IN Kansas City March 2024

Soup’s On! Best Bowls in Kansas City

FAIRWAY RENOVATION

LIVING LARGE IN A SMALL SPACE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

four kansas citians engaged in the fight against food insecurity

COME WIND, HAIL OR TEMPESTS

Its name says it all. The Explorer was inspired by those who first summited the Earth's highest peaks. Like them, it is able to endure these most strenuous conditions. However sober and smart this watch may be, it is precisely the tool these adventurers need. Amidst the chaos of the unknown, what these men and women require is reliability and above all, simplicity. Something reassuring,efficient and instantlylegible, to ground them even ifnothing else around or within them does. This watch embodies just that. An unremitting teller of time, come wind, hail or tempests, that will see one's own adventure to its pinnacle. The Explorer.

#Perpetual

The year of the artisan is here, featuring a laid-back elegance for every room in your home.

And with spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to refurnish, refresh, and transform all your favorite spaces into luxurious escapes.

Our Spring Design Sale Includes:

• 50% OFF Vanguard fine furnishings including our new Make It Yours Boutique (Exclusive to Seville Home in KC)

• 50% OFF Woodbridge

• 40% OFF Bernhardt Interiors Boutique

• American Leather Comfort Sleeper Sale thru March 26

Kimberly

Carrie

__BRANDS

AERON

AGOLDE

AJE

ALC

ALEMAIS

ALEX MILL

ALIX OF BOHEMIA

ALLUDE

ALOHAS

AMERICAN VINTAGE

ANINE BING

ASKK NY

AUTRY

BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN

BIRD & KNOLL

CLAIRVAUX

CLARE V

CLEOBELLA

CULT GAIA

DAY BY BIRGER ET MIKKELSON

DEMELLIER

DOLCE VITA

DONNI

DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER

ENZA COSTA

ÉTOILE BY ISABEL MARANT

FAITHFULL THE BRAND

FARM RIO

FAVORITE DAUGHTER

FREDA SALVADOR

GANNI

GESTUZ

HUNZA G

JANESSA LEONE

JONATHAN SIMKHAI

KERRI ROSENTHAL

KITRI

KULE

L'AGENCE

LES COYOTES DE PARIS

LESET

LITTLE LIFFNER

LIZZIE FORTUNATO

LMND

LOEFFLER RANDALL

LOREN STEWART

MAIAMI BERLIN

MALENE BIRGER

MARIA CHER

MILLE

MIRTH

MOTHER

MOUSSY

MUNTHE

NANUSHKA

ONCEPT

OROTON

POSSE

PROENZA SCHOULER

RACHEL ANTONOFF

RACHEL COMEY

RAG & BONE

RAGBAG

RAILS

RAQUEL ALLEGRA

RE/DONE

RHODE

ROAME

SAINT ART

SAMSOE SAMSOE

SEA NY

SIMKHAI

SLVRLAKE

STAND STUDIO

STAUD

STELLA NOVA

STILL HERE

STINE GOYA

TELA

THE GREAT

TIBI

TWP

ULLA JOHNSON

VEJA

XIRENA & MORE

Zim’s Edit

Spring’s Hit List

An afternoon traipsing down 55th Street at the Crestwood Shops reveals fresh new looks, tastes, and objets to celebrate the new season.

ZIM LOY | EDITORI

Vol. 7 | No. 3 MARCH 2024

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

“Pronounced [al-bah-REEN-yo], this native Spanish grape variety produces dry white wines that are fresh, oral, and fruit-driven—think crushed stone fruits, Meyer lemon, melon, and spring owers,” says Ross Baldassaro, a certi ed sommelier with Underdog Wine Co. O Fillo da Condesa, $15 at Underdog.

Digital Editor Liz Schroeder

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Spring sunnies should be both bold and mysterious. Lime-green framed Delia sunglasses are easy on the eyes in more ways than one. $515 at Barton Perreira.

Inspired by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, the Spring Collection re ects the beauty and lightness of the season—blooming owers, blue skies, and brilliant rays of sunshine. $2,289 for the Princess length necklace at DelBrenna Jewelry

What could be more seasonal than a ower-bedecked dress named Primavera? $298, at Peruvian Connection

Perch a single spring tulip in a delicate swirl glass bud vase perfect for bedside or powder room. $15, also available in four other sizes from Pear Tree Design & Antiques

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

Contributing Photographers

Corie English, Aaron Leimkuehler, Amy Sullivan, Jenny Wheat

Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Business Consultant Chad Parkhurst

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Newsstand Consultant

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

Publisher jkassoc.net

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Questions:

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

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Distribution Questions: Phone Email

Subscribe Online: inkansascity.com/subscribe

Annual Subscriptions are $19.95

EXPLORE

INKANSASCITY.COM

ENTER TO WIN

A leg up. Spring has almost sprung, so it’s the perfect time get ready for the warm weather! Laser Derm Med Spa in Shawnee is o ering one lucky winner a Beach Ready Special with six laser hair removal sessions including the underarms, full legs, Brazilian, feet, and toes, valued at $1,134. Achieve the soft and supple smooth skin of your dreams—just in time for summer. Enter by March 31 at inkansascity.com/themagazine/enter-to-win. Good luck!

Hungry? Try out a new, local eatery tonight! From happy hours to the local restaurant scene, we’ve got the city’s most comprehensive dining guide. Check it out at inkansascity. com/eat-drink/dining-guide

Top chef. e James Beard nominations are out, and Johnny Leach took home his second nomination in a row. e Town Company executive chef grew up in Oregon and spent time cooking in some of New York City’s best restaurants before moving to Kansas City and dazzling diners with his recipes. We talked with the chef about how he got started and where he found his inspiration. Find the interview at inkansascity.com

Chalking it up. Overland Park chalk artist Amy Lynn Sell has made her mark all over Kansas City. Her timely and creative creations can be found displayed at local businesses, framed on the walls of homes, and shared with the community on sidewalks and streets. Her Chiefs-inspired artwork brought big crowds to Best Regards Bakery and Café ahead of the playo games, and other works have appeared at e Big Biscuit, Made in Kansas City, and Rainy Day Books. We spoke to the artist about what inspires her, what she loves about local collaborations, and how she brings current events into her artwork. Read the Q&A at inkansascity.com

The mushroom butcher. A new kind of butcher shop and deli is coming to town. Bryan Allen, owner of Mushroom Culture, hopes to bring mushrooms into the mainstream. We spoke to the mushroom farmer and forager about his new venture, his favorite mushrooms, and why people who hate mushrooms “just haven’t found their mushroom yet.” Check out the full interview and nd more details about the coming store at inkansascity.com

Deliberating what to do tonight?

Discover the most comprehensive calendar in the metro—art galleries, dance, theater, social events, and music, music, music at inkansascity.com/events

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Classic & Modern

Designer Katy Sullivan loves combining classic pieces with unique and unexpected elements to add personality to a home.

But above all, she enjoys the process of getting to know her clients, designing to their style, and creating a space that reflects their lives and personal aesthetic.

Come explore your style with Katy at Madden McFarland.

This Month IN KC

March

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Liz Schroeder

Big 12 Basketball Championship

March 7 to 16

T-Mobile Center visitkc.com/Big12Basketball

March Madness. Kansas City has hosted the Big 12 Basketball Championship more than any other city, presenting the men’s event 23 times and the women’s tournament 14 times. We’re back—hosting both this year at the T-Mobile Center. e women’s championship is up rst from March 7 to 12, with the men following from March 12 to 16. And this year, it’s historical. For the rst time, the men’s event will include 14 schools.

MARCH SPOTLIGHT

Stanislav and Friends March 8

Kau man Center icm.park.edu/stanislav-and-friends-2024

The secret’s out. Park University’s International Center for Music is the place to go for world-renowned classical music. And it’s about to get even better. For the fth year in a row, Park ICM’s artistic director, Stanislav Ioudenitch, is gathering friends, colleagues, and alums together for a one-of-a-kind night lled with magni cent music from award-winning artists. e special musical event will be held at the Kau man Center for the Performing Arts and includes performances by international phenoms Mikhail Voskresensky and Behzod Abduraimov.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17

33rd to 43rd along Broadway kcirishparade.com

50 cheers for 50 years! is year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade marks an important milestone for the celebration of an important holiday in Kansas City. e parade will take over the neighborhoods of Westport and Midtown and is promised to go on rain, snow, or shine. In addition to the parade, Harvester’s Food Network sponsors a “Go for the Green” food drive with the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, so you can celebrate the day and combat hunger in our community all at the same time.

March 16

Hotel Kansas City chambermusic.org

Friends of Chamber Music Soirée

Be instrumental. It’s the 48th season of the Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City, and they’re celebrating in a big way. e special soirée will feature exclusive chamber music performances from the artistic directors Dmitri Atapine and Hyeyeon Park and a young artistic ensemble. e night is all about the arts, and patrons can expect a delicious three-course meal alongside a live auction lled with exciting (soon-to-be-announced) items that are sure to delight and surprise you.

artistic ensemble. e night is all about

How to Send a Really Lovely Invitation

AS WE ENTER THE SPRING PARTY SEASON, MERRILY OFFERS GUIDANCE FOR PROPERLY INVITING FRIENDS TO ALL MANNER OF PARTIES

Idon’t know about you, reader, but for me the routine task of sorting through the day’s mail suddenly turns thrilling when there, amidst the bills, catalogs, and other dross is that increasingly rare jewel: the hand-addressed party invitation. When there is no such treasure—most days—it is a bit of a letdown.

Which is not to say I don’t love getting an e-vite, text, voicemail, or email invitation. In fact, I would submit that great parties happen more often because our devices allow us to easily issue invitations. But there is something singularly exciting about getting a printed invitation.

PRINTED INVITATIONS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT

Nobody understands the value of printed invitations better than Trish Church Podlasek, owner of chic stationery purveyor Cuorebella in Mission Farms. “A printed invitation conveys a sense of occasion, signaling to guests that the gathering is significant and worthy of celebration.” Trish says. “Even if it’s for a pool party or drinks by the fireplace, sending a printed invitation sets a special tone and gives guests a tactile reminder of the fun that’s to come.”

If you want to send a hip-looking invitation for a fun party, Trish says you can look

by Merrily Jackson photo by Corie English

Merrily Jackson at Cuorebella in Mission Farms.

Entertaining IN KC

A Handy Guide to Invitation

Timing

Whether you’re mailing invitations or inviting guests by e-vite, text, or phone, you don’t want to invite guests so early they forget, or so late they’re booked. Here are my suggested guidelines.

ANNIVERSARY PARTY

3 to 4 weeks before the event

BAR OR BAT MITZVAH

8 weeks

BABY OR BRIDAL SHOWER

4 to 5 weeks

BIRTHDAY PARTY

2 to 4 weeks

CASUAL DRINKS

Same day to 2 weeks

COCKTAIL PARTY

2 to 4 weeks

FANCY DINNER PARTY

3 to 4 weeks

FUNDRAISING EVENT

2 months (save the date six months)

GRADUATION PARTY

4 to 6 weeks

HOLIDAY PARTY

2 to 4 weeks

IMPROMPTU DINNER

Same day to 1 week

LET’S DO LUNCH

Same day to 3 weeks

THANKSGIVING DINNER

4 to 8 weeks

WEDDING

2 months (save the date 6 months)

to fashion magazines for design inspiration. “Invitation design trends follow fashion trends,” she points out. You’ll note that I specify party invitations. The rules are different for weddings.

A WORD ABOUT WEDDING INVITATIONS

Call us old-fashioned, but Trish and I both agree that the format and wording of a proper, traditional wedding invitation is not to be messed with.

A wedding, at its heart, is a sacred event. The invitation to one’s nuptials is no place to make a bold fashion statement or show off your best friend’s amazing graphic design skills. If being socially correct matters to you—and if it doesn’t, you do you, Boo—a traditional invitation embellished with your own personal touches is the best thing. Google Miss Manners or Emily Post for correct wording options.

ROUND UP THE USUAL SUSPECTS

For smaller, more spontaneous parties, it’s perfectly acceptable to text, email, or call around to find out who can come. In fact, I encourage you to do this right away, before you change your mind, because fortune favors the bold, and you’ll never regret having that party.

Once people have confirmed, you can follow up later with more details. Guests really appreciate it if you send a final “can’t wait to see you!” reminder text or email the day before the party with start time, your address and other cogent info.

If you have time to send a casual invitation through the post, this is a perfect use for your personal stationery. You can keep the wording very simple. All invitations need to communicate the basics: time, address, what to wear, and how much one can expect to be fed. You almost can word it telegraphically, e.g. Drinks and din—Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m.—Pemberly Estate— casual, darling. Personalized correspondence cards, if you don’t have them, are well worth the investment. Trish says you can order a beautiful set at Cuorebella.

FABULOUS,

HAND-DELIVERED INVITATIONS? OOO-LA LA!

If you’re hosting a fancy, themed event, up the style quotient and have invitations delivered that are tied to the party’s theme and become gifts in themselves. One of the nicest invitations I’ve ever received was to a French-themed dinner to celebrate a couple getting married. It was delivered to my front door on a Sunday morning (so thoughtful!): a custom-designed basket containing freshly baked croissants accompanied by little jars of jam and butter and, of course, a printed invitation to the party. I also remember receiving: a chic black apron personalized with my name, in the pocket of which was an invitation to a cooking class-themed birthday party; a kooky pair of sunglasses with a summons to a pool party (I still keep them in my glovebox for emergencies); and a small metal bucket containing a redchecked napkin, a wooden mallet and an invite to a low country

boil. Whatever your theme, you’ll find lots of ideas on Etsy.

HOW TO BE EXCRUCIATINGLY CORRECT

Many otherwise educated people make the mistake of saying “please RSVP.” Since r.s.v.p. (always lower case, you’re not shouting after all) stands for the French phrase, répondez, s’il vous plaît, which means “please reply,” you’ve already said please. No need to repeat yourself.

Another common mistake made by people who should know better is listing the man first in social correspondence. The woman’s name always comes first, e.g. Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, never Patrick and Brittany. Ditto with unmarried couples, e.g. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. With same-sex couples, the names go alphabetically by last name. e.g. David Furnish and Elton John. And finally, people are always misusing the honorific “Mrs.” Mrs. means “wife of.” So, I am addressed either as Mrs. James B. Jackson (I still am, even though I am a widow) or Ms. Merrily Jackson. I am not Mrs. Merrily Jackson. Were I a divorcee or any other manner of unmarried person, I would also be Ms. Merrily Jackson.

E-VITES CAN BE THRILLING, TOO

E-vites have risen in popularity in the last five years. One simply cannot ignore how practical they are for the host. And there are certain clear advantages to the invitees, for example being able to see who else has been invited, so you know to whom you can mention the party. Which brings up another important point about invitations of any kind. Nev-

er talk about parties to which you’ve been invited in front of those whom you don’t know definitely to have been invited. It hurts to feel excluded.

Remember that the host can see the exact moment when you view an e-vite, so you totally can get busted for not replying in a timely fashion. It’s best to respond within two days of viewing.

If you wish to be clever in creating any kind of invitation, remember that brevity is the soul of wit. I once got a Paperless Post e-vite that made me laugh out loud. It said simply “Ben. 50. Tears. Cocktails.” and then the time and place. (Note: The honoree’s name has been changed to protect the feelings of the uninvited.)

CHEERS TO YOUR WELL-DESERVED SUCCESS

Whichever form your invitation takes, good on you for sending it. Extending an invitation requires thoughtfulness and a kind of courage, especially when you are inviting people to your home. If inviting people makes you nervous, join the crowd. The most self-confident, wonderful people tell me how terrified they are to have people over, even if it’s only dinner for a couple of friends. Just know how deeply such invitations—be they ever so grand or humble—matter in people’s lives.

by Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com

: @damianlair #OurManINKC

A Solitary Sojourn

If you were to escape somewhere, temporarily, where might it be? What about a place of stillness . . . of peace, quiet, and healing?

I had the immense pleasure of experiencing the sparkling new Sojourn Spa as its doors at the (also new) Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza were ready to open. I have been forever waiting for a gorgeous destination resort spa in Kansas City. Some people plea to the universe for another Super Bowl win (which I’m grateful for!)—but this is my plight.

Perhaps I should begin by disclosing my outsized, irrational love for hotels, generally. Speci cally, ne hotels. I’ve managed to experience a handful of the grand icons, yet I keep a handy mental list of those yet to be checked o . It’s the ultimate wish list—some obvious (Ritz Paris; Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc; Villa d’Este) and others more far- ung (Amankora in Bhutan; La Mamounia in Marrakesh). ere’s something otherworldly about being cocooned in masterful attentiveness—the vulnerable act of allowing yourself to be taken care of

Most of our days are nobly spent doing the opposite—caring for others. Whether it’s family, work, or volunteer commitments—we spend a great deal of our lives attending to the needs of others. Perhaps this is why casting all that aside for even a few hours can feel so liberating and fuel us for more good work ahead.

Contrary to my waxing on about self-care, it’s something I pursue remarkably little. Rather, it seems to be an extravagance reserved for scattered vacations when a multitude of tantalizing services are o ered on a silver hotel platter. Facials, massages, mud baths—Yes, I’m on vacation! But what if that hotel + spa were here?

Sojourn is a calming repast for the eyes. e minimal, curvilinear space, bound by sleek plaster walls, is a sculptural shell of sophistication. Wide-plank white-oak oors ground the space, and elevated furnishings, such as sofas upholstered in ivory bouclé and camel-colored suede leather, o er comfort and glamour. Floor-to-ceiling windows sheathed in sheer, ripple-fold draperies ood the space with ltered light. And installations by local powerhouse Porter Teleo which I enjoy in my own home—punctuate the space with re ned restraint. Not merely a breath of fresh air; this is a satisfying mouthful. e harmonized aesthetic

was accomplished by its proprietor, Ashley McClellan, partnering with local talent Six Twenty One for architecture and design and Kristen Ridler Design for furniture and nishings.

Alas, what good is svelte simplicity if the services fail to deliver? I arrived early on a Saturday morning, with roughly half the day scheduled for relaxation. DL-maxim: What gets calendared gets accomplished

OVERHEARD

“He has to sneak around when he’s in town. There’s an active warrant for his arrest.”

After slipping out of my comfortable weekend joggers and into an even more comfortable plush robe, I was ushered to the relaxation room for some crystal-infused water and hot tea. After settling in, I was ready for my sauna time. Here, you have two options. And since I had the place virtually to myself, I dabbled in both. e infrared sauna (a topic I’ve covered in these pages previously) heats your body via infrared light through your core. e more traditional dry heat sauna transfers heat radiantly via warm air. I love the new-age modernity of an infrared sauna. Sojourn’s is extra-hyped with a touch screen to choose among six wellness experiences: detoxi cation, anti-aging, weight loss, pain relief, cardiovascular, and relaxation. But on a bitterly cold winter day, nothing hits quite like the old-school version. Take your pick!

Having reached the perfect level of toasty, it was time for the Himalayan salt-stone massage I selected. e massage and healing technique uses warm salt crystal stones to ground and balance the body’s

Damian Lair at Sojourn Spa.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

HOT GOSSIP:

Who arrived home from vacation and found an intruder asleep on her sofa?

Sojourn /sō-jərn / noun 1. a temporary stay.

Our Man IN KC

electromagnetic eld and central nervous system. e Himalayan handcarved massage stones gently soothe away an accumulation of stress, tension, and pollutants, bringing the mind, body, and spirit into balance. As a huge fan of crystals-anything, this was positively perfect for me. Other massage options include sports recovery, mother-to-be, couples, area-speci c, and fully custom. And there are lots of add-on enhancements like hand, foot, and hair treatments.

In addition to the massage and bodywork menu, Sojourn also o ers a robust skincare o ering. I opted for the top-of-the-line 80-minute “Fifth Avenue Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial.” “Fifth Avenue” because this complexion-perfecting powerhouse is the most popular and coveted treatment in famed dermatologist Dr. Gross’s (Fifth Avenue) practice. is signature Alpha Beta Professional Peel immediately delivers smoother, more awless skin and restores a youthful glow with just one treatment. Fine lines, enlarged pores, and discoloration are no match. is is not your run-of-the-mill cleanse/tone/extract/moisturize facial. It is a laborious set of layered treatments—the most intense I’ve ever experienced. Some of the steps included are: a gentle-yet-e ective peel, retinol infusion, LED light therapy, LED lip plumping, and eye and serum treatments based on client concerns and needs.

My favorite component, however, was the capstone hyaluronic marine modeling face mask that penetrates the (naturally derived) uorescent blue algae into your skin until it forms a soft, rubber cushion that’s later peeled away It’s carefully applied like a decadent cake icing and is transformative oceanic bliss.

In capping o my day, I retreated to the solitude room where curved chaise longues beckon, and silence is the rule. In a world where information is ever-incoming, a blocked period of silence can indeed be golden.

Valet parking for spa guests is complimentary, so coming and going is also a breeze—tying up the experience in a tidy little bow. I’ve already booked my next appointment, including the Sojourn healing body ritual—a sea salt and botanical body scrub that exfoliates dull skin, followed by a healing marine body mask. It will be the perfect way to slough myself of the lingering remnants of winter in preparation for sunny days ahead.

ONE WEEKEND; TWO DREAM DINNERS

FOR AN EVEN MORE action-packed weekend than typical, I kicked things o by co-hosting and organizing a “friend-raising” happy hour event for the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, as the organization eases into celebrating its 40th anniversary. e occasion coincided with the legendary NPR All ings Considered former co-host, Michele Norris, being in Kansas City. Michele was in town at the outset of her book tour and graciously agreed to headline our gathering before her o cial Rainy Day Books event at Unity Temple. Michele has previously extolled that KCFAA is “one of the best examples of bridge building across cultures and communities that I have ever seen . . .

where Black and white residents join forces every year to support Alvin Ailey. ey work together. ey learn from each other. ey have good fun together (dancing is key at all of their events!). And, they set a magni cent example for the next generation.” Given that these themes of diverse bridge-building directly connected to her new book, it was the most serendipitous matchup.

Michele’s book, Our Hidden Conversations | What Americans Really ink About Race and Identity is the culmination of learnings derived from her decade-long work at e Race Card Project. e project began with modest instructions on a postcard:

“Race. Your oughts. Six Words. Please Send.”

e responses have been much more complex. More than half a million people have submitted to the project, and the six-word mini-essays can be shocking in their depth and candor, spanning the full spectrum of race, ethnicity, identity, and class. Some provoking submissions include: “Lady, I don’t want your purse.” “My ancestors massacred Indians near here.” “Grandma, we can’t say that anymore.” “Urban living has made me racist.” “You probably think I look Jewish.” “I’m not intimidating; you’re intimidated.” Michele’s substantive tome is a collection of select submissions and the more fulsome stories behind them.

Following the book event, I was honored to join Michele and a few others for dinner at Grand Street Cafe. It was the occasion for one of the most engaging conversations I’ve had in recent memory, and it felt powerful to discuss race with roughly a dozen equally represented Black and white friends. It was also uncomfortable, particularly because the topic is considered taboo and o -limits for formal dinner gatherings such as this. And maybe that’s why it felt so necessary. How can we ever expect to nd common ground on a topic such as this if we collectively sidestep the conversation?

If also seated at that table, you might have asked Michelle (as I did) what has most genuinely surprised her across this work. Her response: the large proportion of race card submissions made by white respondents, who’ve expressed their own feelings of frustration, confusion, guilt, and anger. Fortunately, that unanticipated outpouring has provided her work (and book) with a rare, multidimensional view of how Americans candidly see themselves and one another.

Oh, and one more surprise, which came via a call to Michele that evening: her book had just landed on e New York Times’s coveted bestseller list. A deserving recognition for this ongoing project.

For dinner number two, I was invited by Amy Embry to join an incredible adventure. Months earlier, she purchased a silent auction item at the Kansas City Symphony’s annual ball—a dinner donated by Ed Milbank at his Chillicothe home. We gathered in the late afternoon at Amy’s home for Champagne and boarding the provided sprinter van that would whisk us to and fro.

HOT GOSSIP: Who was crowdsourcing for a free ride to the Super Bowl?

Our Hidden Conversations (Simon & Schuster)

OVERHEARD

“Her husband’s out of town, and she’s crankin’ Les Misérables in the driveway.”

Roughly two hours later, we arrived at Ed’s charming home, with its lattice paned-glass windows fogged over due to the chilly temps and snow cover. Inside, a fire roared, and we were warmed by Ed’s equally glowing cheer and hospitality. We enjoyed passed appetizers and a full array of cocktails (no driving!) and later received a tour of his home. It was touching to witness the pride and attachment he exhibited when answering questions about some of the more interesting items scattering his abode.

Eventually, our group of 12 gathered at his stately and carefully outfitted dining room table. Silver, china, and crystal—it was all there and gleaming. We made our way through the refined fivecourse meal, which included dishes such as oyster soup, salmon mousse, and pork loin. Hardly a dinner party-host novice—having given well over a hundred similar dinners for various charities across the decades—Ed had some conversation starters in mind. Among them (and ones I’m sure to borrow): What is your first Christmas memory? Another: If you could travel anywhere in the world (new or return trip), where would it be? And finally: Describe your mother’s kitchen. At first blush, a set of questions sprinkled across dinner might feel rigid, or even a little hokey. But for a group where most knew just a handful of the other guests— and because the topics were so revealing and thoughtful—it was completely enchanting. Maybe try it?

Following dinner, we enjoyed coffee and pastries back in the living room. More conversation ensued, and before we knew it, we’d well overstayed our planned departure time. Time flies . . .. We cued up a spontaneous, group-effort playlist for the sprinter ride home. Arriving back to Kansas City at nearly 1 a.m., we were still laughing and singing with not a tired look among us. It was the best evening and a reminder of how fun it can be to bid on and purchase (or throw!) a dinner party for your favorite charity. The memories may well outlast that set of concert tickets or trip to Cancun. I’ll cherish these.

IN MEMORY

A FEW YEARS AGO, I wrote about attending Operation Breakthrough’s 50th Anniversary event. I learned about— and came to genuinely appreciate and admire—the work of its co-founders, Sister Corita Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer. Sister Berta died this past month. I never met her, but I felt like I had. I also felt the urge to recognize—again—her life’s work in these pages. What began as caring for four children in their home ultimately expanded to an organization that today serves 700 children every weekday. Thousands of lives and families have since been altered for good. Gifts in Sister Berta’s memory can be made to Operation Breakthrough. ♥️

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

by Judith Fertig photo by Jenny Wheat

Julie Mulhern

NOVELIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

When hometown girl Julie Mulhern turned to fiction, she followed the age-old dictum: Write what you know.

From her school days at Pembroke Hill to her earlier career stints as society editor for The Independent and corporate relations manager for the Kansas City Symphony, Mulhern has had a bird’s eye view of the Kansas City social scene.

When Mulhern added a dollop of 70s vintage glamour, she came up with the winning backdrop to the first of her Country Club Murders novels, The Deep End. Each cozy mystery in the series features Ellison Russell—single mother, artist, and reluctant sleuth—who has seen her fair share of bodies in the pool, the golf course, in her study at home, and her planting of hostas, much to the chagrin of Ellison’s society mother, who thinks this is all too much.

Mulhern has also written a second series, The Poppy Fields Adventures, featuring Poppy Fields, Hollywood IT Girl extraordinaire who jets off to Cabo San Lucas, New Orleans, London, Egypt, and more exotic locales where, yes, there are likewise plenty of murders to help solve.

Mulhern lives a non-murderous life with her husband in Kansas City. She has two grown daughters. When she’s not writing, you might catch her at second-hand bookstores or antique malls scout -

ing for 70s lifestyle magazines with lurid food photos and Day-Glo shots of interior design, which she gleefully posts on social media. juliemulhernauthor.com

INKC: As an observer of the Kansas City “country club” social scene, what are some of your experiences or observations that might have made it into one of your books? And what might you have left out?

Julie Mulhern: There are scenes in my books based on actual occurrences, most recently a mishap involving cherries jubilee and Everclear. Hint: don’t substitute grain alcohol for brandy. Ever.

What does it say about me that I found hilarious a chef’s need to stop, drop, and roll?

Then, there are true stories that are too far-fetched for fiction. My readers would roll their eyes at the Peyton Place shenanigans. At the end of the day, most of the scenes in my books come from my imagination, not real life.

INKC: You like to include at least one “laugh-out-loud” moment in your books. For any aspiring novelists out there, what are your keys to writing such a moment?

JM: The keys to writing funny? I happen to adore physical humor. And

Arts & Culture IN KC

animals. ere are so many possibilities with a Weimaraner who might be the smartest individual in the house. Here’s a scene from Back Stabbers:

e bookcase tilted. And fell. Hard enough to shake the house.

Max, who had as many lives as the cat he was chasing, somehow avoided being turned into a pancake. ank God.

“Max!” I grabbed his collar.

He looked over his shoulder and grinned as if amused by my futile attempt to stop the madness.

McCallester grabbed his chance for escape. He leapt to a table covered by my palette and tubes of paint.

Unfortunately, he landed on an imperfectly closed tube of Napthol red. Paint squirted across the table and the cat ran through it.

en the red-pawed cat made a break for the stairs.

With super-canine e ort, Max pulled free of my grasp on his collar and ran after him.

ey were easy to follow, McCallester left a trail of red acrylic paw prints.

I raced down the stairs with Grace at my heels.

McCallester was nothing but a blur of ginger and a trail of red paint.

Max ran so fast he tripped over his paws, completed a somersault, and never broke stride. ey ran toward Anarchy who stood at the top of the stairs.

“Grab Max,” I called (begged).

Anarchy hurled his body across the top of the stairs.

With cat-like re exes (imagine that) McCallester changed course. McCallester leapt.

O the landing.

For a moment, the cat hung in space. en, he twisted, wrapped a paw around the chandelier, and hung there.

At the top of the stairs, Anarchy, Grace, and I stared in horror. Max grinned like an evil genius whose plot for world domination had just succeeded.

INKC: The 1970s—the milieu for The Country Club Murders series— was a divisive time much like the one we’re in now. What makes this period so perfect to showcase your heroine, Ellison Russell?

JM: It’s an era that marked sea changes for women—the opportunity to take out a loan without a man’s co-signature, reliable birth control, the unsuccessful push to pass an Equal Rights Amendment. As the world changes around Ellison, she adapts. And nds bodies. Many of the books explore women’s issues while Ellison searches for a killer.

INKC: When did you know you could quit your “day job” and concentrate on writing?

JM: In January of 2018, I had a successful series ( ve books and counting) and the rst book in a second series ready to be published. I crossed my ngers (and my toes) and left my job. I’ve never looked back.

Scanhere fortickets andusecode

DANCE5 for off

P. Gamble, T. Strickland, and K. Oliver Photo by Nir Ariel

Virtuosos Unite for KC Performance Before Gracing the Stage at Carnegie Hall

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024

7:30 P.M. | 1900 BUILDING

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods, KS

Witness the extraordinary collaboration between virtuosos Behzod Abduraimov and Daniel Lozakovich, both world-class musicians. Their wonderful friendship, forged at the Verbier festival in 2016, is beautifully reflected in this joint performance. Abduraimov, a master pianist, and Lozakovich, a prodigious violinist, present a meticulously curated program featuring Beethoven and Franck.

“Each time I perform at home to the very warm and appreciative audiences of Kansas City is a moving experience for me. I’m certainly very happy to be able to invite my friend Daniel here, who is one of the leading artists in the classical world!”

–Behzod Abduraimov

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS BY SCANNING HERE!

Daniel Lozakovich by Lev Efimov

Behzod Abduraimov by Evgeny Eutykhov

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

A LAYERED PRESENCE/UNA PRESENCIA ESTRATIFICADA

FROM NOW THROUGH September 8, this colorful, eye-popping new exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art shows there is more to translation than mere language.

Works by 22 Kansas City artists with a connection to Latin America explore many layers of identity and culture— family, gender, place, time, history, myth—that are both personal to each artist and yet universal for us all.

e intimate, spare gallery setting lets the vibrant paintings and sculptures jump o the walls, the ceiling, the oor.

What catches your eye is the giant steel and copper spider La Muerte y la vida suspended from the ceiling, the work of Rodrigo S. Alvarez.

La Adelita, an acrylic on Masonite painting by Adolfo Gustavo Martinez, is set during the 1910 Mexican Revolution and shows an anxious woman, surrounded by ghostly comrades, waiting at the train station. Eulalia C. Pulido captures the spirit of her family home in Armourdale in the acrylic on canvas and mixed media Tony’s Dream

Chico Salvador Sierra mines the deep and complicated symbolic imagery of his family’s pre-Columbian background in Mama Gave Me Soul. Hugo Ximello-Salido explores the unique concept of gender uidity from Muxe in his native Oaxaca.

For more information, visit nelson-atkins.org.

C/S K.C- Con safos Kansas City by Juan G. Moya

KANSAS CITY BALLET PRESENTS: SECOND COMPANY

KANSAS CITY BALLET’S SECOND COMPANY performs on Saturday, March 9 at Lenexa City Center at 6:30 p.m. ese classically trained dancers on the cusp of their professional careers perform in an intimate setting as a prelude to their roles in the First Company. And the audience gets an up-close-andpersonal look at Kansas City Ballet’s emerging talent.

With both classical and cutting-edge choreography, the Second Company will dazzle. is is a chance to introduce your friends and family to the athleticism and language of ballet, from arabesque to pas de deux.

Second Company performs throughout the region, enabling the public to view live dance in a public setting. e performance is free to the public.

For more information, visit kcballet.org

Arts &Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

TO PROVE THAT I EXIST MELISSA SHOOK’S DAILY SELF-PORTRAITS

BEFORE THERE WERE SELFIES, photographer Melissa Shook (1939-2020) began taking almost daily self-portraits. ese series of photos taken in 1972 and 1973 were a very personal project that became the start of her career.

She started with a Rollei 35 camera, a self-timer, Tri-X lm, a tripod, and only the available light.

“When I look at these photographs,” she wrote, “I see a young woman, trapped in a body too attractive for her to manage, much less enjoy, who was battling depression and struggling like the devil not to reveal the pain she was in. I was an unmarried mother, sole supporter of her daughter, with no skills other than typing and shorthand. Within a year, I would learn that I was capable of teaching photography.”

Today, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the only art museum in the country to have a full set, which will be on exhibit from March 9 through August 4.

You can see more of her work at melissashook.com

For more information, visit nelson-atkins.org.

LET’S TANGO! HOUSE CONCERT AT THE KANSAS CITY MUSEUM

ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, March 17, Beau Bledsoe will strum his guitar and Christine Grossman will play her viola to take us away to southern climes and exotic locales. The program will vary between Argentinian tango music, cutting a sharp swathe in tempo and mood, with the more melodic and lyrical bolero, a style of love song from Spain which rose to popularity in 19th-century Cuba.

Beau Bledsoe performs classical, jazz, and folkloric music

Women’s Health IN

by Liz Schroeder

Special Care

FINDING THE RIGHT PCP FOR AN ADULT WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

AQ&A with internist, pediatrician, and clinical leader of AdventHealth Medical Group’s Special Pediatric-to-Adult Need (SPAN) program, Laura Gaffney, MD.

INKC: How does primary care differ for special-needs patients?

Laura Gaffney: Primary care for patients with special needs requires a calm, thorough investigation. Really, this is what every patient should expect, but special-needs patients also require a physician who understands the changes that a pediatric or genetic disorder manifests throughout their lifetime.

INKC: What challenges do people with developmental disabilities face as they age out of pediatric care?

LG: 1) Expressive language: Many have communication devices or use sporadic sign language using modifications due to paralysis. This makes

use of a virtual translator nearly impossible.

2) Receptive language: Hearing, vision, and intellectual abilities may interfere with understanding and implementing health changes.

3) Emotional: The teen years can be emotionally tough for anyone, but developmental disabilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships as other teens “move on” to adulthood.

4) Sexual health: People with developmental disabilities have changes in sexual health just like any other person, but sometimes that is not discussed or supported.

INKC: What drew you to this area of work?

LG: I had exposure to complex medical patients while attending UMKC School of Medicine. Patients were living longer with congenital disorders, but there was not a comprehensive look at health care. Now, I can evaluate complex medical mysteries and try to get a diagnosis, while also finding a way for patients to live more comfortable lives. My tenacious per-

sonality lends itself well to problem-solving for underserved populations.

INKC: What inspired you to establish SPAN?

LG: My mom and grandma inspired me. My grandma worked as a librarian in St. Louis serving children with cerebral palsy and polio. My mom died too young of multiple sclerosis; she spent decades in wheelchairs, and no one ever fully examined her.

INKC: Tell me more about the program.

LG: SPAN focuses on teens and adults with special needs for primary care. These days, people are living longer with genetic, intellectual, developmental, and neuromuscular disorders— even just 30 years ago, this wasn’t possible. Advanced technology in neonatal care has led to two generations of people living who, historically, would’ve never had the chance. That said, the care for these patients is often shortsighted and doesn’t address these longer life spans. Many primary-care adult physicians, nurses, therapists, counselors, and administrators have not yet been educated in this field. In the Kansas City area, there are more than 50,000 teens and adults who have a genetic or developmental disorder. One in four U.S. citizens will have a short- or longterm disability in their lifetime. Every year in the USA, 50,000 people with autism enter adulthood. All of these people deserve good health care and they need medical homes.

Laura Gaffney, MD

We Know The Heart

We know the heart. We’ve mapped it. Repaired and rehabbed it. We’ve strengthened, and saved it. We know the people to whom those hearts belong and celebrate the triumphs of their recovery. We know your heart, and we know there is an unstoppable human spirit at the center of it.

By Judith Fertig Photos by Randy Van

Change Your Room, Change Your Life

hen something prompts you to remodel a kitchen or bath, it’s not just about how these rooms look and function, but also how they should feel. Somehow, these rooms should feel like a reflection of you and the direction your life is taking.

A Big Box store can help you with the look, but it can’t help you with the feel.

That’s when you need the expertise of a talented, intuitive designer to guide you.

“When you make a change in your home, you’re also making a change in your life,” says Karin Ross of Karin Ross Designs.

“ I am designing for the soul. A timeless and elegant kitchen or bath can help you go forward in life and for years to come.”

A FAMILY TRADITION

Her design business is based on the family-oriented, European model from her native Belgium. This model builds on relationships. Ross creates the design. Nick Ross, Karin’s husband, does the installation work with his team of dedicated craftsmen.

Clients also become like family.

“We are different,” says Ross. “We get to know you over the six to seven months it takes to design and install a kitchen, a little less for a bath. We listen. We adjust. We go beyond.”

“When I first meet you and you tell me what you want to do with your kitchen or bath, I hear you. But I always come to your house to look at the space. I need to hear what your house says, too,” says Ross.

Why? “Because I can see elements of you in your house,” she explains. “And that lets me understand better what the space needs and what you need for where you are in your life,” she says.

More than a new floor plan, more than a double oven or a huge kitchen island, what you might need goes beyond countertops and flooring. It might be warmth, a touch of elegance, or a brave new aesthetic for launching into empty-nester life.

THE CONFIDENCE TO BEGIN AGAIN

One client of Karin Ross Designs, recently divorced, needed renewed self-assurance. “She gave up her job when she had a child,” Ross relates. “When her husband left, she had to start over. We helped her not only with the physical space, but also with her emotional state. We managed to create a beautiful bathroom and kitchen for her as she was getting her life back together. She went back to work after being out of the job market for a while. We spoke often, and she knew we

supported her. As work kept progressing on her house, she started having success in her new job, too. We helped give her the confidence to go and get the big account.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An extensive questionnaire for clients and an onsite visit initiate the process. “We get to know our clients and their home first, then present them with several design options and solutions,” says Ross, “after I have done all the research.”

Along the way, there could be changes due to life circumstances. A divorce. A death. A cancer diagnosis. Or a happy occasion like the birth of a child. “Even though I cannot help with a personal situation, we are there for you,” says Ross. “Our clients know we try our best to accommodate.”

PEACE OF MIND

“We provide a remodeling experience like no other,” Ross says. “We try everything we install before we put it in a client’s home,” says Ross. “We try it in our home or in our showroom. That way, there are no surprises.” There are no surprises, either, during the installation. Karin Ross Designs keeps products in stock, so no waiting.

Ross’s team does everything they can to keep the project running on time, on plan, and on budget so that the kitchen or bath you’ve dreamed about turns out even better than you expected.

That’s one reason why Karin Ross Designs won the 2023 Guildmaster Award for Top Customer Service among leaders in residential construction.

“I am designing for the soul,” says Ross. “A timeless and elegant kitchen or bath can help you go forward in life and for years to come.”

by Patricia O’Dell

Third and Home

ARCHITECT GIL SCHAFER III’S THIRD BOOK FEATURES EIGHT INSPIRING PROJECTS

Irealize that not everyone who is passionate about interiors knows the names of published designers. ey don’t catch their breath when they hear of a new magazine feature or book by someone who has inspired them, perhaps for their living room rug or for whole rooms, over the last 15 years.

But I do have a short list of creative people who make my pulse quicken each time I see their work, and New York-based architect Gil Schafer is one. His new book, Home at Last: Enduring Design for the New American House is his third, and it continues to capture so beautifully Schafer and his team’s work and their process. One thing that I enjoy about his books is that he lays out his clients’ objectives clearly and details how he and his team address and improve upon them. ( e editorial phrase is mine; I doubt Schafer would present his suggestions this way.)

e home pictured here is one of eight in the book. Each project o ers beautiful inspiration through a wealth of pictures, but it is the text that reveals the depth of process, talent, and personal investment of Schafer and his rm. On a personal note, please don’t skip the introduction, in which Schafer details his delight in marrying for the rst time at 57 and how it’s broadened his perspective.

“ ese recent years have expanded my understanding of the ways a home can tell a story about you—your family, your passions, your story—and of course, the story the architect wishes to tell must never interfere with that.”

e architect could, if he’s like Schafer, delight and inspire you by detailing his process and sharing the outcome—homes sensitive to their settings, perfect in their proportions, with the families’ needs rmly in mind. is third book—and the previous two—are design library must-haves.

Above: The perfect spot for three-season alfresco dining Right: Schafer’s latest book, Home at Last: Enduring Design for the New American House

Below: Architect Gil Schafer III.

Left: A cozy kitchen with a rustic farm table and replace. Below: A skylit mudroom.

A country residence in Hudson Valley.

SECOND ACTS

BARBARA COSGROVE LAUNCHES NEW CAREER

SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH HOMES in Kansas City feature Barbara Cosgrove lamps and accent pieces, though the company closed in 2018. Recently, an interior designer from Florida reached out to me to see if there were any oating around Kansas City. I hated to tell her “no.” While you may nd one here and there, mostly they have stayed rmly put.

But Barbara Cosgrove has returned to her initial creative passion—painting. Cosgrove, who studied art in college at the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Art Institute and earned two graduate degrees from San Jose State University, began painting again during the pandemic.

“I started working on paintings re ecting control and discipline. Painting simplistic and symmetric symbols satis ed me.”

She says that as the pandemic has eased, so has her process.

“I’m enjoying a more immediate relaxed attitude of working,” Cosgrove says. “When I nd myself looking for some allusive solution, I will probably turn back to the discipline of structure.”

is discipline and rediscovery resulted in a show at the gallery in Country Club Bank on the Plaza. Her work is also on view on her site barbaracosgroveart.com.

Artwork by Barbara Cosgrove: Cryptocurrency (above), Slipping Out Of Sight (upper right), A Bouquet (right)

by Patricia O’Dell

STEAL the LOOK

Vita’s Place

Ihave an a nity for the small shopping centers that anchored Kansas City neighborhoods in the early part of the last century. e Crestwood Shops on 55th between Oak Street and Brookside Boulevard is one of the rst centers of this kind in town.

In the years that I’ve been familiar with Crestwood, a photographer’s studio and later a hair salon have inhabited the small space around the corner that faces Oak. Now there’s a new and not-so-new face on the block. Vita’s Place is fresh on the scene but its owners, Jenny and Ryan Sciara, own Underdog around the corner as well. Vita’s is a great addition to the neighborhood and may inspire you to incorporate some of the inviting and warm elements of its interior in your home.

While portions of the ceilings are white oak, a table in this material would be equally warm and inviting, and Metal by the Foot could

certainly accommodate the brass trim of your bar, be it built in or a freestanding table.

e custom leather banquettes along the wall create a welcoming spot to relax with a friend or move a little closer if the mood is right. Fortunately, similar pieces are available from retailers for your kitchen or game room.

Certainly, one of the show stoppers at Vita’s is the tile behind the bar. Theirs were made for the location by local artist Andy Brayman, who is represented by Haw Contemporary. While custom is often ideal, similar tiles are available through International Materials of Design.

If you like the look, perhaps the best plan is to stop by, have a glass of wine (or spirits) and absorb the vibe. You know, for the inspiration.

Clockwise from above: The bar area of Vita’s Place. Capitol Lighting pendant, $658, available through Wilson Lighting. Urban Electric pendant, $2,750, available through Sid & Co. Artistic Tile’s Zellige Cumin tile, $27 per square foot, available at International Materials of Design. Novak vegan leather banquette, $1,559, available at West Elm.

GREEN WITH ENVY

CHARMING PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES BRING THE BLOOMS

HONESTLY, spring in Kansas City is a little hit and miss. Warm, but sometimes chilly, sunny, but often rainy, spring sometimes falls at. Fortunately, we can make our own sunshine. e bedding line by Christian Fischbacher available through Terrasi Living and Scandia Home o ers a bounty of blooms. What better way than a bouquet to start and end the day?

Florina, with its crisp white ground, cascades with owers of every springtime hue. Evergreen is a delight with its bird nests, blooms, and ladybugs, while Antoinette creates a cascade of roses. Surely any one of these would put a (ahem) spring in your step. terrasi.com

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

12619 Metcalf Ave.

Overland Park, KS kcwholesalecarpetstores.com

Evergreen

Florina

Antoinette

CARPET

Ellen Barker IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel photo by Amy Sullivan

She grew up east of Troost before “east of Troost” became code for where Blacks were allowed to live in Kansas City. In her debut novel, East of Troost (She Writes Press, 2022), author Ellen Barker examines the upheaval and change her neighborhood experienced in the 1960s and 1970s as Black families were pushed east and white families fled west. The book’s white protagonist, following personal tragedy, buys her former family home and moves back to the neighborhood she grew up in, which is now predominantly Black.

Barker’s forthcoming book, Still Needs Work (She Writes Press, June 11, 2024), continues the narrator’s journey to rebuild her life and fit in with a new community on the familiar streets of her youth.

After graduating from Bishop Hogan High school in 1972, Barker moved to St. Louis to attend Washington University, where she earned a bachelor’s in urban studies. A career in urban planning, launched in St. Louis, has taken her to Massachusetts and California. She recently spoke with IN Kansas City by phone from her home in Los Altos, California, in the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband, Tom, and their German shepherd, Boris. ellenbarkerauthor.com

In the synopsis for your forthcoming book, Still Needs Work, the narrator, who was never named in East of Troost, is now “Marianne.”

[Laughs] You are a journalist. You’re the first person who’s picked that up. It’s the same person, but now we know what her name is.

That’s an interesting artistic choice. I take it to mean the protagonist, who is quite guarded, is slowly revealing herself to us. That is true, she does. In the first book, all the looking back at the ’60s and ’70s, that was my life. So it felt weird giving myself a different name. In the new book it got too hard for her to be unnamed.

What street did you grow up on and on which block?

South Benton [Avenue] between 69th and 70th.

In East of Troost, the narrator recalls the riots that happened during Holy Week in 1968. How old were you then?

I was 14. At that age, it was very exciting and also terrifying. I was in 8th grade, and it was in the middle of the civil rights era, and we did a lot of

social justice stuff in 7th and 8th grade.

What middle school or junior high did you attend?

I went to St. Louis Catholic School. It was 1st through 8th. That school was at 59th and Swope Parkway. It was farther north, so the racial transition was occurring there, and it was a very mixed school. There were Black and Hispanic and white students there. The Sisters of Charity were very liberal and social justice minded. We leafleted the Fair Housing Act, which was passed in 1968. We went door to door.

What are your memories of Holy Week 1968?

Martin Luther King had been killed [on April 4, the Thursday before Palm Sunday]. In a lot of places in America, schools were out the day of his funeral. That was five years after the Kennedy assassination, and everybody had off the day of Kennedy’s funeral. So the students wanted the school to be closed, and the Kansas City School District decided not to close.

Students at Southeast High School left school and marched down Swope Parkway and headed for downtown, which was a long way. So we looked out the window of our school and the street was full of kids marching north. In light of what we were learning, and the changes we were seeing in our neighborhoods—you’re holding two things in your head. One is, “This is scary.” The other is, “This is important.”

By the end of the day, the city had posted a curfew at dark, and there were rules like you couldn’t buy gas in a container, I think. In those days, there weren’t usually church services at night, but on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, there were. So that was a big thing—those services all had to be adjusted so everybody would be home before dark.

And then on television, you know, there are fires downtown and looting, so you’re thinking, “OK, burning things is wrong, looting things is wrong. But, you know, so is doing what we’ve been doing to these people. That’s wrong.” I never felt physically in danger, at that point. It was exciting. It was obviously a new thing going on.

What did your parents say when the riots were going on?

I don’t remember them discussing it with us. There was one television in the house that we all watched. We got two newspapers a day, the [Kansas City] Star and the [Kansas City] Times, and we all read those. The memory is gone of what we actually discussed, but there was no ranting and raving about, “This is terrible.” It did not incite racial hatred in the house.

Your book touches a lot on religion. You are Catholic and the neighborhood you grew up in was heavily Catholic. When the narrator in East of Troost moves back from California, she spends a lot of time visiting different Catholic churches and services to see which one she best “fits into.” She also muses with respect to taking time off from her remote job to attend a religious service that “any rumor of religiosity can be career-limiting.” Yeah.

Was that more of a thing you noticed in California than when you worked in St. Louis?

Yeah, it was not a thing in St. Louis, or the 11 years that we lived in Massachusetts, which is also a very Catholic state. In California—and I was working there with people from all over the U.S.—people would spread rumors, like, “Oh, she’s a former nun.” [Laughs] They would just say weird stuff. I didn’t talk about it, ever. I would hear them talk about other people, too. It was usually when I was working in I.T., which is very male dominated, very alcohol soaked. My job was interfacing between marketing and I.T. so when I was on the marketing side, that was much more likely to be women, and they didn’t care, or they didn’t talk about it. It wasn’t an issue. But being with the I.T. people was a different thing. You have to watch everything you do.

In the book you also touch on the pressure in some work environments to engage in heavy drinking after hours to prove you are part of the team.

Yeah. The scene on a work trip to Australia where [the narrator] learns from a co-worker how to pretend to drink, that is a true story. I did learn that from a co-worker. She developed a reputation for being able to hold her liquor when she barely drinks at all.

So she’s not slurring her words because she’s not actually drinking.

Right, but they think she is, and they admire that.

It’s funny, when people think they are tolerant, and then turn out to have lurking intolerances, in this case, towards people who are religious or don’t drink.

Yes, exactly.

When was the last time you were in your old neighborhood and why?

Oh, I was there in September this past year. I was back for a wedding. Angie in the book (the narrator’s childhood best friend) is really named Tricie. She lived on Montgall, which is now gone in that part of the city.

Because it was in the path of Bruce R. Watkins Drive/ US-71. Yes. Tricie lived near 70th and she still does, but over in Kansas now, in Prairie Village. Her son got married, so I was back for that. And I drove over to the old neighborhood a couple of times. Do you want to hear about it?

I do.

So, a year earlier, when East of Troost had come out, Tricie and I had gone over and looked in the windows, and by that time, the electricity was disconnected, the gas meter was gone, the windows were broken, there was a big dip in the roof. It was clearly going to be one of the many houses coming down.

Then I went back last fall, prepared for, you know, gone. And somebody was working on it!

Did you stop?

I did. Of course I did. I walked around, tried to look in the windows. Nobody was there. Nobody was living there. So I walked around the house and I heard this voice say, “Hey, are you the owner?” It was the guy across the street. And I said, “I used to live here, but I don’t now.”

So we talked about it. And it turns out he owns four houses across the street. He lives in one of them and rents the others. He’s been there since 1978. ere was one family left from the time I was there, and he died last year. It was so interesting talking to him, and I gave him a book, of course.

Reading about the hardware store in the book made me want to shop there.

at hardware store is a real place. You can go there. It’s called Midland Hardware on Prospect at Gregory.

Is it still the same as when you went there as a kid?

Yup, it’s got the same oor even. Nick Gadino has owned it since 1976. Marianne spends a lot of time there in Still Needs Work

The house itself seems to be a character in the novel. Was that your intention?

No, but it did turn out that way, didn’t it?

What made you start thinking about the role a physical house plays in our lives?

I think it was when I was in Kansas City for a high school reunion in

2017. I hadn’t been by the house in the intervening years after my parents moved away because if I was staying with a cousin or a brother or a friend, nobody would go over there. Nobody would go east of Troost— they’re “not going to the dark side.” But then I had a car so . . .

Did people actually say that, “the dark side?”

I had a cousin who said that. Yeah. So in 2017, I had a car, I was on my own. I knew the neighborhood wasn’t as bad as it was in the ’70s. e house had a blue tarp on the roof, and I could see in and see it was pretty much like it was when we had left.

Nobody’s living there, so there’s no knocking on the door and going in. And it was kind of heartbreaking. So I went home, and I would think about it periodically. I’d think about walking in that front door.

I think I conceived the idea that I could save the house in the novel even though it couldn’t be saved in reality. So Marianne, who didn’t have a name at the time, was my avatar. She went in to save the house.

It must be a joy, after writing the novel as an act of grieving in a way, to then go back and see that the house is not coming down after all.

at’s right. ere is still a little bit of grieving, though, because it’s gutted. So there will never be a reason to go in and look at it. e kitchen has been ripped out. It needed to be—I’m not objecting to it—but it will not be the same house.

Clockwise from far left: Ellen Barker and her older brother on the rst day of school; East of Troost, A Novel; Still Needs Work; a recent photo of the house.

Fighting Food Insecurity

FEEDING THE HUNGRY IN KANSAS CITY

words by Judith Fertig photo by Jim Barcus

From left to right: Tamara Weber, Pete’s Garden; Ross Dessert, Uplift Organization Inc.; Michael Watson, After the Harvest; Jennifer Meyer, Kansas City Community Gardens.

It ’s a sight you might not expect to see in Overland Park.

A long line of vehicles curls around the parking lot of New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church at 87th Street and Antioch Road. People are there for the Renewed Hope Food Pantry (RHFP) that church members started in 2011. From quietly helping a few people who needed food, the pantry’s outreach has grown to 91,436 visits from 25,687 households in 2023. On Tuesday mornings as well as afternoons on the first and third Sundays of the month, they come for a sack of potatoes, frozen meat, day-old bread, and canned goods.

“People’s struggles are hidden, but real,” says Karen Whitson, director of RHFP. “Many people are working, but not making ends meet. Or they might have a crisis. A couple who lost their jobs, someone else who had medical bills to pay off.”

Fixed expenses like mortgages, rent, car, and cell phone payments often come first. Food can flex. It can be last, and that can mean food insecurity.

The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in the household to live an active, healthy life.

Food pantries like RHFP, the Jewish

WHO IS FOOD INSECURE?

According to Harvesters, in the metro area:

35% are children

15% are seniors

61% have at least one adult in the household who has worked in the last year

9% are living in temporary housing or are unhoused

57% are white, 16% are Black, 20% are Hispanic, and the rest are from other racial and ethnic groups

WHAT A DIFFERENCE FIVE MILES MAKES

Johnson County is the wealthiest county in the state of Kansas. And yet, one in seven residents can be classified as low income (meaning they live on less than $46,060 for a family of three). Low income can result in food insecurity, poorer health outcomes, and lower life expectancy.

According to the Community Health Assessment report compiled by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, here is the health difference between a lower and a higher income area:

Shawnee Mission

Pkwy. and Quivira Rd.

Average life expectancy:

74 Years

Distance

5 Miles

Community Center, Catholic Charities, and Nourish KC rescue day-old baked goods and other food items from local groceries like HyVee, Price Chopper, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Target, organize the donations, keep records, and work the pantry, “It takes a lot of people and work and time to get the food to where it is needed,” Whitson says. RHFP’s Hope Bus mobile pantry goes out to “food deserts” in the metro area, places where fresh food is not readily available. “When our bus shows up, people’s eyes light up,” Whitson says. And for her, it’s about more than hunger. “When you remove food anxiety, there can be peace in someone’s home.”

HUNGER AND HEALTH

Food insecurity seems to make no sense in a land of plenty. It’s a complex, knotty problem that Kansas City nonprofits are trying to untangle, each in their own way.

“America grows over 2½ times the amount of food it would take to end world hunger,” claims Michael Watson, former UMKC and Boston Celtics basketball player and current executive director of the nonprofit After the Harvest, part of a national network. “Food waste is one of the problems,” he maintains. “So much of farm produce is Grade B and not aesthetically pleasing enough to sell in grocery stores. A Grade B potato might be misshapen, an apple a little too small. They’re still edible and nutritious, but not perfect.” If farmers have nowhere to send Grade B produce, it ends up in a landfill. According to the USDA, food loss and food waste are two of the leading causes of greenhouse gases, so there is a climate impact.

Nall Ave. and 75th St.

Average life expectancy: 86 Years

After the Harvest works with farmers to send teams of volunteer ‘gleaners’ to pick the imperfect produce to redistribute through Kanbe’s Markets, Harvesters, and local food pantries.

Watson is championing a new program called Urban Produce Push or UPP, which he hopes will go nationwide. UPP identifies ten zip codes in the metro area with high food insecurity and encourages local businesses and individuals to “adopt” a zip code and provide fresh produce to those areas. “Much of the food you find in food deserts is sodium-packed,” he says—think of the highly processed convenience foods stocked at minimarts and gas stations—and can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure. Greater availability of fresh fruits and vegetables can help moderate those problems.

Growing your own food, even in urban areas, can also help fight food insecurity while promoting better health. “While gardens are not the first response when we tackle food insecurity, we can address nutrition insecurity,” says Jennifer Meyer, executive director of Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG). “In urban areas, an apple costs as much as a package of ramen noodles. If you’re hungry, you probably reach for the ramen. That’s why obesity runs parallel to food insecurity.”

Since becoming a nonprofit in 1985, KCCG has been helping low-income families save money on grocery bills. “We are seeing an incredible rise in people growing their own food since the 2008 recession and more recently, the pandemic,” she says. “Somehow, we lost a generation of gardeners. Now people

words by Jenny Vergara

YUMMM, P SOU

FROM CHOWDER TO CHICKEN NOODLE, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST SOUPS TO SAVOR IN KANSAS CITY

In a world that feels so divided, perhaps the one thing we can all still agree on is the nurturing feeling we get when we sit down and delight in a bowl of soup.

Whether brothy or creamy, chunky or smooth, with noodles or without, something changes in our brain chemistry when we eat soup. It helps our body to relax and feel satiated, both mentally and physically, much like a big, long bear hug from your favorite person.

Soup is nostalgic. We associate soup with home cooking and the comfort of home. It can bring back childhood memories of being served tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch or chicken soup when we were sick.

Soup teaches us to reduce our food waste by giving us an easy way to use every part of an animal or vegetable we have on hand. The ultimate convenience food, soup is a one-pot meal that can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Soup is economical. It allows us to feed a lot of people for not a lot of money. You remember the story of stone soup? Two tricksters come to town and convince the entire population that they can feed all of them with just one pot of stone soup. Then they tell them that their stone soup would be delicious if they just had one more ingredient, as one by one the townsfolk stepped forward and offered those ingredients. In the end, by sharing what they each had and working together, an entire town was fed with just a stone and a pot of water over a fire.

Soup is a comfort food dish found in every cuisine across the globe. Looking to expand your own palate? Try starting with a bowl of soup from a new country or cuisine you are curious about.

Even on a national level, soup could lead to greater understanding. Kansas City is known for our steak soup; in New England they claim clam chowder; and in Louisiana they are ga-ga for gumbo. Tasting each of these soups tells us much about what grows in each of these places, what kind of spices are used, and about the people enjoying that soup.

As a tool for both national and international diplomacy and peace, perhaps in time we would realize we aren’t so different from each other, and that all soup is good soup, one bowl at a time.

Bella Napoli MINESTRONE

6229 Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, MO Bella Napoli wears many hats in Brookside. It is a beloved Italian market, deli, wine bar, and full-service Italian restaurant operating as a scratch kitchen with a casual neighborhood café feel. Get those veggies in and start with a bowl of their vegan minestrone soup. Featuring a bright red, tomato-based vegetable broth with a mild kick of spice, the soup comes studded with bits of carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery floating in it along with creamy, whole cannellini beans. It’s the perfect way to start your Italian meal. kcbellanapoli.com

GG’s Barbacoa Café POZOLE PORK SOUP

1032 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS Offering service with a smile, GG’s Barbacoa Café in Kansas City, Kansas, is known for their Mexican breakfast and brunch dishes, which makes it the perfect spot to land for a hot bowl of traditional Mexican red pozole soup, a dish that for some is the ultimate hangover cure.

Top: Bella Napoli minestrone soup. Bottom: GG’s Barbacoa Café pozole pork soup

Soft hominy and tender pork simmer in a mild red chili sauce served in a bowl garnished with a generous amount of crunchy fresh toppings, including onions, cilantro, radishes, cabbage, avocado, and a squirt of lime juice. ggbarbacoacafekc.com

Caffeteria

LEMON ARTICHOKE SOUP

25 On the Mall, Prairie Village, KS

Located in the Prairie Village Shops, Ca eteria always has at least four house-made soups for sale either by the cup or bowl, pint, or quart. Recently, the chef and owner, Jo Marie Scaglia, has had grab-and-go cases lled with chicken noodle soup, red pepper bisque, chicken tortilla soup, Italian sausage soup, and a vegetable and lemon artichoke soup that has a sunny hit of citrus paired with soft and silky chopped artichoke hearts. ca etteriamoderncafe.com

The Spot at The Prospect

SPICY COCONUT CARROT SOUP

2000 Vine St., Kansas City, MO

e Spot is found inside the stunning 1,200-square-foot city waterworks building. Located near 18th & Vine, e Spot features a café and co ee shop serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Vine Street Brewing pouring beers next door. e food served in the cafe is prepared by students of e Prospect, the chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant’s 16-week culinary training program that always o ers a rotating soup of the day. If you see it on the menu, get the sweet and creamy coconut carrot soup topped with crispy shallots and chili oil. theprospectkc.org

Broken Rice Restaurant (Com Tam Viet) PHO THAI

6597 N. Oak Tra cway, Gladstone, MO

In Gladstone, you’ll find an oasis of Vietnamese culture in the Little Saigon Plaza shopping center, including Broken Rice Restaurant,

named after a thrifty and filling Vietnamese dish that pairs soup and cooked broken rice. The restaurant is known for their soup and aromatic bowls of pho. Order the Pho Thai, also known as rare beef noodle soup, and get a generous bowl of star anise-spiked beef broth filled with noodles and topped with thin slices of eye-of-round beef. It comes with a plate of fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, basil, mint, and sliced jalapeños to flavor your pho.

Bo Lings Chinese Restaurant

SIZZLING RICE SOUP WITH CHICKEN FOR TWO Multiple locations

If you are looking for something close to liquid penicillin, something that will instantly make you feel better upon eating it, share this brothy chicken and rice soup from Bo Lings Chinese Restaurant with a friend. It is just what the doctor ordered. Made with avorful chicken broth, the soup has sliced onions, mushrooms, snow peas and thin slices of tender chicken breast all served in a giant, steaming bowl. A handful of crispy fried rice oats on top for added texture and crunch. bolings.com

TeeTasty African Restaurant & Bar

VEGAN EGUSI SOUP

3711 SW Tra cway, Kansas City, MO is newish little spot from Oliwatobi Temitope Adeleke, a.k.a. Chef T, has opened right on Southwest Tra cway with parking in the back, serving West African Nigerian dishes. For those new to the cuisine, start with TeeTasty’s vegan egusi soup made with a unique blend of ground melon seeds, peppers, palm oil and pumpkin leaves. Pair it with your choice of swallow (or fufu, a dough typically made from pounded cassava or yams, that you dip into your soup and traditionally swallow in one bite) or white rice. She also makes a meaty version for those looking for the beef. teetastyfoods.com

Left to right: Lemon artichoke soup from Ca eteria. Coconut carrot soup from The Spot at The Prospect. Vegan egusi soup from TeeTasty African Restaurant & Bar.

Top: Smoked potato soup from Acre.

Bottom: Kimchi jjigae from Chingu.

Waldo Thai

TOM KHA GAI

8431 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO

With all ai cuisine, the delight is in the balance of salt, funk, sweet, and heat in every dish, which perfectly sums up the reason why so many people love Tom Kha Gai soup, and no one does it better than the chef Pam Liberda and her team at Waldo ai. e creamy sweetness from the coconut milk in the soup is infused with the avors from the galangal, lemongrass, makrut lime leaf, ai chili, and lime, creating a delicious base for the chicken, mushroom, cilantro, and scallion elements. waldothai.com

Acre

SMOKED POTATO SOUP

6325 Lewis St., Parkville, MO

e chef and owner of Acre, Andrew Longres, makes a potato soup that leans into the deep smoky avors of the re used to cook the dry-aged steaks he serves at his restaurant in Parkville. His smoked potato soup includes u y potatoes, crispy hominy, chives, and bacon lardons whipped with crème fraiche and Hooks aged white cheddar cheese, o ering guests all the avors of a loaded baked potato in a single bowl. acrekc.com

Chingu

KIMCHI JJIGAE

4117 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO

Chingu has added the Korean avor and special spice that chef and owner Keeyoung Kim has brought to the food scene in Westport, and a staple soup like kimchi jjigae might be the thing to represent that heat. is comfort-food dish in Korea features the spicy one-two punch of gochugaru, or Korean chili pepper, coupled with the fermented cabbage condiment known as kimchi. It comes in two variations, pork belly or mushroom, and both come with tofu made from Central Soy Foods in Lawrence, Kansas. e dish is served with rice and banchan on the side to enjoy. chingukc.com

Once More, with Feeling

IN KANSAS CITY ’S EDITOR RENOVATES A TIRED 50S SPLIT LEVEL FOR A NEW CHAPTER

words by Zim Loy

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Above: Major enjoys an expansive view of the backyard. The lamp and wingback chair are estate-sale finds. Left: In the living room, the fireplace was stripped of its wood mantel and clad in a vertical white ceramic tile from International Materials of Design. Coffee table and Chinese urn are from Christopher Filley Antiques. The small brass floor lamps are from RH. Teak-root side table is from Wisteria. The Little Flower Shop provided the live magnolia branches.

‘‘M

an plans, God laughs,” is the English translation of the old Yiddish proverb. Well, God had a good chuckle when my late husband, Warren Maus, and I planned to build our “forever home” after years of renovating and moving through a series of houses sprinkled all around Kansas City.

Just before we moved into our new contemporary home on the Westside, Warren was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. For a while, almost six years, we thought that our dream house could accommodate his illness, but in the end, we knew a smaller, easier-to-navigate

house would be best.

So the search began again.

One Sunday afternoon I drove past an open house for sale in Fairway. Fun fact: It was just blocks from a previous home we’d renovated. And back then, on my frequent walks, I’d always pass this house and think “that’s the ugliest house in the neighborhood.” It was a ’50s split level, dropped into a neighborhood of cozy cottages oozing with character. It was also painted split pea-soup green, which didn’t help. A quick tour through the house and I crossed it off my list. Too small, no first-floor bathroom, and the public spaces were a warren of rooms

Above, left: New Anderson windows were installed throughout the house. Vintage mercuryglass vases top the English Art Deco mahogany armoire. Above, right: A small hallway serves as a gallery for several pieces of art. Inset: The custom wrought-iron handrail was crafted by Kansas City Metalworks and leather wrapped by Red Hare Leather.

A large Arteriors “Tilda” chandelier from Madden-McFarland dominates the dining area. Vintage walnut midcentury-modern Danish chairs surround the Saarinen tulip table.

Above: Rather than employing the usual duo of pendant lamps above the island, two rattanshade plaster lamps were hard-wired into the walnut countertop. Left: Calacatta Vagli marble forms the countertops, shelves, and backsplash in the kitchen. A Fulgor “Milano” induction pro range is tucked into the island. (BTW, induction cooking is amazing!) Vintage photos of cows are framed above the marble shelf. Opposite: A view into the library. The antique Chinese Khotan rug is from Knotty Rug. The large, framed photograph is by Tom Parish. Floor lamp and coffee table are vintage finds.

divided by walls that stopped a foot or two shy of the ceiling.

But I kept going back to it, both in my mind and online. It was a split level, yes, but it was only five steps up to the bedrooms. We could vault the ceiling. All those weird walls could come down. It had fine oak floors throughout that just needed to be refinished. An addition could add a first-floor powder room and a library for our extensive book collection and the TV. I had been enamored of Parisian designer Joseph Dirand’s marble-filled kitchen; something similar could be done here. Finally, the pool I so desired could be added in the backyard.

Oh, and that view! A lush, treed golf

course bordered by a creek and a stone wall. What garden designers would call a “borrowed landscape,” which even came with all those golf course caretakers doing all the work. We could enlarge the already generous windows facing the view to capture more of it. It was the view that sold us.

So we made an offer.

After much back and forth with the city about our renovation plans (an ordeal that could be a story in itself), we rented a house nearby to live in while our new home was undergoing its transformation.

I had planned a four-month renovation, which ran smack dab into

the pandemic, so it stretched on for 11 months. Everything was delayed, including our contractor who was busy with other projects. The weather didn’t cooperate either. After they dug the foundation for the addition, it rained for a month, almost daily, and the foundation hole resembled the swimming pool the city wouldn’t let us build.

And all the while, Warren’s health deteriorated.

He passed away when we were six months into the project. It was just a few weeks after his last walk-through of the project; he was excited by the plans we had made.

I was bereft. My husband was gone; the reason for the move. The

Above: A zero-threshold shower allows for easy access in the primary bath. Right: An Alexa Hampton-designed polished-nickel quatrefoil pendant hangs above the bathtub in the guest bath. Mirror is vintage. Opposite: In the primary bedroom, the antique fern prints and bedside tables are from Christopher Filley Antiques. Polished-nickel and milk-glass sconces and pendant light are vintage from Chairish. The white Anichini bedspread is from Terrasi Living and Scandia Home; the linen quilt and lumbar pillow are from Parachute.

once more continued renovation was stalled, and I couldn’t deal with it.

I look back on that time and call it my annus horribilis— my worst year. Thank God for my friends who came through. A designer friend whipped my contractor into shape, helpful friends packed my rental house when I wasn’t up to the job. I had to move from that house when the lease was up, before the renovation was complete, so friends provided a furnished apartment (free!) until I could move in. And many, many other friends were there, helping me with issues great and small, to get me through.

It was at the end of that year that I finally moved into my new home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It’s a fine house, one I’m very comfortable in, and I have no plans to move.

Is that God laughing I hear?

Art and photographs amassed over the years are featured in a gallery wall in the library. Custom walnut bookshelves are by Steve Gabrault. Onyx wall sconces are from CB2. The yellow leather Roche Bobois chair, walnut desk, and desk chair are all vintage.

THE IT LIST

Kitchen Cabinets

Custom Cabinets by Lawrence Construction, Inc. customcabinetsbylawrence.com

Rugs Knotty Rug Co. knottyrug.com

Tile International Materials of Design imdb.com

Light Fixture Madden-McFarland maddenmcfarland.com

aren’t quite sure how to do it. We work with anyone in the metro area who wants to grow food for themselves or to share with others,” says Meyer. KCCG’s Beanstalk Garden helps educate kids about fresh garden food.

HUNGER AND CHILDREN

It’s not only fresh produce, but also protein that can be lacking in the diets of the food insecure. When working moms pick up their kids from Operation Breakthrough (OB), they also can take a protein-packed nutritious meal home with them, courtesy of the new nonprofit Pete’s Garden. After watching Anthony Bourdain’s documentary Wasted, Tamara Weber was shocked at the scope of food waste and wanted to do something about it. “Kanbe’s Markets were just starting, I volunteered to glean with After the Harvest, but I’ve always been interested in start-ups and I wanted to do more,” she says. “The piece that was missing was prepared food. I wanted to reduce food waste while making it easier for parents to have a healthy meal with their kids.”

After talking with Mary Esselman, OB’s president and CEO, Weber designed a pilot program in 2019. Weber organized prepared

food-service donors, such as American Century’s onsite employee cafeteria, local caterers, and restaurants. She picked up the food in her SUV, drove it to OB’s commercial kitchen, and repackaged it (following all food safety protocols) for moms to take home. It was a success, and Pete’s Garden became a nonprofit the next year. Today, they work out of the commercial kitchen at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. In 2023, Pete’s Garden provided 100,000 packaged meals through even more partners, including Jewish Family Services, Boys and Girls Club, Avenue of Life, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

HUNGER, HOMELESSNESS, AND HOPE

People who line up at Renewed Hope Food Pantry still have their vehicles, their homes. Operation Breakthrough moms have jobs and a place to live. The most food insecure of all are the ones who have none of those, says Ross Dessert, president of the all-volunteer Uplift Organization Inc.

Since 1990, Uplift has been bringing a hot meal and basic essentials (toiletries, socks, underwear) to several hundred homeless in five to ten locations and encampments around the metro

area, three times a week. Like the Pete’s Garden food-rescue model, Uplift uses a commercial kitchen and partners with restaurants like Garozzo’s and catering companies to repackage food that is then served from their vans.

“The numbers of homeless have increased since the pandemic,” Dessert says, “and we also notice an uptick in young homeless in late spring and early summer, when they have aged out of the foster care system and are no longer in school. The new 18-year-olds out on the street are hard to see,” he admits. “When I first started with Uplift, I saw people in need, but not the kind of desperation we see now,” in part due to the lack of affordable housing, Dessert says.

“Uplift doesn’t solve the problem,” Dessert admits. “What we’re doing is not just the food, it’s also showing care and compassion from the community. It’s not just about feeding the body; it’s about keeping the spirits up. If you have hope, you can make the change you need to make in your life.”

Feeding the homeless “changed my heart,” he says. “It makes you see things in a different way. There’s a ripple effect.”

And the ripple reaches us all.

a D Making ifference IN KANSAS CITY

OUR ANNUAL “MAKING A DIFFERENCE” ISSUE shines a spotlight on one of our favorite reasons we love Kansas City: the people and organizations who work tirelessly to make Kansas City the best possible place to live. There are more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations making a difference in the metro. There’s a local nonprofit every Kansas Citian can connect with. These organizations thrive thanks to donations of funds and vlunteer time. Many host annual fundraisers with plenty of perks—think tasty food and cocktails, interesting presentations, music, and auctions for unique items. Consider making a donation or attending a fundraising event—both to have a bit of fun and to do some good in the community.

April 27, 2024 Celebration of Hope Catholic Charities Ball

Step into a night of grace and solidarity at the Celebration of Hope Ball, hosted by Catholic Charities of Kansas City St. Joseph. Join us at the Historic Muehlebach Hotel as we celebrate hope and lives changed. Despite the challenges of recent times, Catholic Charities of Kansas City St. Joseph has provided hope and help for local families in need for the last 145 years.

This year, we proudly introduce the Our Lady of Hope Society, honoring exceptional high school juniors and seniors who embody the spirit of compassion and service. These young leaders have demonstrated their commitment to the Catholic Charities Mission. Become a sponsor, purchase tickets, or make a patron gift to support the 2024 Celebration of Hope. Together, we will continue the legacy of spreading light and hope to our neighbors in need.

For sponsorship information contact: Fred Darbonne | 816-659-9292

fdarbonne@ccharities.com

catholiccharitiesball.org

Donate.

Empower. Help Change Lives.

September 18, 2024 Breaking Barriers Gala

Our annual “Power of Work Awards” is a celebration of the human spirit and successes of our inspiring job seekers who have overcome personal barriers and made significant strides in their career journey. During our 130th year of empowering people and strengthening communities we are hosting the Breaking Barriers Gala a night to honor individuals who have achieved great things through the power of work and look forward to what we can do in the community for the next 130 years.

Commit to helping further Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas’ mission of empowering local job seekers today by sponsoring one of our events: Earth Day Pane (April 23), Cornhole Tournament (July 12), or Breaking Barriers Gala ( September 18). Give a monetary donation, or reach out to see how else you can partner with us!

For sponsorship information contact:

Lane Bartram | 816-933-3086

lbartram@mokangoodwill.org

October 6, 2024 Sunday Night Live

Join us on Sunday, October 6 at KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, games and more! This highly-anticipated event is integral to funding the critical work of Kansas City Hospice. It will be a night to remember!

For too many local families, access to critical healthcare during a serious illness is limited by lack of financial resources or the complexity of care needed. Your support of Sunday Night Live ensures everyone has access to the palliative care, hospice, mental health and grief support they need.

For sponsorship information contact:

Karen VanAsdale | 816-276-2637

kvanasdale@KCHospice.org

KCHospice.org/SNL

November 9, 2024

The House Party Veterans Community Project

Across the United States, thousands of Veterans are homeless or living in crisis. Veterans Community Project (VCP) was founded by combat Veterans who believe no man or woman should be left behind. Since 2016, grassroots efforts have resulted in VCP Village, an innovative community of 49 tiny homes at 89th and Troost Ave, and the Veterans Outreach Center. This “community project” helps hundreds of Kansas City Veterans get back on their feet —and continue standing—each year. Join VCP for The House Party and celebrate those who served us this Veteran’s Day weekend. Held at the beautiful T-Mobile Center, The House Party features live music, delicious food, exciting auctions, and so much more. At The House Party, you’re not just a guest but an integral part of the mission. Get a glimpse into VCP Village and discover ways you can make a lasting impact on the lives of the Veterans who live there.

For sponsorship information contact:

Melissa Nicholson | 816-599-6503 Ext. 1304 mnicholson@vcp.org

vcp.org

ShareWaves

ShareWaves is a 501 c3 that targets children who are deprived of equitable access to youth sports. We provide opportunities for underserved youth to enjoy high-quality sports experiences, increase funding to enhance those experiences, and promote the lifelong mental and physical health benefits of play, sports participation, and physical activity. We equip key caregivers with skills to provide support and positive direction. We apply innovative, collaborative, cross-sector solutions and offer “waves of support” to remove the multi-layered barriers to sports participation.

For more information, or to get involved, email us at: info@sharewavesfoundation.org

sharewavesfoundation.org

KidsTLC

Today’s children are unique in the challenges they face and how they address adversity. At KidsTLC, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled support through our range of personalized services. Our commitment to care is evident in the innovative and evidence-based therapies offered by our compassionate team of professionals.

Within our warm and welcoming residential and outpatient programs, we assist families in guiding their child’s journey to wellness. Together, we shape a foundation for each child to build resilience, cultivate healthy relationships and embrace a brighter future.

Explore our comprehensive continuum of care at KidsTLC, including: Residential Psychiatric Treatment, Outpatient Behavioral Health at the Lotus Clinics, ABA Autism Service, Speech & Occupational Therapies at the Trellis Center, and Family Support & Training through Thriving Communities.

We offer a variety of exciting events, meaningful volunteer opportunities and creative ways to support the mission of KidsTLC.

Discover how you can contribute to helping children thrive and reach their full potential by visiting: kidstlc.org

Wayside Waifs

Wayside Waifs was started in 1944 by Fenby Webster. She saw a need to help homeless animals and, with 28 other animal lovers, she opened the shelter in South Kansas City—on the same piece of land it’s on today. The now 50 acre campus and state-of-the-art shelter serves pets and people in a variety of ways. Along with the Pet Adoption Center, the campus includes a veterinary clinic and surgery suite for shelter animals, a Bark Park, Pet Memorial Services, an Education & Training Center, and the Canine Behavior Center which helps dogs who are shy and fearful or have high energy. Wayside also has a robust Volunteer program and a Humane Education Program with national reach. In addition, Wayside began helping community pet owners last year with their outreach programming. This growth allows Wayside and its supporters to care for more than 27,000 pets and people annually.

To make a donation, call 816-986-4410

WaysideWaifs.org

Flavor IN KC

IIn the Kitchen LENTILS

BY Cody Hogan

BY Aaron Leimkuehler

have been a fan of lentils since I rst tasted them 30 years ago. I don’t remember the exact context, but I do remember them being served with rice and rehydrated dried gs—a combination that is still a favorite of mine. I have consumed and cooked many lentils since then, and at this time of year, I love to pair them with whatever good spring vegetables I can get my hands on. is early in the season, a quick trip to an Asian market usually satis es the spring cravings, because Asian markets always have the best spring produce (at the best price) you can nd in our area.

peel and cut them into small bite-sized pieces (it doesn’t take much). Snow peas and sugar snap peas are lovely this time of year, so a handful of them, strings or tough stems removed, cut in half if they are on the large size, would be perfect, but a cup or so of frozen English peas would work in a pinch.

them being served with rice and of year, I love to pair them with what-

tough stems removed, cut in half if bowl

e type of lentils you choose will directly in uence your method of preparation (see In Your Pantry for more details). In an ideal world, French green lentils would be my choice, but “ordinary” green or brown lentils will do if that’s what you can get. Red lentils will not work for this dish as they will turn into a purée no matter how you cook them (they’re better o saved for a soup). After the procurement of fresh greens and lentils, the rest of the dish almost composes itself. I like to use rice when cooking with lentils (or any other legume) because together they make a chemically complete protein similar to meat, but without all of the saturated fats and cholesterol.

French green lentils would be my choice, but “ordinary” lentils will not work for this dish as they will turn into a purée no matposes itself. I like to use rice when cooking with lentils (or any other together

e type of rice is up to you, as are the vegetables and garnishes for this satisfying salad, a recipe that I hope will bring you as many years of enjoyment as lentils have brought me.

Salad of Lentils, Rice, and Spring Flavors

Chances are, if you have dried lentils in the cupboard and a few odds and ends in the fridge, you can assemble this humble dish without leaving home. Begin by cooking the lentils. I like to cook lentils in lightly salted water in a ratio of 1 part lentils to 3 parts water (or avorful broth) with a fresh bay leaf and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Sturdy French lentils will take a good 15 minutes to cook, sometimes up to 25. Standard green or brown lentils can take less time—as with all dried legumes, the longer they are in storage, the longer they will take to cook. After 10 minutes, begin tasting the lentils to check for doneness. Lentils for a salad should have a nice bite, so as soon as they have reached the desired texture, strain them and spread them out on a large plate or pan to cool. For the rice and any vegetables that need cooking, bring a medium-sized pot of lightly salted water to a boil (also with a little oil and a bay leaf). Celery, carrots, and onion are common kitchen staples that are welcome in this salad year round, so

Drop the vegetables into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute after the water comes back to a boil. With a spider or slotted spoon, remove the vegetables to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain the beautiful bright colors and avors. In the same boiling cooking water, add a large (I like Carnaroli or Arborio for salads, but Basmati, Jasmine, plain white or even brown will work—your choice) and cook for about 10 minutes, testing for texture at about the 8 minute mark (brown rice will take considerably longer, up to 40 minutes). Strain the rice (reserving the cooking water, which would now be an excellent base for a light soup) and spread it out to cool like the lentils. Drain the chilled vegetables and pat them dry with a towel.

handful of

rice (I like Carnaroli or Arborio even for minutes). Strain the rice (reserving the cooking water, which would now be an excellent base for a light soup) and spread it out to cool like the lentils.

In a spacious, wide bowl, combine the rice, lentils, and cooked vegetables. Make a vinaigrette with good red wine vinegar ( or white wine vinegar, or lemon juice) and extra-virgin olive oil in a ratio of one third vinegar to two thirds oil. Generously dress the thirsty rice and lentils with the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. e salad is delicious as is, but the excitement really comes with extra garnishes. I love to add any type of toasted nut (even a can of salted and roasted mixed nuts). Chopped green onions, parsley, cilantro, or other herbs—some of those fresh hints of green out in the garden like wild fennel or new growth chives—would add interest and a little surprise. Pea tendrils, bean sprouts, and shredded or wilted spinach would bring freshness. Or perhaps whole lettuce leaves put around the edge to use as a wrap for hand-held salad (I love the diminutive “artisan” lettuce heads available in many grocery stores now, especially the crunchy Little Gem). Even Belgian endive leaves (or tortilla chips!) could serve as a scoop for a bu et presentation. To gild the lily, fried onions or shallots would provide even more savory crunch. And for those who can’t imagine a meal without animal protein, practically any type of meat would harmonize with this salad, as would just about any cheese. e combinations and variations really are in nite. is salad is best at room temp, and although the textures might su er a little, it will keep for several days in the fridge, making it a healthful and excellent go-to meal when you’re hungry, tired, and short on time.

red wine vinegar extra-virgin dress

PHOTOS

SO MANY LENTILS

LENTILS, a source of high quality protein and ber, are one of the oldest known crops cultivated for human consumption—for between seven and 12 thousand years. Over the millennia, numerous varieties with di erent characteristics have been developed/encouraged according to use and climate. Although this evolution has resulted in a chaos of names and classi cations (try searching lentils on the internet and you’ll soon notice the confusion and con icting information), a little quality time in the kitchen with this humble legume will clarify much of the confusion. Here are some basic guidelines for lentil shopping.

Green and Brown

These are the “ordinary” lentils, sometimes simply labeled as “lentils,” the color differences of these pale legumes being almost indistinguishable. They are wonderful in that, unlike many other legumes, lentils do not require soaking before cooking, making them ideal for quick meals. If they were to be overcooked (and become a little mushy and ragged) they make a great vegetarian burger (just Google for countless recipes). They are higher in protein per gram than beef and are lower in indigestible sugars than beans (with a lower flatulence factor). If time is not of the essence, soaking them with a little salt (one teaspoon salt to four cups water) for one hour before cooking will help them hold their shape. Gentle cooking in the oven (as opposed to a boil on the stove top) is another helpful technique.

Fancy Lentils

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All lentils are not created equal. The Puy lentil, a variety of green lentil developed in the Puy region of France, is small and peppery with a deep mottled green color and an intense flavor. They are extremely resilient when cooked and lend themselves to preparations where firm texture is important. They are one of the most nutrient dense kinds of lentil, and as with other lentils associated with places, are relatively expensive. Laird lentils, another green French variety mostly grown in Canada, are also quite sturdy, but with a milder flavor. The Italians also have a fancy (expensive) brown lentil from Umbria with similar cooking qualities. The most visually dramatic lentils are the Black Beluga or Caviar lentils, tiny, with a sturdy texture but tender skin.

Red and Crimson

Red lentils are a type of brown lentil that has had its skin removed (decorticated) and is usually split. They cook very quickly, turning a golden color and dissolve into a purée, making them ideal for soups. Red lentils (and practically all other types of lentil) are a staple in India, a country with an extensive legume repertoire where they are called dal, a word which references both the lentil and a dish made from lentils. Red lentils with their skin are often called Crimson lentils, which are a specialty in Turkey.

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.

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(913) 730–1900

1900 Building

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Mission Woods, Kansas

by Jenny Vergara

In Your Cocktail PIERPONT'S

It’s been 25 years since Kansas City’s historic Union Station reopened to the public, after renovations to the interior of the Beaux-Arts style depot that had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect. The remodel of the building originally designed by Chicago architect Jarvis Hunt took the city’s collective breath away when it reopened in November 1999. The downtown train depot reveled in its original glory, one that President Woodrow Wilson called “great gate to the West” when the building first opened in 1914.

Only a few weeks after the station reopened, Pierpont’s at Union Station followed, bringing a splashy new upscale steak and seafood restaurant to the northeastern corner of the newly remodeled landmark. The restaurant was built inside the former women and children’s waiting lounge, and highlights the original 25-foot-tall ceilings and Vermont marble floors. Pierpont’s was named after the middle name used by J.P. Morgan, a famous American financial titan and powerful railroad magnate who was also rumored to love good food and drink, so it seemed like a fitting name for a restaurant serving prime steaks, seafood towers, and an award-winning wine list.

The three-story restaurant was originally modeled after the now iconic

Balthazar restaurant, which opened in New York City in 1996 to rave reviews for its warm décor and French cuisine. Everything from the creamy butter-yellow paint on the walls to the massive pillars and rich mahogany wood were inspired by the interior of that New York City landmark restaurant. But the one feature that Pierpont’s is perhaps best known for and shares with Balthazar is the stunning bar featuring a soaring mirrored bar back that stretches eight shelves tall, complete with a sliding library ladder to reach the tippy-top where only the rarest and best bottles of whisky are stored. The rest of the shelves are organized with gin and rum running down one side, and vodka and tequila down the other, with the middle of the shelves being home to one of the largest whisky collections in the city, stocked with more than 460 different bottles of American, Irish, Scottish, and Japanese whisky arranged alphabetically by brand.

Pierpont’s recently underwent a restaurant refresh that also expanded the cocktail lounge just in time to celebrate its own 25th anniversary. Gone are the heavy booths, which have now been replaced by cocktail tables and towering plants revealing views of that amazing bar from every seat in the room.

Scott Deigert, the bar director at Pierpont’s and the developer of The Conductor Club, an intimate and immersive pop-up bar by Pierpont’s located on the third floor of Union Station, is the person responsible for the drink program, and he has a drink recommendation that J.P. Morgan himself would have been sure to love.

The Jezebel Martini, much like the woman it is named after, is one for those who like it dirty, as it features a unique three-olive medley infused with the vodka, giving the martini a surprising pinkish hue. This dirty martini needs no olive juice, as the olives impart all their oils and flavor during the vodka infusion process. Make a batch at home and keep it in your freezer for a quick and dirty martini anytime, or come in and sit at the beloved bar at Pierpont’s and let Deigert and his team fix you one as you toast to another 25 years. pierponts.com

The Jezebel Martini

3.5 ounces Tito’s Vodka infused with three olives*

.5 ounce dr y vermouth

2 blue -cheese stuffed olives

In a cocktail shaker add olive-infused vodka with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to one minute to dilute, chill, and emulsify the flavors. In a martini glass, add the dry vermouth with a few cubes of ice. Swirl vermouth ice mixture in martini glass for 30 seconds, then discard. Strain cocktail from shaker into your vermouth-rinsed martini glass. Garnish with two blue-cheese olives skewered.

*Three Olive Infused Vodka

1.5 cups pimento-stuf fed Spanish olives

.5 cup Kalamata olives

.5 cup Niçoise olives

1 Bay leaf

1 bot tle of your favorite vodka

In a sealed container, combine all ingredients ensuring the olives are entirely submersed by the vodka. Let infusion sit covered at room temperature for a minimum of three days and maximum of 10 days to properly extract the flavors and infuse the vodka. Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer and bottle ready for mixing.

The Jezebel Martini

Flavor IN KC

BY Jenny Vergara

In Culinary News

GARDEN HOUSE CAFÉ

FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, Jordan and Emily Fox have worked hard to create a warm and welcoming spot in Kansas City, Kansas, for both plants and humans alike. e Garden House Café is hidden just over the state line on Southwest Boulevard where the Boulevard winds just to the west. e little white-and-black building sits on a corner just waiting for you to swing in for a barista-made co ee and a donut or breakfast bagel while you shop their ne selection of gifts, accessories, and plants Wednesday through Sunday. e jungle vibes are justi ed with plants tucked into every corner of the shop, and this place has become a popular spot to meet friends or come alone with a good book for a quick pick-me-up. Look for Sagebrush, the new cocktail bar from the folks at e Campground to open next door sometime this spring. Instagram: @gardenhouse.cafe

Tricia Gill

Kyla Cauthon

Blake Nelson

Hannah Murrell

Kasey Bourk

Kristin Johnson

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

In Culinary News

MODERN MARKET EATERY

WITH FREE DELIVERY on all orders over $30 or more, Colorado-based Modern Market Eatery has built its business model around making healthy delicious dishes the new standard in fast food. The menu has a solid selection of sizable veggie and protein-filled bowls that are all between 450 and 800 calories, such as the Buddha Bowl, made with organic sesame glazed tofu, organic rice and quinoa, spicy roasted broccoli, carrots, cilantro, citrus cabbage slaw, and a peanut mango sauce. There is also a selection of salads, hot sandwiches—including its delicious Chicken Bahn Mi—and pizzas available for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery. Located in the Corinth Square Shopping Center, Modern Market has a small but serviceable dining room, but overall operates more like a suburban ghost kitchen making fresh food built for carry-out, catering, and delivery. The Wichita-based Thrive Restaurant Group that owns the franchise for Modern Market Eatery in Kansas City also owns and operates HomeGrown, a breakfast and lunch concept with locations in Brookside and Leawood. modernmarket.com

MUSIC + FUN FOR EVERYONE

Family Concert

Around

the World in 80 Days

Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m.

Family Concert

Around the World in 80 Days

Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m.

CALEB YOUNG, GUEST CONDUCTOR

GUEST CONDUCTOR

St. Patrick’s Weekend Concert Cathie Ryan with the Kansas City Symphony

Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m.

Classical Concert Matthias Pintscher

Join Phileas Fogg as he sets sail on massive steamer ships, boards lightning fast locomotives and hops on an elephant for a frantic race to the finish line in this near impossible challenge. The Kansas City Symphony and local theater artist Alex Espy present this engaging adaptation, bringing Jules Verne’s enduring classic to life through inventive staging and storytelling, puppetry and a collection of symphonic favorites. Sponsored by

Join Phileas Fogg as he sets sail on massive steamer ships, boards lightning fast locomotives and hops on an elephant for a frantic race to the finish line in this near impossible challenge.The Kansas City Symphony and local theater artist Alex Espy present this engaging adaptation, bringing Jules Verne’s enduring classic to life through inventive staging and storytelling, puppetry and a collection of symphonic favorites.

Sponsored by

St. Patrick’s Weekend Concert Cathie Ryan with the Kansas City Symphony

Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m.

Direct from Ireland, original Cherish the Ladies singer Cathie Ryan brings her Celtic charm to the Helzberg Hall stage with your Kansas City Symphony. Ryan has created the definitive Celtic program featuring a blend of Irish traditional, contemporary and original songs mixed with rafter-raising jigs, reels and rousing Irish step dancing. Get ready for a true celebration of Irish American music that speaks to the heart with a deep respect for the roots of the Irish tradition. Tickets from $40.

Classical Concert Matthias Pintscher Welcomes Violinist Philippe Quint

Friday & Saturday, March 22-23 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.

MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, GUEST CONDUCTOR AND NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR

PHILIPPE QUINT, VIOLIN

LEONARD BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Direct from Ireland, original Cherish the Ladies singer Cathie Ryan brings her Celtic charm to the Helzberg Hall stage with your Kansas City Symphony. Ryan has created the definitive Celtic program featuring a blend of Irish traditional, contemporary and original songs mixed with rafter-raising jigs, reels and rousing Irish step dancing. Get ready for a true celebration of Irish American music that speaks to the heart with a deep respect for the roots of the Irish tradition. Tickets from $40.

ERROLLYN WALLEN Violin Concerto (KC Symphony co-commission, U.S. premiere)

CHARLES IVES Three Places in New England SERGEI RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances

Welcomes Violinist Philippe Quint

Friday & Saturday, March

Sunday, March 24 at

MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, AND NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR PHILIPPE QUINT, VIOLIN

Classical Concert Ravel’s Boléro, with Foley’s Soul Bass

Friday & Saturday, April 5-6 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.

LEONARDBERNSTEIN from West Side Story

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

XAVIER FOLEY, COMPOSER AND DOUBLE BASS

MAURICE RAVEL Le tombeau de Couperin

XAVIER FOLEY Soul Bass

ERROLLYNWALLEN Violin (KC Symphony co-commission, CHARLES IVES Three Places SERGEI RACHMANINOFF

ANGEL LAM Please let there be a paradise... (world premiere)

ALBERTO GINASTERA

Variaciones concertantes

MAURICE RAVEL Boléro

All tickets are only $29 fees).Secure the best

CONCERTS ARE HELD IN HELZBERG HALL AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER

All tickets are only $29 (plus applicable fees). Secure the best available seats.

Featured soloist Xavier Foley is a double bass double threat — virtuoso player and imaginative composer. Tickets from $25.

CONCERTS ARE HELD IN HELZBERG HALL AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

Cathie Ryan Matthias

Cathie Ryan

Matthias Pintscher

Michael Stern, music director

Xavier Foley

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

Culinary News

THIRD PLACE LOUNGE

FOR PEOPLE who don't have room at home to comfortably socialize, entertain, or host events, the need to have a third place to relax and celebrate with friends is important. With that in mind, Amanda Blancarte has recently opened Third Place Lounge on Broadway Boulevard in the former Grad School restaurant location. A local bartender with family ties to the Westside, Blancarte is looking to create a gathering spot that’s not exclusively alcohol-focused, but more socially focused instead. You’ll notice the difference right when you walk in. The space doesn’t look like a bar, instead it offers a kind of soft, bohemian décor, with a set of swings for guests to sit on, upcycled couches, handmade pillows, and throw rugs scattered throughout the space. It reads more like “drinks at home” rather than “drinks out,” and that is intentional. No matter your approach to alcohol—whether you are sober, sober curious, or would just prefer to have the occasional fully leaded drink out—this place takes the pressure to drink or not off everyone that comes through the door. Serving a variety of both traditional cocktails and zero-proof drinks, along with a handful of beers, Third Place Lounge is the perfect spot to start or end your next evening out. thirdplacekc.com

Reservation for One RAKAR DUMPLING HOUSE

by Jenny Vergara

If Kansas City is a town that can appreciate the joy of eating barbecue inside of a gas station, then surely, we can celebrate the desire to dine on dumplings and other Chinese dishes inside an Asian furniture store.

Rakar Dumpling House opened last spring inside a remodeled Winstead’s located on 135th Street in Leawood, Kansas. Gone are the pastel-colored tiles, drive-through window, and pink and green neon. They’ve been replaced with a modern stone façade and clean white exterior with a “Now Open” banner beckoning people to stop in and see what’s cooking.

Offering diners this creative combination is Jim Zhang, who imports and sells Asian furniture, and Catherine Kot, who grew up in the restaurant business. Her family opened the Dragon Inn in downtown Overland Park, Kansas, almost 50 years ago. The two decided to bring their passions together in the same spot, but walking into the space the restaurant dominates, while a small corner is dedicated to antique and new Asian furniture and artifacts.

What the furniture store may lack in size and selection, it clearly adds

Leimkuehler

to the atmosphere of the restaurant itself, and the result is an elegant, spacious dining room with seating for 60. Diners can choose to sit at either long, shared tables or smaller two and four tops scattered throughout the room. A large fountain and fireplace tucked into one corner gives an Asian farmhouse vibe to the space. The result is eclectic and cozy.

As stylishly rustic as the décor may seem, technology has its place here. Servers will greet you with a quick demonstration on how to use the touchscreens to place and pay for your order using Toast’s online ordering system. You can also access the system from home on the website to place a carry-out or delivery order.

After paying, help yourself to water before heading to a stand stacked with white plastic plates in two sizes, silverware, chopsticks, and small sauce bowls to fill with condiments offered in jars or squeeze bottles. Available seasonings include hot mustard, a sweet-and-sour sauce, a dumpling sauce, the earthy funk and umami of Chinkiang black vinegar, and Rakar’s house-made sidekick sauce, a fiery combination of chopped fresh red chilies with the seeds, fried shallots, and garlic that will “kick” any dish.

photos by Aaron

Once seated, the food arrived in a fast and furious pace, and although we had ordered many things, we had all our food and pot of steaming Mandarin orange pu-erh tea sitting in front of us in about 15 minutes.

We approached dinner as the Chinese do, by sharing everything, which gave the experience a sort of dim sum quality. But if you're someone who requires your own starter, entrée, sides, and dessert, you certainly can approach your meal that way.

The menu starts, and so should you, with a smattering of dumplings, including pork, beef, chicken, fish, lamb, shrimp, or vegetable. You can choose to have your dumplings steamed or pan-fried—we ordered the pork dumplings steamed and the lamb pan-fried. Both were clearly made by hand, with a rough crimp that kept the filling firmly inside the dough. Dumplings come eight to an order and are bite-sized, with a fine chew and just the right amount of filling.

The steamed pork dumplings were slick and juicy, bursting in the mouth with just a touch of star anise punching up the mild-flavored meatball. The pan-fried lamb dumplings were a curiosity. I had never seen lamb dumplings on a menu before, but I understand they’re quite common in northern China where Kot’s family is from. They were fragrant and tender, filled with cubed lamb dotted with green onion. The base of the dumpling had a nice, caramelized crust from the pan, which tasted even better dipped in the heady black vinegar.

Next, we tried the luo song tang soup, a popular northern Chinese soup that translated means Russian soup, or Chinese borscht, because it originated in a Chinese city located not far from the Russian border. Tomatoes substitute for the beets typically found in borscht. At Rakar, the tomato broth was slightly sweet and reminiscent of ketchup, with chopped cabbage, carrots, onions, macaroni, and sliced beef floating in the

broth. A quick hit of sidekick sauce brought the bowl more in balance.

An order of egg rolls seemed like a basic guilty pleasure, but one bite and it was evident that they were also handmade. Crispy on the outside with perfectly golden-brown bubbled skin hot from the fryer and soft pillowy dough on the inside filled with tender cabbage, carrots, and green onions, they were the perfect bite, especially when greedily dunked in both the hot mustard and the delicious house-made sweet-and-sour sauce.

That was followed by slices of glazed char siu, Cantonese-style barbecue pork, that was supposed to be brushed with honey glaze, although mine was missing from my plate, which made the pork taste quite dry. A little more sweet-and-sour sauce rescued the dish. The pork was served with steamed broccoli and brown rice cooked with a smattering of Chinese whole spices, giving it a soft, enticing aroma and flavor.

The chicken lo mein was a pleasant surprise, a healthy portion that made for a colorful and flavorful plate. Flat wheat noodles are boiled, then stir-fried with chopped chicken thighs, fresh bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and onions before being finished with soy sauce and sesame oil that made them deliciously slick when devoured with a satisfied slurp.

For dessert, we finished our pot of tea with fried steamed buns that came five to a plate and could be dipped into a small bowl of sweetened condensed milk. The buns were sweet enough on their own, slightly crunchy on the outside from being fried, with a soft puffy center from being steamed, evocative of a delicious yeasty doughnut.

I enjoyed the mix of furniture and food on offer at Rakar Dumpling House, but it’s the namesake dumplings that will keep people coming back. rakardumplinghouse.com

Spotlight KC ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN MARCH

The pop culture event of 2024 in KC. A weekend full of celebrities, cosplay, comics, and tons of entertainment.

Experience the passion, excitement and non-stop action in this Kansas City tradition. naiahoops.com

PM

The first stadium in the world purpose-built for a pro women’s soccer team opens in March. Tickets: KansasCityCurrent.com

The College Basketball Experience

Home of the Men’s Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Untitled-11 1 2/21/2024 1:55:48

NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship

Planet Comicon — March 8-10 at Bartle Hall

CPKC Stadium — Home to the KC Current

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PENNY PREVILLE