Kansas City magazine July 2024 by Kansas City Magazine

34 AMAZING KANSAS CITY MEALS FOR $15 OR LESS

CHEAP EATS! Double Cheeseburger with Bacon from Snack Shack, $4.99

Plus: Pickleball at the iconic Adam’s Mark Hotel? Yes. kansascitymag.com | July 2024 | $4.95

KCK lowrider bike program teaches kids how to build a bike and a future 19 KCAI students transform the KC riverfront levee with vibrant murals

WHOLE-PERSON SUPPORT

LEADING TECHNOLOGY

Built to care. Driven to cure. Kansas City’s newest home for state-of-the-art cancer care is here. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute offers everything patients need all in one place – including leading-edge technology with the first and only MRIGuided Radiation Therapy in the KC region. Here, you’ll find a dedicated team that champions you, your cancer journey and the human spirit. Visit CancerCareKC.com to learn more.

PERSONALIZED CARE

EXPERT TEAM

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C H E V R O N C O L L EC T I O N

Your Kansas City Real Estate Team Trust Malfer & Associates to guide you through every step of your real estate journey, ensuring a seamless transition into your dream home. Whether you’re searching locally or nationally, we have access to a diverse range of properties at all price points to suit your unique preferences and needs. Your journey to finding the perfect home starts here.

16913 BOND STREET | MILLS RANCH | $2 ,650,000 Listed by: Katie Scurlock

KRISTIN MALFER CEO/PRESIDENT | REALTOR FOUNDING PARTNER COMPASS REALTY GROUP KANSAS CITY

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.

Linn Valley Lakes

6 Acres 309 E 127TH STREET | $1,000,000

89 ENCHANTED LANE | $335,000 Listed by: Alicia Cabrera-Hill

Willow Brooke

Genesis Place at Green Hills

Listed by: Katie Scurlock

9504 N LENOX PLACE | $435,000

1408 NE 94TH STREET | $450,000

Listed by: Dawn Boedeker

Regency House

Castle Park

Listed by: Dawn Boedeker

10418 EDGEHILL DRIVE | $335,000

221 W 48TH STREET #1802 | $1,000,000

Listed by: Erin Peel

Loch Lloyd

New Longview

Listed by: Erin Peel

16677 S COUNTRY CLUB DR | $1,095,000

Listed by: Michelle Campbell

Scan the QR code to view our latest listings!

3230 SW PERGOLA PARK DR | $739,950 Listed by: Dawn Boedeker

OUR MISSION

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

Dave Claflin MANAGING EDITOR

Dawnya Bartsch ART DIRECTOR

Kevin Goodbar ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR

Molly Higgins FOOD EDITOR

Tyler Shane MUSIC EDITOR

Nina Cherry DIRECTOR OF SALES

Angie Henshaw DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST

James Lampone DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Alex Healey PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Dominique Parsow COPY EDITOR

Kelsie Schrader WEB COORDINATOR

Madison Russell WRITERS

Daniela Barzallo, Nina Cherry, Molly Higgins, Nicole Kinning, James Lampone, Rachel Layton, Patrick Moore, Reese Parker, Ryan Reed, Ian Ritter, Tyler Shane, Joyce Smith and Kyle Wisecarver PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Sara Alvord, Zach Bauman, Annie Bolin, Linzie Hunter, Roy Inman, James Lampone, Samantha Levi, Laura Morsman, Anna Petrow, Pilsen Photo Coop and Ian Simmons SUBSCRIPTIONS

kansascitymag.com/subscribe or call (913) 469-6700 Scan here to subscribe to our newsletter and magazine. Kansas City magazine is published monthly by KC Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Kansas City magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Kansas City magazine adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which requires a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages. INQUIRIES

KC Publishing, LLC 605 W. 47th St., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64112 (913) 469-6700 @kansascitymag KANSASCITYMAG.COM

Kansas City July 2024

@kansascitymagazine

some of us have been waiting 12 million years for you.

Twelve million years ago, several hundred large, prehistoric animals gathered around a watering hole in what is now Nebraska, where they were killed by a cloud of ashes from a volcanic eruption. Their fossilized remains have been waiting patiently for you ever since, in the Ashfall Fossil Beds. We know this won’t interest everyone. But some of you (and you know who you are) will be fascinated. So go to VisitNebraska.com for a free Travel Guide. Don’t keep us waiting any longer.

COMING SOON FALL 2024

PREMIER DESTINATION SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bluhawk is anchored by this state-of-the art 420,000 sq. ft. sports and entertainment facility, the first phase of which is 260,000 sq. ft and set to open this fall. The multi-sport complex will include an NHL-regulated sized ice rink, 8 basketball courts (convertible to 16 volleyball/pickleball courts), a 40,000 sq. ft. turf field, locker rooms, training area, café, bar and grill, and more. The family entertainment center will be home to arcade games, bowling, laser tag, an e-sports center, sports simulators, and a roll glider.

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE!

bluhawksports.com

features

J U LY 2 02 4

40 Cover Story 34 Cheap Eats

Discover some of KC’s lesser-known yet tastiest eats under $15

Get a Little Higher

A KCK lowrider bike program is teaching kids how to build bikes and a future

Kansas City July 2024

Feast with the Masters

Dine with Degas and other artists at the Kemper’s Cafe Sebastienne

Pearly Whites Meet the metro’s top dentists

DO TIME IN

JEFFERSON CITY

Community Park

MissouriPenTours.com

The Missouri State Penitentiary is a beloved treasure to history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. Tour and learn of the penitentiary’s 168-year operation and infamous criminals who were housed inside “The Walls.” After doing time, discover the scenic views, old-world architectural charm, mouthwatering eateries and exciting events Jefferson City has to offer all year long.

Museum of Missouri Military History

VisitJeffersonCity.com

july

IN THIS ISSUE

21 loop

27 beat

35 current

81 savor

21 Fast Food

27 Summerfest

35 Court Chic

81 Savor

A nonprofit food pantry pivots from handing out bags of groceries to serving ready-toeat-meals

A block party meets pop-up shopping at Zona Rosa

Don’t know what to wear to PickleCon 2024? We’ve got you covered.

Truman General Store has the perfect icy treat

24 History Buff

30 Murals at the Levee A Port KC mural project brings life to the riverfront

A UMKC professor’s history app can take you on an educated tour of the metro

32 Backbeat KC vocalist Julia Haile’s debut EP

25 Open Play A new pickleball venue is set to open at Adam’s Mark

36 Novel Debut A local author debuts her first tween novel

37 New Heights T-Swift dons local maker’s cap

38 Cafe Sebastienne IN EVERY ISSUE

Check out this immersive art and dining experience

82 Drink Watermelon sugar

84 Perfect Day Ruben Leal makes his tortillas for Michelin star chefs

85 ’Cue Card Classic ’cue arrives at KCI

86 Newsfeed The latest in KC food news

Editor’s Letter................ 16 Up Front........................... 18 Calendar......................... 28 Surreal Estate............... 88

ON THE COVER:

Photography by Pilsen Photo Coop; Model: Andrea Watts; Agency: Voices and Models; Food Stylist: Ellie Schmidly

Kansas City July 2024

Welcome

Dr. Jacob Smeltzer Oncology, Hematology AdventHealth Cancer Institute is pleased to welcome Mayo fellowship-trained oncologist and hematologist Jacob Smeltzer, MD, to our team of cancer experts.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

Front

I-35

age R d.

Consistently named to Kansas City magazine’s Top Doctors list, Dr. Smeltzer provides whole-person care for patients with all types of cancer and hematologic disorders. He joined the brand-new AdventHealth Cancer Institute in April and is now accepting new patients.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

74th St.

Cancer Institute

Grandview

Kessler

Front age R d.

Main Entrance

75th St.

Visit CancerCareKC.com to learn more.

Cancer Institute AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology 9100 W. 74th Street | Merriam, KS 66204 913-632-9100

F R O M T H E E D I TO R

Cheap Chow SOME OF LIFE’S events call for champagne and exotic charcuterie boards. Others call for a soul-

satisfying bowl of ramen or a side of chili cheese fries. Let’s be honest: More often than not, it’s the ramen and fries that hit the spot. But even fries can get expensive these days, and it was with this in mind that the Kansas City magazine staff decided to scour the metro and find the best dishes to get you through the day—no matter what the day brings—for $15 or less. It has been a fun and tasty assignment. From bento boxes to smash burgers, we discovered a lot of dishes that can be found at this price point. The fun part, according to Kansas City magazine food critic Tyler Shane, who curated the list, has been in discovering the lesser-known and sometimes overlooked spots—and I agree with that. In creating the list of 34 dishes, the hole-in-the-walls and strip mall gems are what we prioritized. For my part, picking the Northland’s Hayes Hamburger and Chili as a perfect cheap eat was a no brainer. Every dish is less than $15, they’re open 24 hours and have been serving diner dishes since 1955. No matter the time of day, I can always count on this north-of-the-river institution for just the right price. It’s also, I have found out this summer, the perfect spot to take a gaggle of hungry kids for an afternoon snack after a day at the pool. They leave with full bellies, and my wallet isn’t empty. Although I could wax on about cheap eats, there are plenty of other stories about food in this issue that deviate from

the cheap eat oeuvre and deserve a mention—in particular, Cafe Sebastienne at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Food and art are two of my favorite things, and one can immerse themselves in both at this cafe. Pursuing the museum’s current exhibitions and then having a bite to eat surrounded by floor-to-ceiling paintings is a spectacular way to beat the heat and spend a summer afternoon. I’d love to hear about your favorite cheap eats around town. Send me an email or hit up our Instagram account @kansascitymagazine. Dawnya Bartsch MANAGING EDITOR

dawnya@kansascitymag.com

Contributors

Ryan Reed, Writer

Sara Alvord, Photographer

Ian Simmons, Photographer

Ryan Reed, who wrote this issue’s story on interactive history app Clio, is a graduate student of creative writing in fiction at UMKC. He splits his time between Missouri and Maine. In both places, he is an avid enthusiast of the stories history tells us and the libraries that hold them.

Sara Alvord, who shot much of this issue’s Cheap Eats feature, is a KC food and drink lover who works as a food photographer and recipe developer in Kansas City.

Photographer Ian Simmons, who shot this month’s story about the lowrider bike program for troubled youth, lives in Overland Park with his family and enjoys riding his bike on local trails and roasting coffee at home.

Kansas City July 2024

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UP FRONT

Feedback

Say What?

Big Brutus Our story on the world’s largest electric shovel, which just happens to be located in West Mineral, Kansas, really grabbed everyone’s attention. Big Brutus, as it’s known, stands 16 stories tall and weighs over 11 million pounds—definitely living up to its name. It’s an awesome place! My kids loved it when they were small and they got to climb it—30 years ago. Now my grandson loves it. A must stop or detour. It’s awesome to take a picture in the bucket, you are so tiny.

You can no longer climb to the top, but it’s an amazing piece of history. –Kyle Thomas

It’s huge! There is also a very nice museum there. –Heidi Reid

–Terrie Bolte

Love Big Brutus!

- Jon Stephens, CEO and president of Port KC

–Kristin Van Voorst

My dad took me to this when I was little. I bought a T-shirt. This is just about the most Missouri thing to do. –Joanna Snook-Snow

They started Big Brutus up in Amsterdam, MO, across from our farm. They said it held 40 cars in its bucket and was 750 feet tall. It pounded the grown night and day. We sold them the farm. –Carol McNally

Kansas City July 2024

“Art is part of human nature. Art provides a visual voice, is a historical marker, supports mental health, feeds the soul and can spark debate.”

Numbers From This Issue

1904

Year Jim Hayes’ grandfather created the chili recipe for the Northland’s Hayes Hamburger and Chili. They use the same recipe to make their scratch-made chili today.

1999 Page 55

Year The History of Art exhibition at the Kemper Museum’s Cafe Sebastienne was installed.

1897 Page 38

Year the Workhouse Castle in the historic jazz district was built. Page 88

Shout-out

A big thanks to Kansas City magazine’s very own James Lampone, who spent the entire night at KC Zoo’s Jazzoo fundraiser, creating video drone footage of the annual event.

KC Publishing, LLC 605 W. 47th St., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64112 (913) 469-6700

editor@kansascitymag.com

Scan the QR code to check out Kansas City magazine online.

Behind the Scenes

Food stylist Ellie Schmidly making sure the hamburger on our cover looks just right.

KIDSMILEKC.COM KANSAS CITY

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Reserve your tickets or sponsor the event.

Friday, September 27, 2024

8 am to 4 pm | Overland Park Convention Center AdventHealth’s Living in Vitality promotes, empowers and amplifies the health and wellness of women in Kansas City and beyond. Presented by

AdventHealthKC.com/LIV Follow us on Instagram Living in Vitality #LIVKC

L EAD ING T HE CONVERSAT ION IN KA NSAS C I T Y

It’s Not Just Food

A food pantry creates ready-to-eat meals for its clientele By Reece Parker TIRED OF SEEING large amounts of perishable food go to waste, a Lawrence-based

food pantry made an unusual move: opening up its own kitchen to turn surplus food into prepared to-go meals. Photography by Zach Bauman

Most food pantry programs provide bags of groceries to folks needing a little extra help so they can prepare their own meals. But faced with large amounts of perishable food not suitable for grocery bags and a clientele looking for prepared meals, the nonprofit Just Food found a novel solution. It’s called Chop Shop, a program where fresh, perishable food that would usually head to a landfill is turned into meals in a dedicated kitchen. (Continued on next page) kansascitymag.com July 2024

LO O P

“We have a lot of individuals that work three, four jobs and they’re still not making ends meet,” says Aundrea Walker, Just Food’s executive director. While food pantries traditionally provide access to whole, raw foods, many families and individuals struggle to find time to cook during the hustle and bustle of daily life. Staff at Just Food had tossed around the concept of an in-house kitchen before the pandemic. Then, in 2022, they conducted a “shopper survey” to find out their shoppers’ greatest needs. An overwhelming number of responses wanted access to ready-to-eat meals like pasta dishes, sandwiches and main-course items. “The Chop Shop is a program where we take items that otherwise may not be able to be used, like a six-pound bag of rice, vegetables or produce that are near their end of life, to make ready-to-eat meals for shoppers,” Walker says.

22 Kansas City July 2024

“We have a lot of individuals that work three, four jobs and they’re still not making ends meet.”

During its first six months, Just Food saved 15,500 pounds of food that was destined for the trash heap and turned it into meals. With the Chop Shop program, large or unorthodox donations can now be broken down at a certified kitchen and packaged into smaller portions for individuals and families. Before the creation of the Chop Shop, Just Food was able to provide a limited amount of ready-to-eat meals by renting out local spaces. “It became rapidly apparent that, due to the restrictions of renting commissary space, we could exponentially increase our production by having our own kitchen rather than being subject to availability and the constrictions on storage,” says Chetan Michie, who helped develop the program. The time and labor involved with moving equipment in and out of rented spaces, not having overnight Photography by Zach Bauman

FRESH GREENS

storage and other logistical problems proved costly and greatly limited Just Food’s ability to produce large quantities of meals. This year, the organization finally found a space to call their own—complete with a commercial kitchen, a pseudo grocery store area for clients and even a few tables and chairs where people can sit and eat a Chop Shop pre-made meal if they choose. Just Food took in just under $800,000 in donations from grocery store food recoveries, community food drives, general donations and farm gleaning. But the demand is still great, especially for perishable necessities like chicken, milk and eggs, which are infrequently donated. Chop Shop spent about $40,000 a month on groceries to service all their clients. “While our food recovery efforts have remained steady, our demand

“While our food recovery efforts have remained steady, our demand and number of clients has increased significantly.”

and number of clients has increased significantly,” says Michie, who says they serve 400-plus households a day now. A few years ago, they were serving half that number. As an organization, they make sure shoppers are offered a variety of choices, Walker says. Unfortunately, the least expensive foods are often the least healthy, which is why Just Food tries to make sure their clients have a healthy diet. According to the leading food bank network operator, Feeding America, people experiencing hunger are at higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mental health disorders. “Serving food that has a higher nutritional value is important to us,” Walker says. “People have a right to good, nutritious food as well, and it’s not just for those of privilege.” kansascitymag.com July 2024

LO O P

History Buff

UMKC professor’s app locates historical spots, giving users the lowdown By Ryan Reed FOR BETTER OR WORSE, we take our phones with us wherever we go.

What if, instead of a constant distraction, they were little librarians benevolently providing us with bits of history as we went about our daily lives? Imagine walking through Loose Park and your phone notifying you that local historian Bill Worley can tell you the story of how the park came to be. This is David Trowbridge’s vision for his app, Clio. Clio is a mobile and web application available now at theclio.com. Trowbridge developed Clio with the help of his students when teaching at a university in West Virginia. The app is a map overlay that lets you locate nearby spots of historical significance. Clicking or tapping on a spot opens an entry with, at the very least, a short introduction to the spot’s history. Trowbridge, a history professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, has authored countless entries for statues, fountains and other historical landmarks, but anyone can create, edit and submit a Clio entry for approval. Many museums, universities and historical organizations, specifically, have put a great deal of effort into creating and maintaining entries for their own locations. “Clio is a pedagogical tool masquerading as a travel app,” says Trowbridge. “It is a way for people to discuss history, art and culture.” Trowbridge grew up in Emporia, Kansas, but left for educational and professional reasons. When the opportunity to teach at UMKC came about, Trowbridge was happy to move closer to home and bring the Clio app with him. He continues to work on it here, involving his students and local organizations.

24 Kansas City July 2024

H I S TO RY TO U R

Clio has now grown into something much larger. From its humble start with a few hundred entries, the app now boasts more than 40,000 entries from across the globe. Each entry can include images, audio and links to further reading. These entries can be linked together to create walking tours that will narrate a stroll through some of Kansas City’s most historic locations, like its fountains and important landmarks in KC’s women’s and jazz history. Trowbridge is on a quest to use smartphones to make us smarter. “These devices are used to divide us,” he says. “They enrage us to generate clicks. They confirm to us that our views are the right views.” Throwbridge wants to teach us that history is a process, not just content to be consumed, and Clio employs some clever features to do just that. Within the app, you can enable “geo-fencing.” This allows Clio to message you when you are near an existing entry, often leading to the discovery of historic locations near the places you already visit. Trowbridge wants to nurture curiosity through Clio as your city and its context unfold before you. “Curiosity is the key to humility and intelligence,” he says. “Ask questions. Seek answers. Understand that many of the answers you find are lacking sources and perspectives, then seek those out for a more full picture.” There is something delightful about the stories coming directly to you. We all have a curiosity about the things we see everyday—buildings and monuments that catch our eye. We lack the time to go to the libraries and dig up the history. Clio seeks to bring the historical context to the places where you already go. “I want residents to use Clio,” Trowbridge says. “I want to inspire people to become excited about this city, about this culture. I want to interpret our neighborhoods with the voices of the people who live in them.” A great example of this is the entry for the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, which includes audio of Trowbridge in conversation with Gorman herself, capturing the voice of Kansas City Park history digitally. Clio is a non-profit passion project fueled by grants, rotating interns and Trowbridge’s own devotion. Download Clio for free now in most app stores by searching for “Clio history.” Photography by Annie Bolin

LO O P

Open Play

A new pickleball venue is headed to an abandoned water park underneath the vacant Adam’s Mark Hotel By Ian Ritter KANSAS, NASHVILLE, DALLAS, whatever. Daryl Wyatt’s primary focus isn’t where

the Royals or the Chiefs end up, despite his plans to open a large pickleball club and sporting venue across the street from the teams’ current home at the Truman Sports Complex. Wyatt’s laser-eyed attention is all on turning the former CoCo Key Water Resort underneath the shuttered Adam’s Mark Hotel (which some Reddit users are convinced is haunted) into a regional draw, regardless of who its neighbors are. Wyatt and co-owner Julie Gibson’s pickleball club, SW19, will be more than just a few courts. It will also house the city’s first pro league team in Eastern Jackson County. Wyatt hopes the venue will eventually double as a place for East Side residents to have a healthy, accessible and fun place to go. Photography by Ian Ritter

NEW LIFE

“In that area, there is such a need for something along these lines and programming for the youth,” says Wyatt, who is working with the 12.4-acre site owners Community Builders of Kansas City, a local urban-core developer that acquired the resort-hotel in 2020, just months after it shut down. “We’re extremely fortunate to be part of that, and the area is definitely in need of a bright spot,” says Wyatt of CBKC’s plans to develop the land. Wyatt’s goal is to start talking to area schools once the facility gets rolling and try to set up youth programs where kids can learn pickleball, compete and even learn aspects of operating a recreational business. This will not be Wyatt and Gibson’s first club—they opened their first location, SW19 Tennis and Pickleball, in Leawood two years ago. Their more immediate plan, though, is to try to get the facility open in time for PickleCon, an extravaganza for the sport at the Kansas City Convention Center from Aug. 9 to 11. The event will feature competition between teams in the National Pickleball League. Wyatt, a former tennis enthusiast, is a member of the Kansas City Stingers, the local pro NPL team that made its debut earlier this year. After the new location’s opening, there’s another big date on the horizon: the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The World Cup is being touted as the highest-drawing sporting event in KC’s history and the biggest deal in town since Robert E. McDonnell figured out how to pump water out of the Missouri River and into peoples’ homes. “We really want to tie in and get some events and open houses going” during the World Cup, Wyatt says. “The beauty of it is we have some time.” Ironically, while the future locations of two professional sports teams across the street are uncertain, the appetite for pickleball seems insatiable. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association based in Maryland. The metro area is no stranger to pickleball, with Overland Park having been given the moniker of the most pickleball-obsessed city in America based on a study of online search volume, according to Visit Overland Park. The metro has dozens of public and private court concepts, such as Chicken N Pickle, but there aren’t many on the East Side. CBKC has several ideas for the former hotel itself, including another hotel or mixed-use project with multi-family units with different levels of affordability. Wyatt says he supports either. kansascitymag.com July 2024

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W H E R E YO U WA N T TO B E I N J U LY

Zona Rosa Summer Fest By Molly Higgins

SUMMER FEST AT Zona Rosa—a block party meets pop-up shopping

experience—aims to be the perfect all-ages summer event. All day, KC favorite The Strawberry Swing will hold an indie craft fair with more than 50 local makers selling unique wares. Food and drinks will also be available throughout the day, including The Rub BBQ, Sugar Daddy’s Lemonade and over half a dozen others. This year’s Summer Fest will also have ongoing entertainment, including a two-hour dance party for children curated by DJ Miles of Theatre of Photography by Drone on Demand

the Imagination, a petting zoo by Paramount Pony and Petting Zoo, a foam party in North Park and a musical performance by Nick Nave. Local Park Hill Robotics Club will also demonstrate the robots they’ve created. There will also be photo ops to help you remember summer ’24, with a Summer Fest floral sign by Luminate KC and a balloon wall by BalloonistaKC. So, embrace the heat and head to Zona Rosa to celebrate summer and GO: July 20. 11 am–6 pm. support all the talent that KC has to North Park and the bridge offer with Summer Fest. at Zona Rosa.

↓

kansascitymag.com July 2024

july B E AT

WHAT YOU WA N T TO D O TH IS MO NTH BY MOL LY HIGGINS

United States vs. Uruguay

Fourteen U.S. cities will host Copa América, the oldest still-running men’s football (soccer) tournament among national teams from South America. On July 1—just a few days ahead of the quarterfinals on July 4 in Houston—Kansas City will host Uruguay as part of the 16-team tournament. This is a huge opportunity for U.S. soccer fans, as this will be only the second time Copa América has been held outside of South America since the inaugural tournament in 1916. July 1. 10 am. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Totally Tubular Festival

Kenny Chesney

One of the most popular country acts of all time, Kenny Chesney is hitting the home of the Chiefs at Arrowhead on his Sun Goes Down stadium tour, based on his When the Sun Goes Down album released 20 years ago. No Shoes Nation will get to hear Chesney’s wide, decades-spanning catalog of hits, with Zac Brown Band opening. July 6. 6 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

28 Kansas City July 2024

9–14

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Presented by KC Care Health Center as part of the 2024 AdventHealth Broadway Series, Disney’s beloved 1989 cartoon gets an adaptation for the stage. The Little Mermaid follows the beloved musical tale of Ariel the mermaid, who lives in the ocean but dreams of seeing the world above the water with friends Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab. July 9–14. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys may be one of the longest-enduring rock bands of all time, with a career spanning 50-plus years. Best known for their iconic 1966 album Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys have cemented themselves as icons in the music industry. The band is embarking on the Endless Summer Gold tour, which will be led by Mike Love with longtime member Bruce Johnston and a number of touring musicians

PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK; DANA TRIPPE; K AEL A ISMAEL

90.9 The Bridge presents this one-night festival at Grinders— one of the best intimate outdoor venues KC has to offer—featuring musicians Thomas Dolby, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Men Without Hats and The Plimsouls. Totally Tubular Festival is a throwback concert honoring the ’80s music scene, with legendary bands of the time performing hits of the decade, including “The Safety Dance” and “What I Like About You,” for a dance-filled nostalgic celebration. July 7. 6 pm. Grinders.

playing their expansive, timeless catalog of hits. July 14. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.

Killer Queen

Killer Queen is a world-renowned Queen tribute band—and the only tribute band to have played and sold out the same arenas as Queen. They are making their way across the pond to play the iconic hits of the legendary band. July 16. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.

Train

Pop-rock band Train formed 30 years ago in San Francisco and has been creating timeless music ever since, with hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister.” They will be performing their catalog of catchy tunes underneath the stars at Starlight with opener Yacht Rock Revue. July 17. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.

Bowling for Soup

Texas pop-punk rock band Bowling for Soup, best known for radio hits like “1985” and “Stacy’s Mom,” has garnered a loyal fanbase through the years with their whimsical humor and beloved songs. The band hits KC on tour in support of the 20th anniversary of A Hangover You Don’t Deserve with openers Keep Flying and Eternal Boy. July 18. 7:30 pm. The Truman.

19–20

Amelia Earhart Festival

The birthplace of Amelia Earhart keeps her soaring spirit alive with a weekend-long summer fest. This two-day family-friendly community event features a food and crafts fair, an outdoor concert, children’s activities, Earhart research and literature, a fun run, music on the riverfront, aerobatic performances and a “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show for the grand finale. July 19–20. Times vary. Atchison, KS (various locations).

19 & 20

Disney’s Beauty & the Beast

The Culture House Summer Broadway Series presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast. The magical

C A L E N DA R

Melissa Etheridge & Jewel

Kansas-born singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has been a staple in the music scene since her debut eponymous album was released in 1988. Etheridge is joined by fellow ’90s powerful singer-songwriter Jewel. Jewel will perform music from her latest studio album, Freewheelin’ Woman, as well as fan favorites from her extensive catalog, including “Pieces of You.” July 31. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.

1991 musical is reimagined for the stage with incredible costuming, beloved music and dazzling sets to create this enchanting, familyfriendly adventure. Experience the magic of these classic characters live as bookish Belle changes the Beast’s heart and saves both him and her father with the magic of love and determination. July 19 & 20. 2 & 7 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Summer Outdoor Movies In The Park

As part of their summer series, Zona Rosa will be showing both new movies and classic flicks in their free, family-friendly outdoor movie nights all summer long. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and find a spot in North Park (the green space south of Dillard’s). On the 20th, cult-classic favorite Clueless will be playing. Loosely adapted from Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, the comedy follows shallow and rich popular girl Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) as she turns her Beverly Hills high school world out of order—as if! July 20. 8:45 pm. Zona Rosa North Park.

Jason Mraz

Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz reached fame in the early-aughts with radio hits like “I’m Yours”

and “Lucky.” He hits KC during the second leg of the Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride tour supporting Mraz’s eighth album of the same title. July 21. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.

Vampire Weekend

Exploding on the scene with their massively successful self-titled 2008 album, Vampire Weekend’s indie-rock sound became a blueprint for others and dominated the airwaves in the 2010s—and you can still hear them at least once an hour on 96.5 Not-The-Buzz. Vampire Weekend hits KC on the Only God Was Above Us tour in support of their album of the same name released earlier this year. Fellow 2010’s indie-rock band Ra Ra Riot opens. July 22. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.

July 23 – Aug 4 Moulin Rouge

Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film comes to life on stage in a new jukebox musical version of Moulin Rouge. Directed by Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers with choreography by Emmy nominee Sonya Tayeh, this musical is a celebration of beauty, freedom and love. Moulin

Rouge takes audiences to a world filled with glitz, glamor, drama and romance at the turn of the 20th century in Paris. July 23– August 4. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.

Olivia Rodrigo

Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo exploded on the scene with “Driver’s License,” which dominated airwaves and charts and catapulted her to stardom virtually overnight. She hits KC on her world tour in support of her newest album, Guts. July 26. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

As part of Screenland Armour Theatre’s Backyard Movies series, cult-classic comedy for all ages Pee-wee’s Big Adventure will be playing underneath the stars. Based on Pee-wee’s Playhouse TV series that aired in the mid-to-late ’80s, the PG-rated comedy follows Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman, an eccentric child-like man who goes on a hilariously bizarre crosscountry road trip to be reunited with his beloved bicycle at the Alamo. July 27. 9 pm. Screenland Armour Theatre.

kansascitymag.com July 2024

B E AT

PICTURE PERFECT

“Art provides a visual voice, is a historical marker, supports mental health, feeds the soul and can spark debate.”

Down by the Levee

KC art students are transforming the Riverfront Heritage Trail with vibrant murals By James Lampone NINETEEN ART STUDENTS recently went to work transforming the dull levee walls

lining the Riverfront Heritage Trail with vibrant murals. Commissioned by Port KC, the Kansas City Art Institute students completed four murals this spring as part of the first phase of the project to bring a little life to the riverfront trail. Port KC asked the students to reflect on “what the Missouri River means to Kansas City” and propose a mural design incorporating those sentiments. The students were then asked to research KC’s culture, history, nature and the Missouri River’s surrounding ecology, integrate those ideas into mural designs and then present them. “I think it’s an important experience to give students the ability to work in this kind of manner in the public space, as well as working on their professional development and collaboration,” says Andrew Mcilvaine, an assistant professor at KCAI. This first phase is part of a broader multiphase plan called the MO River Murals that aims to cover as much of the blank levee walls along the trail as possible with art.

30 Kansas City July 2024

The Riverfront Heritage Trail is a 15-mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway that winds along the riverfront. It links various attractions together and is dotted with public art and historical markers. The trail is experiencing increased foot traffic with the addition of several new multifamily complexes in the riverfront area and will increase more with the planned commercial and residential developments on the way. “Art is part of human nature,” says Jon Stephens, CEO and president of Port KC. “Art provides a visual voice, is a historical marker, supports mental health, feeds the soul and can spark debate. It was a perfect solution to our constant caretaking of the Riverfront Heritage Trail and the Town of Kansas Bridge, but most importantly, we are supporting local artists and KC’s growing art culture.” Port KC plans to launch phase two of the project in late September by hosting a mural and music festival on the Heritage Riverfront Trail for the community. Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy live bands and food and watch artists paint murals in real time. Photography by James Lampone

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kansascitymag.com July 2024

B E AT

B AC K B E AT

Versatile Vocals

Vocalist Julia Haile defies genre with her upcoming EP By Nina Cherry KANSAS CITY-RAISED Julia Haile has been singing nearly all her life.

As a child, Haile says she just knew she’d be a singer when she grew up. While many performers remember their first talent show or recital as an aha moment, she didn’t have an epiphany in that way. Pursuing her craft just felt like a given. “Music was always what I wanted to do,” Haile says. “It really evolved with me. It was like, this is what my soul wants to do all the time, so I’m just going to do that no matter what path I’m on.” The vocalist has been working professionally on the Kansas City scene for 15 years now. Next month, she’ll release her debut EP.

Kansas City July 2024

Haile got her professional start playing in soul cover band The Good Foot while in college, while she was a student of voice at UMKC’s Conservatory. She ultimately left school to completely immerse herself in KC’s professional music scene. Since then, she’s worked with various bands and collaborated on recording projects, but it’s only been throughout the past few years that she began focusing on a solo career. A classically trained singer, Haile draws influence from all around her—from pop hits to jazz standards. With power, soul and a warm yet vibrant tone, she describes her own style as “very much evolving,” veering from pigeon-holing herself into a single genre. Haile’s forthcoming EP, a collection of original material, puts both her voice and songwriting versatility on full display. The singer hopes the recording sparks some human connection for listeners in what she refers to as a “playful but meaningful” approach. “As I grow and discover new things, I’m constantly trying to incorporate those things in what I write,” Haile says. “We’re not living in the days of large music labels being like ‘this is what we do: hard rock or R&B.’ Everything has merged. People feel free to do whatever they want.” One of Haile’s soon-to-be-released originals—“If Not Now When”—embodies a playfulness. It has a danceable groove with rich harmonies and a memorable hook. After just a few listens, the chorus quickly sticks. When writing songs, Haile collaborates with her fiance, guitarist Tim Braun, who also appears on the EP. This month, the duo is touring California, with stops in Santa Monica, San Diego and Santa Cruz. “He’s really great about filling in what I don’t know is missing,” Haile says. Above all, Haile wants to pass along the joy she has making music to her listeners. “I want the album to ebb and flow and show emotion, but also just be fun,” Haile says. “Sometimes music doesn’t make sense.”

PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED

“I want the album to ebb and flow and show emotion but also just be fun. Sometimes music doesn’t make sense.”

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kansascitymag.com July 2024

FALL KicKoff

g Comihne in t ber m Septesue Is

Promote The Fall Fun You Have Planned

Now is the time to think about the Fall activities that are on your calendar. We want to partner with those that are planning Fall events, activities and travel destinations, so we can be Kansas City’s resource for how to spend your time as the weather cools and the leaves begin to change.

FALL EVENTS FALL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FALL ACTIVITIES Call or email us on how you can contribute to the content of this fun-filled section! Angie Henshaw | 417-840-9493 | angie@kansascitymag.com

CURAT ING A BE AU T I FU L L I FE

Model: @KyrieKillen Sunnies: Dear Society Cardigan: Blackbird Collection Top: Fabletics Skirt: Lululemon

MOVE OVER, BARBIECORE. This season’s core

Court Chic

Whether you’re hitting the courts or just du jour is tennis or pickleball, depending on going to a sunny brunch, pair a pleated tenyour sport of choice. Like last summer’s Barnis skirt or skort with a slim-fitting sweater By Molly Higgins biecore aesthetic, spawned by box-office hit or polo, a sensible pair of tennis shoes, and Barbie, this summer’s trend and newest TikTok obsession, tenniscore, some sunnies for a complete tenniscore outfit that will make you look can also be traced back to a summer movie—the tennis film Challengers. like a million bucks (or like you have a million bucks). Mirroring the simple elegance of last year’s quiet luxury trend, It’s the perfect look for PickleCon 2024, a massive pickleball contenniscore stems from social media and celebrity stylings, and of vention coming to Kansas City this August. More than 100 courts course, pickleball’s huge popularity. It’s a simple, sporty look that will be under one roof at the Kansas City Convention Center, and feels both polished and timeless. thousands of pickleballers of all levels are expected to attend. There This summer’s preppy tennis outfits fuse activewear with an oldwill be vendors, social events, and amateur and professional pickleball money aesthetic, blending practical performance fabrics and functional play, along with spirited events such as “glow in the dark pickleball.” design with a sense of polished refinement. To learn more, visit picklecon.com. Photography by Samantha Levi

kansascitymag.com July 2024

CURRENT

I N T E RV I E W

Tell us about the inception of the novel.

I’d always loved reading realistic fiction. Contemporary books are my favorite to read and always have been since I was a kid. So I knew that was the direction I wanted to go. I also loved mysteries, so I wanted to incorporate mysterious elements. I revisited some books that I loved as a kid, and one of my favorites when I was little was Harriet the Spy. I also spent a lot of time thinking about my own growing up and being a fifth or sixth grader. Friendship is so important at that age. The most important thing in the world to me was my friends and what they thought. So I knew I wanted to have that element in the book. And then the mystery part of the story actually comes from when I was teaching here in Kansas City. I had a class of fifth graders that had this book about a kidnapping that almost went viral within the classroom—everyone was checking it out at the library and passing it around. [They started] having all these conversations. ‘What if somebody in our class had been kidnapped? What if one of us was and we didn’t even know it?’ Can you describe your novel?

Novel Debut

Kansas mom and former school teacher Anne Rellihan talks about her first book for pre-teens, Not the Worst Friend in the World By Molly Higgins MOTHER OF FOUR and writer Anne Rellihan went to KU for English and journalism.

After graduating, she realized journalism wasn’t her passion and pivoted to teaching, traveling around the country with the Teach for America program. During this time, the Kansas native realized she still aspired to be a writer—just not a journalist—and dreamed of becoming a children’s book author. After the birth of her second child, Rellihan took a step back from teaching and decided to earnestly pursue her dream of writing. In February, Rellihan released her debut novel, Not the Worst Friend in the World, aimed at children ages eight to 12. She chatted with us about the novel and her dreams for the future.

36 Kansas City July 2024

It’s a friendship mystery set in a small fictional town in Missouri. As the book opens, the main character has just had a big friendship breakup. She and her best friend are no longer speaking, so she’s feeling really isolated and alone. Then a new girl shows up to the town under mysterious circumstances and she asks Lou, the main character, to help her. She quickly reveals that she believes she’s in the small town because her dad kidnapped her and she wants Lou’s help trying to figure out how to find her mom. It goes back and forth between the friendship storyline of Lou trying to win back this friendship that she feels like she destroyed and then helping this new girl solve this big problem that she had. What’s next for you?

I would love to have a long career as a children’s author. My youngest child is one year old, so that has kept me pretty busy, but I am working on a second book. It’s going to stay in the same genre. My first book was set in Missouri and this book is set in Kansas. It will be a contemporary story with friendship and family themes—and a little bit of a mystery, too. For more information, visit annerellihan.com. Not the Worst Friend in the World is sold locally at independent bookstores The Learning Tree, Rainy Day Books and KD’s Books, as well as many major retailers.

Photography by Laura Morsman

CURRENT

TREND

“Ninety-nine percent of the hats that you see on the street are going to be made overseas. More and more consumers are looking for that high-quality product that’s USA-made.”

Top Hat

Apparel company Sandlot Goods was already known for its hats, but the local maker’s popularity exploded after Taylor Swift was spotted wearing one By Molly Higgins HAT, APPAREL AND leather goods brand Sandlot Goods has been a local KC favorite

since its founding 10 years ago, but its popularity skyrocketed when Taylor Swift was spotted wearing a New Heights podcast-branded cap at Coachella this spring. The green hat was brand merch for Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast and was made by Ohio-based sports apparel brand Homage (the podcast’s official merchandise partner), who Sandlot also has a partnership with. Within the first few hours after Swift’s cap debut, Homage received more than 3,000 online presale orders for the hat, and Sandlot Goods was tasked with making thousands of caps in just weeks to fulfill the immediate demand. Sandlot Goods began primarily as a small leather goods company, with about four people making leather journals, wallets, coasters and belts. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, the company pivoted and began making masks. Over the next few Photography by Samantha Levi

years, they made over half a million masks for local and national corporations and first responders. After the company swelled to accommodate demand, they realized they had the skill right here in Kansas City to sew more goods and pivoted to baseball caps. Today, in addition to making hats in their Southwest Boulevard workshop for the Kelce brothers’ podcast, Sandlot Goods is also a licensee for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, making all of the vintage-style hats honoring the former Negro Leagues teams. They also make hats for local teams, like KC Current, and two dozen collegiate teams including KU, K-State and Mizzou. “We are one of the few domestic hat makers,” says Garret Prather, Sandlot’s vice president of strategic partnerships. “Ninety-nine percent of the hats that you see on the street are going to be made overseas. More and more consumers are looking for that high-quality product that’s USA-made. It’s somewhat relatable to the whole farm-to-table movement. People want to understand where and how their products are made. So for us to be able to hire people in Kansas City to sew and pay them a living wage with benefits—it really goes against the grain of where manufacturing is today, especially with large-scale factories overseas.” Prather credits Sandlot’s success to its emphasis on quality and its classic style that harkens back to a more basic, vintage aesthetic featuring only one or two colors and a simple logo. “We’re not just trying to design a hat for men, and then women have to kind of settle for what are the three least-worst designs that they might like,” Prather says. “We focus on the shape of our dad hat to accommodate women’s head sizes and have them more in mind overall. We’re finding people still love vintage wear. So we have modern hats, but they have a vintage feel to them. That’s another thing that continues to gain popularity, like ’90s snapbacks, so we will continue to focus on that.” Sandlot’s flagship store is at 11530 Ash St., Leawood. Sandlot’s products can be found in various shops in the KC area and online at sandlotgoods.com.

kansascitymag.com July 2024

CURRENT

“The series reflects the words of my mentor Willem de Kooning, who once told me, ‘Remember that art is a very old profession—it began with a shaman in a cave.’”

38 Kansas City July 2024

DELICIOUS DIGS

Dine with Degas

Immerse yourself in art at the Kemper’s Cafe Sebastienne By Dawnya Bartsch HAVE YOU DREAMED of sipping rosé with Matisse or dining with

Duchamp? It’s all possible at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s Cafe Sebastienne. The cafe itself is a piece of art, and the dining hall and its patrons are an integral part of the art installation. The dining room is lined from floor to ceiling with paintings by the late American artist Frederick J. Brown, who died in 2012. The installation, called The History of Art, features 110 oil paintings, each representing an important movement or figure in art throughout the ages. The works cover the cafe’s seven irregular walls, and they can cleverly be identified via a “map” found on the back of the menu. Dining in the cafe is an immersive experience. “The series reflects the words of my mentor Willem de Kooning, who once told me, ‘Remember that art is a very old profession—it began with a shaman in a cave,’” Brown said at the time of the permanent installation in 1999. The installation begins with Brown’s renditions of those cavemen’s drawings and chronicles the history of art through the 20th century, including Brown’s interpretations of many great masterpieces of both Western and non-Western art. Featuring references to artistic styles and genres based on famous paintings by Titian, Goya, Manet, Matisse, Picasso and de Kooning, among many others, Brown, who was born in Georgia and grew up on Chicago’s South Side, pays tribute to important artists throughout history within the scope of the installation. “The experience of being able to speak the language of all these artists from the time of the cavemen and to go back into the thought process that they went through was a very exciting and a very humbling experience,” Brown said. “I wanted these works to serve as a reminder to both the museum’s visitors and the [Kansas City] Art Institute’s students of the importance of history and the development through the ages of creative expression.” Brown’s pieces are included in the collections of major museums around the world, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C., as well as the White House. What makes this work dynamic is that it doesn’t “just hang on museum walls,” said curator Dana Self in an essay she wrote about the installation. “It is the museum walls. In many ways, The History of Art is the genuine heart of the Kemper Museum precisely because it is extremely personal, was stitched together with love and devotion, reflects not only the museum itself but also the patron who built it, and ultimately forms the physical nucleus from which the rest of the museum radiates.” The History of Art was commissioned by R. Crosby Kemper and Bebe Kemper, who were friends of the artist. The cafe serves a seasonal menu and is open for brunch and lunch during museum hours. Photography by Anna Petrow

kansascitymag.com July 2024

PHOTOGR APHY PILSEN PHOTO COOP

34 Amazing Kansas City Meals for $15 or Less

It’s not difficult to find dishes for $15 or less around the city. But we believe part of the fun in finding something affordable to eat is discovering the spots that are lesser-known and sometimes overlooked. In creating this list, we prioritized the hole-in-the-walls—the strip mall gems and joints that take you off the beaten path—while still indulging in some KC staples. Some of Kansas City’s best food is actually some of its least expensive … if you know where to look. Curated by TYLER SHAN E Wr i tte n by DAWNYA BARTSC H , RAC H EL LAYTON, PATR I CK MOOR E, TYLER SHAN E and KYLE WI SECARVER Pho tog raphy by SARA ALVORD

Illus trations by LI NZI E HUN TER kansascitymag.com July 2024

Torta de Chorizo con Huevo Cien por Ciento Mexicana 792 6 SAN TA F E D R I V E , OV ER L AN D PARK

ALEJANDRA DE LA FUENTE’S tamale pop-up has certainly come a

long way. The Mexico City native began her journey in 2017 at the Lenexa Public Market, where she had a Mexican street food vendor-style spot named Red Kitchen. De la Fuente proudly displayed her roots with brightly colored Mexican banners and a massive painting of artist Frida Khalo. Her burritos were dubbed best in the state of Kansas by Food & Wine. As of February, Red Kitchen transformed into the breakfast and lunch eatery Cien por Ciento Mexicana (translating to “100 Percent Mexican”). It sits in the downtown OP strip directly across from the area’s beloved farmers market, and on warm days, de la Fuente opens the garage door. The space is simple yet comfortable, and the Khalo painting from her original spot is there to welcome you.

42 Kansas City July 2024

$12.99 The tamales and burritos are, of course, menu staples. But in other sections of the from-scratch menu, salsas, breads, chorizo, eggs, fresh crisp tomatoes, crunchy lettuce and crumbly cotija cheese are all interchangeable ingredients. It’s casual eats, but the chilaquiles, birria tacos, tostadas and more all have that invigorating freshness associated with quality Mexican cuisine. As for the torta de chorizo con huevos, the breakfast egg sandwich is a favorite of de la Fuente’s—and of mine, too. A bolillo roll is sliced open and toasted to buttery perfection. It’s then given a smear of refried beans and stacked with scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage, avocado, tomato, onions and jalapeno pickles. Pair it with a warm day and a cup of coffee or some fresh aguas frescas and you’ll be happy you followed Frida all the way to Cien por Ciento Mexicana. –TS

CHEAP EATS LATIN BITES 2 Pupusas and 2 Tacos El Pulgarcito

Half Chicken El Pollo Rey

5921 M E R R I AM D R I V E , M ER R IAM

90 1 KAN SAS AV E., KC MO

WHEN YOU HEAR “Salva-

EL POLLO REY is a Mexican

doran food,” you should automatically drool for some pupusas—cornmeal griddle cakes filled with various fillings. You’ll find no shortage of them in the busy industrial area of Merriam at the small Salvadoran restaurant El Pulgarcito. Go for the traditional chicharron stuffed with juicy, fatty shredded pork and topped with their homemade cabbage slaw. If you are still hungry, order some of their traditional carne asada tacos topped with white onion, cilantro and avocado verde sauce—an ideal summer meal for just under $15. –KW

cuisine staple in KC with a menu composed of just three dishes: whole chicken, half chicken and chicken wings. The half chicken is the perfect size for a solo lunch and is simply prepared with classic seasonings, crispy skin and tender meat. Always served with rice, tortillas, and charro beans, you can make this chicken your own. Either pull it apart street taco style or eat it straight from the plate itself. El Pollo Rey’s menu is simple for a reason. It’s just that good. At only $11.25, the half chicken is easy on your wallet, too. –R L

$13.50 $11.25

$15

Cousin Rob Plato Lilly’s Cantina 900 SOUTH WEST BLVD., KCMO

LILLY’S FAMILY-RUN cantina opened on the West Side last year,

and there’s something familiar yet refreshing about the small joint. Maybe it’s the welcoming blue front door framed with mosaic tiles, the full bar or the menu that serves comfy Mexican platters and tacos—done really well. Think of the Cousin Rob as the ultimate combo plate, complete with a deep-fried taco, a tostada, a mole-covered cheesy enchilada, a crunchy corn quesadilla and, of course, the quintessential side of rice or beans. –TS

Burrito Burritos To Go 1235 CENTRAL AVE., KCK

$4.75

THIS SPOT IS aptly named, if only for the “to go” part.

Snugly fitting into a KCK strip mall, the shop only has enough room for you to walk up to the counter and order before shuffling around the next customer in line. Luckily service is quick. Your tortilla is warmed on the flat top for a few seconds, filled, wrapped in foil, et voilà. Lunch is served. We recommend the No. 2, with ground beef and potatoes, or the No. 3, with pork smothered in a red sauce. Grab a Jarritos drink of any neon hue to finish it off. –TS

kansascitymag.com July 2024

$9.50

Risk It All Bagel Cocky Ocky Grill 3800 E. 39TH ST., KCMO “I DON’T WANT to be associated with the

fast food crowd,” says Cocky Ocky Grill owner Mazin Jabr, who’s been on the scene for only seven months. On paper, it may be easy to make this mistake. Jabr’s convenience store kitchen off 39th Street and Cleveland Avenue serves the usual fast food staples like burritos, wings and burgers. There’s no seating in the store, and the food is bagged in to-go boxes meant to send you on your way. But the Cocky Ocky Grill doesn’t serve McDonald’s- and Wendy’s-style fast food. It serves New York bodega-style food—and that’s a whole other genre. Bodega food has been having a moment, and Cocky Ocky Grill’s wild popularity is evidence of this. Each menu item is cooked to order. Burritos are stuffed to the brim and sliced down the middle revealing a plethora of ingredients. The fries are heavily seasoned, the Boo Ya bowls are topped off with a drizzle of condiments, and the wings can be smothered in a lemon-pepper sauce, buffalo sauce or both. Your wish is the Grill’s command. Flavor doesn’t take time off at the grill, and between Detroit native Jabr’s Palestinian-American heritage and his business partner Erika Mendez’s Mexican roots, they’ve created a menu influenced by both their cultures. According to Jabr, about 60 percent of it is halal (to him, this means no pork), and Mendez is “very serious” about her salsas. When you walk in, head toward the kitchen, where someone will take your order. On an average day, you can expect to wait 20 to 30 minutes. On the weekends, you’ll wait longer. In a city where New York-style bagel sandwiches are hard to come by, we recommend the Risk It All bagel. Between the two slices of toasted bagel are scrambled eggs, melty American cheese, turkey sausage, hash browns, grilled pepper and onions, chipotle mayo and the unexpected addition of strawberry-pepper jam. It’s a perfect example of how Jabr describes his cooking style: “kind of gourmet but with some swag, some soul and some love.” –TS

CHEAP EATS EAT IN YOUR CAR Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Tots Kitty’s Cafe 810 E. 31ST ST., KCMO

$12

WHEN KITTY’S CAFE showed up on the New York Times’

2022 Best Restaurants list, I had mixed feelings about it. Did the family-owned Troost spot deserve all the accolades? Yes. Was I concerned about how the exposure might affect this superb hidden gem that had only been known through word of mouth for years? Also yes. A couple years later, I can confirm that Kitty’s Cafe hasn’t let the national recognition change a thing. The renowned pork tenderloin sandwich is still crispy with tempura batter, a sprinkle of iceberg, onions and pickles. Get it stacked three patties high and with a side of tots. Bring cash. –TS

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Price Rite 6 4 0 0 N.W. WAU KO M I S DRI V E, KC MO

$10.99

OFF THE BEATEN path in North KC, the convenience store Price Rite

sits in a residential area. Walk in and you’re initially greeted with tobacco and liquor sales, but keep walking and the extensive Italian market and deli will surprise you. Pizza, chicken spiedini sandwiches and “buckets of spaghetti” are just a few of the hot items offered. The chicken parm sandwich may shock you. The seeded Italian bun looks a little silly sitting upon the massive breaded chicken cutlet smothered in a red sauce. You won’t even know how to begin eating it, but that’s part of the fun. Price Rite leaves no customer hungry. –TS

Chicken Shawarma Mediterranean Market 1404 WESTP ORT ROAD, KCMO

THE MEDITERRANEAN MARKET is a humble grocery

and restaurant. Wandering through the aisles of Greek olives, Moroccan spices and lamb cuts eventually leads you to the grocer’s kitchen. Once there, order a chicken shawarma. The chicken has a fragrant aroma with cardamom and coriander flavors coming through in each bite. The exotic spices are balanced with fresh lettuce, red onion and tomato. And with an $11 price tag, you can’t afford not to add a side of seasoned fries. –KW

KC Cheesesteak and Fries The Lunch Box 1 010 E. FIRST ST., KCMO

$11

$8.50

THE LUNCH BOX is like a gas station without the gas. Sitting on a corner in the industrial part of the West Bottoms, this one-stop shop has everything you need: batteries, cat food, vodka and a wildly affordable breakfast and lunch menu. The KC Cheesesteak is a melty, beefy concoction that cozies up in soft bread. We like it because the longer it sits, the better it gets. The biggest question is do you want it for breakfast, lunch or dinner? Lunch Box serves their entire menu from 6 am to 11:30 pm. –TS

kansascitymag.com July 2024

Pep Boi Pizza Fortunati 1 623 GE N E S S E E ST. , KC M O FORTUNATI PIZZA IS not only one of the best pizza joints in town,

it’s also affordable. Owner Justin Norcross, who also owns the dive bar Lucky Boys just a few doors down, opened this West Bottoms pizza spot due to his bar’s wildly successful pizza nights. Because Fortunati is so close to the bar, you can still order Fortunati’s pizza while seated at Lucky Boys, which is why we consider this spot bar grub. The flour Fortunati uses is milled locally mere blocks away. The sourdough starter they use for their pizza is over 80 years old from Malta, near Italy. It was gifted to Norcross from his friend and the late owner of Observation Pizza, Nick Vella, who tragically passed

46 Kansas City July 2024

$15

away in a motorcycle accident. Fortunati is a love letter to Vella and what he started with Observation during the pandemic. The combination of local flour, sourdough starter and all fresh and local ingredients is what makes this the best pizza in Kansas City hands down. Their hot honey pepperoni and jalapeno pizza, called the Pep Boi, will send you into such euphoria you won’t even notice the heartburn. The crust is perfectly thin, and the contrast of the sweet honey and spicy jalapeno is a match made in heaven. If you’re like me and like to dip your crust in ranch, Fortuanti makes their own. It’s this attention to the small details that makes Fortunati worth your time and money. –P M

CHEAP EATS BAR GRUB Louisville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Fries Lucky Boys 1 61 5 GE N E S S E E ST. , KC MO

$14

LUCKY BOYS is the perfect dive bar. Tony Hinchcliffe, a popular stand-up

comic who just appeared on Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady, went to Lucky Boys after his show at Uptown Theater and fell in love with it. Don’t let the fact that he used to drive a Corvette with the custom license plate “IROAST” deter you. If there’s anything a touring comic knows, it’s a great dive bar. There’s no Instagram wall, reclaimed wood or $30 mocktail menu. There’s cold beer and a small menu of great bar food featuring burgers, poutine and fried bologna Cuban. If The Peanut has the best wings in Kansas City, then it’s safe to say that Lucky Boys has the best chicken sandwich. It’s spicy Louisville hot chicken over a bed of coleslaw on a Farm to Market Bread bun. Their kitchen is open until midnight, so when everything in Overland Park closes at 8 pm, Lucky Boys will always be there for you. –PM

Reuben Sandwich Breit’s Stein and Deli 4 12 N. F I F T H ST. , KC K

3 Wings and Fries The Peanut ( VARIOUS LO CATIONS)

$13

THE THREE WINGS and fries at The Peanut is one of

the best meals you can eat in Kansas City. It may say three wings on the menu, but it feels more like six, since they give you the entire thing (the flats and drums are still connected). They’ll warn you of a 20 minute cook time when you order. I assure you it’s worth it. I prefer the downtown location, but my friend, comedian Scott Shaffer (his new special White Noise Machine is now streaming on YouTube) prefers the downtown OP location, and I know several people who only go to the Main Street location. No one is wrong. They’re all great. The blue cheese dipping sauce is what I would recommend. And most definitely get cheese on your fries because it’s the right thing to do. –P M

$6.95

THE INSIDERS’ FAVORITES

BREIT’S MANAGES TO stand out even among Strawberry Hill’s stellar bar scene. The pub’s atmo-

sphere is steeped in old world Irishness and nostalgia. If it’s your first time visiting, the regulars will give you a once over when entering, but who cares? Every sandwich is $6.95 and served with chips. The Reuben won’t let you down. The $4 pint of Guinness won’t either. –TS

Aaron Wells-Morgan, chef at the Crossroads Hotel

Wednesday Taco Night The Easy Inn 322 6 TH ST. , KC K

3 Tacos for $5

MY APOLOGIES TO all who want to keep this once-in-a-blue-moon kind of deal on the

down-low, but it’s just too good. Every Wednesday, the Strawberry Hill dive bar offers three hard-shell ground meat tacos (gringo-style), along with a shot of Montezuma Tequila Blanco and a cold one of Tecate. Come in right at 5 pm and enjoy your steal on the patio. -TS

“This is super easy for me. At Waldo Thai (8431 Wornall Road, KCMO), they have a crispy rice salad called khao tod nam sod ($15). I go for everything there, but I will not leave without eating that. The funky fish sauce lime flavor is one I can eat until I die. Love Chef Pam’s work. It’s always rock solid.”

kansascitymag.com July 2024

$14

CHEAP EATS HANGOVER CURE THE INSIDERS’ FAVORITES

Dan Doty, owner of soon-to-open Blue Palm Tiki “Italian Delight (6846 Johnson Drive, Mission) pizza slice and stromboli ($11.79) is my favorite in town. The place has great history, and the food is topnotch. The owner makes every pizza and watches the place like a hawk.”

Single Plate Lunch Buffet KC Kabob 821 6 METCAL F AVE., OVERLAND PARK

$13

SITTING A COUPLE doors down from the venerable Taco Naco in Overland Park, it’s easy to

overlook this traditional Persian restaurant. It’s a new location for owner Hamid Tafreshi, whose former Lenexa restaurant shut down during Covid, which I found devastating considering it was my family’s go-to for Iranian food. But Tafreshi is back up and running. The new space is small, but they manage to pack a daily lunch buffet in at the front counter. If you’re new to Persian food, begin with a few scoops of saffron rice and pick between chicken or beef kabobs. The cucumber and tomato salad, or shirazi, is a must along with some ghormeh sabzi (herb stew) and mast-o-khiar (a yogurt-cucumber sauce) for dipping. Top it all off with some charred tomatoes, and do it like the Persians do: indulge in the raw onions. –TS

Bún Bò Hué Pho Lan 31 5 CH E R RY ST. , KC M O

QUIETLY SITTING ON the edge of the River Market, Pho Lan, a family-owned, no-frills Vietnamese joint, lists their menu items in their native language. Don’t worry—there are English descriptions underneath. But this small detail always bodes well if you’re looking for something unapologetically authentic, like the hearty soup called bún bò hué. Like pho, it comes with vermicelli noodles, but instead of the accompaniment of beef or pork, you’’ll find slices of beef shank, pig’s feet and chunks of pork blood swimming in this soup. Slightly spicy and oh-so rich, it’s absolutely irresistible with a squeeze of lime. Trust me on this one. –TS

Lunch Special Sushi Uni 1284 1 W. 87T H ST. PARKWAY, LENEXA

$13.95

IF YOU ARE lucky enough to beat the lunch rush at this popular Lenexa sushi restaurant

and not miss its amazing lunch specials, you’ll learn you don’t have to sacrifice price for quality rolls. Sushi Uni offers an impressive lunch special for just under $15: three sushi rolls of your choice, two crab rangoons, and soup or salad. Not sure what to order? Grab a classic California roll. I also recommend the spicy crunch tuna roll with a spicy mayo and a sweet eel sauce. And don’t miss out on the spider roll with deep-fried soft-shell crab. Yes, you read that right. –KW

kansascitymag.com July 2024

Jalapeno Cheddar Kielbasa Wiener Kitchen 9 6 4 5 W. 87 TH ST. , OV E R L AN D PARK IN BETWEEN COSTCO’S $1.50 hotdog and a Kauffman Stadium glizzy lies a

peculiar restaurant that sells hotdogs, brats and even pancakes in the morning. The entire breakfast and lunch menu is under $15, but one item rises above the rest: the jalapeno cheddar kielbasa. This kielbasa is topped with coleslaw and honey mustard barbecue sauce. It hits every taste bud you have and is the perfect combination of salty, sweet and spicy. You don’t have to go to the grocery store to buy some brats to grill. Just head over to Wiener Kitchen and have them prepare you one. –KW

50 Kansas City July 2024

$9.75

CHEAP EATS HANGOVER CURE Bento Box Mr. Le 5024 N. E . PARV I N ROAD, KC MO THIS COMPACT, unassuming strip-mall restaurant in the Northland

is a hidden Asian food gem. The restaurant is not fancy, but it has a much-deserved loyal following. The popular restaurant serves Vietnamese and Japanese food along with sushi. It’s consistent, fresh and offered at a good price. The lunchtime bento box especially hits the mark. Your choice of meat is served alongside steamed rice, a house salad and your choice of miso or onion soup. -DB

$14.95 THE INSIDERS’ FAVORITES

Keara Masson, pastry chef at Rye

Pad Thai Thai Place 93 59 W. 87 TH ST. , OV ERL AN D PARK

$12.95

KANSAS CITY DOES not lack Thai restaurants. There’s everything from fancy sit-down to

strip mall Thai. Everyone has a favorite spot, but what’s the best bang for your buck? Thai Place, near 87th and Antioch. The huge pad Thai dish is big enough to be a meal on its own, but it comes with a side salad and two crab rangoon to fill it out. The salad’s ginger-honey mustard dressing has just enough tang, and the wonton mini fried rangoons add a nice bite-sized crunch. As for the pad Thai, it comes with your protein of choice, is cooked with a scrambled egg and is topped with peanuts and green onions. The sauce-to-noodle ratio is perfect, giving you a sweet and tangy bite each time. –KW

“Willie’s Burritos is a food truck that parks on the corner of 29th street and Southwest Boulevard on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. He has the best burritos for only $4 to $5 each. My favorite is the chile relleno burrito and the chicharrón burrito. He has a ton of different ones to choose from, but I crave these two every day.”

kansascitymag.com July 2024

Taco Tuesday Tacos Valentina 170 8 CAM P B E L L ST. , KC MO YOU COULD ARGUE that Tacos Valentina should be filed under the “Latin Bites’’ category, but

these tacos stand apart from most in the city. That’s because the taqueria is also a molino, meaning owners Pablo Muñoz and Roger Avila make their tortillas from scratch, grinding down heirloom Mexican corn daily and turning it into masa. The former pop-up has taken over the kitchen at the somewhat hidden Crossroads brewery Torn Label. The from-scratch corn tortillas are hand-pressed to order, making for the freshest selection of tacos you can get. Whether it be filled with seared cauliflower, pork and braised citrus, or cilantro- and onion-topped beef cheek, each taco oozes layers of texture and homemade zesty salsas. Despite their craftsmanship, Muñoz and Avila still indulge us locals with the fried parmesan-topped KC taco. On any other day, prices can run a bit steep, so Tacos Valentina’s Tuesday special is a great way to get acquainted with what they’re all about: hand-crafted tacos and next-level flavor. –TS

3 Tacos for

$12

CHEAP EATS SLIGHTLY ELEVATED Acaí Bowl Anchor Island Coffee 4 1 0 1 T RO O ST AV E . , KC MO THIS LGBTQ-OWNED Troost coffee shop has a maximalist feel to

it. The interior is inspired by the tropics, a way for owners Armando Vasquez and Mike Hastings to bring their California and Guatemalan roots to KC, and the menu features a few select Mexican staples like homemade tamales, burritos and chicken verde bowls. Nevertheless, it’s the acaí bowl, decorated with single-file lines of sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, granola and coconut flakes, that fits right in with the massive octopus painted on the wall. –TS

$12 THE INSIDERS’ FAVORITES

Mussels Bella Napoli 6229 BRO OKSID E BLV D., KCMO

Oyster Happy Hour Whole Foods 3 0 1 E . 51ST ST. , KC M O

$1 Each

ONE OF THE first food reviews I wrote as a restaurant critic

for Kansas City magazine was a roundup of the best spots for oysters on the half shell. After the review was published, a local commented on the article that I had missed one of the greatest spots for oysters. Even worse, it was “right under my nose.” He was talking about the downtown Whole Foods’ Friday Happy Hour consisting of $1 oysters. Haunted by his adamance, I checked it out. After an evening of shooting back oysters and finishing them off with a cold one, all in the company of a live jazz band, I had to admit the commenter was right. (Hey, as a critic, it’s important to admit when you’ve overlooked something.) East Coast oysters, like Blue Points and Wellfleet, are available, along with one rotating Pacific variety. They’re shucked in front of you in the taproom, and the drink menu consists of discounted bubbles and beer. It’s packed, but the affordable bill at the end makes battling the crowd worth it. –TS

BROOKSIDE’S CASUAL

Lisa Hamblen, chef at Kimchi and Bap “A dish that I’m always craving is the shredded potato in vinegar dish at Szechuan Dynasty (7206 W. 119th St., Overland Park). It’s $11.99 and delicious. It sounds super simple, but the vinegar brings out a tanginess that perfectly compliments the savory. So good.”

Italian eatery is known for its pizzas and pastas, but you can enjoy all aspects of the Mediterranean diet here, including shellfish. Under the antipasto menu section is a bowl of mussels served swimming in a classic white wine broth— the perfect starter before you carb load. –TS

$14

kansascitymag.com July 2024

$13

CHEAP EATS BURGERS Burger and 50/50 Fries and Onion Rings Snack Shack

Chili Cheese Burger Hayes Hamburger and Chili

6 0 1 8 JO HN SO N D R . , M I SS I ON

25 02 N.E. VIVIO N ROAD, KCMO

$10

HEAD TO SNACK Shack for the retro-diner vibes; stay for

the premium beefy burgers—and because the ice cream machine is never broken (looking at you, McDonald’s). There’s not a ton of space in this Mission, Kansas, joint. Dine-in and you’ll receive your meal on a Pepto Bismol-pink tray. As for the burger, everything is smashed together, and I mean that in the best way possible. The edges of the patty are slightly crispy, and it comes dressed to the nines with raw onions, pickles, lettuce and good ol’ American cheese. If you’re a fast food ice cream aficionado like myself, I highly recommend one of two desserts: the Oreo shake (the equivalent of an Oreo McFlurry) or just a simple zebra twist cone. -TS

Chappell Burger Chappell’s Restaurant

THERE’S A REASON the word chili is in this diner’s name. Their chili rec-

ipe was developed by current owner Jim Hayes’ grandfather in 1904, when he opened the first Hayes diner in Liberty. That diner is long gone, but the current Hayes Hamburger and Chili diner still uses the same recipe, proving that not much has changed since 1955, when this little diner north of the river opened its Vivion Road location. It’s still open 24 hours, it still only accepts cash, and it still serves the same chili, which can be ordered a la carte or on the side and put on basically anything you desire. It’s a small place, with a counter and tiny booths lining its walls, but it’s a Northland institution and the place to head when you’re looking for comfort food anytime, day or night. It’s the chili that makes the dish, but the smallish hamburger, topped with Hayes’ signature chili and cheese, is comfort food at its best—warm, gooey and greasy enough to line your stomach and get you ready for a good nap. One burger won’t fill you up, but even if you ordered a whopping six, your bill would come under the $15 threshold. -DB

THE INSIDERS’ FAVORITES

OG Magnolia Burger The Spot 2010 VINE ST., KCMO

323 AR M OU R ROAD,

JUST SOUTH OF Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine

N O RT H KAN SAS C I TY THERE’S A LOT more reasons than

just the amazing collection of sports memorabilia to visit Chappell’s in North Kansas City. There’s also a menu packed with delicious dishes, many ringing in under $15. Our pick is the iconic restaurant’s signature Chappell Burger. The half-pound burger is made with freshly ground Angus charbroiled beef, topped with Swiss cheese and crisp slices of bacon and sandwiched between another KC local favorite, a Wolfermanss English muffin. Garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion and served with your choice of curly fries, cottage cheese or coleslaw, it’s traditional Americana fare at its best. If you want to splurge, onion rings, pasta salad or sweet potato fries can be substituted for $2—which still doesn’t put you over the $15 cheap eats threshold. -DB

$2.35+

TJ Roberts, owner of Kinship Cafe “That Mini Chief burger ($9) from Chixen Kansas City (7502 Troost Ave., KCMO) blows my mind. They just opened a spot on Troost where you can go in and sit down. The coolest part is they make it fresh to order and use all fresh ingredients.”

district is The Prospect KC, which functions both as a culinary and community center. This nonprofit has not only a restaurant but also a lounge, coffee shop, brewery and even a fresh grocer section. Central to its mission is a counter service restaurant, called The Spot, with healthy and affordable food for all. Our pick is The Spot’s OG Magnolia Burger, which is stuffed with homestyle classic flavors including bourbon-peach BBQ sauce, collard green slaw and crispy onion straws. But on the first bite, it’s the homemade pimento cheese spread that takes center stage. Packed with rich flavor and slathered on thick, it’s delicious—almost like they know it’s everyone’s favorite part. -RL kansascitymag.com July 2024

2024 TOP 56 Kansas City July 2024

DENTISTS

of Greater Kansas City Introduction

This list is excerpted from the 2024 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for almost 200 dentists and specialists in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The KC list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.

kansascitymag.com July 2024

GONE ARE THE days of getting measured

The cost of a 3D printing machine for a retainer and returning to the dentist depends on several factors and typically a week later to pick it up. Thanks to the determines the machine’s user-friendliness, marvel of 3D printing, dental tools can now size or bulkiness, and level of customizabe made with the push of a few buttons. tion. Schulz says that higher-end machines 3D printing uses a printer to create a usually have a cleaner setup and output, physical product from a digital model by given that the products are resin-based, and depositing thin layers of material in sucthey tend to offer better shade-matching cession. This technology is frequently used capabilities. There’s also a range of softin the manufacturing and aerospace indusware options available, ranging from free tries for crafting parts and prototypes, but to multi-thousand-dollar investments, all its scope extends further. There’s a chance catering to the diverse needs of dental practhat there’s a 3D-printed product inside tices. It all comes down to the budget and your mouth right now. Materials used at preferences of the practice, but as 3D printyour dental appointments, such as crowns, ers become more prevalent in the industry, bridges, veneers, and orthodontic devices they’ll become more accessible, too. like aligners, have likely been made with According to Schulz, the use of these a 3D printer. printers in dentist practices improves effiDr. Doug Schulz of Corporate Lakes ciency and streamlines workflows around the Dental has been integrating 3D printing office. Dentists can delegate certain tasks, into his practice for several years. “We offer By Nicole Kinning such as designing dental appliances, to other same-day dentistry, allowing us to scan staff members who are trained to operate a tooth, design a crown or an inlay and the technology, giving dentists more time to mill it out of a block material,” he says. “We have access to 30 to focus on other things, like patient consultations and complex treatments. 40 different materials for milling restorations.” Additionally, Schulz It’s a huge bonus from the patient’s perspective, too: Instead of uses 3D printing to produce surgical guides based on imaging data, waiting a week or more to get treatment, patients can receive a fix in which makes for more precise implant placements. Before 3D printthe same day, avoiding another trip to and from the dentist’s office. ing, these products would have been outsourced to an off-site lab, “Technology has changed dentistry forever,” Schulz says. “You just and the practice would have had to wait for the final product to be have to imagine that, in the future, these printers just keep getting returned before using it on a patient. better and even more accurate.”

58 Kansas City July 2024

How 3D printing is affecting your teeth

PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK

Dentistry in the Third Dimension

Selection Process “If your friend needed a dentist, who would you refer them to?” This is the question thousands of dentists were asked to determine who the Top Dentists should be. Dentists and specialists were asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, bedside manner, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results. The online poll was listed with the American Dental Association, as well as local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists were also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they felt should be included in the list. Respondents were asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees. Voters were asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting was completed, the scores were compiled and averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors of the topDentists organization. Voting characteristics and comments were taken into consideration while making decisions. Once the decisions were finalized, the included dentists were checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing. There are many fine dentists, of course, who are not included in this list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on the topDentists list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that the polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

Disclaimer This list is excerpted from the 2024 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for nearly 200 dentists and specialists in the Kansas City metro area. For more information, call 706364-0853; or write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. Copyright 2011-2024 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

2024 TOP DENTISTS Endodontics

Anthony Altomare

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

Robert H. Altomare

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

Christopher G. Budig Apex Endodontics 13364 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park 913-851-2739

Jeffrey R. Burroughs Burroughs Endodontics 5525 West 119th Street, Suite 215 Overland Park 913-258-5696

Adam S. Colombo

Village Endodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 317 Prairie Village 913-236-7668

Kevin P. Cunningham 11900 West 87th Street Parkway, Suite 160 Lenexa 913-599-0888

Kenneth J. Frick

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street Kansas City 816-235-2749

Steven P. Gish

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

Mark A. Holman

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park 913-498-3636

Joon W. Kim

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park 913-498-3636

Tae S. Kong

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

James E. Moore

Firoozeh Biria

Barton W. Putnam

Ryan Bland

J. Mike Randall

Chad A. Bowles

3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 106 Prairie Village 913-642-3636

Biria Dentistry 14364 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park 913-499-1111

Olathe Endodontics 16093 West 135th Street, Suite A Olathe 913-829-0060 Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park 913-498-3636

Brenton A. Reavley

North Oak Family Dental Care 9241 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City 816-436-2525 Bowles Dental Center 6811 West 121st Street Overland Park 913-491-6663

Bernard G. Bruns

Briarcliff Endodontics 4137 North Mulberry Drive Kansas City 816-326-8204

Tremont Dental 5501 Northwest 62nd Terrace, Suite 101 Kansas City 816-741-6960

Alexander W. Stamos

Ronald J. Burgmeier

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

Daniel G. Stamos

Creekwood Endodontics 5400 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 201 Kansas City 816-452-0900

David E. Stamos

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

Amy Vermeer

Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 250 Overland Park 913-498-3636

Ryan M. Walker

Northwest Endodontics 803 North 36th Street, Suite C Saint Joseph 816-364-4422

Sara H. Wilhite

1218 Northeast Windsor Drive Lee’s Summit 816-554-7668

General Dentistry

Nancy L. Addy

S & G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash Street Leawood 913-945-1612

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

Holli D. Careswell

Careswell Anderson Dental 300 Southeast 2nd Street, Suite 200 Lee’s Summit 816-524-6300

Aaron M. Craig

11775 West 112th Street, Suite 240 Overland Park 913-469-5444

Richard D. Crowder

Crowder Family Dentistry 14922 West 87th Street Lenexa 913-322-2222

James J. Dixson

Liberty Park Dental 1508 Northeast 96th Street, Suite A Liberty 816-415-8080

Rachel Pitts Driscoll

Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 South Blackbob Road Olathe 913-782-8900

Daniel M. DuHadway 4861 West 134th Street Leawood 913-685-1900

G. Brent Evers

Evers & Gardner Dental 5815 Northwest Barry Road Kansas City 816-741-2333

kansascitymag.com July 2024

2024 TOP DENTISTS Erin P. Flood

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

John C. Flucke

Flucke & Associates Dentistry 209 Northwest Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit 816-209-6675

James D. Gentry

4861 West 134th Street Leawood 913-341-0018

Mark D. Gilroy

Gilroy Dental Care 11826 West 135th Street Overland Park 913-681-1900

Eric Gottman

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 130 Kansas City 816-235-2146

Jarrett S. Grosdidier S & G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash Street Leawood 913-945-1612

Stephen Haake

Bluestem Dental 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 222 Overland Park 913-381-6644

Amy R. Hahn

Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 South Blackbob Road Olathe 913-782-8900

Tricia C. Halford

Corinth Dental Care 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 108 Prairie Village 913-341-9600

Sarina M. HarmanTinnel HT Complete Family Dentistry 7621 Frontage Road Overland Park 913-962-0036

Ross S. Headley

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

60 Kansas City July 2024

Craig W. Herre

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

Scott B. Herre

11237 Nall Avenue, Suite 140 Leawood 913-912-7341

Timothy R. Herre

Ian J. Krusich

Krusich Dental 11201 Nall Avenue, Suite 106 Leawood 913-383-2600

John C. LaBarca

Dental Excellence 19501 East United States Highway 40 Independence 816-795-9500

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

William D. Ledford

Andrew Herwig

Joel D. LeMense

11900 West 87th Street Parkway, Suite 260 Lenexa 913-492-8884

1236 West 103rd Street Kansas City 816-941-0980

8012 State Line Road, Suite 100 Leawood 913-341-3415

Stephen J. Huber

Steven B. Lemieux

John K. Humphrey, Jr.

Matthew Lenz

13400 Roe Avenue Leawood 913-543-3751

Kansas City Dental Works 12705 West 87th Street Parkway Lenexa 913-432-9414

Ryan W. Johnson

Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center 4101 South 4th Street Leavenworth 913-682-2000

211 East 63rd Street Kansas City 816-333-3711

14221 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 100 Overland Park 913-851-5900

Anthony Marengo, Jr.

Kory Kirkegaard

The Art of Dentistry 7550 West 160th Street Overland Park 913-270-7959

Ashley E. Knight

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

Robert A. Pierce

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

Jennifer L. Pottinger 6885 West 151st Street, Suite 202 Overland Park 913-897-4300

Robert W. Rechtien, Jr. Rechtien Dental 231 Northwest 72nd Street Gladstone 816-436-5900

Lawson S. Rener

4320 Wornall Road, Suite 402 Kansas City 816-561-8050

Kami L. Ross

Jamie Smiley

Eugene F. McGill

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

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

Michael D. McCunniff

Alison M. Jones

Charles R. Kimes

Vanessa C. Phye

Overland Park Smiles 6007 West 121 Street, Suite 104 Overland Park 913-851-8400

Leawood Dental 11551 Granada, Suite 200 Leawood 913-642-3939 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 110 Overland Park 913-491-0077

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

Esthetic Enhancement 16103 West 135th Street Olathe 913-829-9222

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 396 Kansas City 816-235-2185

Luke Joliff

Bryant E. Phye

3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 208 Prairie Village 913-381-9880

Abbie S. McKnight

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

Jacob W. Meggison

Dental Elements 11912 West Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee 913-383-0440

Andrew S. Moore 5367 Roberts Street Shawnee 913-422-0007

Smiley Dental 13430 Briar Street Leawood 913-402-8888

Gregory A. Stiver Dental Care Center 325 East 135th Street Kansas City 816-941-7788

Ross Thompson

Olathe Pointe Dental 14979 West 119th Street Olathe 913-780-0080

Lisa A. Thurlow

Johnson County Dental Care 7299 West 98th Terrace, Suite 150 Overland Park 913-341-7440

Jamie L. ThurmanTaylor

TLC Family Dentistry 3568 Southwest Market Street Lee’s Summit 816-537-6161

David L. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 West 150th Street, Suite 103 Overland Park 913-681-2893

Julie A. Tuttle

Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 West 150th Street, Suite 103 Overland Park 913-681-2893

Stephanie M. Warden 2200 West 75th Street, Suite 101 Prairie Village 913-825-2500

D. Douglas Watts II Geha Family Dental 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 240 Overland Park 913-338-3384

Luke Wolniak

Prairie Fields Dentistry 16072 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park 913-871-5360

Dave B. Woltkamp

David Lawrence Suchman

Overland Park Smiles 6700 West 121 Street, Suite 104 Overland Park 913-851-8400

Brian S. Sutton

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Suchman and Darnall Family Dentistry 3907 Crackerneck Road Independence 816-373-3101 4546 Main Street Kansas City 816-931-2342

J. Brad Tally

13650 Roe Avenue Leawood 913-491-5040

Kelly K. Thomas

Leawood Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 4861 West 134th Street Leawood 913-685-1900

Michael Barber

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 103 Prairie Village 913-381-5194

Zachary L. Brown

Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview, Suite L-10 Kansas City 816-561-1115

I PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK

IN KANSAS CITY, there’s a dentist’s office

However, this effort falls short of meeting on practically every street corner. This the significant need for ongoing dental isn’t just because we live in a decentservices in these underserved areas. sized metropolitan area. We’re also lucky “[Dental therapy] would allow for us, to have many graduates from the UMKC as dental health professionals, to not School of Dentistry. However, in more only be able to go in and do what we’re rural areas of Missouri and Kansas, access normally doing, but we’re also educating, to dental care isn’t as readily available. we’re doing that preventative care,” Knutt That’s why advocates are pushing for the says. “We’re reaching that rural commuaccreditation of dental therapists. nity, because there are not very many Dental therapists can handle routine dentists in places like western Kansas or dental care such as performing exams southwestern Kansas.” and cleanings, filling cavities, performUnfortunately, other health initiatives ing extractions and placing temporary have taken precedence over dental therapy, crowns. These professionals play a crucial but Knutt emphasizes the crucial role that role in making dental care more accessible, proper dental health plays in our overall especially in rural areas and tribal settings. health. “Our body is affected by our mouth,” According to the American Dental Therapy she says. “Anything that we are ingestAssociation, over 75 million people reside ing, anything that we do for our mouth, in regions facing dentist shortages, with it affects the rest of our body. They have more than 32 million children not receiving linked periodontal disease to cardiovascudental care annually. lar diseases. They’re even linking some of Currently, only thirteen states have this to certain liver problems.” dental therapy accreditation, prompting While Knutt and other advocates await advocates to push for legislation to give the next push for dental therapy accredidental therapy a home in Kansas. Amanda tation in Kansas, they have something to Knutt, a registered dental hygienist and anticipate: a Dental Board of Health compresident of the National Dental Hygienpact. This legally binding agreement among ists’ Association, is leading that charge. By Nicole Kinning states establishes an additional pathway for Right before the Covid era, the legisdentists and dental hygienists to practice lation for dental therapy accreditation in in states where they are not licensed. By Kansas made it to the House and was on track for further considallowing dental professionals to practice across state lines where eration. Unfortunately, the legislation got pushed under the rug as they are not licensed, the compact expands the pool of practitioners more emergency matters were addressed. available to serve communities, particularly those facing shortages. Knutt says that many rural communities in Kansas lack any form But Knutt still has hope for dental therapy accreditation in Kansas of regular dental care. If available at all, it is often limited to once a and beyond. “We’re looking at the original bill that we had introduced year through initiatives like the Kansas Mission of Mercy, an orgathose years ago,” Knutt says. “It’s really just allowing more growth. nization providing dental care to those unable to access or afford it. We’re looking at feedback and going back to the drawing board.”

The Pathway to Dental Therapy

What is dental therapy, and why is it important?

kansascitymag.com July 2024

IT COMES IN bright colors, is promoted

breathe, Drake says. “Through the nose, by social media influencers and promises we have a better filtration humidification myriad benefits, like better sleep, increased system so that the air is more controlled jaw definition and brighter eyes. But does when it goes down into the lungs.” mouth tape truly deliver on these claims? There are also some dental advantages This wellness trend is exactly what it to using mouth tape, one of which is helpsounds like: You place a strip of tape across ing with dry mouth. “If a person’s mouth your closed lips while you’re sleeping to is dry during the night because they’re promote nasal breathing. But is mouth tape breathing through the mouth, that’s going the nighttime miracle worker it claims to to not lubricate their gums and teeth as be? The answer is nuanced. Dental sleep well,” Drake says. “This can lead to gum medicine specialist Dr. Thomas Drake of disease and tooth decay because saliva is KC Sleep Health says that while mouth tape a neutralizer of acids.” can have benefits, it also poses serious risks But if you’re looking for a solution to for those with certain health conditions. teeth grinding, mouth tape is not the If you suffer from any kind of nasal answer. Taping your lips closed has no breathing difficulties, like sleep apnea, you effect on night grinding and doesn’t proshould avoid mouth tape altogether, Drake mote any kind of muscle improvement. says. “If a person is breathing through “Those things are controlled by other their mouth because they can’t breathe neurological pathways and different through their nose very well, or they have By Nicole Kinning physical functions, mainly the TMJ [temobstructive sleep apnea and their airway poromandibular joint] and the muscles of is closing at night and they’re trying to get mastication [chewing],” Drake says. more oxygen through their mouths, then using tape is dangerous.” When searching for a mouth tape, Drake says it’s important to use He also points out that sleep apnea is a largely undiagnosed and specialized dental tape. Plain old duct tape isn’t going to do the trick unrecognized condition, so it’s advisable that you consult a physician and is rather dangerous. Mouth tape is engineered with precautionbefore fully jumping into the mouth tape trend. ary features like slits or openings in case of an emergency need for If sleep apnea is ruled out as a risk and you want to promote oxygen. If you have allergies, particularly to adhesives or materials nasal breathing while you snooze, mouth tape may be helpful. Nasal commonly found in tapes, be aware of that before you stick ’er on. You breathing is actually the proper way human beings are supposed to may have to kiss a few different mouth tapes to find your match.

62 Kansas City July 2024

Does mouth tape actually work? A dental sleep medicine physician weighs in.

PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK

Roll the Tape?

2024 TOP DENTISTS Joseph C. Camarata

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

Kirk C. Collier

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 103 Prairie Village 913-381-5194

Thomas H. Faerber

Faerber Surgical Arts 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 118 Overland Park 913-469-8895

Douglas W. Fain

Fain Oral Surgery 20168 West 153rd Street Olathe 913-839-9709

Brett L. Ferguson

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 304 Kansas City 816-235-2073

Adam Flack

University Health Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinc 2101 Charlotte Street Kansas City 816-404-0500

Steven D. Green

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

Christopher J. Haggerty

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

Matthew R. Hlavacek Kansas City Surgical Arts 8080 North Flintlock Road Kansas City 816-286-4126

Michael W. Lowe

1524 Northeast 96th Street Liberty 816-792-1022

Taylor L. Markle

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 11005 West 60th Street Shawnee 913-268-9500

Tyson E. Marrs

Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 103 Prairie Village 913-381-5194

Patrick B. Moore

Parkville Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics 6340 North Chatham Avenue Kansas City 816-746-1171

Gary L. Nesslein

Northland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6301 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 101 Kansas City 816-452-0300

Brent F. Newby

KC Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 7701 West 119th Street Overland Park 913-529-5999

Daniel C. Nielson

Great Plains Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 965 North Mur-Len Road Olathe 913-780-3100

Richard M. Oakley

Harold D. Wallin, Jr.

David E. Dykhouse

C. Reiger Wood IV

Jeremy R. Fry

Deer Creek Oral Surgery 12800 Metcalf Avenue, Suite Overland Park 913-451-7680

Oral Medicine Jerald O. Katz

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 163 Kansas City 816-235-2138

Oral Pathology Tanya Gibson

UMKC School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street Kansas City 816-235-2131

Orthodontics Eric Anderson

Anderson Orthodontics 121 Delaware Street Leavenworth 913-651-5040

Branson Billings

Braces By Billings 8600 Tom Watson Parkway, Suite 101 Parkville 816-226-4291

Brian E. Pannell

David P. Blackburn

Steven J. Prstojevich Facial Spectrum 1208 Northeast Windsor Drive Lee’s Summit 816-524-4334

John P. Tanner

Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview, Suite L-10 Kansas City 816-561-1115

Creekwood Orthodontics 5400 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 123 Kansas City 816-454-6800

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

Oakley Oral Surgery 5811 Nall Avenue Mission 913-722-3253

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 7701 West 119th Street Overland Park 866-988-1256

John A. Dorsch

Blackburn & Elrod Orthodontics 3131 South State Route 291 Independence 816-373-6006

Chad Bulleigh

Bulleigh Orthodontics 8600 West 95th Street Overland Park 913-441-7321

Dustin S. Burleson 401 Laurus Drive Raymore 816-384-0801

David M. Christensen

KC Braces + Kids 7675 Northwest Prairie View Road Kansas City 816-741-1155

Jeffrey J. Lenius Lenius Orthodontics 8764 West 151st St Overland Park 913-357-1212

Joe Moon

Moon Orthodontics 14247 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park 913-782-7223

Dykhouse Orthodontics 1300 Northwest South Outer Road Blue Springs 816-229-0444

Eric S. Neuer

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

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

Elizabeth B. Nill

Hannah Orthodontics 1441 East 151st Street Olathe 913-829-2244

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

Paul J. Hechler

Jay M. Oltjen

Richard D. Hannah

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

Oltjen Orthodontics 15159 South Blackbob Road Olathe 913-829-8855

John P. Roth

Steven L. Hechler

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

Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 10940 Parallel Parkway, Suite O Kansas City 913-948-8688

Kurt W. Hoffman

Clarence E. Simmons

Hoffman Orthodontics 11213 Nall Avenue, Suite 130 Leawood 913-649-8890

Odyssey Smiles 601 East Russell Avenue Warrensburg 816-317-0130

Jerry W. Huerter, Jr. Huerter Orthodontics 8919 Parallel Parkway, Suite 450 Kansas City 913-334-3055

Bradley N. Smith

Dyer and Smith Orthodontics 11244 West 135th Street Overland Park 913-897-6950

Douglas Thompson

Jay Joshi

Stay Smiling Orthodontics 4601 West 109th Street, Suite 310 Overland Park 913-661-9901

Neil C. Kanning

Kanning Orthodontics 9101 Northeast 82nd Terrace Kansas City 816-781-8585

6872 West 121st Street Overland Park 913-491-3549

Jeffrey J. Thompson Jeff Thompson Orthodontics 4851 West 134th Street, Suite A Leawood 913-681-8300

Kelly H. Toombs

8407 North Main Street Kansas City 816-420-8100

Toombs Orthodontics 3700 West 83rd Street, Suite 215 Prairie Village 913-381-5292

Michael Klein

Cameron Walker

Kurt E. Kavanaugh

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

Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 North Mur-Len Olathe 913-829-4466

Ashlee Weber

Weber Orthodontics 7577 Northwest Barry Road, Suite A Kansas City 816-746-1200

kansascitymag.com July 2024

2024 TOP DENTISTS Angela Williams

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

Zachary T. Williams

Blue Springs My Kids 1254 Northeast Coronado Drive, Suite 113 Blue Springs 816-220-5598

Pediatric Dentistry

Kurt A. Aarons

Kurt Aarons Pediatric Dentistry 4411 Belleview Avenue Kansas City 816-531-2070

Vanessa R. Axelsen Blue Valley Pediatric Dentistry 7560 West 160th Street Overland Park 913-232-2708

Brenda S. Bohaty

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street, Room 393 Kansas City 816-235-2036

David J. Cobb

Axelsen & Cobb 975 North Mur-Len Road, Suite A Olathe 913-829-0981

Emily C. Cortes

Prairie Pediatric Dentistry 15230 West 87th Street Parkway Lenexa 913-871-5771

Emily C. Day

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

John T. Fales, Jr.

Fales Pediatric Dentistry 13496 South Arapaho Drive Olathe 913-782-2207

Matthew W. Hillman Smiles Dentistry for Kids 14700 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 110 Overland Park 913-685-9990

64 Kansas City July 2024

Jill C. Jenkins

Jenkins Dentistry for Kids 6810 Silverheel Street Shawnee 913-745-2500

Robinson T. Kiser

Little Chompers Pediatric Dentistry 2511 South 4th Street Leavenworth 913-250-6583

Michael A. LeBlanc LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 8226 Mission Road Prairie Village 913-378-9610

Kyle E. Pedersen

LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 8226 Mission Road Prairie Village 913-914-9013

Casey Rhoads

Honey Bee Pediatric Dental 4621 West 6th Street, Suite B Lawrence 785-331-0043

Brandi K. Roeber

Dentistry for Children 7001 North Cherry Street, Suite 100 Gladstone 816-548-3400

Glynn Spencer

Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry 301 Northeast Mulberry Street, Suite 201 Lee’s Summit 816-607-6000

Jodie L. Spencer

Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry 301 Northeast Mulberry Street, Suite 201 Lee’s Summit 816-607-6000

Kathryn N. Stanley

Stanley Pediatric Dentistry 8575 West 110th Street, Suite 310 Overland Park 913-345-0331

Jaime Stinnett

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

D. Scott Thomas

Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry 9051 Northeast 81st Terrace, Suite 220 Kansas City 816-781-5437

Periodontics Ann A. Fay

Fay Periodontics 6333 Long Avenue, Suite 201 Shawnee 913-268-9300

Amy L. Gillihan

Gillihan Periodontics 3151 South M291 Highway, Suite B Independence 816-373-5400

Lana Krause

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street Kansas City 816-235-2100

Adam C. McClellan Periodontal Care 5000 West 95th Street, Suite 270 Prairie Village 913-341-4141

Sidney A. McKnight III McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 West 75th Street, Suite A Prairie Village 913-649-4978

Patrick J. Morris

613 Southeast 5th Street Lee’s Summit 816-554-2663

Catherine A. Mowry Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade Street, Suite 100 Lenexa 913-894-9962

Kevin Mowry

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

Nancy L. Newhouse

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

N. Randolph Oliver

McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 West 75th Street, Suite A Prairie Village 913-649-4978

Seth Rush

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry 9249 Ward Parkway Kansas City 816-444-8822

Lara Tull Ryan

15074 South Blackbob Road Olathe 913-491-5548

Tanu Satheesh

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street Kansas City 816-235-2075

Kelley S. Thompson

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

Audra Ward

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

Stanley L. Wint

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

Jeremy Youngblood

Youngblood Periodontics 6301 North Oak Trafficway, Suite 102 Kansas City 816-453-2323

Prosthodontics Bruce C. Cummings

4151 North Mulberry Drive, Suite 260 Kansas City 816-454-9090

W. Stuart Dexter

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

Brandon A. James

12541 Foster Street, Suite 330 Overland Park 913-642-0000

Cynthia S. Petrie

University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th Street Kansas City 816-235-2694

Brandon Sparks

KC Complete Prosthodontics 11401 Nall Avenue, Suite 102 Leawood 913-703-5599

Delivering Happy & Healthy Smiles Dr. Camarata and his team at Aesthetic Surgical Arts are focused on the details that make a difference in your face… and body. It’s rare to find a team of specialists that offer both cosmetic and oral surgery options all in the same office. They deliver incredibly beautiful outcomes, whether your desire is out of medical necessity or fulfilment of a personal aesthetic goal.

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12541 Foster Street, Ste. 330 AESTHETIC SURGICAL ARTS & MIA BELLA DONNA MEDSPA Overland Park, KS

� @fella �vna OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66213 12541 FOSTER ST, SUITE 330 ❘ 913.827.9898 MEDSPA asa-kc.com 913-270-0649 - ASA-KC.COM Joseph C. Camarata, M.D., D.M.D.

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DENTISTS

When you are choosing a dental provider for you or a loved one, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is how they are perceived among their peers. The featured dentists in the following pages are among some of the dentists featured in the USA Top Dentists list, which is a widely recognized group of dental professionals that are chosen as the best in their field.

TOP DENTISTS

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DENTISTS

PERIODONTICS

Did You Know

Dr. Newhouse in 2012 became the 99th President of the American Academyof Periodontology. At that time, she was only the 4th woman to serve in that capacity during its nearly 100 year history.

NEWHOUSE PERIODONTICS Nancy Newhouse, DDS, MS

eautiful, healthy smiles start here! This is not just a “catch” phrase for Dr. Newhouse. It embodies Newhouse Periodontics and the art and science of what great periodontal care can achieve. “I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t want to look good,” says Dr. Newhouse. Having a great smile boosts self-confidence and improves overall well-being. That’s why Newhouse Periodontics provides personalized state-of-the-art services to make you look and feel your best.

Sometimes, there is great confusion about what great periodontal care is. At its most basic, periodontists SAVE TEETH! While Dr. Newhouse has the expertise to place implants, if a tooth can be healthy, function well, and look good, it is best to keep it. If, for some reason, a tooth cannot be kept, then implant placement may be appropriate. Dr. Newhouse also has the skillset to regenerate soft tissue and bone, lengthen short-looking teeth, treat infections around implants (peri-implantitis), and shorten long-looking teeth.

That said, if the underlying foundation on which that smile is built is not healthy, then that beautiful smile will not be sustainable. Think of a picture frame That frame should enhance the painting it surrounds The same can be said of the “gums” around teeth or implants. If the gums are red and swollen, if there is too much or too little “gum”, or if there has been loss of bone, then no matter how pretty the teeth are, the smile will not be as good. Because Newhouse Periodontics provides personalized care, listening about what a person wants is essential to the outcome. By fully understanding someone’s goals, an individualized plan is established to address those specific health and cosmetic needs and wants to get that great long lasting smile.”

As an internationally recognized leader in periodontology and a Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology, Dr. Newhouse is honored to be recognized as a Top Dentist for the 17th year in a row. She is a full-time periodontal specialist, an ADA-recognized dental specialty, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Discover how Newhouse Periodontics can be your way to a beautiful, healthy smile by calling 816-373-6800 or visiting newhouseperio.com.

4731 South Cochise Dr Suite 200 / Independence, MO 64055 / 816.373.6800 / newhouseperio.com

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DENTISTS

TMJ AND AIRWAY-FOCUSED DENTISTRY

HERRE HOLISTIC DENTAL KC

Timothy R. Herre, DDS and Erica Ketchem, DDS

ERRE HOLISTIC DENTAL is a wellnesscentered, third-generation dental practice that has served Kansas City since 1953. Their mission is to provide personalized dental health care services, nurture caring relationships with patients, and offer progressive treatment options that promote enduring health for every member of your family. As biological dentists, Dr. Tim and Dr. Erica use the safest dental materials that are the most compatible with your own body and health. They also practice rejuvenation dentistry, which is a conservative dental approach to restore the entire bite and mouth, creating jaw stability and proper oral function. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach that focuses on managing disease, their mission is to get you back to health by rejuvenating the entire system so the body can thrive. There are many treatments offered at Herre Holistic for your health journey, including TMD/TMJ treatment, tongue tie releases, orofacial myofunctional

therapy, airway-focused orthodontic treatment, early orthodontic expansion for kids, holistic mercury-safe dentistry and Cerec one-visit crowns. Dr. Tim has more than ten years of experience treating TMJ/jaw pain and bite issues to address how your teeth fit together. Clenching or grinding your teeth and jaw misalignment are signs you may have an airway issue. The team at Herre Holistic Dental believes that a healthy airway is the key for your body to function optimally. With on-site 3D X-ray technology, they can help find the root cause issue and provide you with choices t hat best fit your needs. Dr. Tim Herre is the first third-generation dentist in Kansas and has focused on functional, airway-centered dental care for more than a decade. He is passionate about helping kids grow optimally with early intervention to prevent long-term health issues and sees patients as young as newborns. Dr. Tim and Dr. Erica strive to learn and optimize their treatment in ways that surpass traditional dentistry.

11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120 / Leawood, KS 66211 / 913-491-4466 / holisticdentalkc.com

Introducing Erica Ketchem DDS

New to Herre Holistic Dentistry is Dr. Erica Ketchem. Dr. Ketcham attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska where she was a member of the university tennis team. She then attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She aims to build upon the long legacy of Herre Holistic Dental providing whole health for the whole family. Dr. Erica is an active listener, and foward-thinking, and emphasizes honest, quality care.

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DENTISTS

ORTHODONTICS

LENIUS ORTHODONTICS Dr. Jeffrey Lenius, DDS, MSD

enius Orthodontics focuses on individualized and customized orthodontic treatment for adults, teenagers and children. “Orthodontics is much more than simply straightening teeth” says Dr. Jeffrey Lenius, the orthodontist and owner of Lenius Orthodontics. “Because every patient is unique, it’s essential to consider the teeth, mouth, and facial structures when designing the perfect smile.” The first step is understanding exactly what each patient is hoping to achieve with orthodontic treatment. Next, using digital treatment planning and imaging software, Dr. Jeff is able to digitally diagnose and create a customized treatment plan unique to every case.

Because orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry, Dr. Jeff works closely with referring dentists throughout Johnson County. “We are fortunate to have a great dental community that understands the importance of early orthodontic intervention” says Dr. Jeff. “The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation at age 7. These early growth-and-development assessments help evaluate

for proper development of the teeth and jaws, providing parents with peace-of-mind and the opportunity for early intervention, if indicated. These early visits also allow us to determine the optimal timing for orthodontic treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.” At Lenius Orthodontics, we enjoy treating patients of all ages. Over the last 5 years, Dr. Jeff has seen a significant increase in the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. “I love working with adult patients hoping to improve their smiles. My goal is to educate adults about orthodontic options and work with them to design a customized treatment plan that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.” Whether the treatment path is clear aligners like Invisalign®, customized 3D printed braces, or more traditional braces options, Dr. Jeff and his team always enjoy seeing the final results. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that confident smile on a patient’s face at the last appointment,” says Dr. Jeff. “It’s fun for us, knowing that we’ve made a difference in our patients’ lives.”

8764 West 151st St. / Overland Park, KS / 913-357-1212 / LeniusOrtho.com

Did You Know? Dr. Lenius’s expertise has distinguished him among the top Invisalign® providers worldwide and has garnered him recognition as one of the Top Orthodontists in Kansas City and St. Louis.

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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Get To Know The Dentist It is not only our top priority to offer our patients the best dental care and experience, it’s our passion. I am proud and honored to be a part of a team that thrives on giving the best of ourselves to our patients and does not settle for less than excellence. Our greatest reward is seeing a child have fun at their dental appointment.” -Dr. Michael LeBlanc

LEBLANC & ASSOCIATES Michael LeBlanc, DDS

t LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children, their team of Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists offers the highest standard of service, quality, and expertise in pediatric dentistry for your children.

is focused on cultivating a friendly culture so that your child enjoys visiting their dental home. They believe in positive reinforcement and offer patients incentives during their visit, including prizes, stickers, balloons, and ice cream.

Founded and owned by Dr. Michael LeBlanc, the goal at LeBlanc & Associates is to provide the best possible dental experience, with a fun and inviting atmosphere. Dr. LeBlanc, along with his team, Dr. Emily Meyer, Dr. Stefanie Curtis, Dr. Mary Le, Dr. Brianne Kerns, Dr. Kyle Pedersen and Dr. Bryan Henrie, is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable and stress-free experience every time you visit any of the four convenient locations in Prairie Village, Overland Park, Olathe, and Kansas City, KS.

Dr. LeBlanc and his team recognize that all patients deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Their team delivers on their promise to always put patients and families first by offering a customized, transparent, and conservative approach with the latest treatments and technology available in the dental field. They pledge to do everything possible to set your child up for a lifetime of dental success, by showing them that their dental appointments can be a fun, positive, and rewarding experience.

From the moment your children walk into the brightly colored office, they are greeted by a welcoming environment catered to their experience. The dental team

Overland Park | 143rd and Metcalf Ave. Prairie Village | 83rd and Mission Rd. Kansas City, Kansas | 1601 N. 98th street

Olathe | 151st and Blackbob Rd. West Olathe | 11102 S. Noble Drive | 913.353.9600

913.387.3500 | kidsmilekc.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FAMILY DENTISTRY

KISLING FAMILY DENTISTRY

Rebecca Kisling, DDS

r. Kisling graduated second in her class from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After graduation, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. Kisling Family Dentistry opened in August of 2022, and is proud to be a 100% family-owned small business in Leawood, KS.

Kisling Family Dentistry will change your perception about going to the dentist. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll feel at ease in a relaxed and lighthearted environment curated by Dr. Rebecca Kisling and her team. The office delivers quality, non-judgmental, and compassionate dental care in a low pressure and friendly way.

She and her team offer patients of all ages a variety of treatment including cosmetic and therapeutic Botox, snoring and sleep apnea appliances, as well as preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. They are accepting new patients and welcome the opportunity to show you the Kisling Family difference. Visit them online or on social media @kislingfamilydentistry.

13401 Mission Rd., Suite 212 / Leawood, KS 66209 / 913-357-8333 kislingfamilydentistry.com

ENDODONTICS

BURROUGHS ENDODONTICS

Jeffrey R. Burroughs, DDS

t Burroughs Endodontics, their vision is to deliver the highest quality root canal treatments in the greater Kansas City area. While the idea of a root canal can be intimidating, the compassionate staff at Burroughs Endodontics is dedicated to making you feel at ease from the moment you schedule your appointment until your specialized care is complete.

Led by one of the few board-certified endodontists in Kansas, Dr. Jeffrey Burroughs expertly combines state-of-the-art technology with a steadfast commitment to endodontic excellence. Advanced 3-D imaging (cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT) and surgical microscopes are used to accurately diagnose and deliver the most precise treatment. Additionally, Burroughs employs the GentleWave® Procedure, a minimally invasive technique designed for effective infection removal and tooth preservation. The patient-centered approach at Burroughs Endodontics is focused on providing Kansas City with exceptional Quality Care – and it’s not just their motto, it’s their mission. If you are in need of a root canal, schedule a consultation to experience the difference.

5525 West 119th St., Suite 215 / Overland Park, KS 66209 913.258.5696 / BurroughsEndo.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GENERAL DENTISTRY

HERWIG DDS

Andrew V. Herwig, DDS

erwig DDS believes a true smile radiates from the inside out, which is why they are so passionate about delivering an exceptional dental experience that makes you look great, but feel great, too! Their highly trained staff of professionals offers a full spectrum of services within the fields of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. A native of Overland Park, Dr. Andrew V. Herwig earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2015 from UMKC School of Dentistry. He customizes his dental approach based on your long-term needs. It is an approach based on trust, comfort, necessity, and expertise, with the result focused on ultimate satisfaction. Dr. Herwig is a member of the Fifth District Dental Society, Kansas Dental Association and American Dental Association. The family-owned practice has proudly served the Greater Kansas City area since 1981. Their mission is to provide first-class dental care with the utmost professionalism. Dr. Herwig and his team are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of. With offices located in Johnson and Miami counties, they are excited to become your local family dentist. Dr. Herwig’s practice welcomes new patients and hopes to make you a part of their dental family!

LENEXA 11900 West 87th Street Pkwy., Suite 260 / Lenexa, KS 66215 / 913.492.8884 PAOLA 24 S. Silver St., / Paola, KS 66071 / 913.294.4321 / herwigdds.com

COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

LEAWOOD COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

Kelly Thomas, DDS

r. R. KELLY THOMAS is a graduate of UMKC Dental School and has been practicing for 20 years. She studied extensively at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies to expand her fields of expertise into cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Thomas has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 40 Dentists under 40, along with being named to the Kansas City area’s Top Dentist’s list and Best Cosmetic Dentist in KC two years running.

Leawood Cosmetic and Family Dentistry operates in a state-of-the art facility, serving Leawood, Overland Park and the surrounding area. Dr. Thomas and her incredible team create relationships based on a foundation of listening to patients and then creating treatment options that are based on the best in dental technology and patient comfort. Providing a caring environment is of utmost importance to Dr. Thomas and her staff. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Daniel DuHadway are always accepting new patients.

4861 West 134th St, / Leawood, KS 66209 / 913.685.1900 leawoodcosmeticdentistry.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ORTHODONTICS

FRY ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS

Jeremy Fry, DDS

ry Orthodontics has been your hometown Orthodontist for over 45 years! With locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, they are committed to providing top-notch, innovative orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Dr. Jeremy Fry, leader of Fry Orthodontics, is a Kansas City native and passionate about treating patients in the community he has grown to love.

“I am so grateful for what Kansas City has provided me as a young kid and now as an adult. My family has been in the community for over 45 years honoring this great place. I’m proud that I can continue on my father’s legacy at Fry Orthodontics to continue serving patients in this wonderful city.” Fry Orthodontics utilizes the latest technologies in orthodontics, making treatment easier and faster than ever before. They are a leading provider of Invisalign in the entire Midwest and treat both adults and children with this method! Whether you’re interested in high tech braces or Invisalign, Fry offers both for the same great price. Have you been told your child needs braces more than once? Or that teeth need to be extracted? At Fry, they take a conservative approach to treatment and are proud to say that less than 1% of their patients need teeth pulled, and the majority of patients only have to wear braces once! Not only does this save you unnecessary time missed from school and work, but ultimately saves you money as well.

Learn more about how you can improve your smile and talk with a doctor directly by scheduling a free initial exam that can be done at any of the 13 office locations, or via video from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.fryorthodontics.com to request a free exam, or call the office directly at: 913-469-9191.

Location in Kansas & Missouri / 913-469-9191 / 816-877-0050 / info@fryorthodontics.com / fryorthodontics.com

FAMILY DENTISTRY

GENTLE DENTISTRY

Jamie Smiley, DDS

Joel LeMense, DDS

SMILEY DENTAL

JOEL LEMENSE DENTAL

R. JAMIE SMILEY has been recognized as a Top Dentist for the past nine years while providing quality dental care in Johnson County for over 19 years. She and her highly skilled team strive to make your dental visit comfortable, while addressing your needs. They enjoy seeing new patients and earning your trust. Smiley Dental has an in-house CEREC machine, which means patients receive their crowns in one visit. The CEREC uses an intraoral camera to scan the prepared tooth and create the perfect crown milled from a ceramic block that can be prepared within ten minutes. Dr. Smiley is a member of the KDA, the ADA, the 5th District Dental Society and Spear Dental Study Club. Her education includes a B.S. Science, Kansas State University and D.D.S., UMKC School of Dentistry.

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

13430 Briar Drive / Leawood, KS 66209 913.402.8888 / smileydentaloffice.com

8012 State Line Road, Suite 100 / Leawood, KS 66208 913.341.3415 / lemensedental.com

WINN

A KCK lowrider bike program is teaching kids how to build a bike— and a future.

ING THE RACE By Daniela Barzallo Photography by Ian Simmons

kansascitymag.com July 2024

Kansas City July 2024

NOT A STRANGER to youthful mischief him-

“I ALWAYS REMIND THEM— MAKE YOUR BED, MAKE YOUR BED—BECAUSE YOU START YOUR DAY WITH A POSITIVE, YOU KNOW, YOU ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING EARLY IN THE MORNING.”

self, Martin Cervantes understands the kids he is helping through his innovative lowrider bike program. Cervantes, who was known to get into trouble as a kid, mentored at-risk youth for 17 years as an employee for Kansas City Public Schools before starting his Lowriding 2 Success nonprofit. His hands-on program steers kids away from trouble by giving them much-coveted bike parts for good behavior. For Cervantes, lowrider bikes and cars were an important form of expression and part of his culture, just as they are for the youth he works with. “It’s art being built,” Cervantes says. “I believe the youth like that—how you can create something so nice and colorful.” Cervantes says the program grew almost out of necessity. “It just started because of seeing the need in the community—not having enough programs to work with at-risk youth,” he says. Teens who are struggling are referred to Cervantes’ after-school program, which is funded through a grant from the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board. When students first enroll, they receive a basic bike kit. Through good behavior, such as school attendance and improved grades, they can earn custom parts to make their bikes unique. A student could leave the program with a bike worth thousands of dollars, Cervantes says. Students meet weekly with adult volunteers to work on their bikes. But they are building much more than just a bike; they’re building a new life. As they construct their bikes over time, they also interact with weekly guest speakers and other professionals and mentors who expose them to new ways of thinking. Students also have volunteer opportunities, such as reading to younger children or fixing up used bikes to give to kids who don’t have one. Cervantes is very hands-on. “They are required to make their bed every morning,” Cervantes says. “Every text and every message that I send to them, I always remind them— make your bed, make your bed—because you start your day with a positive, you know, you accomplish something early in the morning.” However, modeling the positive outlook he hopes to see in his students is far from a oneman task. Cervantes, his wife and a small army of volunteers work together to make it possible. “We are the example to follow,” Cervantes says. “We don’t bring just anybody in, you know, but people who are invested in our community, people that are able to bring something positive to our program to model what we want [the kids] to be.”

kansascitymag.com July 2024

“IT’S ART BEING BUILT. I BELIEVE THE YOUTH LIKE THAT—

Kansas City July 2024

HOW YOU CAN CREATE SOMETHING SO NICE AND COLORFUL.”

kansascitymag.com July 2024

LET’S MAKE INSULIN INJECTIONS AND FINGERSTICKS A DISTANT MEMORY KU Medical Center aims to expand its research in Type 1 Diabetes to pioneer new therapies in Kansas City. Dr. David Robbins, director of the Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center, and David Block, founder of the Emilie Rosebud Diabetes Research Foundation, are leading a community fund-raising effort to help cure Type 1 Diabetes. The University of Kansas Health System is supporting with advanced equipment and space. The first step is to recruit a visionary program leader.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP RAISE FUNDS:

HWHEAT@KUENDOWMENT.ORG 913.562.2708

EATING AND DRINKING WELL IN KANSAS CITY

Back Open for Business By Tyler Shane JUST IN TIME for summer, Anna Sorge, owner of the beloved Grandview

breakfast and lunch eatery Housewife, announced she’s taking another go at slinging cones. Last month, she officially relaunched her ice cream shop Truman General with a revitalized sense of excitement and a back pocket full of exciting new flavors. The first flavor to return? Truman General’s most popular: the salted brown butter pecan. Photography by Samantha Levi

“I make a brittle with whole pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, Maldon sea salt and vanilla,” says Sorge. “Then I crunch it all up and fold it into the custard base. People just freak out over it.” In terms of seasonal offerings, with the ice cream’s custard base made of egg yolks, you can’t go wrong with mango and strawberry. But for the more adventurous folks, Sorge has just the selection. “Right now I’m experimenting with a maple-honey mustard ice cream folded with a maple pretzel crunch,” Sorge says. “It’s pretty ridiculous.” kansascitymag.com July 2024

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DRINK

“[The cocktails] are coming out either silky smooth and perfectly diluted—like it’s just come out of a shaker tin.”

Watermelon Sugar By Tyler Shane CAN A CRAFT cocktail bar serve quality drinks if they’re

premade? Bryan Arri, owner of the Crossroads’ newest agave and sugarcane-focused drinking establishment, Fern Bar, says yes. Fern Bar’s draft cocktail system doesn’t only result in quicker service, he says. It also yields more consistent cocktails. Cocktails created on the fly are quickly measured by volume with a jigger. At Fern Bar, cocktail recipes are scaled for accuracy then stored in kegs under pressure. According to Arri, adding the smallest amount of carbonation or nitrogen to his pre-concocted beverages is enough to mimic a cocktail being shaken, stirred and diluted.

82 Kansas City July 2024

GRASS IS GREENER COCKTAIL 1 oz Lunazul Blanco 1/2 oz Arette Classico Blanco 1 oz watermelon-basil syrup .75 oz fresh lime juice Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into a highball glass. WATERMELONBASIL SYRUP Mix a two-to-one ratio of strained watermelon juice with white granulated sugar. Blend in a handful of basil and strain.

“[The cocktails] are coming out silky smooth and perfectly diluted—like it’s just come out of a shaker tin,” Arri says. Fern Bar’s Grass Is Greener cocktail is an excellent example of this streamlined approach. The tequila-based drink is brightened with a basil-watermelon syrup and fresh lime juice and topped off with a pinch of basil and pickled watermelon rind. A pressurized keg draft system helps the watermelon syrup last weeks longer than if it weren’t under pressure. “[The syrup] also continues to fortify with the alcohol,” Arri says. When Fern Bar was just a pop-up around town (the bar officially opened New Year’s weekend), the Grass Is Greener cocktail was its number one seller. Now, Arri is excited to finally showcase the summer sipper on his menu. But if you want to take a stab at making the cocktail yourself, Arri is sharing his recipe—no nitrogen needed. Photography by Jack Hatzfeld

MORE THAN 10,000 PIECES & OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA

Named one of the nation's best sports bars - Sports Illustrated. People visit Chappell's to see the sports memorabilia but always come back for the food - Jim Chappell.

Chappell's Restaurant and Sports Museum 323 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, MO 64116 816.421.0002 - chappellskc.com

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Looking For (Local) Love

Ruben Leal’s tortillas have been sought out by Michelin star chefs. Now, he wants to offer you a taste. By Tyler Shane IT’S LIKELY YOU’VE already heard of Caramelo tortillas. Ruben Leal’s

Lawrence-based tortilleria (841 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, KS) has been featured in Bon Appétit, Saveur and the Wall Street Journal. Chef David Chang even used Leal’s corn tortillas in his Netflix show Dinner Time Live to make chilaquiles for Aziz Ansari and Cord Jefferson. But if you live in the KC area, it’s less likely that you’ve tried them yourself—and that’s what Leal wants to change. He’s already broken onto the scene nationally. Now, he wants to get in with the locals. “We miss the sense of community and face-to-face communication with our customers,” Leal says.

84 Kansas City July 2024

P E R F E C T DAY

Sonoran-style flour tortillas are Leal’s bread and butter, as he puts it, and it’s not hard to see why. Thinner than the grocery store brands and certainly more flavorful, Leal’s tortillas have a delightful chewiness that’s reminiscent of those found in his hometown of Hermosillo, Mexico. Granted, Leal has been selling them to a few local restaurants, like Red Kitchen (now known as Cien por Ciento Mexicana) and Fox and Pearl, since he started his journey in 2016. And yet, 90 percent of his tortillas are sold to out-of-state proprietors like a farm store in Hudson, New York, and a cheesemonger’s specialty market in Massachusetts (Whole Foods has been reaching out to Leal, too, but he enjoys indulging in the little guys). Up until now, if you wanted to snag a bag of Caramelo R U B E N L E A L’ S tortillas for your taco Tuesday, your best bet P E R F E C T D AY I N KC was to place an order online and wait several weeks to a month before they arrived. Breakfast Pastries But now, Leal is looking to get into more Saturdays are my KC delivery days, which usually start of KC’s specialty shops. With the recent with a trip to 1900 Barker addition of several new products, the timfor their iced matcha latte ing couldn’t be better. and a seasonal Danish. This bakery/coffee shop is a true A little over a year ago, he began tryLawrence gem. ing his hand at making corn tortillas after watching renowned chef Enrique Olvera Mexican Breakfast Cien por Ciento Mexicana make them for his Mexico City restaurant is easily my favorite place Pujol on an episode of Netflix’s Tasting to eat breakfast in the KC area—probably the whole Table. In a full-circle moment, Olvera, who country. Owner Alejandra was received two Michelin stars for Pujol in one of Caramelo’s very first May, reached out and is now using Caracustomers and her chicken tamales platter is nostalgic. melo’s Sonoran-style tortillas in his New It brings back memories of York restaurants Atla and Esse Taco. growing up in Mexico. “I saw his episode and became fasciTacos nated by corn tortillas,” says Leal. “Now, I could devour five or six here I am selling him my flour tortillas. Tacos Valentina KC-style tacos. Seasoned ground beef, How cool is that?” aioli and parm cheese all in Caramelo recently released bags of totoa fresh hand-pressed tortilla, pos, or corn chips, made with multiple which then gets fried for a perfect crunch. varieties of corn and perfectly sized to fit in any jar of dip. Cocktail & ’Cue Currently, you can buy Caramelo’s prodFox and Pearl has an old fashioned best enjoyed in ucts at Broadway Butcher Shop or head to their basement that feels like the company’s Lawrence headquarters—if a speakeasy. I recently had an excellent pork belly taco you don’t see them in the storefront’s fridge, from chef Vaughn Good’s they’ll snag you a bag from the back. And Night Goat concept. If I visit every Saturday at 6 pm, you can hit up the Barbacoa, the carnitas shot is a must. It’s like drinking a tortilleria for its taco pop-up, which strictly taco with smoked, fat-washed serves caramelos, the Sonoran taco that tequila and mezcal. Most inspired the brand’s name. The ingredients people don’t think of Barbacoa as a traditional barbecue are simple: carne asada-style beef grilled establishment, but I think they over mesquite wood with salt and a flour have some of the best smoked meats in KC. tortilla. Photography by Laura Morsman

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’CUE CARD

“We weren’t sure about entering the second year, but hey, you can’t win if you don’t try.”

Classic KC Cue at KCI

The prize for the winners of the Made for KC BBQ contest is a one-year concession at KCI By John Martello I’M NOT GOING to recommend you book a flight to Chicago just so you can eat at

the O.G. Bandits barbecue restaurant at KCI Airport. No restaurant is that good. But show up a couple of hours early for your next flight and make your way to Concourse B to enjoy their burnt ends, smoked chicken, “corn ribs” and other delights? Yeah, definitely do that. O.G. Bandits, run by the husband-wife team of Josh Farley and Ashton Smith (O.G. stands for Oak Grove, where the family lives), earned their coveted airport location by winning the second annual Made for KC BBQ Championship contest, sponsored by the airport. The contest awards $25,000 and a one-year licensing contract for the airport space. They took over the space on March 1, replacing last year’s winner, Smoke ‘n Magic. Photography by Zach Bauman

Their ’cue is classic Kansas City style, cooked low and slow in the on-premise wood-fired smokers provided by the airport (and there is nothing more Kansas City than an airport with real smokers). The result is smoked meat as hot, fresh, juicy and flavorful as you’ll find in the best retail joints, which is simply remarkable for an airport concession. Smith is officially the chief chef. She wanted to combine classic barbecue dishes such as sandwiches and platters with a few twists. One is their “meat mix”—a combination of chopped brisket, sausage, chicken and pork served over their nachos or mac and cheese. They also offer both brisket and sausage versions of their burnt ends. The nachos are built on a bed of house-made potato chips, Smith says, because they just hold up better than corn chips under a mountain of meat and melted cheese. O.G. Bandits offers three sauce options: Original, Saddle Up Sweet Heat with a peppery kick, and Tangy Tumbleweed with more vinegar than the original. Their homemade rubs and sauces are sold on their website and by numerous local and national retailers. The most unusual and creative menu item, though, is their corn ribs. They carve a whole ear of fresh corn lengthwise into rib-shaped strips, season with their rub, then dip in batter and deep fry. They are as tasty as they are unique. And yes, as an all-day operation, they offer breakfast until 10 am. Choices include a breakfast bowl—tater tots and scrambled eggs topped with meat mix, cheese sauce, jalapenos and a drizzle of barbecue sauce—and a breakfast sandwich with sausage or bacon, egg, cheese, guacamole and tomato served on sourdough. “We entered the first contest and, frankly, we didn’t do well at all,” Smith says. “We weren’t sure about entering the second year, but hey, you can’t win if you don’t try.” When their contract expires in February 2025, they don’t plan on slowing down. They’re putting the finishing touches on a food truck they just bought and will continue competing in contests and catering. But the family has dreams for something more permanent. “What we really want to do is open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Kansas City someday,” Farley says. kansascitymag.com July 2024

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Newsfeed

What’s new in Kansas City food and drink

Michael Forbes Bar & Grille closes

Bo Lings has a new partner By Joyce Smith

Big changes are coming to Bo Lings (4701 Jefferson St., KCMO) in the historic Skelly Building by the Country Club Plaza. Owners Bo “Richard” and Far Ling “Theresa” Ng are partnering with another local company, W. VinZant Restaurants, to change the name, concept and look of their flagship restaurant. “They have a stronger management team that can help facilitate this next step and multiple restaurant concepts,” Richard says. “And Whitney (VinZant) is passionate about the restaurant business.” VinZant’s group owns such local operations as The Brew Top Pub and Patio, BRGR Kitchen + Bar, Gram & Dun, Louie’s Wine Dive, Taco Republic, Taco Republic Truck and Va Bene Italian Eatery, as well as restaurants in other markets. The restaurant group will manage the new concept, to be called Heritage–Asian American Fusion. Heritage will feature Bo Lings’ staples along with new high-quality items such as whole turbot served tableside, fresh lobster pad Thai, Asian-braised short ribs and wood-fired steaks with house-aged Asian serving sauces. It will have a range of sake-inspired cocktails and an extensive collection of Asian whiskeys. VinZant and the Ngs have been friends for several years. Over dinners, discussions would often turn to the restaurant industry, the breadth of Asian cuisines and the culture and traditions of Bo Lings, both its on-the-menu items and off-the-menu items. “I fell in love with the quality and comfort of Bo Lings’ traditional cuisine,” VinZant said in a statement. “The deeper you go into Bo Lings’ food, and of course in Bo Lings’ dim sum, the more interesting, and in our opinion, delicious the food is.”

86 Kansas City July 2024

Forbes Cross, owner of Michael Forbes Bar and Grille, is retiring, and with that, he chose to close his beloved restaurant. Cross says he has been honored to be part of the community and “deeply thankful for the loyalty and endless support of our patrons.” Cross says his success is rooted in those relationships and the shared passion for food and fellowship. Cross opened Michael Forbes in Waldo in 1985 with a partner, and it became a destination location until he sold it in 1999. In 2012, he resurrected it in Brookside (128 W. 63rd St., KCMO). “When you work in restaurants, it gets in your blood, all the interaction with people, fun with your employees and customers,” says Cross, who at one time served as the president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association. Some of the most popular menu items were ones using Cross’ mother’s recipes: Greek salad, pot roast soup and sour cream apple pie. His mother worked the front desk on Tuesday nights at the Waldo restaurant. His son, Matt Cross, was executive chef of the Brookside restaurant for eight years before opening Matthew’s Catering in 2020. Cross also had such operations as Parkway 600 on the Country Club Plaza, which later became Japengo (Pan-Asian cuisine, white tablecloths); Martini’s in Leawood’s Camelot Court, which then became Michael Forbes Soulfish Grill; Union Cafe in Union Station; Forbes Woodfire Grill in Lee’s Summit; and Red River Cantina, a Tex-Mex operation in south Overland Park.

PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED; PARKER ANDERSON

By Joyce Smith

BITES

Owners of Ombra are opening a butcher shop and specialty market By Tyler Shane

Husband and wife duo Sarah Nelson and Louis Guerrieri opened their north KC restaurant Ombra at the end of 2022. They saw the restaurant as a chance to redeem themselves after opening, and closing, a sushi restaurant in the midst of the pandemic. After a successful year at their Briarcliff location, the chef owners are now opening a butcher shop deli and specialty market, Carne Diem, just a few doors down. “It’ll be an upscale one-stop shop,” Nelson says. “There will be a butcher shop, seafood counter, large cheese selection, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks.” The new 4,800-square-foot specialty shop will take over part of the former GreenAcres Market (4179 N. Mulberry Drive, KCMO) and include a retail section where customers can shop for “finishing oils, vinegars, tinned fish, crackers and all the accouterments,” Nelson says. Seasonal produce and housemade pasta will also be sold. Carne Diem will also sell canned cocktails, wine and high-end spirits. Eventually, the couple would like to host classes for pasta making and butchering.

Thai Orchid opens new Northland location By Tyler Shane

Thai Orchid, a strip mall gem in Mission, will be opening its second location this fall in the Metro North Crossing complex northeast of U.S. Highway 169 and Barry Road (460 N.W. Legacy Drive, KCMO). “We think the Northland is growing and needs more food selections for the people,” says second-generation owner Jonathan Rojjanasrirat. “We can only offer so much at the Thai Orchid Mission due to our limited space. At this location, we know that we have the capacity to do more and be more.” Along with many Thai Orchid menu staples, the new spot will feature more casual Thai street fare and small plates.

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kansascitymag.com July 2024

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 S T R U C T U R E S

surreal estate

Sleeping Beauty By Dawnya Bartsch DESPITE LOOKING LIKE a crumbling romantic castle right out of a

storybook, the origins of this iconic KC building are far from a fairytale. Just south of the 18th and Vine historic jazz district, the 1897 yellow limestone building known as the Workhouse Castle (2001 Vine St.) served as a jail until 1924, housing mostly petty offenders—not royalty. According to records, female prisoners sewed prison uniforms while male prisoners spent their days working for the city’s public works department. Built by popular KC architects A. Wallace Love and James Oliver Hog in the romanesque revival style, the location was chosen for its generous natural deposit of yellow limestone, which was quarried by inmates. The workhouse itself was constructed by hired labor,

88 Kansas City July 2024

as the powers that be at the time did not think using prisoners to build their future home was a good idea. The four-story structure’s two-feet-thick walls are made of solid limestone and mortared with concrete. Adding to the castle-like look, the building has parapet walls and narrow barred windows, with two towers that extend two stories beyond the roof line. After the prison shut down, it was repurposed a handful of times. It served in a variety of capacities, including city storage, a marine training facility and a dog euthanization center, before it was completely abandoned in 1972. It earned a place on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places in 2007. However, despite its status on the register and the special place it holds in many Kansas Citians’ minds, it has completely deteriorated over the last few decades. The roof collapsed, destroying the floors and leaving a large vacuous space. Various efforts by community groups and developers to bring it back to life have floundered. Photography by Roy Inman

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