Chef Swetha Newcomb from Of Course applies the finishing touches to steak tartare
Wh e re t o Ea t NOW THE 10 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS IN KANSAS CITY
WHO IS NUMBER
1?
Plus Mouse House: Renovation funding for Disney’s first KC studio gets a boost Company Town: KC schools are making room for teachers
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913.800.1812 MALFERKC.COM Malfer & Associates is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Realty Group, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles, and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.
PUBLISHER
Kathy Boos
kathy@kansascitymag.com MANAGING EDITOR
Dawnya Bartsch
dawnya@kansascitymag.com ART DIRECTOR
Kevin Goodbar
kevin@kansascitymag.com
FIVE CO N V E N I E N T LO C AT I O N S TO S E RV E YO U
ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR
Molly Higgins
molly@kansascitymag.com FOOD EDITOR
Tyler Shane
tyler@kansascitymag.com PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Dominique Parsow
dominique@kansascitymag.com EDITORIAL INTERNS
Rachel Layton and Ryan Reed COPY EDITOR
Kelsie Schrader WEB COORDINATOR
Madison Russell SALES
Angie Henshaw
angie@kansascitymag.com WRITERS
Nina Cherry, Martin Cizmar, Liz Cook, Molly Higgins, Rachel Layton, John Martellaro, Reece Parker, Ryan Reed, Tyler Shane and Susie Whitfield
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14 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
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FEATURES DECEMBER 2023
56
KC’s Best New Restaurants Ten fabulous new restaurants making waves in KC’s food scene
78
46
112
Making Room for Teachers
Historic Style
Water Balloon
Why Kansas City schools are helping teachers pay their rent
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KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
A local designer looks to the future by both honoring and reimagining historic places.
The Worlds of Fun water tower was the first in the nation to have a logo.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH BAUMAN
Suadero Tacos at Barbacoa
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In This Issue DECEMBER 2023
FOCUS
25
Not Business as Usual
TREND
TA S T E
41
105
Grounded Boots Clunky boots are all the rage, and one local maker has embraced the trend.
Pop Culture
A shop in Parkville is the place to go for the most outrageous popcorn flavors.
William Jewell College creates a business incubator for students, entrepreneurs and investors.
42 Spa Day
Cutting-edge, non-invasive spa technologies are replacing plastic surgery.
106 Cocoa Cuties
Stocking stuffer season is here, and these locally made cocoa bombs make the perfect sweet treat.
44 Courageous Curls 108 Perfect Day Cancer survivor Crissi Curly uses art to empower women of color to celebrate their natural hair.
46 Haute History
Local designer Kelee Katillac draws inspiration from the past to reimagine historic spaces for the present and future.
28
30
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Deer Disease
Walt Disney’s first KC animation studio is due for a little TLC.
Hunters are being asked to monitor the deer they hunt.
Will Berndt of Marion Milling wants you to bake local this holiday season.
110 Newsfeed
The latest in KC food news
E V E RY I S S U E
20 Editor’s Letter 22 Up Front 34 Calendar 112 Surreal Estate
SCENE
33
36
38
High Note
Chef Chat
Holiday Hits
Notable children’s choir Allegro Choirs to perform at the Kauffman Center
18
Local food personality Jasper Mirabile dishes on his live radio show.
KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
A curated holiday jazz playlist from Kansas City artists
SPECIAL SECTIONS
83 Super Lawyers 54 Holiday Celebration
O N TH E C OVE R
Photography by Samantha Levi
Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com. In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911
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FROM THE EDITOR
I
T WAS A rainy late afternoon when
I first stepped into Vintage ’78. The bright white interior felt somehow urban, cozy and refreshing all at the same time. It was perfect. The Overland Park wine bar, one of our picks for this year’s Best New Restaurants, definitely made a good first impression. It’s timeless yet contemporary. For me, the neutral canvas of white paneled walls punctuated with seating and art in bright blue and yellow hues was a nice contrast to the gray skies outside. And then the food came. Who doesn’t like amazing wine, cheese and charcuterie? Vintage ’78 prides itself on a highly curated selection of all of the above, which makes it a standout. Although they do have more substantial food on the menu, my dinner companion— the publisher of this magazine—and I opted for flights of cheese, wine and charcuterie. It was a delicious learning experience. We Dawnya Bartsch unabashedly asked lots of questions: What MANAGING EDITOR should we try? What should we drink? How DAWNYA@KANSASCITYMAG.COM should we pair it all? We did not tell them who we were or that they were in contention for our best new restaurants list, and it didn’t matter. The staff laughed right along with us as we asked our questions, some sophisticated, some not so much. And that’s really what made it a great experience—the pleasant, accommodating and knowledgeable staff. You can read about Vintage ’78 and our other favorite new spots in our Best New Restaurants feature, which includes this year’s standout Of Course Kitchen & Company. Food is a common theme throughout this issue. Writer Susie Whitfield sat down with local chef, restaurateur and radio host Jasper Mirabile, who comes from a long line of KC chefs. Reading all about his culinary adventures was fun. Then there are also editorial interns Rachel Layton’s and Ryan Reed’s holiday cocoa bomb and popcorn picks, respectively. This is one of the best seasons to eat your way through. I think that’s what I’m going to do. Bon appetit!
20 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
C O N T R I B U TO R S
Ryan Reed
EDITORIAL INTERN
This month’s story on a brain disease infecting deer was written by Ryan Reed, a UMKC graduate student who enjoys weird art and public libraries.
Rachel Layton
EDITORIAL INTERN
Fall editorial intern Rachel Layton, a UMKC graduate student who also writes for Feast Magazine, wrote about KC Craft Ramen, one of KC’s best new restaurants. The Memphis native won Memphis Magazine’s Very Short Story Contest in 2020.
Zach Bauman
PHOTOGRAPHER
Several restaurants in this issue’s Best New Restaurants package were shot by photographer Zach Bauman, a KC-based editorial and commercial photographer.
HERMANN Enjoy the scenery and arrive at the Visitor Information Center at Amtrak
Taste and tour at Missouri’s most historic wineries
GROUP TRAVEL TOURS
Savor tasty German food and sweet treats at holiday bake sales
Our Tourism Services Team will help create a day they’ll always remember!
TO LEARN MORE CONTACT: Tourism Services
573.789.0771
Tour museums highlighting 19th century life, architecture, and Christmas traditions
TourismServices@VisitHermann.com
SCAN FOR A SAMPLE ITINERARY
Stroll the downtown shops and German Christmas markets for unique gifts
Visitor Information at
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UP FRONT
W H E E L O F F O RT U N E O R M I S F O RT U N E ? A story about the 150-foot ferris wheel at KC’s new entertainment district, Pennway Point, elicited lots of comments—mostly excited ones. However, many are questioning the location.
971
Situated next to the I-35 freeway, the ferris wheel soars above the thoroughfare. With its 36 fully enclosed, climatecontrolled gondolas, it’s not your typical carney ride. “It’s more than just a ride; it’s an experience,” says Curtis Parks, owner and operator of the massive ferris wheel.
Documented cases of chronic wasting disease in wild free-ranging deer in Kansas since 2001. PA GE 30
$1,437
The average monthly rent in Kansas City, according to Zillow. PA GE 7 8
70,000
KC residents, give or take a few, served by the Worlds of Fun water tank. PA GE 112
For the past few years, developers have been working to create a new vision for the forgotten space between the freeway and the Pennway bridges in the form of the new entertainment area. The district will have restaurants, bars, shops and activities such as this ferris wheel and mini golf.
Drove past there; looks pretty exciting! – Pamela Tribitt
Have fun rolling through downtown when it comes off. – Darell Lynch
It would be really cool if it wasn’t at the bottom of a hill with no real view. – Kristy Dailey
I loved this idea until I saw where it was built. The views from the bottom of a hill next to a crappy looking highway. Must’ve gotten a good deal on the real estate. – Burt Means
I’m concerned that those driving past the revolving attraction will cause accidents by not paying attention to the road! – Susan March I volunteer for various organizations that help the homeless. The city actually moved the homeless out of their area so that they could make room for the ferris wheel. I’m sorry, I’m very active in the community and the people I work with don’t need a ferris wheel. They are human beings that need shelter/food. – Marilyn Turner
You will be able to see 15 miles from the top. I live in the area and can see all the way to Legends and this will be higher than my building. – Danny Mason. No way. I’m afraid of heights! – Beth Evelyn. I’ll ride this, but I do wish it was on the riverfront. – Joni Sout
BEHIND THE SCENES
Photographer Samantha Levi shooting the sushi bar at Kata Nori, one of our picks for Best New Restaurants.
SHOUT OUT
Freelance writer John Martellaro really showed his professional chops this issue by turning in his copy three days before deadline! Unheard of.
Corrections In the November Power List feature, Lisa Ginter and John Thomson’s names were misspelled.
CONTACT US
Kansas City
P.O. Box 26823 Overland Park, KS 66225-6823 (913) 469-6700 EMAIL: editor@kansascitymag.com
“In a way, opening this restaurant is a way to make up for all the years I missed out on being Indian. This is me cheersing to my heritage.” – Swetha Newcomb, Of Course’s chef and owner.
22 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED; SAMANTHA LEVI
NUMBERS FROM THIS ISSUE
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Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood disorder that causes the body to make too many red blood cells. The high red blood cell count can make the blood thicker, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, organ, and tissue damage. The established goal of therapy is to maintain red blood cell levels, as measured by hematocrit, below 45%. Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. is developing rusfertide, an investigational drug designed to control the amount of iron available to make red blood cells. Rusfertide therapy is being studied in the VERIFY Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate its safety and ability to control the production of red blood cells in the blood, potentially reducing the need for phlebotomy treatment and improving patients’ quality of life..
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE STUDY? • At least 18 years old (or meets countryspecific age of consent). • Diagnosed with polycythemia vera. • Frequent blood draws to control hematocrit levels (e.g., at least 5 in the past year). • Other requirements will apply. THOSE WHO QUALIFY TO BE STUDY PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE AT NO COST: • Access to the study investigational drug. • Study support and monitoring by a healthcare team. • Education about PV. • The opportunity to help advance PV research. FOR MORE INFORMATION*: • US-Toll Free: 1-888-899-1543 • ptgxclintrials@ptgx-inc.com
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LEADING THE CONVERSATION IN KANSAS CITY
FOCUS
Idea Hub LIBERTY’S WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE CR E AT E S A BU S INES S INCU BATOR WHE R E STU D ENTS , ENTR EP R E NE U R S AND INVESTOR S ALL M I NG LE .
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BY REECE PARK ER
More than just a business idea incubator, the new Mathes Innovation Center at Liberty’s William Jewell College aims to graduate students with not just a job but a company they founded and own. “Our goal with this Innovation Center is to not only teach business to our students but to create an environment where collaboration and innovation allow our students to live business as they learn,” says Mark Mathes. Mark, along with his wife Karen Mathes and son and daughter-in-law Jared and Mary Mathes, all William Jewell College alumni, donated much of the money to create the center and programming. Continued on next page KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
25
FOCUS IDEA HUB
Continued from page 25 “There are many great ideas that never come to fruition due to the lack of infrastructure and assistance provided to the entrepreneur,” Jared says. The Mathes Innovation Center is meant to serve as a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs, innovators, students and community members alike. Individuals can find the tools they need for all things businessrelated. Programming will include events for both students and the community, offering coaching and networking opportunities. The center will also have rentable co-working spaces, event spaces and longterm options for local business owners to house their enterprises. The full-service center aims to offer support to entrepreneurs through all stages of the investment process in order to foster success. “We believe this approach will make us unique among the innovation centers throughout higher education nationwide,” Mark says. For students, the Mathes Innovation Center will be more than just another classroom. It’s “an opportunity
26
KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
“It’s an opportunity for students and business founders to test ideas and present them to all investor classes.”
for students and business founders to test ideas and present them to all investor classes, pivoting from the more traditional investment style,” Jared says. Conner Hazelrigg, assistant vice president of strategic innovation for the university, says, “As students have ideas, instead of just going through the traditional lines of education in terms of how to start a business, we are actually going to assist the student in doing that.” Although the Mathes Innovation Center is newly opened, students and community business owners have already taken advantage of the amenities offered through the program. Freshman and entrepreneur Daniel Lynn actually chose to attend William Jewell College because of the Innovation Center. Lynn started his pressure washing business, KC Splash, when he was 15 years old, and it has grown into one of the largest pressure washing companies in the area. Lynn, who learned of the new center when he was doing a pressure washing job in high school for Mark, says, “It’s a good place to bounce ideas off and find ways I can actually grow my business.”
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Innovation Center donors, Mark, Karen, Mary and Jared Mathes.
experience the joy and hope of christmas
Join us for
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KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
27
SEE YA REAL SOON The KC nonprofit trying to restore Walt Disney’s first animation studio and the birthplace of Mickey Mouse is beginning to procure the funds needed to make their dream a reality. B Y R E E C E PA R K E R M O S T M I S S O U R I A N S A R E aware that Walt Disney
was born and raised in the Show Me State, but what many don’t know is that a dilapidated building on East 31st Street in KC is the birthplace of the world’s most beloved animated mouse. It was here in this crumbling two-story building just a block east of Troost and a couple blocks west of the Paseo that Disney observed mice coming to eat crumbs, leading him to pen several cartoons that served as the foundation for future Disney star Mickey Mouse. Disney toiled away here, trying to make a go of it as a cartoonist in his fledgling business he called Laugh-OGram Studio. But an animation business proved difficult and Disney went bankrupt, so in 1923 he packed his bags and bought a one-way train ticket to Southern California, where he thought he could find more work. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. It was deemed structurally dangerous and scheduled for demolition—until a group of dedicated citizens decided to scrap together the funds to save it. Their nonprofit, called Thank You Walt Disney, aims not only
28
KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
Disney toiled away here, trying to make a go of it as a cartoonist in his fledgling business he called Laugh-OGram Studio.
to save the building but also eventually create an education center there. Restoring the LaughO-Gram Studio has been a labor of love for Thank You Walt Disney’s founder Butch Rigby and longtime member and current president Dan Viets. They have been on a mission for nearly 30 years to revitalize the historic building. As of now, the building is closed to the public and remains vacant, but this nonprofit’s story is one of patience and perseverance. Raising funds for the restoration project has been and continues to be a long process. Viets estimates they need $6.8 million to bring their vision for the studio to life. Twenty years ago, the organization received some initial funding from the Walt Disney Family Foundation, allowing them to save and stabilize the building but not fully restore it. But things are starting to look up. In February 2023, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver presented the organization with $2 million dollars in federal funding from the $40 million Cleaver secured for community projects for his district. “That’s the first big money we’ve seen in 20 years,” Viets says. So far, Thank You Walt Disney has received $3 million from various organizations and donors, and momentum seems to be building. A recent $5,000 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council to develop a short film chronicling the history and importance of the Laugh-O-Gram Studio and a matching grant by local arts enthusiast Richard E. Fagerberg has given the nonprofit $10,000 to move forward with the film project. The short 25-minute film will eventually serve as an orientation video for people who visit the LaughO-Gram Studio, educating visitors about the building’s importance, how it came into being and a little history about the films made there. Viets also hopes sharing the film with local philanthropies and organizations will help them raise the last of the money needed to fully restore the building. “The entire 20th century Hollywood animation industry grew out of the Laugh-O-Gram building in Kansas City,” says Viets. “It’s difficult to overstate the importance of what Walt accomplished.”
PHOTO WIKIPEDIA
FOCUS MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE
FOCUS DEER DISEASE
The first case of chronic wasting disesase in Kansas was documented in 2001. As of June 2023, CWD has been detected in 971 wild free-ranging deer.
A neurological disease affecting Kansas and Missouri deer populations is slowly spreading. B Y R YA N R E E D D O N ’ T C A L L I T Zombie Deer Disease.
“These animals are not aggressive and are not coming for your brains,” says Dr. Krysten Schuler, a research professor who studies chronic wasting disease, a neurological condition that affects deer, elk and moose populations and is colloquially often referred to as zombie deer disease. This disease has been found in both the Missouri and Kansas deer populations and is slowly spreading, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Now that hunting season is upon us, gaming officials in both states are asking hunters to bring in their prey for free testing if they suspect they might have killed an infected deer. Schuler, who works at the Cornell Center for Wildlife Conservation, says there have been no recorded cases of CWD affecting humans, but it’s still not recommended to eat deer that have been infected. Traditional cooking temperatures are not sufficient to remove the disease from infected meat. Regardless, CWD is concerning, as it has the potential to decimate deer populations in the regions and reduce the potential for future generations of hunters. “Infected deer can live up to two years after contracting CWD, but that usually isn’t the case,” Schuler says. The deer can suffer from aspiration pneumonia. Their erratic behavior and lack of awareness can drastically reduce their lifespan by limiting the ability to forage and making them more susceptible to car strikes.
30 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
The disease, which forms a plaque over the animal’s brain and leaves holes in the organ tissue, has been detected in 31 states since 1980, including Missouri and a majority of Kansas counties. The first case of CWD in Kansas was documented in 2001. As of June 2023, CWD has been detected in 971 wild free-ranging deer. How can Kansas and Missouri hunters help stop the spread of CWD? “In deer carcasses, the prions responsible for CWD are concentrated in the brain and spinal cord,” Schuler says. “Debone the carcass where it is killed to avoid transporting those to unaffected populations. Don’t transport dead deer, and don’t use natural deer urine.” Hunters are encouraged to have their kills tested for CWD to insure it is safe to eat as well as to help track the disease through deer populations. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation are offering free CWD testing. For more information about CWD testing as well as how to report erratic behavior in deer, go to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, ksoutdoors.com, or the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website, mdc.mo.gov.
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WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN DECEMBER
SCENE
Go: For more information and tickets, check out AllegroKC.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
High Note This month, two of KC’s top youth choirs will perform at the Kauffman Center during the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival. The festival started 24 years ago in Overland Park with just 30 youth singers. Now, the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, currently headquartered in Bonner Springs, boasts more than 200 singers organized into five choirs, representing over 50 public and private schools from first grade through high school. Christy Elsner, creative director and founder, is proud of the work they do. “We are the only nonprofit youth arts organization in Wyandotte County,” Elsner says. The choirs have sung at New York’s Carnegie Hall and St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy and for former President and First Lady Obama in the White House. This year, they will again be performing a number of shows in Washington D.C. and singing the National Anthem at local sporting events. Additionally, the choir’s artistic director, along with two singers, will be traveling to Kenya with other choral educators to help develop choir programs in the Nandi Hills. This holiday season, the choirs will be not only performing at the Kauffman Center but also singing at the candlelit Winter Blessings concerts at Visitation Catholic Church. –RYAN REED KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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including the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus,” sure to inspire some holiday spirit. December 1 & 2, 7 pm; December 3, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
W H A T Y O U W A N T T O D O T H I S M O N T H B Y M O L LY H I G G I N S
The Amen Corner December 1–3 and 6–9. 7:30 pm.
The Nutcracker December 1–24.
Clara and the Nutcracker prince are once again taking center stage at the Kauffman Center in The Nutcracker. Watch snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers come to life this holiday season in this heartwarming ballet choreographed by Devon Carney, with Tchaikovsky’s legendary score played by the Kansas City Symphony. December 1–24. Times vary. Kauffman Center.
Dirty Dancing in Concert December 1. 8 pm.
Revisit why “nobody puts Baby in a corner” in this new spin on the ’80s classic. In this live film-to-concert experience of Dirty Dancing, the digitally remastered film will be shown on a full-sized cinema screen while a live band and singers perform the film’s iconic soundtrack. Attendees can stay after the movie is over to continue singing along and dancing to the live band’s renditions of favorite songs from the film. December 1. 8 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
The Phil Collins Experience December 1. 8 pm.
Experience the legendary performances of Phil Collins in The
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The second show in the new season at KC Melting Pot Theatre, a professional theater company based in KC, is James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner. KCMPT’s new season explores what author and activist W.E.B. Du Bois called the “problem of the color line” with social relations in America. “Our season will examine the ways in which race, gender, sexuality and class shape how we understand equality and our capacity to affirm those unalienable rights during such a fragile sociohistoric moment in time,” says Linda Williams, KCMPT’s general manager. Baldwin’s first work written for the stage in 1954 tells the story of a Black female pastor in Harlem who must grapple with the social, cultural and gender limitations of pastoring a church when she is confronted by the secular life that she left behind. December 1–3 and 6–9. 7:30 pm. Just Off Broadway Theatre.
KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
Phil Collins Experience, performed by Kansas City magazine’s 2020 Best Male Vocalist, Terry Adams Jr. Adams is a British-born drummer who has mastered the drums lefthanded—just like Collins—for a truly authentic concert experience. The Phil Collins Experience is a multimedia production featuring a full band with backup singers and a horns section to take audiences back in time to experience Phil Collins in his Genesis and solo-career prime. December 1. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Handel’s Messiah December 1–3
With over 150 musicians and voices performing, this Baroque-era oratorio creates a triumphant twohour musical spectacle. Messiah, a once-elaborate opera production originally composed for Easter, is now a cherished Christmas classic and regarded as a choral masterpiece—
Grupo Frontera December 3. 7 pm.
Six-member Texas-based Mexican cumbia group Grupo Frontera was playing and recording locally in border towns in Texas only last year, but their collaboration with global superstar Bad Bunny earlier this summer landed them on the coveted Coachella stage, and the song landed them their first top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The band’s success is considered by many to be integral to the recent mainstream popularity of the regional Mexican genre. December 3. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Featuring Lee Langston December 5. 7 pm.
The timeless jazz music of Vince Guaraldi has become a staple in households for half a century thanks to the Charlie Brown cartoons. The classic arrangement of selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas will now be delivered live with a big band for the first time ever. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra with guest vocalist Lee Langston create new spins on the beloved holiday songs. December 5. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED; SHUTTERSTOCK
December
SCE N E CALENDAR
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical December 5–10.
Fresh off Broadway, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical tells the inspiring story of rock ‘n’ roll legend Tina Turner set to some of her biggest hits, including “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Listen to the true story of this musical force of nature while enjoying electrifying dance numbers and powerful vocals. December 5–10. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas December 7. 7:30 pm.
Inspired by the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet, this holiday reimagining brings together soon-to-be legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for a musical celebration featuring a nostalgic string of chart-topping favorites as they reflect on past and future Christmases at a historical moment in time when the fate and future of rock ‘n’ roll was yet to be determined. December 7. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play December 7–10, 14–17, 20–23. The 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life has been viewed millions of times across the globe, so it was time to put a new spin on this beloved, feel-good holiday film. In this new telling, the film has been reimagined as a radio play. Instead of a traditional play, actors will stand in front of microphones and deliver the performance as if it were broadcast on the radio. With holiday music, live sound affects and an ensemble cast, this new twist on the holiday standard is sure to excite and inspire. December 7–10, 14–17, 20–23. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
What If Puppets: Animal Amigos December 8–9
For over 30 years, What If Puppets has captivated young minds through puppets, which range
from glove puppets to marionettes to shadow puppetry, using humor and heart in stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of young audiences. In Animal Amigos, the audience gathers around the Tree of Life for a bilingual retelling of two Mexican folktales: “Tío Conejo” and “Medio Pollito.” December 8, 6 pm; December 9, 10 am. Polsky Theatre.
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert December 8–9
Revisit the beloved holiday classic in a new format as The Muppet Christmas Carol film is screened while the musical score is performed live. Join The Muppets gang for a lighthearted, familyfriendly rendition of this classic Charles Dickens holiday tale. Scrooge, played by Michael Caine, receives visits from spirits of three Christmases—past, present and future—to show him the error of his selfish ways, just in time for Christmas. December 8, 7 pm; December 9, 1 pm. Helzberg Hall.
conductor, witness Tim Burton’s celebrated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas like never before. The KC Symphony plays the darkly charming score by Danny Elfman while the movie is projected, creating an unforgettable cinematic symphony. December 14–17. 7 pm. Kauffman Center.
winter wonderland journey, dazzling with their incredible talents. December 12. 7:30 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
Christmas Festival December 14–17.
The KC Symphony and Symphony Chorus, in collaboration with the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, present the Christmas Festival this winter season. Guest conductor Caleb Young and vocalist Blaine Krauss showcase their unique musical arrangements of cherished carols, seasonal songs and a family singalong, plus an early visit from Santa to get audiences in the holiday spirit. December 14–17. Times vary. Kauffman Center.
This Is Important Podcast Live! December 15. 8 pm.
Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson and Kyle Newacheck, co-creators and stars of Comedy Central’s uber-popular (with millennials) Workaholics, host their podcast live in front of an audience. The boys will dive deep into serious discussions surrounding hot-button topics like grown men fighting children, bowel movements and so much more. December 15. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
The Nightmare Before Christmas December 14–17. 7 pm.
With Jason Seber as the guest
Heartland Men’s Chorus Presents A Very Merry Christmas Pageant December 10. 3:30 pm.
Heartland Men’s Chorus brings audiences the most fabulous and competitive holiday extravaganza ever as they compete in a pageant that promises to be the event of the holiday season—complete with drama and laughter through vocal performances, high-energy dance numbers and tons of holiday spirit. December 10. 3:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
A Magical Cirque Christmas December 12. 7:30 pm.
Taking elements from Cirque du Soleil’s beloved acrobatic performances, this national tour is coming to KC for one night only. A Magical Cirque Christmas promises to be an unforgettable holiday variety show experience where entertainers will take audiences on an immersive
Trans-Siberian Orchestra December 16. 2:30 & 7:30 pm.
Ultimate winter rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra has dominated the super-niche holiday-progressive metal genre for almost 30 years. With their unassuming instruments like guitar, drums and strings, the huge powerhouse group is an anomaly. TSO is the first major rock band to go straight to theaters and arenas—they have never played at a club, never had an opening act and never been an opening act. December 16. 2:30 & 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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FOCUS LET’S DISH
Local food personality Jasper Mirabile dishes on his live cooking show while teaching cooking techniques and exploring new ones. BY SUSIE WHITFIELD C A N A N O R D I N A R Y cook make an ordinary dessert taste extraordinary? Like
to die for? In about a minute? “Absolutely,” says Jasper Mirabile, Jr., award-winning chef and owner of Jasper’s Italian Restaurant on 103rd Street and State Line. “Next time you do brownies from a box, sub in red wine instead of water.” Mirabile’s unconventional cooking tips are a regular feature of “Live from Jasper’s Kitchen,” a hugely popular radio cooking show that he broadcasts live on KCMO Talk Radio 95.7 FM and 710 AM every Saturday from 11 am to noon. Mirabile’s passion for food has inspired him to write cookbooks, lead cooking tours of Italy, give cooking classes and host his own radio cooking show. The idea for the show began in 2007, Mirabile says, “when my friend David Ball and I were having lunch and he says, ‘I’m looking at this cookbook you just wrote (Jasper’s
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KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
Kitchen Cookbook), and you need a radio show.’” And the rest, as they say, is history. Ball, chairman and CEO of Balls Food Stores, sponsors the show. Mirabile’s approach for getting guests on the show is simple. “I don’t have a secretary or anything like that,” Mirabile says. “I just call people up. Yeah, I’ve had Wolfgang Puck and Rachael Ray and Emeril Lagasse on the show. But I love the little guy, too. There’s this Noah Belcher, 19 years old. He’s going to be world famous. Our young Kansas City chefs can stand their ground with any chef in the country.” Mirabile remembers being nervous when Bobby Flay, celebrity chef and restaurateur, agreed to be on the show. “I really thought I was being set up for Bobby’s ‘Throwdown,’” Mirabile says, referring to Flay’s nineseason show on which he challenges award-winning cooks by preparing their specialty dish and having impartial judges decide which is better.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MORSMAN
MANGIAMO!
“I just call people up. Yeah, I’ve had Wolfgang Puck and Rachael Ray and Emeril Lagasse on the show. But I love the little guy, too.” “I get to the station and there’s a crowd of people waiting—hundreds of cars and TV cameras,” Mirabile says. “I get on the elevator with this strange guy, and when we get off, everybody starts screaming. But it’s not for me. And it’s not for Bobby Flay.” Mirabile grins. “It was David Cook, who rose to fame after winning the seventh season of American Idol in 2008. Bobby Flay and I just laughed about it. But I did tell him we should do a Throwdown someday, perhaps meatball or cannoli.” Mirabile doesn’t do any prepping before air time. “I want it to be a conversation, but my producer John Taylor has brought the show to a new level by editing the music and creating the perfect backgrounds. “I do the show from my kitchen because that’s where I work,” Mirabile continues. “I’m interested in food and where it comes from. I go to the grocery store at least three times a week to look at what’s just come in and create ways to incorporate it into the show. I go to Tippin’s and talk to the guy who makes pies. I go to Shatto’s Dairy and milk the cows and make the cheese.” Mirabile’s passion for food and his collaboration with chefs worldwide result in a show that is rarely predictable but always overflowing with insider information. Another surprising tip from the show: “Fudge made with Velveeta,” Mirabile says. “Yeah.” The show has featured Italian Christmas cookies, Arthur Bryant’s, Chef Dana Cree, Freshwater Fine Dining, the Sicilian Tenors, Gene Simmons, Manny’s and the Kauffman Stadium Kosher Cart. Mirabile says sometimes the most random occurrences can lead to fascinating interviews. “The guy fixing my pool told me he was going to Florence, Kansas, for motorcycle racing,” Mirabile says. “So of course I ask him where he’s going to eat, and he says: ‘The Brandin’ Iron. It’s this cool place—an old opera house that’s been renovated and has great steaks.’ So I called the restaurant and had Sara Dawson, one of the owners, on the show.” Mirabile grew up in the restaurant business. In 1954, his father founded the iconic Jasper’s Ristorante on 75th Street and Wornall. “Everybody knew my father Jasper,” Mirabile says. “People still remember the tuxedoed waiters and the white tablecloths and the fabulous veal parmigiana. “My nonna and poppa helped him open the restaurant,” Mirabile continues. “Getting the Mobile 4 Stars, AAA 4 Diamond Award, Zagat’s list of best Italian restaurants, the DiRoNA Travel Holiday Award—this meant so much. And my dad wasn’t the only great cook in the family. Barilla has my grandmother’s recipe, Capelli d’Angelo alla Nanni. Everybody loved her food.” Mirabile has always been passionate about food. “I attended the University of Las Vegas Restaurant and Hotel School, and I’d just returned from New York having watched Macy’s Cellar cooking classes,” says Mirabile of the once-popular cooking program. “So I’m 18 years old, and Linda Davis of Wolferman’s is asking me to give a cooking class. I was stunned.”
Mirabile, with his father hovering close by, made a Caesar salad and veal lemonato. His mother had sent along sixty of her famous cream puffs for dessert. “In those days,” Mirabile says, “people taking a cooking class just got a tiny taste of everything you made. But my dad said, ‘You gotta feed these people!’ So everybody got a fabulous meal, and my career path was set.” Mirabile remembers his father was “over the moon when I was invited to James Beard House in New York City to give a cooking class.” “My dad said, ‘Everybody knows we’re from Kansas City, but you gotta hit these people with something other than steak and barbeque.’ So I did scampi alla livornese—by the way, I will never give out that recipe,” Mirabile says with a grin. “And I created my lobster cappuccino on the spot when the cappuccino machine wouldn’t do foam. I poured lobster bisque into all the cappuccino cups and popped a dollop of whipped cream on top. Sweet and savory!” In 1997, the Mirabile family moved their restaurant to the Watts Mill Shopping Center, bringing the light fixtures, mirrors, fireplace mantle and artwork to the new location. Mirabile’s father died in 1998. However, Mirabile continues the tradition of preserving authentic Italian cuisine. He’s given over 2,000 cooking classes there since 1985. “You come, you watch me cook a four-course meal, and I provide the recipes. Once a month on Saturdays, we take over the whole dining room.” Some of the inspiration for his radio show and his cooking classes comes from the trips he takes every year to Italy. “I take 18 to 20 people with me and we explore parts of Italy that are pretty unknown,” Mirabile says. “We went to Certaldo, a city in Tuscany, and learned how to make onion soup with the famous Certaldo red onions. Most people think it’s French onion soup, not Italian, but that’s just because Catherine de’ Medici took her chefs and their recipes with her when she married the King of France.” Occasionally, Mirabile likes to tweak the menu at Jasper’s after an inspiring meal in Italy. “I can never change the traditional menu here,” Mirabile says. “Paul Rudd wants his chicken parmesan. But I can add a new twist here and there.” Mirabile loves the fact that the family restaurant tradition is continuing. “My brother Leo, my nephews and their sons are all part of the business,” he says. “Every day, one of us is in the restaurant. We like to say, ‘Mirabile in the house!’ We’re so lucky. “You know what restaurant, or ‘ristorante,’ means in Italian?” Mirabile continues. “It means to restore. To restore people through the radio show, the restaurant, the cookbook and the cooking classes. That’s our job.” KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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S C E N E BACKBEAT
HOLIDAY HITS
Swing in the holiday cheer with a jazz playlist from Kansas City artists. BY NINA CHERRY A S I D E F R O M S A C R E D carols, many beloved holiday
classics were composed in the swing era, making Christmas music and jazz as smooth a pairing as eggnog and brandy. Kansas City jazz musicians have been recording their own expansive collection of songs, including hymns, contemporary staples and originals, to get you in the holiday spirit. Swing in the good cheer with this homegrown holiday soundtrack.
TODAY’S PICKS
“White Christmas” Charlie Parker
“Jingle Bells” Count Basie Orchestra
“Christmas Spirits” Julia Lee
“Skating” Paula Saunders
“Have a Very Merry Christmas” Andrea Lewis
Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker graced the airwaves on Christmas Day in 1948 with a historic rendition of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” alongside his quintet. Broadcasted live from the Royal Roost—celebrated as the birthplace of bebop—in Manhattan’s Theater District, Bird’s bebop interpretation takes flight with a brisk tempo, a departure from the once-ballad, and his virtuosic solo interjects a brief but unmistakable quote from “Jingle Bells.” Bird’s dynamic take on the holiday favorite remains a unique gem as the only known holiday recording in his discography.
The Count Basie Orchestra’s hard-swinging arrangement of “Jingle Bells’’ was first performed live amid the heat of an NYC summer in 1961. Arranger and saxophonist Ernie Wilkins arrived at the big band’s gig at Birdland—just down the street from the Royal Roost—clutching a freshly penned manuscript. Following the live performance, the arrangement was formally recorded and released a year later in 1962 by Roulette Records. With Basie’s distinct touch at the piano and a joyous, exuberant brass section, the recording swiftly earned its status as a classic. The recording also showcases the skills of two other significant KC musicians: Saxophonist Frank Wess and guitarist Freddie Green also appear on this holiday classic.
Pianist and singer Julia Lee’s original “Christmas Spirits” is equal parts festive and flirtatious, embodying the Kansas City style with Lee’s bluesy, laid-back swing sensibility. The song opens with a dissonant and almost jarring play on “Jingle Bells,” but the holiday blues quickly take an audacious turn, casting the song as a risqué love letter to none other than Santa Claus himself. Like many of Lee’s songs, “Christmas Spirits” faced a challenge in terms of radio play due to its suggestive lyrics. Reliant on jukebox plays and record sales alone, the track reached No. 16 on the Billboard R&B chart in January 1949 and was one of Lee’s final hits with Capitol Records. The track also features Kansas City drummer Sam “Baby” Lovett, a longtime collaborator of Lee’s.
Singer Paula Saunders shines in her a capella delivery of “Skating,” originally from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. Saunders’ warm vocals and skillful scatting blend seamlessly with Guaraldi’s rich harmonies in this lyricless cover. Released last month, “Skating” is part of the Soul of Santa Christmas Album, a compilation album released by the Soul of Santa “Do Good’’ Foundation (headquartered in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District) and produced by Grammy-nominated producer Jo Blaq. Blaq boasts an impressive portfolio working with renowned artists including Diana Ross, Jill Scott and Rihanna. The album is set to serve as the soundtrack for the upcoming Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District and The Shops of Blue Parkway this year.
Released during the pandemic in 2020, Andrea Lewis’ “Have a Very Merry Christmas” became an uplifting musical respite in a year filled with uncertainty. Her Christmas album’s title track, the song was composed by Andrea and artfully arranged for a big band by her husband, trombonist and composer Marcus Lewis. With a funky groove, an infectious melody and buttery horns, it’s an earworm you’ll find yourself humming along to this season.
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KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
GO: Scan the QR code to listen to these picks and more holiday favorites from KC artists.
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Buckle Up Kansas City’s cooler fall and winter temperatures make it the perfect backdrop for the buckle- and lace-up leather footwear that’s recently been seen clomping down the catwalk. Many of the 2023 couture cold-weather runway looks paid tribute to Vivienne Westwood, a legendary fashion designer who passed away last December. Westwood’s fashion design and aesthetics are largely credited with making modern punk and new wave fashion mainstream. While we admit the women’s punk leather boot came into vogue a decade ago, in the 2010s, this time around it’s more polished, contemporary with a masculine twist on the old fav. This new take brings a tougher, rougher edge to many feminine looks as well as a bit of an androgynous or gender-neutral twist. One local maker bringing this aesthetic to the local KC scene is Thomas Benjamin, who makes shoes in the old-world cobbler style—completely handmade and made to order. Benjamin’s focus is on keeping with traditional craftsmanship while combining it with today’s fashion trends. Benjamin’s studded combat boots paired with feminine floral maxi dresses give the classic look some edge while laced or distressed boots take inspiration from menswear. Fashionistas everywhere are pairing laced or buckled boots with contrasting looks, such as a faux fur coat or rich silk dress. —MOLLY HIGGINS KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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TR E N D MEDICA L SPAS
NO NEEDLES REQUIRED More folks are turning to non-invasive technologies in lieu of plastic surgery. B Y M O L LY H I G G I N S W I T H W I N T E R B R E A K S , celebratory parties and holiday pictures around the corner, many
people want to get photo-ready without the downtime or recovery period that comes with surgical procedures. In recent years, as the technology used in medical spas has rapidly advanced, doctors and aestheticians have been able to accomplish liposuction- and facelift-like results without the hassle of—and possible negative or dangerous consequences of—surgery. “Anything with less downtime is preferred, which is why things are turning more to the non-invasive treatments than surgical,” says Dawn Swartz, spa and front office manager at Mia Bella Donna MedSpa in Overland Park. “Everybody’s social schedules get so busy and they want something that gives them corrections without having the downtime—the sutures, the bruising and all of the follow-up appointments. There are a lot more laser-tightening
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KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
devices coming out for collagen elasticity. Everybody wants to create the mini facelift without actually having a mini facelift.” Dr. Dan Margolin of Physician Aesthetic Specialists in Lenexa is one specialist leading the trend of non-invasive treatments. Margolin practiced general surgery at Saint Luke’s for twenty years before creating his medical spa focused on patient education and holistic care. Margolin thinks that tabloids with “plastic surgery gone wrong” headlines and popular shows like Botched have altered peoples’ perceptions of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in recent years. Recent technology has gone from quick fixes to a more holistic approach that starts at the health of the skin. “I’m hearing more and more from people that want to still look like themselves, they don’t want drastic changes,” Margolin says. “It’s all about reversing skin age, and that starts with rebuilding collagen and elastin. If you have a facelift, regardless of how extreme or subtle it is, all they’ve done is cut and tighten, but it hasn’t done anything to reverse your skin age. It’s not restoring your youth. It’s just pulling things tight. There’s so much more to it than that—it’s about the health of the skin.” Radiofrequency microneedling devices are a popular non-invasive method. For something like under eye bags, the devices make it so that patients no longer need to go under anesthesia and get incisions; instead, they can get a numbing injection and simply melt the fat away. Radiofrequency energy cannot only melt away unwanted fat, but also stimulates the local production of collagen and elastin. Patients will see some immediate results, but the results continue to improve over the next several months. For fat loss, Margolin has ditched fads like “cool sculpting,” which used liquid nitrogen to try to freeze the fat cell, and turned to a device called the Emsculpt Neo, which uses radiofrequency energy. “This uses radiofrequency energy to evenly disperse and destroy the fat by allowing the fatty acids to leak out of the cells,” Margolin says. “We see a 30 percent increase in muscle mass and 30 percent decrease in fat in the treated area. For example, in the abdomen area, we use electromagnetic stimulation to stimulate muscle contraction. Each 30-minute session is the equivalent of doing 20,000 crunches and this can be done on any body part.”
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY PHYSICIAN AESTHETIC SPECIALISTS
Pictured: Dr. Dan Margolin uses a radiofrequency microneedling device on a patient.
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T R E N D I N TERV I EW
Tell us about the beginning of your art career.
I couldn’t walk for some time without having chronic pain [post-cancer], and I had to sit down. That’s when the art started to grow. Art helped me regain my confidence and realize I can create something from my head and put it out on paper. I started teaching other people those ideas through my mobile paint and sip [classes]. I have art classes for any age. Once you learn the basics of art, I believe that you can do anything. Eventually, my family and friends started coming with me [to showcases at First Fridays in the Crossroads]. I love curating art events and helping people of color to be represented in the Crossroads. How does your social work background affect your art practices? I believe art therapy is a great way
to open up people’s minds and help them express themselves when they don’t know what to say. Art helps people put their feelings on paper without actually writing it. When it comes to art, I can help our community understand or process some of their feelings before they react. I help them to recognize [their feelings] and how to cope. What inspires your art? I want to show that natural
Cancer survivor Crissi Curly uses art to empower women of color to celebrate their natural hair. B Y M O L LY H I G G I N S KC N AT I V E A N D artist Crissi Curly, née Christi Rice, started exploring her artistic abilities
over seven years ago, when she found out that she had cancer while pregnant with her son. Curly had never explored her artistic talents until she had a vision of a Black woman with hidden messages in her hair. Because Curly couldn’t be active after her post-cancer surgeries, she decided to use her time to make her vision a reality. She began creating empowering art focused on Black women using mixed mediums and everyday objects with various textures like plastic water bottles and yarn. “Art is a story,” Curly says. “My art is going to live on when I am not here anymore. For me, being scared with the whole C-word of cancer, art has still been in the forefront— even in the traumatic last few years. Art has helped me stay focused on my mission, especially when you’re threatened that life may end.” For Curly, an art therapist at Raytown High School, the mission is to help people express themselves. She also aims to empower people through her celebratory art and through KC Curly—an annual event that brings together girls and women of color to celebrate their natural hair.
44 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
Tell us about KC Curly. It started with the first art
piece [a mixed media portrait of a Black woman]. Then I started wearing my afro and I didn’t feel like I was pretty. So I put a status on Facebook that I was going to have a photoshoot to uplift everybody that is transitioning to natural hair. Once I started talking to more women, they were feeling the same way I was feeling. Hearing their stories of them transitioning to natural hair and how their boss said it wasn’t professional—this is not just me, this is our whole community feeling like this. I love the fact that I can bring the community together because of something that society has made us feel as if we were not beautiful for—showing little girls that you are beautiful. I wish I had that when I was little. Follow @crissitheartist on Instagram for events or to book a paintand-sip party. Visit kccurly.com to learn more about KC Curly.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MORSMAN
COURAGEOUS CURLS
hair is actually very beautiful. When I go to a museum, often it’s not a representation of Black women in a beautiful light. Instead, they’re in a cornfield or enslaved and their hair is covered. Growing up, I had very thick hair and to certain people it would be [considered] unmanageable. I grew up insecure, thinking that my hair needed to be straight, and a lot of us in the community have felt that same way.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
395 REALTY: TODAY’S SUCCESSFUL WAY TO SELL YOUR HOME Owners Kevin Hopkins and Greg Shahan are focused on providing the highest level of service and cost savings to home sellers and buyers by using a hybrid commission plan of $695 plus .5%* of the sale price, while still offering the full service of a traditional real estate agency.
Measuring Experience
Changing the Model The internet has changed the process of selling in the real estate market, allowing Kevin and Greg to offer this concept to homeowners. Most clients turn to the internet and the convenience of their desktop or phone to review homes in their desired area. Much of the work that years ago was completed by an agent is now done by the buyer. Also, in the past, a large portion of the cost of selling a home went to an advertising budget for newspaper ads, brochures and more. Kevin and Greg claim the broker’s biggest expense has been eliminated, but those savings were never delivered to the customer. That’s not the case at 395 Realty. The dollars are being passed on, but the services are not being shortchanged. When 395 Realty gets a listing, it’s placed in the
Multiple Listing Services and within hours it’s broadcast to thousands of websites. “What are you getting for those thousands of dollars in real estate commissions you pay at another real estate agency? On a $300,000 home, that’s $9,000 just on the listing side of the equation, but clients aren’t getting $9,000 dollars worth of services,” shared Kevin. “At 395 Realty, we’ve created a fee structure that’s fair and reasonable for both parties. It’s not a gimmick; it’s not intended to be some type of a discount service. It’s a full-service real estate company with fees and structure based on what is fair and reasonable for the consumer and our company.”
“In addition, it’s our experience and technical knowledge that set us apart from the competition,” noted Greg. “When a client–buyer or seller–is looking at the services of a real estate agent, it should be the number of transactions they’ve had over time. Experience comes from each and every one of them, which protects the seller’s or buyer’s best interest in that transaction.” Together Kevin and Greg have more than 50 years of experience in real estate; that solid knowledge is the foundation of this successful company. Their business model is focused on selling hundreds of homes at a flat-fee rate, not a few houses sold at the typical six percent commission that other brokers use. Clients are delighted with the thousands of dollars that stay in their pockets. If you’re contemplating selling your home, doesn’t it make sense to call Greg and Kevin at 395 Realty? Don’t pay for services that fit the market of a decade ago. Use their hybrid commission plan of $695 plus .5%* of the sale price and keep dollars in your pocket. *See 395Realty.com for details.
VISIT 395REALTY.COM OR CALL 913-944-4000.
TREND HOME The lobby of the historic Hotel Kansas City, which got a fresh makeover by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, has been a source of inspiration for Katillac’s wallpaper work with Adelphi.
A FRESH TAKE
ON HISTORY KANSAS CITY DESIGNER KELEE KATILLAC HONORS THE PAST WITH DESIGN FOR TODAY.
By Dawnya Bartsch. Photography by Aaron Leimkuehler & Karen Swope 46 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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TREND HOME
DESIGNER KELEE KATILLAC DOESN’T SEE HISTORIC PROPERTIES AS STODGY AND STUCK IN THE PAST. TO HER, THEY’RE PART OF AN EVER-EVOLVING STORY TO BE EMBRACED.
Historic Style can be found on Amazon.com and historicstyle. com; 20 percent of December book proceeds will be donated to Missouri Preservation Preservation (preservemo.org), a nonprofit a nonprofit dedicated to saving historic buildings and places in Missouri.
48 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
In her new bold, vibrant coffee table book Historic Style, Katillac documents her philosophy of acknowledging the past, even the not-so-nice parts, and honoring these elements while reimagining and renovating these places for contemporary living. To save historic homes, buildings and places, she writes, “we need to bring our personal story to the narrative. The human spirit cannot thrive within a time capsule. The future of preservation depends on honoring and including all who co-created our built environment.” Katillac showcases her philosophy through an eclectic design sensibility that marries the old with the new using vibrant colors and art from all eras and disciplines, including fashion and music. Historic Style encapsulates Katillac’s aesthetic and documents how she goes about creating hipster havens, all within the parameters of government-mandated historic standards for registered structures. Katillac draws inspiration from grand historic homes and properties around the
nation, using them as “case studies’’ for her renovation work. She often refers to places like George Washington’s Mount Vernon home or James Madison’s Montpelier estate, both in Virginia, but she has also drawn inspiration from not-quite-as-famous places right here in KC, such as Hotel Kansas City and La Villa, a home built in the Country Club Plaza neighborhood. She uses these buildings’ architectural and design elements along with their histories to formulate ideas for the historic renovations she’s working on. She also applies these ideas to her creative collaboration with historical wallpaper purveyor Adelphi Paper Hangings. The book is a collaboration between Katillac and writer Jorge Arango. Through an extensive array of historic photos, current project shots and graphic elements that include Katillac’s reimagined historic wallpaper designs, an inspired book emerges, opening up a creative world for the reader and design enthusiast. The book’s pages are punctuated with Katillic’s playlists and excerpts from her design diaries.
Recoloring is a way to “make wallpapers our own by seeing them through a more modern lens.”
Katillac’s concept room showcasing the “Westwood Gothic” wallpaper, inspired by Hotel Kansas City’s lobby and stained glass windows.
POSH GOTHIC Before it became Hotel Kansas City, it was the Kansas City Club. Built between 1918 and 1922, the 14-story Gothic revival building housed a men’s social and networking club. The hotel’s grand, darkpaneled Gothic lobby and a meeting room’s stained-glass windows served as inspiration for Katillac’s reimagined Adelphi “Westwood Gothic” wallpaper. The original pattern is from an original 1840s American wallpaper piece that has been recolored in orange-red, blue
and citrine colors found in the stained-glass windows. Recoloring is a way to “make wallpapers our own by seeing them through a more modern lens,” Katillac says. Katillac illustrates a “concept room” in her book, which she created using the retooled and modernized wallpaper along with other design elements from the hotel, conjuring up visions of a VIP rockstar suite. KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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The building looks to Seville with its Spanish colonial design aesthetic.
A virtual concept room in Kansas City’s La Villa displaying “Parson Smith and Arch” wallpaper, which was originally designed in somber colors for a parsonage. Katillac updated it by bathing it in a neon-like purple.
VIVA LA VILLA! La Villa, originally a home but now an event venue built in KC’s exclusive Country Club neighborhood, is a perfect example of how Katillac uses historical design elements in a way that acknowledges the not-so-pleasant past of many historic structures. For example, Country Club developer J.C. Nichols specifically excluded people of color from living in his neighborhoods. Katillac argues that through design, these spaces can be made enjoyable by all by honoring the many people who made these places a reality, “possibly healing wounds,” Katillac says. So much of the Country Club area’s buildings are rooted in the architecture of Seville, Spain, and La Villa is no different. The building looks to Seville with its Spanish colonial design aesthetic.
50 KANSAS CITY DECEMBER 2023
When Katillac was tasked with reimagining Adelphi’s “Parson Smith Pillar and Arch” wallpaper circa 1760-1770, rather than viewing the pattern as a scene from an English country garden, she saw it as “Spanish Colonial ruins alive and yet crumbling.” To illustrate those thoughts, she took inspiration from La Villa’s design, turning the pattern into a purple neoclassical fantasy. It “became something completely different,” Katillac says. “I saw it as more decadent—hot, humid, like the magical realism of Latin literature,” hence the paper’s deep purple. By treating the paper differently, she hopes to pay homage to the labor and sacrifices made by Mexican workers who helped build these structures at the time and who often go unmentioned.
Saving the Blosser home, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, was a yearslong process. The Gentleman’s Drawing Room in The Blosser House. The room’s yellow palette honors Dr. Arthur Elman, who, in his youth, sped around Europe on a canary-yellow motorcycle. Katillac’s “Philadelphia Harlequin” is a circa-1807 wallpaper pattern that she reimagined, saturating the original pattern in a bold yellow.
THE HENRY BLOSSER HOUSE In 2014, then-Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared the 150-yearold Henry Blosser House and estate in Malta Bend to be the most endangered historic places in the state and in need of a guardian angel. Enter Dr. Arthur Elman and his wife, Carolyn Elman. They bought the property, and with Katillac’s guidance, it has become a master study on how to breathe new life into an old, crumbling homestead with an important history. “Almost every architectural element—fireplaces, moldings, doors, newel posts—had been stolen, stripped and discarded or vandalized,” Katillac says of the Second Empire-style home. Saving the Blosser home, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, was a yearslong process. Katillac worked with the National Park Service to redesign and create a plan that met the historic preservation standards but also had a modern sensibility. She re-colored 12 different handblocked Adelphi wallpapers from the past 300 years specifically for the Blosser estate. KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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BUILT ON PURPOSE 800 pediatric specialists + YOU Our 800 pediatric specialists and you, our community champions, work together to help kids get back to building their dreams.
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Join us today. Visit childrensmercy.org/give or call 1 (833) KC-GIVES
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Friends, Family & Topsy’s Popcorn Nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like delicious Topsy’s popcorn. Pick up a tin for your next gathering or as the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for someone. Then pop the top and enjoy those classic flavors: classic butter, savory cheese, spicy cinnamon and sweet caramel.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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H O L I D AY
Celebration 1. Cinder Block Brewery
5. Georgous Aesthetic Bar
cinderblockbrewery.com
georgouskc.com
Ring in the new year at Cinder Block Brewery’s Reclamation Room. The event space will be decked out in a Roaring ‘20s theme, so dress in your best flapper dress or gangster themed costume. Enjoy Champagne Cider, New Year’s Eve cocktails, Cinder Block craft beer selections, food, jazzy tunes and a midnight toast. December 31 from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Feel your best this holiday season and schedule an appointment at Georgous Aesthetic Bar or give that special someone a gift card so they can get what they really want! With a range of services and treatments from the DiamondGlow Facial to Botox, there’s something for everyone on your list.
2. Price Chopper mypricechopper.com Gather around the holiday table with Price Chopper! They offer a festive assortment of delicious, homestyle meals featuring all of your favorites, all you have to do is heat and serve! Order now in store or online. Allow 48 hours notice for pick up.
3. Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements
6. K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel k9resorts.com When you book your pet’s holiday stay at K9 Resorts, your pup will be pampered and treated with a special holiday gift. All dogs boarding during the month of December receive a FREE doggie ice cream treat. Mention Kansas City Magazine when scheduling your pup’s stay.
7. Blind Box BBQ blindboxbbq.com
Family gatherings and Char Bar’s southerninspired, chef-driven barbecue is the perfect combination as you celebrate the season. Choose from appetizer menus to lunch and dinner buffets, or meat by the pound. They will do the cooking, and you can take the credit.
Stress less while enjoying this holiday season. With delectable catering from Blind Box BBQ – featuring whole smoked turkey, ham, salmon, prime rib, and delicious, classic sides and desserts– you can take the worry out of the holidays and focus on what matters most. Enjoy your celebration, Blind Box can handle the cooking.
4. Church of the Resurrection
8. Meat Mitch BBQ
charbarbbq.com
ChristmasAtResurrection.org
meatmitchbbq.com
Experience the joy of the season during Candlelight Christmas Eve service at one of six Resurrection locations in the Kansas City area. Share in the warmth of passing the candlelight as you sing carols and hear the Christmas story. The services are also being broadcast online and on TV.
From small get-togethers to large scale events, Meat Mitch’s award-winning barbecue is the perfect way to impress your guests during the holidays. They help you create your perfect menu, complete with mouthwatering smoked meats and classic sides. Catered menus are offered for in-home dining or in the restaurant, either way, it’s sure to be a smokin’ success!
MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT WITH A VARIETY OF WAYS TO CELEBRATE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Bacaro Primo’s prosciutto and burrata with roasted delicata squash and olive breadcrumbs
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Where To Eat Now. 10 GREAT RESTAURANTS
FROM A BOLD NEW ERA
HOW W E MAD E T H I S LI ST
For this list, we looked at restaurants that have been open since December 2022. We paid our own way and did not announce ourselves. Advertisers were not favored. Restaurants of every type were considered. We picked restaurants that offer an exceptional dining experience and enrich the city’s cultural landscape.
OF KANSAS CITY FOOD.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH BAUMAN
W R I T T E N BY
Dawnya Bartsch, Martin Cizmar, Liz Cook, Rachel Layton, John Martellaro, and Tyler Shane PH OTO G R A PH Y BY
Zach Bauman, Caleb Condit, Samantha Levi, Rebecca Norden, Anna Petrow, and Kelly Powell
BEST NEW RESTAURANTS
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PHOTOGRAPH BY
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Insider Tip Happy hour takes place on Tuesdays, with $4 off cocktails and mocktails. Cheers!
Of Course
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7753 W. 159th St., Overland Park, 913-261-9187
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY POWELL
hen we first broke the news about Swetha Newcomb’s restaurant Of Course opening in Overland Park this year, she was particular about not wanting it to be labeled as “Indian food”—because it’s not, exactly. Newcomb, who was born in India but grew up in Kansas City, relies heavily on her heritage to create dishes born from both worlds. She describes her food as new American with Indian influence. Since opening, however, the chef has leaned proudly into her heritage, and we’re officially classifying Of Course as a fine dining Indian fusion restaurant. We’re also naming it our 2023 Restaurant of the Year.
Left: Of Course dresses up zucchini and broccolini with a shiitake veloute, bourbon miso glaze, peppadew chutney and toasted hazelnuts. Above: A full bar seats those looking for a more casual dining experience. It’s the only spot where Of Course’s burger and Taj Mahal beer combo can be ordered.
During her years as a private chef, Newcomb developed a style of her own—a sort of worldly fusion cuisine that, while certainly influenced by her Indian roots, couldn’t be put in a box. “I thought, ‘Why not combine everything that’s popular here in the Midwest with stuff that I grew up eating that I could not live without?’” Newcomb says. She admits she “struggled for a bit” during her restaurant’s early days while trying to learn her customer base. Sometimes she would lean too traditional, other times too nouveau. Finding
an identity is a common difficulty in the fusion genre, but Newcomb has found her sweet spot. The 28-year-old chef has tethered her menu to two baseline characteristics: Midwestern familiarity coupled with elevated Indian flavor. A stiff bourbon program and 22-ounce, 21-day-aged Akaushi wagyu ribeye (a menu staple) are how Newcomb has chosen to honor her location in deep south Johnson County. Of Course is tucked away in the newly developed Bluhawk shopping center, neighboring fastcasual chains like Five Guys and Jinya Ramen.
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“ In a way, opening this restaurant is a way to make up for all the years I missed out on being Indian. This is me cheersing to my heritage.”
Owner and Chef Swetha Newcomb
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI
Of Course chef Swetha Newcomb garnishes dried papad lentil crackers with fresh chives.
The Drink You Can’t Miss The Can’t C Me cocktail, named after a Tupac song, is a refreshing concoction that finishes with a bite due to the absinthe and green bell pepperinfused mezcal. A two-day milk punch clarification rounds out the potent combo and makes this one an easy sipper.
“We didn’t know how it was going to go, but [Johnson County] is extremely excited,” Newcomb says. “They’ve never had anything like this, and there are no fine dining restaurants around until you get to Leawood. They feel like they’ve been heard and seen.” As is common with Indian cuisine, there’s no shortage of fragrant spices. Newcomb’s mom, Geetha Gondi, who is from Hyderabad, India, came in before the restaurant’s grand opening to teach her daughter’s staff how to make masala gunpowder, a cocktail of spices used for a variety of dishes. The egg curry, with its sweet, saucy tomato base, is also Gondi’s recipe, but Newcomb gives it her own touch with bits of crispy sage and buttery, lightly toasted sourdough in place of traditional naan. “She’s almost another food purveyor rep,” Newcomb says of her mom. “She’ll drop off different spices and ingredients that she thinks we should use.” Floral cardamom lifts the sticky toffee pudding cake out of its rich sweetness. The signature dish of pav bhaji, Newcomb’s riff on the classic Indian street food, warms with dashes of mango powder, clove, coriander, star anise and more. Even the fries become poetic with a hefty shake of peri peri seasoning. Dishes you’ve seen before like Lamb ragu and scallops have been infused with masala, pistachio dukkah or curry leaf tadka. “I don’t want us to be compared to other Indian restaurants,” Newcomb says. There’s no mistaking it: Of Course is in its own lane. Fire-orange lobster tails and whole branzinos situated upright on a bed of rice with their gaping mouths staring straight at you are some of the menu’s more luxurious counterparts. There’s also a greasy, double-ground angus brisket patty burger topped with a mountain of caramelized onions for those seeking something a little more midwestern. “There’s something about being in a fine dining restaurant and eating a fat burger that is really satisfying,” Newcomb says. But the rest of the menu is unapologetic in its devotion to Newcomb’s home country, featuring a pristine collection of shareable starters and entrees leveraged by the flavors of her childhood. The dining room is a class act, filled with warm, modern earth tones for an intimate and cozy vibe. It’s a refreshing change of pace for this part of the burbs. The cocktail and wine menus were curated by some of KC’s top talent, such as Jay Sanders, owner of the James Beard-nominated cocktail bar Drastic Measures, and Eric Noblet from UnKCorked liquor store. Sam Johnston now runs the cocktail program, and chef de cuisine Adam AmickSorvaag plays a hand in helping execute Of Course’s eclectic menu. Newcomb met her general manager Lauren Cruz while the two were working at The Capital Grille—Newcomb in the kitchen and Cruz in the dining room. “We both had fiery personalities,” Newcomb says. “I’ve always dreamed of opening a woman-owned restaurant, and Lauren knows everything about the fine dining industry. We worked in a lot of toxic environments, so we learned what not to do when we opened this place up.” Of Course feels like an homage to those who, like myself, grew up experiencing multiple cultures, those who had to navigate the complex dance of diversity. Newcomb’s ability to elevate the cuisine of her heritage while simultaneously keeping things cozy for those of us who may be experiencing it for the first time—and doing it all with style—makes Of Course our Best New Restaurant. “My vision behind this is to give Indian food the credit it deserves,” Newcomb says. –T Y LE R S H A N E
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At Kata Nori, each seat has a designated plate for the sushi chef to place your freshly made hand roll.
KATA NORI
404 E. 18th St., KCMO, 816-403-4969
Insider Tip Real wasabi sets Kata Nori apart from the rest. From freshly grated to a pickled relish form, order a flight for a side by side wasabi comparison.
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The Drink You Can’t Miss When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And by that, I mean order the sake. It’ll come with a small wooden box for you to drink out of. Notice how the sake changes as it comes down to room temperature and takes on a woody flavor.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI
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ou won’t find California rolls at Kata Nori. Instead, you’ll find the temaki variation of sushi where rice, fish and condiments are delicately wrapped in a cylindrical sheet of nori, an edible seaweed, and shaped like a small burrito. If you’re Midwest-bred like myself and questioning the practicality of the hand roll craze, I assure you Kata Nori is one of the most refreshing concepts to hit the KC restaurant scene in a while. This temaki-style sushi bar is owned by a trio of KC natives: Kyung “KK” Kim, Nam Phan and their secret weapon, Anh “Bass” Pham. Bass brings with him unparalleled experience, having been the chef at the renowned sushi joint Uchi in Austin as well as opening sushi locations in both Dallas and Denver. Over the years, Bass has cultivated relationships with many of the best fish purveyors in the business, and as a result, Kata Nori has some of the best quality sushi to be found in the metro. Bass and his fellow hand rollers prepare the sushi to order in the middle of a 24-seat U-shape bar for all to see and hand them off to patrons as they’re finished. There’s no waiting for your fellow companions to receive theirs. You’re advised to devour it on the spot. That’s because the beauty of the hand roll lies in the nori used at the restaurant. The structure maintains the seaweed’s crispness, so you get a gentle crunch as you bite into each one. As to the type of nori used at this new hot spot? “We’re keeping that a secret,” Kim says. Kata Nori can keep their secrets. I’ve eaten almost the entire menu and whether the fish is wrapped in nori or served as a crudo—meaning raw and topped with citrus, oil or a vinaigrette—it melts in your mouth. There’s no need to douse the sushi in soy sauce, but if you so desire, there’s a stunning aged tamarind sauce for dipping, also a top secret. –T Y LE R S H A N E
KC Craft Ramen’s bustling and kitschy interior is adorned with plants you can purchase.
KC Craft Ramen 6830 W. 119th St., Overland Park
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or Kenichi Ota, ramen is not just his business. It’s his hobby and passion, and he wants others to experience ramen this way, too. Ota’s new restaurant, KC Craft Ramen, is his latest attempt at spreading his love for ramen, and it seems to be working. Ota was born in Tokyo and has spent the last seven years working as a self-proclaimed “ramen consultant,” educating people across the country on traditional methods for ramen preparation. He also runs Ramen School USA, which offers courses about how to open successful ramen shops. This year, after in-depth research, Ota decided Overland Park would be the perfect place to open an authentic Japanese ramen shop. He felt the community would be open to experiencing a
The Drink You Can’t Miss One of KC Craft Ramen’s standout offerings is a stone fruit kombucha. It’s imported from Japan and has the perfect balance of carbonation and fruitiness.
bit of Japanese culture while enjoying fresh, house-made ramen. “I want to bring Japanese culture, not just a Japanese restaurant, [to KC],” Ota says. KC Craft Ramen is decorated with dozens of hanging plants and warm light fixtures. The aisle leading up to the counter is full of animation figurines for purchase as well as dozens of traditional Japanese sodas, juices, kombucha and teas. “People love it when they come to our store [and] the first thing they see is a small shopping area that introduces Japanese culture,” Ota says. The kitchen is open, so customers can watch as their ramen is made to order while sitting in a cozy wooden booth. Service is casual, but the atmosphere is well-designed, paying homage to Ota’s Japanese roots. One menu staple is the KC Bun—decadent bao buns stuffed with a pork cutlet, crisp shredded cabbage and KC Craft Ramen’s original sauce, which strikes a delicate balance between sweet and heat. The KC Craft Red Ramen bowl, made with Ota’s fresh, house-made ramen noodles, is loaded with slices of tender pork, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, black mushrooms, corn, green onions and a softboiled egg finished with a spicy oil. The heat is Insider Tip mild, but you can increase the spice. Sign up for KC Craft Ramen’s mailing list and you’ll “Everything we make is in-house, even the be entered into a monthly lottery for a free meal. noodles,” Ota says. “It’s not done this way in any other ramen shop across the U.S.” We can Two winners are chosen each month. definitely taste the difference. – R ACH E L L AY TO N
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“ Just the nature of private chef-ing and the way I like to eat, I cook the globe. I cook all different types of food.” Owner and chef Ashely Bare
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Left: Hemma Hemma’s tomato basil soup, house-made biscuit and farro salad tossed in a roasted shallot vinaigrette
HEMMA HEMMA
7122 Wornall Road, KCMO, 816-214-6260
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA PETROW
shely Bare’s Waldo joint may be The Drink the most unexpected restaurant You Can’t Miss to join Kansas City magazine’s roundup of this year’s top You can grab a new restaurants, having only cup of joe and opened in September. The some homemade addition of Hemma Hemma could definitely be perceived as a gamble, but baked goods at after a handful of visits, I’m calling it. Its cafeteriathe bodega, but style dining and approachable, solid seasonal fare for something is a winning combination. It’s already showing on the brighter serious potential, and it will be exciting to see how Bare continues to develop Hemma Hemma side, head to the (meaning ‘at home’ in Swedish). market and grab Bare started a meal delivery service in 2019, Sanzo or Poppi offering her homestyle-with-a-global-twist cuisine sparkling water, to clients who would stock their fridges for the week with her meals. Bare still operates a meal delivery a Zen Donkey service, and now, with her new shop’s market Farms coldspace, customers can also pick up her prepared pressed juice or meals. She is offering delicious grab-and-go options like miso meatballs, hand-breaded chicken tenders kombucha. and spicy amatriciana pasta bakes. Although her prepared food is not to be missed, you should really grab a tray and get in line at the cafeteria, which is open for breakfast and lunch. Grab pickle-brined chicken with house-made ranch, tomato thai basil soup or a beef shawarma wrap. The breakfast quiche is wildly fluffy and filled with cherry tomatoes, dill, feta and quinoa. A plethora of cold salads mixed with all kinds of nutrient-dense veggies and grains await you near the end of the line. Hemma Hemma is replacing District Pourhouse + Kitchen, and Bare has completely shaken its tavern feel with her chic vintage touch. Near the coffee bar sit multi-patterned lounge chairs against a plaid-wallpapered wall. Hovering above the dining room are retro pink lamps. –T Y LE R S H A N E
Insider Tip Cooking classes are available in Hemma Hemma’s instructional kitchen. Learn how to make pasta, dim sum, Mediterranean mezze, eggs benedict and more by heading to Hemma Hemma’s website, hemmahemma.com. Oh, there’s also an event space available to rent underneath the dining room.
The Year of the Private Chef
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rivate chefs are having a moment. Two of this year’s top new restaurants were started by former private chefs: Hemma Hemma’s Ashley Bare and Of Course’s Swetha Newcomb. They went from catering private dinners and constructing weekly meal preps to helming their own establishments. Harp Barbecue (which ranked sixth on our recent Best of KC Barbecue 2023 list) recently partnered with notable KC private chef Jayaun Smith to start Soul Food Sundays, a weekly collaboration that dishes up braised greens, fried fish and other soulful barbecue fare. Even Travis Kelce’s private chef Kumar Ferguson was recently featured in Vanity Fair and Startland News. It’s a coveted gig, private chef-ing. It allows chefs to manage their own schedules and clients without the infamous chaos that’s de rigueur in a traditional restaurant kitchen. But as we’ve seen from this list, it’s also a profession that acts as a springboard for bigger business opportunities. Private chefs are making their mark despite being hidden away. What is the transition from private chef to the restaurant world’s busy demands like? When we asked Newcomb, she had one word: “Insane.” But it seems owning her own restaurant and having control of its kitchen is worth diving back into the chaos. “Insane, but in the best way,” Newcomb says. “Being back here in this environment made me realize how much I missed it. We all work together as a family.” –TYLER SHANE
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Bacaro Primo 325 E. 55th St., KCMO, 816-381-6084
Insider tip The Italian electric oven is an advanced piece of equipment that allows Bacaro to cook with different temperatures at the top and bottom of the oven, says co-owner Todd Schulte.
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The Drink You Can’t Miss Primo Negroni, the classic Italian cocktail. Here, it’s made appropriately bracing with dry gin, Barolo Chinato and red aperitivo.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH BAUMAN
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t all started with the oven. When the former Cafe Europa in Brookside’s Crestwood Shops closed, it left behind an enviable neighborhood restaurant space with a wood-burning oven. For restaurateurs Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl, who were fresh off the runaway success of an oyster bar a few blocks away, a wood-fired oven was all the inspiration they needed to launch a new Italian restaurant with pizzas. “We opened up Earl’s Premier, and we really had no intention of opening anything else quite so soon,” Schulte says. “But the space became available and it seemed like a no-brainer.” The oven didn’t pan out—once they got into the space, Schulte and Dannehl discovered it was in bad shape, so they replaced it with an imported Italian electric oven—but the restaurant, Bacaro Primo, works anyway. The cozy Italian joint with a horseshoe bar and a Coliseum-sized salami selection is one of the most roundly pleasant new restaurants the city has seen in years. It’s a place with satisfying pastas in rich sauces, Neopolotin-ish pizzas with lightly charred crusts, a lineup of spritzes and carefully selected meats and cheeses from all over Italy. Bacaro Primo is not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a perfect neighborhood modern Italian spot. One of Bacaro Primo’s best qualities is its self-assured presentation of excellent imported foodstuffs. No, that thick and perfectly al dente pappardelle that’s umami-bombed with rich wild boar ragu and Parmigiano-Reggiano is not made in-house. Rather, it’s Pastificio Di Martino imported dry from Naples. And it’s perfect. “We’ve certainly gone out of our way to source authentic Italian meats and cheeses,” Dannehl says. “For the most part, they are all imported. We actually use fresh mozzarella and burrata out of Connecticut—it’s a super high-end product. But everything else is from various regions in Italy.” That includes the olives battered and fried Scotch-egg style, which has become a signature item. “People come in for just a drink and that,” Schulte says. – M A RTI N C I ZM A R
Top: Belgian waffles with the works: fresh strawberries and blueberries, homemade vanilla creme anglaise, whipped cream and maple syrup. Bottom: Breakfast tacos piled with hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, avocado crema and cotija cheese. Sub portobello mushrooms for bacon or chorizo to make it vegetarian.
URBAN EGG 4921 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913-586-7500
U Above: Bacaro Primo’s marinara pizza is delicious in its simplicity, with housemade tomato sauce and toppings of dried Sicilian oregano, extra virgin olive oil and lots of sliced garlic.
Insider Tip Another reason to enjoy Urban Egg: their track record of charity and community support. They recently raised more than $40,000 to support Maui wildfire victims. The Drink You Can’t Miss The medium-spicy house bloody mary pairs perfectly with any of Urban Egg’s southwestern/Tex-Mex dishes.
rban Egg brought a winning brunch format from Colorado to Kansas City, but it was also a homecoming of sorts for founder Randy Price, who graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in 1983. Price says the restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and local suppliers and an “eachguest each-plate approach” are key to the appeal. “Our food is always fresh, never frozen, prepared in-house from scratch in an open display kitchen.” Variety is another calling card. Diners can go light, combining a salad or granola parfait with a fresh-squeezed juice blend, or they can indulge in an espresso martini alongside a decadent stuffed French toast with crème anglaise, maple syrup and whipped cream. Gluten-free pancakes and muffins are available, and you can even mix and match pancake “flights” from among five choices. Price says the most popular menu choices include the chicken and waffle eggs benedict with bacon jam and chili maple bacon butter; the buttermilk biscuit with sage sausage gravy, made with sausage sourced from Kansas City-based Scimeca’s; and the cinnamon swirl pancakes with royal icing. Other choices range from sandwiches to avocado toast to steak and eggs. (Note: Your correspondent was particularly impressed with the carnitas bowl served with eggs, hash browns, green chili and avocado.) The high-ceilinged space offers a tasteful contemporary design, with well-spaced tables and a glass-walled kitchen. Decor touches include giant close-up photos of fresh fruits and vegetables and a display of recovered aspen tree trunks. – JO H N M A RTE LL A RO
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“When you have a love for Asian food, that never changes. You’re always looking for it. You always want it. I really felt like there was an opportunity to have an Asian small plate restaurant.” Owner and chef Amante Domingo
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALEB CONDIT AND REBECCA NORDEN
Left: The shrimp fried rice at Noka is a labor of love. It takes two days to create the housemade seafood sauce it’s cooked in. It’s topped with smoked fish aioli, bonito flakes and pickled Asian pears.
The Drink You Can’t Miss Bar manager Audra Frost nails the cocktail and mocktail offerings, but the wines are particularly excellent. Grab a glass of Breaking Bread’s zinfandel blend for a crisp, lighter bodied wine with notes of jasmine and persimmon.
Noka I
334 E. 31st Street, KCMO, 816-766-4441 t should come as no surprise to see Martini Corner’s Asian fusion restaurant Noka on this list. In the midst of me writing a review for the November issue, chef and owner Amante Domingo overhauled his menu—a watershed act that took his dishes from confusing to stellar and completely altered my review. Domingo had hustled back to the heart of his ambitious vision, and it was a success. “I’m a Midwest boy,” Domingo says. “I’m not a West Coast or East Coast chef that wants to bring new gastronomy to KC. I want to bring my take on it and not overcomplicate things.” Despite Noka’s highly curated and contemporary Japanese farmhouse design, the restaurant isn’t pretentious, just cool. A dramatic wall of Japanese clay pots and the restaurant’s communal seating were inspired by one of the last conversations Domingo had with his father. “He told me that he wanted to take me to a sushi bar he had seen in the Yucatan,” Domingo says. “So I built a restaurant that I thought visually a sushi bar in the Yucatan would feel like.” Fusion means experimentation, and Domingo is having fun without the guardrails of tradition. From breaking a clay pot to get to your chicken to watching your creme brulee dramatically lit aflame tableside, Domingo is promising his patrons not only delicious food but an experience, and he is breathing new life into KC’s food scene. A sophisticated drink menu accompanies Noka’s dishes, some of which maybe served on a slab of rock or butcher block. Choosing DIY steak tartare lettuce wraps, gochujang mac and cheese and togarashi-spiced brownies for dessert would be an acceptable way to approach Noka’s menu. But I recommend going big : splurge for an entree, maybe the duck with plum sauce or the 32-ounce ribeye with kimchi butter. I doubt you’ll be disappointed. With Noka’s recent addition of a raw sushi bar, it’s clear Domingo plans to keep offering Kansas Citians something different while challenging himself along the way. – T Y LE R S H A N E
Insider Tip Weekend happy hour includes half-off sushi and sake until 6:30 pm. Need we say more?
Is KC Having A Sushi Renaissance?
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nlike barbecue and steakhouses, KC’s sushi scene has always been lacking. But change is on the horizon. Chefs and restaurateurs are coming out of the woodwork and upping KC’s sushi game, especially with the recent additions of sushi bars at Noka, Kata Nori and the soon-to-beopen Crossroads omakase restaurant Sushi Kodawari. Kodawari chef Karson Thompson wants to prove there’s no reason why KC shouldn’t have the same quality sushi that can be found on the East or West coasts. With the right purveyors, quality fish is completely feasible, he says. “When I was looking into coming back to the city, I was really kind of surprised to see that there was nobody in Kansas City really doing this concept,” Thompson says. “It looked like there was a gap to fill in the Kansas City market.” Both Kata Nori’s and Sushi Kodawari’s owners have connections to Japanese fish markets, enabling them to select the best. This direct access means higher quality fish for their KC customers, but it also means KC sushi lovers might be paying more than they are used to. But from our dining experience at Kata Nori, we think it’s worth it. Beyond the fish, these new restaurants are also paying homage to sushi culture, which means intimate dining rooms and open kitchens where the chef prepares the food in front of their customers. –TYLER SHANE
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The Drink You Can’t Miss Talk Dirty To Me. They’re talking soil. This flight of red wines gets its name from the various soils the wine grapes were grown in, with descriptors like “forest floor” to describe the varietals. Right: Vintage ’78’s wine flight and “cheese clock,” which includes 12 slices of cheese accompanied by an illustrated guide so you’re sure to remember your favorite.
Insider Tip Try the jamón ibérico de bellota. The rare ham comes from Spanish boars that are the direct descendants of wild Iberian peninsula boars. These freerange pigs almost exclusively eat acorns that have fallen from trees, creating a ham with a delicate, fatty, nutty flavor.
VINTAGE ’78 WINE BAR
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ike fine wine, Overland Park’s Vintage ’78 Wine Bar keeps getting better with time. After opening in the spring with a deliciously limited menu—but one that paired nicely with the bistro’s extensive wine list—the chic yet comfortable restaurant is slowly expanding its food choices, too. The focus remains on its libations, as it should, but a few more savory dish choices means there are that many more reasons to go. If you want to just nibble away at truffle popcorn paired with a nice pinot noir, or whatever suits your fancy, that can be done. But perhaps something more substantial is needed. In that case, Vintage ’78’s decadent lobster roll created by chef Kyle Ketchum, who spent much time in Boston perfecting his trademark sandwich, perfectly complements your glass of Champagne. “It’s an opportunity to taste and experience things that you may or may not be familiar with,” says owner Michael Scherzberg, whether that’s Vintage ’78’s wines or its cheese and charcuterie choices, all of which can be explained by the educated and friendly staff.
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Scherzberg and his partners Ketchum and Megan Downes, who serves as general manager, spent much time refining the elegantly cozy bistro’s concept. The trio, who have known each other for years through various hospitality industry gigs, wanted to offer world-class wines along with cheeses and charcuterie in an environment that felt like Cheers—a comfortable place where everybody knows your name. I’d say they succeeded. Vintage ’78—1978 was a good year for wine and is the owner’s birth year—is a new space, but it has a timeless quality. Crisp white paneled walls, bold contemporary paintings created by Scherzberg, a lush blue velvet banquet and French bistro marble-topped tables and chairs adorn the space. The back of the bar has clean open shelving lined with row after row of Riedel crystal glassware, ensuring you have the right glass for the right wine. A large glass window lines the back wall, offering a view of the temperature- and humidity-controlled wine cellar, a fabulously dark and moody room. Vintage ’78 also has a wine club. “Drink well more often,” Downes says. “That’s our motto.” Cheers to that. – DAWN YA BA RTSC H
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI
7251 W. 80th St., Overland Park, 913-261-9483
Left: District Biskuits’ new dinner menu: fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, braised greens, mac and cheese, fried mac and cheese balls and bread pudding.
District Biskuits 504 Armor Road, North Kansas City, 816-216-7210
C
The Drink You Can’t Miss Have you heard of the french fry and ice cream combo? Well, the Southside Shake takes it to the next level with chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with crispy fried potato bits and a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra $1.95, you can add booze to it.
hef Guroux Khalifah is focused on the important stuff. When I interview him, it’s clear he’d rather be in the kitchen, but I need to know his secrets or, at the very least, gain some insight into why his fast-casual biscuit joint is so damn good. It’s tucked in between a Lucky Dragon Chinese restaurant and a brick-clad Farmers Insurance off Armour Road in KC’s Northtown. You’ll get your food quickly, as at any other fast food spot, but the fried chicken will be sous-vide and the buttermilk biscuits will be made from scratch. That’s Khalifah’s secret—he uses his classic French training to create a superior product but knows where to cut corners to deliver efficiency. The menu is centered around daily homemade buttermilk biscuits, a recipe that uses a rough lamination technique—a layering method of butter between layers of dough—that Khalifah has perfected over the years. They’re structured but tender and rich with butter. A touch of sugar gives the outsides a soft crunch. They might sandwich a filet of gleaming hot Nashville chicken or be smothered with a house-made gravy. If it’s your first time, order The Wonder, the breakfast biscuit sandwich that propelled Khalifah from a pop-up in his uncle’s fried fish establishment, Lutfi’s, to his current brickand-mortar. If you’re hungover, however, Khalifah has a remedy for that: The Cure, a biscuit sandwich stuffed with soft scrambled eggs slapped with American cheese, a smear of bacon jam, caramelized onions and chives. Go ahead and indulge in a side of mac and cheese. Maybe a milkshake and slice of red velvet cake, too. “Our menu, our concept is crafted for the culture of Black people in Kansas City,” Khalifah says. “It’s crafted for the culture of Kansas City.” As I sit down, listening to ’90s R&B playing overhead, I realize Khalifah has truly created something all his own—indulgent homestyle food with genuine KC roots. His operation has soul, something you don’t often see at a fast food spot. – T Y LE R S H A N E
Insider Tip Chef Khalifah has just expanded his menu to add dinner. Fried chicken, braised green beans, Southern-style baked mac and cheese, whipped mashed potatoes and gravy, cheesy grits, dressing, coleslaw and fries will all be available during District Biskuits’ evening weekend hours.
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5500 Troost Ave., KCMO, 816-809-9550
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f you want something done fast, call Roman Raya and Madeline Buechter. In just a few years, the culinary team took their street-food concept Taco Tank from a pop-up cart to a stall in Crossroads’ food hall Parlor to a permanent spot in a shipping container in North Kansas City’s Iron District. This April, the pair opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Barbacoa, in a sunny corner space on 55th and Troost. Barbacoa’s mission is to marry Mexican flavors with Kansas City barbecue techniques. It’s a natural coupling—barbacoa is barbecue’s etymological (and literal) ancestor. But when I ask Raya if he considers Barbacoa to be part of the KC barbecue scene, he hesitates. “We honor the barbecue side of things, but really, the face we’re presenting is a Mexican restaurant,” he says. And Barbacoa is a different kind of Mexican restaurant for the city, showcasing Raya’s elegantly plated dishes and Buechter’s creative, food-friendly cocktails. Menu highlights include a smoky, saucy plate of adobo wings with a cooling cilantro crema and campechano—here, not tacos, but a whole grilled ribeye served alongside chorizo and salsa macha. The goal, Raya says, is to offer guests the feel of a nice steak dinner without tugging the dish too far from its pragmatic street-food origins. Those dishes are also signs of a new restaurant finding its footing. Early Barbacoa menus looked a little different, with traditional showpiece entrees and a la carte sides such as fideo seco. But Raya found that diners weren’t sure how to pair them or how much to order. “We adapted our menu to be a little more on the shareable side and just make each plate stand out as its own,” he says. Barbacoa’s menu changes often; if you like a dish, there’s no guarantee it’ll stick around. But that’s part of what makes the restaurant so fun—there’s a playfulness to Raya and Buechter’s creations that never feels too irreverent. “This menu is going to constantly evolve as we figure out new ways to incorporate traditional ingredients and to have fun but still honor the dishes as they are,” Raya says. – LI Z COO K
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Clockwise: Barbacoa’s grilled Caesar salad, elotes and chopped brisket tacos.
Insider Tip Wednesday walk-ins might find a table, but weekends (both brunch and dinner) tend to fill up. Reserve a couple of days in advance.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH BAUMAN
BARBACOA
The Drink You Can’t Miss The Street Vendor, which tops a blended base of mezcal and tequila with corn milk, agave and lime. The menu describes it as “comically sippable.” We agree.
Three Restaurants We Said Goodbye to This Year
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C’s food scene saw tremendous growth this past year, but there were a few favorites that shuttered their doors and deserve a proper send-off. Whether it was your first meet-up of the night or the final shot of the evening, the Drunken Worm was a classic stop for any great night out. Its absence— and its massive margs, expansive tequila list and large plates of authentic tacos—will surely be felt. A Strawberry Hill staple, Mockingbird Lounge was considered one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. Their craft cocktails and brunches were just a small part of what made Mockingbird Lounge a front runner in the revitalization of Strawberry Hill’s food scene. They announced their closure the same day as the Drunken Worm, and patrons took to Facebook to remember the restaurant’s drag shows and comedy nights. From its black and red exterior to its neon ‘Poio’ sign, Poio Mexican BBQ added flair to every firecooked meal they served. The KCK establishment is remembered for its grilled chicken boxes, which were catered event staples. Poio went out with a bang, and patrons were able to celebrate the restaurant and their staff at Poio’s farewell party in April, where they served one final dinner. –RACHEL LAYTON
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WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY? Searching for the ideal community for your future involves becoming familiar with the various types of senior housing. People aged 55 and over who are still active and mobile usually investigate an independent living lifestyle first. This attractive option features a homestyle environment while relieving residents of chores like cooking, home maintenance and housekeeping. The styles vary widely and include everything from apartments to single-family detached homes.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANTHOLOGY OF OLATHE, CALL THE COMMUNITY AT (913) 270-0520 OR VISIT ANTHOLOGYKANSASCITY.COM. KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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Stunning New Homes For
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Conceptual rendering
Announcing Prairie View, the new residences coming soon to Tallgrass Creek,® Overland Park’s premier senior living community! • Choose from a variety of stylish floor plans. • Experience elegant finishes and fixtures. • Enjoy easy access to campus amenities, including restaurants, the fitness center, bocce ball court, and more!
The Somerton Large two bedroom, two bath with den and screened porch 1,429 sq. ft.
Prairie View features highend finishes and convenient under-building parking. Many new homes, like the spacious Somerton, include a choice of patio, balcony, or screened porch.
THE S PRAI
Balcony
LARGE TWO BE DEN W 1
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Bedroom 12'2" x 11'7"
APARTM 201 (Balcony) 301 (Balcony) 401 (Balcony) 501 (Balcony)
Family Room 11'11" x 19'10"
Primary Bedroom 12'0" x 12'4" Closet Dining 12'0" x 11'8"
EMERGE
CABLE T
DW
Primary Bathroom
TELEPH
APARTMENT F2.2 - COND1
HEATIN
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Kitchen 11'11" x 11'11"
HVAC
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Kansas City School District teacher housing.
Company Town Why Kansas City schools are building housing for teachers By Susie Whitfield Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby
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Alexandria Millet loves teaching because she loves learning.
As a young girl, Millet remembers the teachers that challenged her, expecting her to achieve. More specifically, it was her Black teachers who had confidence in her, she says. She could see herself in them. Their faith in her abilities was life-altering, and it inspired Millet to become a teacher, too. “They were invested in my success,” she says. “I am invested in my students’ success in just the same way. My students know they can achieve if they are given the proper tools. They also know in my classroom there are no ‘outs’. They say, ‘You get it, Miss Millet. You don’t let us get away with anything!’”
Above: Kansas City School District teacher Alexandria Millet, who is participating in the Teachers Like Me housing program, in her classroom.
PROVIDED
Left: Dr. Trinity Davis, founder of the nonprofit Teachers Like Me, an organization that, among other things, financially helps teachers live in the community where they teach.
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Millet, who is 24 years old, came to Kansas City from Milwaukee to be an AmeriCorps volunteer. Unlike many teachers who find the demands of the job not commensurate with the pay, Millet decided to stay. She now teaches 10th grade English and journalism at KC’s Central High School. A deciding factor in her choice was a Kansas City School District program that offers Black teachers low-rent housing. “I make about $48,000 a year, so having affordable housing is extremely important,” Millet says. According to Zillow, the average monthly apartment rental in Kansas City is $1,437. Millet lives in a duplex near her school with two other teachers and pays $400 a month in rent as part of a partnership between the Kansas City Public School District and the nonprofit organization Teachers Like Me. The nonprofit, founded by Dr. Trinity Davis, a former district teacher and administrator, was specifically created to help recruit and retain Black teachers like Millet by making it affordable and therefore possible for them to live in the district where they work. According to researchers from Johns Hopkins University and American University, Black students who have at least one Black teacher between kindergarten and third grade are 13 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 19 percent more likely to enroll in college. Those who had two Black teachers were 32 percent more likely. “The district and Teachers Like Me have made it possible for me to live close to my school in a home I can afford so I can stay in the profession I love,” Millet says.
PROVIDED
partnership with the Manheim Community Land Trust, one of many organizations helping meet the challenges of creating affordable housing by partnering with nonprofits. MCLT’s directors Scott Johnson and Doug Shafer have acquired 16 vacant lots that are leased to Teachers Like Me for $50 a month each. The duplexes like the one Millet lives in house 12 teachers. Currently, fundraising is focused on building the next four duplexes. “We also have Money Mondays for financial advice where we talk about credit scores and why they matter and about proper banking procedures,” says Davis, whose program is currently helping 40 young teachers. “We emphasize how to save and budget and to achieve home ownership.” The second essential element in retaining teachers is to provide professional development. “Because they have affordable housing, teachers don’t have to get a second job,” Davis says. “They can come in on Saturdays and review student data Honest and plan lessons while being paid a stipend of $25 an hour.” Conversations The dedication the teachers have Dr. Trinity Davis, founder of to Teachers Like Me has inspired Teachers Like Me, recalls the Davis to continue to expand the negative reaction to the No Child program. “We just sent a recruiter Left Behind Act, a federal provision to Mississippi State to recruit nine that supported standards-based teachers, all of whom are excited education reform based on the about not only the housing but also premise that setting high standards the professional support.” and establishing measurable goals Davis believes having Black could improve individual outcomes. teachers live in the community “People hated it,” says Davis, a former administrator and educator they serve is also essential to in the Kansas City School District. building a strong foundation for the “But it put a laser focus on the education of Black students. “We group that was not performing at want our teachers to vote on school grade level, and that was Black issues, to see their students in the children. Even students who came neighborhood,” Davis says. “We to school speaking another language want to find Black students in high could reach grade level because of school who want to be teachers, English language classes.” work with them and send them to However, as a Black teacher UMKC and other universities to get during the No Child Left Behind era, Davis says she “could have their degrees.” honest conversations with Black Nicholas Papageorge, assistant parents. I would tell them exactly professor of economics at Johns what their children had to achieve, Hopkins University, emphasizes and I could send books home in the importance of Black children baggies so that their parents could having a Black teacher. “The role help them. Since the parents and model effect seems to show that I were about the same age, we having one teacher of the same connected, and they could totally race is enough to give a student the understand what their children had ambition to achieve—for example, to do. At the end of the year, all my students tested at grade level. to take a college entrance exam.” And then I was accused of cheating Millet already knows that her because it was rare to have an entire students view her as a role model, classroom of Black students pass.” much like she viewed her teachers When Davis told her kids as role models. “They make the that no one believed their test assumption that I care; they tell scores were accurate, they asked, me the stories of their lives,” she “Because we’re Black?” Two weeks says. “And I have heard some of later they were tested again, and them say, ‘I want to be a teacher they actually did better than when like you.’” Davis had tested them.
“The district and Teachers Like Me have made it possible for me to live close to my school in a home I can afford so I can stay in the profession I love.” The recruiting and retention of Black teachers specifically is a priority for both the district and Davis. Years ago, Davis began looking at data that indicated how few Black teachers there were in area schools, and she wanted to diversify her profession. “The data indicated that only 2.8 percent of teachers in the whole metro were Black and that Black teachers were leaving at a higher rate than any other group,” Davis says. Davis founded Teachers Like Me to create a support network for Black teachers, many of whom leave college with debt. “How can we help them stay in the classroom?” Davis asks. “If I didn’t have my parents’ backing, I would have left the profession.” That schools with a majority of Black students had so few role models seriously concerned Davis. “A third of all metro area Kansas City schools from Olathe to Park Hill don’t even have one Black teacher on campus,” Davis says. “And there are no historically Black colleges and universities nearby for Black students to attend.” When Davis was teaching first grade, at the beginning of each year she would hear students say, “We have a Black teacher!” as if they were shocked. “But they shouldn’t be,” she says. “This is Kansas City, Missouri.” Prior to founding Teachers Like Me, Davis studied data on what elements created high-performing schools and found that teachers need both financial support and professional development. Financial support for housing comes from the program’s
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THE ANNUAL LIST OF TOP ATTORNEYS
Matthew Bretz Selected to Super Lawyers
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3 Compound Drive Hutchinson, KS 67502 (620) 662-3435 748 Ann Ave., Suite 114 Kansas City, KS 66101 (913) 392-6352 225 N. Market St., Suite 345 Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 266-4111
bretzinjurylaw.com
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
SELECTION PROCESS Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process.*
OUR PATENTED SELECTION PROCESS
The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. We limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.
NOMINATIONS Diverse list of the top attorneys nominated by their own peers
The Super Lawyers selection process involves the steps outlined in the graphic (at right).
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH Evaluated by third-party research across 12 key categories
LEARN MORE SuperLawyers.com/SelectionProcess
PEER EVALUATION
QUESTIONS? SL-Research@thomsonreuters.com
Reviewed by a highly credentialed Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys
visit SuperLawyers.com
FINAL SELECTION
Search for an attorney by practice area and location, and read features on attorneys selected to our lists.
2.5%
of attorneys selected to Rising Stars
DISCLAIMER: The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon the advertising or listings in this magazine. Super Lawyers does not certify or designate an attorney as a specialist, is not a title conferred on individual lawyers, and is not intended to communicate that lawyers selected will achieve better results upon the advertising or listings in the magazine.
5%
of attorneys selected to Super Lawyers
*U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,564
TOP 50 KANSAS CITY
AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2023 MISSOURI & KANSAS SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS.
Adams, Robert T. 4IPPL )BSEZª #BDPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ Angles, Christopher J. 5IF "OHMFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZ Bartimus, James R. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPE Bath, Jr., Thomas J. #BUIª &ENPOET -FBXPPE
Frickleton, James P. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPE
Rader, Michael C. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPE
Goza, Kirk J. (P[Bª )POOPME 0WFSMBOEª1BSL
Redfearn, III, Paul L. 5IF 3FEGFBSO -BX 'JSN -FF Tª4VNNJU
Griffin, James D. 4DIBSOIPSTU "TU ,FOOBSE (SJGGJO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Regan, Kevin E.J. 3FHBO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Bautista, Jose M. #BVUJTUB -F3PZ 3JDINPOEª)FJHIUT
Hershewe, Thomas %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Bell, David 8ZSTDI )PCCTª .JSBLJBO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Hobbs, James R. 8ZSTDI )PCCTª .JSBLJBO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Robertson, Susan Ford 5IF 3PCFSUTPO -BX (SPVQ ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Bethune, Scott S. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZ
House, Aaron M. )PVTF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Rose, Jared A. 3PTF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Boulware, Brandon J.B. #PVMXBSF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Johnson, Todd 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Brady, Maureen .D4IBOFª #SBEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Ketchum, Amanda Pennington %ZTBSU 5BZMPS .D.POJHMF #SVNJUUª 8JMDPY ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Rottinghaus, Thomas A. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Robb, Gary C. 3PCCª 3PCC ,BOTBTª$JUZ
LeRoy, Andrew S. #BVUJTUB -F3PZ 3JDINPOEª)FJHIUT
Scharnhorst, Todd A. 4DIBSOIPSTU "TU ,FOOBSE (SJGGJO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Mann, Scott M. .BOO5VDLFS.VJS(PSEPO -FBXPPE
Schultz, John G. 'SBOLF 4DIVMU[ª .VMMFO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Crawford, William (Clay) #BLFS 4UFSDIJ $PXEFOª 3JDF ,BOTBTª$JUZ
McFarland, Tiffany A. .D'BSMBOE -BX (SPVQ ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Sternberg, Jonathan +POBUIBO 4UFSOCFSH ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Davis, Grant L. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Meyers, Martin M. 5IF .FZFST -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Dickson, Athena M. 4JSP 4NJUI %JDLTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Morgan, Melanie S. .PSHBO 1JMBUF ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Dollar, Tim %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Morris, Jeffrey D. #FSLPXJU[ 0MJWFS ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Emison, J. Kent -BOHEPOª &NJTPO -FYJOHUPO
Nail, Roger D. 5IF /BJM -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Williams, Michael A. 8JMMJBNT %JSLT %BNFSPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Fisher, Nicole M. 'JTIFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Norman, Phyllis /PSNBOª (SBWFT ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Wullschleger, Stacey 'JTIFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Foster, Shawn G. 1SFVTTª] 'PTUFS -BX -FBXPPE
Playter, Eric S. 1MBZUFSª 1MBZUFS ,BOTBTª$JUZ
Cannezzaro, Nikki $BOOF[[BSP .BSWFM ,BOTBTª$JUZ Cartmell, Thomas P. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZ
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Stevens, Shea E. #VSLF .D$MBTLZ 4UFWFOT 0WFSMBOEª1BSL Turner, John E. 5VSOFS 4XFFOZª 4FBUPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ Votava, Brett T. 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZ
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
other side if you take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Multi-State Family Law Firm in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska & Indiana LEE’S SUMMIT, MO | DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY OVERLAND PARK, KS | WICHITA, KS | TOPEKA, KS Kirk C. Stange | Founding Partner 2023 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Honoree Licensed in Missouri, Illinois & Kansas
Kelly M. Davidzuk | Managing Partner 2023 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Missouri, Kansas & Oklahoma
Chad Hager | Partner/General Counsel 2021 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Missouri
Andrew J. Rankin | Partner 2020 Illinois Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Missouri & Illinois
Dakota Britt | Team Leader Attorney 2023 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Missouri & Kansas
Riley Fewell | Team Leader Attorney 2023 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Missouri
Laura Voegeli | Team Leader Attorney 2023 Illinois Rising Stars Honoree Licensed in Illinois
DIVORCE • PATERNITY • ADOPTIONS • CHILD SUPPORT • MODIFICATIONS CHILD CUSTODY • COLLABORATIVE LAW • MEDIATION • FAMILY LAW • ESTATE PLANNING
855-805-0595 | WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM -
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Bankruptcy: Consumer....................................... S-4 Civil Litigation: Plaintiff ...................................... S-4 Civil Rights .......................................................... S-4 Class Action/Mass Torts .................................... S-4 Construction Litigation ...................................... S-4 Consumer Law.................................................... S-4 Criminal Defense ................................................ S-4
THE ANNUAL LIST
BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE The list was finalized as of May 10, 2023. Only attorneys who data verified with Super Lawyers for the current year are included on the list that follows. All current selections and any updates to the list (e.g., status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com. Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on UIF TQFDJ¾FE QBHF 1IPOF OVNCFST BSF JODMVEFE POMZ for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers or Rising Stars print advertisements.
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI............................... S-5 Elder Law ............................................................ S-6 Employment & Labor ......................................... S-6 Employment Litigation: Plaintiff ....................... S-6 Estate & Trust Litigation .................................... S-8 Estate Planning & Probate ................................ S-8 Family Law.........................................................S-10 General Litigation..............................................S-12 Immigration .......................................................S-12 Personal Injury General: Plaintiff......................S-13 Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff ........................................................... S-17 Personal Injury Products: Plaintiff ....................S-18 Real Estate ........................................................S-18 Social Security Disability ...................................S-18 Workers’ Compensation....................................S-18
BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER SUPER LAWYERS Robinson, Tracy L. 5IF -BX 0GGJDFT PG 5SBDZª- 3PCJOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF SUPER LAWYERS Robertson, III, Edward (Kip) D. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4 Wagstaff, Jr., Tom -BX 0GGJDF PG 5PN 8BHTUBGG +S 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 RISING STARS Anderson, Paul D. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Bene, Michael &WBOTª .VMMJOJY 4IBXOFFª,4 Collins, Erica Mae #PZE ,FOUFS 5IPNBTª 1BSSJTI *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Hudson, Ryan C. 4IBSQ -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Kronawitter, Joseph A. )PSO "ZMXBSEª #BOEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kuntz, Jeffrey M. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lytle, Matthew W. .JMMFS 4DIJSHFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 McInnes, Jack .D*OOFT -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Paul III, Richard M. 1BVM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Perkins, Lindsay Todd 4UVFWF 4JFHFM )BOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Peterson, David M. 1FUFSTPOª "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-9 Schwarz, Ashlea 1BVM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Sharp, Rex A. 4IBSQ -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 West, Timothy R. #FSUSBNª (SBG ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 RISING STARS Bradshaw, Sarah T. 4IBSQ -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Dickson, Melody R. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Fellows, Laura 1BVM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 French-Hodson, Ruth Anne 4IBSQ -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Matyszczyk, Blair (P[Bª )POOPME 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 McClellan Paradise, Abby 4UVFWF 4JFHFM )BOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Moore, J. Austin 4UVFWF 4JFHFM )BOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Stout, Courtney 8JMMJBNT %JSLT %BNFSPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Garza, Trenton D. (BS[B "UUPSOFZ (SPVQ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kurtz, Jacob $BTF -JOEFO ,VSU[ #VDL ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Peterson, Torrey M. 4IPPL )BSEZª #BDPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION SUPER LAWYERS Hughes, Michael L. .D$PSNJDL (PSEPO #MPTLFZ 1PJSJFS )VHIFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-20
CIVIL RIGHTS SUPER LAWYERS Baker, David S. 'JTIFS 1BUUFSTPO 4BZMFSª 4NJUI 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Woody, Teresa A. 5IF 8PPEZ -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS
CONSUMER LAW SUPER LAWYERS Bell, Bryce B. #FMM -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Leyh, Gregory (SFHPSZ -FZI ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Waddell, A. Scott 8BEEFMM -BX 'JSN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Williamson, Chelsea S. 8. -BX 0MBUIFª,4
SUPER LAWYERS Barton, Eric D. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
RISING STARS Rapp, Michael 4UFDLMFJOª 3BQQ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Bertram, J. Scott #FSUSBNª (SBG ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Clevenger, Nicholas S. 1FUFSTPOª "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-9 Dirks, Eric L. 8JMMJBNT %JSLT %BNFSPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Edgar, John F. &EHBS -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
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SUPERLAWYERS.COM
CRIMINAL DEFENSE SUPER LAWYERS Angles, Christopher J. 5IF "OHMFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-8
George, Tracey %BWJT (FPSHF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Bath, Jr., Thomas J. #BUIª &ENPOET -FBXPPEª,4 1H ª4
Hodgson, Michael A. 5IF )PEHTPO -BX 'JSN -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0
Bath, Tricia #BUIª &ENPOET -FBXPPEª,4 1H ªS-19
ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-2.
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Bell, David 8ZSTDI )PCCTª .JSBLJBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
Talge, Andrew S. 3JDIBSEª5 #SZBOUª "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Spradlin, Tracy 4QSBEMJO ,FOOFEZ -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Benjamin, Kim .JTTPVSJ %8*ª $SJNJOBM -BX $FOUFS BU UIF #FOKBNJO -BX 'JSN #FMUPOª.0
Thomas, Zach 3PUI %BWJFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-13
Watson, Jordan R. ,$ %FGFOTF $PVOTFM /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Brown, Christopher T. (ZMMFOCPSHª #SPXO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Toth, W. Scott (BSSFUTPOª 5PUI 0MBUIFª,4
Burton, Stephanie M. -BX 0GGJDF PG 4UFQIBOJFª. #VSUPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Vernon, Eric E. #BMEXJOª 7FSOPO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Cornwell, Carl E. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX 0MBUIFª,4
Watt, Greg 5IF 8BUU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
SUPER LAWYERS Carter, J. Denise -BX 0GGJDF PG %FOJTF $BSUFS 1MFBTBOUª)JMMª.0
Woodman, Rebecca E. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Eastman, Jeffrey ,FMFIFSª &BTUNBO (MBETUPOFª.0
RISING STARS
Guilfoil, J. Matthew (VJMGPJM -BX (SPVQ /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Cramm, Paul D. 1BVMª% $SBNN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Davies, Brandan 3PUI %BWJFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-13 Dodge, Cynthia M. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 Fann, Traci 5IF -BX 0GGJDF PG 5SBDJ 'BOO -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 Fowler, Robin D. #BUIª &ENPOET -FBXPPEª,4 Foye, Sheena 8ZSTDI )PCCTª .JSBLJBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Francis, Jane E. -BX 0GGJDF PG +BOF 'SBODJT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Bailey, Jonathan +PIOTUPO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Duma, Michael C. %VNB -BX 0GGJDFT 0MBUIFª,4 1H ªS-14
MICHAEL C. DUMA %6." -"8ª0''*$&4 0MBUIFª
www.dumalawoffices.com
Garretson, Tyler P. (BSSFUTPOª 5PUI 0MBUIFª,4
Hartstack, Keoni )BSUTUBDL -BX 'JSN $BNFSPOª.0
Ginie, Ryan S. -BX 0GGJDFT PG 1FUUMPOª (JOJF 0MBUIFª,4
Hunter, Michael C. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX 0MBUIFª,4
Gyllenborg, Scott (ZMMFOCPSHª #SPXO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Jones, Preston L. -BX 0GGJDF PG 1SFTUPO +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Harrington, Megan L. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Sloan, Taylor 4MPBO -BX 0GGJDF *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI
Kane, Brandon L. ,BOF -BX 0GGJDFª] ,$UJDLFUMBX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kirby, Denise 5IF -BX 0GGJDFT PG %FOJTF ,JSCZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Leininger, Brian L. -FJOJOHFS -BX 0GGJDFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Miller, Tony R. 5SPQQJUP .JMMFS (SJGGJO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Nigro, Ross C. /JHSP -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-20 Norton, Jay /PSUPO )BSF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Powell, Russell L. .POBDP 4BOEFST 3BDJOF 1PXFMMª 3FJEZ -FBXPPEª,4 CONTINUED ON PAGE S-6
Harvell, John E. 5IF -BX 0GGJDF PG +PIO )BSWFMM 0MBUIFª,4 Henderson, Courtney T. )FOEFSTPO -FHBM %FGFOTF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Keller, Marilyn Brady 8ZSTDI )PCCTª .JSBLJBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lurie, David M. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mogenson, Michael S. .PHFOTPOª #SBOTPO .JTTJPOª,4 Morgan, Melanie S. .PSHBO 1JMBUF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-15 Nouri, Lisa G. /PVSJ -BX 0GGJDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 0µ$POOPS +PIO 1 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 0µ$POOPS 1BUSJDL + 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Peter, Joshuah 4PMPNPOª 1FUFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Pettlon, III, N. Trey -BX 0GGJDFT PG 1FUUMPOª (JOJF 0MBUIFª,4 Picerno, John Anthony "UUPSOFZª $PVOTFMPS BU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Pilate, Cheryl A. .PSHBO 1JMBUF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-15 Regan, Kevin E.J. 3FHBO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Solomon, Garrett M. 4PMPNPOª 1FUFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Spies, James L. -BX 0GGJDF PG +BNFTª- 4QJFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª,4 Stone, Gary D. 4UPOF -BX 0GGJDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª,4 THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Kingston, Kristi L. &NQMPZFFª -BCPS -BX (SPVQ PG ,BOTBT $JUZ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI SUPER LAWYERS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-5
Sakoulas, Steven G. 4BLPVMBT -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Stolte, Adam D. 4UPMUF -BX 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Meyers, Martin M. 5IF .FZFST -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
BRANDON CORL )0-."/ 4$)*"70/& ª--$ ,BOTBT $JUZª
Schlozman, Heather J. %VHBO 4DIMP[NBO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-21
RISING STARS Gigstad, Robert C. (JHTUBE -BX 0GGJDF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
ELDER LAW
www.kdh-law.com
Thoenen, Brad K. ),. &NQMPZNFOU "UUPSOFZT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Crimmins, Virginia Stevens $SJNNJOT -BX 'JSN *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Thornberry, Steve, Thornberry Brown, ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Davis, Brett %BWJT (FPSHF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Doyle, Daniel %PZMFª #SVDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª,4
SUPER LAWYERS Janssen, Stacey L. +BOTTFO &TUBUF 1SPCBUFª &MEFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
RISING STARS Jackson, Amy R. 4JSP 4NJUI %JDLTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Reaves, Craig C. 3FBWFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Smith, Ryan D. "SOPME /FXCPME 4PMMBSTª )PMMJOT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Shepherd, Samantha L. 4IFQIFSE &MEFS -BX (SPVQ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Galloway, Lewis -( -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF EMPLOYMENT & LABOR
SUPER LAWYERS Atwell-Soler, Ashley )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
SUPER LAWYERS Ardebili, Amir .POTFFTª .BZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Gockel, Marie L. #SBUDIFS (PDLFM -BX *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Graham, Gene 8IJUF (SBIBN #VDLMFZª $BSS *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Hardinger, Heather 5IF .FZFST -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lawrence, Erin #PVMXBSF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mannion, Kathleen E. )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Baldwin, Kevin #BMEXJOª 7FSOPO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Dickson, Athena M. 4JSP 4NJUI %JDLTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
KATHLEEN E. MANNION
Beaver, Chad C. #FBWFS -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Holman, Kirk D. )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Jess, Mark A. 5IF &NQMPZFF 3JHIUT -BX 'JSN -BX 0GGJDFT PG .BSLª" +FTT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
)0-."/ 4$)*"70/& ª--$ ,BOTBT $JUZª
Bratcher, Lynne Jaben #SBUDIFS (PDLFM -BX *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
www.kdh-law.com
Brown, Sarah A. #SPXOª $VSSZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
15+
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-8
15+
15+
GRANT L. DAVIS*
SCOTT S. BETHUNE*
THOMAS C. JONES*
TOP 100 + KC TOP 50
TOP 100 + KC TOP 50
TOP 100
TED RUZICKA
KEVIN D. BUCHANAN
YEARS
2023 Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers Honorees
Corl, Brandon )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
YEARS
YEARS
WES SHUMATE*
TIMOTHY C. GAARDER*
JT MALONE
EVAN ROSE
DBJ congratulates its attorneys selected to 2023 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. * SUPER LAWYERS SELECTION
JOHN S. CARROLL**
** RISING STARS SELECTION Super Lawyers is a registered trademark of Thomson Reuters.
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KEITH MARK
LEAH BURKHEAD
Chosen to Super Lawyers
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Chosen to Rising Stars
Chosen to Super Lawyers
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Chosen to Rising Stars
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MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF SUPER LAWYERS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-6
McClelland, Ryan L. .D$MFMMBOE -BX 'JSN -JCFSUZª.0 Meeks, Rowdy B. 3PXEZ .FFLT -FHBM (SPVQ 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4
McDowell, Jessica M. $PSOFSTUPOF -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Montgomery, James R. ,FFOBOª #IBUJB ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Wilson, EmmaLee 5IF .FZFST -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Myers, Katherine E. &EFMNBO -JFTFOª .ZFST ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 0TNBO .BUUIFX & 0TNBOª 4NBZ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Paulus, Ryan M. $PSOFSTUPOF -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Schiavone, Anne W. )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION SUPER LAWYERS Kirkland, Aaron ,JSLMBOE 8PPETª .BSUJOTFO -FBXPPEª,4 Marshall, Hugh L. .D%PXFMM 3JDF 4NJUIª #VDIBOBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Blakesley, Scott E. 4QFODFS 'BOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Counts, Heather 5IF $PVOUT -BX 'JSN 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Ewan, James E. .D&MMJHPUU &XBOª )BMM *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Gaughan, Christopher M. (BVHIBOª $POOFBMZ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Hartmann, Kristi C. )BSUNBOO -BX 0GGJDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kirkland, Robert K. ,JSLMBOE 8PPETª .BSUJOTFO -JCFSUZª.0 Martinsen, Scott K. ,JSLMBOE 8PPETª .BSUJOTFO -FBXPPEª,4
Schumaker, Larry M. 4DIVNBLFS $FOUFS GPS &NQMPZNFOU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Martin, Michael S. .BSUJO -BX 0GGJDF 8FTUXPPEª,4
Nail, Molly $IJOOFSZ &WBOTª /BJM -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 1H ªS-11
Smith, Eric W. 4JSP 4NJUI %JDLTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
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Smith, P. Glen -JGFTDBQF -BXª %FWFMPQNFOU -JCFSUZª.0
P. GLEN SMITH -*'&4$"1& -"8ª %&7&-01.&/5 ª--$ -JCFSUZª
www.lifescapelaw.com
Sullivan, Emily )FSJUBHF -BX -FBXPPEª,4 Vinton, Amy M. 7JOUPO].PPSF -FOFYBª,4 Ward, Melinda “Mindy” 4QFODFS 'BOF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 CONTINUED ON PAGE S-10
Christopher J. Angles Trial Lawyer - Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® - Super Lawyers Top 50 Kansas City and Top 100 Missouri and Kansas Lists - 2011 to Present - Selected to Super Lawyers since 2009
(816) 471-5777 1609 W. 92nd Street Kansas City MO 64114 www.angleslaw.com lawyers@angleslaw.com
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Collected And Counting*
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SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE SUPER LAWYERS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-8
Woods, Richard D. ,JSLMBOE 8PPETª .BSUJOTFO -FBXPPEª,4 Zellmer, Kimberly S. ;FMMNFS -BX 'JSN 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 RISING STARS Decker, Joshua A. 4QFODFS 'BOF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Esry, Joseph 1BSNBOª &BTUFSEBZ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Falk, Rochelle B. 1PMTJOFMMJ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kleyh, Stephanie R. 4FYUPO #FOEFS )JMMª 4UFJONBO (MBETUPOFª.0 Long, Benjamin E. 4DIMBHFM -POH 0MBUIFª,4 Moore, Curtis .PPSF -FHBDZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Morgan, Kerry $PMMJOTª +POFT 3BZNPSFª.0 1H ªS-5, S-20 Nazir, Samara 1BSNBOª &BTUFSEBZ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
FAMILY LAW SUPER LAWYERS Allen, Mark E. "MMFO -BX -JCFSUZª.0 Anderson, Maggie -BX 0GGJDF PG .BHHJF "OEFSTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Bernhardt, Jacquelyn P. 5IJMHFTª #FSOIBSEU 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
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www.berkowitz-cook.com
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Hare, Lindsay A. /PSUPO )BSF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Haynes, Melanie A. )BZOFT -BX 'JSN 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4 Hill, Elizabeth 5IF )JMM -BX 'JSN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Finley, Christina D. 'JOMFZª -BVCFS -JCFSUZª.0
ELIZABETH HILL
Fisher, Nicole M. 'JTIFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-16
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www.hilllawfirm.com
Fox, Erin 'BNJMZ 'JSTU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
MISSOURI & KANSAS
THE REDFEARN LAW FIRM, P.C.
TOP 100 KANSAS CITY
TOP 50
LEE’S SUMMIT
Michael D. Wallis
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE! Paul Redfearn, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and Advocate with the American Board of Trial Advocates, has been named to the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers list for 19 consecutive years, and Mike Wallis, who has worked alongside the Firm’s legal team for over two decades, has been named to Super Lawyers for six consecutive years. Founded by Paul Redfearn in 1984, 2024 marks 40 years The Redfearn Law Firm has been fighting the good fight through hard work, preparation and dedication, focused solely on achieving justice for its clients.
Paul L. Redfearn, III Paul L. Redfearn, III
The Firm is committed to the jury trial system and devotes 100% of its time to civil litigation, representing victims suffering from catastrophic harm due to personal injury, medical negligence, defective and dangerous products, and motor vehicle and trucking collisions. The Firm takes pride in standing up for its clients to even the scales against huge corporations and insurance carriers that have unlimited legal and financial resources.
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3731 NE Troon Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 421-5301
L-R: Michael D. Wallis*, Paul L. Redfearn, III*
redfearnlawfirm.com
*Selected to Super Lawyers
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MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Hoffman, Larry C. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
McFarland, Tiffany A. .D'BSMBOE -BX (SPVQ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
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Moore, Valerie 7JOUPO].PPSF -FOFYBª,4
Stevens, Shea E. #VSLF .D$MBTLZ 4UFWFOT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ª4 S-21
Morrison, Eric A. .PSSJTPO -BX 1SBJSJFª7JMMBHFª,4
JILL C. JACKOBOICE
Nelson, Ronald W. 3POBMEª8 /FMTPO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
www.jackoboicelaw.com
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Swall, Larry V. (BUFT 4IJFMET 'FSHVTPO 4XBMM )BNNPOE 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Thilges, Amanda A. 5IJMHFTª #FSOIBSEU 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 VanNess, Andrew F. 7BO/FTT -BX -JCFSUZª.0
0TXBME #SPXO +FOOJGFS & 0TXBME 3FX #MVFª4QSJOHTª.0
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www.reed-walker.com
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CONTINUED ON PAGE S-12
PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Molly Nail*
Chinnery Evans & Nail has a reputation as one PG UIF ,BOTBT $JUZ BSFBµT NPTU USVTUFE MBX ¾SNT 'PVOEFE JO PVS ¾SN IBT B QBTTJPO GPS QSFQBSJOH BOE QSPUFDUJOH PVS DMJFOUT JO UIF BSFBT PG &TUBUF 1MBOOJOH #VTJOFTT -BX 3FBM &TUBUF -BX 1SPCBUF BOE 5SVTU "ENJOJTUSBUJPO BOE -JUJHBUJPO 8F QSPWJEF UIF GPMMPXJOH • Concentration 8F MJTUFO DMPTFMZ BOE IPOF JO PO ZPVS OFFET
Casey Crawford**
• Consultation 8F UBLF B DPOTVMUBUJWF BQQSPBDI UP QSPWJEJOH MFHBM DPVOTFM 8F BEWJTF ZPV ZPVS GBNJMZ BOE ZPVS DPNQBOZ UISPVHIPVU UIF FOUJSF MFHBM QSPDFTT
CHINNERY EVANS & NAIL
• Competency 0VS BUUPSOFZT IBWF OFBSMZ ZFBST PG DPNCJOFE FYQFSJFODF JO UIF QSBDUJDF PG MBX BOE QSPWJEF MFHBM TFSWJDFT PG UIF IJHIFTU DBMJCFS • $PO¾EFOUJBMJUZ 8F TUSJWF UP NBJOUBJO B DPNGPSUBCMF BOE DPO¾EFOUJBM SFMBUJPOTIJQ BU BMM UJNFT 8F XBOU FBDI DMJFOU UP LOPX UIFZ DBO USVTU VT BT UIFJS MFHBM BEWJTFST THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
800 NE Vanderbilt Lane Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 0G¾DF 'BY *Selected to Super Lawyers **Selected to Rising Stars
chinnery.com
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 FAMILY LAW CONT’D FROM PAGE S-11
Frick, Jared T. -BX 0GGJDF PG :PVOH ,VIMª 'SJDL -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0
RISING STARS Aubrey, Geoffrey 5IF 3FZOPMET -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Geib, Amber (FJC -BX (SPVQ -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 1H ªS-17
Bajackson, Erin B. "MCBOP 3JDIBSU 8FMDIª #BKBDLTPO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
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Isaacs, Amberlynn M. 5IJMHFTª #FSOIBSEU 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Crozier, Justin M. $SP[JFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Jacobs Alexander, Kristin K. 'BNJMZ 'JSTU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Fahey, Dana L. #PPUIF 8BMTI -BXª .FEJBUJPO 0MBUIFª,4 1H ªS-18
Mathews, Lindsay -. 'BNJMZ -BX -JCFSUZª.0
Sader, Samantha ,SJHFMª ,SJHFM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Samani, Tyse 4BNBOJ -BX /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Spiridigliozzi, Arielle A. #FSLPXJU[ $PPL (POESJOH %SJTLFMMª %SPCFDL ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Spitaleri, Angela L. 4QJUBMFSJ -BX 'JSN *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 VanFleet, Lindsey M. #VDDFSPª 7BO'MFFU *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Yarnell, Ashlyn 3POBMEª8 /FMTPO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
GENERAL LITIGATION SUPER LAWYERS Adams, Robert T. 4IPPL )BSEZª #BDPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Bender, Thomas V. )PSO "ZMXBSEª #BOEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Bethune, Scott S. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-6 Foland, W. James 8BUUFST 8PMG #VCª )BOTNBOO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Graves, Todd P. (SBWFT (BSSFUU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kruse, Kevin J. #FBN 8BSE ,SVTF 8JMTPOª 'MFUFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 McClain, II, Kenneth B. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Pospisil, Michael D. 1PTQJTJM 4XJGU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Rew, Jason K. 0TXBME 3FX #MVFª4QSJOHTª.0
DEAN E. NASH*
BRIAN S. FRANCISKATO*
RANDY W. JAMES*
Rottinghaus, Thomas A. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Stanley, Kevin D. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
*SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS Kopit, Michael -JUDIGJFME $BWP ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
LITIGATION FOCUSED. RELATIONSHIP DRIVEN. The attorneys at the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm have dedicated their careers to helping people who are seriously injured by others. Our practice is nationwide and includes cases involving automobile and trucking accidents, wrongful death, class actions, products liability, and defective drugs and medical devices. Dean Nash, Brian Franciskato and Randy James bring over 100 years of combined legal experience helping clients. We have gained local and national recognition and are routinely asked by other attorneys to act as lead counsel or co-counsel in complex cases against some of the world’s largest corporations. We have the technology and resources of much larger firms, enabling us to be successful against multibillion-dollar corporations, while still providing individual attention to each client. The lawyers, paralegals, assistants and other staff at Nash & Franciskato all strive to build trusted relationships with every single client, from day one. Our clients are more than an inventory. Each client is given individual attention as we help guide them through the legal process, so they can focus on their recovery.
2300 MAIN ST., SUITE 170 | KANSAS CITY, MO 64108 PH: (816) 221-6600 | FX: (816) 221-6612
nashfranciskato.com
S-12
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Palmer, Brian L. #SPXOª 3VQSFDIU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
IMMIGRATION SUPER LAWYERS Austin, James W. "VTUJOª 'FSHVTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Hoppock, Matthew 5IF )PQQPDL -BX 'JSN 4IBXOFFª,4
MATTHEW HOPPOCK 5)& )0110$, -"8ª'*3. ª--$ 4IBXOFFª
www.hoppocklawfirm.com Irish, Kathleen E. 5IF -BX 0GGJDF PG ,BUIMFFOª& *SJTI ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Sharma-Crawford, Rekha 4IBSNB $SBXGPSE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-21 Sharma-Crawford, W. Michael 4IBSNB $SBXGPSE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-21 Willmoth, Jonathan 8JMMNPUI *NNJHSBUJPO -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-2.
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 RISING STARS Alberti, Genevra 5IF $MJOJD BU 4IBSNB $SBXGPSE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-19 Galicia, Megan .BSUJOF[ *NNJHSBUJPO -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Hewitt, Kelly M. 5IF )PQQPDL -BX 'JSN 4IBXOFFª,4 Moore, Mario .PPSF 3BNJSF[ -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Nguyen, Ronald 5IF -BX 0GGJDF PG 3POBME /HVZFO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF SUPER LAWYERS Adams, David S. "EBNT $SPTT 0MBUIFª,4 Adler, James F. "EMFSª .BOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Backer, Joseph M. #BDLFS -BX 'JSN *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Bottaro, Patrick F. ,SFBNFS "SOFZ 8BJUª #PUUBSP 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Coppage, Brett J. &EFMNBOª 5IPNQTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Bradley, Douglas R. #SBEMFZ BOE #SBEMFZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Crabb, Michael T. ,VDLFMNBO 5PSMJOF ,JSLMBOE 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Brady, Maureen .D4IBOFª #SBEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
Crabtree, James M. $SBCUSFF -BX 0GGJDF 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Buckley, Brendan C. &EFMNBOª 5IPNQTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Crow, Michael P. $SPXª "TTPDJBUFT -FBWFOXPSUIª,4
Burgess, Mitchell L. #VSHFTT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Curry, Daniel G. #SPXOª $VSSZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Burns, Jeffrey A. %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Cambiano, Joseph A. 3VCJOT ,BTF )BHFSª $BNCJBOP ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Campbell, John Harl -BX 0GGJDFT PG +PIO )BSM $BNQCFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Carr, William 8IJUF (SBIBN #VDLMFZª $BSS *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Bartlett, Eric E. /PSUIMBOE *OKVSZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Becker, Timothy J. %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Benjamin, Christopher E. ,$ 3PBE -BXZFST -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0
Davis, Grant L. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-6
Burns, J.J. %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Cannezzaro, Nikki $BOOF[[BSP .BSWFM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
Barnes, Kenneth E. #BSOFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Cusick, John M. #BSOFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Burmeister, Brett T. #VSNFJTUFS (JMNPSF #MVFª4QSJOHTª.0
Cassidy, Dennis J. )VOUFSª $BTTJEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Chionuma, Chuck N. $IJPOVNB -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-17
Del Percio, Laura L. 5IF )PSO -BX 'JSN *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 DeMarea, Andrew M. 'PSTHSFO 'JTIFS .D$BMNPOU %F.BSFB 5ZTWFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Dickeson, Blaine E. %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 DiPasquale, Michael V. %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Dollar, Tim %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Fogarty, III, John J. 4DINJUU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Foster, Michael 'PTUFS 8BMMBDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Foster, Shawn G. 1SFVTTª] 'PTUFS -BX -FBXPPEª,4 1H ª4
Cloon, Bryson R. $MPPO -BX 'JSN -FBXPPEª,4
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-14
*Selected to Super Lawyers
ZACH THOMAS*
JASON P. ROTH*
BRANDAN DAVIES*
COLLIN HUERTER
7500 COLLEGE BLVD. SUITE 700 OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210
PERSONAL INJURY
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
LAUREN FIELDS
913.451.9500 ROTHDAVIES.COM
WRONGFUL DEATH
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
FAMILY LAW
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
S-13
S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Hillyard, Nick 8FOEU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Kilgore, Michael S. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
Frickleton, James P. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4 1H ª4
Hinrichs, Nick A. )JOSJDITª 4DPUU *OKVSZ 5SJBM -BXZFST ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-19
Kuckelman, Michael ,VDLFMNBO 5PSMJOF ,JSLMBOE 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Gaarder, Timothy C. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-6
Holtsclaw, Rick D. )PMUTDMBX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Kurtz, John W. )VCCBSEª ,VSU[ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
PERSONAL INJURY SUPER LAWYERS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-13
Gorny, Stephen M. (PSOZ %BOEVSBOE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
RICK D. HOLTSCLAW
)0-54$-"8ª'*3. ,BOTBT $JUZª
STEPHEN M. GORNY
www.holtsclawfirm.com
(03/: %"/%63"/% -$ ,BOTBT $JUZª
House, Aaron M. )PVTF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
www.gornydandurand.com Goss, Peter E. 5IF (PTT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Green, Blake P. #( -BX /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Hunter, Scott A. )VOUFSª $BTTJEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Johnson, David %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Gregory, Lyle M. (SFHPSZª "TTPDJBUFT 3BZNPSFª.0 Griggs, Annette (SJHHT *OKVSZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
ANNETTE GRIGGS
Johnson, Lynn R. 4IBNCFSH +PIOTPOª #FSHNBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Johnson, Todd 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Jones, Clayton A. "UUPSOFZ BU -BX 3BZNPSFª.0
(3*((4 */+63: -"8 ª--$ ,BOTBT $JUZª
Jones, Thomas C. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-6
www.GriggsInjuryLaw.com
Jouras, Jr., Peter A. -BX 0GGJDFT PG 1FUFSª" +PVSBT +S 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Grover, Mark (SPWFS -BX ,$ 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Hankins, Thomas E. )BOLJOTª $POLMJO (MBETUPOFª.0
Kanatzar, Jill A. %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Harriman, Burt "UUPSOFZ BU -BX -FYJOHUPOª.0 Heath, M. Blake )FBUI *OKVSZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-19
Ketchum, Amanda Pennington %ZTBSU 5BZMPS .D.POJHMF #SVNJUUª 8JMDPY ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
Lawler, Christopher 5IF -BXMFS 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Madden, Brian J. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Marvel, Michelle $BOOF[[BSP .BSWFM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mayer, David M. .POTFFTª .BZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 McCallister, Brian F. 5IF .D$BMMJTUFS -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 McCreight, Scott A. ,FUDINBSL BOE .D$SFJHIU -FBXPPEª,4 McManus, Kevin ,FWJO .D.BOVT -BX *OKVSZª %JTBCJMJUZ "UUPSOFZT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 McShane, Lucy .D4IBOFª #SBEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mirfasihi, Mav H. .JSGBTJIJ -BX 0GGJDFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mohlman, Michael J. .PIMNBO (VSOFZ *OKVSZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mook, Ben .PPL -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Moore, Jason B. %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Morefield, Richard W. .PSFGJFME 4QFJDIFS #BDINBO 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Nantz, Andrew J. 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Nash, Dean E. /BTIª 'SBODJTLBUP -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-12
Selected to Rising Stars
DUMA LAW OFFICES 303 E. Poplar Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 782-7072
7 l-Ѵ- oL1;vĺ1ol
MICHAEL C. DUMA
Noland, Douglass F. /PMBOE -BX 'JSN -JCFSUZª.0
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Norman, Phyllis /PSNBOª (SBWFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
oum; b1_-;Ѵ ĺ l- o= l- - L1;v u;ru;v;m|v bm7b b7 -Ѵv -1uovv -mv-v -m7 bvvo ub om 1ublbm-Ѵ o@;mv;v u-m]bm] =uol 7u ] 1ubl;v -m7 & |o |_; lov| v;ubo v =;Ѵom o@;mv;v bm v|-|; -m7 =;7;u-Ѵ 1o u|ĺ b1_-;Ѵ bv 1omvbv|;m|Ѵ u;1o]mb ;7 -v - Ѵ;-7;u bm _bv C;Ѵ7ķ 0;bm] m-l;7 |o !bvbm] "|-uv -m7 -v - $or ƐƏƏ $ub-Ѵ - ;u 0 $_; -ঞom-Ѵ $ub-Ѵ - ;uvĺ b1_-;Ѵ 0;Ѵb; ;v |_; _b]_;v| 1-ѴѴbm] o= - 1ublbm-Ѵ 7;=;mv; - oum; bv |o C]_| =ou vol;om; |_-| bv uom]Ѵ -11 v;7ķ 0; b|_ |_;l |_uo ]_ |_; ruo1;vv o= 0;bm] ruov;1 |;7ķ -m7 -Ѵh o | o= |_; 1o u|uool b|_ |_;l _;m - ;u7b1| o= mo| ] bѴ| bv u;| um;7ĺ
Noland, Kate E. /PMBOE -BX 'JSN -JCFSUZª.0
Nutter, Scott E. 4IBNCFSH +PIOTPOª #FSHNBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 0OJL 5IPNBT 7BO ;BOUFOª 0OJL /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Parisi, John M. 1BSJTJ -BX 'JSN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Peddicord, Eryn M. 1FEEJDPSE -BX 0EFTTBª.0 Perkin, Erica 5IF 1FSLJO -BX 'JSN -FBXPPEª,4 Playter, Eric S. 1MBZUFSª 1MBZUFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Pope, Judy %JDLTPOª 1PQF -FOFYBª,4 Porto, Tom 5IF 1PQIBN -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Preman, Vance C. 7BODFª$ 1SFNBO #VDZSVTª,4 Presley, Kirk R. 1SFTMFZª 1SFTMFZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-16 Preuss, Thomas J. (TJ) 1SFVTTª] 'PTUFS -BX -FBXPPEª,4 Price, Timothy P. 5JNPUIZª1 1SJDF (MBETUPOFª.0 Putnam, Tamara I. $BSUFSª 1VUOBN -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 Rader, Michael C. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4 1H ª4 Randles, Rebecca M. 3BOEMFT .BUB ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
S-14
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-2.
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 Riemann, Tim J. 3JFNBOO *OKVSZ -JUJHBUJPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
RISING STARS Aramjoo, Ashley "SBNKPP -BX 'JSN -JCFSUZª.0
Bishop, Stephen L. #SPXOª $SPVQQFO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Robb, Anita Porte 3PCCª 3PCC ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Aramjoo, Paemon "SBNKPP -BX 'JSN -JCFSUZª.0
Boden, Rachel 3PVTF 'SFUT 8IJUF (PTT (FOUJMF 3IPEFT -FBXPPEª,4
Baker, Joshua L. 4BOEFST -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Brand, Nick %POMPO #SBOE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Barnard, Brice 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Brillhart, Adam Marcus %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Barnett, Samuel -BOHEPOª &NJTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Camejo, Ivan )PSO "ZMXBSEª #BOEZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Becker, Josh %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Carroll, John S. %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-6
Rose, Jared A. 3PTF -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Roth, Jason P. 3PUI %BWJFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-13 Russell, Brian .FZFSLPSE 3VTTFMMª )FSHPUU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Sanders, Stephen 4BOEFST -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Scott, Joshua )JOSJDITª 4DPUU *OKVSZ 5SJBM -BXZFST ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Shachtman, Scott A. 5IF 4IBDIUNBO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Belew, Kyle #BSOFT -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
CONTINUED ON PAGE S-16
Shetlar, James R. +BNFTª3 4IFUMBS -BX 0GGJDFT 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-21 Shumate, Wes %BWJT #FUIVOFª +POFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-6 Siro, Rik N. 4JSP 4NJUI %JDLTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Skeens, David M. 8BMUFST 3FOXJDL 3JDIBSET 4LFFOTª 7BVHIBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Smith, Andrew K. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Smith, Rachel E. *OKVSZ -BX "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Stout, David C. 4UPVU -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Stuart, Daniel E. -BX 0GGJDF PG %BOJFMª& 4UVBSU -FBXPPEª,4 Sweeny, Christopher P. 5VSOFS 4XFFOZª 4FBUPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Taylor, Donald T. 3PCC 5BZMPSª 0µ$POOPS ,BOTBTª$JUZª,4 Thomas, Daniel A. )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Townsend, Michael D. 5PXOTFOE -BX 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Turner, John E. 5VSOFS 4XFFOZª 4FBUPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 van Zanten, Hans H. 7BO ;BOUFOª 0OJL /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Vandever, Wm. Dirk 5IF 1PQIBN -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Votava, Brett T. 7PUBWB /BOU[ª +PIOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 Waddell, Michael P. *OKVSZ -BX "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Wallace, Brian 'PTUFS 8BMMBDF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Wallis, Michael D. 5IF 3FEGFBSO -BX 'JSN -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 1H ªS-10 Watson, Ryan %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Welch, Pamela J. 8FMDIª 8FCC 1MBUUFª$JUZª.0 Wendt, Samuel M. 8FOEU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 White, Bryan 8IJUF (SBIBN #VDLMFZª $BSS *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Williams, Brett A. #SPXOª $SPVQQFO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Woodworth, Sophie )PMNBO 4DIJBWPOF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Zmijewski, Daniel R. %3; -BX -FBXPPEª,4 THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
S-15
S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS
TOP 100
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 PERSONAL INJURY RISING STARS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-15
Corwin, Katherine %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Presley & Presley, LLC is a Kansas City law firm backed by the skills and experience of 40 years of representing the most significantly injured and their families in the areas of aviation, car and truck crashes, catastrophic injury and premises liability, with emphasis on the complex insurance coverage and bad faith liability issues that often arise.
Kirk R. Presley
Crook, Dustin #JFTUFSWFMEª $SPPL 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Cross, Jordan "EBNT $SPTT 0MBUIFª,4 Dandurand, Christopher (PSOZ %BOEVSBOE ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Denning, Paeten %FOOJOH -BX 'JSN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
Kirk R. Presley
Dollar, Lauren %PMMBS #VSOT #FDLFSª )FSTIFXF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Frickleton, Kelly Clare #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4
L-R: Kirk R. Presley*, Jill Presley, Matt McCoy** *Selected to Super Lawyers **Selected to Rising Stars
Friesen, Ben ,VDLFMNBO 5PSMJOF ,JSLMBOE 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Geren, Andrew T. %F7BVHIO +BNFT *OKVSZ -BXZFST ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Grantham, Lindsay T. -/; -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Gray, II, Gerald ( (SBZ -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Presley & Pr Presley, LLC 480 Main St. 4801 Suite 375 Kansas City, MO 64112 PH: (816 (816) 931-4611 FX: (816) 931-4646 presleyandpr presleyandpresley.com
Green, Austin W. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4 Hyde, Jack 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Jacobs, Irving J. “Josh” ,JSLFOEBMM %XZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Jones, Kevin A. -BX 0GGJDF PG ,FWJOª" +POFT -JCFSUZª.0 Kenney, Bill #JMM ,FOOFZ -BX 'JSN -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 Korth, Eric /PSNBOª (SBWFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lawrence, Rachel #SPXOª $SPVQQFO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Leiker, Jarrett -FJLFS -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lester, Michael %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lucas, Todd %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Lydick, Geoff %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Martens, Reed .POTFFTª .BZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 McCoy, Matthew 1SFTMFZª 1SFTMFZ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-16 McElderry, Ryan )PVTF 1BDLBSE .D&MEFSSZ -JCFSUZª.0 McGreevy, Joe M. .D(SFFWZ -BX 8FTUXPPEª,4 Medlin, Tristan %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Melero, Claire %F7BVHIO +BNFT *OKVSZ -BXZFST ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Meyer, Mike #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4
Nicole Fisher
Selected to Super Lawyers Top 100, Kansas City Top 50, Top 50 Women
F
F I S H E R L AW
Your Kansas City Family Law & Divorce Attorneys S-16
SUPERLAWYERS.COM
Stacey Wullschleger
Selected to Super Lawyers Top 100, Kansas City Top 50, Top 50 Women
• Divorce 816-471-7008 fisherlawkc.com • Modifications 4505 Madison Ave., Suite 100 • Child Custody Kansas City, MO 64111 • Paternity Actions • Prenuptial Agreements
Morris, Aaron M. %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 0YMFZ /JDIFMMF )VNQISFZ 'BSSJOHUPOª .D$MBJO *OEFQFOEFODFª.0 Phillips, Spencer Tremaine %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Poole, Zachary D. ;%1 -BX ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
ZACHARY D. POOLE
;%1 -"8 ª--$ ,BOTBT $JUZª
www.zdplaw.com
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-2.
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
AMBER GEIB
Riggins, Anthony %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Selected to Rising Stars
GEIB LAW GROUP
Robb, Andrew C. 3PCCª 3PCC ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
4971 NE Goodview Circle, Suite B Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 908-9676 amber@geiblaw.com
Robb, Brittany Sanders 3PCCª 3PCC ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Robinson, Suzanne H. )BMF 3PCJOTPOª 3PCJOTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
www.geiblaw.com
Rodriguez, Margarita %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Scearcy, Nate 4JGFST +FOTFOª 1BMNFS 8FTUXPPEª,4 Scherer, Ethan G. #( -BX /PSUIª,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Schmitt, Hunter 4DINJUU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Singer, Daniel A. 4IBNCFSH +PIOTPOª #FSHNBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 St. John, Kelly %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Stockman, Reginald 4UPDLNBO -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Strozier, Phillip 1, -BX (SPVQ ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Swift, Matt 1PTQJTJM 4XJGU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Tadtman, Brian 8PPEXPSUI 4OPX 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 Templin, Nickolas C. 4DINJUU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
FAMILY LAW | CRIMINAL DEFENSE | BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER Amber Geib is the founder and principal attorney of the Geib Law Group. While attending law school, Amber received the coveted invitation to become a member of Phi Delta Phi, the oldest and most prestigious legal honor society, and made the Dean’s Honor List every semester. She graduated six months early from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law with a family law emphasis. Amber represents clients in multiple family law areas, including divorce, paternity, child support, child custody and modifications. Amber is a zealous advocate on behalf of her clients and their goals. She is compassionate and understands the emotional and financial challenges that come with family law issues.
Thrasher, Robert .POTFFTª .BZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Tourigny, Greg 5IF 5PVSJHOZ -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Tuck, Garrett %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
CHIONUMA LAW FIRM, LLC
Ward, Drew %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Wiegers, Cody L. ,BOTBT $JUZ *OKVSZ -BX (SPVQ -FBXPPEª,4
PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF SUPER LAWYERS Bartimus, James R. #BSUJNVT 'SJDLMFUPO 3PCFSUTPO 3BEFS -FBXPPEª,4 1H ª4
ATTORNEY CHUCK N. CHIONUMA
Cullan, MD, Samuel K. $VMMBOª $VMMBO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Super Lawyers Honoree
DeGreeff, David C. 5IF /BJM -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Chionuma Law Firm stands out as a beacon of legal excellence. With over 30 years of expertise, Chuck N. Chionuma is your trusted advocate. His wealth of experience provides a distinct advantage when tackling personal injury matters, allowing for a seamless navigation of legal complexities and ensuring that you receive the just compensation you deserve. With attorney Chionuma by your side, you can place your DPO¾EFODF JO UIF XJTEPN BNBTTFE PWFS ZFBST PG EFEJDBUFE QSBDUJDF GPSUJ¾FE CZ BO unwavering commitment to safeguarding your rights. Your personal injury case deserves nothing less than the seasoned touch of a legal expert.
Dempsey, Leland F. %FNQTFZ ,JOHTMBOEª 0TUFFO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Eisenmenger, Spencer 'PXMFS 1JDLFSU &JTFONFOHFS /PSGMFFU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Fowler, Ryan C. 'PXMFS 1JDLFSU &JTFONFOHFS /PSGMFFU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Hergott, Nick .FZFSLPSE 3VTTFMMª )FSHPUU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Honnold, Bradley D. (P[Bª )POOPME 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ªS-20 Kavanaugh, Paul 3PMMJOT ,BWBOBVHI ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kenner, Nancy E. 5IF ,FOOFS -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Kingsland, Robert D. %FNQTFZ ,JOHTMBOEª 0TUFFO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 CONTINUED ON PAGE S-18 THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
(816) 421-5544 3100 Broadway Blvd., Suite 602, Kansas City, MO 64111
chionuma.com
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023 PERSONAL INJURY SUPER LAWYERS CONT’D FROM PAGE S-17
Nail, Roger D. 5IF /BJM -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4 S-20 Norfleet, Robert (Rob) 'PXMFS 1JDLFSU &JTFONFOHFS /PSGMFFU ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
RISING STARS Klenda, Kasey 4IVMMª ,MFOEB ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Kieffer, Jonathan P. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Shull, William “Joe” 4IVMMª ,MFOEB ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Lucas, Chad C. ,VIMNBOª -VDBT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF
Norton, John (Jack) /PSUPOª 4QFODFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Ricket, Ashley L. 3JDLFU -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-21
ASHLEY L. RICKET 3*$,&5 -"8ª'*3. ,BOTBT $JUZª
Rollins, John 3PMMJOT ,BWBOBVHI ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
JOHN ROLLINS 30--*/4 ,"7"/"6() ª1 $ ,BOTBT $JUZª
www.therollinslawfirm.com Ronan, III, William P. 5IF 3POBO -BX 'JSN 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4
WILLIAM P. RONAN, III 5)& 30/"/ -"8ª'*3. 0WFSMBOE 1BSLª
www.theronanlawfirm.com Spencer, Kathryn A. (Katie) /PSUPOª 4QFODFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Parrish, Mark E. #PZE ,FOUFS 5IPNBTª 1BSSJTI *OEFQFOEFODFª.0
SUPER LAWYERS Allen, Lauren Perkins -BVSFO "MMFO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Redfearn, III, Paul L. 5IF 3FEGFBSO -BX 'JSN -FFµTª4VNNJUª.0 1H ª4 S-10
Bertram, Benjamin A. #FSUSBNª (SBG ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Thompson, James T. &EFMNBOª 5IPNQTPO ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Brose, David -BOHEPOª &NJTPO -FYJOHUPOª.0
www.ricketlaw.com
Monsees, Timothy W. .POTFFTª .BZFS ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
Cartmell, Thomas P. 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ª4
RISING STARS Callahan, Luke 1SFVTTª] 'PTUFS -BX -FBXPPEª,4
Delaney, Brennan -BOHEPOª &NJTPO -FYJOHUPOª.0
Kopp, Dan 3PVTF 'SFUT 8IJUF (PTT (FOUJMF 3IPEFT -FBXPPEª,4
Emison, J. Kent -BOHEPOª &NJTPO -FYJOHUPOª.0 1H ª4
0TCPSO "VTUJO 5 .D$BSUOFZ 4UVDLZ -FOFYBª,4
Franciskato, Brian S. /BTIª 'SBODJTLBUP -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-12 Gentile, R. Douglas 3PVTF 'SFUT 8IJUF (PTT (FOUJMF 3IPEFT -FBXPPEª,4 Goza, Kirk J. (P[Bª )POOPME 0WFSMBOEª1BSLª,4 1H ª4 S-19 Haigh, Burton S. "DDVSTP -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 James, Randy W. /BTIª 'SBODJTLBUP -BX 'JSN ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 1H ªS-12
AUSTIN T. OSBORN .$$"35/&: 456$,:ª--$ -FOFYBª
www.mccartneystucky.com Scarcello, Lindsey 8BHTUBGGª $BSUNFMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
REAL ESTATE SUPER LAWYERS
FAMILY LAW At Boothe Walsh Law & Mediation LLC, we are focused on empowering our family law clients. We believe in equipping our clients with the resources and tools they need to work through the legal process to come out on the other side stronger DQG KHDOWKLHU WKDQ ZKHQ WKH\ EHJDQ 2XU ࢉUPȆV GHGLFDWHG attorneys and mediators walk alongside our clients as they navigate the changes in family life. 130 N. Cherry St., Third Floor, Olathe, KS 66061 (913) 890-4790 | boothewalsh.com
Anderson, Julie 5IF -BX 0GGJDFT PG "OEFSTPOª "TTPDJBUFT ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RISING STARS Sciolaro, Kyle H. #VSOFUU%SJTLJMM ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SUPER LAWYERS Burkhead, Leah B. .BSLª #VSLIFBE .JTTJPOª,4 1H ªS-7 Mark, Keith .BSLª #VSLIFBE .JTTJPOª,4 1H ªS-7 RISING STARS Byun, Hyemin %J1BTRVBMF .PPSF ,BOTBTª$JUZª.0 Mark, Anna M. .BSLª #VSLIFBE .JTTJPOª,4 1H ªS-7 Mark, Jacob .BSLª #VSLIFBE .JTTJPOª,4 1H ªS-7
Elizabeth Walsh
Selected to Super Lawyers
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Carly F. Boothe
Selected to Super Lawyers
Dana L. Fahey
Selected to Rising Stars
Mark, Zachary K. .BSLª #VSLIFBE .JTTJPOª,4 1H ªS-7 Starke, Vanessa M. 4UBSLF -BX 0GGJDFT #MVFª4QSJOHTª.0
THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-2.
S PE C IAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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ERICA A. DRISKELL
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DESARAE G. HARRAH
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FAMILY LAW
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THE CHOICE OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS.
SUPER LAWYERS MISSOURI & KANSAS / KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION
MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
4035&% "-1)"#&5*$"--:
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MISSOURI & KANSAS KANSAS CITY CONSUMER 2023
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JAMES R. SHETLAR
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TASTE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY POWELL
Poplicious When gourmet popcorn shops with dozens of flavors first started popping up, it might have seemed like an overly niche fad that wouldn’t last long, but the trend has survived even during recent tough economic times. At least that’s what Justin and Melody Woo, owners of Popculture in Parkville, have experienced. The husband and wife duo purchased the popcorn and ice cream shop from its previous owners in 2019, right before the pandemic, and it was challenging. GO: “It forced us out of our 115 Main St., comfort zone,” says Justin, Parkville, MO and 8004 Foster St., a chef by training. “We had Overland Park. to rethink our business model and take risks that we may not have taken otherwise. In the end, it was a good thing.” They leaned into delivery and shipping, increasing those avenues exponentially, he says. “We were delivering little boxes of fun during a really miserable time,” adds Melody, a dietician. And it is fun. With flavors from hot wings to blueberry cheesecake, the Woo’s popcorn makes almost any day a celebration. There’s a Tasting Wall from which customers are encouraged to spend some time sampling the roughly 50 flavors, such as a syrupy Dr. Pepper to a sharp grape. When asked how they distill the essence of a loaded baked potato into popcorn, Melody laughs and says, “magic?” The Woos start with quality air-popped corn, creating a blank slate for this weird magic. Whatever arcane incantations it takes to transmute the savory, spicy tang of a fried pickle into a popcorn flavoring, it works. And of course, there are seasonal flavors at the moment, such as peppermint bark, candy cane, maple syrup and eggnog. – RYAN R E E D KANSASCITYMAG.COM DECEMBER 2023
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TA S T E DR I N K
IT’S THE BOMB
silicone molds, Yoka handcrafts her oversized cocoa bombs with Merckens-brand chocolate and packages them each with step-bystep instructions on how best to enjoy these treats. S’mores bombs B Y R A C H E L L AY T O N are stuffed with marshmallows and have a graham cracker and S T O C K I N G S T U F F E R season is here, and Yummies by Yoka has you toasted marshmallow finish on the outside—all the aesthetics of covered with a delicious assortment of uniquely flavored hot cocoa a warm winter treat straight out of a Hallmark movie. “The bomb bombs sure to please most everyone on your list. explodes marshmallows from the middle once hot milk is poured Hot cocoa bombs are just what they seem—balls, “or bombs,” of over top,” Yoka says. chocolate shells filled with goodies like marshmallows, butterscotch Butterbeer cocoa bombs are made with a white chocolate shell chips and cocoa powder. When hot milk is poured on top, they burst and infused with butterscotch chips, thick butterscotch and cocoa. and melt into especially decadent hot chocolate. This bomb feels like Diagon Alley has come to your living room and Amanda Yoka founded her cottage bakery Yummies might even inspire a last-minute Harry Potter movie night. by Yoka in 2016, and every holiday season she offers Yoka highly recommends using hot milk or coffee over the eight different flavors of hot cocoa bombs, including bombs to add to their rich, decadent texture. They’re favorites like s’mores and Butterbeer. Using two-piece sure to kick a relaxing winter night up a notch. Cocoa bomb orders can
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY POWELL
be placed now through February via Yoka’s website yummiesbyyoka.com, with new seasonal flavors popping up every month.
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TA S T E PER FECT DAY
P E R F E C T DAY Diner breakfast: I’m partial to any place that has a counter with stools that you can sit at with a cup of coffee. I like Hayes north of the river or City Diner in the River Market. Just a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. Bakery: Obviously, I’d recommend the bread at Ibis since I helped put that together. But 1900 Barker is great. Taylor [Petrehn’s] laminated doughs, like croissants, are always great. Movies: I’m a big fan of the Screenland Theatre in North KC. It’s a great independent movie theater. I appreciate that it’s owned and run by people who actually like movies. It’s a good vibe over there, kind of nostalgic. If I’m free in the afternoons, I’ll check out some of their older movies. Tacos: I’ve been grabbing Tacos Valentina at Torn Label. They’re doing some cool stuff. I usually get a variety of tacos, but their burrito is really good also.
FLOUR POWER
Will Berndt of Marion Milling wants you to bake local this holiday season. TYLER SHANE W I L L B E R N D T knows flour. He’s spent a significant amount of time working with it in bakeries
such as Ibis and Fervere. But nowadays, Berndt acts as the wheat product’s middle man. His company, Marion Milling, not only produces locally milled flour that’s more flavorful and nutritious than your average store-bought bag, but also happens to be single-handedly building a local grain economy in KC. “I think we’re one of the only people making the connection between local grain farmers and bakers and restaurants,” Berndt says. Berndt and his Marion Milling co-founder Chris Matsch first began making their own flour when the two were working at Messenger Coffee on Grand Street. They bought a stone mill from Vermont-based New American Stone Mills and milled flour from local farmers’ grains for the coffee shop’s baked goods. When the coffee brand was bought in 2020, Berndt and Matsch found space in the West Bottoms and began milling flour full time, supplying KC’s restaurant and bakeries.
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More than likely, you’ve already tasted Marion Milling’s wheat. It has found its way into the kitchens of numerous local establishments, including The Town Co., Crossroads Hotel, Fortunati Pizza, Savoy, Corvino, and Fox and Bull Baking Co., to name a few. It’s not a hard sell. Marion Milling has a direct relationship with nearby farmers, such as 180 Farms in Sweet Springs, MO, making it a sustainably sourced product. Even better, the flavor is incomparable to the big-name brands in the grocery stores. Why? Because unlike the roller mills that the high-commodity flours use, stone mills are able to grind almost the entire wheat berry, including the nutrient-dense bran and germ. Most flours lack these extra components, only grinding down the wheat’s starchy endosperm. “The wheat germ is ground into the flour, so you get all those oils and nutrients from it,” Berndt says. “But it also has all the aroma, flavor and individual character of the different wheats. The first time we baked with it, it was pretty amazing.” Instead of the neutral flavor you may get from Gold Medal or King Arthur, Marion Milling’s flour is wheatier, nuttier and full of depth. When asked if there’s a baked good that Marion Milling’s flour is particularly excellent for, Berndt replies, without hesitation, “breads.” Those trying their hand at baking this time of year can purchase the flour online, and bakers can feel free to reach out to the company’s website with any questions. “It’s fun to use [flour] that is fresh, that hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for who knows how long,” Berndt says. “We mill all our flour to order, so when you put in an order, we mill it, bag it and send it out.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON WALDROP
Dive Bar: At the end of the day, I’ll usually grab a domestic beer at Lucky Boys. They don’t bat an eye at the fact that I’m covered in flour from head to toe. And you can order pizza from Fortunati next door.
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TA S T E B I T E S
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NEWSFEED
WHAT’S NEW IN KANSAS CITY FOOD & DRINK
BY T Y L E R S H A N E
The Great American Beer Festival is America’s largest beer competition. At this year’s fall event, two KC craft breweries, Pathlight Brewing and Cinder Block Brewery, went home with medals. According to Forbes, over 2,000 breweries from all 50 states entered 9,298 beers at this year’s competition. Beers were entered in 99 categories and judged over several weeks by hundreds of beer judges and experts from ten countries. Cinder Block Brewery in North KC took home a silver medal for their Juicy Pils in the “Other Hoppy Lager” category. “This beer is incredibly special to us as we’ve made tweaks throughout the year to try to perfect our West Coast Pilsner in hopes of making it the perfect craft beer, as well as paying homage to our city with the label itself,” a Cinder Block Instagram post reads. You can find the silver medal-winning brew in the Cinder Block Brewery taproom and in six-packs to go. Keep an eye out for it at local restaurants and retailers. Pathlight Brewing in Shawnee won a bronze medal for their Kha Point brew in the “Herb and Spice Beer” category. Kha Point is their Thai Rice lager. According to the brewery’s Instagram, “Puffed Jasmine rice gives this a light (almost fluffy) body and crisp finish. Infusions of Thai basil, Lemongrass, and Galagal is our take on Tom Kha.”
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A wagyu meat market opens in Overland Park Booth Creek Wagyu is a premium wagyu beef producer based in the Flint Hills just north of Manhattan, Kansas. The company raises, processes and distributes fullblood and American wagyu. Since 2020, Booth Creek has been growing rapidly, and recently opened a second wagyu meat market in Overland Park (13412 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park). The meat market, located in the Deer Creek Woods shopping center, opened late August. The original Manhattan, Kansas, store is less than 20 miles from the Flint Hills ranch. The 1,400-square-foot store will carry multiple grades of high-quality wagyu beef. In addition to steaks, the meat market will stock wagyu hot dogs, burger patties, ground beef, roasts and snacks like summer sausage, snack sticks and jerky. Booth Creek also ships its products nationwide. “We are excited to bring wagyu to Overland Park and the Kansas City metro area,” says Booth Creek Founder and CEO Dave Dreiling. “Wagyu has a truly unparalleled taste as compared to traditional commercial beef. We look forward to helping educate the community not only on the different flavor profiles but also the overall health benefits of wagyu.” Wagyu beef, originally from Japan, is world-famous for its marbling, which creates a very tender and flavorful meat. This rich, buttery beef has only been stateside since the late 1970s and has just recently gained popularity. Today, most wagyu in America are crossbred with angus or another breed called American wagyu.
PHOTOGRPAHY PROVIDED
Two KC breweries win medals at the Great American Beer Festival
TA S T E B I T E S
HomeGrown
Modern Market Eatery
Two new restaurants head to KC’s Power and Light District Two health-conscious restaurants are headed to the Power and Light District come 2024. HomeGrown and Modern Market Eatery are part of the Wichita-based Thrive Restaurant Group, and both are expected to open sometime next year. HomeGrown, a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, will be the Thrive Restaurant Group’s ninth HomeGrown restaurant, three of which are in the Kansas City area. The newest establishment will occupy the former Flying Saucer Draught Emporium restaurant (101 E. 13th St., KCMO). Modern Market Eatery (1347 Main St., KCMO) is a fast-casual spot with a menu full of ethically sourced ingredients free from artificial flavors, trans fats, hormones, antibiotics and unnecessary additives. The eatery offers a variety of made-from-scratch lunch and dinner options, including grain bowls, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Beer and wine will also be served. “We eagerly anticipate the arrival of HomeGrown and Modern Market Eatery to the District in 2024,” says John Moncke, president of the Kansas City Power and Light District. “With nearly 1,000 residential units in the District and more on the way when Midland Lofts opens next year, we are very intentional about the experiences we are curating for our residents and millions of guests alike.”
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SURREAL ESTATE
T H E S TO R I E S B E H I N D K A N S A S C I T Y ’ S M O S T E Y E - C ATC H I N G B U I L D I N G S
WATER BALLOON How a rusty old water tower became a Northland icon I S I T A B I R D ? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Worlds of Fun water tower, and it became a city-wide
landmark 50 years ago when it was painted to look like the amusement park’s hot air balloon logo. Built in 1955, the water tower serendipitously needed a fresh coat of paint right around when the amusement park opened in 1973. At the time, painting water towers anything other than a bland, neutral color was unheard of, says Scott Keilbey, who recently retired as director of sales for the Tnemec Company, a Northland-based company that makes protective coatings and linings for structures like water towers around the globe. Tnemec, cement spelled backward, was instrumental in turning the Northland water tower into an instant icon when the company’s colorful coatings were used to paint the tower.
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“It was the very first unique logo ever done in the nation on a water tank,” says Keilbey, a second-generation Tnemec man who worked on selecting the tower’s last two coating systems. “The reason why I can say this is because Tnemec is responsible for 80 to 85 percent of coatings inside and out of municipal water towers [in the nation.] My father [Bill Keilbey] was Tnemec’s representative who worked on the original logo project.” It was a novel treatment at the time, and Tnemec knew it would be a great way to showcase its new colorful coating products. And the powers that be at Worlds of Fun, built by the Hunt family, knew it would be a great way to advertise the park. “We knew painting the water tower would be great for Worlds of Fun,” says Lee Derrough, who was general manager of Worlds of Fun before becoming chairman and CEO of Hunt Midwest Enterprises. “It’s right at our front door—an amazing advertising opportunity for us.” Where the notion to turn the water tank into a balloon came from is a little murky, but one thing’s for sure: It wasn’t the city’s. Although the two million-gallon water tank that serves nearly 70,000 residents needed a fresh coat of paint, the colorful coatings were more expensive than the city thought necessary, so Worlds of Fun ponied up the difference. “It was worth every penny,” Derrough says. —DAW N YA B ARTSC H
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY THERON KIRBY
“ It was the very first unique logo ever done in the nation on a water tank.”
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