Route 66 Road Trips
27
Weekend Getaways a Short Drive from Kansas City Plus: KC magazine photographer Jeremey Theron Kirby captures Super Bowl triumph in Vegas Kansas City is pairing pregnant moms in need with doulas
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features
M A R C H 2 02 4
52
Cover Story Get Lost on Route 66
Weekend road trips and iconic stops along Missouri’s historic Route 66
70
Viva Las Vegas
See the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory through the lens of Kansas City magazine photographer Jeremey Theron Kirby.
16
Kansas City March 2024
42 I’m Still Here
UMKC professor talks about his book How Not To Kill Yourself
88 Diamond in the Rough
One of KC’s best Art Deco examples hides before our very eyes.
Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do, down to each strand of DNA sequenced for genetic research. Together, we can help kids overcome whatever’s standing in their way. Learn more at childrensmercy.org/imagine.
Imagine the Potential
march
IN THIS ISSUE
25 loop
31 beat
39 current
79 savor
25 KC Is the Place To Be
31 Indie Rock
39 Tag Your Bag
79 Deli Classic
Why KC is becoming a national bucket list goal
An iconic all-women Indie band is coming to KC.
Customized needlepoint luggage tags make baggage claim a lot more fun.
King G’s corned beef sandwich makes for the perfect St. Patty’s meal.
28 Birthright
34 New Boss
A new KC program aims to connect low-income mothers with doulas.
Meet the American Jazz Museum’s new-ish director.
40 Hometown Tripper
80 Vita’s Place
How to be a tourist in your own city
Brookside’s newest watering hole is more than just a wine bar; it’s a gin bar, too.
36 Backbeat
29 Hate Crime LGBTQ advocates pushed and got stricter laws on the books.
Vocalist Julie Turner celebrates a 60-year career.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Editor’s Letter............... 20 Up Front.......................... 22 Calendar......................... 32 Surreal Estate............... 88
ON THE COVER:
Photography Shutterstock
18
Kansas City March 2024
42 True Grit UMKC professor and author Clancy Martin discusses overcoming suicidal thoughts and finding hope.
82 Perfect Day Local food and travel enthusiast Jim Kane talks about his PBS series
44 Decorating Details
84 ’Cue Card
Decorator Maureen Lindstrom transforms a Lake Winnebago house into a luxury getaway.
Slow-cooked ham for Easter dinner
86 Newsfeed The latest in KC food news
KIDSMILEKC.COM
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19
F R O M T H E E D I TO R
KC’s Undeniable Spirit THE EDITOR’S LETTER is always the last item on my to-do list when pulling all an issue’s parts
together, and this month was no different. At this point in the production process, most everything has been written, photos taken, designs completed, final digital files made, and I turn my attention to writing a little something to introduce our readers to what they can expect and what I thought particularly interesting in the forthcoming magazine. And just as in issues past, there are a lot of stories highlighting compelling people doing impressive things, such as Kansas Citian Jim Kane and his PBS series about travel and food and local jazz legend Julie Turner, who performed at The Majestic with her husband for 21 years. I started my original letter the morning of the Kansas City victory parade. Everyone and everything around me was buzzing with excitement. I had a local news station on in the background. The coverage was focusing on parade routes, street closures, parking, timelines and the inevitable question, was Taylor Swift going to show up? All agreed, due to Swift’s touring schedule, she was not. My original letter focused on the Chiefs’ amazing back-toback Super Bowl victory, how the team has brought so much civic pride and enjoyment to the area and, of course, the upcoming city-wide party and parade. Then things dimmed. As we all know, the celebration turned deadly. At this writing, the facts are still murky, and there is much to learn. However, I do know that Kansas City is an absolutely amazing place whose people are strong and always trying to improve on what is already good and solve what is not. This moment will be no different. This issue illustrates and chronicles why I can write that with such confidence. Just take a look at our travel feature showing the many road trip pit stops along historic Route 66, where people have opened a window on the past and
built something to enjoy today and in the future. Or perhaps read writer Nina Cherry’s interview with the American Jazz Museum’s new executive director, Dina Bennett, who is taking a look at what is good with the museum and KC’s amazing musical legacy but also determining how she can inspire future jazz enthusiasts. We also have stories that look into deeper issues in the community, such as a feature on the new KC Doula Initiative, which matches pregnant mothers in need with doulas, and a piece about an amended city ordinance that adds stiffer penalties to LGBTQ hate crimes. The stories and pictures demonstrate KC’s resolve and undeniable spirit. Dawnya Bartsch MANAGING EDITOR
dawnya@kansascitymag.com
Contributors
Nina Cherry, Writer Music journalist Nina Cherry interviewed the American Jazz Museum’s new director for this issue. An accomplished musician, vocalist and songwriter herself, Cherry also accompanies for the Kansas City Ballet.
20 Kansas City March 2024
Brad Austin, Photographer Kansas City native Brad Austin is an Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker and photographer for Kansas City PBS. Austin took pictures of the Southwell Building’s amazing Art Deco details for this issue’s Surreal Estate story.
Nicole Kinning, Writer This month’s home feature is by Nicole Kinning, who is Kansas City magazine’s former associate editor. In her free time, you’ll often find her reading a good book, thrifting or brewery hopping.
Uniquely You
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21
UP FRONT
Feedback
Say What?
Sky Stations Our story about the four pylons soaring into the sky atop Bartle Hall piqued the most online interest this past month. The pylons, which were topped off with an art installation about 30 years ago, have become an iconic part of the city’s skyline since then. The artist R.M. Fisher said his sculptures, called Sky Stations, were inspired by the Art Deco chandeliers and details in the original municipal auditorium. Here’s what some of our readers had to say about the pylons.
– John Knell
I love them.
– Darlene Deluca
Love the art, sculptures, fountains and murals all over Kansas City! – Season To Risk
So cool.
– Jonny Wooddell
Haha! I remember riding the 51 bus to work, and seeing these for the first time. I was astounded to find out how much those odd curling iron attachments cost. They are now crucial parts of the skyline and I hardly miss that money. – Jonathan Ramsey
Only one was lit up a few nights ago. Are they back on? – Broadway Roasting Co. & Cafe.
22 Kansas City March 2024
– Dina Bennett, American Jazz Museum executive director
166
Miles from Kansas City to the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage, MO, on Route 66. Page 64
1980
The year the Southwell Building’s Falcon Club became the now-defunct but well-known Harling’s Falcon Club. Page 88
21
The number of years that singer Julie Turner performed with her husband Tommy Ruskin at The Majestic. Page 36
Hate ’em. – Rod Peal
Wow. Cool. Neato – Drew Man Group
They are representations of the light fixtures in the Music Hall.
Shout-out
To graphic design intern Maci Gunter for collecting photos needed to create this issue’s Route 66 road trip feature.
– Bill McD
I have always called them the “bobbles.” I never knew they had a name! – Dr. Bucy
Contact Us
Behind the Scenes
Kansas City P.O. Box 26823 Overland Park, KS 66225-6823 (913) 469-6700
editor@kansascitymag.com
Scan QR code to check out Kansas City magazine online.
Jeremey Theron Kirby snagged a shot of country music crooner Reba McEntire in the annals of Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium before she sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
BARTLE HALL PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
I remember watching a live feed of them being installed … because I’m old.
“The Charlie Parker plastic saxophone is our prized artifact. We’re so proud of him and his extraordinary musical ability. We have several wigs of Ella Fitzgerald’s which I think is pretty fun.”
Numbers From This Issue
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loop PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
L EAD ING T HE CONVERSAT ION IN KA NSAS C I T Y
TWO FANCY East Coast publications think that
Kansas City is the place to be right now. In January, The Wall Street Journal named KC one of the “10 Best Places to Visit in 2024.” The New York Times, meanwhile, named KC one of
KC Is the Place To Be By Hampton Stevens
the “52 Places to Go in 2024.” (Times readers apparently have a lot of free time for travel.) Why, exactly, do these two snooty publications recommend our town? Sports, obviously, (Continued on next page) kansascitymag.com March 2024
25
LO O P
KC I S T H E P L AC E TO B E
Social scientists call it “quality of life,” but the actual experience boils down to something far less dry and clinical.
(Continued from page 25) are a huge part of the draw. There’s no better game-day atmosphere on the planet than Arrowhead—or, for that matter, Allen Fieldhouse. The Royals, old venue and all, should be much improved this year. The KC Current’s new home, CPKC Stadium, will be a showpiece. Kansas Speedway has two NASCAR weekends set for 2024. Plus, obviously, the world’s most exciting and most important sporting event is on its way here. We mean, of course, PickleCon, the national pickleball convention set for late summer. Oh, yeah, and the World Cup is coming in ’26. The Times and Wall Street Journal also note some of the city’s non-sports attractions. The new Rabbit hOle Museum will present
26 Kansas City March 2024
a century’s worth of American children’s literature using immersive and interactive exhibits. Our wonderful Nelson-Atkins promises a host of world-class shows. Pennway Point’s new massive ferris wheel will soon rise above restaurants, a beer garden and a gleaming display of historic neon. The Rock Island Bridge project, with its restaurants, coffee shops and bars all spanning the Kaw, promises insanely Instagramable views along with kayaking, paddleboarding and zip lines. All these things, though, are just reflections of a vibe. There was a hit movie in the ’80s called Baby Boom. Sort of a proto-version of every Hallmark Christmas movie ever, the film featured harried businesswoman Diane Keaton moving to a small New England town and
discovering its pleasures—along with the pleasures of Sam Shepard. An ongoing theme is Keaton’s character’s shocked, slightly snobby discovery of unexpected excellence—the food, the conversation, the music. Everything was kind of sneaky good. That’s KC. Social scientists call it “quality of life,” but the actual experience boils down to something far less dry and clinical. It’s a kind of happy background glow, the quiet hum of satisfaction that comes from knowing that the food you are eating, the art you are seeing or the team you are cheering for can compete with any other place on Earth. You know the cliche, “It’s a great place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there?” Sometimes it’s true. Sometimes, though, a place can be both.
PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
Previous page: Kansas City’s iconic Union Station. Above: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; home of the Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium.
Scream down the ‘Best Trail Ever’ at Fitzgerald Mountain. Cruise the 37.5-mile Razorback Greenway. Learn about the beauty of the Natural State at the Hunt Family Nature Center. Get your cowboy on at the Rodeo of the Ozarks. Experience all this and more in Springdale, Arkansas!
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LO O P
B I RT H P L A N
Research has proven that doulas are effective tools in improving health outcomes of mothers and infants, especially within communities that have been historically neglected by the health care system.
It Takes a Village
A one-year pilot program will provide doulas to KC moms in need. By Reece Parker KANSAS CITY LEADERS and local nonprofit Uzazi Village are experimenting with a
new program that will provide low-income pregnant women with doulas. KC and Uzazi leaders are hoping to address the high infant and maternal mortality rates in poor Black and brown communities with the doula initiative. Doulas are trained non-medical experts that help guide and support women during pregnancy and labor. Part of a doula’s job is to help educate mothers on what to expect during labor and how to cope with pain. “This is unique,” says Hakima Payne, founder and CEO of Uzazi Village, of the one-year pilot program. “I’m hoping that if we do really, really well at this it serves as a model for other cities.” The Kansas City Health Department has allocated $250,000 toward the program and will provide doula services for any Kansas City resident who either is or is planning to become pregnant. Applicants must live in Kansas City and earn up to 400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which for a family of four would be $120,000 a year. From there, the program will prioritize applicants from high-need ZIP codes to ensure the benefits of a doula reach those who need it most.
28 Kansas City March 2024
Infant and maternal mortality rates among Black and brown communities is nothing short of a health crisis and one that Uzazi Village has spent over a decade working to address in KC, Payne says. “This is the city’s attempt to get some traction on this health issue,” says Payne, who believes it will make a difference. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States—nearly 70 per 100,000 live births, which is three times the rate of white women. In fact, Missouri maternal mortality rates are worse than the national average, with the state ranking 21st for highest maternal mortality rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Marvia Jones, director of the Kansas City Health Department, offered up some sobering facts at the KC Doula Initiative’s press conference. “In the state of Missouri, an average of 60 women die every year … from childbirth, and 85 percent of those deaths are preventable,” Jones said, which is one reason her office is so intent on supporting the initiative. Research has proven that doulas are effective tools in improving health outcomes of mothers and infants, especially within communities that have been historically neglected by the health care system. Doulas have been crucial in preventing miscommunications between their clients and health care providers during a very vulnerable time for many pregnant women. Doula services provided by Uzazi Village through the program include three prenatal visits, attendance at childbirth and three postpartum doula visits, all to ensure mothers are cared for during all stages of pregnancy. The organization also provides valuable services like childbirth education, a lactation clinic and other resources for mothers through their clinic, separate from the program. “The doula program we are starting city-wide as a pilot project will help us to make sure that we are supporting our mothers [and] we’re supporting our babies,” Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said at a press conference. Photography by Laura Morsman
H AT E C R I M E
LO O P
“I think it’s important that our policies are becoming more welcoming, more affirming, more inclusive. We have to work on this stuff.”
KC Stiffens Bully Penalties City Council amends hate crime ordinance with fines and jail time. By David Hodes
PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
ANYONE WHO TEARS down a pride flag or rips up
an LGBTQ poster in Kansas City thinking it’s just a prank is in for a rude awakening. That same prankster could now go to jail and pay a hefty fine. “We see a lot of violence which can escalate from a situation like that,” Kansas City 4th District-atLarge Councilmember Crispin Rea says. A tougher city hate crime ordinance, with additional sentencing and fines, is now on the books, with language that specifically applies to the LGBTQ community (citing gender identity as a protected class) or any other group or person victimized by words or actions of hate. The amended ordinance was unanimously passed by Kansas City Council members and adds up to 60 days of jail time for certain municipal offenses motivated by hate or bias and a minimum $300 fine for each offense. According to a Kansas City Police Department spokesperson, the ordinance intends to appropriately charge crimes when a “bias” can be proven. Hate crimes, also known as “bias crimes,” are a category that have a broader reach than most other crime categories because the victims aren’t the only immediate target—others like the victim are, too. Proving the crime was bias-motivated would be a critical component in implementing this ordinance. When officers are trained in report writing, they are trained in recognizing and reporting biased crimes. Kansas City Councilmember Andrea Bough, 6th District-at-Large, who was the sponsor of both the hate ordinance and the city’s original LGBTQ commission,
addressed criticisms that the Council moved too slowly in addressing LGBTQ concerns. The city’s LGBTQ commission was established in October 2020. “We first started discussing this (ordinance) back this last summer, and I think it all occurred about the time that the City Council was changing over,” Bough says. General city elections for mayor and City Council were held on June 20, 2023. “The timing was difficult to introduce a new piece of legislation, so we held until the new Council came on, and the LGBTQ commission started talking with some of our new council members.” Bough says that part of the Council’s due diligence in drafting and preparing the ordinance included looking at other cities and municipalities that adopted similar ordinances, whether they were enhancements or separate offenses. “What we found was the enhancement (of the original ordinance) would be the best approach,” Bough says. Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ commission, sent City Council a memo in August imploring council members to work on a more aggressive hate crime ordinance. When it comes to hate crimes, “we can’t be aggressive enough,” Horn wrote. Statutes at both the federal and state levels have thresholds for hate violations that are so high, he said, that the commission saw the need to codify lower offenses. “It starts with ripping down a pride flag or making a threat online or painting a swastika,” Horn says. “These are very low offenses and, without them being categorized on a municipal level, they would be considered vandalism charges.” As the World Cup nears and another successful Chiefs season closes, the city is frequently finding itself in the national spotlight. “It seems like we’re the center of the world right now,” Horn says. “I think it’s important that our policies are becoming more welcoming, more affirming, more inclusive. We have to work on this stuff.” Councilmember Rea, one of four sponsors of the ordinance, says it’s important to create policies and make statements that KC is a welcoming and safe place to live and visit. “We are a Midwestern city, and as Midwesterners, we are welcoming and polite, and we take care of people,” he says. “We take care of our own people. So I see (the ordinance) as a natural evolution of who we are culturally.” kansascitymag.com March 2024
29
C e le b rat i n g
Women in Medi c i ne C o mi n g M AY, 2 0 2 4
Kansas City Magazine is shining the light on women in medicine who are serving their community through leadership, education, research, mentorship and management roles. We want to recognize their contributions and feature them in this special advertising section dedicated to those that are leading the way in health care.
Women in Medicine Spotlights: wom e n in m e d i c i n e
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Specialist Name Health Educator Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris dictum cursus malesuada. Vivamus nec magna nec arcu placerat malesuada. Curabitur rhoncus commodo fringilla. Duis fermentum sem eget odio efficitur blandit. Maecenas sed dolor non lectus venenatis ultricies non non elit. Praesent dictum odio non est sodales, sed tempor odio tempor. Etiam nisi sapien, eleifend ut feugiat sit amet, dignissim ac velit. Vestibulum massa leo, tristique vel erat at, vehicula bibendum justo. Fusce bibendum sodales faucibus.
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W H E R E YO U WA N T TO B E I N M A R C H
Sleater-Kinney By Molly Higgins
WOMEN-FRONTED indie rock band Sleater-Kinney became emblem-
atic of the rebel mentality characteristic of women-centered rock bands in the ’90s. The Washington state-based band consisting of Corin Tucker and Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein—now a duo after
longtime member Janet Weiss left the band in 2019—is touring in support of their 10th and newest album, The Center Won’t Hold. The album was finished shortly after Brownstein’s mother and stepfather tragically died in a car accident, and it serves as both a testament to the bond between GO: March 25. bandmates and a record of navigating difficult feelings 8 pm. around grief and loss. The Truman.
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W HAT YOU WA N T TO DO TH IS MO NTH BY MOL LY HIGGI NS
Drake with J. Cole One of the biggest names in hip-hop, Toronto native Drake has dominated popular music for well over a decade. Drake is often credited with popularizing singing and bringing R&B sensibilities to contemporary hip-hop. He’s also known for his trailblazing OVO record label and tying the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson, with 13 No. 1 hits. Drake is joined by hip-hop powerhouse J. Cole. March 2 & 3. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
1 –3
Joyce Yang Plays Tchaikovsky
Fresno Philharmonic music director Rei Hotoda leads the Kansas City Symphony in this thought-provoking program that includes works by Gabriela Lena Frank and Dmitri Shostakovich. With expert technique and deep emotion, pianist Joyce Yang breathes life into Tchaikovsky’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 alongside the Kansas City Symphony. March 1 & 2, 8 pm;
March 3, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
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Jenny Lewis
Singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Jenny Lewis has contributed to some of the most influential indie-rock bands of the last 20 years, including The Postal Service, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, and her own band, Rilo Kiley. Lewis hits KC in support of her fifth album, Joy’All. March 5. 8 pm. The Truman.
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Mamma Mia!
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Kansas City March 2024
7:30 pm; March 10, 6:30 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
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Flogging Molly
Seven-piece Celtic punk band Flogging Molly formed in Los Angeles nearly 30 years ago. Led by Irish vocalist Dave King, the band gained popularity through their rowdy anti-establishment Irish sound and songs like “Drunken Lullabies” and “Devil’s Dance Floor.” Flogging Molly is opened by neofolk songwriter, guitarist and banjo player Amigo the Devil. March 8. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED
2&3
One of the most popular musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, is based on songs recorded by Swedish pop supergroup ABBA and composed by members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. On a mythical Greek island, the story centers around Sophie, who dreams of her father giving her away at the altar on her wedding day. Heartwarming hilarity ensues as Sophie tries to find out who her real father is before getting married the next day. March 6–9,
C A L E N DA R
8–10
Planet Comicon
Matthias Pintscher Welcomes Violinist Philippe Quint
Planet Comicon Kansas City is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Midwest. This year, its 25th anniversary, will feature panels, exhibit halls, meet and greets and contests, along with celebrity guests like Henry Winkler and Neve Campbell. There’s something for fans of anything.
The Kansas City Symphony made a connection with Matthias Pintscher for their electrifying collaboration last year, and Pintscher is now music director designate. He returns this year with another outstanding program, featuring works from Leonard Bernstein, Errollyn Wallen and Sergei Rachmaninoff, with violinist Philippe Quint returning to KC to bring the new concerto to life.
March 8–10. Times vary. Kansas City Convention Center.
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March 22 & 23, 8 pm; March 24, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Blackberry Smoke
Atlanta-based Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke has been on the scene for over two decades, evolving from a rough-edged club act to an arena-ready rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse. Performing over 250 shows a year, Blackberry Smoke is making their annual stop in KC.
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March 9. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
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Iconic Masters: Bird, Monk, Duke & More The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents Iconic Masters: Bird, Monk, Duke & More, featuring Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer John Beasley. Beasley represents the many facets of jazz music, playing his own arrangements of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and more alongside a vibrant big band. March 9. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
9, 15 & 17 Roméo et Juliette
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents Roméo et Juliette, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of star-crossed lovers. The drama is heightened by giving it the French grand opera treatment with composer Charles Gounod’s adaptation, which follows the centuries-old tale alongside the expansive score, gorgeous sets and period costumes. March 9 & 15, 7:30 pm; March 17, 2 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
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Around the World in 80 Days
The Kansas City Symphony presents the 1872 French adventure by writer Jules Verne,
Around the World in 80 Days. The symphony, along with local theater artist Alex Espy, presents this engaging adaptation of a riveting classic whose story spans the globe. The classic is reimagined for the stage through innovative sets, refreshed storytelling, puppetry and a curated collection of symphonic favorites. March 10. 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
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Jo Koy
Stand-up comedian Jo Koy reached fame as a frequent panelist on late night show Chelsea Lately and has gone on to release six comedy specials, which pull inspiration from his Filipino heritage, family and witty observational humor. Now a popular podcaster and recent Golden Globe host, Koy is embarking on his Just Kidding World Tour armed with all-new material. March 14. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
15 & 16
first time in support of his newest album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. March 26. 8 pm.
Zeds Dead
T-Mobile Center.
Two of the most prolific artists in electronic dance music, Canadian duo Zeds Dead has worked with a wide array of producers and artists, pulling from The Rolling Stones to Sublime to meld distinct styles into dancefloor classics. The powerhouse duo comes to KC in support of their aptly-named Two Night Stand Tour. March 15 & 16. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
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Bad Bunny
Puerto Rico reggaeton rapper and singer Bad Bunny, often hailed as the “King of Latin Trap,” has broken barriers and dominated charts in the last several years. One of the first and only non-English language acts to achieve such accolades, Bad Bunny’s world domination doesn’t show signs of slowing down. He’s coming to KC for the
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Ben Sayevich & Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich The Park University International Center for Music presents acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Ben Sayevich on violin and Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich on piano. Sayevich is a teacher, acclaimed violinist and chamber musician. He is also a founding member of the Park Trio, established at Park University in 2006, and is a violinist for the London-based Rosamunde Trio. Joining him in this special concert is LisovskayaSayevich, a performing pianist who also serves as the director of collaborative piano at Park’s International Center for Music. February 29. 7:30 pm. 1900 Building.
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A L L T H AT JA Z Z
What initially drew you to the museum? I always knew I didn’t
want to be a tenure-track faculty person. I wanted to be working with the artifacts and the culture. I decided I’d work in the museum world and in African American music. I’m from Topeka, so I was familiar with the 18th and Vine area. When it came time to pick a dissertation topic, I decided I would do it on the new museum they had built and the revitalization of this historic district. In 1999, I did an internship in the education department and returned in 2001 to do my field work. Then, I returned in 2008 as director of collections. The museum means so much to me and has been such a huge part of my life. What are some of your favorite museum artifacts? The Charlie
Parker plastic saxophone is our prized artifact. We’re so proud of him and his extraordinary musical ability. We have several wigs of Ella Fitzgerald’s, which I think is pretty fun. We have saxophonist John Coltrane’s dog tags, who served in the Navy, and a letter he wrote to congressman John Conyers lobbying for Congress to consider jazz a national treasure. Eventually, in 1987, Congress passed a resolution. Jazz is an indigenous art form to America, so to actually have Congress pass a resolution declaring it as such is extraordinary. The American Jazz Museum, The Blue Room and the Gem Theater are anchors of the 18th and Vine District. How do you plan to continue building on that? I’d like to keep bringing in dynamic,
Jazz Reimagined
American Jazz Museum Executive Director Dina Bennett shares her vision for the organization’s future. By Nina Cherry DINA BENNETT’S PROMOTION to executive director of the American
Jazz Museum marks a full-circle moment for her. Bennett’s professional career as a music historian began in 1999, when she served as an education intern for the museum, a then-fledgling organization. Most recently, Bennett, who holds a doctorate in ethnomusicology, played a pivotal role in the launch of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville as an inaugural curatorial director. Bennett returned to KC three years ago after securing the position of director of collections and curatorial affairs for the American Jazz Museum. She was later promoted to deputy director and interim executive director. Now, Bennett is poised to lead the American Jazz Museum, along with the nearby venues it manages—The Blue Room and historic Gem Theater—into a new chapter. We spoke with Bennett to learn more about her vision for the museum’s future, her favorite artifacts there and more. What inspired you to pursue a career in music history? My father
was a musician. He and his brother had a band years ago, so music was always a huge part of my life and my childhood. Then I went to an arts camp and they offered me a scholarship to take piano lessons because they saw some musical ability in me. I didn’t major in music initially, but it was later—when I went back to graduate school—that I decided to major in ethnomusicology.
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changing gallery exhibits, but I want to expand the story within the permanent gallery. I want to keep promoting robust educational and public programs. I want to lean into being the American Jazz Museum. That means that we should be all things jazz. I look forward to broadening that story. When you say broadening, do you mean expanding it beyond the narrative of Kansas City’s own history? Beyond the jazz masters.
When I was a curatorial director for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, we went from 1619—when the first Africans were brought to America as slaves—and brought it all the way up to hip-hop and everything in between. For me, the exhibition needs to start with Africa and move into ragtime, minstrelsy and blues. Let’s talk about Dixieland, swing and Latin jazz more. Let’s bring it up to Jazz at Lincoln Center and Wynton Marsalis and include some of the most current artists. Let’s focus on the evolution of the genre. Music is the lived experience of a people, so you’re also telling the history of the people who created these genres. Where do you think the museum has fallen short in the past? What are some things you want to improve? I don’t think we have
enough things for children. We have our popular long-standing program, Jazz Storytelling, which we do every First Friday, and our Jazz Academy program that meets every Saturday. But what about things within the permanent exhibit? We have a space where you can explore melody, harmony and rhythm on the mixing boards, but there aren’t many other things for children. I’d like to build on that. Is there an album or artist you’ve been listening to a lot of lately? Being a music historian, I often listen to a lot of old music. I’ve
been listening to the album Two Steps from the Blues by blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland. Photography by Zach Bauman
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Lyrical Legacy
Vocalist Julie Turner reflects on her six-decade long career. By Nina Cherry IN 1991, vocalist Julie Turner thought she may never sing again.
At the time, Turner was just over three decades into her professional career and was grappling with breathing issues, finding herself easily winded. Scheduled for surgery on her trachea, her doctors told her to be prepared for the worst. In anticipation of the surgery potentially affecting her singing voice, Turner entered the studio to record her one and only album, Save That Time. Performing alongside her late husband Tommy Ruskin—whom she fondly refers to as her “favorite drummer”—and other longtime collaborators and dear friends, Turner showcased her clear-as-a-bell tone and distinct, conversation-like phrasing in the 12-track recording. Fortunately, the surgery was a success. Now approaching her 85th birthday next month, Julie Turner has never stopped singing. “Good lungs and never smoking helped me be able to sing, even with half an airway,” Turner says. I met with Turner in her Overland Park home as she reminisced about her six-decade career over coffee, sharing a collection of newspaper clippings and glamor shots. As a little girl in New Jersey, her parents took her to a nightclub to see Evelyn Knight, a popular singer in the ’40s and ’50s. Mesmerized, Turner declared to her father, “That’s what I want to do!”
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Turner’s family relocated to Kansas City, and once she finished high school, she was motivated to start her professional career. Her mentor, Marilyn Maye, helped Turner land a gig with a popular KC big band led by pianist Warren Durrett. By the early ’60s, she began working in nightclubs and soon found work beyond KC in Omaha, Nebraska, and Okoboji, Iowa, often gigging alongside drummer Ruskin. The pair found themselves carpooling to out-of-town gigs, spending more and more time together. “We fell in love,” Turner says. The couple exchanged vows in 1963. Turner found an abundance of opportunities playing private gigs, including a steady stint at the Carriage Club every Friday and Saturday. “I was working a lot, but eventually I decided I wanted to do my own thing,” Turner says. After two decades in the private gig circuit, Turner launched her own group and, alongside her husband, formed a band that secured a weekly gig downtown at The Majestic steakhouse, where they played for 21 years. Ruskin passed away in 2015 after a long battle with cancer. “I miss him so much as my husband, but I miss him just as much musically,” Turner says. “Being on the bandstand together—I’m getting chills just thinking about it.” Turner and Ruskin also hosted jam sessions in the basement of their Overland Park home. A matriarch of the scene, Turner’s home became a place where a teenaged Pat Metheny—an internationally renowned contemporary jazz guitarist—and many other fledging musicians honed their skills. Today, the family affair continues. When Turner performs, she often appears alongside her son, guitarist Brian Ruskin, occasionally joining him at his performances at Chaz on the Plaza. “That’s been another one of the big thrills of my life—getting to work with my son,” Turner says. “He’s a wonderful guitarist, vocalist and composer.” Turner has hopes of singing and recording more in the future. “I hope to work with some of my old friends,” Turner says.
PHOTOGR APHY L ABUDDE SPECIAL COLLEC TIONS, UMKC UNIVERSIT Y LIBR ARIES.
“Good lungs and never smoking helped me be able to sing, even with half an airway.”
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JEFFERSON CITY Discover the scenic views, old-world architectural charm and exciting events Missouri’s capital city has to offer all year long.
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Photo left: Missouri River Bridge Photos from top: Katy Trail State Park, Missouri State Capitol, Central Dairy Ice Cream Parlor, Missouri State Penitentiary
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restaurants with award-winning cuisine
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CURAT ING A BE AU T I FU L L I FE
Baggage Claim Standouts By Molly Higgins SET YOUR BAGGAGE apart from the endless line of boring black luggage moving
through the baggage claim turnstiles with luxurious, customized luggage tags from KC Needlepoint. The full-service needlepoint store carries a variety of designer needlepoint kits along with custom-designed kits to create one-of-a-kind baggage tags. They have a wide selection of fibers and offer classes for everyone from beginners to experienced needlepointers. Photography by Samantha Levi
KC Needlepoint’s luggage tag collection adds a pop of cute color to enhance any boring bag. Combining simple, nostalgic images with classic needlepoint style, the tags invite the traveler to add a personal, vintage-inspired touch to their bags with a needlepoint kit they can sew on their own. Ideal for the beginning sewer, the tags come in a variety of themes that are perfect for anywhere you want to travel. From blue and green mountains to a minimalist golden palm tree-lined beach to a simple yellow taxi, these tags look like they’re ripped straight from a Wes Anderson-inspired adventure. kansascitymag.com March 2024
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Someone shopping at the City Market
The perfect day in KC for those wanting to see the best of the city: “My perfect day in Kansas City involves starting with coffee at Café Ollama, shopping at the City Market in the summer, enjoying chicken and waffles with an espresso martini at Lula Southern Cookhouse, checking out new artwork at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoying tapas on the patio of La Bodega, watching the sunset with a cocktail at the Crossroads’ Percheron Rooftop Bar and end-
ing the night dancing salsa, merengue and cumbia at Society,” says Cortes. “Coffee at Blip Roasters in the West Bottoms,” Ward begins. “My next stop would be the Nelson-Atkins. I could easily spend hours there walking the halls or lounging on the lawn. For lunch, I would have to dine at my happy place, Westside Local. Their mac and cheese is divine. My evening plans would involve my favorite River Market restaurant, Le Fou Frog. I would end with a nightcap at either Fern Bar in the Crossroads or Lucky Boys in the Stockyards District.”
We talked to two KC-based content creators for their insights on how to be a tourist in your own city and recommendations on the best spots KC has to offer. By Molly Higgins ALTHOUGH I GREW UP in KC, I lived in California for almost a decade. I came back
during the pandemic, when KC looked very different from the city I left behind. So when thinking about our travel issue, I selfishly wanted to get insight from people who know and love KC to see what their favorite spots are right now and how to make the most out of our beloved city. We asked content creator Brenda Cortes, who has lived in KC for five years, and lifestyle blogger Hayden Ward, a lifelong Kansas Citian, for tips on how to be a tourist in your own city and for some of their favorite KC hidden gems. “Since my move to Kansas City in 2019, I began compiling lists of places to explore in the metro area,” says Cortes, who spent most of her life in Marshall, Missouri. “When friends visited from out of town, I created itineraries that included both places I wanted to check out and those they would enjoy. I found myself constantly discovering new spots in the city. My top advice for exploring the city is to follow creators’ accounts, as we are always on the lookout for hidden gems and the latest hotspots. I also utilize tools such as joining local Facebook groups, searching for events and exploring various social media platforms.” For Ward, creating KC-based content was a no brainer. “Growing up in Kansas City, I always knew we were special,” she says. “Our people are insanely creative, daring and uplifting and have always tried to put Kansas City on the map because it’s such a unique destination. Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing the reach of support from not just locals but people across the country.”
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ities in Kansas City, whether you’re new to the city or have been here for a while, include taking a historical tour of KCK or KCMO with Urban Hikes and enjoying the lively culture of Strawberry Hill’s Third Fridays in the summer, where you can see traditional dances, art and try various cultural food,” Cortes says. “Get amazing views of downtown Kansas City from the Observation Deck at City Hall. Explore the local brew scene with tours of Boulevard Brewery and the Roasterie Coffee Factory. Try authentic Mexican tacos at Tacos El Gallo or Tacos El Guero. To end the day, enjoy classic live jazz at the Green Lady Lounge or try some cocktails at the underground Swordfish Tom’s for a more intimate vibe.” Hidden gems: “I strongly recommend spending an eve-
ning exploring Northtown,” Ward says. “Between the Screenland Armour Theater, The Rino, Sail Away Wine and the Iron District, there’s so much to experience. A hidden gem in my opinion would be the Stockyards District. There’s a vibrant food and cocktail scene down there. In the warmer months, Lemonade Park is a really
fun venue with awesome performers. My Great Dane has allowed me to explore a few areas that are off the beaten path. If you’re a dog owner, I highly suggest visiting Shawnee Mission Park’s off-leash dog area. Not Follow Brenda on Instagram at only is it picturesque, but it also @bbcortess has a fabulous dog beach that is and Hayden at @haydenward816. sure to spark joy.”
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Must-dos for locals and tourists alike: “Must-do activ-
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“Whether you or a loved one or a friend is having these kinds of thoughts—it’s like any other intrusive thought. Don’t try to fight it.” Where did the idea for How Not to Kill Yourself come about? “I’m Still Here” [a 2018 essay about my history
with suicide attempts] went viral. People started writing to me from all over the world saying that they were Googling how to kill themselves and then they read my essay and they decided not to. That’s a really powerful thing that you don’t expect to have as a writer. And so then I said, “I still haven’t told this whole story. I’ve just written a little essay about it. Maybe the whole story would be more helpful to people.” And so that’s when I decided to write the book. In your writing and through your experiences, what advice do you have for others about remaining positive? We know from the World Health Organization
I’m Still Here
After attempting suicide 10 times, UMKC philosophy professor Clancy Martin shares advice in his newest book, How Not To Kill Yourself. By Molly Higgins UMKC PHILOSOPHY professor and author Clancy Martin struggled with suicidal
ideation his whole life, attempting suicide 10 times starting from the age of six. Martin, who left Canada and moved around the U.S. during his school-age years, struggled in school, but he fell in love with philosophy at Stetson University. He found himself personally interested in the works of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who focused on “the challenges of living a spiritual life” and spoke to Martin’s concerns regarding the meaning of life, especially as he had been wrestling with suicidal ideation since childhood. Martin fuses his passion for philosophy and personal experiences with suicide in his newest book, How Not to Kill Yourself: A Portrait of a Sucidal Mind, which was one of Time’s 100 must-read books of the year and a Time critics’ pick. Martin talked with us about his memoir and shared advice for how to cope with intrusive thoughts and how to be a better support for those who may be struggling around us.
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that 10 percent of the world’s population suffers from either frequent or chronic suicidal ideation. It might be a lot higher than that [for certain groups], but the first thing you should know is that you’re not alone. Whether you or a loved one or a friend is having these kinds of thoughts—it’s like any other intrusive thought. Don’t try to fight it. If you try to suppress it, it gives it power. But if you accept it—even if it’s a painful thought—[and say] “I’m not gonna dwell on it or focus on it or or feed it energy, but I’m just going to care for it,” then like any other thought, it’s going to pass. And that is the real key. Not fighting it, being willing to stay with it, breathe through it, don’t be afraid of it. And then as it passes, let it go. How can we support others with their mental health?
The single most important thing you can do is try to reach out to another human being. I know it can be really hard. As I often felt, the people you most need to reach out to are the people you can’t reach out to because you feel like you’ve reached out to them too many times before. But the single best medicine we know of for preventing or dealing with suicidal thinking is just talking to another human being, whether it’s e-mail or text or a telephone call. And if that person doesn’t get back to you, reach out to someone else. This piece of advice has saved my life. You don’t have to do it today. You can always wait until tomorrow. And now, if you wait a day, you’ve got a free day. You just gave yourself a day of life that otherwise you wouldn’t have had. Photography by Jake Wickersham
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It’s All in the Details
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VIBRANT DETAILS REIGN SUPREME IN THIS FAMILY-CENTRIC LAKE WINNEBAGO HOME. BY NICOLE KINNING PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE KILGORE
HOME
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HOME
OF ALL OF INTERIOR DESIGNER Maureen Lindstrom’s projects, this one holds a particularly special place in her heart—because it’s a family affair. This exquisite lakehouse, designed by Lindstrom of ML Designs for her sister, Ellen Clune, sits on Lake Winnebago. Every aspect of the house exudes lake vibes, from the subtle blue hues printed and painted throughout the home to the durable fabrics and kid- and pet-friendly spaces. And since this is a vacation home, the duo had all the more reason to go all-out. “We aimed for each space to be unique and have its own statement, whether it’s a bold piece of artwork, wallpaper or a vibrant color,” says Lindstrom, who opened her Overland Park design firm about five years ago. Regardless of what was to come, she made sure that the home started with a neutral base. “If we’re working with a home featuring lots of color and pattern, we typically keep the walls and trim in white, providing a clean backdrop to incorporate pops of color and pattern.” See how Lindstrom transformed this vacation home into a bold lakeside oasis. PRIMARY BEDROOM
An orange wainscot accent wall in the primary bedroom was a departure from Lindstrom’s usual color palette. “Orange is one of the hardest colors to nail,” she says. “Designers often have triedand-true navy, light blue and green, but not many have tried-and-true orange.” But, alas, Lindstrom trusted the process and ended up with a striking accent wall. The orange also inspired playful accents in the bedroom, including koi fish and lilypad artwork, kaleidoscopic floral textiles and a geometric-pattern navy carpet.
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BUNK ROOM
The kids sleep in this room, and since it’s not an everyday bedroom for them, Lindstrom opted for exciting colors and patterns reminiscent of a jungle. Tropic floral wallpaper against the forest green double bunk bed creates an adventurous and fun ambiance, making lake house stays extra inviting for the kiddos.
“It has a beautiful translucency to it. You can almost see through it in certain spots.”
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
Durability is key in this lakeside home, right down to the countertops. A creamy crystal quartzite adorns the kitchen counters, waterfalls down the island and continues as a backsplash. “It has a beautiful translucency to it,” Lindstrom says. “You can almost see through it in certain spots.”
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HOME
DOG-FRIENDLY SPACES
The family’s two golden retrievers have designated spaces in this home, including a built-in kennel and a rosy tiled dog wash. Lindstrom also used performance fabrics around the home that are capable of withstanding moisture from damp dog paws and swimsuits.
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CURRENT
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HOME
“They all possess uniqueness but also share a soft, rounded shape.”
LIGHT FIXTURES
In addition to bold patterns and colors, ML Designs prides itself on incorporating striking light fixtures into homes. “We’re kind of go-bigor-go-home when it comes to lighting,” Lindstrom says. “Often, people choose fixtures that are too small for a space. We prefer an oversized look—something that will stand out.” In this home, she made sure that all light fixtures subtly matched, as multiple chandeliers are visible from various vantage points. “They all possess uniqueness but also share a soft, rounded shape,” Lindstrom says. Some of her favorite fixtures? The kitchen’s gold-plated, artichoke-shaped shades that add loads of interest and dimension to the kitchen. kansascitymag.com March 2024
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PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
America’s MAIN STREET BY DAWNYA BARTSCH AND REECE PARKER
27 WAYS TO GET LOST ON MISSOURI’S
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 ROUTE 66 HAS long held a place in America’s collective imagination,
pushing much of the country further west in its early years and then epitomizing car culture in the ’50s and ’60s. Coined the Mother Road by John Steinbeck in his 1939 American classic Grapes of Wrath, the famed road was popularized even further by Nate King Cole’s 1946 song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” The song, which spent eight weeks on the pop charts, led many to refer to the thoroughfare as America’s Main Street. A popular television series called Route 66 ran from 1960 to 1964 and followed three young men driving around America, working odd jobs and helping folks in need.
With all this attention and the car’s growing popularity, filling stations, restaurants, auto camps and souvenir shops began to pop up along the historic route. The road was at its peak popularity post-World War II, when families equipped with jobs, money and a car planned cross-country road trips via Route 66. Eventually, more modern and straight interstates were built, replacing the need for many to travel along the windy roads and through the small towns populating the historic route. America’s Main Street enters Missouiri right at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis and winds its way to Springfield before exiting into Kansas. Along the way, there are plenty of sights to see and places to explore. So go get your kicks on Route 66. kansascitymag.com March 2024
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7 TOP STOPS OLD CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE 245 MILES Once part of the original Route 66, this bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting Illinois and Missouri, and was originally built for vehicular traffic. The eastern end of the bridge is on Chouteau Island and is part of Madison, Illinois, and the bridge’s western end is on the Missouri shoreline and is part of a park with bike and walking trails between the Gateway Arch and the bridge. It’s known for a 22-degree angle bend that was incorporated into the bridge’s design due to a chain of rocks in the river, hence its name. It’s the start of Route 66 in Missouri. –DB
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PHOTOGR APHY BY SCOT T EVERS
10820 RIVERVIEW DRIVE, ST. LOUIS
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
Gary’s Gay Parita
Spencer Station
WHERE TO FUEL UP—SORT OF. By Reece Parker
Although these gas stations don’t actually sell gas anymore, they sure make for a great place to stop. Steeped in nostalgia, these retro petrol stations are windows into the past.
Gary’s Gay Parita
21118 Old Route 66, Ash Grove, MO About 25 miles west of Springfield stands a replica of a 1930s Sinclair gas station. The site includes original non-working pumps and tons of memorabilia. Although you can’t fill your tank with gas here, you can get a tall glass of lemonade. This is no place for a quick pit stop. It truly feels as if you’re stepping into a bygone era, and there is a lot to explore. Due to its truly classic look, it has rightfully become a popular spot for photo ops.
PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
Spencer Station
19720 Lawrence 2062, Miller, MO Spencer Station, a late-1920s gas station, cafe and barber shop, was a popular stop for travelers on the original Route 66. When the new highway was built, it bypassed the station, leading traffic a different way, and Spencer station eventually closed. Now it’s being meticulously renovated and restored, packed with memorabilia and displays. Although it’s a work in progress, it is open most weekends. Owner Ed Klein, who is restoring much of the property himself, says his policy is to always throw open the doors and talk to anyone who happens by if he’s there.
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THE GATEWAY ARCH 248 MILES As we all know, this landmark needs little introduction. The 630-foot-tall monument, clad in stainless steel, is the world’s tallest arch. It is a National Historic Landmark and was built as a monument to westward expansion. It’s commonly referred to as “The Gateway to the West.” The arch was completed in 1965 and is located at the 1764 site of the founding of St. Louis. It symbolizes a time when the city was the last large metropolitan area for many before they ventured further west and into unsettled land. The arch is right along the old Mother Road and is connected to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge via biking and walking trails. -DB
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PHOTOGR APHY GATEWAY ARCH
11 N. FOURTH ST., ST. LOUIS
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
THE ARCH WAS COMPLETED IN 1965 AND IS LOCATED AT THE 1764 SITE OF THE FOUNDING OF ST. LOUIS.
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ROUTE 66 STATE PARK 239 MILES 97 N. OUTER ROAD, EUREKA, MO
IT CAN PRACTICALLY BE CONSIDERED A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR LEARNING ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOTHER ROAD.
Travel through history at Route 66 State Park. Along with camping and boating, the park’s visitor center houses a small museum with an overview of the historic route and displays highlighting various parts of the road and artifacts, such as old neon signs, restaurant menus and brochures. Housed in the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66, it can practically be considered a onestop shop for learning all there is to know about the Mother Road. Along with the visitor center, there are also the usual state park activities in the Meramec River. -DB
LICENSE PLATE NOIR The Route 66 Association of Missouri has gotten the go-ahead from the state to offer a custom license plate for Mother Road history buffs everywhere—well, everyone in Missouri, that is. More than just a piece of metal, the Missouri Route 66 black plate is a “beacon of the spirit of Route 66 and the spirit it offers to adventurers,” states the association, whose members were the driving force behind getting the new license plate design approved by the state and are using it as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. The license plate is available exclusively through the Route 66 Association of Missouri website (missouri66.org). The historic preservation organization was established to preserve, promote and develop the historic route throughout Missouri, and a portion of each license plate sold will head to the organization’s coffers. The license plate’s design prominently features the number 66 in bold white letters against a black background, with Missouri written across the top and “Main Street of America” at the bottom. Like all license plates, the black Route 66 plates can be personalized, too.
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PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED
By Reece Parker
PHOTOGR APHY BY ADAM KNAEBEL
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
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PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
THIS COMPLEX CAVE SYSTEM, FEATURING SOME OF THE RAREST AND LARGEST CAVE STRUCTURES IN THE WORLD, RUNS RIGHT UNDER ROUTE 66.
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GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
MERAMEC CAVERNS 242 MILES 1135 HIGHWAY W, SULLIVAN, MO
Meramec Caverns is said to be the “greatest show under the Earth!” The tourist destination has attracted millions of people and was even included on USA Today’s travel bucket list of “60 things to do in America before you die.” This complex cave system, featuring some of the rarest and largest cave structures in the world, runs right under Route 66. The cavern tours are led by trained rangers around a 1.25 mile loop of well-lit halls. However, once the tour is over, there is still so much more to see. Meramec Caverns also has zip lines, campgrounds and a caveman climbing wall—and that’s only the tip of the stalagmite. You will be in awe of Earth’s most scenic underground formations. –RP
A PLACE TO STAY
PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
By Dawnya Bartsch
Looking for that true Route 66 experience? Then the Wagon Wheel Motel (901 E. Washington St., Cuba, MO) is the place to be. Built in Cuba, Missouri, in 1938, the Wagon Wheel claims to be the oldest continuously operating motel along the Mother Road, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. When it first opened, it was called the Wagon Wheel Cabins and had nine cottages completely constructed with nearby Ozark sandstone. The iconic and beloved bright neon sign that so many people recognize also harkened its name change, officially becoming a motel. Highway 66 (now East Washington Street) was Cuba’s main road until Interstate 44 was developed, bypassing the town and the motel. However, current-day Cuba has embraced its Route 66 past, with various themed spots in town that make it a popular spot for roadtrippers. If you plan to stay at the Wagon Wheel, don’t forget to check out the world’s second largest rocking chair at Fanning 66 Outpost; the Weir Station, an old gas station turned restaurant; and the city’s many murals scattered throughout town. visitcubamo.com. kansascitymag.com March 2024
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MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST 219 MILES Take some time to unplug and visit the Mark Twain National Forest. Encompassing 1.5 million acres of beautiful wooded land, the Mark Twain National Forest has become a popular destination for all sorts of recreational fun. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. Three hundred and fifty miles of perennial streams flow throughout the grounds, suitable for kayaking, canoeing and floating. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife including fish, amphibians, reptiles, bald eagles and the occasional black bear. There is no shortage of activities for every member of the family to enjoy. Mark Twain National Forest is a great daytrip destination for a hike, but if you have more time, camp a few nights there and explore all the forest has to offer. Regardless, it is a must-see. –RP
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PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
401 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD, ROLLA, MO
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
Peaceful Bend Winery
HAVE A SIP ON ROUTE 66
PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED
By Dawnya Bartsch
Several Missouri wineries have been established not far from the Mother Road and are worth a little side trip if you’re inclined to do a bit more exploring. Most have popped up in the St. James area, where soil conditions are more hospitable to growing grapes, including St. James Winery, Meramec Vineyards, Claverach Farm and Eagles’ Landing Wine. A bit further down the road is the Peaceful Bend Winery, which boasts one of the best patio views in the area. Missouri Wines, an association dedicated to promoting the Missouri wine industry, has created vineyard touring itineraries with Route 66 in mind. missouriwine.org.
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JASPER COUNTY COURTHOUSE 166 MILES Don’t be dissuaded by the name. The Jasper County Courthouse is not just any old courthouse. In fact, if you drive past it, you would probably never guess it was a courthouse. Located in Carthage, this 106-foot-tall building is a sight to see. Inspired by medieval architecture, the castle-like marble building features turrets, towers and arches—all that’s missing is a moat. The building was originally built in 1894 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is rich with historical artifacts that patrons can look at inside, including an original antique elevator. Patrons can also appreciate the old architectural style and view the many memorials across the grounds. –RP
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PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
302 S MAIN ST., CARTHAGE, MO
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT IS IN THE SUMMER, WHEN YOU CAN COOL OFF AND SWIM IN THE RIVER.
GRAND FALLS 164 MILES
PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED
5685 S. RIVERSIDE DRIVE, JOPLIN, MO
Known as the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, Grand Falls is a must-see for a photo op if you're traveling on a road trip. The waterfall is located on Shoal Creek, within hiking distance of Wildcat Park. The waterfall flows over a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert (a fine-grained sedimentary rock) before flowing peacefully downstream. Get closer to nature and have outdoor fun here. The Grand Falls are technically open year-round, as there are no facilities, but the best time to visit is in the summer, when you can cool off and swim in the river. –RP
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IT’S HERE THAT YOU CAN GET DREWES’ ICONIC MALT KNOWN AS THE CONCRETE, A SHAKE SO THICK THAT IT IS SERVED UPSIDE DOWN.
66 Kansas City March 2024
GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66
12 PLACES TO EAT HERE’S A LIST OF THE TOP SPOTS TO EAT WHEN TRAVERSING AMERICA’S MAIN STREET. By Dawnya Bartsch
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa St., St. Louis For more than 80 years, the familyowned Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been serving its popular creamy, cold treats at various spots in the St. Louis area. In 1941, the family decided to open its most popular location on historic Route 66. It’s here that you can get Drewes’ iconic malt known as the concrete, a shake so thick that it is served upside down.
Granny’s Candy Store
1135 Highway W, Sullivan, MO In need of something sweet? Then Granny’s scratch-made candy is just for you. Located in the Meramec Caverns Visitor Center, not far from Route 66, the shop has display cases brimming with homemade chocolate turtles, roasted nuts and all varieties of fudge, which is sold by weight. The shop is a satellite outlet of Grandma’s Candy Kitchen located in nearby Lake Ozark.
Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ
PHOTOGR APHY SHUT TERSTOCK
1760 W. Elm St., Lebanon, MO Known for its southern fried catfish served with hush puppies, this place is popular with locals and travelers alike. Located right on the old Route 66 and just two blocks of I-44 in Lebanon, it's often frequented by folks headed to Branson.
Red Onion Cafe
203 E. Fourth St., Joplin, MO If you’re looking for healthier fare, the Red Onion Cafe, located just a block off Route 66 in a quaint historic brick building in the heart of downtown Joplin, is the place to head. The cafe has a casual, urban feel and an extensive menu, with items such as a mushroom and rosemary garlic keto burger and bacon-wrapped grilled chicken.
Whisler’s Drive-up
300 N. Garrison Ave., Carthage, MO A true roadside classic, this burger joint has been in business for more than 70 years now, meaning these folks know a thing or two about hamburgers. Locals often grab a bag of burgers to go or sit outside on picnic tables.
Steak ‘n Shake
3755 S Campbell, Springfield, MO What’s different about this Steak ‘n Shake than the hundreds dotting the Midwest? It has been at this Springfield location on Route 66 since 1962 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. With its large ’60s-era neon sign inviting drivers to come on in, this place definitely feels like it’s from another era.
Yogi’s Pizza
311 W. Jefferson Ave., Conway, MO It’s a small pizza joint, located in a small town, but it has big pizza taste and an extensive menu. Located just a few blocks off the main route and not as well known as other restaurants along the historic roadway, it’s the perfect place to sate your pizza cravings. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there when the owner is throwing his scratchmade dough in the air, creating the perfect round pizza crusts.
Hopper’s Pub
318 U.S. Route 66 East, Waynesville, MO The Mother Road runs right through Waynesville, and that’s where you’ll find Hopper’s Pub. This family-friendly restaurant and bar serves much more than your typical bar grub. You’ll find everything from quesadillas and BLTs to a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and buffalo chicken wrap.
A Slice of Pie
634 S. Bishop Ave., Rolla, MO Sometimes just a slice of pie makes the perfect meal, especially when you’re on a road trip and all rules go out the window. From traditional apple and peach pies to pies with names like Peanut Butter Lust and Baltimore Bomb, the novelty of it all makes it a great stop. This month’s special: Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake.
Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que
913 East Washington Blvd., Cuba, MO Celebrating 17 years, Missouri Hick is considered one of the best barbecue joints along Route 66. This place serves all the traditional barbecue items, from ribs and smoked chicken to pulled pork and burnt ends. For a real classic dish and one of their specialties, try the pork steak sandwich.
Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes
209 E. Walnut St., Springfield, MO This trendy spot offers gourmet burgers and—drum roll please— shakes. The burgers are made with Snake River Farms wagyu and angus beef with lots of creative toppings, so if you’re craving more than just a basic cheeseburger, this is the place to go. It’s located in the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown on old Route 66.
The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery
6116 Second St., Kimmswick, MO You must veer off Route 66 just a bit to get to The Blue Owl Bakery and Restaurant in Kimmswick, but setting eyes on one of the bakery’s famous Levee High Apple Pies is worth it. Plus, Kimmswick, an historic town on the banks of the Mississippi River, makes for a great stop even without the pie.
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-C R E A T O R
O F
L I V I N G
A R T-
Design - Build - Luxur y Swimming Pools - Outdoor Living
TM
EST.
1989
www.The KingofBackyardBli ng.co m Robert@TheVersaceCowboy.com
Robert bledsoe (816)-517-5596
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Pioneering what today, is called the ”
l e d s o e c h a n g e d t h e f a c e o f t r a d i t i o n a l l a n ds c a p i n g i n 1 9 8 9 ,
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“ O u t d o o r L i v i n g A re a ”
From designing and building lakes, golf courses, sky high fountains, and water features. Bringing together all of natures elements earth, fire, water, his vision is as infinite as nature itself. For Bledsoe, it has always been about creating a lifestyle, not just a swimming pool or landscape project, albeit, commercial or residential. It is the norm, rather than the exception, for the Roberts projects to include custom outdoor living areas such as; Luxurious custom design swimming pools. Hot tubs & Jacuzzis Breathtaking water features, fountains, lakes, streams, golf courses. Elaborate outdoor kitchens designed with all of the amenities. Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Columns. Pool Houses complete with Master suite sized Bath and Changing Rooms.
Bledsoe continues to remain the most sought -after design-build artist of outdoor living areas in the Midwest, and beyond.
No outdoor living area is ever the same and is created from the homeowner’s wish list,” then collaborated with Robert ’s vision. Creating pieces of “Living Art.” with the untouched landscape as his artist palette, stone, water, fire, the selective placement of these natural elements tied together into an outdoor living area that looks as nature intended. An oasis right outside the back door.
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Robe rt Bledsoe (816)-517-5596
w ww.T heKingo fB ackyardBlin g.com Robert@TheVersaceCowboy.com
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Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Super Bowl Champions
THE RIGHT STUFF
Celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl Victory Our photographer Jeremey Theron Kirby captured every pivotal moment from the sidelines. By Katie Baldwin
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ONCE AGAIN, the Kansas City Chiefs have etched
their names in the annals of NFL history, seizing victory in a spectacular and often agonizing Super Bowl showdown. It may have taken a quarter of overtime, a bungled punt and a missed extra point, but the Chiefs did what they needed to do, and with the symbolic raising of the Lombardi trophy, they marked the end of a season filled with angst, anticipation and a dash of romance on the side. Like no other season before it, the Chiefs’ Super Bowl journey came with an undeniable sense of destiny that propelled them toward their triumphant moment on football’s grandest stage and the making of an NFL dynasty. 72
Kansas City March 2024
After experiencing the most disappointing regular season since Mahomes became a starter, fans and odds makers began to have doubts.
After experiencing the most disappointing regular season since Mahomes became a starter, fans and odds makers began to have doubts. The Chiefs had faced formidable challenges and formidable teams, but hindsight shows us that each loss served as a crucible to forge the team’s resilience and determination. And 74
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as the challenging regular season wrapped, the playoffs began. The Chiefs’ resolve combined with their winning know-how proved a mighty force against the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens, with scrappy victories over each, leading them to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Super Bowl LVIII.
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You can’t help but be inspired watching the indomitable MVP, Patrick Mahomes, whose unparalleled talent and nerves of steel have solidified his status as one of the game’s brightest stars. It was the leadership of Andy Reid, the astute guidance of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and a team that showed a unified will to win and unwavering belief in their own abilities that made magic happen once again. For Chiefs fans far and wide, the journey to Super Bowl glory was more than just a triumph on the gridiron—it was a testament to the unbreakable bond that unites fans as one. Through the highs and lows, the victories and defeats, Chiefs Kingdom stood steadfast, unwavering in their support for their beloved team. As the confetti rained down and the echoes of celebration reverberated throughout the stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs basked in the glory of their Super Bowl triumph. For in that moment, they were more than just champions. They were legends, forever etched in the hallowed halls of NFL lore. And for the loyal denizens of Chiefs Kingdom, their victory was not merely a conquest but a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit that defines their beloved team. 76
Kansas City March 2024
Inspire your child’s creativity and watch their confidence soar with our all-new Camp Invention® program,
When this nationally acclaimed program comes to Kansas City this summer, campers in grades K-6 will team up with friends for hands-on, open-ended STEM fun. They’ll design their own light-up ball game, explore the science of illumination, tackle global water challenges and star in a prototyping game show! Each experience is designed to spark curiosity, build persistence and create an unforgettable summer.
Visit to secure your spot! Use promo code LOCAL25 by 3/27 to save $25.
savor
EATING AND DRINKING WELL IN KANSAS CITY
A Corned Beef Classic By Dawnya Bartsch
ST. PATRICK’S DAY is nearly here, and King G’s corned beef sandwich
on rye makes for the perfect lunch, snack, dinner, or just about any meal, any time. Thick slices of scratch-made bread by local Blackhole bakery bookend melted Swiss cheese and layers of corned beef, sourced from KC’s very own Boyle’s Famous Corned Beef Co. in the West Bottoms. This combo makes for a hearty, soul-satisfying sandwich, especially on a drizzly spring day. Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebecca Norden
On the corner of 18th and Locust streets and pretty much in the middle of the Crossroads and the area popularly known as Art Alley, King G Bar and Delicatessen (500 E. 18th St.) has fast become a neighborhood staple since it opened just a few years ago. The deli has a crisp, clean and bright feel, with white subway tiles lining the walls and stainless steel counters. Although the deli has its own entrance and a completely different feel than the more moody and dark bar that it sits next door to, the two establishments are connected by a back passageway and share a kitchen (and a name). When owner Eric Flanagan opened King G in the summer of 2021, he said he wanted the spot—named after King Gambrinus, a beer-loving and jovial folklore hero—to be a modern take on a neighborhood bar and delicatessen, and that’s exactly what it is. kinggkc.com. kansascitymag.com March 2024
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S AVO R
DRINK
Gin Me More By Tyler Shane BROOKSIDE’S NEWEST wine bar, Vita’s Place (5514
Oak St.), has one of the most impressive wine menus you can find around the metro, but owner Ryan Sciara didn’t stop with wine. Flip through the reds, the whites and the bubbles and you’ll stumble upon a page listing 28 gins, including a build-your-own gin and tonic menu. “I love the gin culture in Europe,” says Sciara, who also owns the neighboring Underdog Wine shop. “Spain especially has a huge gin and tonic culture. [KC] already has agave, rum and whiskey bars but nobody who goes deep on gin.” Among the gins you’ll also find a plethora of tonics, sodas and garnishes, such as grapefruit, rosemary, blueberry or basil, to help build your cocktail. Ironically, despite having such minimal ingredients, building your own G&T may seem overwhelming with such extensive options. Sciara recommends starting with one of his favorite’s: Future Gin, a queer women-owned brand with hints of grape leaves, honeysuckle and Meyer lemon. It’s clean but aromatic and citrusy. “That’s what I love about our gin list,” Sciara says. “There are so many great ones that aren’t just all juniper and Christmas trees.” With the spring equinox right around the corner, round out your tasty drink with a fresh slice of cucumber, strawberry or lime. But before you get to planning your cocktail mix, be sure to make reservations at Vita’s. The bar has been packed almost every evening since it opened.
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Photography by Caleb Condit and Rebecca Norden
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Food Matters
Jim Kane’s PBS Show The Food Principle focuses on change, not gimmicks. By Tyler Shane KANSAS CITIAN Jim Kane’s PBS series The Food Principle may be centered
around food, but he’d sooner compare it to BBC’s Earth than Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. As The Food Principle’s host and producer, Kane travels around the world, using food as the medium to explore each region. No, he won’t be inviting you into an Italian nonna’s house to learn her meatball recipe. Instead, he’ll be walking arm in arm with an Appalachian Cherokee elder as she explains how farming on her ancestral land reconnected her to her culture. Through the lens of food, Kane takes a deep dive into each region’s social, political and cultural landscape. “If you look at some of these daunting issues that we’re all faced with today—climate change, biodiversity loss, social justice, refugees, immigration—you can understand all these issues through food in a way that maybe seems more manageable, more personable,” Kane says.
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P E R F E C T DAY
Kane, a Philadelphia native, settled down with his wife in KC in 2006, around the same time he began designing international trips through his travel company Culture Xplorers. Through Culture Xplorers, Kane noticed that the more travelers immersed themselves in a culture’s cuisine, whether by attending a festival or participating in a cooking lesson, the more they learned about the region’s landscape, biodiversity and history of immigration. “It became this whole way of understanding other cultures,” says Kane, who soon realized he could use food as a tool for activism. When Covid hit and international travel came to a halt, Kane turned his idle hands to visual storytelling through his YouTube series Off The Table, a twelve-episode mini version of what was to become The Food Principle. Eventually, Kane pitched his YouTube series to PBS. When Denmark was the first country to open its borders, Kane, and his new show, headed to the Scandinavian country. The Food Principle’s first season, broadcast last year, also explores Appalachia, a part of the country particularly victim JIM KANE’S to “extraction, misinformation and steP E R F E C T D AY I N K C reotyping,” according to Kane. He shares the stories of Appalachia’s Valerie Horn, Coffee: Jon Cates’ a community leader whose food kitchen Broadway Roasting Co. provided fresh food to citizens during still sets the standard for exquisitely roasted coffee. Whitesburg, Kentucky’s disastrous flood He’s such a mad scientist. in 2022, and a pair of food truck owners It’s a cappuccino for my blending Pakistani and Appalachian cuisine wife, a macchiato for me and a hot chocolate for our in Abingdon, Virginia. son. The other coffee shop I The host realizes his grassroots perspeclike a lot is Café Corazón for tive doesn’t have quite the sexy edge of, say, their art-filled, colorful vibe and Latin-inspired drinks. Chef’s Table or Chopped, both of which rely on intensity for viewer engagement. But Lunch: A place I discovered recently is Baba’s Pantry. Kane is in it for the long run. He wants to The way I describe it is inspire viewers beyond the screen. like stepping into a “Maybe one starts to understand and Palestinian friend’s kitchen. The food tastes of love. I’ll think, ‘maybe I can make a small change in have anything that has my diet and make a difference in that way,’” their beautiful hummus in Kane says. “‘Maybe I can start composting it and finish with a strong Turkish coffee. my food instead of putting it in the trash to avoid the methane emissions through Pizza: Bella Napoli’s Monday night pizza landfills.’ There are so many small ways that specials have fueled many we can go about things if we do it through a family dinner. the lens of food.” Live Music: The Ship is so The second season of The Food Principle wonderfully laid back. The is expected to air in October. Eventually, last time my family and I Kane hopes to tell stories closer to home. went, we saw Beau Bledsoe with Ensemble Iberica. Watch out, Kansas City. You might soon They bring in incredible see Kane exploring the underbelly of KC’s international guests. Keep an eye out for them. food activism. Photography by Laura Morsman
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Hopping for Ham
The perfect slow-cooked ham for your Easter dinner By John Martellaro BARBECUE FOR EASTER Sunday dinner? It’s more popular than you might think.
We’re not talking brisket or ribs. Ham is barbecue—slow-smoked meat—but if you don’t routinely make that connection,you may not be eating the right ham. A hand-crafted, carefully cured leg of pork, slow-smoked over smoldering hickory for 18 hours, offers a flavor, texture and aroma that rivals the best brisket or pulled pork you’ve ever had. You’re not likely to find that kind of ham in your local supermarket. Great hams come from a traditional smokehouse like Fritz’s Meats and Superior Sausage (10326 State Line Road, Leawood), which has been serving up these beauties for three years short of a century. You can get a hot eat-in or take-out lunch from Fritz’s, but it is primarily a retail smokehouse rather than a restaurant, offering an array of smoked sausages and cold cuts in addition to hams, turkeys, briskets and ribs. They’ll even smoke anything you bring them for $2 a pound. Manager Kurt McDonald describes the difference this way: “A restaurant will cook a brisket to 180 degrees because they want it to melt in your mouth when they serve it. We cook take-home brisket to 165 degrees because we want it to melt in your mouth after you take it home and re-warm it.” What makes a Fritz’s ham special is the step-by-step process that begins with injecting the meat with a proprietary cure solution. While many mass-produced hams are simply soaked in brine, McDonald says the injection method “takes the cure all the way down to the bone, which brining can’t do.” Fritz’s unique smoker, fired by 100 percent hickory wood, is 30 feet high, with the
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’CUE CARD
wood burning in a fire brick-lined basement chamber. Meats are slid in and out on racks on the main level of the shop. Hams are smoked for 16 to 20 hours, depending on size. Finished hams are vacuum-packed and will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. McDonald says they can be frozen, too, although the texture may suffer a bit. (Texture is a hallmark of a Fritz’s ham; you know you’re eating something that started off as fresh meat.) The ham is sold fully cooked and needs only to be gently warmed in the oven. Ham of this quality is endlessly versatile. It works well with a traditional cloves-and-pineapple treatment, your favorite barbecue sauce, sweet or savory glazes, fruity-spicy chutneys or just about any variety of mustard you can find. It’s bone-in, so you can (should) use the bone to make a luscious, aromatic soup stock. McDonald says he expects to sell 150 to 200 hams for the Easter holiday—not as taxing or frenetic as Thanksgiving, when they typically sell about 4,000 turkeys and 500 hams. Fritz’s State Line Road shop looks decidedly institutional—so much so that they have strung an “Open to the Public” banner by the door. Despite being in business since 1927, McDonald says they still get a regular stream of first-time customers referred by friends. “People come in and say it’s their first time. I tell them it’s great that it’s your first time, but what we really want is to make sure it’s not your last.” fritzskcmeats.com Photography by Laura Morsman
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Is KC Having a Sushi Renaissance? PHOTOGR APHY BY ELIESA JOHNSON, COURTESY OF THE JAMES BE ARD FOUNDATION
UNLIKE BARBECUE and steakhouses, KC’s
Newsfeed
What’s new in Kansas City food and drink By Tyler Shane
7 KC Restaurants Hit the Big Time
THE OSCARS OF the food world, otherwise known as the James Beard Awards, released its
list of semifinalists for 2024, and seven of the top picks are from KC. The James Beard Foundation, which divvies out the awards, is considered a major force in America’s food scene, recognizing the country’s most noteworthy chefs and restaurants every year. Last year, KC’s own Yoli Tortilleria won Outstanding Bakery. KC is again well represented this year, with seven chefs and restaurants nominated in various categories. This year’s local semi-finalists are: Best Emerging Chef: Chef Jeff Workman of
Outstanding Bar: Drastic Measures. The
The Campground. Workman took over The Campground’s kitchen last year. The menu’s focus is contemporary yet comforting food.
Shawnee cocktail bar was a James Beard finalist last year and remains a favorite of Kansas City magazine.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Affäre. This German restaurant
Best Chef, Midwest: Chef Katie Liu-Sung
is run by German-born Katrin Heuser, who manages the restaurant’s stellar bar program, and her husband, Master Chef Martin Heuser.
of Chewology (Kansas City magazine named Chewology the best new restaurant of 2022); Chef Romain Monnoyeur of Westport Cafe; Chef Johnny Leach of The Town Company; Chef Rozz Petrozz of Saltwell Farm Kitchen. Congrats to KC’s worthy and talented nominees. This year’s winners will be announced on April 3.
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sushi scene has always been lacking. But change is on the horizon. Sushi chefs and restaurateurs seem to be popping up out of nowhere and upping KC’s sushi game, especially with the recent additions of Kata Nori, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and the soonto-be-open Crossroads omakase restaurant Sushi Kodawari. Whether it’s serving via conveyor belts and robots, offering the unique hand roll or forgoing a menu altogether to serve omakase-style, each of these restaurants is bringing a first to KC. Sushi Kodawari (2100 Central St., KCMO) chef Karson Thompson wants to prove there’s no reason why KC shouldn’t have the same quality sushi that can be found on the East or West coasts. With the right purveyors, quality fish is completely feasible, he says. “When I was looking into coming back to the city, I was really kind of surprised to see that there was nobody in Kansas City really doing this concept,” Thompson says. “It looked like there was a gap to fill in the Kansas City market.” For updates on Sushi Kodawari’s opening, check their Instagram, @sushikodawari.
BITES
Both Kata Nori’s and Sushi Kodawari’s owners have connections to Japanese fish markets, enabling them to select the best. This direct access means higher-quality fish for their KC customers, but it also means KC sushi lovers might be paying more than they are used to. Beyond just serving the best fish, these new restaurants are also paying homage to sushi culture, which means intimate dining rooms and open kitchens where chefs prepare food in front of their customers. Kata Nori (404 E. 18th St., KCMO) is a 24-seat restaurant featuring a U-shaped bar where customers can watch as the chefs prepare their rolls, crudo and sashimi. While the newly opened Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (200 W. 47th St., KCMO) doesn’t quite share the same intimate ambiance (the Plaza restaurant offers more than 140 menu items), it’s certainly bringing something new to KC’s dining scene. The California-based sushi chain serves sushi rolls via a conveyor belt, and drinks are delivered by a robot named Kura-B.
PHOTOGR APHY BY Z ACH BAUMAN
Noah’s Cupboard
Proud Sponsor of The Super Bowl LVII Champions
Weston Restaurateurs to Focus on Market
THE WESTON RESTAURANT and market
Noah’s Cupboard, a small fine dining spot, is transitioning into a “daytime market” only. Although owners Nick and Andrea Martinkovic will still be offering in-home dinner party experiences and private event services, they plan on phasing out the restaurant and concentrating on the market. To keep up to date with Noah’s Cupboard’s activities, follow their Instagram account, @noahs_cupboard.
Same Day Service at all Locations! Prairie Village 3975 W 83rd St, 66208
Alejandra de la Fuente
Food Hall Vendor Opens Restaurant
PHOTOGR APHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI
ALEJANDRA de la Fuente, owner of Red
Kitchen, a popular Mexican food vendor in the Lenexa Public Market, opened a full-service restaurant, Cien por Ciento Mexicana (which translates to 100 percent Mexican) in Overland Park (7926 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park). The 26-seat restaurant will serve de la Fuente’s Food & Wine-recognized breakfast burritos and, of course, her specialty tamales. However, de la Fuente, who is originally from Mexico City, is excited to offer more than typical Mexican street food dishes. Her new menu will have items not previously available at Red Kitchen, such as soups, Mexican-style shakes and platters full of meats, beans and rice.
PHOTOGR APHY PROVIDED
Kata Nori
Leawood 13420 Roe Ave, 66209 Overland Park 7575 W 150th St, 66223 6904 W 135th St, 66223
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kansascitymag.com March 2024
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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
Its intricate second-floor edifice is dramatic and unusual enough that it deserves not only a look but also some admiration.
Hidden Gem
An unobtrusive, battered building is an Art Deco jewel. By Dawnya Bartsch IT’S EASY TO pass right by this unassuming two-story building without giving it
a second-thought—or look. It sits humbly at the intersection of Main Street and Westport Road. There’s really no good reason to move your eyes past the locksmith shop and check cashing store that make up the street-level retail. But you should. Known as the Southwell Building (3941 Main St., KCMO), it is one of KC’s most impressive examples of Art Deco exterior design. Unlike KC’s more well-known Art
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Deco buildings, such as City Hall or the Power and Light Building, the Southwell structure does not take up the better part of a city block or soar into the sky, but its intricate second-floor edifice is dramatic and unusual enough that it deserves not only a look but also some admiration. While the first floor’s outer walls are fitted with clean, simple marble slabs, the second floor is covered in elaborate painted Art Deco terracotta tiles in peachy hues, highlighting the tile’s different shapes and design. Unusual geometric light fixtures adorn the roofline and, at night, drench the sidewalk below in light. The 1929 structure was commissioned by George Southwell, a musician and composer of band music, for his burgeoning music publishing company, and it was built by Kansas City architecture firm McKecknie and Trask. Originally, it housed Southwell’s company offices and presses. Although Southwell’s story is relatively unknown now, his music publishing company was very successful during the early 1900s. Southwell, who was originally from Wellington, Kansas, moved to Kansas City for more opportunities. As a composer, he began publishing original sheet music and music lesson books that were shipped across the country and world. It was said, in a 1920 Kansas City Star article, that every band performing in an American small town bandstand was probably playing a Southwell piece. Now, many know the building as the former home of the 1970s-era Falcon Club bar, which became Harling’s Falcon Club in 1980 and a few years after that became Harling’s Upstairs, which closed nearly 10 years ago. Photography by Brad Austin
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