, they have six suites set up on the campground. Campers are within walking distance of Swope Park’s trails, GoApe Zipline and Adventure Park and close to the Kansas City Zoo and Starlight Theatre. The next big project for Suite Tea is taking over the Blue Mills cabins that dot the land at Camp Lake of the Woods. “Right now, they’re dilapidated and obviously unusable,” Watts says. “But years ago, they were such a huge part of Camp Lake of the Woods.” The rehabbed cabins will be available starting in spring of next year.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

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BASE CAMP HUMBOLDT

1268 HAWAII ROAD, HUMBOLDT, KS

Tucked away in a town of eighteen hundred at the head of a sixty-mile bike trail, Base Camp Humboldt is a vision. Beth Works, owner of the camp’s idyllic cabins, is also head of A Bolder Humboldt, a community group whose mission is to amp up the tiny town. “Base Camp is an exciting part of our overall plan to get more people to town,” Works says. “We are really lucky to be kicking off in an environment where everyone seems to be looking for a place to be outside and take a vacation without boarding a plane.” On the donated twenty-one-acre property, there are cabins situated on a pond perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Each cabin is equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom and roomy living spaces. The modern design, skylights and large windows make the three hundred and fifty-squarefoot spaces feel bright and spacious. Works says Base Camp Humboldt also has a few exciting developments in the works. “Our shower houses are almost complete, we’re building some fun A-frames and movies and cocktails have arrived at Base Camp this summer,” Works says.

CAMP’D OUT

KC native Kathleen Medina found herself on the West Coast after a stint in Sydney, Australia, where she fell in love with luxury camping. In 2018, she launched Camp’d Out, a modern pop-up camp based in the California desert. After years of running Camp’d Out on the coast, Medina was ready to bring a piece of her passion project back home to Kansas City. “I’ve always had plans to expand to the Kansas City market whenever

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RESPECTIVE VENUES

PRIVATE EVENTS AND POP-UPS

the time was right,” she says. “After the crazy year we just had, we could all use a bit of stargazing and wonder.” Guests can rent canvas bell tents with add-ons like comfy beds, rugs and lounge chairs. Medina will also incorporate her favorite goods from local makers into the tents, like cotton throws from Happy Habitat and soaps from Indigo Wild.

AIRSTREAM TINY HOUSE IN WESTSIDE 2322 HOLLY ST., KCMO

After years of running traditional rental properties, Adam Masonbrink turned a charming Westside backyard into an oasis, featuring a converted airstream equipped with a boho-furnished patio and a hot tub. The airstream is within walking distance to Westside spots off Southwest Boulevard like Panther’s Place and La Bodega. “Think Dwell-quality architecture in a six hundred and fifty-square-foot package,” Masonbrink says. “We feature a wood burning hot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural alkaline spring water and solar power.”

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

KATIE YEAGER STOUT VOTED THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN KANSAS CITY Thank you so much for voting me Best Real Estate Agent. I have been honored to serve the Kansas City real estate market since 2009. If you are interested in selling your home, receiving exceptional service and saving money on real estate commission compared to traditional agents, then please give myself or my team a call. We are happy to help you with all of your real estate needs. Our average seller pays 4% total real estate commission, including 3% to a buyer’s agent. We have saved Kansas City sellers millions of dollars in fees and would love to help you too.

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Hermann is Wine Country ...and so much more! Enjoy the scenery and arrive by Amtrak at the Visitor Center Savor tasty German food and sip local brews Check out the antiques and boutiques Stroll the downtown district to find historic murals and statues Explore craft distilleries to find a new favorite Missouri spirit Bike or hike the Katy Trail along the Missouri River Tour museums about 19th century life and architecture Taste and tour at Missouri’s most historic wineries

Plan your trip online

Give us a call at 573.789.0771

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Historic District • Wineries • Distilleries • Microbreweries • Museums • Hiking & Biking Antiques & Boutiques • Weddings & Events • Amtrak • 140+ Lodging Options

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KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

WORDS BY M ARTIN CIZM AR, JILL DRAPER , LAUREN FOX, NATALIE TORR ES GALLAGHER, NICOLE K INNI NG, SOPHIA LACY, EVAN M USIL, K AYLA SZYM ANSK I PHOTOS BY CALEB CONDIT, JEREM EY THER ON K IRBY, REBECCA NORDEN, K AYLA SZYM ANSK I ILLUST RAT ION BY SAM TAYLOR

BEST OF KC '21

B E ST S E L L E R OF P I N B A L L & P I NB A L L ACCE S S O R IE S

Solid State Pinball Supply When a new pinball machine arrives at Solid State Pinball Supply on Troost, they crack the case open to inspect it. Four hours and a three-page checklist later, they’re ready to start the restoration. When it comes to pinball in KC, Solid State Pinball Supply is the name to know. They don’t just buy, sell and fix the games; they have a collection of games you can play on site, run a weekly league, host tournaments and place the machines in local bars, such as Pizza West and Knub's Pub in Shawnee. Keri Wing, a world champion women’s pinball player, is Solid State’s lead tech, so she repairs machines all over town. Nick Greenup runs the business side. But like those eighties economists said, it all starts with the supply side. “We want people to come in, like a hardware store, and say, ‘Hey, this thing’s wrong with my pinball machine, do I need this or that?’” Greenup says. “We like to help people fix it themselves because if you’re going to own a pinball machine, you’re going to need to know a little bit or to pay someone, and there’s not too many people around.” Greenup has been trying to establish a vital local pinball scene in KC for a decade now—Chicago and the Pacific Northwest are the world

capitals—and says it’s starting to pick up critical mass, partly thanks to Solid State’s large new space on Troost. He wouldn’t have signed a lease on a large spot next to a pizzeria if he’d know the pandemic was coming, but he’s glad he did. “When the pandemic hit, you couldn’t really go out and play,” Greenup says. “Even the few places that were still open and had games, they had them off. So people wanted them for their house that never thought they needed them for their house. The prices of everything skyrocketed worldwide. Stuff we had been paying three hundred bucks for years ago was now going for three and four thousand. I felt a little crazy for hoarding all this stuff for so long, but I’m glad I did.” If you’ve got an old machine in need of love, Solid State can definitely help. If you just want to play or throw a pizza party with beer and bumpers, they can help with that, too. If you want to buy a classic machine, better to wait out the current frenzy. “People come in here and see all these games and say, ‘What do you mean you don’t have anything for sale?’” Greenup says. “Well, things are crazy right now, but everything’s for sale if you throw me the right number.” —Martin Cizmar

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST OF KC '21

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST WILL F ER R E LL

David Babcock I don't know how to put this, but David Babcock is kind of a big deal. People know him. He’s very important. He has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. Nothing about the local Will Ferrell impersonator’s energy and appearance feels like a costume, from his perfectly manicured combed hair to his off-thecuff one-liners to his mustache—which is a huge part of his Ron Burgundy getup. Babcock has worked fundraisers, weddings, trade shows, corporate events and birthday parties from Hawaii to London as Ron Burgundy, Buddy the Elf and Ricky Bobby. The gig idea started in 2012, when he won a Halloween costume contest at the Uptown Theater as Ron Burgundy, wearing a thrifted suit that he spray-painted red and “a really bad wig” from the Halloween store. In a spur-of-the-moment decision a few years ago, he hopped a plane to L.A. after a tip that Ferrell would be at the Staples Center for a Kings game in character as Ron Burgundy. Babcock showed up also dressed as the Anchorman character and caught the attention of the sportscasters, who filmed segments of him for the jumbotron and invited him to the booth. Behind a flurry of bodyguards and cameramen, Ferrell walked past him. “He walked around the corner, looks at me and goes, ‘Get out of here!’” —Nicole Kinning BEST SO C C ER CLUB

Global FC During an average soccer practice, coach John Parker might hear seven different languages coming from his players. Soccer, he says, is their mutually intelligible language. “In every other country on the planet, soccer is the number one sport because it can be played anywhere with anything,” he says. Parker runs the soccer program at Global FC (Futbol Community), an organization that doubles as a soccer club and mentorship program for refugee children. Mariya Goodbrake, a refugee from Afghanistan, started the soccer club in 2014, with twelve refugee children as members. Today,

there are two hundred kids in the club. Global FC not only gives kids an escape to play the sport they love but also provides them with mentors and an education program to help keep grades up. “For a lot of these kids, soccer is an escape,” Parker says. “When our kids play, they play with passion, they play with excitement, they play with freedom.” —Nicole Kinning

Readers Choice H E A LT H & W ELLNES S

BE ST P E N M A N S H IP

Anvita Rayabarapu “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” This simple sentence earned Overland Park middle schooler Anvita Rayabarapu one prestigious national accolade. The Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest is thirty years running and recognizes the best handwriting from kids ages kindergarten to eighth grade. Rayabarapu snagged a win earlier this year as a national penmanship champion for the seventh grade slot. “People have encouraged me to do something more with my handwriting,” she says. “Since grade school, my parents, teachers and a lot of my friends have complimented me on handwriting. Some teachers encouraged me to take my penmanship to the next level.” She also says that she prefers to write in cursive as much as possible to keep up with her penmanship and that her teachers often use her schoolwork as examples for the class. When she’s not winning national handwriting contests, Rayabarapu dabbles in art, swimming and practices her penmanship by doodling and writing birthday cards for her friends. —Nicole Kinning

BEST ATHLETE

Patrick Mahomes BEST CLIMBING GYM

BEST CROSSFIT

MC CrossFit BEST BIKE SHOP

RoKC Climbing Yoga and Fitness

Erik’s Bike Shop

BEST SOAKING POOL

Floating KC

BEST RUNNING EVENT

Scheels

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Life Time

BEST LOCAL COLLEGE ATHLETE

Staci Floyd Serenity Massage Studio

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Power Life Yoga

BEST CYCLING STUDIO

Inspire Health by Jen

BEST FLOAT TANK

Woodside Health Club

The Trolley Run

BEST LOCAL SPORTS STORE/OUTFITTER

BEST GYM

UnBroken Chiropractic Nick Bolton

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Crystal Parker

BEST NATUROPATH

CycleBar

BEST CBD STORE

CBD American Shaman BEST SWIMMING POOL

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Fry Orthodontic Specialists BEST DENTIST

Jewish Community Center

Dr. Rachel Karabas

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST

Jaclyn Cheever

BEST LOCAL COACH

Shamayne Tate, Your Wellness Connection

BEST PILATES STUDIO

The Body Lab

FA M ILY F U N BEST HALLOWEEN ATTRACTION

Worlds of Fun

BEST TOY STORE

Fat Brain Toys BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

BEST WATER PARK

Oceans of Fun BEST DAYCARE

Jewish Community Center CDC

St. Teresa’s Academy

BEST FAMILY FUN CENTERS

Science City

BEST SUMMER CAMP

BEST PRESCHOOL

J Camp at the Jewish Community Center

BEST PUBLIC PARK

Up-Down

BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

ABC Preschool in Lee’s Summit

BEST ARCADE

Loose Park

BEST MUSEUM

Fritz’s

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL

Lee’s Summit

BEST CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION

Plaza Lights

BEST OF KC '21

BEST GO LF HOLE

Almost Augusta in Martin City One of the most famous golf holes in the world is in Martin City—kinda. Tucked on an eight-acre parcel owned by a Martin City cybersecurity company, you’ll find a replica of Golden Bell, the twelfth hole at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. The one-hole course includes three sand traps, azaleas and a water hazard complete with two fake swans. Gary Fish, the owner and CEO of cybersecurity company Fishtech Group, is a golfer. He said he chose to replicate the trickiest hole anywhere, part of Augusta’s “Amen Corner,” a set of three holes known for their difficulty. The hole—like Augusta, is private and exclusive—sits in an area Fish calls Innovation Park, which also has a basketball court, walking trail and outdoor exercise equipment. The Golden Bell replica took about a year to create. The course itself has artificial grass, but natural grass and prairie grass surround it. It gets played plenty. “Everyone in cybersecurity clocks in a lot of computer time,” Fish says. “I wanted to build a space where people could get out and unwind and get away from their desk. It’s quickly become one of the most popular amenities at our office for employees, clients and visitors.” —Lauren Fox

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Readers Choice A RTS & C U LT U R E

BEST JAZZ ACT

Lonnie McFadden

BEST ART GALLERY

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

BEST ROCK MUSIC CLUB

Knuckleheads

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE

Starlight Theatre

BEST WESTPORT/MIDTOWN BAR

Kelly’s

BEST LIQUOR STORE (MISSOURI)

Lukas Liquor

BEST ART GALLERY

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

BEST ART INSTRUCTION

Kansas City Art Institute

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE

Starlight Theatre

BEST RECORDING STUDIO

B-24 Studios

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST

Quixotic

Neandertalk Podcast

BEST JAZZ & BLUES CLUB

Fast Times

BEST COUNTRY MUSIC VENUE

BEST PLACE TO SEE LOCAL HIP-HOP

BEST LOCAL BAND

Green Lady Lounge PBR Big Sky

KC Jukehouse

BEST MOVIE THEATER

BEST LOCAL HIP HOP ARTIST

AMC Theaters

BEST DOWNTOWN KCMO BAR

Green Lady Lounge

BEST LOCAL PODCAST

BEST MALE VOCALIST

Cameron Russell

BEST DANCE PARTY

Funky Town

Tech N9ne

BEST DISTILLERY

J. Rieger & Co. BEST KCK/WYANDOTTE COUNTY BAR

Johnnie’s on Seventh BEST WINE SHOP

Lukas Liquor BEST KARAOKE

The Levee

BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

Starlight Theatre

BEST CLUB DJ

BEST CASINO

DJ Ashton Martin

Ameristar

BEST LOCAL ACTOR (LIVE THEATER)

Miracle

BEST DRAG SHOW

Chicken N Pickle

BEST LOCAL ACTRESS (LIVE THEATER)

The Bar

BEST CULTURAL EVENT

Kansas City Irish Festival

Vanessa Severo

BEST EXHIBIT OF 2020

Crossroads Hotel Gallery

BEST BAR POP-UP

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Hamburger Mary’s

BEST BAR STAFF

BEST BOOKSTORE

Rainy Day Books

Katie Gilchrist

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Boulevardia

BEST PLACE TO SEE LOCAL MUSIC

BEST BOTTLE SHOP

Bier Station BEST SPEAKEASY

BEST MUSICIAN

Knuckleheads

BEST FUNDRAISER GALA

Plaza Art Fair

Green Lady Lounge

BEST MUSIC VENUE

BEST LOCAL AUTHOR

Starlight Theatre

BEST LIMO/PARTY BUS COMPANY

BEST MUSIC CONCERT OF 2020

BEST FEMALE VOCALIST

Joyce DiDonato

Kansas City Symphony

Overland Chauffeured Services

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY SPOT

Lake of the Ozarks

BEST LIQUOR STORE (KANSAS)

Lukas Liquor

Mercury Room

BEST LIBRARY

BEST SPORTS BAR

Boulevard Brewing Co.

James Wood

BEST ARTS FESTIVAL

Jazzoo

LeAndrea Mack

Green Lady Lounge BEST DATE BAR

BEST NEW BAR

BEST BREWERY

Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch

The Peanut BEST MARGARITA

Ponak’s

BEST HOUSE/COVER BAND

The M80s

BEST IPA

BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY

Martin City Hard Way

BEST LOCAL COMIC

The Ship

BEST LIVESTREAM EVENT

Ça Va

Starlight Theatre

BEST DIVE BAR

Aaron Naylor

BEST GIRLS NIGHT OUT BAR

Kansas City Symphony Concerts

BEST LIVE THEATER PRODUCTION

Starlight Theatre

BEST MISSOURI SUBURBS BAR

Martin City Brewing Company

BEST PLAZA/SOUTH KC BAR

The Peanut on Main BEST SOMMELIER

Christina Corvino

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Summit Grill BEST WINERY

Cooper’s Hawk BEST COCKTAIL

Monarch Bar BEST JOHNSON COUNTY BAR

Johnny’s Tavern BEST BLOODY MARY

Rye

BEST OF KC '21

B E ST S P OT TO B U Y DE E P LY DIS C O U N T E D H OT SAU C E

BEST REISSU E

Vitreous Humor’s Posthumous With pretty much any song ever recorded now being available with a short scroll and a few clicks, maybe it makes sense that record collectors have gotten increasingly intense in their search for obscurities. In KC, that’s led to plenty of crate-digging for late-nineties emo. This year, it also led to one very unique rerelease: Vitreous Humor’s Posthumous. As the title implies, it’s a postbreakup odds-and-ends collection that was remastered and rereleased to state collectors enticed by the band’s seven-inch, notable as the first release by cult indie label Crank! Posthumous was reissued in May, and preorders sold out within a few days. Brad Allen, former bassist and current director of the Lawrence Public Library, doesn’t like to call the band emo. “I would just say snobby art rock in a self-deprecating way,” he says. But listening to the record, which got full features from Spotify’s blog and The Pitch, it’s… well, it’s emo. Excellent emo, but definitely emo. The band almost signed to Elektra Records on the strength of their catchy 1993 single “Why Are You So Mean to Me,” which would have been at home in the Buzz Bin next to Cracker, Filter, Bush and Folk Implosion. Creative differences led to its breakup in 1996. But thanks to the appeal of the music—and the commitment of emo scenesters who didn’t give up just because LiveJournal got sold to the Russians—the band now gets its moment, a quarter-century later. “When somebody gets it twentyfive years later, it means something is art to me rather than the lived experience of a moment,” Allen says. —Evan Musil

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Readers Choice WE D DIN G

BEST PLACE FOR REHEARSAL DINNER

Lidia’s

BEST FLORIST

Wild Hill

BEST HAND-LETTERER

Script Your Event BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mallorie McBride BEST WEDDING CAKE

McLain’s Bakery BEST WEDDING BAND

KC Flo

BEST BACHELORETTE PARTY VENUE

KC Wine Co

BEST BACHELOR PARTY VENUE

Shady Lady

BEST TUXEDO SHOP

Tip Top Tux

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Hawthorne House BEST WEDDING DJ

Fernando Productions BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

Baysinger Films

Spicin Spicin Foods makes a lot of sauce—more than seven hundred varieties. Their factory on Southwest Boulevard in the Rosedale neighborhood has churned out more than a million bottles of its own signature Da’ Bomb hot sauce and has also white-labeled sauces for most well-known local barbecue sauce sellers— and plenty of national ones, too. But not everything they make in the lab or in test runs is destined for shelves. And very little of it gets tossed. If you want to try some of their one-of-a-kind sauce samples at very favorable prices, you can swing by the shop (111 Southwest Blvd., KCK) and see what’s in the discount corner. Chances are you’ll find something fun and unique. —Martin Cizmar

BEST CATERER

Brancato’s Catering BEST BRIDAL SHOP

Emily Hart Bridal BEST WEDDING PLANNER

The Perfect Touch KC BEST ALTERATIONS

Fine Stitch

B E ST O F B LU R B S

The 50 Word Project Jennifer Wilding would love for you to send her your favorite fifty-word blurb from a book. If you do, she’ll make it into a letterpressed placard. But just fifty words. “Each one of these letters is a metal lever, and I run out of metal levers,” she says. “I’m pretty sure I can do fifty in almost all of my fonts.”

Wilding’s 50 Word Project, which has come in waves since 2013, started when she got an 1860s vintage Curtis & Mitchell tabletop letterpress. Then she needed to figure out what to do with it. “I’m an introvert and I really like group projects, but I don’t necessarily need to be in the room with the group,” she says. “This was me trying to get better and better at it. I’ve been somewhere between shocked and stunned by the number of people who’ve framed these things.” Wilding, who worked at the old Kansas City Magazine in the eighties and now works for the federal reserve, solicited short excerpts of favorite books from friends, set them and started printing thirty of each. The placards found their way to libraries, coffee shops and the like. They were especially popular with folks who run Little Free Libraries. “I got really nice responses back from folks,” she says. “It was very sweet. What I like about it is that people are pulling out an excerpt of their very favorite book—it’s something that’s meaningful, and they’re having to be intentional about finding the right number of words and then they get something back that’s entirely about them.” —Martin Cizmar

Photo by Ryan Andrew Bruce

B E ST JE A N S

W.H. Ranch Dungarees When Harrison Ford or the Black Keys need new blue jeans, they know where to look. Olathe, of course. Ryan Martin, the founder of W.H. Ranch Dungarees, began sewing at seven years old. He quickly made his way into the denim industry after getting his degree from Kansas State. The Olathe designer started selling lightweight denim ties on Etsy before growing into a business that has made jeans for celebs like Lyle Lovett and Kevin Costner. “I wanted my jeans to fit like Dwight Yoakam’s, and you cannot find those off the shelf,” Martin says. What makes his jeans one of a kind? Martin wanted to create a pair of jeans that reconstructed the crotch so that it would be more wearable for bull riders and people doing hard labor. He also makes every pair by hand—from the second the order is confirmed to shipping out the jeans himself. “This is my creative release,” Martin says. “It’s sort of like asking a painter ‘Why don’t you have somebody help you paint your paintings?’” His jeans start at $375 for a standard pair, but he takes custom orders as well. In the near future, you’ll be able to find W.H. Ranch Dungarees in western stores throughout Kansas. —Kayla Szymanski

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST OF KC '21

B E ST T IM E M AC H IN E

Princess Garden There’s something downright magical about dining at Princess Garden. This Waldo Chinese restaurant has been open since 1981, but between the white tablecloths, the tufted dark red booths, tasseled lamps, hammered ceiling tiles and ornately carved wooden wall panels, it feels like it’s been around since the early sixties. We’ve always loved the room, but it’s especially welcoming after a year of lockdown—truly, no place feels less like our own kitchen table than this dim and richly decorated dining room. The menu, too, may as well have been rescued from a vault: On the drink list, find dozens of tropical cocktails ripped from a Mad Men episode: Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, Polynesian punch bowls. This is the place for Peking duck, for a loaded plate of Sichuan noodles in black bean sauce, for piles of golden Hunan egg rolls. If you must, you may order from the “Princess Garden Lite” section on the menu, a holdover from the Atkins era and dedicated to “the weight watchers.” —Natalie Torres Gallagher

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

house and help educate parents on how to avoid those accidents through mitigating risks and adding safety devices,” says Stuart Hoffman, the executive director of Charlie’s House. The house sits on Hospital Hill in Kansas City and is a full life-size simulation that demonstrates common dangers and the ways to prevent accidents. Visitors travel through different rooms including nurseries, kitchens and an office space to see the best ways to keep kids safe. —Sophia Lacy

Readers Choice SHO PPING BEST JEWELRY STORE

BEST GROCERY STORE

Meierotto Jewelers

Hy-Vee

BEST BED & BREAKFAST

Amelia’s Boutique

BEST MEDICAL DISPENSARY

Warby Parker

BEST WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE

Big Cedar Lodge

BEST EYEGLASS SHOP

From the Earth BEST MEN'S BOUTIQUE

The Bunker

BEST KITCHEN STORE

Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities BEST BUTCHER SHOP

BEST MASK-MAKER

Charlie Hustle BEST ANTIQUE/ VINTAGE STORE

River Market Antiques BEST SHOE STORE

DSW

BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE

Charlie Hustle BEST CLOTHING RESALE STORE

My Best Friend’s Closet BEST HARDWARE STORE

Westlake Ace

McGonigle’sFareway BEST TRAVEL AGENT

Amanda Giarratano

BEST GARDEN SUPPLY/ NURSERY

Family Tree Nursery BEST HOME GOODS STORE

Home Goods BEST RECORD STORE

Mill’s Record Company BEST CRAFT STUDIO

Scraps KC

PETS BEST VETERINARY PRACTICE

Eagle Animal Hospital

BEST DOG TREATS

BEST PET PATIO

Bar K

BEST DOG PARK

Bar K

BEST DOG DAYCARE

Woof’s Play & Stay BEST LOCAL PET

Three Dog Bakery

Leo Poore

BEST ANIMAL ADVOCACY

Sydney’s Pet Spa

BEST PET GROOMER

Mission Driven

Shuttlecock Music Magazine If you’ve got a free weekend and are itching to see a live show but don’t know who to see, Aaron Rhodes is your go-to guy. A few years ago, Rhodes started Shuttlecock (shuttlecockmusic.com), a blog where he keeps a calendar of upcoming concerts, show reviews, artist interviews and more. His brand recently went paper with Shuttlecock Music Magazine, which can be found at most record stores in the area, along with a few coffee shops and bars like Messenger and Up-Down. In the black and white pages of the monthly magazine, you’ll find everything from longform features on local artists like twenty-year-old countryinspired indie artist Rachel Cion to Rhodes’ “Soda Selector” write-up on the back page each month, where he highlights his favorite sodas of the moment. —Nicole Kinning

BEST ER FOR PETS

BluePearl

BEST PET STORE

Brookside Barkery & Bath

BE ST ZI NE

BE ST SAFE T Y D E M ONSTR AT IO N

BEST PET BOARDING

Katie’s Kennel

B E ST R OYA LS PA R KIN G

Charlie’s House After a tragic in-home accident resulted in the passing of their two-year-old son Charlie, Brett and Jenny Horn made it their mission to educate individuals on safety in the home to help prevent similar accidents. Dressers, power cords and window blind cords can all be threatening for children. According to the CDC, around twelve thousands individuals ages one to nineteen die from injuries each year. “They made a tragedy into a mission that would help educate other parents and increase awareness of the types of accidents that can happen around the

Destiny Life Center Ministries In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul teaches us not to let corrupting talk come from our mouths and to instead use our words to build others up, giving grace to those who hear. And so we will speak not of the Kansas City Royals twenty-dollar parking fee. We’ll instead lift up the brothers and sisters of Destiny Life Center Ministries across the street. This righteous and Godly flock leaves the gate to their church parking lot open on game days. You are welcome to park, for free, and walk across the road to the K. “It’s been a blessing to us, and we want it to be a blessing to others,” says Senior Pastor Cynthia Kivett. “We want people to be able to go to the game and enjoy time with their families.” Destiny Life Center Ministries, which celebrates twenty-five years this month, has a focus on life coaching, Kivett says. “We definitely share the good news of Jesus Christ, but as part of that, we are all about empowering people, bettering them and helping them take control of their lives. It's just an open, friendly, welcoming fellowship. “We’re big on wanting to build up those desolate places, places where there’s been lack,” she says. “We can teach you to fish, true that, but we want to teach people not just to be fishermen, but to own the doggone pond.” Note that while Royals parking is free, parking for Chiefs games is twenty bucks, which is used for outreach ministry, such as feeding the homeless. And also note that if there are problems at Royals games, they may have to end the practice. “If there is vandalism going on, we will probably have to close the gate, but for now we do it to bless people,” Kivett says. Amen. —Martin Cizmar

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST OF KC '21

Readers Choice B E AU T Y BEST SPA

Hand & Stone BEST BARBERSHOP

The Barberette KC

BEST INJECTOR

Noreen Bollinger, Aestheticare Medspa BEST MED SPA

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. John Quinn BEST EYEBROW PRO

Brows by Mace

AesthetiCare MedSpa BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

BEST LASHES

Dr. Kelly K. Thomas, Leawood Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

BEST HAIR SALON

Posh KC

Luxe Lash Bar

BEST MAKEUP STUDIO

The Hair Room KC

BEST HAIR REMOVAL SALON

Mirabile MD

BEST TANNING SALON

Celsius Tannery BEST STRIP MALL FOO D C O URT

College Village Kansas City magazine doesn’t have an old-fashioned office anymore. After a year of working mostly remotely, in March we transitioned to working fully remotely. Most days, that’s great. But there are times when Tequila Harry’s calls. Our old office at College and Quivira had some, uh, quirks—such as a conference room that for some reason had holes cut in the walls so everyone was included in every meeting and temperatures that varied by twenty-plus degrees from room to room. However, it was next to the best little eatin’ plaza in all of Kansas City. College Village isn’t much to look at, but it had an almost ridiculously abundant collection of office drone lunch options. What are you feeling today? Carryout pizza, cheap Chinese food, mid-range Italian, a gyro, house-brined corned beef hash from a diner, a buffalo chicken wrap (“you look like a Twisted Fresh person,” our passive aggressive former secretary once said to me) or the lunch chimis with thirty-five Diet Coke refills at Tequila Harry’s. We miss you, College Village. —Martin Cizmar

BE ST R -R AT E D CA KE S

The C Word Cakery Everyone knows the classic “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” cakes, but some occasions call for a cake with more colorful language. At The C Word Cakery, every cake sold uses words that are not kidfriendly but plenty expressive. Sav Brady has worked in bakeries most of her life and created graphic designs for greeting cards with messages similar to the cakes she makes now. She had the idea to combine her interests to create The C Word Cakery to make fun cakes for all to enjoy. “I feel like a lot of cakes are serious and I just wanted to create laid-back cakes you can give to your friend that say something funny that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Brady says. The Cakery, which opened in March, combines unique designs with unique flavors. The cakes are circled with stylish treats like flower arrangements and chocolate-covered strawberries to make the bad words even more humorous. Besides full cakes, Brady makes cupcakes—some of which feature a middle finger. —Sophia Lacy

BEST HAIRSTYLIST

Dalton Morris BEST TATTOO PARLOR

Irezumi

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST NAIL SALON

Luxe Nail Spa

HOME BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

Prime Lending BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY

Brookside

BEST MOVING COMPANY

You Move Me

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Katie Yeager Stout, Your Future Address

BEST POOL COMPANY

Swim Things

BEST LAWN MAINTENANCE COMPANY

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER (RESIDENTIAL)

Ryan Lawn & Tree

BEST PLUMBER/COMPANY

The Collective at ReeceNichols

Erica Rigdon, Style & Grace Interiors Morgan Miller Plumbing

BEST REALTY COMPANY

ReeceNichols BEST LANDSCAPER

BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Cushman & Wakefield

BEST PEST CONTROL

Epic Landscape Productions

Blue Beetle Pest Control

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER (COMMERCIAL)

Santa Marta

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

Madden McFarland

BEST CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

Christian Brothers Rocktops Granite & Stone Fabrication, LLC

BEST HOME SECURITY COMPANY

Atronic Alarms

BEST MOBILE SPRAY TAN

Luminare Aesthetics & Wellness

The Kessler Residences BEST ELECTRICIAN/ COMPANY

Teague

BEST PU ZZLE

Kansas City Map by Kansas City Puzzle Company There were some unexpected comebacks last year. You couldn’t walk into an Old Navy without being blinded by tie-dye. After years of the Instant Pot craze, people broke out their Grandma’s Dutch ovens to bake bread. And, finally, puzzles made their way out of dusty attics and onto kitchen tables to pass quarantine time. For Tim and Stefanie Ekeren, the idea for Kansas City Puzzle Company started back in January of 2020. But Covid shutdowns and then a huge spike in big-company puzzle production caused delays in their business. The couple was finally able to get their first puzzles produced in March of this year. One of Kansas City Puzzle Company’s standouts is a map by illustrator Mario Zucca, who drew the map and crowdsourced on Reddit to make sure the piece was accurate and that he wasn’t missing anything important. There are plenty of Easter eggs in the beautifully chaotic map puzzle, according to the Ekerens, including a self-portrait of Zucca. “He's way down on the bottom right hand corner, sitting at his sketch table and drawing,” Stefanie says. “I don't think I had ever noticed it when we were looking at the print because there's so much to see. And then, as I was puzzling, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, here's Mario!’” —Nicole Kinning

BEST SUBSC RIPTI ON SE RV I CE

Easy As Pie Who doesn’t love pie? Monsters, probably. Not you, though. You’re not a monster, and you certainly don’t hate pie, especially not when it’s as cute as the pies Ann Lewis creates. You’ve likely seen this cheerful baker selling her pretty wares—whole pies, mini pies and pop-tarts—at pop-up events all around the city under her Easy as Pie KC banner. But her

pie-of-the-month club is one of her most unique offerings. A one-year subscription runs $240 for full nine-inch pies and $85 for mini five-inch pies, each month featuring a new seasonal bake. This year, January saw a creamy lemon pie with graham cracker crust, June was mixed berry (strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and tart cherries with a brown sugar oat crumb topping) and July was bursting with cinnamon-tinged peaches. (If subscribers aren’t feeling the monthly offering, Lewis always offers a savory alternative.) This subscription is currently offered for local Midtown pickup only. —Natalie Torres Gallagher

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST OF KC '21

BEST BAC K FORT Y

Jerry Smith Park Want to see a tallgrass prairie that’s full of wildflowers, butterflies and birds? You don’t need to drive down to the Flint Hills of Kansas. A small section of a little-known park at the south edge of Kansas City remains an unspoiled example of the area’s native prairieland. Jerry Smith Park sits less than a mile east of Holmes Road on 139th Street. The entrance leads to a parking lot where the trailhead for a 1.4-mile loop through a restored prairie begins and ends. The entire park contains three hundred and sixty acres of open rolling hills, wooded forests and a small lake, including forty acres of neverplowed tallgrass. The loop trail is a mostly level walk high on a hilltop that offers views of Martin City and Overland Park. The scenery is always changing. June is the “white” month, when flowers like beardtongue penstemon are blooming. The landscape shifts to pink and purple by July, and yellow dominates in September and October, with goldenrod blossoms popping out in sunny bursts among eightfoot-tall native grasses and common milkweed—look for dried pods ready to release their seed-studded silky fluff to the wind. —Jill Draper

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Readers Choice E AT

BEST BBQ SANDWICH

The Z-Man Sandwich at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que BEST SUSHI

BEST FOOD POP-UP

Taco Republic BEST ICE CREAM

Betty Rae’s BEST INDIAN

Blue Sushi and Sake Grill

Korma Sutra

BEST TACOS

First Watch

BEST HOT DOGS

BEST RESTAURANT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING

BEST BRUNCH SPOT

Margarita's QuikTrip

The Capital Grille

BEST KOREAN

BEST GREEK

Kobi Q

Mr. Gyros

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Billie’s Grocery BEST BREAKFAST

BEST BURGER

First Watch BEST PU PPET M USE UM

Puppetry Arts Institute What’s a better way to learn about the history of Missouri than with a puppet show? These are not your typical homemade sock puppets.Puppetry Arts Institute has an extensive collection of historical puppets. The institute is home to the Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum in Independence, where thousands of puppets, which are from the 1980s and took over a month each to complete, are on display. Kids can make their own puppet from scratch before putting on their own show. “It gives kids and adults an opportunity to work on a creative art project that’s unplugged,” says artistic director Kraig Kensinger. “Kids can tap into old school imagination, creativity and playfulness. But the most important thing for all ages is imagination.” Kensinger is the creative director behind the Missouri Birthday Bash, an exhibit that will celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial. The exhibit will be home to Missouri’s most familiar faces like Harry S. Truman and Lewis and Clark. The show will spotlight four area youth theater students while being lead by Kensinger. He hopes that their bicentennial exhibit shows people how diverse Missouri’s history really is. —Kayla Szymanski

B E ST C LU B

The Art Study Club Ninety-nine years ago, a group of twenty-two women met to organize a club to study fine arts. At the time, the nineteenth amendment was just two years old. Women were still introduced by their husband’s names (like “Mrs. Fred Smith” and “Mrs. Walter F. Page”), and where the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art stands today was real estate developer and Kansas City Star co-founder William Rockhill Nelson’s home. Today, that women’s art club still exists. The Art Study Club meets a few times a year in locations like the old Muehlebach Hotel—where the club’s meetings were hosted in the twenties and thirties—and the KC Art Insitute’s Vanderslice Hall to discuss art, network over lemonade and cookies and listen to local artists give lectures. And each meeting is anchored by a sacred gavel, made from wood reclaimed from Nelson’s home after his passing. —Nicole Kinning

BEST PHO

Vietnam Cafe Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill

BEST VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN RESTAURANT

Cafe Gratitude

BEST CHOCOLATIER

BEST CHEF

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

BEST PUB FOOD

Gram & Dun

BEST BARBECUE SAUCE

Jack Stack Barbecue

Michael Smith

BEST PATIO

The Peanut

BEST BURNT ENDS

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

BEST GELATO

Spin Pizza

BEST BURRITO

Chipotle

BEST STEAKHOUSE

The Capital Grille

BEST SMOOTHIE/ JUICE BAR

BEST BAKERY

Ruby Jean's Juicery

McLain’s Bakery

BEST RIBS

Taco Republic

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

BEST CINNAMON ROLLS

Corner Cafe

BEST RAMEN

Boru Asian Eatery

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Ponak’s

BEST ITALLIAN

Garozzo’s

BEST DINER

Town Topic

BEST BARBECUE

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que BEST DONUT

BEST GYRO

Lamar’s

Mr. Gyro’s

BEST PIZZA

Minsky’s Pizza BEST FARMERS MARKET

City Market Farmers’Market BEST FRENCH FRIES

BEST SANDWICH SHOP

Pigwich

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

BEST COFFEE SHOP

The Roasterie BEST GLUTEN-FREE RESTAURANT

Cafe Gratitude BEST THAI

Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST OF KC '21

B EST SC RAPYAR D

Scraps KC Customers say it’s like a trip through something from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Others note, “I was a child in a candy store,” and “It’s a good thing they have grocery carts.” They’re talking about Scraps KC, a creative reuse center which serves as a thrift store for both new and pre-owned arts and crafts items. Located at 3269 Roanoke Road, KCMO, it’s a fun destination for an inexpensive outing with the kids or to gather ideas for projects. The center’s inventory runs the gamut from typical craft supplies— yarn, fabric, buttons, paint, brushes, paper and frames—to the weird and wonderful—bins of old photo slides, seashells, license plates, patches, burlap coffee bags, wooden shoe trees, marbles, corks and cardboard tubes. Rows of slightly used spiral notebooks and trays of pens and markers await inspiration, along with odd bits of plastic, glass floral beads, jigsaw puzzles, school supplies, rubber stamps and table centerpieces. Brenda Mott, who founded the nonprofit store in 2016, says the store has diverted more than one hundred and seventy tons of materials from the landfill. She also partners with the homeless, who receive food and necessities in exchange for sorting, pricing, sweeping and other light duties. —Jill Draper

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

BEST HOT SAU CE S

KC Canning Co. They say good things often come in small packages, and I’d have to agree—at least when we’re talking about the newest product from KC Canning Co. This summer, the eight-year-old company added fermented hot sauce to its offerings, available in petite four-ounce bottles that go for nine dollars each. Don’t worry: Owner and master preservator Tim Tuohy guarantees a mighty wallop of flavor. Each of the three options features an astonishing combination of eight types of peppers, some with ferocious-sounding names. (Reaper peppers? Death spiral peppers? Oh, my.) Choose from a lovely tamarind and date hot sauce, an orange-hued carrot and ginger combination or a peppy passionfruit and mango concoction that will spice up your life. —Natalie Torres Gallagher BEST INF LU ENC E R D OG

Harley the Puggle in the Park KCMO Parks and Recreation has an unofficial mascot: Harley, a fifteen-yearold pug-beagle mix. Harley’s owner is Heidi Markle, the marketing director for Kansas City Parks and Recreation, who first posted Harley on the department’s Instagram before creating the account @puggleinthepark in 2014. “I’d take a picture in a different Kansas City park each time,” she says. “My initial goal was to do all two hundred and thirty-one of them, but that fell by the wayside.” Still, Harley’s made her rounds, visiting over one hundred spots such as the playful Penguin Park and classic Case Park. Although parks are still the heart of the account, its focus has shifted to documenting Harley’s life. “I put more pictures of us together so that I have those memories, because sadly enough dogs don’t live forever,” Markle says. Harley has sported many looks, such as Chiefs jerseys on game days and Christmas sweaters during the holidays. And Harley isn’t camera-shy—she has years of experience in front of the lens. As a puppy, she modeled for catalogs

and greeting cards. “She is so food-motivated, so she’ll do anything for a treat,” Markle says. Markle takes her to fewer park events due to her age, but Harley is still a people-puggle. “I’ll keep dressing her up,” Markle says. —Evan Musil

Readers Choice C IT Y L IF E BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN

B E ST/ WO R ST R E A L IT Y

Quinton Lucas

War Remains at the World War I Museum

Brookside

You’ve read All Quiet on the Western Front, but have you ever wondered what it was like on the western front? Through Labor Day, the World War I Museum and Memorial is home to an immersive virtual reality experience where guests can explore the horrors of the war in which nine million soldiers lost their lives. The experience starts off almost peacefully—you float in a hot air balloon over the battlefields below before everything goes black and you land in a VR hell. The experience made its debut at Tribeca Film Festival in 2019, then travelled to Austin. Madison Wells and Gigi Pritzker gifted Kansas City the experience after visiting the museum. Unlike typical VR experiences, where guests sit in a chair and look around the room, you feel the vibration of bombs dropping, the wind of ash blowing in your face and can physically touch the trenches. It’s not real, but according to Karis Erwin, director of marketing, communications and guest services at the museum, some people don’t make it all the way through the hyperrealistic experience. After exiting, guests are encouraged to write their thoughts on what they just experienced in journals. One guest writes the only thing that can truly describe the experience: “Holy shit.” Another guest writes, “I am speechless after such intense scenes. You have to keep telling yourself ‘It’s not real’ but it was reality for so many people.” —Kayla Szymanski

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

BEST FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Suzanne Hale Robinson, Hale Robinson & Robinson

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Jenny Matthews BEST PLACE TO WORK

J. Rieger & Co. BEST RADIO STATION

Q104

BEST LOCAL MASCOT

Paul Rudd

BEST GOLF COURSE

Nelson-Atkins Art Course BEST DUI ATTORNEY

Rico Robinson BEST POP-UP MARKET

BEST LOCAL BLOG

@kclocalevents BEST LOCAL METEOROLOGIST

Gary Lezak

BEST LOCAL TV SPORTS ANCHOR

City Market

Mick Shaffer

BEST LAW FIRM/LAWYER

BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Hale Robinson & Robinson

Suzanne Hale Robinson

BEST SPORTS STADIUM/ARENA

Arrowhead

BEST MORNING TALK SHOW

Rocket and Teresa

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

CommunityAmerica Credit Union BEST DISABILITIES NONPROFIT

Special Olympics Missouri

BEST ANNUAL OUTDOOR EVENT

First Fridays

BEST PHILANTHROPIST

Scott Poore

BEST COUNTRY CLUB

Plaza

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP

Church of the Resurrection BEST CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS NONPROFIT

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City

BEST MISSOURI SUBURB

Lee’s Summit

BEST LOCAL PODCAST

Things I Learned Last Night BEST HOTEL

Crossroads Hotel BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW

Dana and Parks BEST BUILDING

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

WDAF Fox 4 BEST FOUNTAIN

Fountain in Mill Creek Park (Formerly JC Nichols Fountain)

BEST LOCAL TWITTER FEED

Lawrence Police Department

BEST TOUR COMPANY

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Overland Chauffeured Services

BEST GREEN BUSINESS

Scott Poore

BEST HEALTH NONPROFIT

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

BEST KCMO NEIGHBORHOOD

Union Station

State Farm

BEST COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

Ripple Glass

BEST ATTRACTION

Children's Mercy Hospital

BEST LOCAL LANDMARK

Brookside BEST CAR WASH

Waterway Carwash BEST FESTIVAL

Plaza Art Fair BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT

Big Slick

BEST EDUCATION NONPROFIT

Operation Breakthrough

BEST JOHNSON COUNTY CITY, VILLAGE OR TOWN

Overland Park

BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM

@kclocalevents BEST PUBLIC SPACE

Loose Park

BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR

Mark Alford

Surprising Speed Here's how to spend a perfect weekend in the newly redeveloped Bottleworks District of Indianapolis.

By Martin Cizmar

INDIANAPOLIS is full of surprises. Go around a corner in the middle of Indiana’s capital and largest city and you may encounter a canal lined with paddle boats. Around another there’s a white terracotta building that looks like it could house a Smithsonian museum but turns out to have been a Coke bottling plant that’s now a boutique hotel. Around another corner stands the former vice president—I almost bumped into him getting off an elevator. I wasn’t expecting to be able to navigate a motorsports mecca totally car-free or to encounter a liberal attitude toward open containers in public (Indianapolis, like New Orleans’ Bourbon Street and Kansas City’s Power & Light District, allows you to walk around with a beer). And even for a Kansas Citian used to kindness from strangers, “Hoosier Hospitality” is almost jarring in its ubiquity and force. From KC, Indianapolis is just a little closer than Chicago, and it’s worth a long look the next time you’re booking a weekend getaway. It’s probably not at all what you expect. Here’s our idea of a perfect weekend stay.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

Indianapolis is in the center of Indiana, about seven hours east on I-70. Sure, it’s a good one-night stop if you’re road-tripping to the East Coast, but the city is a worthwhile destination in its own right, especially if you’ve got a rooting interest in a team playing under the retractable roof of Lucas Oil Stadium or on the hardwood at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. At the center of town is a traffic circle surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monu-

ment, which stands almost three hundred feet tall. There are four diagonal streets that shoot off from the center circle, all named after states. The first one to know is Massachusetts Avenue, locally known as Mass Ave, which runs northeast. On this trip, we stayed at the Bottleworks Hotel (8550 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis; bottleworkshotel.com), a new boutique lodging inside a salvaged Art Deco-era Coca Cola bottling plant—it was the largest Coke plant in the country and the company’s flagship during its golden era. The edifice is etched with detail, and the mosaic tiled floors are works of art in their own right. The hotel anchors the Bottleworks District at the far end of Mass Ave, where you’ll find a new food hall, brunch spots, a hip Living Room movie theater and a retro-chic duckpin bowling alley and arcade.

TAKE THE EDGE OFF AT THE GARAGE

Indianapolis is undergoing massive construction on its downtown freeways, with both I-65 and I-70 closed downtown, pushing traffic into unusual patterns that may have snared you in a jam. The Bottleworks District happens to be well situated for avoiding the jam, but if you find yourself thirsty, The Garage Food Hall (906 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis) across the street from the hotel has options including Hard Truth Distilling’s cocktail bar, where drinks are mixed with locally distilled spirits. We had a great tropical drink with toasted coconut rum, pineapple and a kiss of jalapeno for heat.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

TRAIL TIME LEFT: THE GARAGE FOOD HALL RIGHT, ABOVE & BELOW: ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE FAR RIGHT: VIEW FROM THE CANAL

For a Midwestern city that has a strong association with motorsports—more on that in a minute—Indianapolis is extremely easy to navigate by bike, foot or scooter thanks to an eight-mile loop called the Cultural Trail (indyculturaltrail.org). The trail is made from hexagonal red pavers, and most of it is lined with low-maintenance landscaping like daylilies, sage and rain gardens. Although it was built for pedestrians and cyclists, the trail has also become popular among riders of pay-by-the-minute Bird and Lime electric scooters. You’ll find the scooters dotting the trail, including a cache of freshly charged rides lined up neatly in front of the Bottle-

works Hotel in the morning. Other than the Speedway, which is five miles west of downtown, you can scoot, cycle or walk pretty much anywhere you want to go in Indy using the Cultural Trail.

STEAK ’EM

Historic steakhouses are generally hit or miss when it comes to maintaining standards that match the menu prices. Indy’s landmark St. Elmo Steak House (127 Illinois St., Indianapolis) was founded in 1902 and belongs to an exclusive club of spots that are not only the oldest and best-known but also the best. The room is covered in photos of celeb diners (one Indy couple became local legends after hanging their own) and the newest servers still have decades of seasoning at St. Elmo. There is only one appetizer offered: shrimp cocktail served with a mound of fresh-ground horseradish. The horseradish is delivered daily as a whole root as big as your forearm from a farm south of St. Louis. It possesses an intoxicating heat that imprints itself on your brain—I can still summon the sensation months later. The bone-in Cowboy ribeye is the recommended steak and is prepared exactly as requested.

SKELL IT

Indianapolis is a heavily German city, and the community’s landmark is the Athenæum, originally known as Das Deutsche Haus, an ornate brick structure that served as a gymnasium and clubhouse for the various special interest clubs catering to Hessian immigrants. The architects were Arthur Bohn and Bernard Vonnegut Sr.—yes, the same family of Vonneguts. There’s a traditional German restaurant in the building called The Rathskeller (401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis), but the real action is the large beer garden out back, where White Claw has largely supplanted Weihenstephaner.

GET A HANDLE

Right across the street from the Bottleworks Hotel, you’ll find Love Handle (877 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis), a laid-back counter-service brunch spot serving up hearty fare like a bowl of three-cheese jalapeno grits served with a fat slab of

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

pork belly and a plate of fried catfish smothered in brown country gravy. The terminus of the Cultural Trail is right out front, so you can grab a scooter or bike and roll straight down the trail next to Mass Ave after.

WHITE RIVER STATE PARK

White River State Park sounds like the name of a place where you’re going to pitch a tent, but it’s actually an urban park that contains many of the city’s top cultural institutions and amenities, including the zoo, the state museum, a large amphitheater and the national headquarters of the NCAA—built when Indy lured the governing body of college athletics away from Overland Park in 1999. In addition to the river, the park is home to a stretch of canal dug out in the early 1800s that’s now built up for strolling. The entire park is an idyllic place: Shady picnic tables sit under greenery-laden trellises; the zoo’s walls are made of huge slabs of Indiana limestone; and the banks of the lazy green river are lined with stumps and milk crates perched there by fishermen. Whatever else you do, visit the Eiteljorg Museum (500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis), which has one of the largest collections of Western and Native American art in the world, including work from Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Kay WalkingStick and Andy Warhol.

KURT VONNEGUT MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

Kurt Vonnegut, arguably the greatest novelist of the twentieth century, was born and raised in Indianapolis, where his family had deep roots. The city provided the backdrop for some of his best-known works (there’s a lot of Indyness

KANSASCITYMAG.COM AUGUST 2021

about Midland City, Ohio). His legacy is celebrated with a newish museum (543 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis) on a corner where the young author used to go for jazz shows. The museum is still growing into its new space, but among the collection is the Smith-Corona 2200 typewriter Vonnegut used for most of his novels, a vast collection of his doodles, his purple heart from surviving Dresden and a small selection of the fanmail he received and his correspondence back. Did you know Vonnegut had an intense distaste for Bob Dylan? After this tour, you will!

SPEED (A)WAY TIME

The largest sports venue anywhere in the world is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis), which sits about five miles west of downtown Indy in a neighborhood that’s home to its own collection of bars and restaurants.

A quarter of a million people gather to watch races here, and on a race weekend the area is a little like Sturgis crossed with a wholesome county fair, with peanut butter whiskey and vapes being marketed next to families grilling out. The raceway is worth seeing even without cars zipping by. Its massive infield is home to an eighteen-hole golf course that’s been named one of the nation’s top hundred by Golf Digest. Spend enough time in Indy, surrounded by motor sports lore, and at some point it’s natural to wonder to yourself if maybe you could skillfully make left turns at high speed. Scratch that itch and come to the realization that, no, you cannot do that, by scheduling a racing session at Speedway Indoor Karting (1067 N Main St., Speedway, Indiana). You’ll leave humbled and outside the jams caused by the I-70 closure ready to drive responsibly on your way home.

LEFT: CYCLISTS ON THE CULTURAL TRAIL AND A VIEW OF THE CANAL IN WHITE RIVER STATE PARK RIGHT: SPEEDWAY

Dust, Oil &

Death

Martin Scorsese brings the tragic true story of a local tribe’s sudden riches and the murder spree that followed to the big screen.

WORDS Susie Whitfield ILLUSTRATIONS Melanie Adlich

80 KANSA S CITY AUGUST 2021

THE

wide brick street of downtown Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, is usually empty on weekdays. So when two large white trucks slowly rolled to a stop in front of Rich and Denise Ullrich’s Tallgrass Antiques store this April, business transactions paused and a small crowd gathered. Movers carefully loaded the trucks with tables and chairs, wood stoves, bookcases, cupboards, beds, a wagon seat, office accessories, grocery store hanging scales, lamps and other household items. A few hours later, the cargo was heading south on scenic U.S. Route 177 toward I-35 and the Oklahoma state line, where it will be used in one of the most anticipated movies of this winter, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. The movie, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, is being filmed mostly in northeast Oklahoma, right along the Kansas line. The scale of the project sent set designers scurrying into the Flint Hills—Rich had responded to an inquiry on his Facebook page from a buyer looking for items dating to the early 1900s through the 1920s. “I was pretty surprised when he picked out a roll of red and green linoleum,” Rich says. The trucks soon left for Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and the Osage Nation, where journalist David Grann’s book Killers of the Flower Moon takes place. The story focuses on the systematic murders of what were probably hundreds of Osage people and the work of a young J. Edgar Hoover to create what would become the FBI. Oil was discovered on Osage land in 1897, making the tribe extremely wealthy. It nearly destroyed them. During the 1910s through 1930s, non-members greedy for oil money shot, poisoned and blew up with dynamite members of the Osage Nation. Headrights gave the Osage a legal grant to tribal land and its mineral wealth, but it could be inherited by non-Osage heirs. Killers of the Flower Moon relates the tragic story of Mollie Burkhart, a full-blood Osage, whose headrights made her one of the wealthiest women in Oklahoma. In the early 1920s, her mother died of an odd wasting illness, and her sister Anna was found shot to death. Mollie’s other sister, Rita, and Rita’s husband, William Smith, were killed along with their housekeeper when their house exploded. Mollie was suffering from the same strange symptoms that claimed her mother when the Osage Tribal Council called for help from the U.S. Bureau of Investigation. Geoffrey Standing Bear, Chief of the Osage Nations, says that at least five percent of his people were assassinated and more than half lost their wealth. Most murders were covered up, misreported or never investigated. “My great-grandfather Fred Lookout was Chief during that time,” Chief Standing Bear says. “He hired outlaws—men who wouldn’t hesitate to kill—to protect our family.”

Kansas City used to be part of our territory. Now, half of our 23,000 people live outside Oklahoma, but we’re trying to bring everyone back home. —Geoffrey Standing Bear, Chief of the Osage Nations

Standing Bear says he inherited his great-grandfather’s determination to protect the Osage people: “The world does have evil places and evil people. The biggest crime is complicity. Almost everyone went along with the murders.” He has given every member of the Oklahoma legislature a copy of Killers of the Flower Moon and sent copies to the governor and the lieutenant governor. “I tell anyone who wants to do business with us that the book is required reading.” He and Grann talked at length about his research. “It’s a story that is actually bigger than the Osage Nation,” Standing Bear says. “This was illustrated yesterday by a gentleman from California, a business prospect, who considers himself an educated man, and he had never heard this story. It made him think about what other stories all Americans should know about. I thought that was insightful of him.” Standing Bear noted the irony of the great oil and gas companies such as Phillips, Conoco and Getty making billions of dollars from Osage land while many of his people are living in poverty. He was cautious when Scorsese first approached him several years ago about making the movie. “I asked him several questions,” Standing Bear says. “What about our language? What about our culture? Well, the Scorsese team has hired our language and cultural experts, and they have also hired sixty of our people not only as extras but as actors with speaking roles. Also, about a hundred of our people are working in set design and construction, which is a real boost to their income.” The Osage do not own the rights to the movie, but Standing Bear is especially pleased that his people are making blankets and traditional clothing and will be able to show their craft skills to the world.

Standing Bear said that Scorsese was attracted to the book’s portrayal of evil that can be perfectly disguised. “Of course, Martin is a great storyteller, and he was fascinated that some Osage elders had told me that they knew William Hale, a prominent local rancher who became a prime suspect, and that he was always so friendly and helpful. “I guessed that Leo DiCaprio would play the part of Tom White, the federal agent investigating the case, but Mr. Scorsese said he had something else in mind, and so did Leo,” Standing Bear said. “Leo wanted to play the part of Ernest Burkhart, Mollie’s husband.” Eric Roth’s script emphasizes the terrible dichotomy of love and greed that destroyed so many lives. “When I last met Mr. DiCaprio a few weeks ago—he’s a very quiet, very serious gentleman—and mentioned that he’s playing an extremely challenging part, he said that he wanted a very deep role,” Standing Bear says. “I asked him who would be playing William Hale and he said, ‘My friend Bob De Niro.’” Filming began at the end of April. Standing Bear has been watching the rebuilding of a train station in Pawhuska and the recreation of the town of Fairfax, Oklahoma, where the Reign of Terror occurred. The $200 million project will be released either in late 2021 or, more likely, early 2022. Standing Bear wonders if the movie will encourage the return of the Osage people who “have scattered to the wind.” “We’ve been driven to the edges of the world, the places no one else wanted,” Standing Bear said. “Kansas City used to be part of our territory. Now half of our twenty-three thousand people live outside Oklahoma, but we’re trying to bring everyone back home.”

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The sixth annual Faces of Kansas City focuses on the individuals and groups whose experience and expertise make them leaders in their fields. These professionals work diligently to provide the best service to the residents of our city. Get to know the faces behind the businesses that want to share their passion and commitment with you.

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THE FACES OF

Real Estate Malfer & Associates Compass Realty Group 1 920 W 143RD ST. , SU IT E 200 LEAWOOD, KS 913 . 800.1812 M ALFER KC .COM

Malfer & Associates, Compass Realty Group has been a market leader in real estate for more than a decade. The team has over 350 years of combined expertise and works with buyers and sellers at all price points. The team is hand-picked by Kristin Malfer herself, ensuring that each agent delivers exceptional customer service. With a complimentary white glove concierge experience, the team provides clients with the utmost professional benefits, including complimentary home staging, a robust marketing plan, professional photography and videography and much more. They offer a hassle-free experience from start to finish with a thorough plan for buying and selling a home. The company’s multiple locations at the Malfer Studio and storefront in Prairie Village have it all: home staging, rental management, new construction, relocation specialists and a business development division. With their recent move to Compass Realty Group, they now have access to a network of over 15,000 Compass agents who represent the top agents in the industry and are able to gain national reach by increasing the marketing for each listing. With an eye for design, a feel for the city, extensive market knowledge and genuine Midwestern hospitality, Malfer & Associates is the top choice when finding your dream home or selling your current home.

#3 Top Producing Real Estate Team in KC, ranked by the Kansas City Business Journal #61 In the Nation Based on Sales Volume, ranked by RealTrends by the Wall Street Journal

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wealth management Advising Staff Mariner Wealth Advisors 5700 W. 112TH ST. , SU IT E 200 OVERL AN D PA R K , KS 913 .647. 9700 MAR INERWEALTHADVISOR S .COM

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

When you become a client of Mariner Wealth Advisors, we get to know you first, then create a wealth plan designed just for you. Whether you need to modify your estate plan, integrate your tax and investment strategies or adjust your asset allocation, our in-house teams will partner with you to develop a coordinated plan. We offer 360° advice designed to last from a wealth team dedicated committed to being here for everything life brings your way. Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money. MWA does not provide all services included here. Some services are provided by affiliates and are subject to additional fees.

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Sports AND Spine Medicine C. Lan Fotopoulos, MD Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics 4320 WORNAL L RD. S U IT E 610, KA N SA S CITY, M O 3651 CO LLEG E B LVD. , LEAWOOD, KS 913. 319.7678 EXT. 3 109 | DD - CLIN IC .COM

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Dr. C. Lan Fotopoulos is an interventional physiatrist who’s been voted “Super Doc” nine years in a row. He is board-certified in physical medicine, pain medicine and sports medicine. He specializes in minimally invasive and interventional procedures in the treatment of spinal disorders, including epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and spinal cord stimulation. He also interventionally treats chronic knee pain. He has a background as a diver in the U.S. Navy and expertise and board certification in hyperbaric and diving medicine.

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Weight Loss Rick Tague, MD The Center For Nutrition 4963 W. 135T H ST. , LEAWOOD, KS 913. 814 . 822 2 | TAG U EN UT R IT ION .COM

Rick Tague, M.D., M.P.H. & T.M. is a medical weight loss and “optimum health” specialist. An Alpha Omega Alpha honors graduate of the Tulane University School of Medicine, he holds a master’s degree in public health from Tulane and is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Tague founded the Center for Nutrition and Preventive Medicine clinics in 1996 and has assisted over 30,000 patients in their pursuit of weight loss and improved health. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 814-8222 or visit taguenutrition.com.

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Endodontics Christopher Budig, DDS Apex Endodontics 13364 METCA LF AVE . , OVERL AND PA R K , KS 913. 851. APEX (273 9) ] DRBU DIG .COM

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

When patients visit Apex Endodontics, they can rest assured not only that they will receive the best possible root canal care available but also that Dr. Christopher Budig and his team will strive to create an overall pain-free, stress-free and comfortable dental experience. At Apex Endodontics, the patient’s comfort, health and well-being come first. Dr. Budig is a Diplomate with the American Board of Endodontics. Less than 20 percent of all U.S. endodontists are board-certified, and Dr. Budig is one of the only six board-certified endodontists in the state of Kansas. Becoming a board-certified Diplomate is a voluntary process and is the highest status an endodontist can achieve. Dr. Budig is the past president of both the Fifth District Dental Society and the Greater Kansas City Endodontic Society, and he serves on the Endodontic Specialty Committee for the Kansas Dental Board. Visit drbudig.com to learn about Dr. Budig and his team.

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SLEEP MEDICINE Maniza Ehtesham ExcellHealth Sleep Center 106 4 0 W 87 T H ST, OVER L A N D PA R K , KS 913 . 203 .4 04 0 EXC EL LH EA LT H SLEEP.COM

Dr. Maniza Ehtesham is a board-certified sleep physician and the medical director at Excellhealth Sleep Center. She is an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and enjoys teaching medical students and residents. She has also served as an associate residency program director at UMKC. She is currently a staff physician at Advent Health Shawnee Mission and Excellhealth Sleep Center. Excellhealth Sleep Center offers comprehensive sleep care services by board certified sleep specialists for patients in and around Johnson County and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Excellhealth provides inpatient sleep consultations, as well as home sleep studies and in-lab sleep studies. If you or your partner has a problem with snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea or any other sleep related disorder, Excellhealth can treat it.

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Holistic Dentistry & Tongue Tie Releases Craig & Timothy Herre, DDS Herre Holistic Dental KC 11201 NA LL AVE . SU IT E 120, LEAWOOD, KS 913 .491.4 4 6 6 HO L IST ICDEN TA LKC .COM

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Herre Holistic Dental KC is a health-centered, third-generation family dental office that has been serving Johnson County since 1953. Their mission is to help you become the best version of yourself, and this starts with identifying the root cause of your concerns through whole-health screenings rather than just managing disease. The care at Herre Holistic Dental is driven by an airway-centered philosophy: Knowing how we breathe is critical to our overall health. Drs. Craig and Tim Herre remove mercury fillings in a safe manner and only use biocompatible materials. They specialize in treating patients with TMJ/jaw pain, sleep apnea and breathing disorders. Dr. Tim has a special focus on treating tongue ties in patients of all ages, early interceptive orthodontic treatment (jaw expansion) to help kids grow and breathe, and Invisalign. The Herre Holistic Dental team also has biologically trained dental hygienists and a certified Myofunctional Therapist, Kelly Bradshaw. Their team is dedicated to helping provide whole-health solutions for your whole family. Let them help you connect the dots between your oral health and your overall wellness!

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Residential Development Rodrock Development Brian Rodrock Jeff Reglin Jeff Gifford 9550 DIC E L A N E , LEN EXA , KS 913 .681. 2 12 1 R ODR OCK .COM

A name synonymous with integrity in the Kansas City area for nearly 40 years, Rodrock is dedicated to helping families find a place to match their life and style. Brian Rodrock, Jeff Reglin and Jeff Gifford grew up and raised their families in Johnson County and contribute to the communities where they live, work and play. Rodrock’s breadth and depth of experience is thoughtfully and intentionally incorporated into the planning of its signature communities that are rich in amenities and embrace the best in family living. Rodrock is honored to have earned the trust of thousands of families with one of life’s most important decisions—where to call home.

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leadership in long term care Rodney Whittington, CEO Villa St. Francis 1660 0 W. 126TH ST. , OL AT H E , KS 913 . 82 9. 5201 VILL A S F.OR G

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

Overseeing the newly restructured Northeast Kansas Catholic Healthcare Services, Inc., Rodney Whittington leads both Villa St. Francis and Catholic Community Hospice. A holistic ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, these two enterprises address the needs of individuals requiring comprehensive long-term and end of life care. Offering services like physical therapy, skilled nursing, and palliative care, Rodney and his team are positioning themselves to redefine what care looks like for our elderly and infirmed. “Providing excellent care, respecting residents’ dignity, and upholding our commitment to faith is what makes us different.” These are the faces of leadership in long term care.

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COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY Kasiya Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 1153 8 W 119T H ST. , OVER L A N D PA R K , KS 913 . 9 4 0. 35 85 KA S IYA DEN TA L .COM

Every good relationship begins with a smile. Dr. Kasiya and Kasiya Dental uses cutting-edge technology including a 3-D scanner that shows patients the simulated outcome of their Invisalign treatment. They provide comprehensive and preventive dental services across all age groups. Our friendly, compassionate and well-trained team will create a luxurious, personal and pleasant experience. Our newest team member, Shasha, is a hypoallergenic goldendoodle emotional support dog that provides affection, comfort and support to patients. Follow Shasha’s adventures on her Instagram, @shasha_kasiya_dental_dog. Dr. Kasiya earned her DDS at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry; CLS (Clinical Lab Scientist), IMMC, Des Moines, IA; and BA Medical Technology, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA. New patients of all ages are welcome. Weekend, early morning and evening appointments available. Like us on Facebook @KasiyaDental.

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Your Best Move Ever You Move Me 9875 WIDM ER R D. , LENEXA , KA N S A S 913.708 . 874 4 YO U M OVEME .COM

KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2021

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When it comes to the best moving experience in the city, look no further than You Move Me Kansas City, a part of the Southwind family of businesses. You Move Me continues to revolutionize the moving industry. They completed over 7,600 moves in 2020 and continued to grow despite a global pandemic. They work with HGTV Star and Kansas City’s own Tamara Day and have even moved local celebrities such as Travis Kelce. You Move Me continues to develop and train their people to become leaders and have already expanded into other territories outside of Kansas City. Whether you’re moving across town or even across the country, You Move Me will make it your Best Move Ever!

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CATERING Andrew Brancato 50 50 KANSA S AVE . , KANSAS C ITY, KS 816 .765 .4707 B R ANCATO SCATERING .COM

For 50+ years, Brancato’s Catering has been going “beyond the menu” for their clients. As the area’s largest off-premise caterer, this locally owned company takes a unique approach to events and the needs of their clients. It’s not just about food – they provide clients with a seamless experience customized for their unique occasion. “What we do is so much more than simply setting food in front of a guest,” said Andrew Brancato, President and third generation leader of Brancato’s Catering. “It’s a privilege and an honor to serve our clients every day. That’s how we all feel when we come to work. We look at each of our events as if they are a once-in-alifetime celebration, from weddings to galas to corporate and social events—even a boxed lunch. We work hard to understand our clients’ budgets and ensure that we not only meet, but exceed their expectations.”

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Laser Vision Correction Durrie Vision Kelly F. Grosdidier, OD Jason E. Stahl, MD Timothy P. Lindquist MD 830 0 CO LL EGE BVLD. S U IT E 201, OVE R L A N D PA R K , KS 913 .491. 333 0 DU R R IEVIS ION .COM

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Durrie Vision is a refractive surgery center and research facility specializing in laser vision correction to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Offering the most advanced combination of diagnostic and treatment technology available, Durrie Vision is dedicated to delivering exceptional results through customized vision correction procedures, including SBK advanced LASIK, Phakic IOL, Refractive Lens Exchange and Refractive Cataract Surgery. Why choose Durrie Vision? • Phenomenal patient experience • World-class surgeons • The best available technology When it comes to patient care, Durrie Vision pays attention to the little details that make a big difference. Visit www.durrievision.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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HVAC, Electric & Plumbing MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric 9 85 1 WIDM ER R D. , LEN EXA , KS 913 -2 10-2 816 T H EMVPKC .COM

Whether you need your air conditioner or furnace fixed, light switches installed, or even your sewer repaired, you can trust the team at MVP! MVP is a part of the Southwind family of businesses and believes in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Since they joined Southwind in the fall of 2019, MVP has grown exponentially and even added a new plumbing department late last year. As a homeowner, you never know when you’ll have an emergency when it comes to your AC, heat, electrical or drains. But one thing you do know is that you can ALWAYS trust your MVP! Rated A+ by the Kansas City Better Business Bureau, your MVP comfort advisor is available 24/7 and works hard to assure you are satisfied!

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PLASTIC SURGERY John M. Quinn, MD Quinn Plastic Surgery Center 6920 W. 121ST ST. #102 , LEAWOOD, KS 913 .492 . 3 4 43 Q U INNPL A ST ICSU R G ERY.COM

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Quinn Plastic Surgery Center and Medical Day Spa have provided exceptional results in both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. John Quinn is known for his standards in patient care, safety and results. His 30+ years of experience as a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon have provided him the ability to perfect his skills in breast and tummy surgery. Overseen by Dr. Quinn and his team of BoardCertified Nurse Practitioners, and adjacent to the surgery center, is Quinn Medical Day Spa. The med spa has become a Kansas City favorite for non-surgical procedures like Botox, Microneedling and CoolSculpting®. Whether it’s a surgical or nonsurgical procedure, Dr. Quinn and his talented staff are always ready to listen and meet the needs of every patient.

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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Michael LeBlanc, DDS LeBlanc Dentistry for Children KA N S A S CITY | OL ATH E OVERL A N D PA R K | PR A IR IE VILL AGE 913 . 3 87. 35 00 | K IDS M ILEKC .CO M

Dr. Michael LeBlanc formed LeBlanc Dentistry for Children in 2005 to create the best dental experience for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. Dr. LeBlanc and associates are boardcertified pediatric dentists who provide a compassionate team of experts, professional dental cleanings and the best restorations for children, oral health education and a kidfriendly environment that will put your child at ease. Dr. LeBlanc completed his pediatric dental residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital and actively participates in dental educational research to continue to provide the highest level of dental care.

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Anti-Aging & Hormone Replacement Kathy C. Maupin MD Rachel M. Sullivan DO Lorie Gordon RN, MSN, FNP-C BioBalance Health® 440 0 BR OA DWAY B LVD. SU ITE 303, KA N S A S CITY, M O 816 .753 .6 552 BIO BAL AN CEH EA LT H .COM

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BioBalance Health® Premiere Hormone Pellet Replacement to treat the symptoms and diseases of aging If you are over 40 and are experiencing symptoms of aging like lack of sex drive, belly fat, fatigue, and insomnia, we can help you get your life back! BioBalance Health® has been in practice for nearly 20 years, using the latest treatments to provide preventive medicine and lifestyle planning. We base the foundation of our treatment on balancing and replacing all your hormones that have been depleted through the natural course of aging. Dr. Maupin, Dr. Sullivan, and Nurse Practitioner Lorie Gordon have special training in preventive medicine and are experts in managing all your hormones. When becoming a new BioBalance Health® patient you will have an hour long consultation with a physician to review your labs, medical history, and create a personalized treatment plan. To become a new patient, go to biobalancehealth.com, and complete the new patient form. We look forward to seeing you.

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STAFFING Staffing Kansas City 9 93 0 COLLEG E B LVD. , OVER L A N D PA R K , KS 913 .663 . 5 6 27 WW W. STA F F IN G KC .COM

“Personnel Services with a Personal Touch!” Staffing Kansas City sets itself apart as a staffing partner. The dynamic team listens to and solves clients’ hiring challenges. They have, collectively, over 80 years of recruiting experience placing Top Talent at 800+ companies. Staffing Kansas City is independently owned and WBE Certified. Clients trust their office hiring needs are in good hands thanks to Staffing Kansas City’s hands-own owners and powerhouse recruiters. The women of Staffing Kansas City are honored to be the faces of the staffing industry. They attribute their continued success to their drive and love for being a part of small business growth and employing 500+ people a year.

PICTURED: Shelley Seibolt, President; Marie Phelan, Associate VP of Recruiting; Michelle Lee, Recruiter; Roses Ammon, Vice President; Ashley Gardner, Recruiter

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and dedicate a day to living healthier in body, mind and spirit.

Friday, Oct. 1, 8 am to 4 pm For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AdventHealthKC.com/LIV or call 913-676-7694. Tickets start at $50.

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Keynote Speakers Nicola Finley, MD A rested body, mind and spirit are the foundation to living out your purpose. Yet, a good night’s sleep can be so hard to come by. Take back your night with Dr. Finley’s powerful insight to health, sleep and the lesser-known disparities that are impacting women across our community. Debra Childers Laughter is the best medicine and living with purpose is impossible without finding the funny in even the worst situations. Experience how humor can lift your spirit, ease your burden and change your perspective. Sometimes you just gotta laugh!

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Thank you, KC! This year’s Best of KC was our BIGGEST EVER, with MORE THAN 550,000 VOTES in the final round alone! Thanks to your participation, we are able to celebrate more than 300 things that make our city great—including a lot of great local small businesses still fighting through the impact of the pandemic. SEE THE FULL LIST OF FINALISTS AND WINNERS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE

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DONUT WORRY, BE HAPPY

Incahoots looks more like a playground than a coffee shop. The new Parkville spot (100 S. Main St., Parkville) opened in June in a former rail station with two 1920s Pullman train cars providing seating. The exterior is painted in cheerful reds and yellows. Ryan and Emily O’Laughlin thought their city needed a good doughnut shop. Incahoots offers a rotation of cake doughnuts in flavors like blueberry with lemon glaze, s’mores, red velvet and apple crisp. Especially noteworthy are the sour cream old-fashioneds glazed with sweet and salty caramel. Biting into this one is particularly satisfying. The delicate ridges of the doughnut break gently between your pearly whites and release the lightest crumbs. You can’t have doughnuts without coffee. The Incahoots coffee program features a signature blend from Crossroads-based Marcell Coffee. And here is where the shop’s name starts to make sense: The O’Laughlins are centering their business around local collaboration. It all comes together in the shop’s signature barrelaged coffee, a cherry-tinged roast made possible by the sharing of Restless Spirits bourbon barrels with Marcell. — N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

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FANTAS-TACOS A young couple’s temporary taco tent blossoms into a bustling taqueria in Overland Park. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R P H OTO G R A P H Y BY C A L E B C O N D I T & R E B E C C A N O R D E N

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REMEMBER

THIS:

Taxco was very hot that day, and my host family had asked if I wanted to attend Sunday evening church services with them. Catholic guilt is as powerful as they say. In my childhood, mass was a welltimed sixty minutes, but this seemed interminable. I told my host mother that I had a headache and excused myself to absently wander the cobblestone streets. I stopped at a tiendita and grabbed a snack—a cellophane package printed with a blue and white geisha. Odd for Mexico, but I had been seeing these cacahuates japonés everywhere. I stood outside and ate these incredible peanuts swaddled in a crunchy coating of wheat flour and soy sauce as the sky changed from orange to purple. Snacking in Mexico is an art form, and there is an endless array of treats. In Kansas City, if you want to find that one little candy that calls back to a shadowy memory, you’ll probably need to hit more than one Mexican mercado. Or you could go to Taco Naco. It’s not that this Overland Park restaurant-shop mash-up has such a large selection. It’s that the offerings—both on the menu and in the market area—are so intentional. Here, essential Mexican dulces like cacahuates japonés, Glorias and Mazapán de la Rosa are next to crates of fresh fruit and vegetables, a freezer full of bright paletas and, crucially, a line of Taco Naco-branded pantry items (dried chile de arbol, infused whole black garlic) and ready-to-devour items. The six salsas are your introduction to Durango-born chef and co-owner Fernanda Reyes. Her hottest is the roasted fuego: Habaneros, white onions, garlic and tomatoes are scorched in a highheat oven, blended with smoked paprika and finished with fresh cilantro. This one will hurt more than your feelings. The creamy jalapeno has the soothing color and texture of whipped avocado. We’ve written before about Taco Naco’s salsa macha, which finds roasted garlic, chile de arbol, tomato paste and peanut butter in a nutty, spicy, blissful union. For her bestselling mild tomatillo salsa, Reyes co-opts a recipe from her husband’s grandmother. This is where Taco Naco’s story starts to unfold. Brian Goldman, whose father is from Kansas and mother is from Toluca

in central Mexico, met Reyes at a wedding in Mexico in 2014. Within three years, they married and she moved to his hometown of Overland Park. In 2019, Goldman needed an idea for a master’s class project and the two cooked up the concept for a catering business called Taco Naco. When they began pitching a tent at the Overland Park Farmers Market in 2020, it was mostly to market themselves as caterers. But Reyes soon found herself needing a larger prep kitchen, and there happened to be a space available just a stone’s throw from the farmers market. The restaurant opened in January. Most Saturdays, Reyes bounces like a grasshopper between one spot and the other. When Reyes first moved to Kansas, she worked at Cacao Restaurante in Prairie Village, where her plates were polished and delicate. With its small menu and counter service, Taco Naco is adamantly simple but far from basic. Reyes is not a traditionalist. The pork al pastor is roasted in the oven, not on a trompo. Reyes is careful to remove the fat from her barbacoa before she serves it. While she does have pickled red onions and fresh chopped cilantro, she also makes an array of aiolis, cremas and fresh salsas to finish her dishes. And she uses local, organic, non-GMO Yoli tortillas (“You can’t have a good taco without a good tortilla,” she quips). “Some of my customers are a little disappointed because they expect Reyes created her mild Cantina Rojo as an antidote to the “ketchup-y” Tex-Mex Mexican tacos, and that’s not what I salsas many of her customers expect. do,” Reyes says. “It’s a combination The recipe is adapted from the red salsa between Mexican flavors and products served at Pollo Feliz, a popular Mexican with what I think goes well with it, grilled chicken restaurant chain. “My father lives near a Pollo Feliz, and I called which is sometimes a lot of the things him and asked if he could get the recipe from the manager,” she says. we have here in Kansas.”

Reyes offers five Mexican meat-based taco fillings, plus two vegan mole options, served on tostadas, nachos, burritos and quesadillas. For her pork al pastor, Reyes marinates thin slices of pork butt overnight in an earthy adobo sauce made with guajillo peppers and cascabel chiles—the same recipe her grandmother used—then sears it on the flat-top and serves it with a zippy pineapple pico. The chicken al pastor receives the same preparation but with a thick marinade made from annatto seeds and bitter orange, and it’s excellent spooned over a crispy tostada with avocado crema. There is a chimichurri-inspired herb sauce that steals the spotlight from the perfectly seared carne asada it finishes. It’s made with thyme, rosemary, Mexican oregano and cilantro, and it’s the next condiment Reyes should look at batching for sale. For the cochinita pibil, a pork butt takes a bath in the same rich achiote paste marinade before being swaddled in banana leaves and slowly roasted for six hours. It’s juicy and particularly good when it’s tucked inside a buttery flour tortilla and griddled with gooey, salty Chihuahua cheese. And though I have yet to experience a Christmas dinner at a sprawling Oaxacan ranch, I imagine it would feature quite a bit of Taco Naco’s soft, sumptuous brisket barbacoa, braised with chipotle paste, cloves and avocado leaves. While Reyes runs the kitchen, Goldman handles the business and the bar. During the pandemic, Taco Naco began selling bottles of margarita mix made with pureed fresh fruit. The mixed berry—a particularly lush combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, hibiscus and ginger— is a steal at twelve dollars for thirty-two ounces (enough to make two pitchers of margaritas). But I prefer the passionfruit, which Goldman mixes with tequila and pours into a cup rimmed with a lip-puckering combination of chamoy and tajin. “When Brian said we should sell margarita mix to go, I didn’t think anyone would buy it,” Reyes recalls, laughing. “It’s insane how much of it we still sell. But Brian thinks a lot; I just like to cook. Taco Naco is what happens when you have a workaholic Mexican girl and a crazy American. We’re just young kids and we’re passionate. We want to show our culture… and we just hope people like it.”

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TA S T E PER FECT DAY

Bronson’s Milk Punch is an old English cocktail recipe revived and bottled for the masses. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

B R O N S O N K I S T L E R I S O N E of those bartenders who has the rare talent of being able to deliver exactly the right drink to every guest, no matter how bizarre or ambiguous the request. I have lost count of the times I have propped my chin in my hand at the bar of Westport Café and asked him to make a cocktail that pairs well with the Sunday scaries. On one of those occasions, he set down something called clarified milk punch. It’s an old recipe. The earliest clarified milk punch on record originated in early eighteenthcentury England. A spirit (originally brandy) was mixed with water, sugar and lemons and then combined with hot milk, which forms a layer of milk solids called casein. “Casein acts as a natural molecular filtering agent, pulling out everything in the punch that would make it cloudy,” Kistler says. “The end result is as clear as water.” Kistler’s clarified milk punch blends aged whiskey with apple juice, ginger, lemons, sugar, spiced tea and milk. The finished

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DAY I N KC But First, Bagels “I live near West 39th Street, and my favorite spot to stop at as I come back into my neighborhood is Meshuggah Bagels. I get a toasted everything bagel with garlic and herb schmear and sliced tomatoes.” Coffee Break “I make a pour-over every morning, and I use a lot of different local coffee, but I really like Blip Roasters. I drink my coffee black, and I like to try a lot of different roasts from different parts of the world.” Keep It Fresh “I do a lot of cooking at home, and I love shopping at the Ivanhoe Farmers Market on Saturdays. My friends Neil and Lisa Rudisill run an urban microfarm called Woodland City KC, and they sell tomatoes, root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs. If you can get mint from them, it takes a mint julep to the next level.” Party Platter “Tortilleria San Antonio is a big go-to for me. I love grabbing stuff for dinner or for a large group. They have options on butchered and marinated meats—I love their al pastor—and they have fresh tortillas and all the fixings.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALEA BONJOUR

PUNCH DRUNK LOVE

product has the color of a sun-kissed wheat field. Were it not poured over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with a twisted orange peel, it might be confused for a sauvignon blanc. It is light, lush and damned refreshing. This spring, after a few snags, Kistler began production of his milk punch at a Lee’s Summit facility. As of July, you can find bottles of Bronson’s Milk Punch stocked at liquor stores and restaurants throughout Kansas City. It comes in a 750-milliliter bottle—that’s about six cocktails—and retails around twentyfive dollars. “It’s a ready-to-drink cocktail,” Kistler says. “You open a bottle, pour it over ice and it’s ready to go. It’s easy to use for cocktails at parties or if you’re hosting a dinner.”

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TA S T E DR I N K

My quest for the best zero-proof cocktails in KC BY DA N I E L L E L E H M A N

I must be pregnant again. I’m not. This year, I made a personal decision to cut back on booze because I realized I’m not winning awards for world’s best mom when I’ve had a few drinks. And yet, mommy wants something adult-ish to drink after a long day of work. After announcing to my Instagram followers I was on a quest for the best non-alcoholic beverages available in KC, I was surprised to hear how many of my friends are also “sober curious” for myriad reasons. Even so, it’s still not typical to find a great alcohol-free drink menu at most bars and restaurants in Kansas City—we have a long way to go in normalizing sobriety and semisobriety. But there are a few local spots paving the way. Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve tried more than a dozen nonalcoholic cocktails across the city to find not only the best drinks but also the best, most welcoming places for non-drinkers. Here are my top five spots in Kansas City to grab a zero-proof cocktail. E V E RYO N E T H I N K S

The Piña Col-nada at The Town Company. Playing off the wood-fired theme that you’ll find throughout the menu at the Town Company in downtown’s new Hotel Kansas City (1228 Baltimore Ave., KCMO), this zero-proof take on a piña colada is made with hearth-roasted pineapple, mint, coconut water and lime. It’s a refreshing, summery drink with a smoky finish.

The Hold the Bubs at Ça Va. Yes, you can be sober and still enjoy a night out at a champagne bar. The Hold the Bubs drink at Ça Va (4149 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO) in Westport is made with sparkling water, lavender honey and lemon and is just as satisfying as a glass of Brut. Plus, the team at Ça Va is eager to serve up alcoholfree drinks, so you’ll feel welcome and at home.

The Danielle at The Antler Room. While The Antler Room (2506 Holmes St., KCMO) doesn’t publish specific spirit-free drinks on the menu, the masterful bartenders can whip up a drink to your taste. I requested something “citrusy, refreshing and not overly sweet,” and the bartender made me a fancy drink in a coupe glass with lemon, lime, simple syrup, hibiscus and a splash of ginger beer, fit for a celebratory night out. Ask for what I had or request something to your own taste.

The Strawberry Tangerine Mai Kai Muddler at HITIDES Coffee. This Crossroads coffee shop (519 E. 18th St., KCMO) might not be the first place you think of for a non-alcoholic cocktail fix, but this zero-proof drink on the secret menu is a standout. Made with muddled strawberries, tangerine and Topo Chico over ice, the sunny flavors and tiki-kitsch decor will leave you feeling like you’re on a Hawaiian vacation.

Strawberry Tangerine Mai Kai Muddler at HITIDES coffee

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALEA BONJOUR

MOCK UP

The Bitter Italian at Corvino. A lot of non-alcoholic drinks tend to be overly sweet, but the bar team at Corvino in the Crossroads (1830 Walnut St., KCMO) offers a good option for the bitter cocktail lover. Made with Verjus Rouge (an acidic grape juice), Giffard Aperitif (a zeroproof Campari substitute) and bitters, it’s reminiscent of a classic Negroni.

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TA S T E B I T E S

Wow House

NEWSFEED

WHAT’S NEW IN KANSAS CITY FOOD & DRINK The eastern edge of Brookside has a stellar new dining option. Baba’s Pantry (1019 E. 63rd St., KCMO) is a Palestinian-American counter-service restaurant which, as its name implies, also has a stocked deli case and several shelves of to-go items. The menu at the bright and cozy shop features shawarma, falafel and other familiar favorites, all wellprepared with lots of authentic seasonings. Make sure to ask for a cup of the hot sauce made from minced jalapenos, which you can also buy from the deli case.

Pure Bliss We’ve been a little geeky about Bliss Chocolatier in Blue Springs (3100 S.W. MO-7, Blue Springs) since it opened and started racking up accolades from national media like the Washington Post. Now, we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Bliss has started making ice cream—the high-butterfat milk comes from a local dairy, and the mix-ins include homemade sponge toffee, Valrhona chocolate and Madagascar vanilla beans bought fair trade via an importer in Liberty. The bad news is that Bliss has been so busy they’re taking a three-week break from July 27 to August 14.

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Leawood Luxury Speaking of high-end chocolate: Park Place is now home to Panache (11555 Ash St., Leawood) which combines locally sourced fresh ingredients (honeysuckle, rose petals, spirits distilled by Union Horse) with singleorigin chocolate. Panache is active on the international chocolate competition scene, was named a Grand Master Chocolatier last year and has won recognition from the International Chocolate Salon.

The New Republic Taco Republic is now open at the former Arby’s at Corinth Square (4100 W. 83rd St., Prairie Village). It’s the second location for

Main Street Social The new Third Street Social location south of the Plaza opened at the end of July. Taking over the former Nick & Jake’s (5031 Main St., KCMO), the new Social spot brings a killer happy hour menu that packs out the original Lee’s Summit location. Owner Andy Lock is the father of Mizzou signal-caller turned Denver Broncos QB Drew Lock and was founded with the idea of bringing the “big city feel” of Chicago bars to Lee’s Summit. Look for a happy hour menu that offers three-dollar pours of nearly any tap on the wall and steals on contemporary pub grub, like Korean steak tacos.

the hip Mexican restaurant founded on the Wyandotte side of County Line Road, on the border of KCK and Mission. In addition to street-style tacos and flavored margs, the location will have a lawn with “family-friendly, outdoor games.”

PPHOTO OF BABA’S PANTRY BY K ATIE SLOAN. OTHER PHOTOS COURTESTY OF RESPECTIVE VENUES.

Pantry Staples

Bliss Chocolatier ice cream

The little house next to Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop in Westwood is now a low-key neighborhood dive bar with dumplings. As first reported by Feast, in the evenings from Thursday through Saturday, The House (2707 W. 47th Ave., Westwood) has been turned into a “beer and a shot” kind of place—that also happens to be a virtual kitchen for Wow Bao, a Chicago-based fast-casual Chinese concept that makes Asian street food including bao, potstickers, steamed dumplings and rice bowls.

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A TIME FOR THAI An Overland Park Farmers Market pop-up is bringing Thai-inspired barbecue to the masses. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

HERE’S

TONGUE-IN-

element to Buck Tui BBQ. It starts with the name: In Thai, “buck tui” translates roughly to “fat boy”—chef Ted Liberda’s lifelong nickname. It was an endearment he heard at backyard family cookouts, which intertwined grilled barbecue classics with Thai ingredients and side dishes. “It’s a phrase that a lot of people use in Thai,” he says with a laugh. “It’s slang, but it’s not derogatory. It’s like calling a fat guy ‘Slim.’” Many will recall Liberda’s name from his family’s long tenure in Kansas City’s food circuit. His Thailand-born mother,

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Ann Liberda, emigrated to the U.S. in 1975 and opened Thai Place in Overland Park. Several locations followed over the years, but in 2015, Thai Place in Westport—the last remaining outpost in the family chain—closed its doors. (The Liberda family still owns Thai Diner in Lawrence, which Ann runs.) In 2018, Ted opened Waldo Thai with co-chef and wife Pam, but after a few months, he decided to take a break from daily operations while Pam fine-tuned the menu. Buck Tui, which launched at the Overland Park Farmers Market in May, marks his reentry into the industry. Some consider “fusion food” a problematic phrase, but in the case of Buck Tui, it’s an apt descriptor. An appetizer

called Brisket Rolls merges everything you love about cheesy wontons and Thai egg rolls with shredded brisket. This brisket—brined in a mix of fish sauce, palm sugar and Thai chilis and smoked overnight—is rolled with cream cheese and scallions into crepe-thin rice paper and deep-fried until golden. The rolls come with a sweet and sour sauce that you’re going to ignore: When you perch down on the Matt Ross Community Center curb and hold one of these gloriously greasy totems between your fingers, you will be so overwhelmed by the gooey explosion of beefy goodness and warm cheese that every other thought will be driven from your brain. You can get barbecue platters at Buck Tui, too. There’s chicken brined with lemongrass and coriander, pulled pork, brisket and ribs, all served with jasmine rice and house pickles. The ribs are coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze, and they are every bit as messy as they should be. This fall, look for the Buck Tui restaurant at 7200 W. 121st St. in Overland Park (formerly the home of Frida’s Contemporary Mexican Cuisine). That menu will be similar to the chalkboard specials at the farmers market—it’s not a barbecue restaurant without meat platters—but Ted expects his co-executive chef, Kara Anderson, to add her own character to the dishes. Anderson is leaving her post as chef de cuisine at Verbena to lead the kitchen at Buck Tui while Ted mans the pit. “She’ll be making homemade sausages with local ingredients and merging a lot of her techniques with Thai flavors,” Ted says. “With Kara, it’s two worlds colliding, and I feel like that’s what a lot of chefs do, especially when it comes to barbecue. You’re mixing flavors with other cultures. The common denominator is open flame, long cooking.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARI MATSUMOTO AND PAM LIBERDA

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BACKSTORY I M P O R TA N T M O M E N T S I N K A N S A S C I T Y H I S TO R Y

1821

Philip blue owl Hooser’s new work Tartuffenthrope! celebrates the city’s bicentennial and the four hundredth anniversary of the birth of the great French playwright Molière.

“

I ’ M A N AT I V E A M E R I C A N

actor, writer, playwright and poet. I have had a oneperson show about the life of poet Dorothy Parker produced across the country. I also wrote a one-woman show commissioned by the Unicorn. Coyote Mischief Tales is another one of my plays, originally commissioned by The Coterie, which has been performed in many places, including at the children’s theater at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. I was approached by KC MOlière, which is putting together a big series

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of events to mark his four hundredth birthday next year, specifically by professor Felicia Londré. She wanted there to be some sort of play that could potentially tour to schools that would encompass both the founding of Kansas City and the greatest French playwright, Molière, in some way. I proposed: What if fur traders François Chouteau and his family tried to show Osage and the other native Americans in the area that they could provide some sort of cultural benefit by doing things like theater? Theater, as we know it, doesn’t really exist in Native American

tradition. There is storytelling, and there are dance rituals that sometimes have a storytelling component. In my story, the Native Americans are faced with a decision: Do we allow these fur traders to maintain an outpost here in what would eventually be Kansas City? The French fur traders, the Chouteau family, decide that they are going to present a Molière play. It’s a comedy, and everybody laughs. Why not do one of the funniest playwrights to ever live? Unfortunately, they didn’t decide exactly which Molière they were going to do beforehand, so each one of them comes in doing a different play, and that creates its own farcical situation. It becomes, OK, there’s a misunderstanding and they have to find a way to solve it. Spoiler alert: They do! It’s a comedy. Through wonderful synchronicity, at the same time this project landed in my lap, the universe also presented me with a book about fur trading. This is working out really well—thanks universe! But I had to do a lot of imagining about the specifics at the Chouteau’s Landing trading post. There were some real characters I had to use fictionally—the first character we see is the Osage, Standing Bear. He translates between the French and the Native Americans which is a challenge because, for example, they didn’t have a word for “miser.” They didn’t have a word that meant greed. The lesson, I guess, is that if we work on what we have in common and work for each other, things can be better. Critical race theory exists because we’ve ignored it for so long. The Chouteau family approaches the issue the way I think we all can: There are benefits to our being here, there may be drawbacks to us being here, but we’re all in this together, and we will find a way to work together, to live together, to share our laughter, to share our sorrow, so we can all get through this.” —Philip blue owl Hooser, as told to Kansas City

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KC MOLIÉRE

Playwright Philip blue owl Hooser at a table reading with Tartuffenthrope!’s cast and production team.

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Best of KC; August 2021

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