IN Kansas City June 2024

The New Luxury of Leather

Meredith

Seville Home Designers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MEYER

LUXURY LIVING

Trusted Process. True Performance. Excellence from start to close. As Kansas & Missouri’s market leader and luxury leader, we know how to sell your home better than anyone.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYNN BURNS

The Prairie Village native and star of a new Hulu series, Paradise City, talks about growing up in Kansas, how he got into acting, and coming out on Marie Osmond’s talk show.

From its beginnings in the 1849 California Gold Rush, denim has always been practical, rugged wear for guys. These days, it’s still all that and trending, too.

the cover Actor Tuc Watkins. Photo by Cari Stahler

Interior

Amy Thurston

INFINITI of Kansas City

Pet Appreciation Month

June is the month of Father’s Day and our annual Men’s Issue. But right now, the only male in my life is Major, my senior pet who still acts like a 2-year-old pup. He’s not fond of staying home alone, so sometimes he accompanies me to the office. Proof provided here.

Here are some fun finds for Fido I’ve found around town that can show my appreciation.

SQUIRREL IT AWAY

Major loves a toy. Problem is, for a small dog, he’s a terror with any stu ed toy. He can destroy them in record time. Land of Paws carries a whole line of remarkably sturdy stu es that can hold up to vigorous play. Since Major will never catch the backyard squirrels that outrun him, Nuts the squirrel is a satisfying substitute. $21.75 atLand of Paws.

ZIM LOY | EDITORI

WELLIES FOR WALKING

City streets aren’t the best for Major’s tender paws, especially with summer’s hot pavements. These hot-weather wellies are the perfect answer. Perforated holes allow for ventilation, and they are super easy to slide on and o . George A Lifestyle Store can order them in sizes from XXXS to XXXL, so they’re sure to nd a t your doggo. In seven colors, including this neon orange, and from $49, atGeorge A Lifestyle Store.

Vol. 7 | No. 6

JUNE 2024

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Damian Lair, Patricia O’Dell, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

PET PICS

I love a gallery wall, so this one’s for me, not Major. I like mixing frames and themes with abandon. But if you want to do a wall full of proud pups, you do you. J’adore Home & Garden is brimming with home décor ideas to get you started, including this vintage reproduction oil painting of a seriously soulful Labrador. 16” x 20”, $119, at J’adore.

Corie English, Aaron Leimkuehler, Lisa-Marie Mazzucco, Cari Stahler

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

AWW, SWEET PAWS

Since I’ve often adopted senior pets (although Major came to me at the tender age of 18 months), I’ve loved so many dogs I’ve lost count. Wouldn’t this gorgeously simple 14K yellow-gold and mother-of-pearl necklace accented with diamonds (my birthstone!) from Meierotto Jewelers be a perfect gift for myself as a remembrance for my pups who have passed on? I’m putting it on my wish list. $1,095, at Meierotto Jewelers.

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Business Consultant Chad Parkhurst

Newsstand Consultant

Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc .net

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

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INKANSASCITY.COM

ENTER TO WIN

Men at work (and play)!

The right stuff. More than 60 years ago, Kansas City, Kansas, native Ed Dwight became the nation’s rst Black astronaut candidate. But the 60s were a tumultuous time for Black Americans who faced discrimination at every level. Dwight’s dream of soaring into space stalled. On May 19, the retired U.S. Air Force Captain, who has own 9,000 hours, made history by becoming the oldest living astronaut at age 90 to blast into space. Writer Sunni Battin chatted with the airman for his take on the trip. Read the complete interview at inkansascity.com.

This month, one lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card for Trapp and Company, the perfect time to explore their men’s apparel to dress the man in your life. And guys, it’s so easy to nd something just right for you from the more than 15 brands they carry in the shop, including collections by 7 Diamonds, Autumn Cashmere, Eden Park, Secred, and Jack of Spades. Whether a casual gathering, weekend getaway, or just lounging at home, Trapp and Company has something that will be just the right t. Enter to win by June 30 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enter-to-win a

p.m. Wednesday through Friday that solves that the more.

We all scream for ice cream. During sweltering summers in Kansas City, we all deserve a frozen treat to help us cool down. Lucky for us, Kansas City has plenty of mom-andpop ice creameries with oneof-a-kind avors sure to make braving the summer heat a little less uncomfortable. In the mood for some vanilla-bean soft serve made with a shot of espresso from Messenger Co ee? What about ice cream that features the avors of KC barbecue in a savory and sweet treat? Or are you looking for a boozy, “adult” milkshake? We know just the place for each of those, and more. Head to inkansascity.com for your guide to ice cream in Kansas City.

Grazing is a gas. When your stomach is growling and it’s been hours since lunch and hours until dinner, a little snack to stave o the hunger pangs is just what’s required. e chef/ owner of Acre in Parkville, Andrew Longres, has introduced a new grazing menu from 2:30 – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday that solves that problem. But if you can’t make it by, he’s o ered to share his recipe for Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies, just one of his delectable appetizers. Find it at inkansascity.com

This Month IN KC

June

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

MAY SPOTLIGHT

KC Pride returns loud and proud with activities planned throughout the month to celebrate and recognize the history and heritage of LGBTQ+ people in Kansas City and beyond. Here’s your guide to Pride Month in Kansas City.

Pride Day with the Royals

June 1 mlb.com/royals

Play ball! Bring your friends and enjoy this special day of summer baseball and celebration. Take home an exclusive Royals Pride jersey with the purchase of a theme ticket.

KC PrideFest & Parade

June 7, 8, 9 kcpridealliance.org

Heart

of America

Shakespeare Festival

June 11-30

Southmoreland Park kcshakes.org

LGBTQ+ Film Festival

June 22

West Wyandotte Library kckpl.librarymarket.com

Kaleidoscope: Colors of Community. Kansas City’s biggest Pride celebration spans three days at eis Park with a robust line-up of vendor booths and tables featuring food, crafts, art, and education, plus live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the park. e weekend is put on by Kansas City Pride Alliance and comes to a crescendo at 11 a.m. on June 8, when the 2023 KC Pride Parade begins in Westport.

Seventh Annual Pride Bar Crawl

June 22

crawlwith.us/kansascity/pride

Et tu, Brute? One of Shakespeare’s most famous lines occurs in Julius Caesar, coming to Southmoreland Park this month. It’s the story of the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination and the defeat of his conspirators. As the world spins out of control, chaos and superstition lead to civil war. Admission is free, with reserved seating options available. Food and drink is available from vendors through intermission. Or, make it a picnic—blanket, food, and all—to enjoy before the performance. Gate opens at 6 p.m., play begins at 8 p.m.

June 22

Bar hopping. Crawl to several bars across Kansas City’s Power and Light and Crossroads districts. Each stop will o er food and drink specials, and the evening includes a drag show. Tickets start at $10, partial proceeds bene t e Trevor Project.

At the movies. e KCK Public Library’s 2nd annual LGBTQ+ Film Fest will include showings of Pariah and e Handmaiden. Feel free to pop in for your favorite movie or stay for the entire show. Snacks, refreshments, and other goodies will be provided. For this free event, the rst lm will start at 11 a.m. Registration is encouraged but not required. Parents or guardians are required for patrons under 18.

Stems: A Garden Soirée

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens stemssoiree.org

Come to the Garden Party! e Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens sets the scene for an epic evening of all-inclusive fun. Delight in the ambience of the premier networking event in Johnson County. Within the background of verdant surroundings, guests will experience art, music, reworks and more as they sip ne wines, craft beers, mixed-cocktails, lively spirits, and nonalcoholic treats while they enjoy delicious food from top restaurants and caterers.

Proceeds from Stems: A Garden Soirée ensure that e Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park can continue to support and develop Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and city art installations.

For Kansas City’s most comprehensive calendar of events, go to inkansascity.com/events

We’re More Than Just Advisors, We’re Your Partners in Achieving Financial Success

In a world where financial planning o en feels like uncharted territory, BG Wealth Management stands as a beacon of assurance and empowerment. With a dedicated team of fiduciaries, we specialize in holistic financial planning, ensuring that every aspect of our clients’ needs, from retirement and tax strategies to legacy planning, is meticulously addressed.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to providing a pressure-free environment where every individual can confidently pursue their retirement goals. Led by our innovative CEO Barbara Gulin, we bring a unique perspective to the table. Barbara’s journey, from her upbringing as the daughter of Civil Service employees to her eventual calling in the financial services industry, reflects our deeply rooted connection to the Kansas City community.

Barbara’s childhood experiences throughout the US instilled in her a sense of adaptability and empathy, qualities that permeate our approach to client care. Initially pursuing a career in electrical engineering, her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of finance led her to her true calling. With extensive experience in insurance and investments, Barbara’s knowledge is matched only by her ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible language.

Beyond her professional achievements, Barbara is deeply

engaged in the community, serving as a board member for HSFT Cosmopolitan Club, which actively pursues a cure for juvenile diabetes. Her involvement in her church finance committee underscores her commitment to making a tangible di erence in the lives of others.

What truly sets us apart is our team’s deep roots in the Kansas City area. Most of our sta members were born and raised here, fostering a strong sense of community and understanding of local needs. At BG Wealth Management, clients aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet – they’re family. Join us on the journey to financial independence, where your goals become our mission.

Shower the Couple with Love and Other Stuff

by

MERRILY OFFERS IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR THAT AGE-OLD RITUAL OF CIVILIZATION, THE WEDDING SHOWER

Ial ways bring a tissue to weddings, because I know I’ll need it. Even if I drive by Loose Park or the Plaza and see a bridal party being photographed, I get a little choked up. Royal weddings find me glued to the screen, of course, like everyone else. Pretty much all of humanity loves a bride and groom, and we want to celebrate the optimism that a wedding represents. We also feel a collective urge to give the little darlings a panini maker or whatever else we think they need to set up their household. Which is why, in every culture, no matter how primitive, there exists some version of the bridal shower.

Merrily Jackson photo by Corie English

Merrily Jackson at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home.

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Entertaining IN KC

CRESTWOOD

55TH & BROOKSIDE BLVD.

hudsonandjane.com

“Did

You Do the Flowers?”

ANY SHOWER OR PARTY can be made festive and beautiful by the artful placement of fresh flowers. The most elegant and foolproof way to get them is to pick up the phone and dial Chuck Matney, Dan Meiners, Bob Trapp, Randy Neal, or any of our town’s other top-tier florists. But sometimes we don’t have funds to hire a pro. Here are some tips for achieving maximum floral impact on a minimum budget.

•Your most fragrant flowers (lilies, gardenias, or magnolias) should go in the entry, or wherever guests can smell them the minute they walk in.

•Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club offer reasonably priced flowers. It’s simplest to use one kind of flower or one color of flower in an arrangement. I like to take roses, cut the stems way down and arrange them in a glass bowl for a simple, pretty centerpiece.

•Unpot two inexpensive white orchids from Trader Joe’s and tuck them tightly into a shallow, squat pot (cover the base with moss) for a double-stem orchid effect.

•Or go to your yard or garden. Greenery in a vase can be just as pretty as flowers. Pine, fir, cedar, English holly, boxwood, juniper, and magnolia branches are all beautiful.

•Place a few stems in silver mint-julep cups and put them in unexpected places, like bookshelves and window sills.

•A terra cotta or white ceramic pot of herbs or ivy brings instant cheer to your kitchen space.

•A simple bowl of lemons, limes, clementines, or Granny Smith apples adds a shot of color to any room.

SHOPS

Here are some tried-and-true ways to shower the bride and groom—or the bride and bride or groom and groom—in our own, highly evolved Kansas City culture.

THE COED SHOWER

Wedding showers have become much less gender-separated in the last couple of decades, an excellent development in my opinion, if only because it gives the singletons of the world a civilized way to meet.

When both sexes show up, it’s more of a party. But you don’t need a blow-out budget to host a fun shower, coed or otherwise. Buddy up with another friend or two and share the labor, expense and creative challenges. Consider designing the party around a common interest of the honorees. Do they play golf? Rock climb? Are they big Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks, or Tigers fans? Do they both love a particular book, TV show, or movie? Are they reggae, hip-hop, country, or heavy-metal aficionados? Any such interest would make a clever theme to be carried over in the invitations, drinks, food, music, and decorations.

Or not. Some of us have no imagination when it comes to carrying out a theme, but can still host an interesting, memorable party. You don’t necessarily need a party theme, but for the gift-giving portion of the festivities, it’s best to have some guidelines. Here are a few thought-starters.

KITCHEN SHOWERS: NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES

A lot of men cook nowadays, or at least watch the Food Network. In much the same way they take an interest in having Bose subwoofers, they want a well-equipped kitchen, with Wusthof knives and All-Clad sauce pans. The grooms want to be included in the kitchen shower, sometimes more than the brides do. Pryde’s Kitchen and Essentials, with its vast selection and knowledgeable staff, has a well-run bridal registry.

VARIATIONS ON THE KITCHEN SHOWER THEME

You could host a simple dinner party where everyone brings a course in a serving dish or platter (thoughtfully chosen from the wedding registry), which is then bestowed, along with the recipe, upon the bridal couple. You could do the same thing with pots and pans.

Or you could do a linen shower. Terassi Living on the Plaza offers a beautiful, highly personalized wedding registry—complete with champagne tour of the store for brides, grooms, and their guests—which would be perfect for this. Sharyn Blond Linens in Crestwood Shops also has an extensive bridal registry.

Or do a stock-the-pantry shower where everyone brings gourmet pantry items with recipes. Or a cutlery shower, for the couple who has everything but good knives. Or ask guests to bring a copy of their favorite cookbook, along with a recipe for a successful marriage. Such a request might sound corny, but it yields surprisingly useful bits of wisdom.

SHOWER GAMES: TO PLAY OR NOT PLAY?

Many times, I would say no, because some people just hate them and resent being expected to participate. But if you have

55TH & BROOKSIDE BLVD. hudsonandjane.com

CRESTWOOD SHOPS

Entertaining IN KC

a group who doesn’t know each other at all, a game could help break the ice. You might want to have one up your sleeve, and bust it out only if you think the party needs help getting off the ground. You’ll find a million ideas if you google “wedding shower games.”

“Celebrity,” is a seriously fun group game, even for people who don’t like games. You can find the rules online. It takes longer to play, though, than most games.

BELLY-UP-TO-THE-BAR SHOWER

Did someone mention cocktails? Let’s have one, and plan a stock-thebar shower for each other because clearly we’ve missed out. Stockthe-bar showers seem to have become all the rage. Some are centered around stemware and bar accoutrements, others around bottles of premium-brand hooch; some are a combination of both. With this type of shower, it’s particularly important for the hosts to organize who is bringing what, or the couple might wind up with six fifths of Tanqueray and four Pottery Barn martini shakers.

Another variation, for the couple who is fond of the grape, is a stock-the-cellar shower, where everyone brings a bottle of good wine. It’s important to tag the bottle you bring.

Hit me up on email for a couples wedding shower menu using all Ina Garten recipes (because she never disappoints).

WHILE WE’RE ON THE TOPIC OF FOOD

This being Kansas City, it’s never a misstep to serve, on your pret -

New

tiest platters, cuisine from one of our many spectacular barbecue joints. Q39, Joe’s Kansas City, and Jack Stack all have excellent catering menus.

THE CLASSIC ALL-GIRL SHOWER

The traditional shower still has an established place on wedding event rosters, and it always will. Every bride should have at least one all-girl shower, if only because it provides valuable bonding time for mothers of the brides and/or grooms, grandmothers, great grandmothers, bridesmaids, sisters, aunts, female cousins, and close friends. Finger food or a light brunch are great choices, as is a traditional high tea. In her darling memoir/cookbook/Southern style guide, Whiskey In a Teacup, Reese Witherspoon offers a menu and recipes for the perfect ladies’ bridal brunch. Email me and I will send you the recipes.

A FINAL WORD ABOUT WEDDING GIFTS

Here’s a bit of advice from the etiquette committee about wedding (as distinct from shower) presents. Never take gifts to the wedding, always have them sent. The gift is a symbol of the esteem and affection in which you hold the bride or groom or their parents, and the value of it should have no relation to how much you think will be spent on you at the reception. Don’t presume to think you know what the couple wants; choose from the registry. With wedding gifts, it’s nicest to not be creative. Send the couple something they have selected from their registry and be done with it.

Our Man IN KC

by Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com : @damianlair #OurManINKC

Hats Off!

They say, for a mother, the days are long, but the years are short. I am not a mother, but from a reverse point of view, I acutely know this to be true.

Over the years, I have seen various photos from the annual Hats O to Mothers luncheon, held as the primary fundraising event for Life Unlimited. Each year, the organization honors mothers in our community who demonstrate remarkable dedication to philanthropy, personal achievement, and family life. I was in attendance to support one of this year’s honorees—my good friend Jamila Weaver. Additional honorees included: Laura Allen, Rosana Privitera Biondo, Doranne Hudson, Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley, Kathy Nelson, Katherine Schorgl,and Karen Yungmeyer. Life Unlimited is the largest service provider for adults with disabilities in the Kansas City metro area. e organization was created when multiple, smaller organizations (including Immacolata Manor, Concerned Care, Open Options, and MERIL) joined together. Its mission is to support people with developmental disabilities so they can experience life with unlimited possibilities. Life Unlimited provides day services, community living and support options, employment services, recreation programs, and applied behavior analysis services.

In addition to each mother honoree getting her moment in the spotlight, including an overview of her accomplishments, luncheon attendees also got to hear a bit more from one honoree. You may know Kathy Nelson as the President and CEO of The KC Sports Commission and Visit KC. At Life Unlimited, though, she is solely known as “Pat’s Kathy.” One of Kathy’s longest and best friends is Pat Sage ey were neighbors who met trick-or-treating and spent ample time together—swimming, planning backyard track meets, bible studying, and listening to music. As childhood concluded and lives diverged, Pat moved to Life Unlimited, where, as Kathy put it—she could live with unlimited possibilities. Pat has been a resident there for 42 years.

Whose pockets were emptied after an interesting hotel room encounter?

At Life Unlimited, Pat lives with dignity and respect. She is provided healthcare, employment assistance, life skills training, plenty of opportunities to socialize, and more. Life Unlimited provides Pat and many others with a loving and secure home, where each can live independently and thrive.

Hats o to the event’s chair, Suzanne Shank. It was a beautiful and inspiring afternoon, lled with so many women I admire and respect. And speaking of women I respect (and

love)—my own mother, Judy. She has devoted a sizable portion of her life to raising three children in a manner that they would one day live with integrity and make her and our family proud. To all the mothers: my hat goes o to you.

OVERHEARD

“He’s so skinny that his face is starting to sag. It’s practically sliding down the street.”

SPOTTED: Jeanette Prenger, Peggy Dunn, Zulema Bassham, Kelly Privitera, Heather Pluard, Barbara Spilker, Mina Steen, Lisa Schellhorn, Debby Ballard, Susan Bubb, Megan Bubb, Erica Crenshaw, Rachel Sexton, Natalie Kirk Welch, Mary Leonida, Tricia Scott, Taylor Smith, Lisa Flynn, Georgina Herrera, Kelly Anders, Carol Logan, CiCi Rojas

HARRY THE HOPEFUL

THE TRUMAN LIBRARY INSTITUTE hosted its 25th Annual “Wild About Harry” gala to bene t the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and its education and outreach programs that perpetuate the legacy of our 33rd president. Event Chairs Merilyn & Dr. Loren Berenbom and Honorary Chair David Von Drehle surpassed all previous fundraising e orts, collecting more than $1 million for Truman’s “Classroom for

Damian Lair with Jamila Weaver at Hats O to Mothers.

HOT GOSSIP:

Our Man IN KC

Democracy.” Its community programming and nationally acclaimed education opportunities provide real-life history and civics lessons that aim to inspire lives of purpose and service—a mission that mattered most to Truman upon leaving the White House.

The evening featured enlightening conversations and messages of inspiration and hope from Senator Roy Blunt, who was interviewed by Von Drehle and journalist, historian, and author Evan Thomas. Drawing on President Truman’s enduring legacy and making parallels to our present moment, Von Drehle noted that “75 years later, we still live in the world Truman created, bolstered by sturdy institutions like NATO, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, in relative peace and unprecedented prosperity that many of us take for granted.” Now, more than ever, Von Drehle said, “it is urgently important to help people understand the value of this architecture, and why we would be rash and irresponsible to destroy it.” I often marvel (and sigh) at how, amidst good times, people grow complacent and take for granted the institutions and circumstances that led us to the relative state of peace—free from world wars—we currently enjoy.

Acknowledging the challenge of partisan politics, Senator Blunt drew enthusiastic applause when he added, “We’re a diverse people with diverse views of the world, and those views come together in a compromise that we call democracy.”

This is one event I’m sure to attend every year, as it leaves me hopeful. In his keynote, Thomas certainly buttressed that sense of optimism. “The example of Harry Truman gives me hope. Yes, we have problems galore. But we have had them before, and somehow, someone like a Harry Truman comes along. Will it happen again? How can we be sure? We can’t. But I would not bet against America.”

TERRA & TRELLIS

WHEN MY FRIEND Carolyn (DeeDee) Arnold couldn’t stop talking about an upcoming art exhibit by Gary Head at George A Lifestyle Store in the Crestwood Shops, I knew I had to be there.

I have known Gary for many years. If memory serves me correctly, I believe our friendship dates back to dinners with Shelby Herrick at Houston’s on the Country Club Plaza. RIP, Houston’s. I still crave the chicken tenders and chopped kale salad every time I walk or drive by the years-vacant space. Perhaps new Plaza owners will lure them to return? I’ll start a letter campaign, and Gary can sweeten the deal with gorgeous art. It’s worth it, Gary.

Upon retiring from Hallmark, Gary spent much of the pandemic lockdown painting at home, here in KC and Palm Springs. The incredible result was on display at George. Stunning florals—peonies, roses, lilacs, dahlias, and poppies—dotted the space like postage stamps of free-flowing cheer. There were also landscapes. Primarily rural settings, often featuring weathered barns, these were pastoral sceneries balanced by abstract interpretation. They reminded me of home.

The real genius for me, aside from the effortless-seeming style and composition, was Gary’s inspired color palette. Piece after piece, they each seemed to say: these colors were divinely created to be layered atop each other in exactly this manner. The pieces are uplifting and happy, but not in a saccharine, forced manner. You can tell they’re all from the same “family,” and each one feels like it could be dropped into any room, regardless of its style.

HOT GOSSIP:

Who was doing deals from the hospital, immediately following a major surgery?

Gary Head has been painting his entire life. At just 10 years old, he had his first show at the Texas State Capital. How proud he and his parents must have been. He began teaching adult painting classes at 12 and continued teaching as an adult at the Kansas City Art Institute With a degree in art, Gary was hired by Hallmark Cards and almost immediately promoted to Master Artist. His work appeared on a vast array of Hallmark products throughout his career. He has also illustrated for many major print publications, including Sports Illustrated and The Atlantic. His artwork is inspired by nature, travel, and the world around him.

Happy for Gary, but sorry for you dear readers—virtually all the pieces sold on that opening night. What remained were snapped up in the days following. There is a bright spot for you, however. Due to the show’s success, Gary will have an ongoing presence at George. I would follow his Instagram (@garyheadstudio) to keep abreast of future showings. And if you just can’t wait—he also does gorgeous commissions. As if what he’s already painted wouldn’t drop perfectly into your empty space.

SPOTTED: Craig Chelberg, Dan Meiners & Dave Brinkerhoff, Dan Nilsen, Tom Suther & Kevin Bryant, Mike Sigler, Greg Oborny, Deirdre Devine, Bob Legler, Shelly Legler, Phil Scaglia, Clayton Farrell, Deb Dusenberry, Ward Wheeler, Lisa Okazaki, Elizabeth Oram, Fred Oram, Chris Nelson, Bet David, Charlie Macaman, Beth Stoner

KCFAA HITS 40

“UNITED BY DANCE” was the theme for this year’s Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Gala, and guests were united in their exhilaration to welcome Ailey II back to Kansas City. We gathered for a performance

Petite Bouquet, oil painting by Gary Head.

by this internationally acclaimed dance company that embodies the spirit of unity, creativity, and cultural celebration.

We were also united in celebrating and commemorating a significant milestone—KCFAA’s 40th Anniversary. For four decades, KCFAA has been a beacon of inspiration, impacting nearly 20,000 lives a year through its presentations and educational initiatives.

OVERHEARD

“Any chance to prove she’s an idiot—she hits the gas.”

The performance this year was the best I’ve seen from Ailey II. The company seems to change and grow by the year. I was especially moved by the new work, Luminous. Francesca Harper, the Ailey II artistic director, choreographed the piece in homage to five decades of Ailey II, weaving in iconic moments where the company influenced the cultural landscape. It felt like time travel across the company’s storied history and its dedication to breaking boundaries and advocating for social change. Francesca interviewed renowned Ailey II alumni and drew from those luminaries a tapestry of memories.

During intermission, we were greeted by gala chair Lindsey Heinz and honorary cochairs Jamila & Dr. Michael Weaver and Barbara & Robin Foster. Phyllis Washington was recognized for her years of support with the Janet K. Miller Award, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar was honored with the Legacy Award. Remarks were followed by more Ailey II performing, including the company’s celebrated Revelations.

Following the performance, we made our way en masse to the neighboring Downtown Marriott Hotel ballroom. As we dined, we were treated to an inspiring performance by local KCFAA dance students, led by Tyrone Aiken. The live auction got heated over a oneof-a-kind artwork by Nick Cave. The piece was a voluminous, embellished, sequined garment, created as part of Cave’s The Color Is fashion experience produced by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Perhaps the friends bidding against me ultimately felt bad, or simply enjoyed knowing that I would actually wear the artwork garment. Either way, it became mine in the end. When and where shall I wear it? All I know is that it deserves a party of its own. Something will come up—you can count on it.

The evening capped with—what else?—dancing. I had the most glorious time pretending I could keep up with the professional Ailey II dancers on the floor. My line dancing was poor, but like everyone shaking it that night, the spirit was high.

SPOTTED: Dianne Cleaver, Hilda Fuentes & Allan Gray II, Cleo Parker Robinson, Sharon & John Hoffman, Bunni & Paul Copaken, Ann Baum, Nancy Lee & Jonathan Kemper, Sue & Lewis Nerman, Ratana & Oscar Tshibanda, Tammy Edwards, Lynn & Lance Carlton, Kim Klein & Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Susan Stanton, Marshall Miller, Toma Wolf, Jermaine Reed, Stephanie Sankar, Maureen McMeel Caroll, Jared Campbell, Crissy Dastrup, Bukeka Blakemore, Wes Crosby, Andrea & Chris Henderson, Calvin Ricks, Jane Gard, Gina Hull, Pamela Bishop, Sheryll Myers

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

WHEN IT’S TIME TO SELL YOUR ROLEX

When Sicily Von Overfelt goes to her o ice on the Plaza, she knows her day will be spent catering to clients, old and new. As the director of Diamond Banc in Kansas City, Overfelt talks them through the process of selling their large diamonds, designer jewelry from brands such as Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels, and Rolex and Patek Phillippe watches.

“We tailor the service to what the customer needs,” she says.

NATIONWIDE REACH, LOCAL EXPERTISE

Founded in 2007, Diamond Banc has evolved into a nationally renowned jewelry buyer, particularly noted for its Jewelry Equity Loan service. With several branches across the United States, one of its earliest o ices was established in Kansas City under the leadership of director Sicily Von Overfelt. Diamond Banc has since expanded to multiple locations in Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Sicily Von Overfelt, the Market Director of Diamond Banc, sheds light on what her clients value most: "On any typical day, I have six to eight private consultations with individuals looking to leverage their jewelry," she details. "Our clients want the reas-

surance that they are transacting with an expert buyer who fully grasps the worth of their jewelry. Our unwavering commitment to transparency plays a crucial role here. Clients value our ability to evaluate their valuables with precision, right in front of them. They trust that we will maximize the value of their jewelry, whether they decide to sell directly to us, utilize our Jewelry Equity Loan, or opt for our Seller’s Agent Service.”

EXPERTISE IN ROLEX WATCHES

Clients seeking a trusted valuation of their Rolex watches often turn to Sicily Von Overfelt in Kansas City. Many of these clients possess significant liquid value in their Rolex collections. However, traditional banks typically do not o er loans against such assets, prompting clients to approach Diamond Banc. Here, they can leverage their Rolex watches to secure immediate funding without a ecting their credit score, with funds often disbursed on the same day.

"Understanding the value of your Rolex on the secondary market involves considering various factors typical of luxury items," explains Overfelt "Unlike many other commodities, the worth of a pre-owned Rolex isn’t tied to its original or current Manufacturer’s Suggested

Retail Price (MSRP). Instead, the preowned Rolex market is primarily influenced by supply and demand dynamics."

MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF YOUR WATCH

For those looking to sell their Rolex watches, Diamond Banc o ers a straightforward and equitable transaction process. Sicily Von Overfelt provides clients with two main options: they can sell their watches directly and receive an immediate payment, or they can opt for Diamond Banc's Rolex Sellers Agent Service. This service often results in a 5-10% higher return compared to the initial direct buy o er. Over a period of 7-10 days, Diamond Banc actively markets the watch, seeking the highest bidder to maximize the client's return.

The Rolex Sellers Agent Service is designed with the client's best interest in mind. Sicily acts as a fiduciary, aligning herself with her clients' goals to fetch the best possible price for their luxury watches. This partnership ensures that both Diamond Banc and the client work together e ectively to find a buyer who appreciates the true value of the Rolex and is willing to pay accordingly.

BEYOND ROLEX WATCHES

In the world of jewelry, diamonds, precious metals, and watches, trust and transparency are often as valued as the items themselves. Sicily Von Overfelt of Diamond Banc in Kansas City understands the challenges clients face when seeking a reliable party to sell their jewelry assets. Diamond Banc is dedicated to demystifying the often opaque jewelry market by providing clarity and peace of mind to jewelry owners about the

true worth of their items.

At Diamond Banc, the ethos is to demystify the process for clients. While they operate within the traditional sphere of jewelry, diamonds, precious metals, and watches, their methods are anything but conventional. "We are committed to transparency. We help our clients understand the true value of their items, providing them with respect, kindness, and honesty," Sicily states. This includes showing clients live market data and following through on the o ers we make.

discover too late that their diamonds are

A significant issue in the jewelry industry is the lack of clarity about the actual worth of purchased items. Many clients discover too late that their diamonds are laser-drilled, lab-created, or not certified by reputable institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "This is why we o er to send our clients' diamonds to the GIA for certification. Natural diamonds with a GIA certificate generally command higher values," Sicily adds.

highest possible payout for their jewelry.

Diamond Banc advocates strongly on behalf of their clients, aiming to secure the highest possible payout for their jewelry. This commitment to client advocacy and providing clear, honest information has helped their business expand nationwide. The combination of exceptional client service and competitive o ers ensures that clients not only feel valued but are also likely to return. "Clients trust us, and they come back because they know we provide the best value and experience," Sicily concludes.

ue and experience," Sicily concludes.

Diamond Banc’s service is confidential,

or realize substantial capital for a di erent

Sicily Von Overfelt is a GIA Diamonds Graduate with over 16 years of experience in the jewelry industry and 10+ years with Diamond Banc. She began her career in retail diamond sales, where she gained extensive experience with designer brands, the intricacies of the diamond market and providing luxury client experience. Sicily is the Director of Diamond Banc in Kansas City, authenticating and purchasing pre-owned luxury designer jewelry, diamonds, and watches from the public.

Diamond Banc’s service is confidential, professional, and personal. When you want to “liquify your luxury,” suggests Overfelt, or realize substantial capital for a di erent investment, Diamond Banc is there.

by Judith Fertig

by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

Sean Chen

PIANIST, COMPOSER, TEACHER ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

Multi-talented pianist, composer, arranger, and teacher Sean Chen has played for audiences around the world in solo and chamber recitals, concerto performances, and master classes.

After growing up in the Los Angeles area, Chen studied on the East Coast, first at Juilliard for his bachelor’s and master of music degrees, and then at the Yale School of Music. In 2013, he placed third—worldwide—in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

He has also performed at the piano with orchestras across the country, with critics praising his “alluring, colorfully shaded renditions” (New York Times) and “genuinely sensitive” phrasings (LA Times). His CD releases include the 2021 all-Ravel digital album on the Steinway & Sons label.

This fall, Chen begins a full professorship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory.

Chen lives in the metro area with his wife, Betty, a violinist with the Kansas City Symphony, and their two daughters, Ella and Maeve. When he’s not playing or composing or teaching, Chen enjoys exploring math, science, and programming on his computer. seanchenpiano.com

INKC: You are currently a Millsap Artist in Residence at the University of MissouriKansas City Conservatory. What does this entail?

Sean Chen: Currently, as a Millsap Artist in Residence, I am an adjunct faculty—I am responsible for teaching one-on-one piano lessons to piano-performance majors from undergraduate to doctorate levels, as well as coaching chamber music. I also give a faculty recital and masterclass every year.

photo

(the

Arts & Culture IN KC

As just announced by the conservatory, I was appointed a full-time professor starting next year, so I am very happy to be continuing my work here at UMKC.

INKC: Your wife, Betty Chen, is a violinist with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, and you have two daughters. Do you play music together at home? Maybe a Taylor Swift song?

SC: We do play music together at home—sometimes if we get a chance, which isn’t often, we’ll read some violin and piano sonatas, or sometimes I can convince her to read some weird pieces o the beaten path. I’m pretty sure we have jammed to Taylor Swift, but these days it would more likely be something from Frozen, Moana, or Tangled.

INKC: When you compose music, how does the idea come to you? Then what?

SC: To be fair, I don’t compose music that often, precisely because (good) ideas are hard to come by. e inspiration can come from many places, including subconsciously by the ngers and ears. Oftentimes, I start o with knowing some of the themes or ideas I want to include, and even have a general structure of what I want. I might also have certain passages or dramatic arcs I want to hit. And sometimes I know what I want the feeling to be, but don’t know exactly what notes I want. en from there, it is a lot of massaging and experimenting to see what works, both

under the ngers (if it’s a piano piece) and in the ears. You have to hit on it—the “then what” is the hardest part. I think that is what makes the great composers great—the piece doesn’t ever have sections that seem like the composer got stuck, it just ows and makes sense, as if that’s the only way it could be.

INKC: A professional musician’s life can be an itinerant one, but you and your family have been in Kansas City for a while. How has our town nurtured your career?

SC: Yes, we are so lucky to be a part of this wonderful city and community, both socially and musically. Luckily, Betty has had a stable job at the Symphony since we moved here, and I am glad that I will be more permanent at UMKC moving forward. KC is full of wonderful musicians, and I’ve been able to perform a lot of chamber music with faculty at UMKC as well as musicians of the Kansas City Symphony. It’s also nice to have space and time to do what you want to do, that as a musician you might not be able to a ord if you’re living somewhere like New York City. As I’ve been teaching and raising kids with my wife, I think I’ve gained a deeper understanding about music and life that, though I don’t practice as much as I used to, has enriched my artistry. And lastly, well, my tummy (and transitively, my music making) has been nurtured by KC’s yummy co ee (shoutout to Oddly Correct

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

MAHLER’S RESURRECTION SYMPHONY AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER

FROM JUNE 14 TO 16, Michael Stern conducts the Kansas City Symphony, while Grammy winner Charles Bruffy conducts the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 known as the Resurrection.

Mahler (1860-1911), an Austro-Bohemian composer and conductor credited with bridging 19th-century Romanticism with 20th-century modernism, had his work banned by the Nazis during World War II because of his Jewish heritage. After 1945, his compositions were rediscovered. Today, his work is some of the most performed throughout the world.

Mahler wrote the Resurrection symphony between 1888 and 1894, establishing his long-held belief in the beauty of the afterlife. In this work, he explored the idea of “sound at a distance” creating “a world of its own.”

It all adds up to a transcendent experience. Soprano Joélle Harvey and mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor give voice to this luminous work.

Soloists, chorus, and a massive orchestra join together to contemplate the nature of life and death, the role of faith, and ultimate meaning.

Visit kcsymphony.org for more information and tickets.

Soprano Joélle Harvey.

DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN AT UNITY TEMPLE

ON JUNE 16, Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling historian Doris Kearns Goodwin comes to Unity Temple on the Plaza for a Rainy Day Books event.

Her new book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, mines the 300 boxes of correspondence and artifacts that Kearns and her late husband Richard (Dick) Goodwin amassed from their work with the John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson administrations. Dick Goodwin worked on Kennedy’s New Frontier program of domestic social and economic reform, which brought about the Peace Corps and the NASA space program. The Great Society program was Johnson’s agenda for Congress in 1965, introducing Medicare, the war on poverty, the construction of major highways, and civil rights.

Her book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln (2005), about Abraham Lincoln’s presidential cabinet, was adapted by Tony Kushner into the screenplay for Steven Spielberg’s 2012 film Lincoln.

At an intimate reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza, preceding the author event, you could have the chance to meet Doris Kearns Goodwin in person.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit rainydaybooks.com

Arts &Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

WHISPERS AND SCREAMS AT BELGER ARTS

THROUGH AUGUST 3, Belger Arts Center presents Whispers and Screams: Voices from the Belger Collection

When people start collecting art, the usual first step is finding a work of art that speaks to them. After a while, serious collectors take it further and become more focused, perhaps following an artist through his or her career.

One of the underlying premises in assembling the Belger Collection is the importance of collecting multiple works, over time, by the same artist. Collecting in depth provides a glimpse through the artwork into how the artist approaches life, love, loss, and the other inevitable changes over the course of time.

John and Maxine Belger’s extensive collection is rich in its variety of local, national, and international artists.

The works selected for Whispers and Screams explore the artists’ memories and perceptions of people, places, and moments in time. Some of those memories are loud and jarring. Others are more reflective and have softened with the passage of time. There are examples of stereotypes, idealized love, lust, romance, excitement, loss, and regret. There are glimpses into the complexity of communities at all levels, the commonalities, and the differences.

For more information, visit belgerarts.org

LOCAL DINING • UNIQUE SHOPS & BOUTIQUES • AIRBNBS ENTERTAINMENT VENUES • CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FESTIVALS & EVENTS • OUTDOOR ESCAPES

THE PERFECT GETAWAY

Treat yourself to a fun day of shopping throughout Parkville’s Main Street, East Street, and English Landing Center. Shops include antiques, art, clothing, collectibles, home décor, jewelry, flowers, fabrics, unique gifts, and more! If you’re looking for a fun experience or a family/ group outing, several of the businesses offer classes and workshops to express your creative self. Put Historic Downtown Parkville on your summer to-go list!

DON’T MISS:

PARKVILLE FOURTH OF JULY

July 4, 2024

10:00 AM – 10:30 PM

PARKVILLE DAYS

Aug 23 – 25, 2024

Starts at 6:00 PM

The Scream at 42 by Renee Stout

MUXE: THE LANGUAGE OF ART & CULTURE AT TIVOLI

ON FRIDAY, JUNE 28, Kansas City artist Hugo Ximello-Salido presents his new documentary film MUXE: The Language of Arts & Culture at Tivoli at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Ximello-Salido, who keeps one foot firmly planted in the Oaxaca region of Mexico, has long been fascinated by Muxe culture, in which artistically inclined men dress as women, yet live as men with wives and children. In the film, Ximello-Salido documents his journey to find out more about this unique expression of gender fluidity.

Before screening the film, he will give an introduction and open the floor to questions.

Ximello-Salido’s Muxe sculptural work was part of the Nelson’s exhibit A Layered Presence/Una presencia estratificada featuring 22 local artists.

For tickets, visit nelsonatkins.org

YOUR FAVORITE PANTS

TRUE BLUE

Cool hues of blue are trending this summer both for men and women. It goes way beyond denim. Linens and cottons are cast in refreshing shades of sky blue, too. It’s a color that has universal appeal—it looks good with every skin tone and hair color. Don’t forget accessories. A pale blue watch, sneakers, or sunglasses—all could be a way to wear the trend.

Navy LMND Chiara shirt, $149, and shorts, $149, available at Clairvaux (Shops at Fairway and Hawthorne Plaza).

Farm Rio dress, $315, available at Halls (Crown Center).

A.S.98 Adrian sneakers, $275, available at Alysa Rene Boutique (Park Place).

Domino (55) X Teddy Vonranson sunglasses, $495, available at Barton Perreira (Crestwood Shops).

Marian Paquette handbag, $690, available at George A Lifestyle Store (Crestwood Shops).

OAS Nebula Cuba linen shirt, $160, available at Ulah (Woodside Village Shops ).

Blue Crush necklace, $99, available at Peruvian Connection (Crestwood Shops).

Tissot moonphase watch, $375, available at Meierotto Jewelers (North Kansas City).

RED HOT

Red lips are a classic, never out of style. But rather than a sharp edge, blur the color for a just kissed look. Red cheeks look youthful, healthy and full of life. But rather than powder, gloss on a liquid or cream blush. Red nails are dramatic and bold. But wear it on short, clean manicured nails. Red shadows and eyeliners are trending. But use a light touch with just a thin line on the upper lid or a light wash of color below the brow. Be subtle and try one. Be bold and wear them all.

Ilia Color Block lipstick in Tango, $28, from Welwythn (Prairie Village Shops).

Lover Cosmetics red glitter lipgloss, $30, available at lover-cosmetics.com

Rituel de Fille Color Nectar Pigment Balm in Blood ower: Cherry Red Glaze (shown on models), $26, rituelde lle.com.

KVD Beauty Good Apple Blush Balm Duo, $34, at Ulta Beauty.

Hoopla mini polish in Blissful, $10, at Hoopla (Fairway Shops). available at

Men’s Health IN KC

by Judith Fertig

New in KC: A Less-Invasive Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate

A CONVERSATION WITH UROLOGIST JEFFREY MARKS, MD

As men get older, prostate issues can literally keep them up at night. Frequent urination is one of the common signs of an enlarged prostate gland. Without treatment, frequent urination caused by an enlarged prostate could lead to urinary tract and kidney infections.

How can such a small part of the body cause so much trouble?

The prostate gland starts off in adolescence at about the size of a walnut. As males age, the prostate gradually enlarges. When it gets too large, it can interfere with important functions such as urination.

That’s when benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—a non-cancerous enlarged prostate—could be diagnosed. Surgical procedures for BPH could result in possible side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, making the original problem even worse.

Enter a new procedure known as Aquablation.® Using ultrasound and a tiny camera known as a cystoscope, the urologist identifies how

and where the BPH is growing, then uses a waterjet to remove the excess tissue and flush it out.

Jeffrey Marks, MD is a urologist who provides the full spectrum of urology care at AdventHealth South Overland Park, which is the first and only provider of Aquablation therapy in Johnson County. Here, Dr. Marks shares how this new, less-invasive approach is helping Kansas City men experiencing BPH issues.

What is unique about Aquablation?

It is the first and only ultrasound guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How does Aquablation reduce the risk of incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculatory issues compared to other procedures?

Intraoperative ultrasound combined with cystoscopy (using a tiny camera) allows the urologist to identify and then preserve critical structures necessary for ejaculation and continence. There were no changes in erectile function after Aquablation with 9 out of 10 men also preserving ejaculation.

What happens during the treatment process? How much downtime should a patient expect?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes around 60 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the gland. While the patient is asleep, the urologist uses a transrectal ultrasound probe to map the prostate anatomy. Then, a transurethral waterjet is inserted under direct cystoscopic vision. A surgical map is created, followed by ablation with a robotically controlled waterjet. This process removes the excess tissue. Patients spend a day in the hospital and typically need a catheter for up to 3 days. Patients are encouraged to walk after surgery and avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks

How does Aquablation change the land scape of prostate health for men?

Aquablation is a treatment modality that allows men with moderate to large prostate glands to be treated safely and effectively while not compromising sexual function. AdventHealthSOP.com/Urology

Urologist Jeffrey Marks, MD

Built to care. Driven to cure.

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

Cancer Institute

Adaptive

Designer Rich Lippincott has an affinity for historic preservation and adaptively re-using spaces. His design philosophy is rooted in the belief that each room should tell a story.

Discover a story for your home with a designer at Madden-McFarland.

Textile Style

GIVE VINTAGE RUGS AND FABRICS A NEW LIFE

by Patricia O’Dell

Years ago—seriously, decades—I used an old family quilt as a tablecloth at an outdoor event. It looked great, though I regretted the barbecue-sauce stains later. at said, using vintage textiles in decoration provides great texture and depth, but most importantly allows you to live with something unique and personal every day. In addition, it means not having the same popular fabric at your dining room windows as three of your friends have on their ottoman, gracing their pillows, or across their bed.

luck nding vintage pieces around town.

design studio, check out Urban Mining.

to nd old quilts in good condition that

e last time I strolled by the studio of George Terbovich Design, Lucy Mayor had some wonderful examples in the window. It was the perfect inspiration for some antique hooked rugs I’ve been looking for a place to use. I’ve had great luck nding vintage pieces around town. In addition to the inspiration at Mayor’s design studio, check out Urban Mining. Kate McConnell’s spot is sure to have several good pieces, and it’s not unusual to nd old quilts in good condition that do not have sentimental value.

Above: Lucy Mayor, owner/ principal designer at George Terbovich Design designed this family room using a custom-made white oak co ee table upholstered with a vintage African kente cloth. An antique Oushak rug anchors the room. Left: A Turkish-style ottoman upholstered in an antique Indian dowry quilt, $1,500, available on consignment from George Terbovich Design.

photo by nate sheets

NICE PROFILE

MEET Henry, Hogan, Elizabeth, and Doyers, your new favorite buds. ese acrylic vases from Jorjy in Brookside could not be more charming with their classic shapes and modern material. A great size—they are a bit more than four inches wide and nearly that deep—they’d be great down the center of a dining table, on a wide windowsill, or on your bedside table. e juxtaposition of these clean modern lines with the blooms of your choice? Pow! As always, more is more. If I were you, I’d collect all four. shopjorjy.com

MAKE ROOM FOR ALL OF YOU

Locally owned with showrooms in Overland Park and Briarcliff Village CALL, VISIT A SHOWROOM, OR FIND US ONLINE TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION 913.888.1199

Henry bud vase, $144.

Hogan bud vase, $144.

Elizabeth bud vase, $225.

Doyers bud vase, $110.

by Patricia O’Dell

Let’s Have a Drink Outside

Jboutique that’s lled with ideas. And, if you’ve never had Stonewall

une is the perfect month to entertain outside in Kansas City. While I gravitate toward solids that are either clear or white when it comes to glasses, napkins, and dishes, perhaps it’s time to color things up. Whether you’re on the patio, by the pool, or inside in the air conditioning, serving your guests with a burst of color is bound to make a lively party. Hiles Two in Waldo is a charming gift shop and children’s boutique that’s lled with ideas. And, if you’ve never had Stonewall Kitchen Ultimate Bar Mix, buy it in bulk. It’s going to change your life—or your happy hour, anyway. shophilestwo.com

Drinking glasses available in four colors, $14 each.

Cocktail Hour tea towel, $22.

Silicone coupe glasses, $50 for set of two.

Marbled resin cocktail spoons available in ve colors, $10 each.

Berlingot bottle opener available in 13 colors, $32.

Sugar Plum pillar candle holders available in three shapes and muliple colors, $45-$55 each.

Bamboo cockail napkin holder available in three colors, $30. Monet’s Garden cocktail napkins, $11.

Stonewall Kitchen Ultimate Bar Mix, $13.

LOOKING FOR A DOWNTOWN VIBE

OLD MANGO MAINTAINS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

I APPRECIATE Old Mango’s sophisticated rustic vibe. e shop in downtown Overland Park carries furniture in natural wood nishes with graphic lines, pillows crafted from unique textiles, baskets and jars with organic textures, and great containers for plants crafted from clear glass to terrazzo. If you haven’t had a chance to get out shopping for a bit, stop by. Wander about with a cup of tea. (I think they’ll let you.) I bet you come home with something that makes a friend say, “Where did you get that?” theoldmango.com

Large hand-woven seagrass striped basket, $64.99.

Hand-painted stoneware vase, $56.

Stonewashed cotton pillow, $53.

Ferris footed pots, medium, $16; large, $19.

Mango wood accent table, $179.

Tuc Watkins IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel photo by Cari Stahler

Born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City and raised in leafy Prairie Village, Tuc Watkins always enjoyed making people laugh but never thought a paying acting career was available to a Midwestern kid like him. Now, after a successful 30-year career in Hollywood and New York in films and TV shows, Watkins is still perhaps best known and loved for his long-running gigs playing David Vickers on One Life to Live and Bob Hunter in Desperate Housewives

One of his early films, I Think I Do, has just been digitally remastered for a 25th anniversary rerelease on several major streaming platforms. In 2022, Watkins starred in the Netflix comedy Uncoupled, and he is currently working on Paradise City, a new show debuting June 6 on Hulu, and playing a new character in Criminal Minds: Evolution coming late this year or early 2025 on Paramount+.

After Indian Hills Jr. High (now Middle School), Watkins family relocated to St. Louis, where Watkins graduated from Parkway West High school in 1985. He then earned a degree in telecommunications from Indiana University.

Watkins lives in Los Angeles with his 11-year-old twins, a son and daughter. His partner, actor and singer Andrew Rannells, is based in New York but regularly visits and the couple just bought a home together in Los Angeles, which they haven’t moved into yet. Watkins recently spoke with IN Kansas City by phone from his garage “man cave.”

What part of Los Angeles do you live in?

I live in Burbank. It’s fantastic. When I was a kid in Kansas and you watched the game shows, they all said, “Taped in downtown Burbank, California.”

I remember the announcer on Johnny Carson saying, “Live from beautiful downtown Burbank.”

Right! That’s just down the street from where I live.

How long have you lived in California?

I have moved to California, I think, six times. The first time was when I moved here from Kansas City on Oct. 1, 1989. I drove across the state line in my Suzuki Samurai with my futon rolled up in the back. I’ve moved to New York three times. I’ve moved to London once. I moved to Vancouver once. I moved back to Kansas City for three years in 2016. I told everybody Hillary needed my vote in Missouri—and she did. [Laughs]

And in between all those things, I always moved back to LA. So I’ve lived in Los Angeles off and on for over 30 years, this time since 2019.

Where does the name Tuc come from?

My full name is Charles Curtis Watkins III. My father and my grandfather both went by Curt, and when I was little and tried to say “Curt” it came out “Tuc,” and everyone just started calling me Tuc. I sort of named myself by accident.

What kind of a little kid were you?

I would say adventurous. We had a huge, fun, great backyard. My sister, Courtney, our friend Brooke Dillman, who is also an actress in Los Angeles who lived next door to us, and I—we were always out in the yard, in the treehouse, digging up worms, playing kick the can, that kind of thing.

What did your parents do?

My father was in market research for a business and my mother was a freelance photographer.

Did you have aspirations to be in show business from early on?

No. But when I was in high school, I found that my ticket into the inner circle of popular kids was in making people laugh in drama class. It just felt so good, making people laugh, so I always did that in my free time. I was always in the high school play, doing The Pink Panther Strikes Again or Get Smart. But I never really considered as a guy growing up in the Midwest that it was something I could do as a career.

When I was in college, I did a commercial for a bank and they paid me $300, and I thought, “Oh, wow. Maybe I can do this.”

How did you get from college to the first move to California?

I graduated from Indiana University in 1989. I knew I wanted to give acting a shot. I thought I could go to LA, or I could go to New York. New York seemed a little ominous, a little scary. I thought I would rather struggle under the palm trees and near the beaches of sunny Southern California.

So I went home after college. I painted houses, I worked at the Coyote Grill (at the former Mission Center Mall). I did some modeling gigs for band uniforms and automobile tires, and I learned I was a terrible model. I saved $6,000 and moved to Los Angeles that fall.

What was that first year like in California?

I was very lucky. I got a commercial agent pretty quickly. I got the first commercial I auditioned for, which got me into the actor’s union. It was a beer commercial. We shot it on the beach in Malibu. And I thought, “Why does everyone think acting is so hard? This is so easy, and fun.” [Laughs] And then I didn’t work for about a year and settled into the day-in, day-out of the journeyman actor.

It sounds like your decision to amass a cash reserve before moving paid off.

Yeah, I was just talking about this. My kids’ surrogate mom—we’re still friends—has a son who’s 18 and wants to be an actor and the piece of advice I gave to him yesterday, was “Save up some money, so when you go to where you want to go, you’ve got a little bit of a cushion so you can get into an acting class, you can get yourself familiar with the town. Because if it’s not working out after six months, and it usually doesn’t, you don’t have to go back home. You can set yourself up for success. LA’s not going anywhere. New York’s not going anywhere.”

You famously came out in 2013 on Marie Osmond’s talk show, which is hilarious.

[Laughs] Yeah, who comes out on the Marie Osmond Show?

It seems almost subversive. But was your coming out abrupt at that moment, or had it been a longer process of widening the circles of who knew?

That’s a good way of putting it, widening the circles. Because everyone who knows me personally and professionally knew that I was gay, but I had never gone on a talk show or talked about it in a magazine because I didn’t want to potentially narrow the window of opportunity that I had.

So after I had my kids in 2012, I was just so excited about being a dad, and about my kids, and I just wanted to talk about that. And I wasn’t able to talk about it as thoroughly and as honestly as I wanted to if I had to dodge questions about, “Why did you as a single guy have kids through surrogacy?” And I didn’t want my kids to wonder later why I was dodging questions.

So right at that time, Marie Osmond invited me to be on her show, and I said, “Guess what, Marie?”

Have I got a scoop for you.

[Laughs] Exactly.

You became famous as David Vickers in One Life to Live, a character who kept reappearing even after long breaks. Do you feel like David is your straight alter ego?

David’s not really all that straight, if you go back and look at some of the episodes. David was whatever he needed to be to get what he wanted. But there is a whole lot of me in David Vickers.

How so?

I was hired to come on as this cool, mysterious character, and I tried to do that. I was kind of unremarkable at it, and there were guys that were so much better at it than I was. On that kind of show, if you can’t find your own unique stripe on the tapestry, you get lost and you get fired. And I loved that job, and I wanted to stay.

One day, I accidentally fell down the stairs, and everyone laughed, and I was embarrassed, but then I thought, “Oh! My character isn’t cool and mysterious—he thinks he’s cool and mysterious. He’s actually an idiot.” And that’s when the David Vickers that we all came to know and love was born. And that’s what gave him longevity is that he was different from everyone else.

So you’re better at being funny than being cool and mysterious? Exactly.

Did you worry about being typecast as “only” a soap star”?

Yes. One of the things they tell you is that after you get on a soap opera, the first thing you should do is get off the soap opera. So I was aware of that but it was the first big gig I had ever gotten and I loved working on that show. I loved the people I worked with on that show. I love working in a repertory company, that’s why I loved theater, and the soap opera is a great medium for that. So I did that for years and loved every single minute of it.

Naturally you want to go out and do other things, so I would go do other things, but then I would miss it, and I would want to live in New York again, and so they would let me come back from prison in Morocco, or I was unearthed from my grave, and so I got to go back.

In 1997, you starred in I Think I Do, which was a groundbreaking LGBT film. What do you think that film captured about that era in the history of gay civil rights?

What was noteworthy about I Think I Do is it was a gay rom-com, and LGBTQ-themed films of that era were primarily issue-oriented about coming out or age-related issues or hate crimes. We as a community weren’t well represented in comedies. So when that came along, I said, “Yes, please.” I wanted to move the needle in the spectrum of inclusion. I think it let people in on who we are a little more thoroughly.

It was just fun to watch, like any good romantic comedy. A lot of the other films were so important, but it felt a little like eating health food. And that’s not always why we watch movies. Sometimes we just want to escape or fantasize or laugh.

You went on to do a lot of major characters in TV shows and film. How has work for actors been changing recently and how did the SAG/AFRA strike affect you?

The strike hit everybody really hard: actors, writers, directors, producers. Last spring I was supposed to go do a movie in England, but they foresaw the strike potentially happening, so it got shelved. It shut everything down, and that was coming on the heels of the epidemic, when nobody worked. Starting back up has also taken a long time. Fortunately, I have a couple of gigs that have kicked into full gear.

The good part for me was getting to spend a whole lot of time with my kids, which I have loved. I’m not sure how much they have loved it. I think at their age, it may have created a stronger bond than if I was always off doing something.

Do you think the strike changed anything important?

I think that time will tell. It’s going to be interesting to see what the streamers do because they were producing so much content, and I think we are seeing that that may be a business model that cannot sustain itself. I’m not sure if we’re going to see as much content produced, which is going to be tough on everyone.

You just booked recurring roles on two shows: Paradise City, a new series for Hulu, and a new role on Criminal Minds: Evolution for Paramount+. Can you tell us a little about those roles? They’re so precious now, they don’t allow you to say much anymore. Everyone thinks they’ve got the next big deal. Paradise City comes from Dan Fogelman, who brought us This is Us.It’s got an incredible cast with Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden. I work closely with Julianne Nicholson, an amazing actress from Mare of Easttown, August Osage County, and The Outsider

In Criminal Minds: Evolution, I’m playing a not very nice person, which is very exciting. It’s always fun to play baddies.

Acting is grueling. Since you spoke of enjoying extended time with your family during Covid, do you have a vision of retirement or semi-retirement one day? Actors are not built to retire. We just don’t do it. I feel like the parts I’ve been offered lately are more interesting than ever before, and it feels like it’s ramping up rather than slowing down.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

Left: Watkins with his partner, Andrew Rannells. Right: Watkins and his children taking part in the American actors’ union SAG-AFTRA strike last year.

DeNim RuLes

FROM ITS BEGINNINGS IN THE 1849 CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH, DENIM HAS ALWAYS BEEN PRACTICAL, RUGGED WEAR FOR GUYS. THESE DAYS, IT’S STILL ALL THAT AND TRENDING, TOO

LAID-BACK

photos by Kenny Johnson

Polo Ralph Lauren T-shirt, $40; Ralph Lauren denim shirt, $125; Ralph Lauren denim shorts, $89.50; Vintage Bolt belt, $55; Ralph Lauren sandals, $55.

All from Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store (Legends Outlets).

HAWAIIAN PUNCH

Tori Richard shirt, $288; Hiroshi Kata jeans, $235. All from Houndstooth (River Market and Camelot Court).

HEAD STRONG

Kangol hat, $80; SER.O.YA shirt, $248; Purple jeans, $275; Alexander McQueen sneakers, $690. All from Halls (Crown Center).

PATTERN PLAY

Scotch & Soda top, $188; Monfrére jeans, $255; Britt Bolton pearl necklace $295; Burberry sneakers, $770. All from from Halls (Crown Center).

GOOD JEANS

Left: Giannetto shirt, $230; Teleria Zed jeans, $299.75; Orciani belt, $315. Right: Teleria Zed jeans, $297.50; Sonrisa linen shirt, $340; Pietra Salata jacket, $575; T Barton Perreira sunglasses, $275; Orciani belt, $215; Theras sandals, $180 (both looks). All from Hudson & Jane (Crestwood Shops).

COLOR STORY

Matinique T-shirt, $40; Garnet shirt, $148; Jack of Spades jeans, $165; Life.Style bead bracelet, $35; Leather bracelet, $73; Leather bracelet, $57. All from Trapp and Company (Midtown).

DAPPER IN DENIM

Neuw jeans, $219; Billy Reid shirt, $198; Stitch Note T-shirt, $65; Brixton hat, $79; Taft boots, $295. All from Ulah (Woodside Village Shops).

BEYOND THE PALE

Freenote T-shirt, $75; Original Madras Trading Company shirt, $198; Ironheart jeans, $280. All from Guevel (Crossroads).

UP ON ROOF the

OUTDOOR PATIOS TO TAKE YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS

words by Jenny Vergara

If you want to see your city or even your circumstances in a new way, sometimes all it takes is a move to higher ground. Maybe take your morning coffee out on your second-floor balcony, hike up to the top of a hill, or even better, call friends to meet up for a cocktail at a rooftop restaurant or bar. It’s bound to lift your spirits.

June marks the beginning of summer and the midway point in the year, which makes it the perfect time to take stock of where you are and where you are going. Even if you looked at the same view from the ground floor, it wouldn’t compare to what you see when you look at something from a new and unique angle—like an artist who has stepped back from his canvas and can suddenly see all the brushstrokes coming into focus to reveal a beautiful painting.

Kansas Citian Doug Frost once commented to me about the incredible things he learned about his own palate and others simply by drinking in the air. As both a Master of Wine and a Master Sommelier, Frost has the education, experience, and palate to pair wine with

almost anything. For the last decade, he has used his extraordinary skills as the global wine and spirits consultant for United Airlines.

For this job, he must taste and select from tens of thousands of cases of wine and spirits each year to be poured on board one of the world’s largest carriers. His main challenge is that wine tastes much differently at 35,000 feet in the air than it does sitting in a café or restaurant on terra firma. Red wines taste more tannic and white wines more acidic. When making his wine selections, Frost compensates for this by seeking out juicy wines that are fruit forward to balance the effects.

That same logic could be applied to drinking experiences at open-air rooftops. New spaces are opening every year, and their menus are jampacked with juicy, summer-inspired, small plates and fruity cocktails.

So get out there! It’s time to not only drink and dine outside, but to elevate that experience by doing so on some of the most interesting rooftop restaurants and bars in the city. Enjoy the view as much as the food and drink.

Green Dirt on Oak

It is cool and casual on the roof of the new restaurant and event space, Green Dirt on Oak. Guests are welcome to take their drink or plate of locally made sheep’s milk cheeses up to the rooftop to enjoy with views of downtown Kansas City. Just know that there is no cocktail service on the roof. For a re ll, you need to return to the second- oor bar and place your order. But with cheese this good and views this tempting, it’s well worth putting in those steps. greendirtfarm.com/oak

Messenger Coffee on Grand

Percheron at the Crossroads Hotel

With live music on weekends, Percheron, the rooftop patio at the Crossroads Hotel, o ers a chill spot to land for tantalizing view of both downtown and the Crossroads. Make reservations now to sit back and enjoy a list of breezy summer-inspired cocktails, wine, and beers paired with satisfying and shareable small plates and bar snacks. is hotel continues to be a hot spot for locals and visitors alike to socialize in style. crossroadshotelkc.com/food-and-drink/percheron-rooftop-bar

Sister businesses Messenger Co ee and Ibis Bakery share a beautiful three-story building that has been completely renovated. In addition to serving in-house roasted co ee and a large selection of amazing breads, pastries, along with breakfast and lunch plates. Messenger and Ibis have created plenty of spots to enjoy them. Check out the amazing rooftop deck, complete with a cozy outdoor replace and plenty of seating. Grab a cappuccino and chocolate croissant and head for the roof for a morning or midday pick-me-up. messengerco ee.co/pages/1624-grand

Bamboo Penny’s

Everyone knows the delicious ai food and tropical drinks that Penny and Doug Mufaka, along with Michael Werner, brought to the Park Place shopping center in Leawood when they opened Bamboo Penny’s. But the best-kept secret here is the rooftop patio with retractable roof. With views of the Park Place grassy lawn below, on summer nights it’s the perfect spot to meet for ice-cold cocktails and a table full of small plates to enjoy with a side of starlight. bamboopennys.com

Coach’s Bar & Grill on 135th Street

Few restaurants in southern Johnson County o er outdoor rooftop patios, setting locally owned Coach’s Bar & Grill apart from the chains that dominate the suburban landscape. Head to the roof to enjoy a breeze and an icecold beer or cocktail, along with some comforting bar and grill favorites, such as bu alo wings, burgers, and baskets of appetizers to share. coach-s.com

Horsefeather Social at Loews Hotel

Located on the seventh oor of the Lowes Hotel is Horsefeather Social, the seasonal rooftop bar and patio where locals and tourists gather for their rst or last drink of the night with a spectacular view of the iconic Kau man Performing Arts building. It o ers a handful of shareable snacks and small plates, such as whipped goat cheese with lemon zest, honey, and lavosh crackers, along with craft cocktails, wine, and beer. e bar is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Order the namesake horsefeather cocktail, sit back, and enjoy live music ursday, Friday, and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 9 p.m. horsefeathersocial.com

Strang Chef Collective at Cascade Hotel

Strang Chef Collective is the newest food hall now open in the sleek Cascade Hotel, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection located just north of the Country Club Plaza. Four chef-driven restaurant concepts occupy an 11,000-square-foot space that spans two oors. Guests will nd four restaurants, one bar, and a practically perfect second- oor patio with outdoor seating and interesting views of a colorful mural. Enjoy food from Southeast Asia at Khai-Noy, German cuisine from Gasthaus, Latin American food from Verde, and Italian dishes at Parma. stranghall.com/plaza

Chicken N Pickle

e rooftop patio at Chicken N Pickle is the perfect catbird seat to observe all the whizzing action on the pickleball courts below. With two locations in Kansas City and indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, along with a patio full of yard games like bags, washers and a human-sized game of Battleship, the only thing you need to enjoy the scene at Chicken N Pickle is a pretty day and a drink in your hand. Hungry? Try Chicken N Pickle’s spicy fried chicken sandwich and pair it with a local beer or the Knotty Cherry cocktail, a boozy take on a limeade. chickennpickle.com/location/kansas-city

Teocali

Located in the Longfellow neighborhood, Teocali is a homegrown Mexican restaurant with a lot of heart. Its location o ers three distinct oors to enjoy tacos, sopes, enchiladas, and platters of sizzling fajitas, in addition to a truly impressive selection of tequila. On a sunny day, take o early and enjoy the spacious third- oor rooftop patio with views of the whole neighborhood and a margarita in hand. teocali.com

The Combine

Kansas City native Alan Kneeland opened e Combine, a pizza shop located inside e Wonder Shops and Flats on Troost, in the fall of 2020. He had to hustle to get the word out, but now it’s enjoying a regular clientele that comes for pizza, deli sandwiches, chopped salads, cocktails, beer, and wine. In addition to his duties as owner of e Combine and the current president of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, Kneeland also manages the sizable Skyline Rooftop patio and lounge atop the building. e Skyline Rooftop can be reserved with bar and catering services from e Combine, which would allow you to throw one heck of a private pizza party with amazing sunset views. thecombinekc.com

Coming Soon: Blanc Champagne Bar

An existing rooftop will soon be back in your regular orbit. Blanc Champagne Bar, owned by local Kansas City marketer Jordin Johnson, will open sometime in August in the former Canary space at 3835 Main Street after a facelift that will bring a lively oral vibe and rosy blush color to the space. e name comes from the French wine term “blanc de blanc,” which means “white on white,” and refers to champagnes made with all white grapes. e chef Chad Tillman is serving as the culinary consultant for the full-service restaurant on the rst oor and rooftop garden patio. Expect charcuterie and cheese plates, along with a variety of small plates made for sharing, and a full cocktail bar and champagne menu boasting one of the most extensive bubble lists in the city. ere will be a smaller snack menu served on the roof, which will be available to rent for private parties and open public happy hours.

THIS IS HOME

INTERIOR DESIGNER AMY THURSTON

TRANSFORMED A DATED RANCH IN OLD LEAWOOD INTO A WARM AND COZY FAMILY HO ME

Ten years ago, the Thurstons were looking for a family home—not too big, not too small, but just right in some indefinable way.

At first sight, the 1950s ranch that overlooked a small park did not seem especially promising. But there was an apple tree in the backyard, and when Amy Thurston walked through the door, she started crying. “That’s when I knew that this was home,” she says. “We were married in an apple orchard. I like old, good things, the house had been well cared for, and the interior seemed spacious yet cozy.”

Amy, an interior designer, and her chef husband, Curtis, who churns up gourmet ice creams at Summer Salt Ice Cream in Prairie

In the living room, the couple removed the orignal wood mantel and replaced it with a simple plaster finish. Over the mantel is an antique mirror that’s a family heirloom. The rustic vintage coffee table from Good Weather recalls their time in South Africa.

Above, left: A bookcase in the sunroom displays found objects, treasures from trips abroad, and a vintage hobby horse that belonged to Curtis as a child. Above, right: Designer Amy Thurston. Below: A vintage poster in the family room is an estate sale find. The sofa and ottoman are from Crate & Barrel.

Vintage wicker chairs, an indoor/ outdoor rug from RH, and a woodframed sofa are arranged on the slate floor of the sunroom, which was originally an outdoor deck.

In the dining room, a vintage, stripped metal hospital cabinet the couple found in San Francisco conveniently holds china and glassware.

Village, settled in with their two children, Marni (15) and Kruger (12), along with canines Auggie and Dolly.

As the years went by, the kids grew and their friends grew, and soon the house seemed a bit small. Amy wanted to keep the overall feel of the home but make it roomier somehow. The ranch expanded to a second floor, the back deck became a sunroom, and every room opened up— just a little more. Now, “every room still feels like a room, but the flow is better,” she says.

With a palette of neutrals, each room unfolds into the next. The living room, painted a soft Farrow & Ball White Tie, welcomes guests with a low-slung vintage sofa in a toffee-colored leather that sits across from two fleecy vintage chairs. On the wall hangs a montage of African masks from the couple’s time in South Africa. To the left of the fireplace, they created a recessed bar, perfect for mixing up a negroni (Amy) or a whiskey and ginger (Curtis). They also created a plaster floor-toceiling shelf displaying ceramics.

The dining room is papered in Angel’s Trumpet by Cole & Son, recalling a tender moment in the couple’s courtship when the flower was in bloom. Amy’s balancing act of formal/informal, color/neutral, polished/rustic is on full display here. A custom table with brass inlay is surrounded by chairs from Crate & Barrel. Heavy cream silk drapes pulled to one side and a creamy-colored contemporary light from CB2

Above: Amy designed the custom cabinetry in the kitchen, which is painted in Farrow & Ball’s White Tie. That’s the family’s dog Dolly peeking out from the Dutch door. Augie was too shy. Left: The commodious 42-inch-wide kitchen sink was a true find (and a bargain)! Originally it was a Kohler farm sink with legs and was adapted to fit the new cabinets.

that’s shaped like a flower complete the look. “This room is my happy place,” she says.

To one side, the kitchen works around the professional Hestan range with the custom white-oak hood. Curtis selected the quartzite counters and backsplash for the pattern. “We kept everything else simple,” says Amy. There is plenty of room around the island for everyone to work, perhaps making the family-favorite chicken pesto pasta. “We all love to cook.” A Dutch door to the garage helps corral the dogs and keep muddy pawprints from adding an unwanted textural element.

The family room shows off one of Amy’s interior design tricks. The walls (eggshell), trim (satin), and ceiling (flat) are painted the same dark olive, but in different finishes to give a feeling of cocooning. “I love the way the light bounces around,” she says.

The sunroom, once a backyard deck, now is light and airy, with found objects that piqued the family’s interest, such as a sculptural hornet’s nest (minus the hornets). Two curvy vintage wicker club chairs have become the favorite perch for friends who visit.

The hall features framed art and photos of the kids, an Aerin telescoping sconce, and a framed mixed media work by a Brooklyn artist evoking the elephant lookout in the game reserve the couple worked at

Above: Various sizes of Carrara marble tile clads the floors and walls of the primary bathroom. Left: Marble also tops the custom white-oak cabinetry of the primary bath. Sconces and mirrors are from West Elm. Opposite: In the primary bedroom, one wall is papered with a Kuba Cloth wallcovering from St. Frank.

Amy’s office is centered around a Crate & Barrel desk. The bookcase is a custom design; the pendant is from L’aviva Home.

in South Africa.

The primary bedroom also uses the three-finish paint technique in Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Gray as well as a feature wall of contemporary paper. Soft bedding adds a feminine touch.

A sculptural tub with a linen swag nestles under the window in the light and airy primary bath. Marble tile and white oak keep the same natural materials as the rest of the house.

It all adds up to a house with a warm and happy feeling that visitors sense as soon as they walk in the door. It brims with memories, photos, and art that all has special meaning. “I buy what I love,” says Amy. “And when I work with clients, I encourage them to do the same thing. When you put it all together, you can create a home that makes you feel happy. You’re home.”

AMeat the Day

by Judith Fertig

n exciting new foodie destination—all sleek dark tile and shining stainless steel—opens this month in Briarcliff.

If you’ve ever wondered where you could find the French steak cut known as a bavette, pecan-smoked bacon, sweetbreads, or a flakey chicken pot pie in Kansas City, put this place on your must-shop list.

Carne Diem, the newest offering by husband-and-wife culinary team Sarah Nelson and Louis Guerrieri, offers everything you might need for breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hour, or dinner to take home.

The couple, who met when they both worked at fine dining establishments in Denver, also run the popular OMBRA small plates + libations a few doors down.

But why add a butcher shop/deli?

Nelson grew up north of the river, and her grandfather kept a hobby herd of cattle, supplying the family with sides of beef. “When I went away to the University of Colorado in Boulder, my mother sent along a freezer full of ground beef,” Nelson recalls with a laugh.

Guerrieri sharpened his boning knife in upscale restaurants, learning how to make charcuterie, crown roasts, terrines, and gourmet sausages. He can tease a mock tenderloin from under a beefy shoulder blade, skewer Argentinian picanha for the grill, and—is working towards—dry-age beef for the best flavor. “I have been working in restaurants since I was 14,” he says. “I can do just about anything.”

And that “anything” will start with locally raised and ethically produced foods, including beef, pork, chicken, and duck from Barham Family Farms in Kearney;

lamb and farmstead cheeses from Green Dirt Farm in Weston; mushrooms from MyCo Planet; micro-greens from area farms; and breads from Ibis Bakery. “We’ll also have game meats—quail, wild boar, and pheasant,” says Guerrieri. In Denver, Guerrieri cured and smoked both lamb and beef bacon and hopes to do the same at Carne Diem.

Carne Diem also offers a sustainable seafood counter and plenty of tinned fish, the new go-to nibble.

If you order a hot breakfast sandwich, you’ll get house-made sausage, local eggs, and a bakery bagel. Deli meats will be made in-house. Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads with a seasonal approach will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. Carne Diem will also carry meal kits to take home to warm or bake in the oven.

Pastry for meat pies, paté en croute, and other goodies are Nelson’s department, and she relies on local, freshly ground flour from Marion Milling.

The couple will also roll out the dough—pasta dough—for lasagna and more. “We bought a special extruder in the shape of our logo, and we’ll have some fun with it,” says Nelson.

The re-emergence of the mom-andpop butcher shop joins forces with the family farm, driven by the desire for local ingredients, a more health-centered approach to eating, and concern for environmental factors, says Guerrieri.

“We also will be offering cooking classes, butchery tutorials, catering, and special events,” says Nelson.

Take home and enjoy the good stuff from Carne Diem. carnediembutcher.com

DISCOVER THE MUST-SHOP CARNE DIEM

Clockwise from top left: Husband-andwife culinary team Sarah Nelson and Louis Guerrieri. R Guerrieri making pasta. Making a potpie. Sausage drips. endering of Carne Diem by Clockwork Architecture and Design.

Sweet Summer

Summer Concert Series

SATURDAYS IN JUNE & AUGUST (7PM - 9PM) Free outdoor concerts featuring top local bands.

June 1: The Champagne

June 8: The Zeros

June 15: Elton Dan & the Rocket Band

June 22: Way Too Famous June 29: The Suburbans

Second Saturdays for Kids!

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY (10AM - NOON) Kids rule! Free entertainment for mornings filled with play, laughter, and meaningful moments together.

June 8: Little Artists' Take Over July 13: Summer Foam Party!

Wednesday Date Night

EVERY WEDNESDAY (6PM - 8PM) Live music for a mid-week date night! Connect over a great line-up of pop/rock, country, and even reggae!

Pinwheel Club

TUESDAYS IN JUNE & JULY (9AM - 11AM)

A free weekly kids club with crafts, entertainment, and games.

Guitars & Games

EVERY FRIDAY (6PM - 8PM) Free live acoustic music and lawn games. Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.

Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.

In the Kitchen BRAISED GREENS

BY Cody Hogan PHOTOS BY Aaron Leimkuehler

Ihave written repeatedly of my love of greens. ey’re not only delicious and healthful, they're also incredibly forgiving to grow (and neglect) in the garden. ere are greens for practically every season, and avor pro les to t every palate—from mild and sweet to sour to pungent to bracingly bitter and any combination thereof. eir textures can vary from crisp/crunchy to silken to brous to slippery (mucilaginous) to leathery and more, depending on type of leaf and cooking method. Every culture has its favorites, and not surprisingly, entire cookbooks have been written about lowly, lovely greens!

and every palate—from mild and sweet

At this time of year when greens are so plentiful, I like to braise and freeze a good quantity of my home-grown greens to have in the depths of winter—and greens, after braising, take very well to freezing. If you would like to braise and freeze your own, just follow the recipe below up to the point where you “allow them to cool.” at is where you would freeze them.

up to the point where you “allow them to cool.” at is where you

winter, I hope you try the following recipe. It is a simple pie lled in

Regardless of whether you grow your own or freeze them for winter, I hope you try the following recipe. It is a simple pie lled with braised greens that can be adapted in countless ways. Even green-averse children (and adults) might be willing to try—and love—something you could call a double-crusted stu ed pizza.

Braised Greens in a Crust

Every cuisine on the planet has a variation on this dish, but if I had to give this version a place of origin, I would say generic Mediterranean. You could use any type of pastry crust, like lo/phyllo, pu pastry, pizza dough (I use that most often), American pie crust, or hot-water pastry. is crust is adapted from my mentor, Lidia Bastianich, and it originates around Rome and south to Naples—I had an identical one in a trattoria in Rome just last fall. It contains yeast and semolina our, which contribute a avorful and slightly crumbly texture. As for the greens, I love to use those with bitter notes, like mustards, chicories, and escarole. But spinach, Swiss chard, and collards are equally delicious and perhaps a bit more approachable for most people. And don’t forget the wild greens, such as nettles, maiden’s tears, dandelions, and poke, if you have access to them—they can be extremely nutritious and free.

For the crust—and as I mentioned you can use any type of crust you like/have to hand—in a food processor, combine 1 cup tepid wa-

ter

suming your yeast is alive and well), and

a few minutes while you gather the of all-purpose our

cup extra-virgin olive oil. When foamy, add the olive oil, ours, and sor and pulse the mixture a few times all

a standing mixer). In long pulses, continue kneading the dough until it becomes much

, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (I’m assuming your yeast is alive and well), and a heaping teaspoon of honey, and let them sit together and come to life for a few minutes while you gather the rest of you ingredients: 1½ cups of all-purpose our, 1½ cups semolina our, 1 teaspoon ne salt (see In Your Pantry about salt), and ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil. When you see the yeast dissolving in the water, perhaps looking a little foamy, add the olive oil, ours, and salt. Put the top on the food processor and pulse the mixture a few times to combine all the ingredients (you could also mix this by hand, or mix it in a standing mixer). In long pulses, continue kneading the dough until it becomes much more smooth and forms a ball that races around the processor bowl cleaning the sides. It will never be completely smooth because of the semolina. If the dough is very sticky and won’t form a ball, add a tablespoon of our and continue pulsing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry and crumbly to form a ball, add a tablespoon of water (or more) until it comes together. Transfer the ball of dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover, allowing it to rise for about an hour while you prepare the greens.

the processor bowl cleaning the sides. It will never be comof the and pulsing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry and crumbly

together. Transfer the ball of dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover, allowing it to rise for about an hour while you prepare the greens.

For the greens, it will take several large bunches depending on the variety. Some greens, like spinach and mustards, lose a considerable portion of their volume when cooked. Swiss chard and collards are more sturdy and wilt considerably less. Wash them thoroughly to remove any grit, and tear o any tough stems (like those of large kale and chard). Drain the leaves brie y (a little water clinging to the leaves will actually aid the wilting process) and chop them into 1-inch strips. In a large skillet or dutch oven, sauté 5 or 6 sliced cloves of garlic , adding a big pinch of crushed red pepper akes or other spicy pepper just as the garlic begins to turn golden. Quickly, before the garlic burns, add a big handful of the chopped greens (watch out for the spatter of wet greens hitting hot oil), stir, and cover the pot to begin the steaming/wilting process of the greens. After about a minute, uncover the pot and season with salt . Add more greens, stirring, and again cover the pot, continuing in this fashion until all of your greens have been added to the pot. For delicate greens like spinach, this will take only a few minutes, 5 at most. e sturdy greens could take up to 30 minutes to completely break down and become tender. For the longer-cooking greens, be sure to monitor the liquid in the pot to be sure the greens don’t burn. In most cases, the leaves will release enough water that you don’t have

to add any, but if the pot does become dry, add a few tablespoons of water as necessary and/ or turn down the heat. When the greens have nished cooking and the liquid in the pot has mostly evaporated, remove the greens from the heat and allow them to cool while you prepare your baking dish by lightly coating it with oil or butter. Divide the pastry dough into two pieces and allow it to rise brie y while you nish the lling (the dough can be allowed to rise a second time or even refrigerated and allowed to rise very slowly overnight for a more complex avor).

Transfer the cooked greens to a large bowl, squeezing out any excess liquid. When writing this recipe, the weight of my cooked greens was about one and a half pounds, but if you don’t have quite that much, you will be okay. To the greens, add one cup of grated hard cheese , such as Parmigiano or aged cheddar, and about the same amount of a melty cheese like mozzarella (smoked would be nice), fresh goat cheese, or gruyere.* Mix thoroughly, taste the lling and adjust seasoning as necessary. Roll one of the pieces of dough slightly larger than the size of the baking dish you are using. Lay it over the dish and set it into place, stretching a little if needed to fully line the pan. Put all of the lling into the pan and roll out the second piece of pastry so it is just a little larger than the top of the baking dish. Set it into place, crimp the edges of both pieces of pastry together to seal them, and cut a few small slits in the surface of the crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the crust with oil and sprinkle lightly with salt . Place the dish in a preheated 375F oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is a lovely golden brown. Remove the pan to a rack to cool for half an hour before cutting. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature. Although lovely served alone, a bowl of soup or some paper-thin slices of good cured meats or sh would be tasty allies, as would a crisp chilled sauvignon blanc.

*Notes on lling variations: One of my favorite additions (which will appease the carnivores in your household) is the addition of crumbled cooked Italian fennel sausage (like our local Scimeca’s). Lardons of bacon or other smoked meat (or cheese) would be tasty with particularly bitter varieties of greens. Hardboiled eggs, halved or quartered and distributed throughout the lling, would be a beautiful and protein-packed enhancement. Olive or capers, feta cheese, and herbs would also make a avorful impact if added with a judicious hand.

In Your Pantry

IT’S NOT JUST SALT

IN THE PAST TWO DECADES OR SO, salt has become something of a weapon in culinary circles, an ingredient to further stratify an already complex cultural culinary hierarchy. But really, it’s just sodium chloride (primarily), a chemical requirement of human bodies, a natural avor enhancer and another opportunity to enhance the dining experience. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the salt choices presented to you. ink of them as opportunities to subtly elevate something basic. And if salt is really your thing, read Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. You’ll never think about salt the same way. e following are some ways to think about salt.

The Starting Point—Kosher Salt The name of this salt derives from the size of crystals, which, because they are larger than common table salt, are better at drawing blood out of meat in the koshering process (large crystals take longer to dissolve and facilitate osmosis). Kosher salt is the standard salt in most restaurant kitchens, but it must be noted that there are two brands that are most commonly used, Morton and Diamond Crystal. They have very different characteristics and perceived “saltiness” depending on how they are used. Switch one for the other in a restaurant and the recipes will all go a little wonky. Diamond Crystal has more flaky shaped and lighter crystals than Morton’s, whose crystals are dense and seem “saltier.” Many cookbooks and recipes often specify which type of salt to use due to the difference in “saltiness,” so always use taste as your ultimate guide. Common table salt (usually Morton, the dark blue cylinder we all know) has much finer crystals plus iodine (for common nutrient deficiencies) and the addition of anti-caking agents to keep the fine crystals from clumping in the can or salt shaker.

Size and Physics

A great deal of the perceived “saltiness” of various salts comes from the size of the crystal. A larger crystal gives a more intense salt experience, a burst of flavor, and as mentioned with kosher salt, takes longer to dissolve, which makes it superior for dry-brining meats and drawing water out of foods over an extended period of time. All salt is sea salt and was derived from evaporated ocean water (even mined salt was evaporated from oceans—just thousands/millions of years ago). Sea salts vary depending on the location of harvest and harvest method used (most of them are produced through evaporation of water from sea water, leaving behind just the salt and various minerals and residues which contribute to different shades and colors of different sea salts). Fine crystals dissolve more rapidly and stick to foods better than larger crystals, and are best applied when foods are still warm so they stick. Himalayan pink sea salt is mined from one specific region in Pakistan. Its color is due to trace minerals, iron being the primary contributor to the pink hues. It has many purported health benefits, but that just may be good marketing. Go to any TJ Maxx or Home Goods, and you are sure to find a selection of pink sea salt.

Texture Aside from crystal size, texture—in this case the super crunchy texture of big flake salt—is one of the most obvious differences in type of salt. Maldon, a British variety of big flake salt, is readily available and is wonderful for sprinkling on baked goods and on foods right before serving—say, right after slicing a big piece of roast meat, or sprinkled atop raw fish immediately before it is consumed. Oysters love a bit of Fleur de Sel or other briny, gray flaky salt harvested off the surface of the ocean or from saline ponds.

Flavor and Memory Whenever you travel keep an eye out for local salts. Salt is a wonderful edible souvenir and vehicle for flavor. It can be as simple as a reference to a location that brings back memories, or infused with different herbs and spices evocative of specific places. Smoked salts and truffle-infused salts deliver complex flavor in just a pinch. And as a souvenir or gift, they have the added bonus of being simple to pack.

by Jenny Vergara

In Your Cocktail

THE WISE GUY

Af ter almost 16 years operating as a fine-dining establishment, 1924 Main Street has a brand-new attitude, thanks to new owners Bret Springs and Zach Marten, co-owners of Rockhill Restaurant Group, which owns and operate two Rockhill Grille restaurant locations in Kansas City—one of them only a few blocks away from its Italian joint, The Wise Guy.

The name was inspired by gangsters like Al Capone, who were said to have stayed in the former Rieger Hotel where the new restaurant is located. With Capone’s ties to Chicago, they leaned heavily into that Second City feel for this new neighborhood bar and restaurant serving

Chicago-style thin-crust tavern pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. Springs and Marten had wanted to open a pizza and pasta place ever since they closed Coal Vines on the Country Club Plaza in 2017.

The Wise Guy is currently open from 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday, with the kitchen closing at 11 p.m. The vibe is cozy in the evenings with little natural light in the space, chocolate-brown wood-paneled walls, and wall sconces that resemble a secret handshake, complete with an outstretched brass hand holding a ball topped with moody red lamp shades. Then there is that iconic original floor tile that features the signature “R” from its days as the Rieger Hotel.

The dining room has been completely reimagined. A handsome bar

photo by Corie English

Amalfi Coast Cocktail

runs down the south wall of the restaurant, while low-top and high-top tables ll the dining room.

e food menu features the usual suspects you would expect from an Italian spot. Appetizers, including garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, and fritto misto, take the edge o your hunger. Or you can start with a fresh salad, such as the chopped Italian, Caesar, or caprese. e sandwiches, including the fried mortadella and a crispy fried garlic Parmesan chicken sandwich, are good, but the thin and crispy tavern-style pizza is my pick for dinner every time. If pizza isn’t what you crave, a variety of pasta dishes and entrées—such as pesto salmon, chicken Parmesan, and short ribs—will surely satisfy.

e drink menu focuses on a handful of classic cocktails, including a Negroni Chinato and Aperol Spritz, along with a ne list of draft beer and bottled and canned beers. e wine list is compact and speaks only Italian, as you would expect.

ere is a selection of house-made martinis that feels like the right move to make at e Wise Guy, with everything from a traditional dirty martini garnished with gorgonzola cheese-stu ed olives to the beloved espresso martini. ere is even a irty fruit-forward martini that’s crafted with the unlikely combination of peaches, basil, and limoncello.

e chef, Clark Grant, hails from Georgia, and his love of peaches runs deep. So, when he went looking for a signature vodka martini he could make with limoncello, the combination of peaches and lemons was the unexpected twist this drink needed, because both fruits happen to grow on the Italian Amal Coast. He infuses the vodka with peaches and fresh basil rst, and then builds the rest of the drink using limoncello for brightness and a splash of dry Prosecco for some nal zz.

Cin-Cin! thewiseguykc.com

Amalfi Coast

1.5 ounces peach and basil-infused Wheatley Vodka*

.5 ounce Limoncello

5 ounce simple syrup

5 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 bottle any dry Prosecco

2 Basil leaves for garnish

Combine peach and basil-infused Wheatley vodka, limoncello, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until chilled (about ten seconds). Strain through a traditional cocktail strainer into a fine mesh strainer into a martini glass to remove any ice chips. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a basil leaf.

*PEACH AND BASILINFUSED WHEATLEY VODKA

1 pound fresh peaches (can use frozen, but fresh preferred)

1 liter Wheatley Vodka

3-5 large basil leaves

Allow to infuse for five to seven days, strain and reserve.

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905

Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900 1900 Building

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

PickleCon is the ultimate pickleball experience, catering to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. This premier event promises a pickleball paradise, where participants can build their own schedule from over 30 different activities offered throughout the 4-day event. PickleCon is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the exciting world of pickleball and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

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CARNE DIEM BUTCHER SHOP

KNOWING HOW to properly break down fish and butcher whole animals is a skill that many chefs rely on to get the most out of every part of the protein on their menus. But butchering requires a lot of space, between storing the sides to butchering them into usable cuts, which makes opening a butcher shop near your restaurant a good idea. This is exactly what Ombra’s executive chef and owner, Sarah Nelson, and her chef husband, Louis Guerrieri, are planning to do this month. Carne Diem, a seafood and butcher shop carrying ethically and locally sourced chicken, beef, pork, and some game meats, including rabbit, quail, goat, duck and pheasant, in addition to carrying the freshest fish and seafood available, will open in the former GreenAcres Market spot in The Village at Briarcliff shops, located only a few doors down from their restaurant Ombra. In addition to selling meat and seafood, they will have a curated cheese counter, a rotating selection of fresh and dried pastas, meal kits and grab ‘n’ go items, and pantry items, such as tinned fish, oils, and spices. Wine and liquor will also be available for purchase. carnediembutcher.com

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

NIGHT GOAT BARBECUE

FROM A PANDEMIC POP-UP to a place where you can pop in for some righteous local barbecue and cheap cocktails, Night Goat Barbecue, from the owners of Fox & Pearl, Vaughn Good and Kristine Hull, will be opening this fall in its very own space directly below Fox & Pearl, their popular farm-to-fork restaurant on Kansas City’s Westside. Currently Night Goat is operating as a Thursday night pop-up in the downstairs lounge of Fox & Pearl with a small food menu and fun divey cocktails. The future home for the barbecue place is now under construction in the space that formerly operated as El Pozo, an underground bar. Night Goat’s entrance will be on the north side of the building. While the existing bones of the building aren’t changing, the couple is adding some new fixtures. Available for dine-in or carry-out, with catering and private events also available, Night Goat Barbecue won’t serve the traditional meat-and-three platters, but instead will lean into dive-bar snacks, such as in-housecrafted hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, and tacos. The plan is to be open 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and possibly Sunday too, with food until midnight. foxandpearlkc.com/nightgoat

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Flavor IN KC

BY Jenny Vergara

VIVILORE RESTAURANT

AS A BROADCAST JOURNALISM MAJOR, digital creator, and social media in uencer who loves food, particularly the Asian cuisine she grew up eating, Jollene Kuo Hastings works to highlight hidden-gem restaurants in Kansas City. Now, she owns one of her own. She and her husband, who refers to himself as her silent partner and is an entrepreneur himself, purchased Vivilore, a beautiful restaurant, courtyard, and antique and art retail store in January. Located in the Englewood Arts District in Independence, Missouri, only 15 minutes from downtown KC, Vivilore was owned and operated for 12 years by the brother and sister team of Whit Ross and Cindy Foster. Now Hastings and her new chef, Chadd Williams, are taking the modern American menu and updating it for spring and summer with exciting new daily specials for lunch and dinner, while keeping customer favorites, including New England crab cakes, Vivilore chicken salad, and vegetable tamales. Impressionist art is the theme at Vivilore, although Hastings will be adding more local art to sell on consignment to the three oors of retail space. e outdoor courtyard consistently shows up on “best patio” lists every year for its gorgeously landscaped gardens, where you can eat outside in nice weather. Vivilore is open Wednesday through Saturday, serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 8:00 p.m. vivilore.com

Reservation for One GREEN DIRT ON OAK

by Jenny Vergara photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

For 16 years, Sarah Hoffman and her family have been on a mission to introduce Kansas City to their wonderful sheep’s milk cheese made locally outside of Weston, Missouri. To date, Green Dirt Farm cheese has won more than 80 awards from prestigious cheese-making competitions around the world, and no one is cheering harder than we are for our local cheesemaker.

Hoffman first expanded in 2016, opening Green Dirt Creamery in a large stone building that was closer to Weston. It is large enough to allow her to buy more sheep’s milk from Amish farmers in the area and store it at her new headquarters, farm-tour pitstop, retail storefront, and casual café, which serves sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie boards, and

local beer and wine.

In 2022, she announced she was ready to expand again. This time she purchased a 13,650-square-foot, two-story building in the East Crossroads to open Green Dirt on Oak. Her goal with the new building is to bring the cheese closer to her customer base and to expand production, which allows more people to buy more Green Dirt cheese at a better price.

Green Dirt on Oak opened their second floor restaurant for dinner only in early April, and their reservation books immediately filled up. Although it might have made more operational sense to open for lunch first, given their experience running the Creamery in Weston, Hoffman’s team, which includes the general manager, Matthew Gude, and

the executive chef, Oskar Arévalo, lobbied to start with dinner service at Green Dirt on Oak to make sure that they had time to work on delivering an exceptional experience at dinner.

Walking upstairs to the restaurant space, one can see directly into the chef’s kitchen below, which feels like you are getting a sneak peek behind the curtain of the meal to come. An open kitchen has become a hallmark of many fine-dining restaurants, and the size of the downstairs kitchen makes one realize how serious they are about serving good food. At the host stand, you get your first glimpse of the dining room, and it is impressive. A real effort was made to make the restaurant and bar feel casual, warm, and welcoming, with wood floors, sage-green banquettes, exposed brick walls, and a soaring open-rafter wood ceiling. Black metal, used as an accent for the stairs, bar, and ductwork scattered across the second-floor, brings a downtown grit to the space. Even with all of that in play, the second floor is cavernous. The cocktail bar is tucked behind the staircase to keep the open flow in the dining room (and eventually the event space), which makes it feel more like a service bar rather than a unique destination of its own.

That said, the massive dining room still manages to create intimate moments with sound quality that is truly excellent for a space this voluminous. You can hear your tablemates without having to strain. There is also the added benefit of not being squeezed together side by side with other patrons, which was unexpectedly refreshing. Every table is spaced with plenty of room to breathe. A playlist of dinner music filled the room, which at times felt oddly formal for a restaurant that wants to be a fun, casual spot for cocktails, cheese, and shared small plates.

Checking the food menu at Green Dirt on Oak, there seems to be three goals. The first is to highlight Green Dirt’s own cheese and lamb, which is woven into most of the menu. The second is to support and showcase seasonal ingredients from other local farms, and the third is to strive for a zero food-waste kitchen, which means every ingredient must be completely utilized in the restaurant or bar. A menu like this is not without its own limitations, and yet these parameters can also spark creativity in an experienced kitchen team. All three are noble goals for any restaurant claiming to be farm-to-table, but especially true for one that has an actual farm supplying some of the food served.

Once seated, you’ll find the cheese and charcuterie platters are fervently recommended by the servers, and for those who have never had Green Dirt Farm cheese, it really is a must. They are ample, and allow you to experience the star of the show while you decide what to have next. Since I’m familiar with the cheeses, I eagerly ordered the Green Dirt Farm (GDF) fondue, the roots n’ tubers, and the zucchini tempura as recommended by our server.

A favorite, the GDF fondue, arrived first. It’s made nightly with pieces of the ripest cheeses in the case melted into a deliciously creamy, drippy sauce, served with a rustic plate of raw radishes, carrot coins, green apple slices, and chunks of house-made sourdough bread. The rich cheese sauce hinted at blue cheese, the sophisticated, rich flavor contrasting with the cool crudité.

Roots n’ tubers and the zucchini tempura looked almost identical when they were served. The zucchini tempura was the more successful dish, its profile bolstered by a variety of textures and flavors. There were

Flavor IN KC

crunchy, pickled giardiniera vegetables, fresh mint leaves, and smoky sumac flavoring the yogurt dipping sauce. While the zucchini had a golden brown, crispy crust, it had the texture of a simple cornmeal dredge, not the light and airy tempura batter as advertised. Still, the zucchini was cooked perfectly; the Middle Eastern-inspired veggie dish was satisfying.

Next, I ordered both the lamb burger and the smoked lamb molé, leaning into the lamb dishes knowing they were from their farm. There’s also a rabbit roulade, lamb chops, a hanger steak, and heritage pork chop on the menu. That evening, the special was a 22-ounce steak for $98, with only three of them available. All three were snapped up. I spied a couple at a nearby table sharing theirs with a smattering of small plates used as sides.

The lamb burger was tucked into a small brioche bun and topped with their GDF version of house-made American cheese, charred onions, and dill pickles served with a side of aioli and French fries. It was a good, greasy burger with a pronounced lamb flavor. More of the fondue sauce for dipping the fries would have made it even better.

Deeply flavored and dark in color, the smoked lamb molé gets its color and flavor from several different kinds of chiles, warming spices, and seeds simmered together. The lamb was shredded and doused in a blanket of thick molé, which made it difficult to determine the taste or texture of the lamb itself. It was served with three Yoli corn tortillas, a sprinkle of GDF feta cheese, and pickled serrano chilis, carrots, and onions, which I could have used more of to cut through the rich flavors of the molé.

For dessert, the server suggested the GDF mini cheesecake, and there is good reason for that. It might be one of the best uses of “cheese” on the entire menu. Made with a gluten-free graham cracker crust, the sheep’s milk filling is whipped until light and fluffy—like eating air with just a touch of sourness and sweetness. Served with a side of seasonal fruit compote, it’s a perfect example of the fun you can have with cheese as your North Star. Our waiter wheeled out, at my request, a charming amaro cart as we waited for dessert to arrive. My selection, a glass of Italian Braulio Amaro Alpino Liqueur, had a minty, spruce-like finish.

The wine list, selected by Gude, consists largely of natural wines. The list could benefit from a few more traditional red wines to accompany the variety of lamb, beef, and pork on the menu. A nice selection of local beers—some on tap and a few in bottles and cans—are available. The creative cocktail list included a quirky Cheese Kitchen Martini, consisting of gin, aquavit, and feta cheese brine, which made for an especially bracing take on a dirty martini. The fig jam old fashioned was just a bit too sweet to be taken seriously.

It was early spring when I dined here, right at the end of winter produce season. I’m sure the menu will evolve, benefiting from a combination of guest feedback and the introduction of fresh spring and summer produce. There’s plenty of talent in the kitchen, and with more time to play and experiment, they’ll surely achieve their noble goals for the menu. Their challenge, should they choose to accept it, will be to get Kansas City to love lamb all year long, as much as they love Green Dirt sheep’s milk cheese. greendirtfarm.com/oak

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Faces IN KC

KC Museum’s Derby Party

THE KANSAS CITY MUSEUM held their 9th annual Derby Party on May 4 on the historic grounds of the Kansas City Museum. The afternoon was with filled with cocktails, mocktails, Southern bites, live music, dancing, and the best Kentucky Derby fashion in Kansas City. All funds raised support the museum’s education and public programs. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by picwood

ShuttleCork

FINE ARTS AND FINE WINES mingled at ShuttleCork, a fundraiser for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Guests could choose from three packages: the Winemaker Dinners on May 2; the Grand Tasting and Live Auction on May 3; and After Dark—the official ShuttleCork after-party. At the Winemaker Dinners, guests were treated to cuisine by renowned local chefs and met winemakers from the West Coast. The wine, food, and company made for an unforgettable night. At the Grand Tasting, guests learned about wines from 25 top winemakers while sampling food offerings from 30 local restaurants. The party continued at the after-party at the Nelson-Atkins with savory bites, sweet treats, and dancing. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by mark mcdonald and paul andrews

My Essentials IN KC

Elliott’s essentials...

CAFFEINE FIX:

While I haven’t had more ca eine than a daily cup of decaf co ee in the past two years, Messenger on Grand serves an herbal tonic called Malabar, and I can’t get enough of it. Intensely avorful with turmeric, ginger, and peppercorns, it never fails to give me a little extra spring in my step.

Whenever someone visits from out of town, we’re going to Extra Virgin and I’m ordering the halved fudgy eggs. Seasoned with za’atar and sumac, they’re a perfect combination of taste and texture.

ELLIOTT SCOTT

COMMUNICATOR. ULTRAMARATHONER.

From the 2023 NFL Draft to the eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup in 2026, some of Kansas City’s best headlines in recent years have been about sports. Meet the communication strategist in charge of telling Kansas City’s sport stories: Elliott Scott.

After a decade of working at Will Gregory Public Relations, Scott joined the Kansas City Sports Commission in 2021; he is now the Director of Marketing and Communications. “My passion is equal parts storytelling and strategy,” Scott says. “We have something special in Kansas City—I call it the perfect mix of humility and hustle—and it’s a privilege to share our stories with the world.”

When he’s not working on national events like the Big 12 Basketball Championships, local fundraising events like the Garmin Kansas City Marathon, or WIN for KC’s programming for women and girls, Scott is most likely running through various parts of Kansas City. An avid ultramarathoner, he recently completed Flower Moon Ultra, a 52-mile trail race in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. In November, he’ll participate in the New York City Marathon on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

“Running has allowed me to explore parts of Kansas City I might never have discovered otherwise,” he says. “One of my favorite weekend traditions is running to a bakery I haven’t tried, having a light breakfast, and then returning home by a di erent route.”

GET BOOZY:

With full-proof and zero-proof cocktail menus, Wild Child is my pick when I’m meeting friends for a cocktail. I stick to the nonalcoholic side, favoring the N/A negroni for a drink that doesn’t feel like a compromise in the slightest.

SELF-CARE SESH:

SHOPPING SMALL:

Ulah, located in Woodside Village, continues to o er an exceptional range of products for men. I’ve known co-owner Joey Mendez since college—his expertise and advice have been a critical part of my fashion development over the years. e store never fails to feel welcoming.

HIDDEN GEM:

As my running mileage ramps up throughout the year, leg days in the gym become increasingly impractical. EmSculpt Neo is a service o ered by AesthetiCare Medspa and the newest addition to my training regimen, thanks to aesthetician Krissy Ward. I love being able to run and maintain muscle mass—truly the best of both worlds!

For breakfast, The Market at Meadowbrook doesn’t receive nearly enough attention. Located near the French-inspired restaurant Verbena, e Market o ers grab-and-go options in addition to its dine-in o erings. If you want something healthy, go with the smoked salmon bowl. Otherwise, they serve one of the best breakfast sandwiches in town.

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THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

This is our Oyster case, the world's first waterproof wristwatch case, conceived by Rolex in 1926 and patented. A one-of-a-kind feature, which holds within it an intricate world of cogs and minutely crafted parts. Made ofsome ofthe most refined alloys, the Oyster case is incomparably resistant to all sorts of external aggressions. Yet no object so hermetic, so immovable, has ever opened the door to so many

possibilities. With its original patented design consisting of a bezel, a case back and a winding crown screwed down against the middle case, it profoundly changed the course of watchmaking history and set new standards of waterproofness for all wristwatches. To this day, the Oyster case continues to protect our watches and our movements within them. It stands as undeniable proof of our constant quest for reliability.

#Perpetual

SINCE 1910