Bar Guide: July 2021 by Kansas City Magazine

BAR GUIDE

Ready to get back out there? The 87 best bars, dives, brewpubs, cocktail spots and clubs in KC

Don’t Vaguebook About Death Psychologists explain the pitfalls

Toasting Town Town Company made our critic cry with joy

Bao Chicka Wow Wow Lawrence dumplings

BAR OF THE YEA R: CONDO R'S COVE

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J U LY 2 0 2 1

58 BAR GUIDE

Paint It Black

Grind City

Best Dentists

A local interior designer proves that black is the new black.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Exploring Memphis and its music history.

Our survey results reveal KC’s 198 top dentists across specialities.

PHOTO OF BLACK DOLPHIN BY CALEB CONDIT AND REBECCA NORDEN

Our 87 favorite spots to drink and hang at in KC.

In This Issue J U LY 2 0 2 1

S WAY

TA S T E

Right Moves New dancebased fitness studio in Leawood.

Dumpling Dream

Dumpling specials worth driving to Lawrence for.

T H E LO O P

Balls & Whistles

KC’s Amy Bonner will referee basketball at the Olympic games in Japan.

34 36 38

Clean House Professional organizers give helpful tips.

Talk of the Town

Our first restaurant review in 15 months.

Local Goods

Meet the owner of a new shop supporting Blackowned businesses.

Dark Matter A moody, modern home in Overland Park.

Five Star

Loews Hotel’s summery cocktail.

Newsfeed

The latest in KC food news.

Perfect Day

Vegan author Gigi Jones shares her favorite spots.

E V E RY I S S U E

kansascitymag.com

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

GRINDING IN MEMPHIS

SPECIAL SECTION

44 Dental Profiles

How well-meaning social media gatekeepers amplify trauma.

96 Backstory

BAR GUIDE

THE BAR GUIDE

Vaguebooking Death

29 Calendar

07.2021

16 Editor’s Letter Ready to get back out there? The 87 best bars, dives, brewpubs, cocktail spots and clubs in KC

Don’t Vaguebook About Death Psychologists explain the pitfalls

Toasting Town Town Company made our critic cry with joy

Bao Chicka Wow Wow Lawrence dumplings

BAR OF THE YEA R: CONDO R'S COVE

O N TH E C OVE R

Caleb Condit and Rebecca Norden shot our Bar of the Year, Condor’s Cove. The drink is Diana Condori’s signature drink, the Sun Door.

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FROM THE EDITOR

C O N T R I B U TO R S

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Melanie Adlich DESIGN INTERN

The illustrations in the Bicentennial Bingo card and news story on vaguebooking about death were created by intern Melanie Adlich. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a double major in graphic design and illustration, with an interest in publishing.

David Hudnall WRITER

The story on KCK dive bars was written by David Hudnall, the former editor of The Pitch who now lives in Phoenix. He enjoys drinking cold, watery macrobrews.

Andee LaMonica WRITER

The profile on local referee Amy Bonner was written by Andee LaMonica, associate creative director at Intouch Solutions. When she’s not writing and editing, she loves adopting shelter animals, reading anything by David Sedaris and shopping for Katy Perry shoes.

MARTIN CIZMAR ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID BABCOCK CONTRIBUTOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOANNA GORHAM

or much of last year, I played a little parlor game. After you’re fully vaccinated, I’d ask anyone I chatted with, where’s the first place you’re going to go? My own answer to this question was always the same: I’m going to go to The Peanut, where I’m gonna sidle up to the bar for draft beers and cheese fries. In early April, when I finally had two doses plus two weeks, I did exactly that. I walked up to The Peanut on Main (page 75) and grabbed a stool between two guys with strong opinions on politics, religion and, especially, taxes. In turn, I helpfully explained why this Royals team was definitely not going to contend despite the strong start to the season. I’d missed this. So much. Of course I missed time with my family and close friends—but I also spent more time talking to my mom on the phone than I had before the pandemic. My group texts are popping. But I’d gone a year without talking to random people while seated at a bar, which is one of my favorite things. I made up for lost time while reporting this year’s bar guide. I personally went to at least fifty spots, usually drinking half a Bud Light and asking a thousand questions. I learned more new things about this city and my neighbors in a month of bar hopping than I had over the previous year. If you spend a lot of time online, everything in our society seems fake or fractured and hopeless. Bars are some of the last places in our society where all the walls that divide us fall. When you sit on a stool next to someone and have a respectful conversation peppered with genuine curiosity about how they came to an opinion that differs from yours, the world is a much friendlier and more hopeful place. Which is all to say I could not be more excited about this month’s issue, the first comprehensive guide to the city’s best bars that’s been published anywhere in almost a decade. We combed the city, revisiting favorite haunts and poking into new ones that were recommended by readers and friends, to settle on eighty-seven greats. It goes without saying that Kansas City is an amazing bar city—we famously took a pass on following the United States Constitution when it came to the whole Prohibition thing— but I’d never paused to appreciate just how amazing. Dives? There’s a bevy, but Chez Charlie is top ten in the country, easy (page 64). Well-crafted cocktails? KC can hang with any city in the country—New Orleans, New York and old Chicago not excepted (page 62). Neighborhood spots, brewpubs, sports bars? Yup, we’ve got great ones. Martin Cizmar We had an amazing time compiling this EDITOR IN CHIEF month’s feature, and we hope you have just MARTIN@KANSASCITYMAG.COM as much fun putting it to good use. Cheers!

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S H O U T- O U T

NUMBERS FROM THIS ISSUE

3 or 5 The date in March 1951 when rock ‘n’ roll was invented at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. PA GE 7 8

$10

What it will cost you to join one of the “private club” bars in Kansas, where drinks are cheap and people are friendly. PA GE 6 4

Months since Kansas City last published a proper restaurant review. We’re back. PA GE 90

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

N OT S O S W E E T

Our June issue featured a news story about the odd, bitter battle surrounding a sweetgum tree in Prairie Village. A man named John Michaels built a four-thousand-squarefoot house on a teardown lot in the sought-after suburb but wanted to be rid of the nuisance tree, known for dropping spiky gumballs. After his request to remove it was denied, he attempted to poison the tree. The city took him to court and then removed the tree—which budded and was still alive. “Usually, gentrification involves white people cavalierly invading a space owned by minority and lowincome people. It’s ironic that Prairie Village—literally ground zero for white flight in KC—is now the home of gentrification where wealthy white people with an FU attitude tear down multiple small Prairie Village homes to build larger McMansions, angering their relatively lower-income white neighbors.” —cyberphlash via Reddit “This story tickles me because I’ve interviewed both of the city officials mentioned in the article. They do take their trees seriously in Prairie Village.” —leftblane via Reddit “Perhaps Prairie Village should start putting limits on the size of the new houses being built... Sounds like the

“

character of the neighborhood is being ruined by people like Mr. Michaels.” —Christine Kelly McPherson “I have a sweetgum tree and in a way sympathize with this guy. The tree is the bane of my existence with its balls. However, there was probably a better way of doing things rather than what this guy did. Also there’s a family on my Nextdoor that has a business where, for $20, two kids come by and pick up the sweetgum balls.” —Scotch4breakfast via Reddit “Other than four years away at college, I’ve been raking sweetgum balls from my mom’s front yard every fall since 1983. Thankfully, my sister’s kids are finally old enough to be able to start doing it.” —nobody_smart via Reddit

During our visit to Drastic Measures in Shawnee for this month’s bar guide, owner-bartender Jay Sanders made us a little handwritten list of his favorite cocktail spots in Memphis, Indianapolis and New Orleans. PA GE 6 2 BEHIND THE SCENES

Diana Condori of the tiki pop-up Condor’s Cove shakes cinnamon to kick up a flame on her signature cocktail, The Sundoor. PA GE 58 CONTACT US

Kansas City

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

On social media, we’re often left feeling completely alone with the news, with no immediate support and no additional information that would help us begin to process the loss. We add mystery to loss, which can create a sense of unfinished business and confusion.” —DR. JENNIFER SWEETON, A LOCAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, ON WHY IT’S GENERALLY BAD TO VAGUEBOOK ABOUT DEATH

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KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

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

BIG IN JAPAN Watching Olympic basketball? Keep an eye out for KC’s own Amy Bonner, who will be refereeing.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE GIBSON

BY A N D E E L A M O N I C A

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TH E LO O P BIG IN JA PA N

KC Connections in Tokyo Leanne Wong and Kara Eaker Gymnastics

Being a referee can be a difficult, competitive and thankless job. One KC woman reached the peak of the profession.

E S P I T E B E I N G C A L L E D “one of the most recognized officials in the world” by the International Basketball Federation, referee Amy Bonner has managed to stay under the radar at home in Parkville. Until now, that is. Last year, she became the first female ref to officiate a Big 12 men’s game. This month, she’ll be on the court for the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

How did you become a referee? I was a poor track athlete at the University of Missouri in need of spending money but unable to take on a full-time job. A friend suggested I referee recreational games on weekends. I only made ten dollars a game at the time, but I was hooked. After working as a physical therapist for fifteen years, my officiating career took off and I was able to do it full time. What’s the best moment you’ve had in a game? I’ve worked the WNBA, men’s college, world championships. Every game is different. But one thing never changes: There’s no greater feeling than making a tough call, having twenty-five thousand people boo you and knowing you got it right. What makes someone a great referee? You have to recognize the personalities and dynamics of your crew and support them, just like any leadership role. Of course, none of that matters if you don’t get the calls right. How does a referee get past making a bad call? I spend a lot of time studying game video to analyze why a call was missed. When you get it wrong, it’s hard to forget—

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

These gymnasts from KC suburbs will be competing in trials after our press deadline, but they could be breakout stars on a team anchored by Simon Biles, the most successful American gymnast ever.

Jacarra Winchester Wrestling

Born in Marshall, Missouri, the 28-year-old freestyle wrestler won a world championship in 2019. She is an alum of Missouri Valley College.

Michael Andrew Swimming

The former Lawrence resident turned pro at age 14. In June, he set an American record in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke at 58.14 seconds.

Derrick Mein Shotgun

Derrick Mein grew up on a farm in Girard, Kansas, where he started shooting sports at an early age by quail and deer hunting with his dad. He studied animal science at Kansas State.

Kyle Clemons

4x400 meter The 30-year-old KU alum has not yet qualified, but his team won gold at the last Olympics.

You work both men’s and women’s games. Which is harder? The WNBA is the hardest league I’ve ever worked. They’re athletic, skilled and constantly fighting for position. Men are faster, bigger and stronger, but the women are more tenacious, and every matchup is competitive. It’s really a challenge to get your eyes to the right spot all the time. Why are you excited to represent the U.S. as a referee at the Olympics? It’s not so much about basketball; it’s more about coming together. Professional referees are such a diverse group of people. We have the chance to be ambassadors and bring people of all different cultures, religions and sexual orientations together. That acceptance and inclusivity is so unique. This job expands my view of the world. It makes me a better human. What’s your advice to other women who want to become referees? Understand that it won’t be easy or fair, embrace that, and work hard. And believe that you can do it. What’s next? Because of refereeing, I have friends all over the world. I’m ready to travel again to catch up with them. I’ve worked two women’s NCAA Final Fours, and now that I’ve switched to men’s NCAA, I’d love to work that tourney as well. Also, the next Men’s World Championship is in 2023. A female referee has never been invited, so it would be fun to change that.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE GIBSON

GOLD WATC H

especially if it’s in those crucial last two minutes of a close game. But when you make a call and you know you nailed it, that keeps you going. Even though we all know a perfect game is impossible, we are a competitive group of ex-athletes, so we’re always looking to improve.

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THE LOOP SOCIALIZING

DON’T VAGUEBOOK ABOUT DEATH How social media norms and gatekeepers are compounding the trauma of loss BY M A R T I N C I Z M A R

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

ILLUSTRATION BY MELANIE ADLICH

F Y O U ’ V E H A D the misfortune of learning about someone who died abruptly and unexpectedly via social media, you may have been left with more questions than answers. Social media facilitates the fast spread of information. But, by custom, the details of many deaths are left hazy— often in ways that can compound trauma. “A friend and former neighbor, someone I very much knew and liked endlessly, died of a brain aneurysm,” recalls one of a handful of friends who’d experienced this phenomenon. “The facts were known early, and they were not in dispute. She was known to a lot of people, loved by a lot of people, but for days the only information being passed on was that she had ‘died suddenly.’ Some posts even alluded to her not being in pain anymore. And when people asked ‘What happened?’ they were met with silence. And so I started reevaluating every interaction we’d ever had, thinking she had died by suicide.” Eventually, he learned the truth: “I was oddly relieved. I was glad to know she hadn’t been in pain. And then I was angry that this information was kept secret. I think everyone was just trying to be respectful, but in being ‘respectful’ they actually caused pain. I saw posts by distant family members, and the wording implied they believed she had died by suicide.” Another friend got to the point faster. “How many people do I know that have passed not from killing themselves, but who I thought killed themselves?” he said. “You don’t need to be specificspecific—for example my uncle passed after a short hospital stay, not of Covid. So we said, ‘He passed away in his sleep after a brief illness’ so his friends would know that he didn’t die of Covid, and that he died peacefully.”

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When someone is dead, the fact that they died of a cardiac event and not their own hand may not matter to some. But it’s human nature to wonder, says Jennifer Sweeton, a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert on trauma, anxiety and the neuroscience of mental health who owns a practice called Kansas City Mental Health Associates. “When we are told about the death of a friend or loved one from another human being, we’re usually given some context about the death, including when it happened, the cause, etc.” she says. “It becomes a shared emotional experience with a narrative that helps us make sense of what has happened, and this social support, along with a sort of ‘story’ about what happened, facilitates healthy healing and closure.” Anyone who knows someone well enough to be emotionally impacted by their passing will naturally crave closure, she says. “When we add mystery to loss, it can create a sense of unfinished business and confusion,” Sweeton says. “This in turn can exacerbate post-trauma symptoms, as we may begin to ‘fill in the gaps’ of the context surrounding the loss by assuming the worst about it.” Filling in the gaps is a natural psychological phenomenon, Sweeton says, and our emotional state influences how we fill in those gaps. “After a death, it’s very common to fill in those gaps with terrible information that aligns with the pain and loss we’re feeling. This worsens the sense of loss we feel and makes loss even more traumatic.” Unfortunately, this dynamic is unlikely to change any time soon, according to Dr. Anna Wagner, a research assistant in the School of Public Health at Bielefeld University in Germany. Wagner has published several scholarly articles on the subject, including “Do not Click ‘Like’ When Somebody has Died: The Role of Norms for Mourning Practices in Social Media.” The norms dominating social media spaces are not entirely new, she says. They’re reflective of traditional norms evidenced in newspaper obituaries. Often, she says, the reason for sharing the news of a death but not disclosing details surrounding it is done out of convenience, as “an easy way to let others know and reach many people at once while at the same time avoiding a multitude of potentially stressful conversations.”

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

“

When we add mystery to loss, it can create a sense of unfinished business and confusion. This in turn can exacerbate post-trauma symptoms, as we may begin to ‘fill in the gaps’ of the context surrounding the loss by assuming the worst about it.”

Wagner refers to a concept called the “hierarchy of legitimate mourners,” where people who were closest to the deceased have the most say in how information is disseminated. But, she says, there are conflicts when someone with a large social media platform who would otherwise fall lower on the hierarchy decides to get involved. Add in well-established “positivity bias” of social media and the embargo is almost airtight unless someone atop the hierarchy speaks up. “If we look at all these aspects together, I think potential traumatization of others is not something those people posting the death announcements bear in mind or even think about,” Wagner says. But they should, Sweeton says. “While this may be an attempt to keep sensitive information private and mirrors how some obituaries are written, it can have some unintended psychological consequences for those reading social media posts,” Sweeton says. “On social media, we’re often left feeling completely alone with the news, with no immediate support and no additional information that would help us begin to process the loss. Although it is reasonable that families want privacy after loss, and it is important to be respectful when speaking of someone who just died, providing information about the context of the death, including the cause, can help everyone who knew the person begin to fully process the loss in a healthier manner. Additionally, being willing to disclose this information can help destigmatize death and the various causes of death, especially when mental illness contributed to the death.”

ILLUSTRATION BY MELANIE ADLICH

THE LOOP SOCIALIZING

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Alex Moffat July 1–3 THE COMEDY CLUB OF KANSAS CITY, 1130 W. 103RD ST., KCMO. $18–$26. THECOMEDYCLUBKC.COM

Joe Biden is coming to town. No, not like that. Alex Moffat recently took over the role of playing the president on Saturday Night Live, where, as a cast member, he’s also played Mark Zuckerberg, Eric Trump and Tucker Carlson. As a standup who “takes perverse pleasure in bombing,” you can expect plenty of impressions and some weirdness.

Lindsey Stirling July 3, 7 pm STARLIGHT THEATRE, 4600 STARLIGHT ROAD, KCMO. $50–$200. KCSTARLIGHT.COM

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Masonic Lodge Paranormal Investigation INDEPENDENCE MASONIC LODGE, 120 S. PLEASANT ST., INDEPENDENCE. $40. TICKETS AT EVENTBRITE.COM.

Kansas City BBQ Festival July 9–11

GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM, 1 ARROWHEAD DRIVE, KCMO. FREE ENTRY WITH PURCHASES OR Q PIT PASSES FOR ALL YOU CAN EAT. KCBBQFEST.COM

This brand-new BBQ fest is going big in its first year, tapping locals like Deborah “Shorty” & Mary “Little” Jones of Jones Bar-B-Q in KCK (No. 2 on our 2019 best BBQ list) and national standouts like the folks behind Black’s BBQ in Lockhart, Texas, and James Cruse of Central City BBQ in New Orleans.

Grab your ghost hunting gear: The very old Masonic Lodge in Independence—founded decades before the Civil War, it’s marked on the first plat of the city—is being opened to the public for paranormal investigation for the first time.

The Backseat Lovers July 28, 7pm RECORDBAR, 1520 GRAND BLVD., KCMO. $15–$18. THERECORDBAR.COM

Utah-based indie band The Backseat Lovers comes to recordBar. The Utah four-piece swings between the soft folk of songs like “Olivia” and the energetic rush of anthems like “Kilby Girl.” The band is coming off their 2020 single “Heavy,” which mixes these sounds into a slow-moving but forceful tune.

The Oddities and Curiosities Expo July 31, 10 am–6 pm KANSAS CITY CONVENTION CENTER IN BARTLE HALL, 301 W. 13TH ST., KCMO. $10. ODDITIESANDCURIOSITIESEXPO.COM

Like the creepy tent at an old timey carnival, this touring expo comes to KC to showcase the sellers of oddities like mounted cat skulls, creepy old babydolls, doom-y artwork and Victorian candelabras.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY RESPECTIVE VENUES

Like Riverdance, Stomp or Trans-Siberian Orchestra before her, Lindsey Stirling stages wholesome, epic and genre-bending shows that defy easy categorization. The violin is her main instrument, but the lights, dancing and costuming make this a full experience.

Monarch butterflies traveling between Mexico and Canada are the guests of honor at this annual event, a highlight of the year at Powell Gardens. Different events happen throughout the two-week festival.

T H E B E AT I N T ERV I E W

PUTTING A ‘HURT’ Local R&B artist Marcus Yates crafts love in his latest singles.

and songs written by Krizz Kaliko and that whole crew. They were sending us stuff over to rap to or basically mock. And hey, we just took it and ran with it after that. What role has Tech N9ne played in your career? He gave me my first opportunity with another artist on the Kansas side named Irv Da Phenom. We were

BY E VA N M U S I L

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARKEL RANDLE

M AR C U S YATES I S DRIV E N BY RHYT HM. His love of dancing and desire to inspire others to move differently sparked his career as a songwriter and producer. And he wants his smooth and ethereal brand of R&B music to speak for itself. The Kansas City native graduated in 2010 from Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Yates spent some time in Los Angeles in 2017 before moving back to KC in 2019. Last year, he released his debut EP, YEAH, THIS ONE HURTS, which muses about love and its trappings. Since then, he’s already dropped three new singles in 2021 as he continues to sharpen his craft. “In the Greatest Way” is a hardhitting diversion in style and features KC’s rap mogul—and Yates’ first cousin—Tech N9ne. The song has reached over three hundred fifty thousand listens on Spotify since April. His latest single, “After All,” was released June 4.

What inspired your latest singles? Mainly, love is the inspiration. “Nice and Neat” was about a situation where I’d be with a girl who would make it seem like we’re something that we’re not. Even though I was heartbroken, I got to make a joke of it. “Giving a Care” is about being carelessly in love and not really holding back any type of feelings. Being direct, being faithful and enjoying sex. What are your musical goals? I don’t have any that are definite because I change all of the time based on the temperature of the industry and how things are going. And I know that I stay myself. That’s a goal of mine throughout all this process—to make sure I’m distinguishable amongst fans. I really want a unique spot in people’s brains and hearts.

What was it like growing up in Kansas City? It’s home. Growing up, I was celebrated for how well I practice things, and ever since I was a kid, Kansas City has celebrated my talents. My stepbrother and I were dancing around the city. I was actually known as one half of this dance group performing at park events and birthdays. The entertainment around 2004 was just amazing. We had talent shows like Spotlight on KC, and the whole city was just there. And it was super fun. How did your musical journey begin? The first project I worked on with my stepbrother. We were in this group called Prep School, and they knew we had star quality. So we were getting beats

rapping on a song that was only released in another country. I started making beats after that, and they were so trash. But Tech really encouraged me to be delusional. There’s a certain level of delusion you have to have in order to stay focused on growing. I think that played a major role.

KC FAVO R I T E S The District Fish & Pasta House “It’s my cousin’s spot. If you go there, ask for a chicken fettuccine. It is so flavorful.”

Gates Bar-B-Q “Growing up, it was the main one that people go to. That’s right down the street from where I grew up.”

Case Park Lookout “You can just see land and reflect. I used to go there with my girl when we were first talking and pick each other’s brains.”

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

party/dine/unwind on our patio

WEEKDAY Feast on quick and tasty family favorites like pizza, tacos, rice bowls and wraps at an easyto-clean picnic table. Kids can keep busy with a book from the library next door — or stretch restless legs on the spacious plaza. (Sneak yourself a glass of wine or sweet treat — your secret’s safe with us.) 32

FRIDAY We’re all about patio party vibes to cap off a busy week. Kick back in an Adirondack chair around the fire pits, sip local brews and unwind with a rotating mix of live music acts and food trucks each Friday.

WEEKEND Time to treat yourself. Indulge in hearty brunch favorites, donuts and coffee after picking up the freshest seasonal produce and locally produced foods at the neighboring Lenexa Farmers Market.

Friday Night Sound Bites Live music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Food trucks Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner: 6 to 8 p.m.

8750 PENROSE LN., LENEXA, KS  LENEXAPUBLICMARKET.COM  @LENEXAPUBLICMKT KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

C U R AT I N G A B E A U T I F U L L I F E

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI

FOOTLOOSE

Don’t walk into an AKT studio expecting a bouncy, clap-to-the-beat Jazzercise class. AKT, named for celebrity fitness trainer/mastermind Anna Kaiser, is a cardiointensive and strengthening dance workout equipped with blood-pumping music, resistance bands and disco balls. I took a combo class that was half band work and half dance cardio. By the time Britney Spears’ “(You Drive Me) Crazy” hit the speakers at the end of the forty-five minute class, I was dripping in sweat and my body felt like jello—in the best way possible. The workout brand lauded by Kelly Ripa and Shakira just opened a studio in Town Center. Lauren Cimpl, who runs the studio with her husband, Anthony LaVita, hopes that people will welcome this niche workout. “I’d like to bring something new,” she says. “If this was to be someone’s home studio, even if it’s complimentary to other workouts, I think that’s great. — N I C O L E K I N N I N G G O : 5033 W. 117th St., Leawood. theakt.com.

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S WAY T R EN D S

Right: Before Left: After

“One of the great things about organizing is that everyone can do it and every budget can do it, too,” Peck says. Peck says there really isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” way of organizing spaces. Orderly KC’s process begins with a phone consultation followed by photos from the client. The two then create custom plans and layouts of the space, then set to decluttering and organizing. They book a few follow-ups when finished. The whole process is up to what the client wants and needs to have a functional space. Tidy time: 5 steps to take your organizing game to the next level

Inside the exploding business of hyperorganizing, plus tips for tidying your space. BY S O P H I A L AC Y

to that one crammed-full drawer in your kitchen, everyone has a space that needs organization. But where do you start, and how do you maintain it? Sam Peck started Orderly KC with her mother, Suzy, to revive spaces and create custom organization systems. Peck had the idea of starting the company a year and a half ago, after her mother retired from teaching, and she’s loved it ever since. The duo offers in-home organization as well as moving and DIY services to help others enjoy their lives in organized, functional spaces. From color-coding closets to alphabetizing spice jars, the two strive to build creative, practical spaces customized to customers’ needs. With the help of popular Netflix shows like Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, the organizing industry accelerated dramatically during the pandemic, where Peck says people started to realize how disorganized their homes had become. F R O M C L O S E T S A N D PA N T R I E S

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Move it out. When faced with a room full of items, you can’t really see everything you need to get rid of or keep. Peck says a great starting point is moving everything out of the space to see what you have. Once everything is out, cleaning the space and setting a good foundation helps start the process constructively. Invest in containers. Baskets and containers go a long way in organizing a room. Investing in longlasting, quality storage products will help keep the space functional and maintainable. Don’t over-categorize. While it may seem like a smart idea to have super-specific categories, Peck says that approach can be a downfall. If you get too specific, miscellaneous items that don’t fit a specific category will likely be tossed into random containers or rooms. For example, instead of separate containers for chips, granola bars and trail mix, try one bigger container for snacks. Label! Label! Label! Whether you print your own stickers, purchase them or use a label maker, labels are a key ingredient to a perfectly organized space. They make it easy to quickly find items, especially those hidden in covered containers.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ORDERLY KC

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

Just get rid of it. Will you really wear that sweater later? Getting rid of items helps declutter and improves functionality of a space. As a company, Orderly KC tries to avoid throwing things away and instead donates the items so they can be used again.

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S WAY I N T ERV I E W

STOCK UP A new Martini Corner shop spotlights Black brands. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

Brian Roberts quietly launched a pop-up retail business called Black Pantry, where he sold sundry home goods and foodstuffs—everything from soaps and candles to artisan hot sauce and jam—out of a small trailer at locations around Kansas City. His core mission: Give Black brands a spotlight. Roberts returned to his native Kansas City in 2019 after a decade away. He was struck by the enormous business and development growth he found in the area—and disheartened, too. “When I came back, I saw all these different areas with a lot of life and rejuvenation, but nothing that really embodied any growth from the Black community,” he says. Every product Roberts stocks at Black Pantry comes from a Black-owned business. That’s the primary qualifier. From there, Roberts selects merchandise that’s of high quality and craftsmanship. In April, Roberts partnered with Made in KC to split the retail space at the brand’s new shop in Martini Corner (half the square footage is stocked with Made in KC products; the other half is Black Pantry). It’s the next step in what he hopes will be a long life for Black Pantry. LAST NOVEMBER,

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Why is this work important to you now? Right now, there’s no better time to be Black. You have Black people supporting each other more than ever and other cultures supporting what Black America is doing. Kansas City is one of the most intentionally racially divided cities in America, and I feel like Black people are still not represented well. I love shopping in

Westport and the Crossroads and Lenexa, but sometimes, we go in these spaces and we can feel that we are not welcome. These spaces are not created with us in mind. There’s a limited number of places that I can go to that are trendy where I can be my authentic Black self, and that’s what I’m trying to create. GO: 325 E. 31st St., KCMO. Open 10 am–7 pm

Monday–Saturday and noon–5 pm Sunday.

K A N S A S C I T Y FAVO R I T E S The Combine “They have a great cocktail called the Combine, and the Cowtown slice—with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and beef—is a must!” Tyler Enders “One of the co-founders for Made in KC, he has done so much to support local small businesses. I think the Made in KC team is strong, and I’m excited to see how the Black Pantry and Made in KC partnership evolves.” KC Black-Owned “What they’re doing is compiling a really user-friendly, searchable list of Black-owned businesses so you can say, ‘Here is where I am today, where can I go in this neighborhood to support Black-owned businesses?’ And you can pull up the map on the website and it’ll show you your options.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI

Where did the idea for Black Pantry originate? It originated almost a year ago on my honeymoon. Me and my wife were having a picnic and we wanted to support Black businesses, and we were talking about the lack of availability to support those businesses. You really had to drive the scope of the city. At the same time, there wasn’t a large number of trendy Black businesses in up-and-coming areas. So I was like, “I’m going to try something crazy. I’m going to get all these products I see online that are highquality and that I know everyone is looking for right now—because everyone wants to support Black-owned businesses—and I’m going to bring it to people.”

How do you find the creators and makers you want to represent? First I started doing the searches on Google, which was frustrating because it was just a collage of businesses. Who wants to go through a list of a hundred and eighty businesses? A lot of the Black community doesn’t even know about a lot of those brands because they are hard to find. So, I research and I start to dive into the business. I’ll order something and try it and look at the quality of packaging and how long they’ve been around. I do a lot of background work on who and what they are.

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PRAIRIE VILL AGE 3975 WEST 83RD STREET PRAIRIE VILL AGE, KS LEAWOOD 13420 ROE AVENUE LEAWOOD, KS OVERL AND PARK 7575 WEST 150TH STREET OVERL AND PARK, KS OVERL AND PARK WEST 135TH STREET OL ATHE, KS

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8919 Parallel Pkwy. Suite 460 Kansas City, KS 66112

OVERLAND PARK

14420 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66223

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15151 South Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS 66062

PRAIRIE VILLAGE

8226 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS 6620

KC435MAG DISCLAIMER: OFFER VALID ONLY WHEN COUPON IS PRESENTED AT DROP-OFF. COUPON CAN ONLY BE FOR SERVICES SOLD AT PARTICIPATING TIDE CLEANERS LOCATIONS. IT CANNOT BE REDEEMED FOR ANY PRODUCT SOLD AT ANY OTHER RETAIL STORE. NOT VALID ON LAUNDRY, LEATHER, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, WEDDING DRESSES OR ALTERATIONS. CANNOT BE USED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT OR PROMOTION. ONE DISCOUNT PER HOUSEHOLD. OFFER VALID FOR ONE-TIME USE THROUGH 8/31/21.

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KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

THE DARK SIDE A modern revamp shows that black just might be the best neutral color. BY N I C O L E K I N N I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M AT T H E W A N D E R S O N

O N ’ T G E T U S W R O N G : We love a white kitchen. They’re timeless, airy and they tend to make a space feel bigger. But, if done correctly, a black kitchen can make just as much of an impact. Black cabinets and accents can add an edgy, yet sophisticated and modern look to a space. The key to well-designed dark spaces, says designer Whitney Coulas of Interior Concepts, is the lighting. And if it weren’t for the big windows and ample natural light in this Overland Park home, Coulas’ inky design aspirations might not have worked out. Coulas is a constructionbased designer, so she works with clients from concept to construction to completion. See how she transformed this contemporary home into a sexy dark and modern space.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

S WAY HOM E

1 FI REPL ACE & WIND OW S Since the original fireplace was traditional and didn’t fit into the modern themes in the rest of the house, Coulas swapped it out for a linear gas fireplace. Oversized concrete tiles border the fireplace and continue all the way up to the ceiling, which is two stories high. The stacked floor-to-ceiling windows on the backside of the house were painted black to match the rest of the accents in the space and the entryway wall visible on the opposite side of the house.

2 P I ANO R O O M One of Coulas’s favorite features is the wallpapered ceiling above the black baby grand piano in this room. The wallpaper has a black-on-black modern geometric pattern and is lit up by a two-tier ring LED pendant. “This is my favorite detail,” she says of the ceiling wall covering. “It was really, really hard to get it done right. It’s just a subtle detail to kind of take your eye up.”

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

3 ISLAND The kitchen island’s honed quartz countertop—which mimics a black marble but is more durable—has a waterfall edge on each side. The honed quartz makes for a more organic appearance, creating little to no sheen and a smooth surface.

4 BAC KSPLASH To add more visual interest and depth to the kitchen while avoiding the starkness that can come with black cabinets, Coulas used smoked black mirror as a backsplash. “We wanted it because we were doing a dark kitchen and wanted to reflect the light back,” she says. “It’s smoked out, so it’s not like it’s right in your face. It reflects the light, but it’s still kind of muted and blends into the cabinets.”

5 M U LTITONES & INTEGR AT I O N

“We were playing around with black, white and wood cabinets,” Coulas says. “We landed on the all-black flat panels. It really pops with the windows and the white paint. And then bringing in the custom-washed cool white oak piece made it into a three-tone kitchen.” Many kitchen fixtures are integrated, including the cabinet hood with insert, forty-eight-inch panel fridge and the microwave drawer in the island. This adds to the sleek, European look that Coulas was going for.

6 FOYER Not ready to commit to painting an entire room black? Try just twenty-five percent of one room—specifically a wall that has either lots of windows or plenty of natural light facing it. Coulas painted the foyer wall facing into the house black, along with the piped stair railing. The hanging multi-light modern pendant fixture against the accent wall adds vertical interest in the two-story-tall space.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

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Director, Premier and Private Client Services 913.998.7044 lisa.wolff@nbhbank.com KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE PRESENTS

2021

DENTAL PROFILES If it’s time for a checkup and you don’t know where to go, you’re in luck. Our annual list of the best oral health professionals in the Kansas City area will help you out.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

D E N TA L P R OF I L E S 2 0 2 1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kevin Cunningham, D.D.S. CHOOSING A ROOT CANAL SPECIALIST should

depend on clinical experience, cutting-edge technology and patient satisfaction. Throughout the past 19 years, Dr. Kevin Cunningham has performed more than 20,000 successful and pain-free root canal procedures in Kansas City. Dr. Cunningham’s practice philosophy is to provide his patients with the highest-quality root canal treatments in a friendly, comfortable environment. “I incorporate the most advanced technology into my practice and surround myself with compassionate, hardworking employees,” Dr. Cunningham says. “We care for our patients as we would members of our own family. Our online reviews are a testament to the way patients feel after being seen in our office. I strongly encourage patients to read our reviews so they will have a better understanding of how they will be treated when they come to our office for root canal treatment.” Dr. Cunningham’s commitment to excellence starts with using the most innovative technology in his practice. He utilizes Zeiss operating microscopes, digital radiography, and, most importantly, 3-D imaging (CBCT). 3-D imaging

BEST ADVICE When to see an endodontist: If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, suspect a cracked tooth or suffered dental trauma, or if your dentist recommended root canal treatment, you should see an endodontist who specializes in diagnosing and treating tooth pain. You do not need a referral from your dentist to see Dr. Cunningham.

provides a quicker and more accurate diagnosis and drastically improves treatment strategies. “I have been using 3-D technology over the past eight years,” Dr. Cunningham says. “I can honestly say that I would be doing my patients a disservice if I didn’t utilize 3-D treatment planning in most of their cases. CBCT provides too much additional information that cannot be seen in 2-D dental X-rays. 3-D technology has changed my treatment planning philosophy, improved treatment success and is the future of endodontics. I feel that 3-D imaging will soon be the standard of care for root canal dentistry.” To learn more about Dr. Cunningham’s endodontic practice, please visit his website at CunninghamEndo.com. Dr. Cunningham is a contracted provider with almost every dental insurance company.

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, D.D.S. ENDODONTICS-ROOT CANAL SPECIALIST 11900 W. 87th Street Parkway Lenexa, KS | 913.599.0888 cunninghamendo.com

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DENTAL PROFILES 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Michael LeBlanc, D.D.S. A T L E B L A N C A N D A S S O C I A T E S Dentistry for

Children, we believe that experience and dedication are the foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral health. We strive to offer the best dental care, and our passion to achieve this goal will be evident to you and your children when you walk into our office. Our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists, Dr. Michael LeBlanc, Dr. Casey Rhoads, Dr. Rebecca Ferns, Dr. Brent Church, Dr. Kyle Pedersen, Dr. Emily Meyer, and Dr. Mary Le, welcome you and your family. Dr. Michael LeBlanc is the founder and proprietor and has been practicing at their four locations since 2005. He is passionate about providing excellent dental care and oral hygiene education, especially those with special needs and circumstances. Dr. LeBlanc is Board-Certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, and served as president of the local dental society and a former chairman of the New Dentist Committee with the American Dental Association. Dr. LeBlanc is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Vice President of the UMKC Dental School Alumni Association, a member of the American Dental Association, and a member of the Kansas Dental Association. He is involved throughout his community and served on the board for Camps for Kids. He also travels on

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

PARENT TESTIMONY “They were amazing! My son is 6 with autism and hates having anything in his mouth. They were so patient and understanding; they endured. He was as comfortable as possible, and would stop and talk to him when they could see him getting anxious. I will be returning and recommending them. I drive 45 minutes from my house to get there, and it was completely worth it.”

dental mission trips, providing free dental treatment and oral hygiene education to children at local orphanages. At LeBlanc and Associates, it is not just about dentistry; it is about a lifelong relationship with our patients, families, and community. Our team strives for opportunities to give back, support, and serve our community. They volunteer at Team Smile, Ronald McDonald House, and school fundraisers. Pediatric dentistry focuses on the treatment of children from birth to adolescence, with concentration on growth, development, and behavioral guidance for children and special needs children. Our experienced team creates an easy and positive experience for your child and offers dental examinations, diagnostic and preventative services and restorative procedures with sedation options. Prevention and education are a primary focus in our practice. Our doctors and staff are always available to answer questions about your child’s dental needs. Our offices are open Monday-Friday with before and after school hours and on Saturday. We also offer an afterhours emergency line.

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Adam C. McClellan, D.D.S. HEALTHY GUMS, HEALTHY HEART —this is Dr. Adam C. McClellan’s holistic approach to achieving optimal oral health for all of his patients. A board-certified periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), Dr. McClellan offers full-scope treatment options, with an emphasis on minimally invasive, FDA-approved LANAP laser gum treatment. What is a periodontist? Dr. McClellan defines a periodontist as a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of gum disease and dental implant disease, as well as placement of dental implants. Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection often caused by buildup of plaque and has several risk factors including genetics, age, smoking, gender and ethnicity. Dr. McClellan’s treatments are tailored to meet each patient’s needs. One such treatment is the minimally invasive, FDA-approved LANAP laser treatment—the only scientifically research proven methodology that results in true periodontal regeneration, new bone growth and gum tissue reattachment. It offers quicker recovery time and is a less painful and more successful treatment to traditional periodontal surgery. In order to use the LANAP

DID YOU KNOW? Dr. McClellan completed an extensive 3-year periodontal residency beyond dental school where he acquired deeper knowledge of the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, including severe gum disease or patients with a complex medical history. He is also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

laser, Dr. McClellan has successfully completed training and certification through the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Dr. McClellan and his team also stress the importance of heart and systemic health: “We are learning more about the link between inflammation and disease in the mouth and how it connects to the rest of the body. Heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis are just a few major conditions that have been linked to periodontal disease,” Dr. McClellan says. With two locations in the Kansas City metro, Dr. McClellan and his team strive to work collaboratively with patients and referring doctors for all of their periodontal and implant needs. With over 74% of all Americans experiencing some form of gum disease, seeing a periodontist might be exactly what you need to create a more beautiful and healthier smile!

PERIODONTAL CARE, P.A.

South Office : 5000 West 95th St., Suite 270, Prairie Village, KS 66207 Office: 913-341-4141 | Fax: 913-341-4432 | periocareks@gmail.com North Office: 5707 NW 64th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64151 Office: 816-741-3830 | Fax: 816-741-2693 periocaremo@gmail.com

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

DENTAL PROFILES 2021

Craig W. Herre, D.D.S. Timothy R. Herre, D.D.S. H E R R E H O L I S T I C D E N T A L is a wellness-centered,

third-generation family dental practice that has served Kansas City since 1953. Their mission is to provide personalized dental health care services, to nurture caring relationships with patients, and to offer progressive treatment options that promote enduring health for every member of your family. As biological dentists, Drs. Tim and Craig Herre use the safest dental materials that are the most compatible with your own body and health. They also practice rejuvenation dentistry, which is a conservative dental approach to restore the entire bite and mouth, creating jaw stability and proper oral function. Instead of a onesize-fits-all approach that focuses on managing disease, their mission is to get you back to health by rejuvenating the entire system so the body can thrive. There are many

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

treatments offered at Herre Holistic for your health journey, including TMD/ TMJ treatment, tongue tie releases, orofacial myofunctional therapy, airwayfocused orthodontic treatment, early orthodontic expansion for kids, holistic mercury-safe dentistry and Cerec one-visit crowns. Drs. Craig and Tim have decades of experience treating TMJ/jaw pain and bite issues to address how your teeth fit together. Clenching or grinding your teeth and jaw misalignment are signs you may have an airway issue. The team at Herre Holistic Dental believes that a healthy airway is the key for your body to function in an optimal way. With on-site 3D X-ray technology, they can help find the root cause issue and provide you with choices that best fit your needs. Dr. Tim Herre is the first third-generation dentist in Kansas, and he has focused on functional, airway-centered dental care for over a decade. He is passionate about helping kids grow optimally with early intervention in order to prevent long-term health issues and sees patients as young as newborns. During the past four decades, Dr. Craig Herre has given his patients a lot to smile about and provides compassionate care for his patients. Dr. Craig and Dr. Tim strive to learn and optimize their treatment in ways that surpass traditional dentistry. Herre Holistic Dental is proud to be your local dental care team.

HERRE HOLISTIC DENTAL KC 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120, Leawood, KS | 913.491.4466 | holisticdentalkc.com

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Nancy Newhouse, D.D.S, M.S. DID YOU KNOW? “I CAN’T THINK OF ANYONE that doesn’t want to look

good,” says Dr. Nancy Newhouse, an internationally recognized leader in periodontology and implant dentistry and an Independence, MO, native. Dr. Nancy Newhouse is honored to be recognized as a Top Dentist for the fourteenth year in a row. Dr. Newhouse approaches all her patients’ treatments by, from the very first visit, listening to what a potential Newhouse Periodontics patient wants to achieve. “It’s essential to the outcome of any treatment we might propose. By fully understanding a patient’s goals, we establish an individualized plan to address specific needs and wants for every patient, all in order to get that great long-lasting smile and a lifetime of optimal function.” Dr. Newhouse notes the impact of the pandemic on gum and implant health. With many people postponing periodontal care last year—whether due to exposure risk, loss of insurance, lack of income or any combination—there is a concern for worsening oral health, particularly gum disease. Add in changes in home hygiene, diet, stress levels and financial challenges over the past year, and you’ve brewed the perfect storm for dental troubles. Many ask, “What exactly does a periodontist do?” At its most basic, periodontists save teeth! Having a great smile

In 2012, Dr. Newhouse became the 99th President of the American Academy of Periodontology. At that time, she was only the fourth woman to serve in that capacity during the AAP’s nearly 100 year history.

boosts self-confidence and improves overall wellbeing. However, if the underlying foundation—the gums and bone tissues—on which that smile is built isn’t healthy, that beautiful smile will not be sustainable and can lead to eventual tooth loss and serious esthetic and functional compromises. “If the gums are red and swollen, if there is too much or too little gum, or if there has been loss of bone, then no matter how pretty the teeth are, the smile will not be as good as it could be—or should be.” Dr. Newhouse addresses these issues and many more in order to decrease the risk of tooth loss. Sometimes, however, a tooth is beyond saving. Fortunately, she has the expertise to place implants with great precision, thanks to 3D imaging technology and many years spent honing her exceptional surgical skills. That skillset also extends to regenerating soft tissue and bone, reshaping gum tissue, and treating infections around implants. A full-time periodontal specialist, an assistant clinical professor at the UMKC School of Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, she and her team at Newhouse Periodontics provide state of the art services that will have you looking and feeling your best. Make an appointment today to discover how Newhouse Periodontics can be your way to a beautiful, healthy smile!

NEWHOUSE PERIODONTICS

4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 200, Independence, MO 816.373.6800 | newhouseperio.com

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DID YOU KNOW?

AMY RHOADES HAHN, D.D.S. RACHEL PITTS DRISCOLL, D.D.S. OUR FACES ARE CHANGING. Modern man’s faces

are shrinking, and the evidence provides an explanation by simply looking at children’s faces over the course of history. We see changes in development, including collapsing faces, shrinking jaws, crowded teeth, and a struggle to breathe. We began seeking answers as to why it was happening and how to remedy the issue. Historically, dentistry has been focused on only managing the fallout or end stages of this phenomenon. Individuals worldwide are suffering the ill effects of our poorly processed food-heavy diets, which can change the development of our skulls and faces, and even the way we breathe. Can this problem be stopped before it causes suffering, crooked teeth, cavities, sleep and behavior issues, and a multitude of other health problems? Dentistry is on the precipice of change. Our doctors are on a mission to get to the root cause and want to prevent these problems early instead of trying to clean up the mess years later. The most current research shows an emerging truth: If you are breathing normally through your nose from birth to age 7, you probably won’t need many of our services over the course of your life. You’re not going to snore or need braces, and you’re going to get fewer cavities and grind your

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

What is one thing, if left untreated by age 8, that can leave a child with a permanent 16-point reduction in IQ? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea and snoring can be treated by guiding the stillgrowing jaws away from the pinched airway. Other signs of OSA: bedwetting, ADHD-like symptoms, dark circles under the eyes, elongated facial growth, open mouth. If kids are sleeping with their mouths open, that’s a huge problem, and we need to correct it as early as possible. If we wait until age 13-14 to treat it, that’s too late for kids to reach their cognitive potential.

teeth less. If your nose works well, you’re also at a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. We feel our true calling is to find out how to, essentially, put ourselves out of a job, which fits nicely with our multi-generational practice core value of expedited and minimalistic dentistry. Our mission is to change the way people feel about dentistry. Every day, we meet patients who are anxious or traumatized from prior dental experiences. Turning that around and sending them off with a positive dental experience is what we live for. We want to hear what values are important to you when it comes to your dental health, and then create a completely customized experience for you. If you want cutting-edge dentistry AND a high level of health, we can provide that. If you love the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” that’s the kind of dentistry we’ve loved to provide to our patients over multiple generations. Dr. Amy Hahn and Dr. Rachel Driscoll have more than 30 years of combined dental experience. You can expect these two to be time-efficient and amazingly gentle. Our practice is perfect for busy families and we understand that you don’t have time to visit multiple offices for treatment— we’re equipped to take care of your entire family’s dental needs in one place! We offer the full range of dental services, from dental implants, Invisalign, airway and facial growth guidance, and everything in between.

RHOADES FAMILY DENTISTRY

13400 S Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS | 913.782.8900 | rhoadesdds.com

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Dustin S. Burleson D.D.S. DOCTOR DUSTIN S. BURLESON is a speaker, teacher, author and orthodontic specialist. Since founding Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry in 2006, over 3,000 orthodontists have traveled to Kansas City from 35 countries to learn from Burleson’s vision to change lives, advance the profession of orthodontics and support his community. Together, he and his students treat over 20,000 patients throughout North America each year. He writes five professional newsletters monthly, is the director of the Leo H. Rheam Foundation for Cleft & Craniofacial Orthodontics, teaches at Children’s Mercy Hospital and operates a large multi-clinic orthodontic and pediatric dental practice in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Burleson has been invited to speak throughout the world and has shared the stage with celebrities and athletes who mirror his passion to help more people live healthier, happier lives. Dr. Burleson provides over $1 million in free orthodontic care to cleft lip and palate children each year. His practices have worked with the prestigious Disney Institute and Ritz Carlton to bring the same “wow” experience to the smiles of patients both young and old. Asked what makes his practice different, Burleson quickly

DID YOU KNOW? Dr. Burleson has personally transformed the smiles of over 15,000 patients right here in Kansas City and is the author of two Amazon best-selling consumer books, “Stop Hiding Your Smile!” and “The Consumer’s Guide to Invisalign.” As a two-time Inc. 500 | 5000 honoree recognized for building one of the fastestgrowing orthodontic specialty practices in North America, Dr. Burleson was also awarded the American Dental Association’s prestigious Golden Apple Award in 2014 and the Missouri Dental Association’s Outstanding Dental Leadership award in the same year.

replied with a warm smile, “It’s our people, our culture and our commitment to do whatever it takes to serve the best interests of our patients and their families,” even if that means referring them to a cheaper option in town or to one of his nonprofit foundations, when parents are unable to afford treatment at a Burleson facility. Burleson’s offices at last count have over 30,000 satisfied parents, with patients traveling from cities as far away as Chicago, New York and San Francisco to be treated by one of Burleson’s certified smile specialists. To discover more about Burleson’s unique treatment approach, visit BurlesonSmile.com or call his office today at (816) 759-0123. He now offers more after work and after school hours than any other orthodontist in Kansas City. Specifically designed for busy moms and dads, Dr. Burleson and his team of Smile Specialists have reimagined the orthodontic office and stand behind their work with the area’s only lifetime satisfaction guarantee plus free retainers for life. See if your child is ready for a Burleson Smile today!

BURLESON ORTHODONTICS AND PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Briarcliff | Liberty | Raymore 816.384.0801 | www.BurlesonSmile.com

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Talence Kasiyamhuru, D.D.S. EVERY GOOD REL ATIONSHIP begins with a smile, and Kasiya Dental

KASIYA FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

11538 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS | 913.940.3585 | KasiyaDental.com

is proud to give you the healthiest and brightest one. Dr. Kasiya provides comprehensive, curative and preventive dental services across all age groups and encourages patients to keep regular dental appointments rather than waiting until dental complications arise. She earned her DDS at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, IA; CLS (Clinical Lab Scientist), IMMC, Des Moines, IA; BA Medical Technology, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA. At Kasiya Dental, the well-being of our patients is of utmost importance. Our friendly, compassionate and well-trained team of registered dental hygienists and assistants will create a luxurious, personal and pleasant experience for you and your family. We strive to maintain long-lasting and trusting relationships with all of our patients—so much so that we would like to introduce you to our newest team member, Shasha. Shasha, a hypoallergenic goldendoodle, is a therapy dog that provides affection, comfort and support to patients of all ages. Her name means “Champion” in Dr. Kasiya’s Shona language. Our dental office has cutting-edge technology, including our new iTero Scanner, a 3-D Intraoral scanning machine which enables us to provide impressionless scans for patients and eliminate the discomfort and invasiveness of an impression. This machine also takes photographs of your mouth quickly and easily, which helps us to efficiently and accurately assess and treat patients, and also allows us to show patients the simulated outcome of their Invisalign treatment. New patients, including children, are always welcome. Weekend, early morning and evening appointments are available. In-network dental insurance is accepted and we are an Invisalign provider. Like us on Facebook @KasiyaDental.

Kory Kirkegaard, D.M.D. A VISIT TO THE DENTIST should be a calming

THE ART OF DENTISTRY

7550 160th St, Overland Park, KS | 913.274.9200 | theartofdentistryop.com

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

experience—not a stressful one. Our philosophy at The Art of Dentistry is simple: every patient deserves excellent dental care and they deserve to be treated with honesty and compassion. We’re in the field of dentistry to improve the livelihoods of our patients through restoring their confidence in themselves and their smiles. We utilize incredible technology in the form of 3D-Printing, 3D CT scans, intra-oral digital scanning and CEREC 1-visit crowns as a way to give you the highest quality work in the most comfortable way. Ask us how we can improve the quality of your life with dental implants, veneers, implant-retained dentures or a full mouth rehabilitation! Dr. Kirkegaard spends hundreds of hours learning the most advanced techniques to provide you with the most beautiful and predictable outcomes possible. Whether it’s a single tooth or an entire smile, the “Dream Team” at The Art of Dentistry will exceed your expectations at every turn. Schedule online at theartofdentistryop.com—We genuinely appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

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Jeremy Fry, D.D.S., M.S. ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS has been your hometown orthodontist for over 40 years! With locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, we are committed to providing superior service for patients of all ages while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Dr. Jeremy Fry, CEO of Fry Orthodontics, is a Kansas City native and enjoys providing smiles for children and adults in our community. “I am so grateful for what Kansas City has provided me both as a young kid and now as an adult,” Dr. Fry says. “My family has been in the community for over 40 years honoring this great place, and I’m proud that Fry Orthodontics continues to serve patients in my hometown!” Fry Orthodontics is a leading Invisalign provider. They have treated more patients with Invisalign than any other dentist or orthodontist in the Kansas City metro area. Whether you’re interested in Invisalign or braces, Fry Orthodontics offers both treatment options for the same great price. Our free initial exams give you the opportunity to discuss your individual goals with the doctor and help you determine the best treatment option for your smile. Take advantage of our free video exams that can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Call 913-469-9191 today to schedule an appointment for you or your child and receive free retainers for life! FRY

FRY ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS

Locations in Kansas and Missouri 913.469.9191 | 816.877.0050 | info@fryorthodontics.com | fryorthodontics.com

CHANGE CAN BE A CHALLENGE. There is comfort in knowing what

to see, feel, and expect in a familiar environment. When it comes to a visit to the dentist, knowing what to expect is even more important. During a year of change, we decided to embrace it and improve from the inside out to build a stronger office for you. This year, we build on our honest, high-quality care with a renovated office, updating our entire space to include an improved sterilization, lab and hightech rooms (ooh-ahh), dental operatories (neat) and common spaces (wow). Check out our new website with online scheduling that couldn’t be easier. And while you are at it, visit our about page to get to know Dr Brad Higgerson, joining the team with over 20 years of experience. We may look different the next time you visit, but with all of the change, we remain the same, trustworthy dental office you have known for years! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to change the way you think about dentistry.

BOWLES DENTAL

6811 W. 121st St. Overland Park, KS | 913.491.6663 bowlesdentalcenter.com

Chad Bowles, D.D.S., Brad Higgerson, D.D.S.

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Jeffrey R. Burroughs, D.D.S. AT BURROUGHS ENDODONTICS, our vision is to provide the highest,

quality-centered root canal therapies to the Kansas City area. While the thought of a root canal can be daunting, our compassionate staff will put you at ease from the time you schedule your appointment until your specialized care is complete. As one of only a few board-certified endodontists in Kansas, Dr. Jeffrey Burroughs expertly combines state-of-the-art technology with a commitment to maintain the highest standards of endodontic excellence. To fully assess your needs and provide you with the best care, Dr. Burroughs utilizes 3-D imaging (cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT) and surgical microscopes to deliver the most precise treatment. In addition, Dr. Burroughs uses the innovative GentleWave® Procedure as a minimally invasive approach to infection removal and tooth preservation. Simply put, Burroughs Endodontics is focused on providing Kansas City with Quality Care—it is our motto. See more information at our website and be sure to schedule your next root canal with us to experience the difference.

BURROUGHS ENDODONTICS

5525 W. 119th Street, Suite 215 Overland Park, KS | 913.258.5696 | BurroughsEndo.com

Andrew V. Herwig, D.D.S. AT HERWIG DDS, we believe a true smile radiates from the inside out,

HERWIG DDS

Lenexa: 11900 W. 87th Street Pkwy., Suite 260, Lenexa, KS | 913.492.8884 Paola: 24 S Silver St. Paola, KS | 913.294.4321 | herwigdds.com

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

which is why we are so passionate about delivering an exceptional dental experience that makes you not only look great, but makes you feel great, too! Our highly trained staff of professionals offer a full spectrum of services within the fields of preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We are a family-owned family and cosmetic dental practice proudly serving the Greater Kansas City area since 1981. We have always prided ourselves on providing first-class dental care with exceptional professionalism and are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of. A native of Overland Park, KS, Dr. Andrew V. Herwig earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2015 from UMKC School of Dentistry. He customizes his dental approach based on your long-term needs. It is an approach based on trust, comfort, necessity and expertise, with the end result being your ultimate satisfaction. Dr. Herwig is a member of the Fifth District Dental Society, Kansas Dental Association and American Dental Association. With offices located in both Johnson and Miami counties, we are excited to become your local family dentist. We always welcome new patients and hope to make you a part of our dental family!

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Joel LeMense, D.D.S.

Hollie Flack, D.D.S.

DR . JOEL LEMENSE has

THE BROOKSIDE DENTIST

been helping patients of all ages in the Kansas City area for 25 years. Dr. LeMense believes in the importance of staying up to date with the many advances in dentistry, including intraoral photography, digital radiography and 3D scanning technology. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Great Plains Study Club and others. He was awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2003. Dr. LeMense takes into consideration all viable options available to patients and uses them to customize a plan that best suits the patient.

has been providing dental care in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood since 1934. Dr. Hollie Flack takes great pride in continuing the legacy of patientcentered, compassionate dental care. During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Flack and the team at The Brookside Dentist have gone above the recommended guidelines to provide a comfortable and safe dental environment. The last year has cemented the importance to always put each patient’s needs, health and safety as their top priority. The Brookside Dentist enjoys providing expert care from infancy to adulthood. Schedule an appointment online at thebrooksidedentist.com.

THE BROOKSIDE DENTIST

JOEL LEMENSE DENTAL 8012 State Line Road, Suite 100, Leawood, KS | 913.341.3415 |lemensedental.com

6247 Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, MO 816.523.1444 | thebrooksidedentist.com

Jamie Smiley, D.D.S.

Erin Neill Bromley, D.D.S. Aime Broyles, D.D.S. Bromley and Broyles Dental has been providing comprehensive dentistry for all ages in a fun and compassionate atmosphere. Drs. Bromley and Broyles thoroughly love working together. This love for their work permeates every aspect of their office. Patients can tell the minute they walk through the front door that this is not your typical dental office! The doctors are well educated, skilled practitioners who keep up to date on the latest innovations and are also both personally invested in the well-being and care of their patients. Our office is not just our place of work…it is a place where we take care of our extended family! SINCE

BROMLEY & BROYLES DENTAL 680 SE Bayberry Lane, Suite 105 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | 816.525.5257 bromleybroylesdental.com

1996,

DR . JAMIE SMILEY has been voted

a Top Dentist for the past five years in a row and has been providing quality dental care in Johnson County for over 15 years. Dr. Smiley offers comprehensive dental care for your entire family. At Smiley Dental, we are genuinely concerned about our patients, and our highly skilled, professional team is here to make your dental visit comfortable while addressing your needs. Dr. Smiley is a member of the KDA, the ADA, the 5th District Dental Society and Spear Dental Study Club. We enjoy seeing new patients and earning your trust. Education: B.S. Science, Kansas State University; D.D.S., UMKC School of Dentistry. Same Day Crowns: Smiley Dental has an in-house CEREC machine. This means patients receive their crowns in one visit. The CEREC uses an intraoral camera to scan the prepared tooth and create the perfect crown milled from a ceramic block that can be prepared within 10 minutes. While we are still experiencing effects of the COVID pandemic, we closely follow CDC and ADA guidelines, prioritizing our patients’ health and safety.

SMILEY DENTAL 13430 Briar Drive, Leawood, KS | 913.402.8888 | smileydentaloffice.com

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There are two kinds of people in this world. The ones who think Nebraska is nothing more than a 77,000-square-mile cornﬁeld, and the ones who don’t. We ﬁnd that second group to be a lot more interesting, and are comforted by the knowledge that there are people willing to look deeper to discover what makes this place so special. We’re not trying to convince everyone. Just you. So go to VisitNebraska.com and be the kind of person who gets a free Travel Guide.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION INDEPENDENT LIVING · ASSISTED LIVING · HEALTHCARE · MEMORY CARE · PATH® REHAB

THAT

T H E C H O I C E I S YO U R S .

Life should be all about choices. Here, the hardest part will

be choosing between so many of them! Maintenance-free living gives you more time to spend doing the things you love, and our wide range of amenities and services allows you to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle that's designed around you. And with our limited-time special offers, the choices are even better. So whether you prefer coffee or tea, at Aberdeen Village you’ll find everything you need, all in one place.

OFFERS INCLUDE CHOICES OF ENTRANCE FEE OR MONTHLY FEE REDUCTION OPTIONS! CALL 913-393-9878 OR VISIT WWW.ABERDEENVILLAGE.COM/CHOICES TO LEARN MORE. (Offers apply to independent living private pay residents only. Other terms and conditions may apply.) OLATHE, KS • A PMMA (PRESBY TERIAN MANORS OF MID-AMERICA®) SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

BAR G Ready to get back out there? These are the 87 best bars, dives, brewpubs, cocktail spots and clubs in KC.

58 58

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

IDE

HOW WE MADE THIS LIST We vibe checked. Bars are social spaces, and our definition of a great bar is a great place to be for a while. We revisited every spot included post-pandemic. We picked bars that are good at what they’re doing. We are not judging dive bars on their Mezcal selection, nor are we downgrading trendy speakeasies for their lack of pull-tabs. We take each place on its own terms and judge it by how it’s meant to be enjoyed. We paid our way. While researching this list, we did not ask for special treatment, announce our presence or take free drinks (unless someone was buying a round). Advertisers are not favored.

WORDS BY

Martin Cizmar, Natalie Torres Gallagher, Rob Henrichs, David Hudnall, Nicole Kinning

CONDOR'S COVE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Caleb Condit and Rebecca Norden

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

bars named after dudes

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Harry’s Country Club 112 E. Missouri Ave., KCMO

We have Mrs. O’Leary’s cow to thank for the charms of Harry’s Country Club. Back in 1871, that cow kicked over a lantern, starting a fire that burned much of Chicago. Urban environments changed thereafter, with new buildings built of brick and concrete. In KC, the first one to go up was this one, believed to have been a slaughterhouse. The weathered brick walls lend a natural warmth to this space, which is accentuated by well-made cocktails, well-chosen spirit flights and a four-hour happy hour that goes until 7 pm. —MC

Charlie Hooper’s

12 W. 63rd St., KCMO

I happened to be inside Charlie Hooper’s a couple years ago when it caught on fire. There was a remarkably undramatic scene inside the wood-paneled walls of this laid-back Brookside pub—we smelled smoke and a waiter said maybe we should wait outside for a few minutes. Then the fire trucks came screaming up. That’s sort of how it goes at Hoop’s, which is as much a community center as a bar. When Hooper’s eventually reopened, nothing had changed. A global pandemic hit, so they make you scan a QR code to see the ever-changing beer list and lineup of fancy hot dogs. If zombies attack, I’ll meet you on the patio. —MC

TIME CARD The pandemic disrupted bar hours in KC in a big way, but you can still start early and go until almost dawn. Tommy’s in Waldo (8019 Wornall Road, KCMO) still opens at 7 am. On the other end of the day, there are a handful of bars that serve until 3 am (Buzzard Beach in Westport merits special notice for serving up to the buzzer) but only one that rolls right up until a summer day’s dawn at 5 am (Mutual Musicians Foundation, page 73).

Dave’s Stagecoach

316 Westport Road, KCMO

Dave Golad opened this Westport bar in 1952. It moved to its current location—a former machine shop—in 1972. Since then, it’s been a stronghold of loyal regulars in this party district, with bargain-priced drinks, a pool table, a jukebox and a decent patio. Buy cigarettes and lottery tickets from an always-stocked vending machine, catch up on the neighborhood gossip, or hunker down on your favorite barstool (it’s ripped, but it’s comfortable) and watch the game. —NTG

John’s Big Deck 928 Wyandotte St., KCMO

John’s Big Deck is, well, big. This three-story bar is basically three separate bars. The first floor is low-key, with friendly, chatty bartenders and plenty of Bud Heavy. Floor two is where things get turned up a bit: There, low lights, heart-pumping music and beer pong tables are aplenty. The rooftop returns to the chill vibe and is the perfect place to watch the game or make friends over nachos. —NK

Sully’s Pub

5436 Johnson Drive, Mission

Sully’s walks a fine line. This barn-sized bar on the main strip in Mission unironically plays Ratt but ironically serves beer in mason jars, embedding the

tin toppers in its bartop. There’s classic shuffleboard but also glowing kiosks for “legally compliant game of skill” Dragon’s Ascent. There is a pounder list but also a hard seltzer list. This is a place where a regional vice president of sales for auto group insurance and a plumber argue about the viola (it’s a small cello, not a big violin) then spontaneously sing along to the chorus of Linkin Park’s “In the End.” And in the end? Mr. Bennington reminds us it doesn’t even matter. —MC

P.R.’s Place

1741 Washington St., KCMO

If you’re looking to make new post-pandemic friends, try this bar on a quiet block in the Crossroads. The last time I walked into P.R’s Place, I was warmly welcomed with a slice of chocolate cake for a birthday party at the bar while regulars played cards and sipped on margaritas. —NK

Lew’s

7539 Wornall Road, KCMO

Lew’s is owned by the same folks who own nearby Charlie Hooper's, so there may be some side-eye about both making this list while Bobby Baker’s remains on the outside looking in. Well, we like Lew’s. The crowd is a nice mix, generally in good spirits. It’s cozy but with some room to spread out. On Thursdays, you can get the eighty-four-ounce German-style boot of beer for thirteen bucks. We like Lew’s. —MC

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

CLEAR ICE, TWO PART, GOOD BOOZE Kansas City has a world-class craft cocktail scene.

T STARTS WITH MANIFESTO . The

subterranean speakeasy opened in 2009, introducing KC to homemade grenadine and applewood-smoked Four Roses bourbon. For a full five years thereafter—that’s a century in bar years—it was tops in town. We happened by in mid-March of last year, joking with bartenders about the unthinkable prospect of some type of short lockdown. Up to the very end, it remained a magical little room. Manifesto’s legacy lives in the enviable craft cocktail scene it helped incubate. When it comes time for creative drinks shaken and poured over crystal-clear, hand-chiseled globes of ice or served up in a dainty chilled coupe with preserved citrus rinds, KC punches far above its weight. This midsize Midwestern city has a dozen serious cocktail spots that would shine in Brooklyn or West Hollywood. If anything, like a puffballed dandelion hit by a mower, the closure of Manifesto and the Reiger bar above it only scattered the seeds wider. If you’re looking for the closest existing analog, you’ll end up (seriously) in Old Shawnee. That’s where Manifesto’s last GM, Jay Sanders, now runs Drastic Measures (5817 Nieman Road, Shawnee), along with fellow standout bartender Jill Cockson. Shawnee is working hard to establish its downtown and made a generous overture to attract this project to the unmarked space (a sign instructs you to knock firmly but respectfully). Drastic Measures has been made into a mid-century chic den with the help of Kofod Larsen-style lounge chairs and exposed stone walls that recall Sanders’ last spot. You could also go over to Cockson’s other project, Swordfish Tom’s (210 W. 19th Terrace,

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

KCMO), which leans more heavily into the Prohibition-era speakeasy stuff than any other place in town (and also makes nice cocktails). And because, like the mid-80s DC hardcore scene, everyone involved in KC craft cocktails has at least three projects, you can see more of Sanders’ handiwork behind the tiled bar at SoT (1521 Grand Blvd., KCMO) on the border of the Crossroads and Power & Light, where he used to be the bar manager and now consults. Before his time at the reborn Rieger distillery, Andrew Olsen tended bar at the unrelated Rieger restaurant. At the Hey! Hey! Club (2700 Guinotte Ave., KCMO) in the distillery’s basement, you’ll find his creations—and those of bar manager Derek Branham, another former Rieger bartender—on a menu that pays homage to KC history while also making good use of high-end spirits from around the world, not just the ones distilled upstairs. If you’ve made it this far, Brock Schulte is a name you know. He’s the man behind Hand In Glove (6 S.W. Third St., Lee's Summit), a narrow coffee bar by day with modern decor and tall shelves of exotic liquors, including two-hundred-dollar-a-shot whiskeys and a fair number of oddies bought out from places that have shuttered. You’ll be handed a sheet of bright white paper advertising “another temporary menu brought to you by Brock” (like Madonna or Bono, one name is enough). The cocktails here are very good and lean heavily into the space’s other identity by embracing flavors from coffee. Schulte made his name at Monarch Bar (4808 Roanoke Parkway, KCMO) on the Plaza, which for our money is maybe the best cocktail spot in this time zone. Monarch is one of three standout cocktail spots owned by noted local architect David Manica—the new Raiders Stadium and London’s O2 Arena are in

AN ODE TO THE HOTEL BAR

THE MERCURY ROOM

his portfolio—and it’s a gorgeous space with an elegant white marble bar that contrasts with the dark herringbone floor below and the soaring chandelier crafted of a thousand custom-made acrylic butterflies. The drink program, now under the direction of Scott Ruggiero, is also a work of art. Manica’s two other projects, Verdigris (5245 W. 116th Place, Leawood) in Park Place and Mercury Room (1800 Walnut St., Suite 1400, KCMO) are even more swank and just as drink-centric. Rezonly Mercury Room hangs fourteen stories above the city street and uses thousands of LED bulbs and mirrors to create the feeling of flight. It has just twenty-eight seats and cocktails are thirty dollars. You can also get very fine cocktails with an amazing view at midtown’s Canary (3835 Main St., KCMO), the new project from the team behind Westport whiskeria Julep (4141 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO). Julep’s cocktail menu leans heavily on bourbon while Canary tilts toward gin. Both are under the direction of co-owner Beau Williams, who got his wings at… Manifesto. —Martin Cizmar & Natalie Torres Gallagher

SoT

t a hotel bar, you can be whoever you want to be, even for just an afternoon. Wander in wearing pajama pants or a ball gown. Flirt with a stranger away at a conference. More intoxicating than the booze is your guaranteed anonymity. Today’s hotel bars have evolved beyond wood-paneled dens of red meat and dirty martinis—which makes them even better for my purposes. The Crossroads Hotel (2101 Central St., KCMO) has two spots: The all-day XR Cafe, with a large wrap-around bar and plenty of cozy seats, and the popular Percheron rooftop bar, offering sweeping views of the cityscape. At The Savoy at 21c (219 W. Ninth St., KCMO), you can sit in the same booth Harry Truman favored—though much has changed since it opened in 1903. Cocktails are eclectic (there’s something called a Bryophyta, with matcha, Jamaican rum and clarified milk), perfectly matching the vibe of the contemporary art gallery adjacent to the lobby. The Lobby Bar at Hotel Kansas City (1228 Baltimore Ave., KCMO) is so pretty it doesn’t even need alcohol, but it does feel terrifically decadent to sprawl across one of those sloping salmon-pink velvet settees as you delicately grasp your stemware. Also downtown: A former mail sorting room has been converted into the moody P.S. Speakeasy, which you will enter through a hidden door behind the reception desk at Hotel Phillips (106 W. 12th St., KCMO). The best part of Parker at the Fontaine (901 W. 48th Place, KCMO) is the adjacent rooftop pool that overlooks the Plaza. Although the water is reserved for hotel guests, you’re welcome to take your Aperol spritz outside and collapse onto a deck chair. And if you want a taste of the old-style hotel bar, head to the lounge at the Intercontinental (401 Ward Parkway, KCMO). There you’ll find stately dark oak walls, comfortable couches and a grand piano open to passing talent. Curl up with a Manhattan and make a friend. Or don’t. No one’s judging. —Natalie Torres Gallagher

Chez Charlie

3809 Broadway Blvd., KCMO

BLUE COLLAR BUDS Keyhole Tavern

I’ll be surprised if the “mask required” sign ever comes down at Chez Charlie. This Midtown dive isn’t especially fussy—the founder and namesake was infamously banned from the city bus system for beating a fellow passenger with his wooden leg. But it is an object of folk art. Like a sticky ball rolling around behind the couch, the walls of this dim dive pick up bits of cultural detritus never to be released—plaques from the 1990 Cornhusker Open Ladies Darts Tournament are nailed into the wood paneling, an upside down flag hangs above the bar, and a “Nader = Bush” bumper sticker is plastered up front. There’s a regular domestic-type home fridge, a coffee pot by the bar and a black pleather banquette running the length of the place, which by day caters to barflies and by night to hipsters. —MC

Sidestreet

413 E. 33rd St., KCMO

Susan Beach was an original bartender at Keyhole Tavern from 1993-2010. You can find a cardboard cut out of her on one of the walls.

5902 Woodson Road, Mission

It’s in your best interest to be funny at Keyhole Tavern. This tiny, low-key private club in the heart of Mission—the ten dollar membership fee is payable in cash and good for one year—will welcome you either way. But the bartender tracks the laugh-snorts of owner June Heigel by sliding bottle caps across a wire. When the snorts hit forty, everyone gets a free Keyhole shooter (“grain alcohol and, like, Tang” is how multiple people described it). But who needs a free shooter when beers are three dollars all day? —MC

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

You’re not asking for much: A neighborhood haunt with cheap drinks. A bartender who’s friendly (but not too familiar) and never lets you go thirsty. Maybe a pool table, some darts. A patio would be great. Nothing fancy. At Sidestreet, Hyde Park’s longtime gay dive, you’ll get everything you asked for—plus a jukebox filled with Cher. —NTG

The Dirty Bird Zoo Bar

1220 McGee St., KCMO

Power & Light can be a little… much. Don’t worry, there’s a safe space. Zoo Bar is a charming—and charmingly grimy—dive that’s been operating on the edge of downtown since the eighties. It’s still cash-only, and it’s almost as cheap as it was then (a can of High Life is three dollars). While you’re waiting for the pool table to open up, try untangling some of the scribbles covering the walls, or add your own. —NTG

6600 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO

On a recent visit to this eastside— Google says Raytown, but you know it ain’t since you can’t smoke inside—the jukebox was playing “Friends in Low Places.” Nobody in the diverse, blue-collar crowd was arguing with Garth, instead shooting pool and eating generous portions of wings. Favorite drinks are vodka and gin by the double and Bud Light. —MC

Walsh’s Corner Cocktails

Twin City Tavern

Walsh’s Corner Cocktails is a neighborhood bar from another era. This pub in the elbow of a south Waldo stripmall has a drop-ceiling and throws themed birthday celebrations for American icons like Frank Sinatra, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron. The neighborhood is changing, but the new folks seem to have found and embraced it. —MC

Twin City Tavern is one of the oldest bars in Kansas City, but it’s not the kind of place that leans on its legacy to draw folks in. Like any good townie dive, this bar on the corner of State Line Road offers great deals and every kind of Midwestern bar food you can think of (Mini corndogs! Frito pie! Homemade chili!). Bask in that neon beer sign glow and enjoy the jukebox, or avail yourself of the patio. —NTG

304 W. 85th St., KCMO

Sarah’s on the Hill

612 N. Fifth St., KCK

The Breitenstein family has been in the bar business for generations in Strawberry Hill—first with classic watering hole Breit's Stein (page 69) and Deli and now with Sarah’s. Sarah’s was opened by Sarah Breitenstein and is now operated by her brother, John, both of whom grew up in the neighborhood. Cross the weathered hardwood floors to grab a stool at this little corner pub and you’ll start to feel like a KCK local yourself—which you might want to become when you see what happy hour is like on the Hill. —MC

1815 Westport Road, KCMO

Irish Pub House

6332 Raytown Road, Raytown

In Raytown, ye olde Pizza Hut has been converted to Irish Pub House, a friendly bar that covers a lot of ground. There are drink chips and a stack of glass ashtrays for the old timers alongside a beer cooler stocked with Duval and imported radlers. —MC

The Naughty Pine 10008 E. 63rd St., Raytown

Even if you know exactly what you’re looking for, chances are you’ll pass by The Naughty Pine in Raytown at least once before parking and tentatively tugging on the door. Wait, is that it? There’s no sign, and this newish tap-free, smoke-free bar isn’t even in Google Maps. At the twenty-four-hour pool hall next door, word is that the Pine is an exclusive private club. It’s not—anyone who can find this hidden gem is welcome in for a mean Manhattan and tunes from Noel Gallagher’s solo project. —MC

ZOO BABIES What’s more badass than a shot of Fireball and more adorable than a puppy embracing a kitten? The baby beer shot at Zoo Bar (four dollars on Thursday, five dollars the rest of the week). A bar pour of golden Licor 43 liquor is topped with heavy cream and served in a miniature beer mug.

HOW TO WESTPORT AFTER 30

f you’ve graduated out of your twenties, you’ve probably got one day a week to get all your alcohol in. (The following day is for recovery; the rest give you reasons to drink.) The density of bars in Westport can help you make the most out of your Big Night Out—even if you’re too old for shots. Start slow at Hi-Dive (1411 W. 39th St., KCMO), a casual neighborhood joint where local craft beers are on tap and mystery beer cans are $2.50. Down the street, the stylish Goat & Rabbit (1804 W. 39th St., KCMO) offers riffs on classic cocktails (yes, there’s a negroni—with Lillet Blanc). Your ancient body will require sustenance if you’re going to keep this up, so head over to Westport Cafe and Bar (419 Westport Road, KCMO), easily the classiest restaurant the district has to offer. Chef and co-owner Romain Monnoyeur changes the French-leaning menu seasonally, but you can always count on the mussels and a golden pile of pomme frites. The French vibes continue at champagne bar Ça Va (4149 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO), where the red-brick patio and long list of bubbles will have you feeling trés chic. There always seems to be a crowd at Harry’s Bar and Tables (501 Westport Road, KCMO), and it’s always a varied one—because there’s something for everyone at this venerated watering hole. Belly up to the handsome wood bar or head out to the patio with whatever cocktail is calling to you. And if your tired old bones can make it to MiniBar (3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO), this is where you can prove to yourself that you’re still cool enough to close down a bar at three in the morning, clutching a bottle of High Life in your wrinkled hand. —Natalie Torres Gallagher

BAR OF THE YEAR 66

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Condor’s Cove captures the postpandemic zeitgeist.

CON

R ' S C OV O

OR OVER A YEAR, we’ve been dying to get out of the house. To see friends, run into acquaintances and eavesdrop on awkward Bumble dates. Now that the world is opening back up, even a casual Sunday evening at the neighborhood watering hole sounds exhilarating. But the handful of folks who wandered down to the Pressed Penny on Memorial Day weekend without a reservation may have been surprised to find their lowkey tavern packed to the gills and a host gathering names for a walk-in waitlist. The space had been commandeered by one Diana Condori, a talented bartender who had converted the Pressed Penny into Condor’s Cove, her once-a-month, one-night-only tiki pop-up (instagram.com/condorscove.kc). For these events, Condori unpacks an oasis: Tall palm trees, big-leafed monsteras, living green trellises, colorful guayos (woven cloth from her native Bolivia) and twinkling lights canvas all surfaces. The cocktails are exclusively tiki, most of them original save for that flaming favorite, the Zombie. Condor’s Cove was born of pandemic blues in January, and demand rises with each pop-up. Tickets to the May event sold out in under ten minutes. And it’s not just about the island vibe and the excellent (and very crushable) cocktails: Condori is creating something magical here, something for our weary souls to get excited about again. That’s why we’re naming Condor’s Cove our Bar of the Year. In true tiki fashion, Condori’s cocktails are a little sweet and a little sour, with plenty of spices. They each contain a complex riddle of ingredients—usually highlighting her heritage via Latin spirits and flavors—and are expertly balanced, like her signature Sun Door, where rum, cachaça, passionfruit, pineapple and allspice dram swim in perfect synchrony. These drinks go down easily. One sip becomes a slurp and then you’re stabbing your straw at ice cubes. It’s a funny thing: Condori spends weeks planning these pop-ups, ordering her Pisco, bottling her passion fruit syrups and homemade Falernum and cutting out pretty pitaya garnishes. Then these drinks of hers disappear in minutes, and you’ll need another because no one goes to a tiki bar and just has one. I can’t think of anything less like a tropical island than Kansas City. That may contribute to the convivial charm of Condor’s Cove, which offers a convincing alternative. It’s enough to take us not just off our couches but also out of our own heads, where we have been miserably existing since quarantine. Tiki has always offered an escape, and we’ve never needed it more. Diana Condori is our pilot for this next adventure. We trust her entirely. —Natalie Torres Gallagher

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

The Old World

403 Club

10 BEST DRINKING PATIOS, RANKED

HERE IS THE RANKING. WE KNOW THIS WILL BE CONTROVERSIAL. WE WILL NOT BE TAKING QUESTIONS.

Char Bar

Gram & Dun

Brewery Imperial

The Well

The Campground

La Bodega

Canary

Verbena

Ça Va

The Mockingbird Lounge

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

The sepia-toned joys of KCK’s historic dives.

HE BEST DIVE BARS in Kansas City—really, the best dive bars in the lower Midwest—are quietly clustered in a historically Croatian enclave of Kansas City, Kansas, called Strawberry Hill. They are the best not because of their convivial atmosphere, or their thoughtful selection of beers and spirits, or their charming regulars, or some other measure of what one might think of as a “good time.” They are the best because they are portals to an era that no longer exists in American society. In fact, to call them dives is not quite right. They are more like neighborhood museums that happen to serve Fireball shots. If you think I’m about to divulge all the tavern secrets I’ve stockpiled in my many years of knocking around Wyandotte County, you’re crazy. That sacred knowledge must be earned, round by round. I don’t mind sharing a few pointers, though. As I say, the best bars are found in Strawberry Hill, but wander up into the hills south of the Kansas River into a neighborhood called Argentine and you’ll find a friendly little joint called the Coach Lite Club (2103 S. 34th St.). It’s a former Sinclair gas station that was converted into a bar sometime in the 1960s—or so Mike Damron, who owns the place with his wife, Stacy, told me. Coach Lite (incredibly, it does not, and never has, shared any affiliation with Coach Club, located just a few miles away in Armourdale; see page 75) has a horseshoe bar, a shuffleboard table and a little nook in back where you can make some money playing the machines. It’s cash-only, and bring a little extra: The Damrons’ daughter raises chickens, and if you stop by on the right day, you might be able to leave with some farmfresh eggs. Also not technically in Strawberry Hill is Johnnie’s on Seventh (55 S. Seventh St.), though it’s pretty darn close. The bar is named after Johnnie Baska, who founded it in 1934. Since 2010, it’s been run by an extremely tall, extremely gregarious gentleman named Chris O’Connor who, as the brother of a woman who married the grandson of Johnnie Baska, has a reasonable claim of legitimacy on the place. Look down and you’re standing atop old blackand-white checkerboard tile; look up and the ceiling's all black-and-white framed photos of famous men. Drink an Irish whiskey or two at the bar, or shoot a game of pool in the side room and it’ll come to you: All those men on the ceiling are named John. Years ago, a guy by the name of Foots used to run illegal card games out of the back room at Sammy’s Tavern (222 N. Sixth St.), a low-ceilinged Strawberry Hill corner bar. Most of the judges, politicians and other local muckety-mucks who participated

are long dead, but Sammy’s pays tribute to the legacy with a couple of poker paintings and a hard-to-miss “We don’t want nobody nobody sent” attitude toward interlopers. The building in which Sammy’s sits is owned by Joni Bocelewatz, who also owns Fat Matt’s Vortex (411 N. Sixth St.) just a couple of blocks north. Bocelewatz bought the place in 2004; up to that point, it was unofficially known as a whites-only club. She desegregated the bar and played up the less problematic parts of the building’s history, namely the fact that there's a crematorium in the basement dating back to its days as Stein Funeral Home. (You’re unlikely to get a peek of the crematorium: Bocelewatz rents out the basement to the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.) Hang around Fat Matt's and you'll hear talk of spirits both ethereal and literal—shots of “Grog,” a mystery concoction, go for three dollars. Speaking of prices, at Breit’s Stein and Deli (412 N. Fifth St.), a pint of Guinness is four dollars and the popular Reuben sandwich is $5.45 (including chips!). The bar, formerly a pool hall called Stanko’s, sat dormant for thirty-two years until 2002, when a 1974 graduate of Bishop Ward High School named Bob Breitenstein decided he wanted to open up a neighborhood joint on “the Hill.” These days, it attracts an older crowd of city employees, Ward graduates and Breitenstein family members (“It’s a pretty big family,” Bob told me). Not everything is Old World in Strawberry Hill. Danny Dumovich is a former Breit’s bartender who is now one of the owners of Chicago’s (534 Central Ave.), which could be thought of as a kind of descendant of Breit’s: sportsy, lots of millennial-aged Ward grads and BPU employees, but not quite the same time-capsule feel (a Jimi Hendrix painting on the wall, a popular beer-pong tournament held every February). Owner Artie Scholes keeps a smart selection of craft beer and pinball machines at 403 Club (614 Reynolds Ave.), just north down the hill from Chicago’s. And at The Easy Inn (322 N. Sixth St.), the newest arrival in the area, you’ll find Edison bulbs dangling above picnic tables on the back patio, retro garage-rock dudes in tank tops and tattoos covering arms that definitely do not belong to sailors or military veterans. It is—there is no other way to put it—a hipster bar. It’s a pretty good one, though. And, anyway, nothing gold ever stays. —David Hudnall

FAT MATT'S VORTEX

HERE'S TO LIFE! FIVE PERMANENT COVID CLOSURES THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Manifesto It set a new standard for craft cocktails in KC.

TikiCat The basement bar was the city’s only fully immersive Tiki spot.

Brady's Public House The traditional Irish pub near Rockhurst University on Troost was a nice hang.

Blue Moose Bar & Grill A great spot for patio beers in Prairie Village

Kanza Hall Our most authentic honky tonk, chopped down in its prime.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

BEERS ON SATURDAY A grand beer tour of KC

OT SO LONG AGO, enjoying beers at a bar was as simple as going to a bar and ordering beers. How quaint! In the thirteen years I’ve been writing professionally about craft beer—my early bylines were for BeerAdvocate magazine—I’ve watched it evolve from a scene with a few stronghold cities into a nationwide subculture. There are people with a calendar month’s worth of brewery T-shirts who plan their weekends and vacations around hitting more. If you’re not tuned into these things, you probably figure a brewery is a brewery and the people who like craft beer are mostly happy wherever. This is not true. To geeks, there’s a pretty firm hierarchy. There are sixty-some breweries in the metro area, and pretty much all of them have something to recommend them. This is my take on the tippy top of the heap as a primer for the beer-curious or out-of-towners. We are doing this tour on a Saturday because that’s the only day you can reliably visit the taproom patio at BKS (633 E. 63rd St., KCMO). This little House of Haze has the most geek cred in the city, and the hype is justified. When you’re in the neighborhood, you can also hit the best beer bar in the state of Missourah, Bier Station (120 E. Gregory Blvd., KCMO), which was renovated to have a retractable window wall during the pandemic. Bier Station also added a cocktail program—but better pace yourself. Just a bit south you’ll find the iconic trailside patio of KC Bier Co. (310 W. 79th St., KCMO). They specialize in crisp, clean German lagers, and although they’re now the city’s largest locally owned brewery, they always seem to have something fun, like their Easter Eisbock in bottles wrapped with pastel foil. The largest non-locally owned brewery in town? That’s Boulevard (2501 Southwest Blvd., KCMO), which has a bustling taproom that’s heavy on dark wood and tourists. Just around the corner, you have another of the best breweries in the city, Alma Mader (2635 Southwest Blvd., KCMO), which keeps limited hours— did I mention this was a Saturday?—at its industrial chic taproom. If you haven’t eaten yet, you’re in luck: Several of the best taco spots in town are a few blocks up, and you’re welcome to carry in food to drink with Alma’s very well-made lagers and bicoastal IPA variants. At this point, you’re right by the Crossroads, which has eight breweries within just a few blocks. Nowhere in Denver or San Diego has quite the same street-to-street

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

density. Everyone has their favorites here, and we could fill several pages with a comprehensive guide. I’ll just point out my two essentials: Casual Animal (1725 McGee St., KCMO) has what may be the most stylish taproom in the Midwest—it’s like one of those wedding barns you’d see in Garden & Gun. Nimble (1735 Oak St., KCMO) is new and pushing hard toward the top of my local list. It was opened by a talented Johnson County home brewer who quit his accounting gig to make some wild styles, all of which have a mature, balanced flavor profile. Oh, yes, and Kansas City also has suburbs, and those suburbs also have breweries. In Johnson County, my favorite is Sandhills (5612 Johnson Drive, Mission), which specializes in barrel-aged beers but also makes a great hazy IPA called Junco. On the other side of the city, Diametric (949 N.E. Columbus, Lee's Summit) in Lee’s Summit is doing great things, as are the sour specialists at Crane (6515 Railroad St., Raytown) in Raytown. And if it’s Saturday, you can get elite barbecue at Harp while at Crane. —Martin Cizmar

CASUAL ANIMAL

SMOKE CITY KC Bier Co.

RAYTOWN IS ONE OF THE LAST AMERICAN SUBURBS WHERE YOU CAN STILL SMOKE INDOORS AT A BAR.

hy can you still smoke in Raytown bars? “One word: America,” says Mayor Michael McDonough. “Just kidding—I told myself I was going to come right out of the chute with that.” McDonough is joking. But like any truly funny joke, there’s some truth. Raytown and Blue Springs are some of the last places part of a major metropolitan area that still allow smoking indoors at a bar. Our nation’s rich patchwork of local laws makes it impossible to say they’re alone, but it’s safe to say there are very few places, outside rural areas in the south, where you can still smack a Marlboro hardpack on the bartop then pull one out and light up. McDonough has served as the city’s mayor since 2015, but he’s lived in Raytown his whole life. He remembers 2009, when the issue of a smoking ban came before the non-partisan city council. There was, he says, “a lot of angst and a lot of anger about the city trying to overreach.” “For me, personally, I think it should be the owners that make that decision,” he says. “I’ve had some people say to me, ‘Well that sounds kind of backward.’ Well, that depends on your opinion.” Raytown is, the mayor notes, very diverse in political views, race and age. “It’s a very interesting ten square miles. Which is why I’m proud to be the mayor.” The best way to keep diverse Raytonians getting along is to let them make their own decisions, the Mayor says, himself a former smoker. “Do I personally wish they would all go non-smoking? Sure. But am I offended? No, otherwise I wouldn’t go into them. That’s kind of how Raytown is. We’re more about personal freedoms here than some places. If I don’t feel like putting up with smoke, I go to Naughty Pine (page 65) or to the brewery (page 70). Or I go to the bar at Hyvee, which sounds weird, but they’ve got some pretty good specials and they’ve got lots of TVs, it’s just weird because it’s in a grocery store.” KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Funky Town

8300 Blue Parkway, KCMO

listen up 72

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Sequins, bell bottoms, afros and platform shoes—this place feels like you’ve just hopped out of a DeLorean into the seventies. Funky Town has been boogying down for two decades. The parents of today’s twenty-somethings also got down tonight at this multigenerational dance club. It’s still cash-only, and the cover is now ten dollars (Kansas City art director Katie Henrichs’ mom paid five bucks in her day). They play the hits, bottled beer is reasonably priced, and they have the only dance floor car wash in the city (at 12:30 am, you get soaked with bubbles). It’s a popular spot for birthdays, but you can join the party any weekend you see fit. —RH

The Levee

16 W. 43rd St., KCMO

Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown’s Historic Traffic Cone District (if the official detour routes you into a Starbucks drive-thru, you’re there), The Levee’s downstairs is a music venue by night while upstairs is a laidback, nothing-in-particular bar where you’ll find Death Cab for Cutie playing on the stereo, golf on the TVs and Fat Tire on tap. If your friend has a gig here, it’ll be a good night. —MC

The Ship

1217 Union Ave., KCMO

Knuckleheads

2715 Rochester Ave., KCMO

Knuckleheads turns twenty this year, and at this point it’s fair to call this East Bottoms concert complex one of the most beloved institutions in the local music scene. There are four stages—two indoor, two outdoor—and its calendar largely caters to country, blues and folk music lovers and artists alike (you’ll also find weekly jam sessions). —NTG

Lonnie’s Reno Club

1111 Grand Blvd., KCMO

Don’t plan anything after Lonnie’s Reno Club—this is a full night out, not a “swing by for a quick drink” stop. Once entertainer Lonnie McFadden gets rolling, we promise you’ll want to stay. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne to set the mood for the show by McFadden, a trumpet player and dancer. There’s not a bad seat in the house, but if you’re hoping to snag a spot up front

and close to the action, we recommend making a dinner reservation (a three-course pre-fixe menu is offered). The romantic, speakeasy-style spot in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel opens at 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and the man of honor takes the stage one hour later. —NK

Green Lady/ Black Dolphin

1809 and 1813 Grand Blvd., KCMO

Everyone knows the Green Lady Lounge. It opened in 2013, just in time to fill the Jardine’s-shaped hole in our hearts, offering live jazz seven nights a week. Its sister venue, the Black Dolphin, opened in 2017 and has yet to gain the same notoriety—though it certainly deserves it. The room is one long rectangle with dark Chesterfield booths lining the brick walls and tables facing a large stage outfitted with a glittering gold curtain. Cocktails are the same stiff classics on the menu next door. —NTG

This West Bottoms mainstay was once a hush-hush industry dive, but everything is well above sea level now (there’s even a full kitchen with a menu and everything). Find live local acts here every week, inside during cooler months and on the back patio in fair weather. —NTG

Missie B’s

805 W. 39th St., KCMO

Every city needs a Missie B’s. Where else are you going to have a Dolly Parton lookalike belting out “9 to 5” while you tuck folded dollar bills into her G-string? If you’re not at Missie’s for the drag shows, you’re there to shake it out on the upper-level dance floor, where DJs will keep you grinding until three in the morning. —NTG

Hamburger Mary’s

3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO.

Drive down Broadway in Midtown on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you’ll find a line of eager patrons assembled outside the local outpost of Hamburger Mary’s. The popularity of Mary’s long-standing drag

brunch is such that no weather or global pandemic could curb the queueing. But there’s something happening at Mary’s almost every night of the week, from Drag Race screenings to bingo and karaoke. —NTG

KC Daiquiri Shop 1116 Grand Blvd., KCMO

KC Daiquiri Shop sits on the edge of Power & Light, and there are two big reasons to go. The first is the DJs. The second is the frozen cocktails served in plastic jugs the same sizes as milk is sold. You’re free to mix flavors (I like Hurricane with Peach Bellini), and if you want to take a lap through P&L with your boozy slushie, you can with the purchase of a food item—a $1.50 bag of chips will do the trick. —NK

Mutual Musicians Foundation 1823 Highland Ave., KCMO

More than a century since it opened in 1917, the Mutual Musicians Foundation in the 18th and Vine District is still jamming. Really: Since the thirties, it’s hosted late-night jazz jam sessions. Though the weekend shindigs were shuttered due to the pandemic, the MMF’s in-house quartet (pianist James Hathaway, bassist Kevin Young, drummer Tyree Johnson and saxophonist Ernest Melton) is keeping things hot every Friday and Saturday (music starts at 1:30 in the morning and goes until 5 am). The cash bar is still one of the cheapest in town, and all musicians are welcome to sit in, so you never know who might show up. For the early birds, there’s a notable new addition: a Sunday evening program running from 4-10 pm. —NTG

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

PLAYING THE FIELD Sporting KC: all about the gamesmanship

The Blue Line

529 Walnut St., KCMO

Every Saturday between the months of September and November, find me in my black and gold garb cozied up at this bar with a Busch Light pint in hand beside dozens of other Iowa Hawkeyes. The Blue Line takes its name from its status as a St. Louis Blues hockey bar, but Saturdays in the fall are for the Hawkeyes. Either way, it takes me back to the good old college days when a beer before noon just made sense. —NK

Third Street Social 123 S.E. Third St, Lee's Summit

This hulking seven-thousand-square-foot happy hour bar in the heart of Lee’s Summit is where President Harry Truman launched his political career by announcing a run for a local judgeship. Look closely at the brick walls and you’ll notice that, among the various beer signs and black and white photos, there’s not one Chiefs logo. That’s because this is a low-key Bronco Bar. Owner Andy Lock is the father of Mizzou signal-caller turned Bronc 'back Drew Lock, and while they won’t throw you out for cursing Elway’s name, they’re not your Mahomies. People pack in for the happy hour, which offers three dollar pours of nearly any tap on the wall and steals on contemporary pub grub, like Korean steak tacos. —MC

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

POINTS: CARD THIRD STREET SOCIAL

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRIVATE DRINKING CLUBS IN KANSAS

A Al’s Bar & Grill

10911 N.W. MO-45, Parkville

Twenty-five years ago, Al Burns got a job offer he couldn’t refuse and moved his family here from their native Buffalo, where, according to Burns, “every corner pizza shop made the best wings in the world.” KC’s best were not up to his standards. “I just couldn’t find anything I liked,” he says. Burns’ wife got a promotion, freeing him to open a pub modeled after the friendly, low-key neighborhood watering holes of Western NY. —MC

Tower Tavern 401 E. 31st St., KCMO

If you want to watch the game but you don’t really feel like painting your face and dealing with rabid packs of bros, head to Tower Tavern. This is as chill as sports bars get, with TVs spread through the spacious room, a rotating selection of local craft beer and a surprisingly solid menu with a meaty Stromboli and a fried goat cheese salad. —NTG

Coach’s

when it opened in 1983 as one of the first then-novel “sports bars” in the area. —MC

The Peanut on Main 5000 Main St., KCMO

Ever noticed that the wings at the various locations of The Peanut scattered around town aren’t quite the same as they are at the unvarnished original location south of the Plaza? It’s not in your head. This location and the one downtown have separate ownership from other locations, as I learned three beers into a recent visit, when a regular who had strong political opinions and a short career as a soccer coach at St. Peter's shared his insider’s knowledge. If everyone at The Peanut on Main seems like a regular, it’s probably because they are—and who can blame them given these truly might be the best wings in the world? The Peanut is the oldest in the city and was serving before that—veterans know to walk through the back door, as folks did in its speakeasy days. —MC

6700 College Blvd. and 9089 W. 135th St., Overland Park

The Sandbox

There’s a nice little touch to the menus at the two locations of beloved Overland Park sports bar Coach’s. When you settle in, they’ll give you a sheet of paper that has not only the day’s specials but also the Reader's Digest version of the day’s sports section. In this era of bleating phone alerts and QR code menus, it’s a subtle cue you’re headed back to the Cheers-era pubs this place was modeled on

Whether you’re playing volleyball, hitting pickleball or pushing pieces around in giant chess, this open-air bar—with a cool rooftop to boot—is a players’ paradise. Just across the parking lot is Power Play, where you can ride the zipline over the bar or fire up go-karts (we advise doing this before you start your drinking journey at The Sandbox). —NK

509 N.W. Barry Road, KCMO

rmourdale’s Coach Club (1102 Osage Ave., KCK) looks from the outside like any old dive—a pair of beer lights glow dimly in the thin window slats, and the name of the bar is painted in black on the aging building’s facade. But not just anybody can wander in and order a Bud. There’s a buzzer outside. They’ve got to buzz you in. That’s because Coach Club, founded in 1965, is designated a Class B club under Kansas law. It’s members-only. These licensed drinking clubs grew out of a unique law passed the year it opened to crack down on unlicensed drinking clubs, where vice flourished. They were once a staple of life in Wyandotte County, beacons of privacy for the myriad ethnic communities that settled in the area to work in Kansas City’s meatpacking plants. As the members died off or moved out to the suburbs, most of the owners either closed their clubs or converted to traditional Drinking Establishments—i.e., regular bars. But a handful still hang on, blissfully exempt from Kansas’ smoking ban. The best-known Class B club in the metro is actually located in Johnson County: The Keyhole Tavern (page 64). In Wyandotte County, six remain. In addition to Coach Club, there’s Bar None Lounge (just up the street from Coach Club, at 1200 Osage Ave., KCK), Strawberry South (48 S. Seventh St., KCK), Bill’s 32 West (6500 Kaw Drive, KCK), April’s Firelight Lounge (2046 N. 18th St., KCK) and Olde Mill Lounge (611 W. Second St., Suite 200, Bonner Springs). How to become a member in good standing? That’s up to barkeeps like Willie, a white-haired gentleman in white overalls who’s worked at Coach Club since he was seven years old. Technically, under the law, you must first be screened “for good moral character,” then pay an annual membership fee of no less than ten dollars. But there are laws, and then there’s the way things work in the real world. Willie’s a pretty friendly guy. Show up with a smile and some respect for the culture, and who knows, maybe he’ll buzz you in. —David Hudnall

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

PUB PUB TRIVIA Our ultimate pub trivia quiz about KC pubs. BY MAX JAMES , well-known local DJ and the operator of Intelligence Check Trivia

ANSWERS 1. Up/Down 2. Mockingbird Lounge 3. Brewery Emperial 4. Harry’s Bar and Tables 5. Swordfish Tom’s 6. The Ship 7. Green Lady Lounge 8. Black Dolphin 9. Westport Ale House 10. Browne’s Irish Marketplace | Photos provided by the Missouri Valley Special Collections Public Library

1. Opened in April of 2015, this bar’s name references the Konami Code, a cheat code that appears in many Konami video games and some non-Konami games.

2. This KCK bar prominently features a sign congratulating you, on behalf of its entire neighborhood, on avoiding the Power & Light District.

3. When you walk onto this local brewery’s patio, you’re greeted by a mural of an owl inspired by a Japanese brewery named Hitachino Nest. At what brewery can you find this mural?

4. This Westport favorite’s former owner painted all of the artwork in the main room, including a portrait of Frank Sinatra sitting in a bar from Guys and Dolls and an image of the A-bomb.

5. This bar’s name is derived from a 1983 Tom Waits album. Located in the boiler room of an old pie factory, the boiler found upon entrance is recommissioned from an old steamboat.

6. “Reportedly opened by Ethel Mae Wright, companion to a gentleman of means and questionable repute,” this grand lounge was opened shortly after Prohibition ended in 1935. In 2014, after nearly ten years of reconstruction, this KC treasure was ready to set sail once again.

7. What Kansas City jazz club is named after the uniquely colored species of Orions from Star Trek?

8. Local sci-fi writer Jon Lee Grafton’s book, The 18th Shadow, features a super-intelligent marine mammal named Joan, who inspired the name of this bar.

9. This Westport bar was formerly a Cadillac dealership, complete with a full-size car elevator.

10. Everyone knows the oldest building in the city is a bar and the oldest bar in the city is The Peanut, but what is Kansas City’s oldest continuously operated business with a liquor license?

R E S E

KEYHOLE TAVERN

77 KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

K A N S A S C I T Y M A G A Z I N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

by Martin Cizmar

Clockwise from top left: Bootlegs and half-speed masters for sale at Shangri-La, Rockwalk sign, the “New Bridge” at night, Loflin Yard patio, Elvis statue display on Beale Street, Sun Studio, the entrance to Rendezvous, Levitt Shell where the first rock concert was held, breakfast platter at Sunrise Memphis

Grit and Grind TAKE THE EDGE OFF AT LOFLIN YARD

Memphis is a must for music-lovers— and Graceland has nothing to do with it. MEMPHIS INVENTED ROCK AND ROLL.

That statement may seem straightforward, but I’ve spent plenty of time and energy obfuscating this fact, as do most native Ohioans. I once repeated Cleveland’s claim to a friend who grew up in Memphis. He shook his head, disgusted. “Uh, no,” was all he said, letting out a little coughlaugh that strikes my ear as particular to this part of Tennessee, where centuries of southern gentility have been frayed by the grit and grind of more recent decades. Cleveland's contention involves a convoluted story surrounding a canceled concert. At Sun Studios in Memphis, they show you the room where it happened. It’s a simple story: People out in the Delta towns were messing around with an evolving style of aggressive jump blues. A guy named Ike came up from Clarksdale to lay it down on wax, with simple lyrics about the Oldsmobile he drove up to the studio. Nashville calls itself Music City, but when it comes to a legacy of shaping the sound of modern American music, no midsized city can touch Memphis. For those who want to eat benne wafers at Husk and take tea at The Hermitage, go two-hundred

miles east. For students of rock, blues and soul who’ll take a city on its own terms— touring studios until you can play a few chords and eating smoked meat at every meal—Memphis is a treasure. GET YOUR BEARINGS

Memphis is on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Main Street, which is now a pedestrian mall with a trolley line, runs parallel to the river. On this trip we stayed at Big Cypress Lodge (big-cypress.com), which is inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid on the north end of downtown. The north side, across from a peninsula known as Mud Island, is a quieter area of town. Big Cypress accentuates this with decor which includes a lot of dark wood and lighting that preserves a perpetual twilight. The thirty-two story pyramid was originally a venue, but has been redeveloped by Missouri’s own Johnny Morris to include a Bass Pro Shop megastore plus the hotel, a bowling alley, a spa and a pistol range. The property includes the country’s tallest free-standing elevator to an amazing view of the city, which you can ride for free if you stay there ($10 otherwise).

If you’re going to Memphis this summer, there’s a good chance the trip across the mighty Mississip’ was impacted by the shutdown of the Interstate 40 bridge, which left one lonely seventy-year-old crossing for a hundred miles of river. Lucky for you, there’s a large and relaxed patio bar very near the exit from the “Old Bridge.” Loflin Yard (7 W. Carolina Ave., Memphis) has a full-acre of shaded patio complete with a bayou-fed waterfall and frozen drinks. They also make some of the better cocktails in town, including a Staten Island with Old Overholt rye, lillet blanc and Amaro Averna. BUY SOME RECORDS AT GONER AND SHANGRI-LA

Memphis is home to two of the finest record stores you’ll ever step foot in, Goner (2152 Young Ave., Memphis) and Shangri-La (1916 Madison Ave., Memphis) which are only about a mile-and-a-half apart. Goner is a gen-X garage rock mainstay notable for its associated label, home to the late Jay Reatard. And Shangri-La is… well, what the name says. It has a medium-sized but extremely wellcurated collection of records, CDs and memorabilia. There’s an emphasis on Memphis music but you’ll also spot a stack of yellowed NMEs featuring the young Beach Boys. BEALE STREET

Beale Street is, to its credit, not a wax museum. This historic party district is very much an active party district. Expect as much Power & Light as 18th and Vine, with a young, vibrant crowd drinking cash-only party drinks ordered as a reply to “red or blue?” For oldsters, the

K A N S A S C I T Y M A G A Z I N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

to John Stamos—you may remember him from Full House, and he’ll be doing your audio tour— she still stays upstairs when she’s in town. A vast complex of gift shops, galleries and theme restaurants across the street is owned by Authentic Brands Group, which expanded and renovated it in 2017. The cheapest tour that gets you inside the Graceland Mansion is $75, and you won’t learn much about Elvis from Uncle Jesse, as the tour has been carefully stage-managed by Lisa Marie and mostly focuses on how much Elvis loved his family, horses and racquetball. There is quite a lot of information about horses. There are some photos on the wall—all feature Elvis at his peak, occasionally standing tight with pretty blondes who are not identified. Give yourself two-and-ahalf hours for the tightly scripted tour. LUNCH AT COZY CORNER

Cozy Corner (735 North Pkwy, Memphis) is not especially cozy, but it is singular. This barbecue institution is famous for its BBQ spaghetti and dark dry-rubbed ribs, but the soul food desserts are where it really shines. Clockwise from top left: The view of downtown Memphis from the top of the Pyramid, Cozy Corner restaurant, Absinthe Room on Beale Street, the front steps of Graceland Mansion

trick is to get upstairs—the leather couches at the denlike Absinthe Room (166 Beale St., Memphis) are a great perch to observe the happenings below. SHUFFLEBOARD AT LONGSHOT

Longshot (477 S. Main St., Memphis) is a shuffle-board bar with five full-sized tables below the Arrive Hotel. The classic cocktails are stiff, the booths are plush and the menu is rich comfort food. It’s a great place to end the night. BREAKFAST AT THE ARCADE

A few blocks after the Main Street pedestrian mall gives way to traffic, you’ll find The Arcade (540 S. Main St., Memphis). This is the oldest cafe

SUN STUDIO

On March 3 or 5—no one is sure which, but not March 4—of 1951, rock ‘n’ roll music was invented at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. The particulars surrounding the recording of “Rocket 88” are best told by a guide at this landmark studio where Sam Phillips presided over the early works by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, and Roy Orbison. The Sun Studio tour takes about an hour, and it’s packed full of interesting information and humorous anecdotes. If you only do one thing in Memphis, make it this. in Memphis, founded by a Greek immigrant more than a century ago. It remains a great spot for a traditional Southern diner breakfast—country ham, biscuits and gravy and sweet potato pancakes all impressed. GRACELAND

If you’re going to Memphis, there’s probably nothing that’ll discourage you from going to Graceland. It’s an American rite of passage—as Authentic Brands Group, the company licensed to offer tours of Graceland (3734 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis) understands very well. Lisa Marie Presley still owns her late father’s mansion, and according

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC

There’s much more to Memphis than rock and rockabilly, as is very evident at the former Stax Studios (926 E. McLemore Ave., Memphis) where Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes among others recorded. The museum opens with a transported historic church from the Mississippi Delta and continues through an operable dance floor and the gold plated Cadillac El Dorado the studio leased for Hayes at his height. DINNER AT CHARLIE VERGOS’ RENDEZVOUS

Charlie Vergos was a legend in Memphis. He developed the city’s signature dry-rub ribs, which are cooked over hardwood charcoal for only an hour and fifteen minutes. He also famously ignored calls to move out of his

there is much more to memphis than rock and rockabilly. landmark subterranean restaurant in an alley (52 S. Second St., Memphis) after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King exposed tensions downtown. The restaurant exudes broken-in charm and while the ribs may or may not be to KC taste, you won’t leave unhappy. WALK ALONG THE RIVER

The northern half of Memphis is separated from the main channel of the Mississippi by Mud Island, a peninsula populated with middle-class housing. Even with the island as a barrier, the river’s spring flows can rise enough to necessitate a towering flood wall. Walk outside the wall at dusk on a hot summer night, and the only sounds are rustling in the bushes, a barge pushing hard against the current down the bend and the distant crackle of fireworks. You stand a full ten minutes of travel from the nearest human, as you watch rabbits dart into

brush so thick you’d struggle to punch your arm through. There’s a pedestrian bridge with a people mover to take you across to Mud Island from downtown, but it’s seen better days. Instead, head north of the Pyramid to the A.W. Willis bridge and get a gorgeous view of the nightly light show on the (currently closed) New Bridge from quiet Greenbelt Park. BREAKFAST AT SUNRISE MEMPHIS

Sunrise Memphis (670 Jefferson Ave., Memphis) is an offshoot of Central BBQ, one of the city’s high-profile pits, and you’ll see that stamp on items like a breakfast sandwich made with house-smoked bologna. Whatever you get, make sure it comes with a biscuit.

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

Throughout your time in Memphis, you’ll hear frequent references to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in April 1968. In some ways, the story of the city is “before” and “after.” The man who assassinated Dr. King was a drifter raised in rural Missouri who arrived in town the day before, but the stain has stuck. The subject comes up subtly in unexpected places—even at Graceland, where you’ll hear snippets of Elvis Presley’s tribute, “If I Can Dream,” which closed out his 1968 comeback special. The place to hear these important stories is the National Civil Rights Museum, which was built around the Lorraine Motel. Also note the protest outside, a thirty-year vigil by anti-gentrification activist Jacqueline Smith, who was evicted from the motel when it became a museum and has stayed outside ever since. The Stax Museum, a former recording studio where hits from the Shaft theme to Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” and Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay” were recorded, mostly using local talent.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM MAY 2021

TOP DENTISTS 2021

If it’s time for a checkup and you don’t know where to go, you’re in luck. Our annual list of the best oral health professionals in the Kansas City area will help you out.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

HOW IT’S DONE This list is excerpted from the 2020 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for dentists and specialists in the Kansas City metro area. The Kansas City list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com.

SELECTION PROCESS

The following 198 listings of the area’s best dentists are divided into nine specialties. The information was compiled by topDentists™ for Kansas City magazine. The professionals listed here were selected via peerreview process. DISCLAIMER

This list is excerpted from the 2020 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 170 dentists and specialists in the Kansas City Metro area. TopDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2012-2019 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees. Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TOP DENTISTS 2021

Bernard G. Bruns

THE LIST 1 9 8 W I N N E R S , 9 C AT E G O R I E S

ENDODONTICS Anthony Altomare

Leawood Commons Endodontics 11409 Ash Street, Suite A, Leawood 913-491-5552

Robert H. Altomare

J. Mike Randall

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636

Brenton A. Reavley

Briarcliff Endodontics 4137 N. Mulberry Drive, KCMO 816-326-8204

Leawood Commons Endodontics 11409 Ash Street, Suite A, Leawood 913-491-5552

Daniel G. Stamos

Christopher G. Budig

David E. Stamos

Apex Endodontics 13364 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-851-2739

Jeffrey R. Burroughs

Burroughs Endodontics 5525 W. 119th St., Suite 215, Overland Park 913-258-5696

Adam S. Colombo

Creekwood Endodontics 5400 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 201, KCMO 816-452-0900

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636

Joon W. Kim

Sara H. Wilhite

Nancy L. Addy

S & G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash St., Leawood 913-945-1612

Greg M. Alton

Phye Family Dentistry 401 S. Clairborne Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-782-2231

DeeAnn R. Behrens

I Smile KCK 6420 Parallel Parkway, KCK 913-299-6699

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636

Andrew S. Beyer

Tae S. Kong

Firoozeh Biria

University Park Endodontics 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 130, Leawood 913-491-0056

James E. Moore

3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 106, Prairie Village 913-642-3636

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

13025 S. Mur-Len Road, Suite 250, Olathe 913-764-1169

Dental Health By Herre 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120, Leawood 913-491-4466

Michael C. Byars

James D. Gentry

Andrew Herwig

9051 N.E. 81st Terrace, Suite 210, KCMO 816-336-2439

Holli D. Careswell

Kallsnick & Careswell 300 S.E. Second Street, Suite 200, Lee’s Summit 816-524-6300

315 Nichols Road, Suite 201, KCMO 816-753-1788

4861 W. 134th St., Leawood 913-341-0018

Mark D. Gilroy

Gilroy Dental Care 11826 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-681-1900

Eric Gottman

Dental Excellence 19501 E. U.S. Highway 40, Independence 816-795-9500

Aaron M. Craig

Dallan E. Greenhalgh

11775 W 112th St., Suite 240 Overland Park, KS 66210

Turner Dental Group 2933 S. 47th St., KCK 913-677-1004

Crowder Family Dentistry 14922 W. 87th St., Lenexa 913-322-2222

Carlyle H. Dahlquist

1508 N.W. Mock Ave., Suite A, Blue Springs 816-228-7176

Gregory W. Dale

Gladstone Family Dental Group 2109 N.E. 72nd St., Suite 101, Gladstone 816-559-7943

James J. Dixson

Liberty Park Dental 1508 N.E. 96th St., Suite A, Liberty 816-415-8080

Rachel Pitts Driscoll

Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe 913-782-8900

William M. Duensing

Duensing Family Dentistry 101 E. 23rd Ave., Suite A, North Kansas City 816-842-3314

G. Brent Evers

Biria Dentistry 14364 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-499-1111

Evers & Gardner Dental 5815 N.W. Barry Road, KCMO 816-741-2333

Chad A. Bowles

Flack the Brookside Dentist 6247 Brookside Blvd., Suite 207, KCMO 816-523-1444

Bowles Dental Center 6811 W. 121st St., Overland Park 913-491-6663

7301 Mission Road, Suite 203, Prairie Village 913-362-7320

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 130, KCMO 816-235-2146

Lauren L. Carr

Richard D. Crowder

Northwest Endodontics 803 N. 36th St., Suite C, Saint Joseph 816-364-4422

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Mark A. Holman

Timothy R. Herre

Flucke & Associates Dentistry 209 N.W. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 816-209-6675

Ryan M. Walker

Kevin P. Cunningham

Leawood Commons Endodontics 11409 Ash St., Suite A, Leawood 913-491-5552

John C. Flucke

Ronald J. Burgmeier

Scott B. Craven

University Park Endodontics 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 130, Leawood 913-491-0056

Steven P. Gish

Scott B. Herre

Endodontic Care 4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 221, Independence 816-478-8895

Village Endodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 317, Prairie Village 913-236-7668 11900 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite 160, Lenexa 913-599-0888

Erin P. Flood

Tremont Dental 5501 N.W. 62nd Terrace, Suite 101, KCMO 816-741-6960

Hollie E. Pfeffer

Greenhalgh Family Dental 5636 Nieman Road, Shawnee 913-631-2400

Jarrett S. Grosdidier

S & G Family Dentistry 4860 College Blvd., Suite 210, Leawood 913-451-2929

Stephen Haake

Haake Cosmetic and Family Dental 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 222, Overland Park 913-381-6644

Amy R. Hahn

Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe 913-782-8900

Tricia C. Halford

Corinth Dental Care 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 108, Prairie Village 913-341-9600

Robert Norman Hanson

Hanson Dentistry 3151 South State Route 291, Suite A, Independence 816-373-5606

Sarina M. Harman-Tinnel

HT Complete Family Dentistry 11644 75th St., Suite 101, Overland Park 913-962-0036

Ross S. Headley

KCSmile 12850 Metcalf Ave., Suite 200, Overland Park 913-491-6874

Craig W. Herre

University Park Dental Associates 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120, Leawood 913-491-4466

11237 Nall Ave., Suite 140, Leawood 913-912-7341

11900 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite 260, Lenexa 913-492-8884

Teresa J. Hills

Hills Family Dental 2204 Kentucky Ave., Suite C, Platte City 816-858-2032

Michael S. Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth Dental 420 S. Woodbine Road, Saint Joseph 816-232-8788

Stephen J. Huber 13400 Roe Ave., Leawood 913-543-3751

John K. Humphrey, Jr.

Kansas City Dental Works 12705 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa 913-432-9414

Ryan W. Johnson

Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center 4101 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth 913-682-2000

Alison M. Jones

4601 W. 109th St., Suite 110, Overland Park 913-491-0077

Charles R. Kimes

Overland Park Dentistry 8100 Marty St., Suite 111, Overland Park 913-341-2380

Jennifer A. Kirwan

The Smile Centre 309 S. Second St., Leavenworth 913-651-9800

Ashley E. Knight

Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101, Lenexa 913-251-9930

Ian J. Krusich

Krusich Dental 11111 Nall Ave., Suite 106, Leawood 913-383-2600

John C. LaBarca

Dental Excellence 19501 E. U.S. Highway 40, Independence 816-795-9500

William D. Ledford 1236 W. 103rd St., KCMO 816-941-0980

Joel D. LeMense

Lawson S. Rener

Ross Thompson

Steven B. Lemieux

Kami L. Ross

Lisa A. Thurlow

8012 State Line Road, Suite 100, Leawood 913-341-3415 211 E. 63rd St., KCMO 816-333-3711

Anthony Marengo, Jr.

Esthetic Enhancement 16103 W. 135th St., Olathe 913-829-9222

Michael D. McCunniff

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 396, KCMO 816-235-2185

Eugene F. McGill

3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 208, Prairie Village 913-381-9880

Abbie S. McKnight

McKnight Signature Dental 3400 College Blvd., Suite 203, Leawood 913-948-9710

Jacob W. Meggison

Dental Elements 11912 W. Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee 913-383-0440

4320 Wornall Road, Suite 402, KCMO 816-561-8050 Overland Park Smiles 6007 W. 121 St., Suite 104, Overland Park 913-851-8400

Kristen K. Schreiner 485 S.W. Ward Road, Lee’s Summit 816-525-4848

Christopher H. Shultz

Seaport Family Dentistry 2 Westwoods Drive, Liberty 816-781-1430

Jamie Smiley

Smiley Dental 13430 Briar St., Leawood 913-402-8888

Gregory A. Stiver

Dental Care Center 325 E. 135th St., KCMO 816-941-7788

Brian S. Sutton

4546 Main St., KCMO 816-931-2342

J. Brad Tally

13650 Roe Ave., Leawood 913-491-5040

Olathe Pointe Dental 14979 W. 119th St., Olathe 913-780-0080 Johnson County Dental Care 7299 W. 98th Terrace, Suite 150, Overland Park 913-341-7440

Jamie L. Thurman-Taylor

TLC Family Dentistry 3568 S.W. Market St., Lee’s Summit 816-537-6161

David L. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 W. 150th St., Suite 103, Overland Park 913-681-2893

Julie A. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 W. 150th St., Suite 103, Overland Park 913-681-2893

Stephanie M. Warden

2200 W. 75th St., Suite 101, Prairie Village 913-825-2500

Katie Watson

Stone Post Family Dental 13341 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-766-0027

Andrew S. Moore

5367 Roberts St., Shawnee 913-422-0007

D. Douglas Watts II

Kirk C. Collier

Luke Wolniak

Thomas H. Faerber

Watts Family Dental 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 240, Overland Park 913-338-3384

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194 Faerber Surgical Arts 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 118, Overland Park 913-469-8895

Prairie Fields Dentistry 16072 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-871-5360

Douglas W. Fain

Dave B. Woltkamp

Fain Oral Surgery 20168 W. 153rd St., Olathe 913-839-9709

Overland Park Smiles 6700 W. 121 St., Suite 104, Overland Park 913-851-8400

Brett L. Ferguson

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Michael Barber

Adam Flack

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194

Flack and Stone 300 N.W. R D Mize Road, Suite 100, Blue Springs 816-229-3737

Mark E. Flack

Kasey L. Call

Lee’s Summit Medical Center 600 N.E. R D Mize Road, Blue Springs 816-229-3737

Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview Ave., Suite L-10, KCMO 816-561-1115

Joseph C. Camarata

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 304, KCMO 816-235-2073

Steven D. Green

ClearChoice Overland Park 10777 Nall Ave., Suite 100, Overland Park 913-871-1527

Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 100, Leawood 913-491-4488

Gregory J. Peppes

Peppes Dental 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 200, Leawood 913-642-3939

THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES WE MAKE WHEN BRUSHING OUR TEETH

Bryant E. Phye

Phye Family Dentistry 401 S. Clairborne Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-782-2231

Vanessa C. Phye

Phye Family Dentistry 401 S. Clairborne Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-782-2231

Robert A. Pierce

Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101, Lenexa 913-251-9930

Jennifer L. Pottinger

6885 W. 151st St., Suite 202, Overland Park 913-897-4300

Timothy N. Prawl

Saint Joseph Family Dental 3904 Beck Road, Suite 110, Saint Joseph 816-233-2672

Robert W. Rechtien, Jr.

Brushing Too Hard

Many people make the mistake of thinking the harder they brush, the cleaner their teeth will be. However, plaque is soft and can be removed easily. Brushing too hard may damage your enamel or gums. So be thorough, but brush gently.

Not Brushing Long Enough

The standard recommended brushing time to adequately clean your teeth is around two minutes. Don’t cut out early.

Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Most grocery stores have a vast and often overwhelming selection of manual and electric toothbrushes from dozens of brands. All you really need to focus on, though, are bristle softness and brush size. Soft bristles can bend in order to get under your gum line and into hard to reach places. A brush head that fits well in your mouth is also important.

Not Brushing Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue removes built-up bacteria and prevents bad breath. How do you clean your tongue? Many toothbrushes

have a tongue cleaner on the side opposite the bristles, which makes for easy tongue cleaning. You can also invest in a tongue scraper.

Ignoring Your Gum Line

The number one place bacteria hides is in your gum line. Neglecting your gum health could lead to gingivitis, causing your oral health to deteriorate. When you’re brushing, make sure your bristle reaches a few millimeters under the gum line to thoroughly clean this problem area. Be sure to floss, too, to help prevent periodontal disease and subsurface tooth decay. —Madison Yohn

Rechtien Dental 231 N.W. 72nd St., Gladstone 816-436-5900

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TOP DENTISTS 2021

Christopher J. Haggerty

Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists 3600 N.E. Ralph Powell Road, Suite D, Lee’s Summit 816-554-8300

Gary W. Hansen

Northland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6301 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 101, KCMO 816-452-0300

Matthew R. Hlavacek

Kansas City Surgical Arts 8080 N. Flintlock Road, KCMO 816-286-4126

Michael W. Lowe

1524 N.E. 96th St., Liberty 816-792-1022

Tyson E. Marrs

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194

Patrick B. Moore

Parkville Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics 6340 N. Chatham Ave., KCMO 816-746-1171

Gary L. Nesslein

Northland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6301 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 101, KCMO 816-452-0300

Brent F. Newby

KC Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 7701 W. 119th St., Overland Park 913-529-5999

Daniel C. Nielson

Great Plains Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 965 N. Mur-Len Road, Olathe 913-780-3100

Richard M. Oakley

Oakley Oral Surgery 5811 Nall Ave., Mission 913-722-3253

Brian E. Pannell

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 8748 W. 151st St., Overland Park 913-897-3400

Steven J. Prstojevich

Facial Spectrum 1208 N.E. Windsor Drive, Lee’s Summit 816-524-4334

ORAL PATHOLOGY

HABITS THAT ARE HARMING OUR TEETH

OVER THE LAST YEAR, a cavity was

the least of our hardships. According to a study by the American Association of Endodontists, Covid-19 took a toll on more than just physical health. Oral health suffered, too: A third of people surveyed said they ate more sweets while about a quarter either skipped their dental check-ups, didn’t brush in the morning or flossed less frequently. Millennials more frequently reported experiencing dental disruptions, with 43 percent of those surveyed indicating that lockdown led to disruptions in their usual dental hygiene habits. In order to eliminate bad habits, you have to acknowledge them. Here are four to note.

Drinking Soda

Soda can have up to eleven teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, soda also contains phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but many have even more acid. Instead, try flavored waters or sugarless drinks as a substitute.

Chewing Ice

Chewing on ice, fingernails, pens, pencils, and bobby pins can cause wear and tear on the tooth and enamel surfaces covering the tooth. If your teeth are worn or chipped already, the ice can crack and damage the tooth structure. Instead, try eating crunchy fruits and vegetables to satisfy your urge.

Using Toothpicks Wrong

When used correctly, toothpicks can help keep the areas between your teeth clean after you eat. Used incorrectly, they damage your gum tissue. Be careful not to get too aggressive. A a rule, nothing you do to your teeth or gums should ever hurt.

Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient in the moment, but it makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. —Madison Yohn

John P. Tanner

Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview Ave., Suite L-10, KCMO 816-561-1115

Harold D. Wallin, Jr.

Heartland Dental Group 3507 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth 913-682-1000

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

Jerald O. Katz

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 163, KCMO 816-235-2138

ORAL MEDICINE Tanya Gibson

UMKC School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., KCMO 816-235-2131

Eric Anderson

Anderson Orthodontics 121 Delaware St., Leavenworth 913-651-5040

Jerry W. Huerter, Jr.

Huerter Orthodontics 8919 Parallel Parkway, Suite 450, KCK 913-334-3055

Neil C. Kanning

ORTHODONTICS

Kanning Orthodontics 9101 N.E. 82nd Terrace, KCMO 816-781-8585

David P. Blackburn

Kurt E. Kavanaugh

Blackburn & Elrod Orthodontics 3131 S. State Route 291, Independence 816-373-6006

Chad Bulleigh

Bulleigh Orthodontics 8600 W. 95th St., Overland Park 913-441-7321

Dustin S. Burleson

Burleson Orthodontics 4135 N. Mulberry Drive, KCMO 816-384-0801

David M. Christensen

KC Braces + Kids 7111 N.W. 86th St., KCMO 816-741-1155

John A. Dorsch

8407 N. Main St., KCMO 816-420-8100

Michael Klein

Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 N. Mur-Len Road, Suite C, Olathe 913-829-4466

Joe Moon

Moon Orthodontics 14247 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-782-7223

Eric S. Neuer

Prairie Pointe Orthodontics 10044 Woodland Road, Lenexa 913-393-9911

Elizabeth B. Nill

Creekwood Orthodontics 5400 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 123, KCMO 816-454-6800

Drs. Blackwell, Nill and Francois 10 N.W. Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit 816-524-6525

David E. Dykhouse

Jay M. Oltjen

Dykhouse Orthodontics 1300 N.W. South Outer Road, Blue Springs 816-229-0444

Jerald E. Elrod

Oltjen Orthodontics 15159 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe 913-829-8855

Clarence E. Simmons

17500 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 2, Independence 816-373-6006

Smile Doctors 315 Nichols Road, Suite 208, KCMO 816-753-0377

Jeremy R. Fry

Bradley N. Smith

Fry Orthodontic Specialists 11940 Quivira Road, Overland Park 913-469-9191

J. Joseph Hannah

Dyer and Smith Orthodontics 11244 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-897-6950

Jeffrey J. Thompson

Hannah Orthodontics 1441 E. 151st St., Olathe 913-829-2244

Jeff Thompson Orthodontics 4851 W. 134th St., Suite A, Leawood 913-681-8300

Richard D. Hannah

Kelly H. Toombs

Hannah Orthodontics 1441 E. 151st St., Olathe 913-829-2244

Paul J. Hechler

Toombs Orthodontics 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 215, Prairie Village 913-381-5292

Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Ave., Suite 1, Overland Park 913-469-6086

Cameron Walker

Steven L. Hechler

Ashlee Weber

Kurt W. Hoffman

Donald B. Wilcoxon

Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Ave., Suite 1, Overland Park 913-469-6086 Hoffman Orthodontics 11213 Nall Ave., Suite 130, Leawood 913-649-8890

Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 N. Mur-Len Road, Olathe 913-829-4466 Weber Orthodontics 7577 N.W. Barry Road, Suite A, KCMO 816-746-1200 Wilcoxon Orthodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 310, Overland Park 913-661-9901

Angela Williams

Parkville Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics 6340 N. Chatham Avenue, KCMO 816-746-1171

Zachary T. Williams

Madison Dental Group 13541 Madison Ave., KCMO 816-942-0033

Kurt A. Aarons

Kurt Aarons Pediatric Dentistry 4411 Belleview Ave., KCMO 816-531-2070

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Vanessa R. Axelsen

Blue Valley Pediatric Dentistry 7560 W. 160th St., Overland Park 913-232-2708

Brenda S. Bohaty

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 393, KCMO 816-235-2036

Amy E. Burleson

Matthew W. Hillman

Brandi K. Roeber

Nancy L. Newhouse

David J. Cobb

Jill C. Jenkins

Glynn Spencer

N. Randolph Oliver

Jodie L. Spencer

Seth Rush

Children’s Mercy Hospital Adele Hall Campus 2401 Gillham Road, KCMO 816-234-3257 Axelsen & Cobb 975 N. Mur-Len Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-829-0981

Jenkins Dentistry for Kids 6810 Silverheel St., Shawnee 913-745-2500

Robinson T. Kiser

Eileen L. Cocjin

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 115-B, KCMO 816-235-2145

Emily C. Day

Health Partnership Clinic 407 S. Clairborne Road, Suite 104, Olathe 913-648-2266

John T. Fales, Jr.

Fales Pediatric Dentistry 13496 S. Arapaho Drive, Olathe 913-782-2207

Rachael L. Graue

Smiles Dentistry for Kids 14700 Metcalf Ave., Suite 110, Overland Park 913-685-9990

Parkville Pediatric Dentistry 6004 N.W. 9 Highway, Parkville 816-234-3257

Little Chompers Pediatric Dentistry 2511 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth 913-250-6583

Michael A. LeBlanc

LeBlanc & Associates 8226 Mission Road, Prairie Village 913-378-9610

Claudia Z. Lopez

Pediatric Dental Specialists 11401 Nall Ave., Leawood 913-649-5437

Louis A. Pollina

Dentistry for Children 7001 N. Cherry St., Suite 100, Gladstone 816-548-3400

Newhouse Periodontics 4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 200, Independence 816-373-6800

Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry 301 N.E. Mulberry St., Suite 201, Lee’s Summit 816-607-6000

Kathryn N. Stanley

Stanley Pediatric Dentistry 8575 W. 110th St., Suite 310, Overland Park 913-345-0331

Jaime Stinnett

Drs. Parrish & Stinnett Pinnacle Pediatric Dentistry 6500 W. 95th St., Suite 102, Overland Park 913-649-0166

A toothbrush can’t get in between your teeth and clean your gums the way floss and mouthwash can. Using floss helps you to fight the plaque and bacteria growing on your gums. Mouthwash kills bacteria in your mouth, strengthens your teeth and prevents gum disease.

Overlooking Your Diet

Replacing Toothbrushes

Just because you’re using a toothbrush doesn’t mean it’s always working. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months to ensure effective bristles and prevent germs from lingering.

Not Using Other Dental Products

Brushing twice a day will clean your teeth, but it still leaves gaps in your dental routine. To ensure a healthy mouth, it’s important to floss and use mouthwash every day.

Having adequate oral health is more than just brushing. The food we put in our bodies can impact our oral hygiene. Neglecting a healthy diet and consuming large amounts of sugar can promote gum disease. A balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for good oral health and general health.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking water does more than hydrate your body; it promotes a healthy mouth, too. Water flushes your mouth of bacteria, strengthens enamel, freshens your breath and stops dry mouth in its tracks. Fluoride in city drinking water protects your teeth by preventing demineralization, the process by which tooth decay occurs. —Madison Yohn

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry 9249 Ward Parkway, KCMO 816-444-8822

Lara Tull Ryan

4601 W. 109th St., Suite 212, Overland Park 913-954-4174

Tanu Satheesh

10870 Benson Drive, Building 21, Suite 2100, Overland Park 913-451-6158

Kelley S. Thompson

8340 Mission Road, Suite 203, Prairie Village 913-652-9844

Audra Ward

D. Scott Thomas

THE MOST OVERLOOKED DENTAL HYGIENE TIPS

McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 W. 75th St., Suite A, Prairie Village 913-649-4978

Ward Periodontics Implant Dentistry 12701 Metcalf Ave., Suite 200, Overland Park 913-563-7400

Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry 9051 N.E. 81st Terrace, Suite 220, KCMO 816-781-5437

Brent A. Wenzel

Wenzel Periodontics and Dental Implants 153 W. 151st St., Suite 130, Olathe 913-663-4867

PERIODONTICS Amy L. Gillihan

Gillihan Periodontics 3151 S. Route 291, Suite B, Independence 816-373-5400

Stanley L. Wint

Adam C. McClellan

Jeremy Youngblood

10870 Benson Drive, Building 21, Suite 210, Overland Park 913-451-6158 Youngblood Periodontics 6301 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 102, KCMO 816-453-2323

Periodontal Care 5000 W. 95th St., Suite 270, Prairie Village 913-341-4141

Sidney A. McKnight III

Bruce C. Cummings

McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 W. 75th St., Suite A, Prairie Village 913-649-4978

Patrick J. Morris

613 S.E. Fifth St., Lee’s Summit 816-554-2663

Catherine A. Mowry

Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade St., Suite 100, Lenexa 913-894-9962

Kevin Mowry

Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade St., Suite 100, Lenexa 913-894-9962

4151 N. Mulberry Drive, Suite 260, KCMO 816-454-9090

PROSTHODONTICS W. Stuart Dexter

Prairie Village Prosthodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 206, Prairie Village 913-362-8200

Brandon A. James

12541 Foster St., Suite 330, Overland Park 913-642-0000

Brandon Sparks

KC Complete Prosthodontics 11401 Nall Ave., Leawood 913-703-5599

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

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E AT I N G A N D D R I N K I N G W E L L I N K A N S A S C I T Y

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN BRACKBILL

BAO CHICKA WOW WOW

Will Soo never met a dish he couldn’t turn into a dumpling. Who doesn’t love a dumpling? Almost every cuisine around the globe has a version of these plump little purses packed with their own unique fillings. There are Japanese gyoza, Polish pierogies, Pakistani samosas, Italian tortellinis—all descended from a Chinese innovation. Soo learned to make dumplings at six years old using his mother’s recipe, which laid the foundation for Lucky Seb’s (open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays at 2210 Iowa St., Lawrence), the restaurant he opened this spring. Seb’s serves two traditional dumpling offerings: either pork or vegetable dumplings filled with shiitake mushrooms, scallions, Napa cabbage and rice noodles. Seb’s specials are worth the drive to Lawrence. Every week Soo does something unexpected: Philly cheese steak dumplings, chicken enchilada dumplings, Italian meatball dumplings and dumplings that riff on biscuits and gravy. The birria dumplings exemplify Soo’s bold talents: Roasted brisket is stewed in a beef bone broth with guajillo and ancho peppers, onion, cumin and cinnamon, then spooned onto a square of simple dough—just flour, salt and water—and pinched into a bao. These meaty pillows are then pan-fried and steamed (Soo starts with oil in the pan to crisp up the bottom, then adds water and a cover to keep the tops soft) and served with a side of the spiced stew broth for your dipping pleasure. — N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TA S T E R E V I E W

SMALL TOWN, BIG COMPANY Restaurants are back—and so is restaurant criticism. The Town Company has emerged as one of Kansas City’s most exciting new restaurants. 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

S TA R T E D F E E L I N G I T one bite into the semifreddo. As the toasty miso-butterscotch mousse slid down my throat, I noticed pressure building behind my eyes. My nose started to run. I put down my spoon and locked eyes with my dining partner, whose face had also frozen. Our reaction was not allergic; it was emotional. Probably, I’d been building to tears since I sat down two hours earlier at The Town Company, the stylish new restaurant in the also-new Hotel Kansas City. Back in April, this was the first reservation I had made at a new restaurant since lockdown. It was my

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

first multi-course, sit-down meal since vaccination and the first full dining room I’d seen in over a year. I leafed through a menu book printed on creamy cardstock. I experienced a surge of unexpected joy as I recognized a friend at a nearby table, someone I hadn’t seen since quarantine began. As I prepared to write my first restaurant review since the pandemic, I thought about my teary dessert. Was Town Company really that good, or did I just miss fine dining? I’ve been back two more times. I’ve had the entire menu (it’s not that big). And while I only cried once, each time I left, I thought: Oh, right. This is what it’s supposed to feel like.

Above: Town Company’s colossal pork chop is beautiful, but the bakedto-order cornbread— prepared with in-house buttermilk and kernels from Crum’s Heirlooms in Bonner Springs— absolutely upstages it. Right: Leach exclusively uses local Missouri white oak in his hearth

Chef Johnny Leach, who moved here from his native Portland the week before lockdown, has built his hyperlocal menu around the open kitchen’s wood-fired hearth. Each dish is baptized by fire—but not quite in the ways you might expect. It would have been easy to focus on steakhouse entrees and barbecue, and you’ll find a lovely sirloin and pork chop on the menu. But Leach will also do things like roast carrots over the fire for an entire day, then cook them down with sherry vinegar and Moroccan spices and turn the root vegetable into a gorgeous and earthy dip. A dish that will surprise and delight: a small plate listed as smoked egg and trout roe. A soft-boiled chicken egg absorbs a

whisper of char from a bath in smoked water, then is placed on a nest of softened local purple cabbage and frothy whipped parsnips with crispy potato matchsticks and a sunburst of trout roe. You break the egg with a spoon and release the silky yolk, then scoop out decadent bites. The beverage program is a major flex. Each signature drink features house-made ingredients—root beer cordial, celery shrub—and herbs dried over the hearth. The Genevieve is excellent, with blanco tequila, fino sherry and burnt coriander making a refreshing and lightly savory sipper. Smoked verjus goes into the zero-proof “Nahgroni.” And then there is the wine list, a beautiful thing filled with options very different from the banal ones you might expect at a hotel restaurant. General manager Kelsey Alt orders the wine, and she has an eye for interesting producers. You’ll find a blooming chenin blanc from a boutique South African winery and a small-batch Malbec from Argentina’s lesser-known Uco Valley on the glass list. The menu cascades from light to heavy plates, and everything is designed to share. I fell in love with the halibut, plated in a deceptively simple color-block: golden-brown fillet next to curly emerald-green spigarello leaves next to a bundle of penny-hued oyster mushrooms. In an aching demonstration of patience, Leach smokes mushroom scraps over the hearth for a full week before they become a worthy seasoning salt for the halibut. This dish is why we have the word umami. The pork chop is a large-format dish meant to serve two or more people. It’s brined and marinated with a complex rub of local dried chiles, sharp

annatto seeds and citrus, then smoked slowly over the hearth, caramelizing the crust and locking in all things juicy and fatty and good. The cornbread on the side is reason enough to order it. Made with Kansas corn, it’s more of an airy cake that arrives glistening with butter and worth its weight in gold. It’s hard to oversell the brilliance of Helen Jo Leach, pastry chef, Chicago native and Johnny’s wife (the pair met working at Del Posto in New York). Each of her four dishes have footprints back to the hearth. That visceral semifreddo is arranged with petite cubes of carrot cake, which uses the same charred carrots her husband claims for his bread dip. Toasted coriander is folded into meringue and piped into crispy kisses around a tropical whipped panna cotta. For her parfait, Helen Jo slathers house-made butter onto local sweet potatoes and waits until grill marks appear before transforming them into something close to a custard, then layers that with a springy off-white cream she creates out of—no joke—hearth-roasted Missouri wild rice. And I’ve never had anything quite like her chocolate steam bun, swaddled in a dark ganache made with hearth-toasted milk and topped with smoked acorn dust. If the devil is in the details, Town Company has many angels orchestrating the experience. Never mind an under-the-table hook: Your purse will receive its own folding pedestal. The playlist (everything from Dwight Twilley’s “Looking for the Magic” to the entire Thin Lizzy catalog) has been lovingly assembled by Johnny. Before you order dinner, you will be served a complimentary palate cleanser—a shot of house-made kombucha—and your bill will be dropped off with a crunchy farewell treat, compliments of Helen Jo. And if you walk out of Town Company after your meal not quite sure you’re ready to break the spell and rejoin the world, don’t worry. You don’t have to. Drape yourself across one of those plush couches in the lounge and order a nightcap from the Hotel Bar. Sip it slowly while you watch the parade of other jubilant Town Company patrons arrive and depart. Still not ready to go? Well, it’s a hotel, after all.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TA S T E DR I N K

SPRITZ SZN Downtown’s new Loews Hotel has five stars and one very nice summer cocktail. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

BUSINESS IS

for the Stilwell restaurant, located inside downtown’s new Loews Hotel (1515 Wyandotte, St., KCMO). It would have been enough for the space to just be beautiful—and it is, polished and modern with a skyline view. But the cocktails at Bar Stilwell in the lobby and Horsefeather Social, the hotel’s stunning upper patio, are worth trying even if you’re not wearing a conference badge. The bars have separate drink programs. If you’re at the lobby bar, the New Midwest is the beverage of choice—local bourbon from Tom’s

Town is infused with butter and mixed with maple. Up seven floors at Horsefeather Social, while you lounge on patio furniture and watch the curves of the Kauffman Center reflect off the hotel’s sleek glass facade, bartenders are mixing up seasonal drinks that are sunny and summery. At some bars, coconutinfused drinks can taste a little like, well, suntan lotion. Not the CoCo Spritz. The lightly bitter and citrusy flavors of Aperol get a tropical boost from coconut oil, which is combined with vodka and Prosecco for a perfectly refreshing summer drink.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY K AYLA SZYMANSKI

G UA R A N T E E D

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

TA S T E B I T E S

NEWSFEED

WHAT’S NEW IN KANSAS CITY FOOD & DRINK The Peanut

The Tiki Train

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY RESPECTIVE VENUES

Trotting to Rosedale Southwest Boulevard is getting a new design studio and coffee shop. Foxtrot Studio, owned by designer Jordan Fox, sells a durable and practical line of leather goods including wallets, aprons and watches. For the company’s new shop (1639 Southwest Blvd., KCK), they’re tapping popular Brookside Farmers Market vendor Meta Coffee, known for its Kyoto-style single origin cold brew. “Bringing Meta Coffee Roasting on board was a no-brainer,” Fox says. “I’ve always wanted to incorporate a cafe space into the brand, and we both have a regard for simplicity in our lives, in design style and in our products we craft. I’m proud to have him alongside Foxtrot.” Fox says he loves the “diversity, proximity to the city and the grit” of the new shop’s neighborhood. The space will aim for a simple design that mixes modern with industrial and goes heavy on natural wood, metal and plants. Fox expects to open the second week of July. —Megan Folmsbee

Beer and Jazz The Jazz District will soon be home to the first Black-owned brewery in KC. Founders Kemet Coleman, Woodie Bonds and Elliot Ivory are planning to open Vine Street Brewing in the district, though they’re not yet ready to divulge the location. Coleman, a Kansas City native, got involved in the local beer scene back in 2013. “I was typically the only Black person at these brew festivals or the breweries I work with,” he says. Vine Street will be Coleman’s fourth attempt to start a brewery. He settled on the direction of the project in November 2020, when he aligned with his business partners. “I really wanted to do it now,” he says. “It’s not something you can just download and it’s here. It’s something you have to put in the work to do.” The brewery will aim to be a gathering place that celebrates the legacy of the Jazz District. “Music will definitely be interwoven into everything, from the design to branding to beer to our labels to the names of the beer,” Coleman says. —Sophia Lacy

Peanut Additive South KC is getting its own offshoot of the Peanut chain, The Pitch first reported. The original Peanut on South Main is one of our favorite bars in the city (page 75), as is the downtown location that’s also been owned by Melinda Kenny since 1981. Kenny licenses the name to a company called Peanut Midwest, which operates its own versions of the classic wing spot in Johnson County and the Northland. Peanut Midwest will open a new location in the former Luther’s Barbecue at 12921 State Line Road.

We’re into Tiki drinks right now, as evidenced by our naming Condor’s Cover Bar of the Year (page 66). So are the folks at Pierpont’s at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Road, KCMO), who have transformed a train car space into the Tiki Express Cocktail Experience, running through the end of July. Pierpont’s Conductor Club is a pandemic project that offers limited runs of themed and photo-worthy cocktails, as well as one-ofa-kind spirit tastings and themed cocktail experiences. The space includes a large booth area that’s now a personal cabana where groups of eight to ten can enjoy Zombies, Mai Tais and Grogs.

Tropics 2 Speaking of the South Pacific: Manila Bay Express is back. In March, the Filipino restaurant shuttered on Bannister Road after five years. Now, it’s reopened in Grandview (6305 Main St., Grandview) and once again serving up crispy pata, garlic rice, lechon and lumpia. The new location will sometimes open as early as 7 am for American breakfast and silog Filipino breakfast.

KANSASCITYMAG.COM JULY 2021

TA S T E PER FECT DAY

MOTHER OF GREENS Think of Gigi Jones as your local vegan ambassador. BY N ATA L I E TO R R E S G A L L AG H E R

was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015, her entire life changed. She says it was for the better. The diagnosis led to a lifestyle change, at the center of which was a plant-based diet, which gave way to a career change. Jones became Gigi the Vegan, a certified dietician and WHEN GIGI JONES

health and wellness coach. Before long, Jones was cancer-free—and she had the inspiration for a new business venture. In July 2020, she opened Gigi’s Vegan & Wellness Cafe in Westport, where you can pop in for a cold-pressed juice, pick up natural supplements or book a wellness class with Gigi herself. This month, Jones is expanding into publishing. Her debut cookbook, Jumpstart 21 Days to Veganism, comes out on July 16 with a release party at the cafe. You can find it at local grocery stores—including Nature’s Own, Price Chopper and Whole Foods—and, of course, at Gigi’s cafe. What’s in the cookbook? This is a kickstart to going vegan in twenty-one days. These are delicious foods that people usually prepare at home and we are veganizing them. It’s in memory of my mom, who died from heart disease. If I had known then what I know now, we could have reversed that. So I’ve taken a lot of her ordinary, everyday recipes and made them vegan. Tuna salad is

made with chickpeas and sea vegetables, and it’s delicious. Even if you don’t stay on a vegan diet long-term, it gives you a foundation. In your book, you talk about vibrational foods. What are those? When we take in what most people would consider raw foods—leafy green vegetables, red and purple vegetables—those are vibrational color foods that can help heal our bodies on a cellular level. I call them vibrational foods because when we eat foods that are alive, our body is alive. Who are your typical clients? I have a lot of clients that come to me because they or their parents are struggling with cancer or diabetes and they heard about my story or someone told them about me. I work with people who want to change their lifestyle, and I work in conjunction with their physician, so they go back to their physician and say, “This is what Gigi has me eating,” and nine times out of ten, the physician says, “That’s working for you. Stay on that.”

P E R F E C T DAY Up and at ‘Em “I start my day at 5 am with a workout at Woodside. I love going into the steam room after hitting the gym, and then I follow it up with my own cold-pressed green juice.”

Tea Time “Soulcentricitea on Troost flies under the radar. They have fabulous teas. I get the hibiscus tea and hide there with a book. It’s one of my favorite spots.” Snack Attack “I love Mattie’s Vegan for their nachos. Incredible cashew queso and cashew sour cream.”

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALEA BONJOUR

Breakfast Break “Urban Cafe has some great vegan options, and I think chef Justin Clark is amazing. I like the vegan urban bowl with quinoa, mushrooms, spinach and sweet potatoes.”

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BACKSTORY

2020

Researchers begin looking for lost graves near the Shawnee Indian Mission.

“

I FIRST VOLUNTEERED

at the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site in the late eighties, when they started having their fall festivals. I’ve always had an interest in history. Matter of fact, it’s what I taught for thirty-four years at Shawnee Mission South High School. After I retired in 2000, I wanted to do something on a regular basis, and I lived within walking distance of the Mission at the time. I started organizing their material in the library, and I’m still trying to get it organized.

KANSAS CITY JULY 2021

I had the idea to survey the cemetery on and off for four years and saw an opportunity to apply for a grant a year ago. I thought that if we could figure out how to do a ground-penetrating study, we might learn something from it. We send a radar signal that bounces back off of anomalies in the ground. Particularly, I wanted to know if we can definitively define additional graves in the cemetery. With groups of graves, I can try to look for families associated with the Mission. I think it will give us an understanding as to the life and death of that time period.

The school was established at the request of the Shawnee, and the students that attended this school attended with the permission of their parents. The objective was to bridge from their existing culture to the direction of the culture that their children were going to live in. It was the idea of skills that would enable a person to live in the world they’re going into, whether this is what they really wanted or not. It started as a day school but expanded to a boarding school in 1839 to serve more students. The records indicate that we had students from twenty-two different tribes. The Shawnee and the Delaware were the two major ones, as well as Wyandot, Ottawa and Kansa. The boarding school focused on basic reading, writing, arithmetic and vocational training. The boys were also taught blacksmithing and making rough carpentry. The girls would learn general homemaking skills: spinning, weaving, sewing and food preparation and preservation. It closed in August of 1862 due to the Civil War. The staff questioned recruiting students and staff to a school that is in an area of conflict. Logic says ‘shut her down.’ The director Thomas Johnson is the namesake of Johnson County. He was a slave owner, Southern sympathizer, but a pro-Union man. He was murdered in his home in 1865 for unknown reasons. While I can’t prove it, I’m prone to think his Union pledge contributed to him being killed.” —As told to Evan Musil by John Forbes, a volunteer librarian of the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site. Forbes conducted the ground survey along with Kristen Zane, a trustee of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THE SHAWNEE INDIAN MISSION STATE HISTORIC SITE

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

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