Kansas City’s Most Romantic Restaurants
A Q&A WITH HBO'S
BRIDGET EVERETT
Coming Home
CLASSIC COLONIAL
THAT'S BLACK AND WHITE AND GORGEOUS ALL OVER
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN
FOUR LOCALS RETURN TO THE CITY THEY LOVE
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Contents FEBRUARY 2022
68 60
74
64 Features 60
IN CONVERSATION WITH BRIDGET EVERETT The Manhattan, Kansas, native returns to her hometown (metaphorically) in her new hit HBO show Something, Somewhere.
64
FEELING THE LOVE Eight of Kansas City’s most romantic restaurants deliver alluring ambience, tempting food and wine, and a certain ineffable charm that sets the stage for an unforgettable night out.
Departments
68
GARAGE MAHAL Spaces with the vibe of a chic hotel room can be found in the most unusual places.
74
COMING HOME For these four locals, time away from Kansas City made them appreciate their hometown even more.
78
IT’S ALL HERE IN BLACK AND WHITE The top-to-bottom renovation of a classic Country Club District home is inspired by New York glamour.
On the cover A vignette in the upstairs foyer in the home of Adam Kincaid and Michael Noonan. Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler
FEBRUARY 2022
| 10 | INKANSASCITY.COM
16
WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN KC
20
ENTERTAINING IN KC
26
OUR MAN IN KC
32
ARTS & CULTURE IN KC
40
BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC
46
LOOK IN KC
52
WOMEN’S HEALTH IN KC
54
LIVING IN KC
90
FLAVOR IN KC
104
MY ESSENTIALS IN KC
IN EVERY ISSUE 12
EDITOR’S NOTE
14
INKANSASCITY.COM
18
THIS MONTH IN KC
BURLINGTON CREEK
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O L AT H E
Editor’s Note
Home Again, Home Again
Vol. 5 | No. 2 FEBRUARY 2022 Editor In Chief Zim Loy Digital Editor Emily Park
T
Art Director Alice Govert Bryan photo by aaron leimkuhler
Associate Art Director Eva Tucker
here’s a common thread stitching together almost all the stories in this issue, and it’s all about coming home. If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know I’m not a Kansas City native. Just like parents who tell their adopted children that they’re special because they were chosen, Kansas City is special to me because I chose it. It defines “big city” to me, as in “moving to the bright lights and big city.” And I know a lot of other transplants who feel the same way. What does surprise me though, is how many metro residents who were born and raised here move away to find their “big city” and spend years in Chicago or New York or San Francisco or Dallas, then move back to KC. Our contributing writer Katie Van Luchene interviews four of them in our feature on page 74 titled, aptly enough, Coming Home. The prodigal sons and daughters share what brought them back to their hometown—family, work, and the burgeoning arts, culture, and food scenes. Bridget Everett, a Manhattan, Kansas, native, is now a rising star in Manhattan, New York. Her HBO series, Somebody Somewhere, takes her back to her hometown, fictionally at least, and imagines what her life would be like had she never left. Cindy Hoedel’s interview with Everett on page 60 is both funny and unexpectedly revealing. Unlike many TV shows about the Midwest, the series is a brutally honest take on what life in small-town middle America is like. In My Essentials on page 104, we ask Christopher Elbow, of the eponymously named chocolate company, to list some of his favorites in Kansas City. He left his hometown of Liberty to experience restaurant kitchens around the country, but when he decided to launch his confectionery, the energy of the Crossroads drew him home. Even our home feature on page 78, the stunning, newly renovated house of Adam Kincaid and Michael Noonan, fits the coming home theme. Although Kincaid grew up in Kansas City, he lived in Chicago for almost 20 years, met Noonan there, and then the couple decided to move back to Kincaid’s hometown in 2020. Kansas City has always been a bit of a dark horse—a town that isn’t obviously trendy or cool. It’s not Austin or Seattle or Nashville. But we’ve made tremendous progress in the past few years in our own quiet, Midwestern way, to become a town we are all—both transplant and native—particularly proud to call home.
Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, Rachel Murphy, Patricia O’Dell, Katie Van Luchene Contributing Photographers Clint Ashlock, Madeline Brice, Corie English, Nicki Griffith, Adam Kaleikau, Aaron Leimkuehler, Todd Oldham, Jenny Wheat Publisher Michelle Jolles Media Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley Newsstand Consultant Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com
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CORRECTION: In the feature article, The Wellness Revolution, in the January issue, we incorrectly reported that From The Earth Medical Marijuana Dispensary is based in California. It is not. The company is 100% locally owned by Missouri residents.
FEBRUARY 2022
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Head for the hills!
It’s snow season, which means it’s time to polish your sled and hit the hills. Not sure where to go? There are sledding hills in just about every corner of the metro—you just need to know where to look. We turned to our readers on social media and asked Kansas Citians to share their favorite sledding spots around town. Find our list of recommendations on both sides of the state line on inkansascity.com.
Are you over those New Year resolutions?
Fess up, you’re probably starving right this very second. Fortunately, we’ve got the city’s most comprehensive dining guide. So many restaurants to please your palate. Head to inkansascity.com/eat-drink/dining-guide.
A name to remember.
When Caley Rose of Olathe, Kansas, started writing and producing songs a few years back, she wasn’t sure if her music would take off. But she knew she had found what she was meant to do. Now, one of her latest singles, Who’s That Girl, is playing on radio waves across the country, and she just debuted her newest single, Game Over, on 90.9 The Bridge. Soon, the performer will launch her country-wide tour—starting in Kansas City. We caught up with the emerging artist. Check out the full interview oninkansascity.com.
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How much would you melt if your sweetheart surprised you with breakfast in bed on Valentine’s Day morning? We have the perfect recipe to make those dreams come true from The Farmhouse’s pastry chef, Kirsten Montgomery. Her recipe for the soft and warm, sweet and sticky French-toast sticks mimics the famous cinnamon rolls she put on the restaurant’s menu. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make! Head to inkansascity.com to get the recipe.
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Women in Business by
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Kim Weinberger
A JILL OF ALL TRADES
A
rts curator. Advisor. Restaurateur. Real estate agent. Magazine stylist. Textile company manager. Breast cancer survivor. While most of those titles don’t seem to correlate, they all have one thing in common: Kim Weinberger of Weinberger Fine Art. “When I tell people everything I’ve done, people look at me like I’m crazy,” says Weinberger. “They say, ‘you’ve done everything,’ but everything I have done, I have done well, and I didn’t do it for just a minute—I’m old enough to have all of those things under my belt.” Weinberger grew up in Wyandotte County in the ’70s, but she spent many of her formative years traveling the world—often in Europe. She lived in Rome for a few years studying art, language, and history before moving to New York City. In New York, Weinberger worked for Yves Saint Laurent, managed a textile company, and styled shoots for magazines like Architectural Digest and Food & Wine. She returned to Kansas City in 1991 after she and her husband had their first child—but Weinberger didn’t stop there. Far from it. Until opening Weinberger Fine Art in 2008, she helped launch the French restaurant Café Provence, dabbled in Kansas City real estate, and worked with Sandy Kemper on the fine-art fund, The Collectors Fund. FEBRUARY 2022 |
When the market crashed during the recession, Weinberger dove deep in thought to decide what she wanted to do with her long-term future, and she landed on opening an art gallery. “I looked at the different art galleries in the city to see what they had to offer, and how I could be different,” says Weinberger. “The one thing that stood out the most is that galleries represent only their artists, so I knew my inventory would be all about who I felt were the right artists for the demographics of Kansas City.” Weinberger also set out to stand apart by offering a space everyone in the community would feel comfortable in. “That was really important to me,” says Weinberger. “When you walk in you don’t feel like your tippy-toeing or that everybody is looking at you. We always have light music going in the gallery, and we treat everybody with love and respect, so they walk in the gallery and feel welcome.” To get the gallery off the ground, Weinberger sold off a few diamond tennis bracelets and secured a couple of early investors. From there everything grew rather quickly. A decade later, Weinberger has helped thousands of individuals and local businesses build art collections that will leave her legacy written all over Kansas City. From collections at private homes to KU Medical Center, University Health, One Light luxury apartments, and more, it’s likely most Kansas Citians have admired works Weinberger selected. What’s the secret to her success? Joy. “Joy is really important to me,” says Weinberger. “I’m at a time in my life as a woman who has been through stage four breast cancer and did all of this while facing that. It made me a stronger, better person who appreciates the simple things: the beauty of what I built, the beauty of artists I represent, and even the beauty of being woken up by a client the morning after a sale.” A few years back, Weinberger’s heart jumped when she awoke to a phone call from a frequent client. Her first thought was that something had gone wrong after a recent big sale, but she was pleasantly surprised. “She called and said, ‘I can’t stop looking at the pieces—I just can’t. I woke up early and put on my coffee. I sat in my chair, and I just sat there and stared at it. It’s just changed me forever.’ That’s it for me,” says Weinberger. “That satisfaction is huge.” Moments like that, plus the joy Weinberger gets mentoring clients, staff, and fellow members of the Kansas City arts community are the best parts of her role. Weinberger sees herself as a leader who’s not intimidating, but someone to learn from. She learns from her mentees too—especially fellow women business leaders. “I like to be around other women, to be strengthened and empowered by them and their wisdom,” says Weinberger. “Now, I feel like it’s my turn to give back. I surround myself with people who are just as smart (or smarter than me in different ways), so I can mentor them, and in some cases, they’re also mentoring me back—and that’s something so many women in Kansas City have to offer.” 16 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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Love At First Sight
Love LoveAt AtFirst FirstSight Sight
This Month IN KC
February
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE BY
Emily Park
FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
Romantic Revels Gala February 12 Intercontinental Hotel kcshakes.org
Mardi Gras Party February 26 Kansas City Live! in the Power & Light District powerandlightdistrict.com
LOVE IS IN THE AIR Wear your heart on your sleeve and show your love for The Bard at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Romantic Revels Gala. Proceeds from the black-tie-optional event will support the festival’s landmark 30th season production of the ultimate tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet, as well as HASF’s year-round educational programs. The evening will bring on the romance with dancing, dinner, cocktails, and plenty of merriment. Visit their website for more information.
Boots & Pearls: Wine & Whiskey February 25 Museum at Prairiefire alphapointe.org
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Start your Fat Tuesday celebration a few days early at the all-inclusive 13th Annual Mardi Gras Party at KC Live! Revelers will have access to ten (yes, ten!) bars and entertainment venues, complete with live music, street performers, and a crawfish-eating contest. If you want to take it up a notch, upgrade to VIP status, which includes a Mardi Gras-themed food crawl, craft beer, and premium cocktails. It’s sure to be the most spectacular soirée this side of the bayou. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Pickleball for Polar Bears February 27 Chicken N Pickle – Kansas City kansascityzoo.org
BOURBON COWBOY Strap on your boots, pick out your finest pearls, and mosey on over to the Museum at Prairiefire for Boots & Pearls: Wine & Whiskey. You’ll have a darn tootin’ good time sampling a variety of wines and whiskeys from around the world. Even better—your drinks will be paired with delicious food and live entertainment. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Alphapointe, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with vision loss. Visit the event tab on their website for ticket information.
AN ARCTIC BLAST Grab your bear-y best friend and sign up for Pickleball for Polar Bears at Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City. Entry is $100 per team (two players per team) and includes two beer tickets and four Kansas City Zoo admission tickets. Each team is guaranteed to play three to four games. Visit the zoo’s website for registration details. Proceeds from the tournament will support the zoo’s partnership with Polar Bears International and their efforts to learn about bears in the wild and teach the rest of the world about the effects of climate change. You’re sure to have a blast!
For Kansas City’s most comprehensive calendar of events, go to inkansascity.com FEBRUARY 2022
| 18 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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Entertaining
IN KC
How to Take the Sting Out of Birthdays
OUR ENTERTAINING MAVEN OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR HOSTING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, SURPRISE AND OTHERWISE
by
Merrily Jackson
photo by
I
Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com
FEBRUARY 2022 |
20 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Corie English
have a group of girlfriends—we are four altogether—who have much in common: married and childless by choice; many mutual friends; a love for food, fashion, good design. For more than 25 years, we’ve celebrated our birthdays together, and boy does it assuage the pain of turning another year older. We have drinks and dinner at Lidia’s Kansas City; the birthday girl is treated, of course. Then she opens a prettily wrapped something from each of us accompanied by a card, the saltier the better, chosen to make us cackle as we pass it around the table. We give superlative gifts because our tastes are so similar, we know exactly what each will like. In the early years of the tradition, we would choose a date close to our birthdays for our girlfriend celebration, the understanding being the actual birthday was sacrosanct for celebrating with the hubsters. We came to realize we enjoyed our girlfriend celebrations more than dinner with our spouses (no offense, boys) and began to insist on doing the Rock Chick—that’s what we call ourselves, a story for an-
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Entertaining
IN KC
Merrily’s Crowd-Pleasing Coconut Cake
This makes a wonderful birthday cake. And no one will ever know you used a cake mix. CAKE 1 3 1
½
box (15.25–ounce) Betty Crocker Super Moist yellow cake mix eggs cup whole milk cup vegetable oil
FROSTING 2½ 1½ 1¼ 1
cups heavy whipping cream cups sour cream cups powdered sugar or to taste 7-ounce can or bag Baker’s sweetened coconut
Prepare cake according to package directions, substituting whole milk for water. Bake, as directed in two round cake pans. Cool and cut each layer in half, making four thin layers. Prepare frosting by whipping heavy cream and sour cream together until soft peaks form. (A stand mixer is best for this job.) Gradually beat in sugar, then stir in most of the coconut, reserving about a third cup. Liberally frost top of each layer, stack and frost sides. Sprinkle reserved coconut over top. Serves 12. (Can be made a day ahead; refrigerate then bring to room temperature to serve.) Note: you might have too much frosting, but better too much than not enough!
FEBRUARY 2022 |
22 | INKANSASCITY.COM
other column—celebrations on our actual birthdays, which aligns with my first axiom of birthdays: in order to have a birthday one genuinely enjoys, one must take charge of the planning oneself, one mustn’t rely on one’s spouse or family to orchestrate the birthday of one’s dreams, even if it means throwing oneself one’s own party. In fact, some of the best parties I’ve ever attended were self-hosted birthday parties. … WHICH DOESN’T MEAN SURPRISE PARTIES AREN’T WONDERFUL There’s nothing more fun than being an accomplice to a surprise party where the honoree is genuinely gobsmacked and thrilled. But if you are planning a surprise party, consider carefully the preferences of the surprised. And especially consider how you are orchestrating the surprise, and how the honoree will react. There are shy types, perhaps you are one, who would rather prep for a colonoscopy than endure the glare of the surprise-party spotlight. If your guest of honor is a bashful soul, an all-at-once surprise is probably not the best way to make them feel honored and loved. Consider letting them know at the beginning of the party what’s going on, then staggering the guests’ arrival so they do not feel ambushed. Or let them in on the planning from the beginning, but surprise them with outof-town guests or a special musical performance. Whatever you do, make sure the scheme you devise to lure the honoree to the party necessitates that he or she look presentable enough to be photographed. Party pix are forever, especially on social media. HERE’S AN IDEA FOR A SUPER-EASY SURPRISE PARTY My St. Louis sister’s much beloved husband, Rick Kelly (not one of the shy types mentioned above) recently marked a milestone birthday and Sissy and two of their couple friends hatched Operation Tango Romeo (Trick Ricky). The scenario was that the two couples were coming over at 6:30 for drinks, then heading to a restaurant for a celebratory dinner. But they had secretly sent out 40 evites, instructing friends to show up at the house promptly at 7:00 with no gifts, but an appie from their favorite restaurant. The two couples arrived at 6:30; unbeknownst to Rick, their cars were loaded with ice, booze, rented barware, and balloons. Thirty minutes later, guests arrived bearing Buffalo wings, flatbread, artichoke dip, bruschetta. The planners quickly mobilized to pull together a self-service bar. There was no moment where people yelled “surprise,” but it dawned on Rick pretty quickly what was happening, and he was over the moon to see so many friends. I’ve never seen
FEBRUARY 2022 |
23 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Entertaining
IN KC
anyone have more fun at their surprise party, and it was so easy. The last guests left at 2 a.m. IN PRAISE OF PROFESSIONALS The most effortless way to host a birthday party, surprise, self-hosted or otherwise, is to call a caterer and let them swoop in and handle everything. A good caterer will have a million wonderful ideas for food and drinks, and can supply servers and bartenders to keep the party humming. If you have a generous budget, this is an option I highly recommend. You could also consider using the birthday person’s favorite eatery; many restaurants have a catering arm. If you don’t have budget for that, or you just want it to be more personal, you can still give your birthday person a humdinger of a party. Read on for a few ideas. NOTHING LIKE AN AT-HOME DINNER PARTY For many years I celebrated my husband on his birthday with a small, unfussy dinner party with close friends. He is a man of simple tastes and I always served his favorite dinner, white chili and a great dish called Zingy Cornbread (email me for it and any other recipe mentioned herein), with my famous—if you don’t mind my saying—coconut cake for dessert. You’ll find the recipe on page 22. My sister once presented a dear friend with a handmade certificate, redeemable for dinner for 12 at Sissy’s house, on a mutually agreed-up-
on evening, the guests to be of the birthday girl’s choosing. Isn’t that a darling idea? The dinner was beautiful, every detail engineered to reflect the honoree’s favorite flowers, colors, and especially her favorite dinner, Ina Garten’s Boeuf Bourguignon. I have the recipe! SIMPLE CELEBRATION IDEAS, SURPRISE OPTIONAL A cheery brunch can make for a festive, cost-effective birthday celebration, especially when children are on the guest list, or older people who no longer venture out at night. All you need for a respectable brunch are: a big, gooey, egg casserole; a fruit salad; an assortment of baked goods, and mimosas and Bloody Marys. Yes, I have recipes. Or invite people to stop by after the dinner hour for Champagne (or prosecco) and birthday cake. This doesn’t require a lot of planning, and you can invite more friends than you could to a seated meal. Dolce Bakery makes exquisite birthday cakes from scratch, and they will inscribe a message for free. Just remember you need to order it two business days in advance. I also have a recipe for a marvelous-tasting red velvet cake made with German chocolate cake mix, buttermilk, cider vinegar, and red food coloring. I’ll send it to you, along with a nice cream-cheese frosting recipe. If it’s a very significant birthday, you can ask guests to provide a photo, memory, or story about how that person has affected their life. Many people don’t get to hear how special they are while they are alive. Birthdays, all kidding and cynicism aside, provide us just that opportunity.
International Materials of Design TILE & STONE
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TO GO AROUND FOR LOCATE!
LOTS OF
We
that in 2021 we helped our clients find and sell homes—to the
tune of $56 MILLION. We
that in spite of this challenging market, we find creative ways to
mine opportunities for our clients to make their dreams come true. And we
that we navigated to Compass Realty Group and all the
support and new connections that has meant to us. Let us help you with your 2022 real estate needs. You’re gonna
the way we do business.
Tom Suther 816.585.6144 tom.suther@compass.com
Katherine Gregg 816.679.8500 katherine.gregg@compass.com
Kevin Bryant 816.769.9564 kevin.d.bryant@compass.com
Melinda Chalfant 913.278.8122 melinda.chalfant@compass.com
Becky Loboda 913.481.8270 becky.loboda@compass.com
Kathy Green 816.520.1281 kathy.green@compass.com
Heidi Peter 816.217.7100 heidi.peter@compass.com
Sandy Palmer 816.419.9797 sandy.palmer@compass.com
Locate is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Realty Group, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
Our Man BY
IN KC
Damian Lair
dlair@inkansascity.com
: @damianlair #OurManINKC
A Very PV Snow Day
I
t would have been incredibly easy to remain in bed—curtains wide open, resting in a sea of down, and watching gusts of snow swirl around buildings and blanket the streets of downtown. But, alas, I’d made a full day of plans with my sister, and I intended to keep them. We met at RSVP in the Village. Becci Meissner’s shop is always chock-full of charming gifts, but on this occasion, we were both there for their custom paper goods. As the sample books burst open, memories rushed back of the hours upon hours spent at the store designing the invitations and printed materials for both of my sisters’ weddings. No wedding invitations this trip. Having both somewhat recently settled into new homes, we were each wanting custom stationery. Mine was a tweaked reorder, with updated address, of the stationary I designed at RSVP years ago: a white, cotton-y Crane & Co. notecard with black hand-painted edges, my name embossed in a black Chevalier font at the top and a white envelope with a black-embossed address on the back flap in a simple, contrasting sans-serif font. So simple it doesn’t sound like me? You’re right. The real magic happens inside the envelope. Envelope linings are sort of like wallpaper for a small powder room. You can have a ton of fun going extra bold, in a way you might not swash across the rest of your home. One of the best things about designing custom stationery is that you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity. A pro tip: go simple on the card/envelope and get an assortment of liners that will suit multiple occasions and moods. I now have four. The first is a classic, nearly solid black with slender white vertical pinstripes— perfect for more serious correspondence. The other three are fun and whimsical: an oversized camouflage print inspired by a Marc Jacobs stationary lining I fell for at his HOT West Village shop more than a deGOSSIP: cade ago (and have long-since depleted); the perfect leopard print, Who just (remotely) which is much harder to come by bought a stack of vintage than you’d think—it’s too comLouis Vuitton trunks— mon for leopard to translate as and sent the husband to cheesy or cheap; and my newest retrieve them? addition, a startling assemblage of bright green, yellow, and red snakes FEBRUARY 2022 |
Damian Lair with his sister, Courtney González, at Welwythn.
against a glossy black background, inspired OVERHEARD by a favorite boutique wallpaper design. “I don’t binge My sister—more traditional than I— drink. I drink went for a similar white notecard from the constantly.” Vera Wang stationary collection. Hers will feature embossing in navy blue with envelopes sporting two liner options: a solid, matte cornflower blue and a lush floral pattern. No poisonous snakes—where’s the fun in that? But seriously, if you’ve never ordered custom stationery, I highly recommend. Not just because I think the world could use more note writing, but because the design process— from choosing your paper, ink/embossing color, fonts, monogram, and embellishments like painted or printed borders and envelope liners—is just about the most creative fun a grownup can have. And what you’ll get in return is something that no one else has. When I write a note, I want it to be not only a reflection of my sentiments, but of my sensibilities, tastes, and personality. And you can’t find that on a shelf. Design work is hard, and we were hungry. We left our ideas in the capable hands of the RSVP staff and walked around the corner to French Market. Despite their incredible, prepared grab-and-go entrées 26 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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and sides, freshly baked bread, artisanal cheese and charcuterie, imported specialty foods, linens, and cookbooks, we were there for lunch. A popular spot—I separately ran into Denise Delcore and Lisa Hardy while waiting at the counter to order. The Apple Brussels Salad my sister ordered sounded like what I should be eating, but I was in the mood for something heartier. So, the Croque Monsieur it was. And we shared an order of the seasoned Hannah Fries. The sandwich was classically terrific, but the standout was a small-but-mighty fleur de sel chocolate caramel tart. The perfect combination of firm and gooey—sooo good. On the way out, at my mother’s recommendation, I grabbed some cookies to go. She insisted that the chocolate chip cookies are second to none. As usual, she turned out to be correct. Still within The Shops of Prairie Village, I spied the new outpost of The Little House, which recently relocated from Fairway. Having never been—but familiar with via my mom friends—I wanted a peek. My sister was a regular, and so we went about choosing a couple of gifts for our 3-week-old nephew, Lair. Great name, no? A plush dragon sporting a backpack caught my eye. Useful—no. Adorable—yes. I’ll take it. We also found a delightful little white onesie with powder-blue handstitching along the Peter Pan collar and cuffs. It was the perfect sort of elevated sophistication you’d like to see in a onesie that will be worn exactly twice. Beyond baby items, there is of course a wide range of clothing, shoes, and gifts for bigger kids. I got baby Lair’s big sister, Lucy, a rainbow beaded heart bracelet—the perfect accessory for Valentine’s Day. While gift wrapping ensued, we, yet again, bounced around the corner. At Welwythn, you’ll find a tightly and thoughtfully assembled array of clean beauty products encapsulated in an equally clean, Hufft Architects-designed shop. It’s a fresh white canvas interspersed with lush plants, crystals, and interesting vintage lighting pieces, including the Instagram-famous, curvaceous Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass. A labor of love by proprietor, Gina Holmberg, it was the perfect shelter from the cold on this particular day. Also—the perfect spot for some skin hydration. My sister cozied up with the expert on duty for a mini-makeup consultation, color matching her for the cult-favorite line of makeup, Ilia, and its tinted serum with SPF 40 that “sells itself.” While they were occupied, I was left to wander—which I absolutely love to do in cosmetics shops. Already a fan of Penny Frances Apothecary’s Ibiza Balm, my attention quickly focused on their broader line of products. I snapped up the Rose Geranium & Hibiscus Botanical Face Mist. (I always have a face mist on my desk for when I need a splash of moisture or quick mid-day energy reset.) Trust me—you need one, too. I also picked up Penny’s Cucumber & Rose Eye Serum. In a rollerball bottle, it’ll be perfect for a quick swipe before my morning eye cream. No stranger to OVERHEARD local Alexia Wambua’s cosmetic brand, Na“Sounds like they tive Atlas, I spotted something I hadn’t seen took the same before. It was an activating gel (exclusive to ‘Press Briefings Welwythn) that can be used with the NuFace for Dumb microcurrent device I just happened to acquire Dumbs’ course.” a few months back. (And, yes, I can attest that it actually works.) I also swooned over two fragrances: Sigil’s FEBRUARY 2022 |
Solutio and Liis’s Rose Struck. With the makeup matching complete, I asked HOT what else I should add to my bag and GOSSIP: was pointed to the Agent Nateur holi (bright) Resurface Glass Face Mask Who was using some and was told that it would leave my fuzzy quarantine face pulled tight like cellophane. math in order to hit a To which I said—yes, please. Tight NYE party? on time as well, we checked out and headed for our final stop. I’d heard about and been wanting to try an infrared sauna someday. So, when the brand-new CYL Sauna Studio reached out to me on Instagram (hey, it worked!), I jumped at the opportunity for a first-hand experience. CYL (acronym for Change Your Life) opened in the also-new Corinth Quarter (immediately south of Corinth Square) and is the first of its kind in Kansas City. The serene space says “spa” the minute you open the door. Each guest is provided with a private room to relax inside a solo-system sauna pod that will have you wondering if you’re being cryogenically frozen and shipped to a galaxy light years away to save the human race. Far from frozen—the pod will deeply heat your body via infrared light through your core (vs. traditional saunas that transfer heat radiantly through warm air). Sessions are 30 minutes. First-time guests typically start at 130° but can increase up to 150°. So, what are some benefits you might expect from your scheduled sweat? Well, one—as my sister most enjoyed—30 minutes of peace and kid-free quiet! It was, indeed, a relaxing spa experience. I also quite enjoyed my cocoon of warmth, inside a dark room, on a day when my fingers and toes were cold to the bone. I also felt energized and clear-headed, like I’d just had a long, rejuvenating slumber. Speaking of sleep, many people report having the absolute best night of sleep, postsweat. I don’t struggle with sleep issues, but I’d agree that my sleep that night was rock solid. There’s also the obvious detoxification—pouring out any residue the body would like to get rid of. And who can’t use a little extra help there? I love how a good sweat really clears out and refreshes my skin. You can burn up to 600 calories—win. There are also plenty of studies pointing to workout recovery, pain relief, stress reduction, improved circulation, cellulite reduction, lower blood pressure, and wound healing over time. So, get your sweat on!
LORD OF THE DRINKS WE ENTERED through a giant, round, distinctively green door. For those familiar with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, we were clearly in the Shire at Bilbo Baggins’s Hobbit hole. With us was Gandalf the Grey, waiting quietly in his horse-drawn carriage. Thus began our passage to Middle Earth. More specifically, we were in North Kansas City at Vignettes Bar, which was winding down its latest popup transformation. An Elvish woman greeted us and offered recommendations for libations that would rejuvenate us from the long journey. I started with the most unusual Bomba-Dill, a concoction of whiskey, lime juice, and pickle brine, topped with pickle chips. I love pickles, so it was a sippable hit. My friend went with 28 | INKANSASCITY.COM
A Taste of Luxury. The entrance to Vignettes Bar’s Lord of the Rings popup.
the Mirkwood Martini, a mix of Tom’s Town gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup, garnished with lavender buds. We reluctantly passed on Smeagol’s Shots but ordered a bite from the snack menu (pastries prepared by nearby Donut King). The selection was nearly sufficient for us humans but would have left an Orc quite hungry. Unfazed by Gollum lurking in the corner, we raised our glasses to the new year. As we chatted, we were simultaneously entertained by “Trimble the Troubadour.” Trimble had jokes, recited poems, and performed various original songs. Coincidently, due to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Trimble has set forth recording a standalone album—Live from Middle Earth. Whether his parodied Backstreet Boys rendition will be included remains a mystery of Mordor. What’s popping up next? Get ready to spend an evening with Michael, Dwight and Pam at The Office.
‘‘
It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” —Bilbo Baggins in The
Fellowship of the Ring
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Symphony Classical Concert
Film + Live Orchestra
Friday and Saturday, February 4-5 at 8 p.m. Sunday, February 6 at 2 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday, February 10-12 at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 13 at 2 p.m.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
Prokofiev’s Fifth, with Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations
JASON SEBER, DAVID T. BEALS III ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR
EDUARDO STRAUSSER, GUEST CONDUCTOR ZLATOMIR FUNG, CELLO Love, conflict, jealousy and heartbreak. From elegance to unleashed energy, this concert program is full of raw emotion and power. Tickets from $25. PRESENTED BY
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Luke Skywalker heads a mission to rescue Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt and faces Darth Vader one last time. Experience “Return of the Jedi,” with your KC Symphony performing John Williams’ iconic score live as the film is shown on a giant screen in Helzberg Hall. Tickets from $40. Presentation licensed by DISNEY CONCERTS in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © 2021 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Symphony Classical Concert
Elgar’s First, Plus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 Friday and Saturday, March 4-5 at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. MICHAEL FRANCIS, GUEST CONDUCTOR MARTINA FILJAK, PIANO Feed your soul with British baroque that is touching and sincere, plus acclaimed pianist Martina Filjak plays an intimate Mozart concerto. Tickets from $25. PRESENTED BY
FREE SYMPHONY HAPPY HOUR CONCERT - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AT 6 P.M.
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Arts&Culture
IN KC
Stanislav Ioudenitch THE PIANIST AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS by
I
Judith Fertig
t’s a long and winding road from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to Parkville, Missouri. But it is the path that Stanislav Ioudenitch took from his birthplace to where he now belongs as artistic director at Park University International Center for Music (Park ICM). A renowned pianist and master, he won the coveted Van Cliburn Gold Medal Award in 2001. Along the way, Ioudenitch polished his technique, performed at Carnegie Hall and many places around the world, and married and raised his children. In 2003, he had an offer to found Park ICM, which employs a different education model—the European tradition of a protégé working directly with a master. At a young age, Ioudenitch learned to play the piano from his grandparents and parents. Now he has his own musical family. His wife, Tatiana, a pianist, owns and runs Young Artists Music Academy in Overland Park. Their daughter, Maria, a violinist, recently won the 2021 Joachim Competition in Hanover, Germany, playing a prized Stradivarius. The Third Annual Stanislav and Friends concert, which benefits FEBRUARY 2022
Park University International Center for Music, will be held on March 19 at the Kauffman Center. For more information, visit icm.park.edu INKC: Turning protégés into masters—why do you prefer this more intense style of training? Ioudenitch: When the president of Park University said that she wanted a “world-class program,” the first thing I said was, “Yes! I would like to do that! The most important thing is that we find great talent and give to that talent anything we can.” And maybe for those who are not musicians, it would be easier to understand what it takes to train a world-class athlete. To send somebody to the Olympics, for example. You have to give so much to that person since childhood. So obviously, a one-hour class one time per week to be a world-class athlete in a highly competitive atmosphere is not enough by far. So, we implemented this system. It’s how I grew up. My teachers invested in me a lot. A lot of their time. A lot of mentoring and work, an endless number of meetings and rehearsals. I guess that’s why I just wanted to give back,
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and this is the only way I could give back. And the system works. INKC: What do you miss about Tashkent? A certain food? A smell
in the air? A favorite street? Friends and family? Ioudenitch: Exactly! All of these things I miss about Tashkent, where
I lived until I was 19. What I missed, I missed a lot until I went back after many, many years. It was always terrible just thinking about how I could not go back for so long. So, when it happened, I kind of calmed down. We brought our friends there, even some people from Kansas City came to visit with us. But most important was to be able to go with my wife, whom I met there in that special music school, Uspensky Music School (for Gifted Children). Just to go and walk. And just go and remember. It was interesting to see how everything had changed. But we found places which were untouched, intact. Smells the same. You have this association immediately, the smell of the trees, of the dust. Because it’s a very dusty place. The smell of cooking food outside on the streets. Now immediately everything comes back to you. All the memories are coming back like magic time machines. INKC: Do you have favorite piano pieces to play for personal pleasure? For audiences? Ioudenitch: That’s a tricky question. It’s like asking what is your favorite book. The taste for music is like our taste for books. It changes over time. Same with music. My musical taste changes. For the public, I like to build programs for my students that they are going to play for someone else—to share. But then you must consider the student. Understanding his or her style of performing is very important. Pro-
gramming is very tricky in classical music. But always, for me or my students, we have to find ourselves in that music and try our best to present all the composer’s ideas in the purest way possible. INKC: How has Kansas City helped you and your family find a
place where you belong, where you can live and work and thrive? Ioudenitch: Before coming to America, I spent three plus years in
Italy in one of the most beautiful places called Lake Como. And coming to the United States, our first year was in Cleveland. I remember it was tough. There’s also a lake there but that was not the place we wanted to be. Through the Van Cliburn Foundation and Jerome Lowenthal, who was in New York at Julliard, they found Robert Weirich, who was beginning to work at the University of Missouri and who was starting a new [piano] studio. And so we met and I went to see Kansas City. I was very anxious of how I’d feel because we already had the family, my little daughter. Basically, we had to start from scratch. I wanted a place where I could invest myself. Do a lot of things. Not just for survival. But maybe build something. And when I came here, I totally realized that this could be the place. There’s room to grow. Obviously, though a great mecca for artists, New York City is not on that list. And I came here, thanks to the Plaza! It looked like to me a beautiful little European place. So, I called my wife and said, “It’s good. We can come here. I feel the good energy here. I can feel it. I think we are going to settle here. Just enough space for us. We can grow our daughter here.” And it was the right choice. I wouldn’t change it.
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Arts & Culture by
IN KC
Judith Fertig
(THE EXTREMELY THRILLING & OCCASIONALLY SHOCKING MISADVENTURES OF MESDAMES) HOLMES AND WATSON IN THIS WORLD PREMIERE of the multi-talented Kate Hamill’s play, the Sherlockian tales of Arthur Conan Doyle get a fresh reimagining. Her recent take on Pride and Prejudice played at the Rep in 2019. Although Bree Elrod played Lizzie Bennett, Hamill sometimes plays this protagonist in other venues. Hamill has also written and starred in retellings of Sense and Sensibility (Marianne), Vanity Fair (Becky Sharp), and Little Women (Meg March). In KCRep’s Ms. Homes & Ms. Watson, Hamill says she has created, in her irreverently tongue-in-cheek way, a “modern-day, feminist, four-person desecration of the famous detective stories.” Hamill claims that 68 percent of theatergoers are women “hungry for women’s stories.” Elementary, my dear Watson. The game’s afoot. Performances are February 1 through 20. Facial coverings are required but check before you go. For more information, visit kcrep.org.
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STOMP! ONCE UPON A TIME, the American music scene was invaded by four mop-top lads from Liverpool—the Beatles— who wowed audiences in live concerts and changed rock and roll forever. Flash forward, and the multi-talented, eightmember Stomp! from Across the Pond delivers a pulsepounding, physical performance like nothing you’ve ever seen. Presented through The American Theatre Guild at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Stomp! is part action movie, part concert, part dramedy, part there-is-noname-for-it. With brooms, Zippo lighters, mops, garbage-can lids, and other unusual percussive instruments, the group pounds out rhythms, poetry, pantomime, and acrobatics. You won’t sleep through this one. Performances are February 11 and 12. Check for Covid protocols before you go at kauffmancenter.org.
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WAR REMAINS: A VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE IF YOU THINK the World War I Museum’s exhibit recreating trench life is something, you should try this. In a 15-minute timed virtual reality experience (ages 14 and up), you can actually feel, see, and hear what it was like to be in the trenches as the battle rages during World War I. Using stunning special effects and special gear for one person at a time, War Remains offers a visceral introduction to the realities of war. Bombs explode, the ground beneath your feet vibrates, your commanding officer shouts orders, and you have to find your way through the trenches. Designed by Hardcore History podcaster Dan Carlin, War Remains immerses you in battle. You don’t have to imagine it. You live it. Check for Covid protocols before you go. For more information and timed tickets, visit theworldwar.org.
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Trent Gallagher is a licensed real estate affiliated with Compass Realty Group, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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photo by kenny johnson
DRACULA: THE BALLET EVER SINCE BRAM STOKER imagined his 1897 Dracula—while on his honeymoon in the spooky coastal town of Whitby, England—we’ve had various interpretations of the vampire, all capturing the zeitgeist of the time. From the creepy 1922 silent movie Nosferatu onward, we’ve seen campy Bela Lugosi as 1940s Dracula, sexy Frank Langella as 1979 Dracula: The Love Story, and Gary Oldman’s 1992 portrayal of the Count of the Undead. In the hands of choreographer Martin Pink and the Kansas City Ballet, Dracula is compelling and frightening, the embodiment of a disease that cannot be stopped, that claims its victims and lives on. And on. And on. We see the story unfold through Jonathan Harker’s feverish eyes; a PTSD nightmare come to vivid life in an old tale with a new twist. Performances are February 18 through 27. For tickets and safety requirements, visit kauffmancenter.org.
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| 37 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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Behind the Music
IN KC
Ryan Heinlein by
Timothy Finn
photo by
Clint Ashlock
childhood, I suppose. We didn’t have a lot of money but were in a nice neighborhood with lots of kids, and we were by a big park. You could hear moms yell outside for their kids when it was time for dinner, that type of thing. My dad got a promotion when I was 13, which allowed us to move to a suburb of Wichita. We were outside a lot, playing sports, skateboarding, and just walking around this little town. I also played a ton of video games growing up. Music has always been around my family. My dad played keyboards in rock bands. He would gig out of town a lot on weekends, but there was always music playing in the house. To this day, I still listen to music really loudly while I clean the house. It’s what we did when I was a kid. I have zero complaints about my childhood and how I was raised.
W
hen he settled on the trombone as his instrument of choice as an 11-year-old, Ryan Heinlein could not have imagined where it would take him decades later. These days, Heinlein is a music educator at Johnson County Community College, a graduate of the doctoral in music arts program at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the leader of the jazz septet the Project H, which is among several ensembles bringing new flavors of jazz to new waves of music fans in a variety of venues across Kansas City. Heinlein recently answered questions from IN Kansas City about his childhood, about how music overtook sports and skateboarding as his first loves, and about the immeasurable value of teaching and teachers in the world of music.
Let’s start at the beginning. What was your childhood like and how early did music become a part of it? Ryan Heinlein: I was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. I had a typical 1980s FEBRUARY 2022
Who were your earliest music influences? RH: When I was a kid, I wrote a song called You Dummy. It was to the guitar hook of Everybody Wants You by Billy Squier, so I guess he was my first musical influence? And I’m not ashamed to admit that. It was really just the stuff that was on in the house. I have an older brother and sister, so whatever they listened to, whatever my parents listened to. Any given day, you could hear Santana, Tower of Power, Michael Jackson, Run DMC, Bob Marley, or Van Halen. And I guess Billy Squier, too. Also, MTV played music constantly back then. When my dad was out of town, MTV was on. We would listen to whatever they had playing. I started to get into jazz when I was in college at Wichita State. My jazz teacher gave me a [Charles] Mingus record to listen to. Some of my musician friends would get together and play new things for each other until 3 or 4 a.m. We would talk about what we liked about those artists. It could have been Charlie Parker one night, the Bad Plus the next night. We listened to a lot of music then. What were the first albums you owned and/or bought? Some of your favorite bands/artists? RH: I remember listening to my brother’s Metallica cassettes a lot; they were my favorite. As far as anything I owned? I remember having Victory by the Jacksons. I was probably 10 or 11 when I started buying my own music frequently: Bell Biv Devoe, Boyz II Men, Black Sheep, Pearl
| 40 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Jam, and Pantera to name a few. I got a CD player when I was 13. Primus, Rage Against the Machine, and Wu Tang Clan had pretty much taken over my musical taste at that point. When did you decide to start playing the trombone and why? Do you play other instruments? RH: I started playing the trombone when I was 11. We got to choose three instruments we were interested in playing. In this order, I choose the saxophone, the cello, and the trombone. Trombone was the only one I could make an OK sound on, so that’s what they put me on. I tried learning guitar, but never really stuck with it. I really wish I’d learned to play piano when I was younger. I learned in college, but I had a Hammond B3 in my bedroom growing up! It was the only place in the house where it fit, and I never really messed with it. Was there a pivotal moment that led you to make the trombone and music your life’s pursuit? RH: I planned on quitting band my freshmen year of high school. I liked sports and skateboarding, and I didn’t like practicing. I remember getting goosebumps after one of our final performances. I’d never experienced that before, and it really hooked me. Nothing else I had done to that point made me feel that way, so I decided to stick with it. Every year, I did a little less of the other things I was interested in and a little more music. I joined a ska band called Ophil when I was 16. That’s what you did when you played trombone in the ’90s and wanted
to be a rock star. My parents were super cool about it. As long as I didn’t miss school, I could go play. We would drive to St. Louis or Kansas City or Oklahoma City on weeknights and play. I would get home just in time to take a shower and go to 7 a.m. jazz band. I absolutely loved playing, traveling, and meeting other people who were like me. Once I joined that band, I knew this is what I would be doing the rest of my life. What teacher or teachers were most influential in your life through high school? RH: It sounds so obvious, but it was my music teachers. I really didn’t care about anything else for half of my high school career. Once I joined Ophil, music was the only thing I was concerned with. I think they saw that switch in me and my drive to become better and continue. I still talk to them and hang out with them. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. You have a doctorate in musical arts, the culmination of years of music education. Some musicians discover that conservatories and academia are not for them. What about higher education appealed to and satisfied you? RH: College for me, regardless of which degree, was a means to an end. It was something I knew I had to complete, and complete at a high level, to get where I wanted to be. There were plenty of classes, lessons, and experiences I enjoyed that I
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Behind the Music
IN KC
would never take back. There were plenty of negative experiences as well where I could have given up, but I didn’t. I used it all as motivation to finish my goal. It’s not for everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I finished the bachelor’s degree and started teaching. I thought I wanted to be a high school music teacher, until I was a high school music teacher. It wasn’t for me. Those directors put so much time and energy into their programs. I was 25, and it just didn’t feel right. I wanted to keep improving, keep playing, and there’s only so much you could do when you have all the extra obligations that high school teachers have. You are a teacher again. My two children were in orchestra from middle school into high school, and all their teachers were extraordinarily dedicated and patient. I consider music teachers to be something like saints on earth: patient and committed to the larger cause. What is your teaching philosophy? How do you help make the pursuit exciting and appealing and not so much an obligation? What is the most rewarding part of teaching? RH: Music is my life. I was fortunate enough to know that when I was 16. I also know that others may not feel the same way about it as I do. My job at Johnson County Community College is to help my students figure out where music fits in their lives. Some want to go on to a fouryear institution to study music. They want to teach, they want to perform, they want to produce. I’ve done enough, made enough mistakes, succeeded enough, and met enough people where I can set them on the right path. I can motivate them to find their passion, create goals for themselves and achieve them.
Some students just want to play music while they begin their careers in another field. Those students become the advocates for the arts in schools, and we need those just as much as we need musicians. I want to make sure they have a positive experience in my program so they can look back fondly at their time with me. The most rewarding part of teaching is watching something click with a student, to see a fire get lit from that lesson and to see where they take it after they leave my program. I’m so proud to have been a chapter in their lives. It seems that over the past ten years or so there has been a surge in interest in jazz in Kansas City thanks to more venues and more bands like your own, Project H, and like Hazelton’s Boogaloo 7 and Marcus Lewis’ Big Band and Brass and Boujee, ensembles who are giving jazz a more contemporary flair. Is that accurate and are you optimistic about the future of live jazz and jazz clubs? RH: I think that is accurate to a point. There are definitely musicians in town who are pushing boundaries and crossing over to more of a mainstream audience, but we don’t really get to do that in traditional jazz venues, aside from the Blue Room. I’m thankful for places like the Ship, RecordBar, Westport Coffeehouse, Corvino Supper Club, to name a few. We’ve had to be creative in finding other venues like art galleries, breweries, festivals, or pop-up venues when the aforementioned are already booked. But music like Brass and Boujee, Eddie Moore’s projects, the Project H probably aren’t a great fit at places like the Phoenix or the Green Lady, and that’s fine. We had a residency at the Green Lady for 18
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months, and it never felt right, it never felt like home. I’m glad we got an opportunity to play there, though. The traditional jazz clubs seem to be doing fine, and I think that’s awesome. Of course, I’ve barely been out in the past two years. But I hope they continue to book acts that will keep people excited and interested. We talk so much about Kansas City being a jazz town and how important we are to its history. You go to New Orleans, and you are immersed in their music, their style, their culture. You can’t escape it without leaving the city. I don’t see that in Kansas City as much. I’d like it to change, but I’m not the right person to lead that charge. Let’s talk about Project H, what your initial intent was, and how it has evolved. RH: I started writing music for the group my final year in Wichita. It was a release from teaching. If I had a bad day, I would sit at the piano in the band room after school and just mess around. After a month or so, I had six or seven ideas figured out, so I arranged them and got some friends together to play them. It’s grown from a quintet to a septet. I really wanted the group to be this musical chameleon, and it is to a point. But what really happened was I continued to grow as a composer and found, what I think is, my voice as a writer. I think you can hear a piece now and think, “Yeah, that sounds like Ryan.” You can hear bits and pieces of all those influences mentioned earlier in my music. Around 2013, I started to write specifically for the main members of the group. I could write to their strengths. I knew I could add bass clarinet or flute to a piece because Brett Jackson is a great woodwind
doubler. I could give Clint Ashlock a soulful feature because I knew he would sound amazing every time. The last record, I introduced a string quartet and Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, just to start exploring and expanding musical textures. That trend of expansion is evident in some of the newer pieces I’ve been working on. What’s the difference between being a band leader and a music teacher? RH: The biggest difference is that, beyond telling the Project H how I want a piece to go, I’m not really teaching them after that. There’s an implication that if I hire you or want you to be a part of one of my projects that you can already read music at a proficient level, you can interact with a group on the spot and know how to actively listen within an ensemble, that you are trusting as a professional and that you are a good person. With teaching, I get to dig into the fundamentals of music, which is fun but also challenging. I get to teach my students how to read and listen and be professional. I absolutely love that process. It can be tough, and not all of them learn the same way, so I still get to be creative on how I present a fundamental. Complete this sentence: “My favorite thing about being a musician in Kansas City is ...” RH: I know that if I want to create any musical project, regardless of genre, I can find incredible musicians to sign on to play, and I can find venues that are willing to host it.
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Look
IN KC
Fashion
BY
Rachel Murphy
Netflix and Chill
A
h, amour–it’s February, and love is in the air. While the calendar says that it’s time to strip down and create some body heat, two years of working from home have created an expectation of comfort, intimates included. If you’re feeling more casual sensuality and less high-stress (and strap) lingerie, Kansas City’s boutiques have great options for flirty, fun, feel-good options for your wintertime snog-fest.
LOVE IS NATURAL Let the forces of nature take over with these silky viscose pajamas from Colombian designer Ellipse. These shorty pajamas feature a tiered ruffle back and deep pockets on the shorts, all in a beautiful print exclusive to Ellipse, made using zero water. Printed pajamas by Ellipse, $170, available at Birdies Panties and Swim (Crossroads).
HEARTS ON YOUR—SLEEVE? For a fun take on a matching set, try a stretchy, wire-free bralette, like this one from Xirena, matched with a low hipster panty. Playful hearts keep it on theme, while the buttery soft polycotton blend makes it ultra-comfortable. Pair with red lipstick and a rom-com— partner optional. Gisele bra in I Heart U, $87, Paloma panty in I Heart U, $53, available at Clairvaux (Fairway). FEBRUARY 2022 |
LOVE LACE For a more traditional take on lingerie, go with a classic— black lace never fails. The lacy Molly bralette with scalloped edges is comfortable and gorgeous. Choose between a cheeky Brazilian-cut panty and a wide banded thong. Plus, this set is cut and sewn in Kansas City, with a panty donated to a woman in need for every item purchased. Panty set in black, $88, available at Madi Apparel (Westside).
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ASK THE EXPERT
I have inherited jewelry from I have from Q : familyinherited memberjewelry or I have jewelry Q : athat a family member or IWhat have do jewelry I no longer wear. I do with it?
that I no longer wear. What do I do with it?
First, it is important to know the difference First, it is the important to know the difference A : two most common types of A : between between the two most common types of appraisals associated with jewelry evaluations
appraisals associated jewelry evaluations based on what your endwith goal is: based on what your end goal is:
1.1.INSURANCE APPRAISALS INSURANCE APPRAISALS reflect the full retail amount,
reflect the full retail amount, which is ideal if you wish to retain which is ideal if you wish to retain & insure the item. & insure the item.
This type of appraisal can be This type of appraisal can end be goal is counter-productive if your counter-productive if your end goal is to sell the piece, because the value to sell thereflects piece, because value generally the “new”the insurance generally reflects “new”often insurance replacement valuethe - which times replacement value which often is a higher amount than what the times is a higher amount than item was purchased for. what the item was purchased for.
2. 2.LIQUIDATION LIQUIDATIONAPPRAISALS APPRAISALS or “Liquid Value Assessments” or “Liquid Value Assessments” provide the amount an item is provide the amount an item is likely to sell for an immediate likely to sell for an immediate payment situation. payment situation. Diamond Banc offers complementary Diamond offers complementary liquid valueBanc assessments, even if you liquidprepared value assessments, aren’t to part witheven yourif you aren’t prepared to part with your pieces. This enables you to accurately pieces. This enables you accurately determine the value of thetoinherited determine theinto value the inherited pieces and go theofdecision making pieces and go into the decision making process informed. process informed.
items does Diamond Banc accept? Q What items does Diamond Banc accept? Q:: What We are actively seeking diamonds, A : We are actively diamonds, jewelry,seeking fine swiss timepieces A : designer
designer Rolex jewelry, fine swiss timepieces including & Patek Philippe, and including Rolex & Patek Philippe, and bullion. precious metals, such as gold & silver precious metals, such as gold & silver bullion.
does the process work? Q How does the process work? Q:: How Set up an appointment and visit our Set uplocated an appointment and visit A : on the Country Clubour Plaza A : office office located on the Country Club Plaza or at either TIVOL locations. Clients also or at the either TIVOL Clients have option tolocations. leave their items also have the toan leave their items at TIVOL tooption receive evaluation at TIVOL to receive an evaluation within 24 hours. within 24 hours.
SICILY VON OVERFELT, GIA DIAMONDS GRADUATE SICILY VON OVERFELT, GIA DIAMONDS GRADUATE DIRECTOR OF DIAMOND BANC, KANSAS CITY DIRECTOR OF DIAMOND BANC, KANSAS CITY SICILY@DIAMONDBANC.COM | 816.977.2677 | 435 NICHOLS RD. SUITE 200, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112 SICILY@DIAMONDBANC.COM | 816.977.2677 | 435 NICHOLS RD. SUITE 200, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112 Untitled-3 1 Untitled-3 1
1/19/22 1:58 PM 1/19/22 1:58 PM
Look
IN KC Beauty
BY
I
Rachel Murphy
Fresh Faced
f you’re turning over a new leaf in the new year, why not start with your skin? Winter is an excellent time for more intense skin treatments—you don’t want to go outside right now anyway, do you? Exfoliation is your friend in the never-ending battle between you and time, even if the immediate results can be a bit jarring. The category of “peels” is a wide one these days and can encompass anything from daily exfoliating pads intended to sweep away dead skin cells daily to more intense two-step processes. Lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids are all popular ingredients, as they dissolve the top layer of skin to reveal fresh skin underneath. We’ve found a few to try—but no matter what, remember to pamper your skin after with moisture and sun protection. There’s no use uncovering new skin if you’re not going to treat it like a queen.
POWERFUL PUNCH For a bit more oomph, turn to Philosophy. Their Microdelivery resurfacing solution packs 4% AHAs and super ingredient vitamin C and cica. This liquid sweeps away dead cells and nourishes the new skin underneath for hydrated, fresh skin with hyaluronic acid and peptides. Philosophy Microdelivery resurfacing solution, $40, available at ulta.com.
TWO STEPS TO FRESHNESS If you want to bring in the big guns, try Paula’s Choice expert exfoliation duo. This two-piece set features a daily Skin Perfecting liquid exfoliant with 2% BHA. Add the weekly Skin Perfecting 25% AHA and 2% BHA exfoliant peel for deep exfoliation. This one is powerful—don’t skimp on the sun protection. Paula’s Choice expert exfoliation duo, $51, available at sephora.com.
FEBRUARY 2022 |
DAILY DRIVER Remember Clean and Clear pads? If you do, and you were also alive and conscious during the last Bush administration, it’s time to level up your pad game. Try the Mirabile M.D. MedCosmetic Triple Action Acne Pads. Don’t be fooled—these aren’t just for the acne-prone. The combination of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid dissolves dead skin gently enough to use every day on oily skin or weekly for those with more sensitive skin types Mirabile M.D. MedCosmetic Triple Action Acne Pads, $55, mirabilemd.com or at Mirabile Beauty, Health and Wellness (Overland Park).
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Look
IN KC
Wellness
BY
Rachel Murphy
Lovelines READ YOUR WAY TO BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
Y
ou know your love language. You’ve learned to make friends and influence people. You’ve cracked open the atlas of the heart, and you’re ready to move forward. Relationships, especially with a romantic partner, can be tricky, and there’s always room for growth. If you’re hungry for a better connection with your partner, read a book or play a game and see how your love can grow.
RADICAL KINDNESS:THE LIFECHANGING POWER OF GIVING AND RECEIVING by Angela Santomero Is Angela Santomero a marriage counselor? No. She is the creator of several beloved children’s series, such as Blue’s Clues and Daniel Neighborhood, and her Tiger’s Neighborhood latest book explores the power of kindness—kindness to yourself kindness and others. While not a traditional marriage book, the concepts in this tome can inspire a change in our behavior that makes us more generous and accepting. Available at Rainy Day Books (Fairway).
LET’S GET DEEP–THE RELATIONSHIP GAME FULL OF QUESTIONS FOR COUPLES Admit it—some days, most of your communication has to do more with laundry than your innermost desires. Shake things up a bit with a game that encourages you to go deeper and learn more about your partner, all while having fun. Made by the makers of What Do You Meme, this game is suitable for groups or just the one you love. Available on Amazon.
LOVE IN COLOUR: MYTHICAL TALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD retold by Bolu Babalola Sometimes no advice is needed, only examples. Love in Colour allows storyteller Bolu Babalola to reimagine tales of romantic love from around the globe, including Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and folk tales from Africa. Grab a bottle of wine and spend an evening reading stories of romance with the one you love. Available at BLK + BRWN (Westport).
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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Women’s Health presented by
AdventHealth
IN KC by
Emily Park
Guarding Your Heart CARDIOLOGIST HEATH WILT SHARES STRATEGIES TO STAY HEART HEALTHY RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN In women’s health, the most telling cardiovascular risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Smoking and lack of routine exercise are also equally telling. Women are most likely to experience heart disease after age 65 due to menopause and changes in activity patterns and lifestyle factors. It’s still important, however, to be aware of genetic or family risks, or other unique risks that may influence heart health in a younger woman. Cardiovascular research is continuing to identify factors unique to women that may influence long-term risk. Wilt says this includes factors such as time of menarche (age of first period), age of menopause, or issues that may have occurred during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Additionally, treatment for female-based diseases like breast cancer, including specific chemotherapy agents or chest radiation, can greatly increase the risk for future cardiovascular issues.
F
ebruary is the time of year when we share our hearts with our nearest and dearest for Valentine’s Day. With much of the focus on our metaphorical hearts, let’s not forget to take care of our physical hearts too. While it’s much easier (and a lot more fun) to focus on the lovers’ holiday, February is also a time for real talk about heart health during American Heart Month. The fact is, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in women, causing one in three deaths each year, or about one death per minute. Heath Wilt, a cardiologist with AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, weighed in on how heart disease uniquely affects women’s health and shared the best ways to stay heart healthy. “Women are less likely to present with ‘classic’ symptoms suggestive of a heart attack or stroke, which delays diagnosis and care,” says Wilt. “Additionally, women are more likely to delay management of preceding symptoms that may suggest a developing problem due to several social factors, such as prioritizing care of their families or other individuals close to them.” SYMPTOMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN WOMEN Unlike men, who are more likely to experience chest pain with a heart attack, women are more likely to experience pain in the shoulder, jaw, or neck. Other common symptoms unique to women include sudden fatigue, nausea, or epigastric pain that feels like intense heartburn. Women who experience a stroke are also less likely to present with recognizable symptoms, such as slurring of speech or facial droop. Symptoms in women are usually more subtle such as confusion, a headache, or generalized but sudden malaise and imbalance. FEBRUARY 2022 |
DECREASING THE RISK “The singular, most important recommendation we stress to our female patients is to know their body and be an advocate for their own health,” Wilt says. “As women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, they need to speak out if something feels different or new.” Research from the American Heart Association shows that simply walking 30 minutes a day, five days per week, can reduce a woman’s risk of stroke and heart attack by 33 percent, risk of sudden death due to a cardiovascular cause by 50 percent, and even reduce the risk for dementia, diabetes, and certain cancers. Wilt pointed out that the role of healthy diet and lifestyle habits shouldn’t be underestimated either. For diet, he recommends DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) or the Mediterranean Diet. Rather than recommending certain dietary restrictions, these “diets” reinforce lifestyle changes incorporating holistic eating patterns focused on fresh foods and protein from plant-based sources and non-red meat animal products. EARLY DETECTION OF POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS IS KEY “In the cardiology world, we refer to ‘time is muscle,’ meaning that the longer the delay in identifying the problem, the longer the delay to treatment, which further increases the risk of heart damage,” Wilt says. “As a result, we stress the importance of a patient and their support system being strong advocates for their health.” In response, Wilt and his colleagues individualize care for patients. As the presenting medical sponsor of Kansas City’s Go Red for Women movement, which is the American Heart Association’s national campaign to end heart disease and stroke in women, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission endorses the recommendations the AHA sets forth for helping women understand their personal risks.
Cardiologist Heath Wilt
52 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Expert Care for a Woman’s Whole Life We’re moving women’s care forward in Kansas City by delivering a comprehensive network of services for every stage of life. From minimally invasive heart surgeries and innovative cancer treatments to personalized OB care including a level III NICU, we’re here for you every step of the way. It’s all designed to help you feel whole for your whole life.
Learn more at WomensCareKC.com.
Living
BY
IN KC
Patricia O’Dell Ohgita Katsuya Cast Glass House, $350
Hello, Lover GIFTS FOR YOUR VALENTINE, AND YOU KNOW THEY SAY YOU SHOULD LOVE YOURSELF FIRST
V
alentine’s Day may be one of the most wrought and maligned holidays, but certainly an occasion that celebrates love is a good idea. In the daily routines of life, especially in the depth of the midwestern winter, romance is nothing to scoff at. That said, many people end up buying gifts for themselves when shopping for others for celebrations, and there is certainly nothing wrong with a little, “One for you, one for me.”
Vintage Japanese cotton throw, $950
Vintage Japanese silk rectangular pillow, $495
EAST TO WEST Undoubtably, Asiatica in Westwood is one of the most unique shops in town. Since 1977, owner Elizabeth Wilson has stocked her shelves, piled her tables, and filled her displays with beautiful and unique textiles, objets, and tableware, much of it from her annual travels to Japan. Oh! And in that long sculptural case in the center of the shop you’ll find the most exquisite jewelry. It may create a “one for you, one for me” situation.
Ted Muehling Big Cluster earrings with turquoise, $750
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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Mistaken Lyrics coaster set, $30, available at The General Store + Co. (Downtown Overland Park).
PALENTINE’S DAY FUN BELIEVE ME, I’ve spent many Valentine’s Days with no manpanion but often enjoyed a great night with my women friends. These Mistaken Lyrics coaster sets are the perfect way to start the night off with a laugh if you’re staying in with friends of either gender.
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FEBRUARY 2022 |
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Living
IN KC BY
Patricia O’Dell
Man, Oh Man
FORGET THE LAWN AND GARDEN AISLE AND COZY UP
W
hile much of Valentine’s Day seems focused on women, in my experience there are plenty of men with romantic spirits. Fortunately, Ulah, the urban-feeling retreat in Westwood, caters to men with an elevated aesthetic, and their wares are not limited to apparel. Ulah gives “lounge wear” a whole new spin with home design services and products. They make it easy to kick your shoes off and cuddle up with a good book, a cocktail, and your favorite fella.
Four Hands chevron 8’x10’ beige rug, $950
Foxtrot leather coasters, $19
Modern Architecture A-Z (Taschen), $20
Custom Elliot coffee table in Calacatta quartz and solid walnut, $5,999.99 W&P Peak Ice Works extralarge ice cube tray, $14
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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LOOK AND LEAP DESPITE what my family may say, everything really is not all about me. But I have a huge crush on Emily Johnson’s Terra series of oil paintings with an aerial point of view. The texture of the paint will make these hard to keep your hands off—they beg to be touched. And at their reasonable price, perhaps you should buy two. (We won’t tell if you keep one for yourself.) Johnson’s artwork is avaiable at Cerbera Gallery in the Crossroads.
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FEBRUARY 2022 |
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SPONSORED CONTENT
ANGE ONE THING ABOUT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
YOUR HOME DESERVES A LUXURIOUS UPGRADE. HERE’S WHY By Katy Schamberger
your
Visit www.KarinRossDesigns.com to see images of Ross’s portfolio and schedule your free consultation.
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KarinRossDesigns.com
KarinRossDesigns.com 816-425-2815
IT’S
long past time to rethink luxury. Because the word is used so often, the concept of luxury isn’t as alluring as it once was. Yet luxury also encompasses more than a pricey splurge. Just ask Karin Ross, owner of Karin Ross Designs. “Luxury is about so much more than price points,” Ross says. “It’s atmosphere, ambience—blending with the space you’re creating.” Ross has perfected the art of introducing luxury into her clients’ home remodels. Each kitchen upgrade or bathroom transformation is a study in dazzling details—eye-catching patterns, inviting textures, polished fixtures, sculptural lighting. Collectively, the elements combine to create a space that doesn’t merely perform a function; it elicits a feeling. “When you create a luxurious space in your home, it makes it so much easier to rest and also feel inspired when you’re there,” Ross says.
THE KEY IS TO START WITH TWO QUESTIONS: What is the ultimate vision for the space? What’s needed to bring that vision to life? Ross knows that some prospective clients might be daunted by a home update with a higher price tag. That’s why she takes such care throughout the process to make the investment worthwhile, both in the short- and long-term. “My job is to understand what they really want and what they’re dreaming about,” Ross says. “Sometimes clients don’t realize their true goals, even if they’ve collected ideas on Pinterest, from magazines, or other sources.” Once the ultimate vision is established, Ross stays closely attuned to each step of the project. One of her many areas of expertise? Helping clients prioritize where they might save and where they should splurge. “I can help clients more wisely spend their money based on what they want and still get that luxurious feel overall,” Ross says. Ross’s approach makes sense. Here’s a scenario to consider: you’re ready to refresh your kitchen, so you don’t shy away from pricey materials and pieces. Yet you don’t have a clear vision. You might have accumulated a range of luxury items, but that doesn’t mean they’ll add up to an enviable result. Instead, the key is to work with a professional like Ross, who understands not only the embodiment of luxury, but also how to achieve it.
“Together, we can make your home a showstopper, a highvalue luxury, the home of your dreams,” Ross says. “Not only will you create a space that makes you feel good; you’ll also maintain or, more likely, increase the value of your house.” This is an especially ideal time to start planning your home update. It’s the season for giving—and what could be better than the ultimate gift to yourself and your home? And as a new year begins, you’ll have your home transformation underway so that 2022 will be a year you’ll always treasure. “It’s OK to spend this money and treat yourself,” Ross says. “I’m here to make you feel confident in the direction you want to go. Call me. We’ve got this.”
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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words by
Cindy Hoedel
photo by
Todd Oldham
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Bridget Everett
A
native of the Little Apple (Manhattan, Kansas) has taken the Big Apple by storm. In 2015, Bridget Everett quit her restaurant job to pursue a career in comedy and music, opening shows for Amy Schumer, writing songs with NSFW lyrics and singing with her band, The Tender Moments, and performing in provocative cabaret shows that got her dubbed “the most exciting performer in New York City” by Village Voice. Now Everett is starring in the new HBO comedy series Somebody Somewhere, which she co-produced. The show has garnered glowing reviews, and Everett’s character, Sam, looks to be the next Kansan-playedby-a-Kansan to steal America’s heart after Jason Sudeikis’s Ted Lasso. IN Kansas City spoke with Everett by phone from her apartment in New York about filming in Kansas, returning to live cabaret shows after a two-year Covid pause, and coping with depression and grief.
What is your non-working life like in New York? [Laughs.] It is crazy. It is off the rails. It is a cup of coffee on the couch, go for a walk to get some Vitamin D, come home, and wait for nighttime so I can have a glass of wine. When you go out do people recognize you? Yeah. I think every year it’s a little bit more. I had a dog that passed away in June, but she was also recognizable, so people used to stop her on the street and be like, “Poppy!” And I’m like, “What about me?” [Laughs.] I’m so sorry about Poppy. Thanks. It’s a heartbreaker.
What neighborhood do you live in in New York? I’m on the Upper West Side, between Riverside and Central Park.
Your new series, Somebody Somewhere, is a comedy, but grief is a strong underlying theme. You lost your Dad and your sister in a short span, and now your dog, too. How are you coping? It was definitely challenging because my Dad and sister died within a year of each other, and it was really painful, but I’d never really dealt with it. So, doing this show was part of healing, and then my dog died halfway through [filming] so it was a little, ah, hard core for a while there. But we got through it, and I’m actually happy that I had something to focus on. And it was such a positive experience and positive vibe on set, it really saved my life.
What’s your apartment like? It’s good. I live on the top floor. I’ve got a nice terrace that sort of saved my life during the pandemic and lots of natural light. It’s a real upgrade from where I was about five years ago where I had natural light from 11:15 to 11:30 every morning and that was it.
The show is set in Manhattan, Kansas, where you’re from. Most movies and TV shows set in the Midwest are cringe-inducing, but Somebody Somewhere feels true and well-observed. Did you work with the writers to get the cultural-emotional pitch dialed in? Oh, yeah. I was in the writer’s room every day and working closely with
What have you been doing today besides talking to reporters on the phone? Oh my god, I was just turning off my soft rock radio and finishing up a delicious breakfast here at noon on a Monday. [Laughs.]
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Left to right: Jeff Hiller, Mercedes White, Murray Hill, and Bridget Everett star in Somebody Somewhere.
The series is filmed in Illinois but there are scenes that show Manhattan, Kansas, landmarks—did you shoot any B-roll there? Yes, we came back after we filmed. It was fun being back. It brought the show home for me in a whole different way. Was it emotional being back in Manhattan, or do you get back quite a bit? I used to not get back very often. It was more emotional this time because the show sort of forced me to look at where I’m from in a different way. My mom had gone into a nursing home before the pandemic, and the visit felt to me like it had a little more heft and weight this time. What impressions of your childhood remain after being away for so long?
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I’m the youngest of six kids, so by the time I came around, my mom was like, “Well, do what you want,” you know? [Laughs.] We used to ride our bikes and go everywhere at night. I had a driver’s license at 14. I had challenges growing up, but I have a lot of fond memories of Kansas and of the people. It’s weird, there are all these things that people make fun of about Kansas, like being flat and whatever. But now I crave going to places like Top of the World [a scenic overlook off KS-113] where I can look out and see it for its simple beauty. I really find a sense of peace when I’m driving back from KCI on I-70 to Exit 313. It’s a beautiful, beautiful place. I didn’t always feel that way. You run away from it for a reason, and then you come home for a reason. How is Sam in Somebody Somewhere different from your stage persona? Well, my cabaret stage persona has found her voice, and Sam has not found her voice—she has lost it. The idea for the show was: What if Bridgett had stayed in Kansas versus moving to New York? Sam is at a point in her life where I was probably like ten years ago, just feeling a little lost, a little underwater, and a lot sad. Fred Rococo is my favorite character next to Sam. Was Fred 62 | INKANSASCITY.COM
photo by chuck hodes/hbo
our showrunners, who are also from the Midwest, and our writers and our other executive producer to really nail Sam’s voice and the tone. We wanted to give our most authentic version of what being from the Midwest is like. Granted, I haven’t lived there for a number of years, but my mom is still there, two of my brothers are there, my best friend lives there. Those are the people that made me. Those relationships formed me. It is largely because of those people in Manhattan that I am the way I am.
inspired by someone in your life? Oh, yeah. Fred is inspired by Murray Hill, who happens to be one of my best friends in New York. He was the only person that didn’t have to audition for the part. It was written for him. I’m desperate to bring Fred-slash-Murray back to Manhattan sometime. Have you ever done one of your cabaret shows in Manhattan? I haven’t. I’ve performed in Lawrence and Kansas City. You know, my live show is pretty wild. [Laughs.] Yes it is. I don’t want to put that on my brother and mom who still live there. Although I don’t think they would care, I think they’d love it. I will eventually. Maybe something at the Wareham [Opera House] would be a fun coming-home. In 2017, you said in an interview: “I just want to curl up and sit in the darkness when I’m not onstage.” You’re also really honest onstage about the traumatic aspects of your childhood with a father who left when you were little and a mom who was bitter and felt trapped. Do you struggle with depression, and if so, do you deal with it in other ways than working through it in your art? Yeah, I do struggle with depression. There’s probably a lot of people who, when the world stopped, had to face a certain amount of that as well. I think that the live show and the TV show are a way for me to feel alive and present and happy and awake. So not having that for so long has definitely been challenging. I think if you feel things in a big way, there’s sort of like no more alive or awake that I can be than when I’m on stage doing shows, because they’re very personal. So, when I come home it’s just like—you know—it doesn’t always feel like there’s a lot left, so I just sort of conserve and wait till the next time I get to do it. I just actually finished a run of shows. I performed six nights last week, and it was the first time in two years, and I honestly feel like a different person. You know, I felt like I lost my ability to do it, and Covid makes it more challenging, but we had six incredible shows, sold out, and I felt like I plugged back in. Are you single? Yeah. [Laughs.] Why, do you know somebody? I was just wondering what dating is like for someone that does cabaret like yours that is so raw and sexual. If you’re asking if I have ever hooked up with anybody after a show, I have one time and that was it. [Laughs.] I’m not like a rock star. I wasn’t asking that, but thanks for the bonus content. No, I’m single and when I had Poppy, my dog, we were pretty devoted to each other and that was good, but, who knows, maybe love’s out there waiting for me right around the corner. Being single and also wrestling with depression, the lockdown portion of Covid must have been hell. Well, I had Poppy, and she was a real comfort to me. And I really loved every night the seven o’clock cheers that we did for the essential workers, when you go and see all your neighbors hanging out the window, FEBRUARY 2022 |
banging pots and pans. I have great friends and a full life. It’s not like I’m depressed every single day. The waves come and the waves go, and I just try to get lots of Vitamin D and be grateful for what I have. One of my favorite scenes in the new show is watching Sam in a bathing suit dive into a pool. We see her from an underwater camera swimming freestyle and doing flip-turns at the wall. I read that you used to swim competitively, and I wondered what made you want to do that scene. Well, Sam has just met Joel, and I think it’s her wanting to get back to feeling alive again, to do the things that used to make her feel good. It’s something she can do by herself to kind of test the waters and dive back into life. That sounds super cheesy but it’s the only thing I can think of right now. [Laughs.] That obvious angle escaped me. I was struck by the fact that you are six feet tall and a big, curvy woman, and to put on a bathing suit, not for your cabaret show, where you are very free with your body, but for a TV program that goes into people’s living rooms… Right, yes.
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I think showing a
woman with a plus-size body in a swimsuit and not making it a point of discussion is really important.”
To me it’s a powerful image about body acceptance. Yes, that’s very important to us, to show it’s just another body in a swimsuit, it’s not a big deal. I realize, of course, it is a big deal. I think showing a woman with a plus-size body in a swimsuit and not making it a point of discussion is really important. And showing that a woman with a plus-size body can be athletic. Yes, that was also important to us. To show that just because you are plus-size, it doesn’t mean you don’t have strength and power. Without giving too much away, it seems like there is a lot of mystery around Holly, the sister that died. Why did you create a key character who isn’t really there? I think there will always be moments of Holly that are tender nerves for Sam. It may drive her less as time goes on, but it’s definitely part of her bones now. The thing about grief is that it never really goes away. It becomes a part of your fabric. You wish it would go away—well, you do and you don’t. I’ve been reading a lot about grief lately, and some people say that the grief is just a reminder that the love is still there. So, you don’t want it to go away because you don’t want them to go away. But I do hope that over time some of this gets a little easier. Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity. 63 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Feeling the Love
EIGHT OF KC’S MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS words by
Kelsey Cipolla
THERE’S NEVER a bad time to ramp up the romance and reserve a table for two. But there is a particularly good time that happens this month: Valentine’s Day. These Kansas City spots deliver alluring ambience, tempting food and wine, and a certain ineffable charm that sets the stage for an unforgettable night out. The rest is up to you.
CANARY
LAZIA Kansas City’s recent uptick in hotel restaurants makes staycations more appealing than ever—it’s hard to beat enjoying a topnotch dining and drinking experience and then retiring to a luxurious room. But even if you aren’t staying at Crossroads Hotel, there’s plenty of reason to book a reservation at the hotel’s recently reopened Lazia Restaurant. First and foremost? The darkly glamorous vibe set off by candelabras, floor-length curtains and distressed walls and columns. Each meal begins with a sip of Lazia’s tasty house amaro before guests are shown to a table and can begin choosing from a selection of small plates, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and antipasti—we suggest going big and opting for the hand-pulled mozzarella served with local farm beets, blood orange, arugula, and pistachios. The restaurant also serves up house-made pastas and main courses, a lovely list of wines by the glass, and cocktails such as spritzes and negronis. When you’re staying upstairs, there’s every reason to indulge. 2101 Central Street | crossroadshotelkc.com
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photos by aaron leimkuehler
Beau Williams and Keely Edgington bring the same cool sophistication to Canary that Kansas Citians have come to know and love from the couple’s first concept, Julep. Another shared thread? Incredible cocktails, including a drink named after the restaurant that boasts vodka, pineapple, coconut, turmeric, ginger, and lemon. Food options run the gamut from elegant (oysters with a blackberry champagne mignonette and octopus carpaccio) to approachable (Canary’s Salt Creek beef burger and hearty pork stew), but all are treated with the same attention and care. Housed on the first floor of midtown’s historic Netherland building, the dining room is filled with blue-grays and pops of oxblood and gold with seating arranged for both lounging and dining but be sure to pay a visit to the rooftop bar, weather permitting. Although it doesn’t serve the full food menu, the twilight views of Kansas City and breezy atmosphere are unmatched. 3835 Main Street | canarykc.com
photos by aaron leimkuehler
LIDIA’S A robust Italian meal is often a family affair, but Lidia’s refined ambience and dishes make it an ideal spot to grab a table for two. Exquisite blownglass chandeliers add a dose of glamour to the more industrial aesthetic of the historic freight house the restaurant calls home. A contagious energy thrums through the open dining room as servers make the rounds serving Lidia’s signature pasta trio to guests tableside, a daily selection that is sure to capture the heart of any carb lover. Naturally, a host of other pasta dishes are also available, from hearty lasagna to the more mellow butternut squash-filled ravioli in sage butter, as well as entrées such as the bistecca, bone-in ribeye steak with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe. When dessert rolls around, we recommend splitting the surprisingly light and flavorful tiramisu—because nothing says “I love you” like being willing to share. 101 W. 22nd Street | lidias-kc.com
NOVEL A space can be hip and romantic—just look at Novel’s Crossroads digs. Polished concrete floors, white subway-tiled walls adorned with a moody mural, and a granite bar lend the restaurant an aesthetic edge, but rich wood accents and the intimate feel have made it a go-to for Kansas Citians looking for an intimate evening out. After all, chef Ryan Brazeal and pastry chef Jessica Armstrong send out dishes that feel so lovingly crafted, it’s hard to believe they weren’t dreamt up just for you. The husband-and-wife team emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, so their offerings are constantly evolving, but you can usually find dishes like Brazeal’s crispy farm egg, seared diver scallops, and fresh pastas, not to mention a lineup of unique desserts, such as Armstrong’s heavenly pistachio cream pie. Plus, Novel scores bonus points for having a built-in photo op with a charming swing incorporated into a mural right outside. 1927 McGee Street | novelkc.com
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THE RESTAURANT AT 1900 The Restaurant at 1900 is a feast for the eyes, from the building’s modernist design and distinctive tulip columns to the blues and grays and polished playfulness of the dining room, accented by organic, colorful art pieces from Lester Goldman. It’s atmospheric but not so dimly lit you’ll need to squint to see the menu. The seasonally based and constantly shifting brainchild of the executive chef, Linda Duerr, food offerings draw influence from French and Italian cuisines as well as her native New England—it might not seem like the most seductive entrée, but we swear the hot Maine lobster roll will you leave in love with at least one thing at the end of the evening. A beverage program led by acclaimed sommelier Doug Frost naturally includes superb wines, however the bar also serves up cocktails, spirit-free beverages, and some tantalizing amaros, cordials, and dessert wines to pair with confections such as the coffee ice cream sandwich. 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway | therestaurantat1900.com
TAILLEUR
FEBRUARY 2022
photos by aaron leimkuehler
The recipe for a romantic night out? The seductive flicker of candlelight, cozy seating, and plenty of wine and bubbles. Midtown’s European bistro and bakery Tailleur delivers across the board and then some, with its warm wood-paneled dining room decorated to strike the right balance between eclectic and chic and tables situated so that you can actually hear the person across from you speaking. A variety of wines are available by the glass, along with a handsome reserve list of bottles sourced from around the world, plus French Champagnes and sparkling wines. The menu is just as well suited for date night, whether you’re in the mood for something lighter, like an impeccable charcuterie board, or white wine and garlic-steamed mussels, or a full feast of lamb and risotto. Regardless, you’ll want to save room for dessert—Tailleur’s bakery program serves up an array of confections to end your evening on a sweet note. 3933 Main Street | tailleuronmain.com | 66 | INKANSASCITY.COM
WANDERING VINE You can’t get much more of a wow factor than pulling up to an actual castle for dinner. Wandering Vine, housed in a more than 100-yearold castle in Shawnee, is just as enchanting outside as it is within, where stonework, warm wood, and high ceilings make the space feel grand but welcoming. The menu takes a similar approach with dishes that are beautifully plated and layered with flavor but still approachable—think lamb empanadas, a duck confit and wild-mushroom flatbread, and braised short rib with creamy polenta and bourbon-glazed carrots. And as the name Wandering Vine implies, there’s a particular emphasis on vino. Guests can choose from a variety of wine flights designed around themes, including sweet whites or reds, contemporary rosés, and wines of the world, or opt for a glass or bottle from the impressive wine list featuring a selection from Kansas’s own Grace Hill Winery. 12401 Johnson Drive | wanderingvine.com
WESTPORT CAFÉ If there’s one thing the French are known for, it’s romance—with wine and cheese in the following slots. So, it’s no wonder French bistro and cocktail spot Westport Café is a premier destination for date night with its well-curated selection of vino, tantalizing cheese plates, and cozy ambience, including exposed brick walls and a signature black-and-white checked floor. Traditionalists will find plenty to love, such as the steak frites and croque madame, but the restaurant is also so much more, infusing French techniques and flavors into dishes like the coconut curry mussels and salmon fettuccine with tobiko, black and white sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. And although you can’t go wrong with a glass of wine at Westport Café, the cocktail program is a true standout. With classics available along with a creative list of house specialties (and a hidden cocktail menu you didn’t hear about from us), it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and discover a future favorite. 419 Westport Road | westportcafeandbar.com
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TWO KANSAS CITY COUPLES ASKED DESIGNER JAN KYLE TO TRANSFORM UNUSED SPACE ABOVE THE GARAGE INTO UPSCALE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LIVING RESPITE AND RECHARGING STATION With two young children and parents with demanding careers, life can get a little challenging in this Mission Woods home. Especially when Rusty Bergman, a hospitalist physician at Liberty Hospital, is on night call. “It’s hard on all of us to keep telling the kids, ‘Be quiet. Dad is sleeping,’ or trying to,” says his wife, Leslie Carto, a media relations manager with University Health KC. Their house, built in 1959, has a separate garage with a room above that Bergman thought could provide space for calm and quiet. The couple asked interior designer Jan Kyle to fashion a place for respite and recharging. Says Kyle, “Because of its bright spirit, Leslie and I both loved the exuberant floral pattern for the back wall. I designed custom beds and had them upholstered in the same lush orchid as in the wallpaper. The beds fit neatly into the space and double as deep sofas with playful chartreuse pillows to curl up on while screening movies on the kitchenette’s wall-mounted TV.” When busy working mom Carto needs a little “me” time, she recharges here. “It gives me a moment of walking into a boutique hotel,” says Carto.
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The trick is to engage the help of both a designer and contractor early on so you don’t end up with a plumbing stack in the middle of a parking space below.” –Jan Kyle
Garage Mahal SPACES WITH THE VIBE OF A CHIC HOTEL ROOM CAN BE FOUND IN THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACES words by
Judith Fertig
photos by
Aaron Leimkuehler
A bold Schumacher wallpaper sets the stage for the custom Fabricut velvetupholstered cushions. Brass sconces are from Wilson Lighting. Opposite: The tiny foyer sets the tone with a brass console accented with a sunburst mirror, books, and accessories, while the faux bois coatrack is stylish, convenient storage.
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In the kitchen/dining area, cerused-oak cabinets are custom by Gillpatrick Woodworks. Haier appliances are perfectly sized for the space. The Minka Aire contemporary fan is from Wilson Lighting. The brass and glass table is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; upholstered chairs are from Nebraska Furniture Mart’s Design Gallery.
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Above: The sectional and swivel chairs are custom upholstered; dual lamps are from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Left: A cozy desk nook is topped with a vintage framed flight-path map.
GUEST HOUSE, CHIEFS’ FOOTBALL WATCHING DEN, FUTURE SENIOR LIVING When Valerie Chow, an anesthesiologist, and Jon R. Gray, a judge, bought their 1915 English Renaissance home in Sunset Hill 25 years ago, there was an existing artist studio in the back garden. Recently the couple, now retired, tore down the studio and built a new three-car garage/carriage house. “We have a large family, elderly parents, and a son who is a commercial pilot and just recently flew the Kansas City Chiefs back home from their Denver game. We have a lot of people come to stay. So we wanted a nice guest house and a place, perhaps, where eventually our parents could live,” says Chow. With Kyle’s help, they got so much more. Light, for one thing. “Jan suggested we put a picture window above the staircase, and it was the best decision. We can watch the seasons change from the top of the trees,” says Chow. A deck off the back affords a view of the garden. An elevator and a stylish yet elderly accessible bathroom with a curbless shower and a skylight make sense now
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In the bedroom, a pair of custom ikat-upholstered pillows top Matouk linens. Flanking the bed, the shagreen-patterned nightstands complement the swirling geode-patterned rug.
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Above: In a corner of the bedroom, a swivel chair is upholstered in a cheery yellow velvet. Right: A curbless shower, large format marble tiles and skylight make the diminutive bathroom live big. Below: Brushed brass hardware and accessories add warmth to the cool white and gray hues.
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Beyond additional living or workspace, a Garage Mahal could be a myriad of things: an art or dance studio; homeschool classroom; party space for sleepovers, book club, or games; sewing room; podcast studio; or simply a way to add income if your neighborhood allows rentals.” –Jan Kyle
and for the future. Marigold yellow and pale grays keep the look simple and modern yet comfortable. Kyle used every inch of space, working with the angled roofline to ingeniously hang a flight-path map over the desk. “I love our house and our neighbors,” says Chow. “Our carriage house rounds it all out to create our own compound. When I’m on that upper deck I feel I’ve been transported to a wonderful place. It’s revitalizing.”
Jan Kyle Design | jankyledesign.com
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COMING HOME WITH APOLOGIES TO THOMAS WOLFE, YES, YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN. FOR THESE FOUR LOCALS, TIME AWAY FROM KANSAS CITY MADE THEM APPRECIATE THEIR HOMETOWN EVEN MORE Katie Van Luchene
W
hen we asked four people why they originally left Kansas City for bright lights and big cities, the answers included school, career opportunities, and a chance to live in a more accepting community. As for why they returned, the responses were more emotionally charged, with family at the top of the list. What they discovered is a city that had changed for the better in the years they’d been gone. More vibrant. More diverse. And with much better food.
N
MAURICE WATSON
o one, least of all his parents, was surprised when Maurice Watson declared his goal of becoming a lawyer. “In fact, they often asked ‘Where did this kid come from?’ as I spoke in front of church or school or any audience,” Watson says. That confidence served him well. He attended inner-city schools before earning a scholarship at Barstow, where he was the first African American to graduate, then Harvard University where he graduated cum laude. He earned his
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photo by nicki griffith
words by
J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1984. That was followed by three years of serving as an aide for Senator John Danforth in Washington D.C., where he worked on civil rights and education issues. Then it was time to come home to Kansas City. His legacy of being a trailblazer continued. Watson became an associate at Blackwell Sanders, and in 2012 was named chairman of the board of Husch Blackwell, making him the first African American to head a major law firm in Missouri and the third to do so in the country. He remained as chairman until 2018 when he co-founded Credo Philanthropy Advisors and became of counsel to Husch Blackwell. Basing his future in philanthropy wasn’t a leap, it was the next natural step. Along with his Credo cofounder, Tracy McFerrin, Watson has been involved in nonprofits for years, personally and professionally. Now, he helps individuals, families, foundations, and businesses make the most impact with their donations. The word “relationships” has been at the core of Maurice’s business and personal life. It also comes into play when choosing where to dine. “I don’t have a favorite restaurant dish,” he says. “What I have is a relationship with the owner, the chef, the management, the servers.” “When I go to The Restaurant at 1900 or Farina, I think of them as my private club. It’s a loyalty built on trust, not transactions,” he says. “When Covid hit, the French Market was my source of food because I don’t cook.”
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As the only home for
the Ailey dance group outside of New York City, this is something
photo by jenny wheat
we should all be proud of.”
Watson appreciates the arts in Kansas City, including the Kansas City Symphony and the Black Repertory Theatre. But the Friends of Alvin Ailey organization holds a special place in his heart. “As the only home for the Ailey dance group outside of New York City, this is something we should all be proud of,” he says. He never tires of the iconic dance, Revelations, that he says, “conveys the African American experience—the pain and the joy—through movement and music.” While he enjoys seeing the New York production every December, there’s something powerful about watching this masterpiece in his hometown.
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KATHERINE HOLLAND FOX
S
ome people are known for their civic pride. For Katherine Fox, it’s literally her job. As director of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid, she’s tasked with building partnerships on both sides of the state line to bring the globe’s largest sporting event to Kansas City. Sports has been part of her entire life, first as a soccer player at Pembroke and then Trinity College in Connecticut, then as vice president of Partnership Strategies at New York’s Madison Square Garden Company. After 12 years in the Big Apple, Fox moved to San Francisco as Visa’s director of affluent assets. The West Coast was a palate cleanser of sorts. “After the crazy pace of New York, San Francisco seemed maddeningly slow,” she says. By this time, her mother was urging her to return home. It didn’t hurt that the Kansas City Royals were in the World Series playoffs during a visit. “I remember the September sky matching the royal-blue uniforms,” she says. It wasn’t just pennant fever that captured her heart. “I fell in love with what this town had to offer. The Crossroads, the Power and Light District didn’t exist before,” she says. And the art
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scene—something her parents had always supported—was thriving. She landed a job as director of marketing and sales for the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and served as executive director of the 2017 US Figure Skating Championships. Her background in sports and relationship building made her a natural fit to head up the World Cup bid. When she’s not wooing the world’s sporting elite with site visits, she enjoys hosting friends from out of town. “A weekend might start with our cocktail scene, which can hold its own with any major city,” she says. Favorites include Nighthawk, The Monarch, and Tom’s Town. Then it’s dinner at Corvino or the Town Company before last call at Green Lady Lounge. A Saturday brunch at Tailleur or Aixois might be followed by perusing the Nelson-Atkins or Kemper museums.
‘‘
There are so many
choices for an evening in Kansas City, including catching a performance at the Kansas City Rep, the Unicorn, or Starlight. And Kauffman Performing Arts Center.”
“There are so many choices for an evening in Kansas City,” she says, “including catching a performance at the Kansas City Rep, the Unicorn, or Starlight. And I love showing off our beautiful Kauffman Performing Arts Center.” Sunday is reserved for whatever game is playing, she says. “KC Current, Sporting KC, the Chiefs, Royals or the Monarchs. This is, after all, a sports town.”
I
ROB ADAMS
‘‘
t’s time for you to leave Kansas City,” said Adams’s high school counselor. It was his senior year at Raytown South, and the advisor knew his aspirations were too grand for this small community. “She was right,” he says. “I had just come out and I didn’t feel accepted.” He moved to San Diego with plans to be a lawyer but ended up in Las Vegas where his natural entrepreneurial talents took off. “Krispy Kreme had just entered the market, but I knew where to get a better donut—Lamar’s in Kansas City.” It wasn’t just that hot glazed treat Adams remembered; it’s where his mom would take him as a reward for getting an A on his report card. So, at 23 he met with Ray and Shannon Lamar and learned how to make donuts. “I maxed out my credit cards and with $300,000 brought La-
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mar’s to Vegas.” Four years later, he sold the Nevada franchise to Andre Agassi. His next success was in technology, first at Oracle, then culminating as general manager of Microsoft in Canada. It was an idyllic life. He and his partner, Rob Gray, were living on the 65th floor of a high-rise in Toronto with views to match the heady lifestyle. But family—and a chance to become CEO and President at Bishop-McCann, where he served on the board—brought Adams home. At the same time, this gave Gray an opportunity to open a Kansas City branch of the landscape firm where he worked. Did the couple get teased about moving from Toronto to Kansas City? Absolutely. “We heard all the jokes about the Wizard of Oz. But Rob had studied the work of Hare & Hare and George Kessler while in school and was excited to live among these landscaping treasures and green spaces. And now we mow grass! We live in Brookside where we have block parties and our neighbor across the street has the keys and codes to our house,” he says. “There’s a backyard for our Morkie to play and we hang Christmas lights every year.” An itinerary for out-of-town friends usually starts with breakfast at the Classic Cup, where his mom would save for weeks to go when he was a kid. “They still serve the best biscuits and gravy in town,” he says. Lunch might be at Aixois, then cocktails at The Monarch on the Plaza, where his go-to request is the Louisiana Purchase. Favorite restaurants are Novel and Farina in the Crossroads where he encourages guests to follow his lead, skip the menu and say, “Surprise me.” They’re never disappointed. A tour always includes a drive through Kansas City’s neighbor| 76 | INKANSASCITY.COM
photo by jenny wheat
I love showing off our beautiful
hoods with head-turning estates, fountains, and lush landscaping. Add in a visit to the Nelson-Atkins, which Adams says trumps any museum in Toronto, and it’s no wonder the phrase he hears most from out-of-towners are, “I get it.”
‘‘
Sometimes I think about
coming full circle from my high school days when I felt like an outsider. Kansas City is now welcoming to everyone.”
But it’s not just the arts, food, and a lawn that appeals to Adams. It’s the diverse culture, starting with the culture at Bishop-McCann, whose founder, Dan Nilsen, started the Mid-America LGBQ Chamber of Commerce. “Sometimes I think about coming full circle from my high school days when I felt like an outsider,” he says. “Kansas City is now welcoming to everyone.” One example is his time as a Big Brothers Big Sisters board member (he’s been a Big to Jorges for several years). “As a gay man, I would never been allowed a leadership role in another city. But when I moved back home, the organization approached me as a way to build a more diverse board.” For a kid from Raytown, he’s done pretty well.
THERESA GARZA
photo by adam kaleikau
W
hile others left Kansas City for learning or employment opportunities, Garza’s draw was different: she wanted to serve her country. She enlisted in the United States Navy where she served five years active duty. Since returning to her hometown, “active duty” continues to be her way of life. Highlights include being the youngest and only female to be an elected Jackson County Commissioner in 2006, and the first Latina to be elected to an at-large seat on the County Legislature. While there, Garza sponsored several pieces of legislation that benefited women, veterans, and communities of color within Jackson County. Being successful in politics often requires a restrained demeanor. But as a panelist on the popular Ruckus show on Kansas City PBS, rocking the boat was encouraged. “We tackled the political issues of the day, and it was so much fun,” she says. “We often had vastly different viewpoints and the discussions could get really heated. But we kept it civilized and tried to find a common ground.” But there’s no disputing her love for her hometown, and she enjoys sharing her favorite places and experiences with friends
FEBRUARY 2022
from across the country. “Kansas City has upped its game when it comes to restaurants,” she says. “Whatever ethnic cuisine you crave, you can find it here.”
‘‘
Kansas City has upped its
game when it comes to restaurants. Whatever ethnic cuisine you crave, you can find it here.”
“But since we’re known for our barbecue, that’s where I start.” Favorites include Jack Stack’s and Gate’s. “For steaks, I like Stock Hill and The Majestic. There’s usually jazz playing, and if I’m lucky I can take guests to the Pendergast Club upstairs.” For live music, Garza heads to Knuckleheads with a side trip to The Rieger. “I also like to visit the River Market for dinner and the farmers market, then jump on the streetcar.” She enjoys performances at The Kansas City Rep and smaller community theaters like the Unicorn and the Barn Players. Garza is on the board of the Latina Arts Organization, a nonprofit that showcases the vibrant art of the community. “We also encourage creativity in young people with classes in anything from ceramics to filmmaking.” And when she brings guests to a Chiefs or Royals game, they’re usually impressed by how well they’re treated, even when cheering for the opposing team. “That’s part of the Midwest Nice vibe,” she says. | 77 | INKANSASCITY.COM
It’s All Here in Black & White
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In the living room, two vintage chrome chairs upholstered in an Italian linen and an RH armless sofa flank a Lucite coffee table. Kincaid scaled down the original oversized mantel, leaving the side columns, and replaced the surround with Nero Bellissimo marble. Right: Homeowners Adam Kincaid (left) and Michael Noonan.
words by photos by
Patricia O’Dell Aaron Leimkuehler
THE TOP-TO-BOTTOM RENOVATION OF A CLASSIC COUNTRY CLUB DISTRICT HOME IS INSPIRED BY NEW YORK GLAMOUR
K
ansas City native Adam Kincaid and his partner, Michael Noonan, had been living in Chicago and thinking about moving to Kansas City. The pandemic escalated their plans. “Covid hit the fast-forward button on a lot of things around that time,” Kincaid says. “It definitely sped up our timeline on moving.” The couple started checking the real-estate listings more seriously. When a capacious stucco home in a preferred neighborhood popped up, Kincaid asked his parents to take a look. “My dad is not quick with compliments, and when he saw the house, he was adamant that we buy it,” Kincaid
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says. “That was a good sign.” The couple traveled to Kansas City to see the house in person. “When we first saw it, it seemed like a bit more work than we wanted to take on,” Noonan says. “But this is Adam’s passion, and what he saw was a great opportunity.” The house is Kincaid’s fourth renovation. “This house offered a great chance to flex my skills in renovation and design,” he says. “It’s the biggest project that I’ve done.”
FEBRUARY 2022 |
After they took possession in September of 2020, they gave tours to family, friends, and craftspeople, and the feedback was unanimous. “Everyone who was familiar with the structure of the house said the same thing. ‘The bones are really great,’” Noonan says. “You take the bad with the good.” They started by making plans for the kitchen and bathrooms, which had not been updated in a couple of decades. Wisely, Kincaid began to order materials soon after the couple took possession. “I knew ev80 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Above: Two Baccarat lamps designed by Philippe Starck are hardwired into the marble-topped bar in the sunroom. Far left: A pair of vintage floor lamps flank a bench upholstered in Italian linen. Art assemblage is by Adam Kincaid. Left: Kincaid discovered the deer antler and sheepskin chair on 1st Dibs. Opposite: Two vintage Lucite chairs pull up to a Fendi console. On the opposite wall,the warm wood hue of the 1940’s French walnut secretary/ dry bar adds a bit of color to the room.
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A Kelly Wearstler light fixture anchors the zinc table and RH upholstered chairs in the dining room.
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Above: Appliances in the renovated kitchen include the glass-fronted Sub-Zero refrigerator and Viking range. Below right: A wrought-iron light fixture from Lightology hangs over the massive white Zeus quartz island, which is surrounded by 1950’s Danish bar stools. Below left: Another sunroom on the first floor is a cozy sitting area, complete with a Milo Baughman sofa and a vintage midcentury chair upholstered in white bouclé.
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In a guest room, two rattan urns from Paloma & Co. flank the bed. A Lucite and deerskin bench is an advantageous spot for a guest’s luggage. Opposite top: A second floor lounge features a pair of black velvet chaise longues from RH atop a Ralph Lauren rug. Two vintage pieces look great and provide extra storage—a tall steamer trunk and a charcoal-stained dresser. Opposite below: Polished-nickel sconces from Circa Lighting flank the nickel-framed mirrors in the primary bathroom.
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erything was going to take a long time,” Kincaid says. “So, I had ordered everything by December.” They were fortunate to be at the beginning of the supply-chain delays that plagued many renovators during the pandemic. “I think we did luck out in some ways,” Kincaid says. “And the renovation took over a year, so we really didn’t have any hiccups.” While the footprint of the house remained largely the same, the interiors were completely reimagined. “Before the pandemic, Michael and I would go to New York every year and we’d stay at the Baccarat Hotel,” Kincaid says. “The hotel played a big role inspiring the living room and bar areas.” Primarily white with graphic black accents, the rooms are enhanced with the sparkle of Baccarat crystal, while the darkstained floors anchor the spaces. The clean lines of the living room upholstery are accented with the gleam of chrome. The company of the glossy black Philippe Starck Ghost chair with a Fornasetti pillow and the Eileen Gray table add classic modern elements. A Baccarat crystal candelabra provides additional sparkle. “The mix is really important to me,” Kincaid says. “I like to keep everything white, and then add those perfect antiques, easels, and bowls.” The dining room repeats these elements, but here the arches of silver are overhead in the contemporary light fixture, happily
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black & white continued
In a corner of the kitchen, an ottoman from Jayson Home is tucked under a zinc console. The urn is vintage and the lamp is Ralph Lauren.
THE IT LIST Contractor RWS Remodeling rwsremodel.com 913-205-8997 Accessories J’Adore Home and Garden facebook.com/jadorehomegarden Sid & Co. sidandcompany.com Antiques Christopher Filley Antiques 816-668-9974
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www.classickitchenskc.com
juxtaposed with the organic sculpture on the sleek table. The vintage painting above the console provides additional depth and texture. As they brought most of the furniture with them from Chicago, decorating was not the most challenging part of the project. “The kitchen and the bathrooms obviously took the most time,” Kincaid says. The couple decided on a classic white kitchen. Professional appliances turn up the heat, but the generous island makes room for friends and family to gather. The primary bath isn’t large, but glam www.classickitchenskc.com details, such as the pair of deep Carrara marble sinks poised on hammered-iron bases and the sleek frosted-glass curbless shower make a stunning statement. “This definitely was not love at first sight,” Noonan says. “But we have a solid group of friends, and it will be great to be able have everyone here.
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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Flavor
IN KC
In the Kitchen THE VERSATILE DUTCH BABY BY
Cody Hogan
PHOTOS BY
W
hat is the fastest, easiest, most impressive breakfast dish you can think of ? Something you don’t do very often? Something that looks like you tried? Something that you can make with whatever you have in the pantry? I ask myself this question for Valentine’s Day. Well—Dutch baby to the rescue! At its most simple, a Dutch baby is a puffy pancake that comes together in a few minutes and bakes in less than 15. Actually, it’s much easier and less time consuming than regular pancakes. It can be flavored or garnished with just about anything sweet or savory—a “bespoke breakfast” so to speak—tailored to the favorite flavors of your loved one(s). The original was garnished simply with powdered sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The Dutch baby isn’t actually Dutch, but is closely related to the British Yorkshire pudding, French crepes and clafoutis, German pfannkuchen, and Middle European palacinka. Despite its international pedigree, the easily recognized form we know today was codified in the early 1900s here in America, popularized by The New York Times decades ago, and is now seen regularly in cafes and restaurants around the world. I still remember the first Dutch baby I tasted almost 25 years ago at the home of a well-known pastry chef in Berkeley, California. It was a bit more dense and eggy than the pancakes I was accustomed to, and it was drizzled with chestnut honey. I was served a slice but unfortunately did not witness the irregular ballooning pillow when it came out of the oven. It deflates in seconds, so those not in the immediate vicinity don’t experience the same thrill as those within close viewing range. It was memorable nonetheless. The fundamental recipe is so simple I can sum it up in one sentence: Whisk together milk, flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt, pour FEBRUARY 2022 |
Aaron Leimkuehler
the mixture into a preheated cast-iron skillet and bake. The joy in making the Dutch baby, however, is in manipulating the details and personalizing it, so here is a more enlightening version of the recipe (with notes on special variations at the end). The Basic Baby (and how to make it your own) Begin by preheating the oven to 425F. Put a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. Other bake-proof vessels will work, but cast iron is ideal. Meanwhile, assemble the ingredients. For the batter, combine ½ cup milk, ½ cup all-purpose flour, two to three large eggs, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. I prefer three eggs for the volume, but two makes a lighter, less eggy cake. Whether or not you use sugar depends on whether you are making a sweet or savory baby, so if you do want it sweet, you can add up to ¼ cup sugar. That being said, all of the ingredients in this recipe can be fudged a little either up or down, or with substitutions. Next, whisk the mixture together for a minute or two until you have achieved a relatively smooth batter. There is a contingent of cooks that likes to mix the batter in a blender or food processor, some specifically mixing just the eggs for a minute. I find this technique simply results in more dirty dishes, especially if you are adding garnishes which need to be folded in (which you have to do in a bowl). Also note that the baby tends to puff much better when the ingredients aren’t cold, so if you think about it, take the eggs out of the fridge the night before. When the oven is fully heated and the skillet is hot, remove it from the oven, drop in a few (two to four) tablespoons butter and swirl the skillet (mind the scorching-hot handle) until the butter is melted, 90 | INKANSASCITY.COM
In Your Pantry then pour in the mixture. I made the Dutch baby in the photo with a small handful of cocoa nibs (see In the Pantry for details) sprinkled on top right before baking. Immediately place the baby in the oven and leave it undisturbed for about 12 minutes. Give it a peek and a poke to make sure it is fully cooked, returning it to the oven if there are any fluid bits. If it’s fully cooked, and you have toppings or garnishes for the puffed cake, distribute them equitably and serve immediately. To make the most of the Dutch baby drama, everything should be ready for its presentation. Whether you’re dining at table, kitchen counter, or in bed, coffee should already be poured, plates, silverware, a garnish of fresh berries and any condiments like syrup or hot sauce at hand. If you hurry from oven to table, your beloved can marvel at your momentarily fluffy, puffy labor (almost) of love. Notes on variations Dutch babies aren’t just for breakfast or brunch. They make perfectly respectable lunches, dinners, or desserts as well. Here are a few thoughts on how to vary your baby. • For a chocolate baby, you can substitute cocoa powder for about half of the flour, but I find it yields a heavier, almost brownie-like baby. Another solution could be adding a handful of your favorite kind of chocolate chips, drizzling with chocolate sauce, or sprinkling with cacao nibs. The nibs are more subtle with their chocolate flavor and add a bit of texture. This variation definitely needs sugar, and could be lovely—and over the top—with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. • Keep in mind that if you are serving the Dutch baby with sauces or garnishes that require cooking first (for example, a ragu of asparagus and mushrooms or a cheese sauce), those need to be completed (or almost completed) before the baby goes into the oven. The garnishes could be prepared the day before, or even be leftovers from a previous meal. You could also preheat the skillet by cooking any toppings that need it, then adding them to the base mixture. • Vanilla, or other flavorings, extracts, herbs and spices make great additions to the batter, just try to use a delicate hand when adding them—Dutch babies are fragile. Maple syrup and fruit preserves, maybe a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream, all make simple and delicious toppings. • Out of curiosity, I made one substituting gluten-free flour, coconut milk, honey, and avocado oil and it performed quite well. Actually, it was pretty tasty and had the same dramatic puff plus a hint of crunch from the GF flour.
CACAO TO COCOA LOOKING FOR the right cocoa for your next chocolate project? The selection and names can be a little confusing. Cacao/cocoa comes in many forms that although similar, are not necessarily interchangeable. The cacao tree seed pod is first dried and fermented then manipulated in different ways to achieve the chocolate products we love.
Cacao Nibs Dried and fermented cacao beans are crushed and ground into tiny pieces or nibs, sometimes left raw, sometimes roasted, and have a firm but slightly chewy texture. There is no sugar added and the flavor is pleasantly intense. To tame the bitterness and enhance flavor and crunch, toast the nibs briefly in a dry skillet. Temperature during storage can vary the color from dark to almost frosted bloom. Add to chocolate chip cookies to turn up the flavor and texture, sprinkle in pancakes or cereal, or add to savory sauces for bitter-chocolatey complexity.
Cocoa When cacao nibs are ground to a powder, they become natural cocoa powder. Natural cocoa is light brown with a strong, pronounced chocolate flavor. It is slightly acidic, a quality used to activate the leavening in many recipes, and is best to use in recipes calling for baking soda. It is very high in antioxidants. Hershey’s and Nestle are common brands.
Dutch Processed Cocoa When natural cocoa is bathed in an alkaline solution (the process known as Dutching) it becomes darker in color, less acidic, and milder in flavor. Because of its lower acidity, it is recommended for use in baking in recipes that use baking powder. It's more mellow flavor makes it the best cocoa for sprinkling on your next chocolate mousse or tiramisu.
Black Cocoa When cocoa powder is heavily Dutched (highly alkalized), it turns jet black and its flavor becomes milder. It is often used as a coloring agent (think Oreos) and is useful in cooking when deep, dark coloring is desired. Pastry chefs often use it to make black buttercream or make richer looking chocolate ice creams, mousses, and sauces. (The color change takes a day or two to fully happen, so plan ahead for the deepest color.) Not suggested as a substitute for natural cocoa when baking because of its low acidity.
• This size recipe serves two to four people. For a larger group, you could double the ingredients and bake in two skillets or one 9x12 rectangular baking dish (which would make it a Double Dutch baby). Baking tiny individual babies in wellgreased muffin tins results in what is basically a Yorkshire pudding. • This baby is best eaten warm, but I noticed that over the course of a few hours my recipe testing scraps magically disappeared, so it must be at least edible at room temperature.
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Flavor
IN KC
In Your Cocktail NIGHTHAWK by
Kelsey Cipolla
Fizzenet Cocktail
D
on’t come to Nighthawk, Hotel Kansas City’s ubercool new basement bar, expecting a full page of cocktail options or a long list of beers and wines. The bar program is carefully designed to offer interesting flavors without leaving guests waiting around for a bartender to mix anything up. “We want to keep it really easy,” explains General Manager Dominic Petrucci. “It’s not about us at nighttime, it’s about the people that come in, it’s about the party, it’s about the music.” FEBRUARY 2022 |
It is, indeed, about the music at Nighthawk—the first two features that catch your eye after descending the basement stairs into the bar are a bright red-curtained stage at the front of space and a state-of-the art DJ booth to the side. An eclectic lineup of live artists and DJs can be found performing in the moody space, which is filled with leather banquettes, glowing lights, and a pool table, plus an enviable collection of vinyl and vintage concert posters. Those elements combined with a 3 a.m. closing time and some 70s 92 | INKANSASCITY.COM
metal-inspired branding help give Nighthawk a raucous energy totally separate from the polished sophistication you’ll find at Hotel Kansas City’s other food and beverage concept, The Town Co. But you can still enjoy food from the restaurant’s executive chef, Johnny Leach. Inspired by bar snacks and dive bar faves, Nighthawk’s food menu includes buttermilk fried-chicken wings and bologna and cheese sandwiches served into the wee hours of the morning. The bar program, created by Petrucci along with Scott Tipton, the hotel’s director of restaurants, bars, and events, is similarly relaxed—at least, on the surface. Nighthawk collaborated with River Market-based Strange Days Brewing Co. to create two exclusive beers available on tap, one light and bright and the other a dark Mexican lager. Also on draft are several cocktails, including a whiskey sour and the Fizzenet, which features sweet vermouth and sparkling wine. Guests can order one of a few more traditional wines, as well as a bottled cocktail like the sucker punch, a boozy milk and tea concoction, or machined cocktails, which include the absinthe-based melon ball and the frozen KC coffee. Perhaps the most unique offering? Canned hard seltzers made in-house, cleverly labeled as Nightclaws. “There's a lot of hard work that goes into it so that when the guest comes in, all we’re doing is cracking cans and pouring drinks off taps,” Petrucci notes. That effort comes through as you sip the seltzers, available in flavors like lemon almond (inspired by Italian ice), pineapple, and cucumber mint. Petrucci started working on the recipe for the latter drink five years ago after accidentally infusing Fernet Branca Menta, the amaro’s minty sibling, with cucumber and discovering the delightful results. When the Nighthawk team began discussing the idea of canning their own seltzers, the long-workshopped recipe emerged as an ideal contender. “Cucumber and mint is like a first-round ballot hall of fame flavor combination,” he says. ‘It doesn’t get any better than this— they’re made for each other.” Still, the drink doesn’t win the spot at the top of Petrucci’s personal list—that honor goes to the Fizzenet. “That one makes me want to dance, and I love that,” he says. Although the drink is served on draft at Nighthawk, you can enjoy the next best thing at home with this pared-down recipe.
A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905
hotelkc.com/dine/nighthawk
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Fizzenet Cocktail 1 4
therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900
part Cinzano 1757 Sweet Vermouth parts Cinzano Sparkling Wine 1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas
Combine ingredients over ice in a cocktail glass, then enjoy.
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Flavor by
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
PRIME SOCIAL ROOFTOP & OCEAN PRIME IT’S PRIME TIME on the Country Club Plaza, where
In Culinary News
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants opened Prime Social Rooftop this winter and will soon welcome guests to Ocean Prime, a steak and seafood restaurant. The glamorous rooftop lounge sits atop 46 Penn Centre and serves up spectacular views of Kansas City in addition to craft cocktails, which include shareable options like The Ma’homes, made with Knob Creek Bourbon, pomegranate, fresh lemon, and Champagne. Guests can also enjoy a seafood-focused food lineup, which includes oysters and sushi, plus pizza, skewers, slides, and charcuterie. Inside, expect even more seafood delights, such as Ocean Prime’s signature smoking seafood tower (complete with dry ice), lobster tails, and crab cakes in addition to a selection of prime steaks. primesocialrooftop.com and ocean-prime.com/ locations-menus/kansas-city
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Flavor by
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
HOUSEWIFE LA-CHIC STYLE meets Midwest warmth at Housewife,
In Culinary News
Anna Sorge’s new Grandview café and bistro. Sorge always wanted to open her own restaurant but worried she wasn’t qualified since she never went to culinary school. Then the owner of a fine dining establishment she managed said something that stuck with her: “How can a simple housewife like you cook better food than my executive chef ?” That comment sparked a business name, and after finding the perfect space, a concept was born. Housewife offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch, including delectable croissants by pastry chef and chef de cuisine Zoey Ramberg as well as sandwiches, soups, and salads. Sorge serves as the chef, and the restaurant’s name pays tribute to her years honing her culinary skills at home feeding her family. “Being a housewife is not a negative thing,” she says. “We can actually kick some serious ass and do some incredible things.” housewifekc.com
FEBRUARY 2022 |
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ROMANTIC REVELS GALA Saturday, February 12, 2022 6:00 pm ‘til 10:00 pm InterContinental Hotel The Plaza . 401 Ward Parkway
$300 per Ticket with Patron Levels Available JESSICA & JASON CHANOS, CHAIRS
A Benefit for the Heart of America
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL’S
30TH Anniversary Production
of Romeo and Juliet and year - round youth education programs
For More Details 816.531.7728 / kcshakes.org Check out the gala page and ONLINE AUCTION OPEN TO ALL!
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Flavor by
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
BOULEVARDIA RETURNS
In Culinary News
AFTER TAKING a two-year break during the pandemic, Boulevard Brewing Co.’s urban street festival Boulevardia is set to make its triumphant return June 17-18, 2022. This time around, the pop-up party will be held on Grand Boulevard and throughout Crown Center and Washington Square Park. Attendees can expect attractions from previous years, like Boulevardia’s Ferris wheel, the silent disco, a Makers Market shopping experience, and multiple stages of music showcasing acts from near and far. Naturally, local restaurants and breweries will still be prominently featured, but keep an eye out for new events and experiences, too. “We look forward to finally sharing our vision for the festival in its new location on Grand Boulevard and are eager to bring a fresh new flavor of Boulevardia to this venue,” says Boulevardia president Trever Frickey. boulevardia.com
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1/13/20 10:05 AM 1/13/20 10:05 10:05AM AM 1/13/20
18th Annual Red Hot Night Gala | Saturday, April 2
Saturday, February 5, 2022 5:30PM to Midnight
Thank you to our Red Hot Night Honorary Co-Chairs Nick & Kim Warren and Ellen & Peter Clune. Your leadership and support of this event will provide hope and answers to families—empowering the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to diagnose more quickly, treat more precisely and cure and prevent childhood illnesses.
Learn more at redhotnight.org.
Flavor
IN KC
Reservation for One THE PEACOCK by
Kelsey Cipolla
H
ow much of an impact can you make in a small space? A pretty big one, if you’re The Peacock, a new restaurant from the owners of Bistro 303 located right next door. The Peacock opened this winter at 301 Westport Road, which was previously home to Ragazza. Past visitors will remember the space is small but cozy, and the new owners lean into its intimate feel while throwing some bold colors into the mix—would you expect FEBRUARY 2022 |
photos by
Aaron Leimkuehler
any less, given the name? Chairs at the handful of tables are upholstered in an array of hues, beams are painted lime green, and colorful art and accents adorn the walls. A stuffed peacock looks out at the restaurant from its perch by the kitchen, majestic tail on full display. Another image of the fowl stares out from a TV behind the bar, which features a backsplash of multi-colored tiles and moody purple lighting cast over the bottles and glassware. 100 | INKANSASCITY.COM
(At publication time, The Peacock did not yet serve a set drink menu, but the bartender was happy to make cocktails at guests’ request.) While the interior showcases the color spectrum, the menu is all about global diversity, with items that draw inspiration from around the world. Starters include beet hummus, a charcuterie plate, fried Brussels sprouts, and pork belly. The latter includes a sizable portion of the prized protein topped with a crunchy, garlicky cashew pistou alongside tart pickled red cabbage, enoki mushrooms, and a tamari cider caramel. Although the caramel is an interesting dimension, it feels out of place. The sauce tastes more like coffee than either tamari or cider and overpowers the delicate mushrooms. But The Peacock’s nails its Peri Peri Chicken, a dish that has roots in South Africa and Portugal. Bird’s-eye chili pepper, the traditional basis for peri peri, is commonly balanced with lemon, garlic, and vinegar, although The Peacock’s version also features an evolving sweetness that plays well with the spice and acidity—one bite is blazing heat, the next is smoky sugar. The half chicken’s skin could be crispier, but the meat is tender and juicy, and its boldness is complemented by the subtlety of the accompanying dirty basmati rice studded with shiitakes, cranberries, and charred greens. Peppers go in an entirely different direction in the Seafood Loco, where mussels, calamari, shrimp, and chorizo are bathed in a citrus guajillo-pepper sauce that’s a world away from the traditional Italian
American varieties most of us associate with pasta. The merlot-colored sauce carries much of the peppers’ smokey, mellow spice brightened up with some acidity. It’s a beautiful contrast to the dish’s seafood, which is plentiful—so much so that you must actively search to find the cazzellitti pasta, which isn’t a bad problem for a seafood lover to have. The restaurant also serves up a few more traditional entrees—a ribeye with smashed turnips and heirloom carrots; chicory coffee-rubbed lamb shank alongside whipped potatoes and mustard greens—as well as Canadian salmon with a white anchovy sauce and a za’atar seasoned pork chop. The Peacock carries its commitment to powerful flavors all the way through to dessert, which includes offerings like double chocolate ice cream and the dense, almost fudgy pecan oatmeal cookie pie. The tamari cider caramel once again makes an appearance, but the sauce is much more effective here, adding salty complexity and depth that work with, and not against, chunks of tart granny smith apples and a nutty oat crumble. Like most of The Peacock’s dishes, there’s a lot going on in one plate, and with so many of the dishes boasting intense and diverse elements, attention must be paid to what you’re ordering each course to avoid getting tastebud whiplash. But just as you wouldn’t fault its namesake for being too vibrantly colorful, it’s hard to criticize The Peacock for putting out a plate that’s too dynamic. There’s a big, fascinating world of food out there—and The Peacock is enthusiastic about sharing it with Kansas City. thepeacockkc.com
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My Essentials
IN KC BY
Emily Park
CHRISTOPHER ELBOW CHOCOLATIER. ENTREPRENEUR.
W PHOTO BY CORIE ENGLISH
hen Christopher Elbow left his hometown of Liberty, Missouri, he set off to work in kitchens across the country. One of those stops included the Las Vegas Paris Hotel and Casino, and that’s where the vision for Christopher Elbow Chocolates was born. But the chocolatier almost didn’t come to be. Right around the time Elbow found inspiration for the chocolate company, he was planning to return to school to study architecture. After returning to Kansas City, Elbow decided to give the chocolate company a year to get off the ground—and boy, oh boy, did it. “I really fell in love with what was starting to happen in the Crossroads at that time,” Elbow says. “There was an energy and a sense of something big was going to become of this neighborhood. I never contemplated starting the business anywhere else.” He founded Christopher Elbow Chocolates in 2003. Nearly two decades later, he’s responsible for the ultimate Kansas City treat—perfect to enjoy any time of the year but especially enticing during the Valentine’s Day season. The chocolatier shared his favorite Kansas City spots for a perfect day.
Christopher’s essentials... FLOWER POWER: Studio Dan
Meiners has always been my go-to in the Crossroads. When it comes to flowers, I’m somewhat of a classic for Valentine’s Day— red roses all the way. FOR YOUR VALENTINE: We crafted
eight beautiful heart-shaped chocolates and paired each of them with a famous literary or historical love story for our Love Stories Collection. It will be a delicious and fun journey to share with your Valentine.
GO-TO COCKTAIL: The Old Square
at Rye is something I crave. It’s a spirit-based cocktail like a Manhattan/old-fashioned with the addition of a few unexpected ingredients. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy before diving into fried chicken!
PLACE WITH VIEW: I have always thought the view
from the WWI Memorial was the best way to see the downtown skyline. Having lived here for so long, it provides a place to really see how the city has grown over time. DINNER DATE: I can’t get
enough of Farina. My wife and I like to sit at the bar and share multiple pastas and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and great wine—their carbonara pasta is one of the best I’ve had outside of Rome. FEBRUARY 2022
| 104 | INKANSASCITY.COM
STAYCATION DESITINATION: It’s always
fun to go on a staycation and our go-to is The Crossroads Hotel. The hotel is fabulous, and from there we can walk to many restaurants and bars for a fun evening.
MUST-SHOP: Made in KC is our go-to
store—in particular, the Country Club Plaza location. You can find a vast array of goods from the talented and creative makers in our city— including our chocolates. The T-shirts from Charlie Hustle are always a great way to show off your KC pride, and they make great gifts for out-of-town folks.
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