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MAY 2021 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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$81+ Million in Sales in 2020 Ranked #12 in Kansas City Business Journal #1 Team with Highest Average 2020 Sales Price in KC: $752,000
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Contents MAY 2021 74 66
62 86 Features 62
IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID MORGANS SANCHEZ Raised in Liberty, the Grammy-winning opera singer shares his love of all kinds of music, his 5-year plan, and what he misses most about KC.
66
ON THE ROAD AGAIN The open road has never been more alluring. Plan an out-of-town adventure with suggested destinations, pandemic safety tips, and more.
Departments
74
THE SUITE LIFE Dip your toes into summer travel with a luxe staycation in these suites that let you test-drive design.
86
CHILLING OUT Classic cone, shaved ice, tropical paletas, dairy-free (or boozed-up), these local treats will keep you cool when temperatures rise.
22
WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN KC
26
ENTERTAINING IN KC
32
OUR MAN IN KC
38
ARTS & CULTURE IN KC
46
BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC
52
LOOK IN KC
58
LIVING IN KC
92
FLAVOR IN KC
104
MY ESSENTIALS IN KC
IN EVERY ISSUE On the cover
Hit the road this summer! Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler.
MAY 2021
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16
EDITOR’S NOTE
18
INKANSASCITY.COM
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Editor’s Note
Vol. 4 | No. 5 MAY 2021
Hitting the Road
Editor In Chief Zim Loy Art Director Alice Govert Bryan Digital Editor Michael Mackie Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Stacy Downs, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, R. Murphy, Katy Schamberger
I
don’t think I’ve ever been so eager to travel as I am this year. You probably feel the Jones County, Iowa same. This last pandemic year of social distancing, masking, and staying home has taken its toll. Every vaccinated person I know is planning a trip, whether it be a weekend road trip or something more exotic that involves a beach or mountains, where you actually get on a plane. We’ve got your road trip covered. Our contributing writer Katy Schamberger takes you north, south, east, and west of Kansas City, with things to do, places to stay, and eateries you must try. (With pandemic safety tips, of course!) All of these are within a few hours’ drive. This month, my husband and I will be heading north to Iowa. While Katy has some terrific ideas for what to do in Des Moines and its environs, we’ll be driving past the capital and other Iowa touristy destinations like the Amanas and Clear Lake, all the way to Jones County and my family’s farm. It will be Mother’s Day weekend, and I know our whole clan will be gathered down at the pond (the kiddos will be in the water if it’s warm enough), grilling will be involved, and just maybe a frying pan full of morel mushrooms if the season is fruitful. It’s startling to realize that this will be our first time past the city limits in over a year. And if you’re not quite sure about taking that dream vacation yet, how about a dream staycation? Photographer Aaron Leimkuehler and writer Judith Fertig document five of Kansas City’s most luxe hotel “presidential” suites. Usually these are the domain of entertainers, business moguls, and of course, presidents. But why not splurge and pamper yourself with 24-hour room service, elegant surroundings, glorious views, gracious service, and the serious perks that come with these suites? After this year, you deserve it!
Graphic Designer Eva Tucker Copy Editor Craig Magnus Publisher Michelle Jolles Media Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley Newsstand Consultant Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net
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MAY 2021
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INKANSASCITY.COM ENTER TO WIN Throw it down.
Want to escape to a tranquil, relaxed retreat in your very own home? This month our friends at Seville Home are giving away this cozy gray faux-mink throw. The lush velvet-lined fur will bring understated luxury to a great room, living room, study, or bedroom. Available in multiple sizes and machine washable as well. Valued up to $399. Enter by May 31 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enterto-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/eatdrink/dining-guide Mussel up. Chef Culley
Visiting Sedalia. Sedalia has
plenty more to offer than just being the home of the Missouri State Fair. We took a tourist-friendly road trip to see what the city has to offer— including a visit to the historic Hotel Bothwell and a ride on the Katy Trail. (And, yes, we may have tried one of Sedalia’s famous peanut-butter-rific Gooberburgers for, uh, quality control.) Read the story at inkansascity.com.
Art attack. With over 30 years of experience working in museums across the country, Anne Manning chose a 2017 abstract piece by Kansas City artist Debra Smith as her favorite artwork. The red-and-white vintage silk is “pieced together in an intuitive way to create an abstract composition,” says Manning, the deputy director for education and interpretation at Nelson-Atkins. Read the story at inkansascity.com.
Dishing. Chef Vince Paredes—a
graduate of Johnson County Community College’s prestigious chef apprentice program—took over The Farmhouse in the River Market in 2018. He continues the farm-totable tradition of working with local farmers while drawing inspiration from his Hispanic culinary roots. We caught up with the culinary pro to find out five things you don’t know about him. Read the story at inkansascity.com.
MAY 2021
Freese says while whipping up a seafood dish might not be in your wheelhouse; it absolutely could be. Freese, who is the executive chef of Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar on the Plaza, says not to be intimidated by preparing shellfish at home. “This chardonnay garlic mussels dish couldn’t be easier, and it comes together in under 15 minutes.” Find the recipe at inkansascity.com/ eat-drink-recipes.
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GREAT PLAINS SPCA ANIMAL EXPERT ANSWERS YOUR PET QUESTIONS Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.
FEATURED PET
Hoffman is a big boy with a huge heart! He’s a five-year-old Rottweiler mix who enjoys the finer things in life such as naps in the sun, going for strolls and eating lots of snacks. While he may take a moment to show you his full silly self, treats are the way to his heart! He will soak up all your love and be your loyal boy for life once he gets to know you but prefers to not share his spotlight with little kids. This big, lovable guy is waiting for his second chance and eager to be a part of your pack! To adopt Hoffman, visit greatplainsspca.org/adopt.
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Dear Ashley – My dog has a bad habit of licking people on their faces. Why does she want to lick everyone on the face and how can I stop her from doing this? – Geraldine Smith
tartar and plaque, which can result in gingivitis, periodontitis, and other infections. Having a healthy hygiene practice for your pet can also increase his life expectancy.
Many people assume that dog kisses are a way to display affection or love towards people. This can be the case, but there are many other reasons dogs lick faces. This is a social behavior that they learn at a very young age when their mother licked them for grooming purposes. Some dogs lick faces to display submissive behaviors as an appeasement behavior and others simply just want to lick your lips because they smell food. If you do not like this behavior, you can discourage it by saying “no” and standing up and walking away every time the dog does it. For orally fixated animals, you can redirect the behavior by giving them something like a toy to put in their mouths instead.
Dear Ashley – I have a multi-feline home and one of the cats has a lot of issues with not using the litter box. He seems to frequently go on the rugs near, but not in the litter box. I am getting tired of cleaning up his messes. Thoughts on why he used the litter box for years then all of a sudden stopped? – Violet Hawkins
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Dear Ashley – My dog has terrible breath and it is really embarrassing when visitors come over to our home and do not want to be near our little Rufus. I tried some dental bones and they seem to help a little, but is there more that I can do? – Piper Jenkins
5424 Antioch Dr. | Merriam, KS 66202
I recommend visiting your vet to make sure there are no medical concerns that may be causing his unpleasant breath. A common cause of chronic bad breath is gum disease. I recommend brushing your dog’s teeth with a pet friendly toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Just like humans, dogs are prone to
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
There are many reasons for litter box issues with cats. Some cats do not like using the litter box if it is not clean or if they do not have easy access to the box. I recommend having a little box on every floor in your home and multiple litter boxes if you have multiple cats. The rule of thumb is to have one litter box for every cat in the household plus one more. Some cats do not like them if they are too small or deep. Some cats do not like the hoods or liners. If this behavior started suddenly, you may want to check with your vet to make sure your cat is feeling well and rule out any medical concerns. Stress and medical problems can cause a cat to avoid using the litter box. Some litters irritate the paws of declawed cats so you may need to use a different kind if your cat is declawed. As you can see there are many reasons for litter box issues. About 10 percent of cats have issues with litter boxes at some point in their lives so this is not uncommon behavior. Try different things and through trial and error you will find what helps. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Email askashleyinkc@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here.
ADOPT. DONATE. VOLUNTEER. About Great Plains SPCA: Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501 (c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities that we are contracted with including Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.
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Women in Business by
IN KC
Michael Mackie
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
Jy Maze
THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF MAZE FREIGHT SOLUTIONS DISCOVERED SUPPLY-CHAIN ECONOMICS AND HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK
J
y Maze’s rise in the supply-chain business began over a decade ago. “I started in transportation from the ground up—working in customer service,” she says. “I didn’t know about freight, about trade, so I started working for an award-winning brokerage company, and I soaked it all up. I was amazed how the supply chain works and how this industry runs the whole world.” Maze didn’t just immerse herself in the field, she dove in head first—listening to podcasts, reading articles, and studying the nuances of the supply-chain industry. “I learned all that I could,” she says matter-of-factly. From the minute she hit the male-dominated sales floor, Maze found her niche. Accolades and a top-tier salesperson status soon followed, but Maze knew she wanted to share her successes with her minority and female peers. “I’m not going to lie, I made a lot of money in brokerage sales and I felt like if it changed my life, it could change the lives of so many people who have no idea this industry exists.” In 2017, Maze—on a wing and countless prayers—opened her own company, Maze Freight Solutions, with her husband, Gerald Maze. “I wanted to change the face of supply chain. It’s a white, male-dominated field. Some women break in, but they’re in trucking—not logistics and supply chain. I wanted to make it better,” she says. The couple drained their respective 401k’s—“to the penny,” Maze says with a laugh—and opened up shop in the attic of their home. Within a year the upstart business cleared $350,000. Being the new kid on the proverbial supply-chain block wasn’t without its challenges. “I could tell you the stories of people who scammed me. They know you’re new, so the sharks come after you, but I weathered all that,” she
MAY 2021
says. Maze says in the midst of all this, a fire at the couple’s house nearly took them out of commission. “Thank God it didn’t burn the entire house down,” she says. Maze found a bit of divine intervention after moving into her first office space. Her neighbor was Tim Barton, the owner of Freight Quote. “I was able to pick the mind of the genius who started Freight Quote. I asked all the questions I could possibly ask,” she says. “Every step of the way, God had always put someone in my life to map me and guide me where to go. It was amazing.” With her newfound acumen, business prospered—and then some. And then Covid hit. “Three years in, Covid came and punched us in the face,” says the Wyandotte County native. “But after the shutdown, businesses had to pick back up, and things had to keep shipping. So, during the pandemic we made double what we did in 2019.” Maze, who grew up in a religious home, says her ability to weather any storm is a testament to her parents—and their respective entrepreneurial spirit. “I grew up with a blind father who shaped me to where I am today. I watched him though his disability provide for us,” she says. As a preacher’s kid, she gleaned her savvy business mentality from her folks. “I got my spark from them. They taught my brother and me entrepreneurship, leadership, how to build wealth,” she says. God willing, 2021 is shaping up to be Maze Freight Solutions’ best year yet. “We’re booming. We’re bringing on new agents, creating new jobs, bring on new brokers,” says the president and CEO. Her tenacity is unwavering—another testament to her late father. “It’s what shaped where I am today,” she says. “I don’t let anything stop me. If it’s in my way, I walk over it and keep going.” Meanwhile, Maze is still learning everything she can about the industry—and imparting that wisdom to her new team members. “We are now venturing into moving freight on the ocean. It’s a new lightbulb moment for me,” she says. The mom of two adds that she and her husband also puts their efforts and energies into their organization, The Maze Foundation. “Our passion is looking out for kids in orphanages,” she says. “Our mission is to create a better life for orphans than what they had— and create a guidance map for them to be upstanding citizens.” Recently Maze was selected for Forbes magazine inaugural 2021 Next 1000 List. If anything, Maze knows she’s opening a whole new world for people interested in this field. “I am paying it forward. This is an industry that will never die,” she says. “Agents who come work for us learn so much—and they become their own boss. Once they start in freight and learn about supply chain, they will never be jobless again in their lives. And that’s what we want our agents to know, they have security. And, for our customers, whatever their shipping needs are, we’ll find the correct transportation mode for them and ensure it moves efficiently.” mazefreightsolutions.com
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Know Your Worth
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. POWER IS PERSONAL. Whether it’s a path to security, a gateway to your dreams or the road to being your own boss, we have the people and resources to empower you. Learn more at UMB.com/WXW
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Entertaining
IN KC
Why Don’t We Table This Matter? OUR PRINCIPESSA OF PARTY-GIVING HOLDS FORTH ABOUT FINE TABLEWARE
by
Merrily Jackson
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
I
Merrily shopping for a wedding gift at Sharyn Blond Linens.
Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com
MAY 2021
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recently had a glass topper made for my round, wooden dining table. It was something I had contemplated for decades, every time I set the table for a dinner party, which involved hauling table mats up from the basement, then back down after the party. It took the quiet of the pandemic for me to take decisive action. One call to Santa Fe glass and several days later the topper was gently plopped down on my table by two nice men wielding suction tools. Why did I ever wait so long? Now I can feed people a spontaneous dinner in my dining room without table mat struggle. I can burn a hundred votives if I want to, and I can dispense with tablecloths altogether. Which is not to say I ever would, because there is something so uplifting about the sight of a set table, anchored by a pretty tablecloth. Pure linen with a hemstitch makes for the best tablecloth, but clean, crisp bed sheets will do nicely. Throw them over the table straight out of the dryer—no creases or wrinkles! Here are some other highly subjective nuggets of wisdom about fine tableware. A WINE GLASS PRIMER FROM DAN My friend Dan Nilsen has a discerning eye for many things, including wine glasses. I thought I had de-
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Entertaining
IN KC
An Easy “Peasy” Soup
CELEBRATE MOM
I found this — the perfect first course for a spring dinner party — in Ricky Lauren’s beautiful book The Hamptons: Food, Family and History. I use Green Giant frozen sweet peas and my immersion blender, and it’s done in no time! You can serve it hot or cold.
SPRING PEA SOUP Serves 4 ¼ cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3¾ cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 pound fresh peas, shelled, or 4 cups frozen peas
2 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chopped mint
Melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the stock and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Add the mint, then purée the soup in batches in a blender or by using an immersion blender. Check for seasoning. To serve chilled, refrigerate at least four hours. Serve with Parmesan crisps.
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cent everyday wine glasses until one carefree pre-pandemic day, when I went shopping with him for a gathering at his house. He had mentioned his wine glass supply was low; I suggested we swing by World Market to look at the pinot noir glasses I use as everyday red-wine glasses, sometimes as water goblets. I hasten to add these are from the store’s more refined “Connoisseur” series, as distinct from their “Event Glasses.” As we stood in front of the display, Dan examined the glass and gently pointed out its shortcomings: the stem has seams; the bowl is thick, unpleasing to sip from; and the point where the stem meets the foot is graceless and indelicate. “I’ll just go to Halls and pick some up later,” he said, feet pointed toward the door. I haven’t yet replaced my wine glasses. But we break wine glasses regularly—cheap ones shatter more easily— so next time I buy new, I’ll know better. In the meantime, I’ll lovingly serve wine out of my World Market glasses. I would never let lack of the perfect wine glass—or the perfect anything else—stop me from having my friends over. Neither should you, honey. But it is confidence-building to know you are serving guests from beautiful tableware, isn’t it? You can proudly share take-out or store-bought fare when you know your table looks gorgeous. AND SPEAKING OF HALLS AND WINE GLASSES My friend Kelly Cole, happily retired president of Halls, quotes verbatim what the Neiman Marcus saleslady said to him when he purchased his very first set of crystal wine glasses many years ago: “One thing about washing these? Do it the next morning.” And he has wisely followed that advice ever since. Breakage issues notwithstanding, who feels like handwashing anything anyway, after an evening of wine, food, and revelry? Before I turn in, it’s all I can do to get the food put away and one load going in the dishwasher. In fact, Kelly tells me many Halls tableware purchases came down to that single question—can you throw it in the dishwasher? An aside about Halls and tableware: the venerated retailer has recently phased out of tableware and no longer offers a bridal registry. If you are a bride-to-be looking for that same level of quality and unquestioned good taste, Kelly recommends local purveyor Sharyn Blond Linens, whose Crestwood store boasts a full-service bridal registry. A further aside, this one about Kelly himself: after selling their Mission Hills house in two days(!) he and husband Charles Shrout next month are moving their dapper selves back home to Laguna Beach. They will be much missed and promise to visit KC often. BUT BACK TO THE DISHWASHER QUESTION At my house, practically everything goes in the dishwasher. If I had to hand wash my dishes, glassware, and silver, I would never have another dinner party. For one thing, I am a lazy sack of sloth. For another, I go through a lot of stuff. The glassware alone is dreadful, what with
MAY 2021
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Entertaining
IN KC
aperitifs, wine glasses, water goblets, after-dinner drinks. It all goes through the dishwasher, on the china setting, and everything almost always comes out okay, even when I am flagrantly violating the manufacturer’s recommendations. DISH COMPANIES: NOT THE BOSS OF US Don’t let the marketeers dictate how you use your stuff. You can serve a margarita out of any glass you like. You can use your cereal bowls for dessert, your dessert plates for nachos, your teacups for pre-dinner servings of chilled white gazpacho. (Email me for this and any other recipe mentioned herein!) You most definitely don’t need to be confined to having full place settings of everything. Be fearless about mixing patterns. For a dinner party I use two separate sets of dinner plates because I serve a plated salad as a first course—Ina Garten’s endive, pear, and Roquefort salad is divine, or her arugula with Parmesan—and I like to have plenty of room for error when I drop it on the plate. Then I use another set of plates for the main course. It’s fun to have a variety of plate choices, providing you have storage space. You can find cheap, smart-looking earthenware dinner plates at Target, World Market, Pier One. Just don’t expect them to last like fine-china plates which, though delicate-looking, are much more resistant to chipping and cracking. When it comes to tableware, Sharyn Blond tells me tradition is very much alive in Kansas City. The wedding registry at her store continues to see engaged couples registering for crystal, linens, and fine china. That’s good news, as it makes wedding-gift shopping much easier. Just
send the bride and groom a place setting of their china and call ‘er done. If I were registering today, I’d ask for eight Sferra Classico linen dinner napkins, 24-inch by 24-inch. Sheer luxury. But there’s no crime in using “buffet napkins” from World Market. You can find sets of six for ten bucks, in a wide variety of colors. It’s handy to have a few packages stored away for spur-of-the-moment dinners. CALL ME OLD-FASHIONED Are you inheriting sterling-silver flatware? If so, lucky you. When I was a new bride, my mother-in-law gave me place settings for 12 in the Joan of Arc pattern—including iced-tea spoons and butter spreaders—and for years I was too dim-witted to appreciate the fabulousness of it. But now I do, and I thank her up in heaven every time I set my table. I use my sterling for even the most casual gathering because it looks and feels marvelous, and it’s certainly never going to be the worse for having been used. That’s the thing about sterling. It never wears out, unlike silver plate, which can look just as exquisite but will go downhill with use and begin to expose its seamy copper underbelly. Still, it’s the next best thing to sterling. You can buy tarnished silver-plate flatware for a song in junk shops and flea markets, polish it up and set a magnificent-looking table. Your guests won’t care that it’s not sterling. They are just happy to be sitting at your table. In fact, your guests won’t care if it’s stainless from Tar-jhay. Just don’t use plastic, darling, unless it’s the direst of emergencies, or a picnic.
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Our Man BY
IN KC
Damian Lair
dlair@inkansascity.com
: @damianlair #OurManINKC
Guy Friday
S
ince I moved here roughly a decade ago, I’ve had a recurring appointment on my calendar for the first Friday of every month—simply: First Fridays. Particularly in the spring through autumn months, I couldn’t wait to get off work, throw on a cute ensemble, and meet a group of friends for gallery hopping, food trucks, people watching, and all the “happenings” that make a city—a city. All the things that, coincidentally, you take for granted until one’s city shutters for a year. So, with the absolutely gorgeous springtime weather, the palpable air of optimism and reemergence, and a pop-up calendar ‘ding,’ I texted several friends to meet me in the Crossroads Arts District for a reacquaintance with First Fridays. Before even beginning, I’ll note that my experience was not at all reminiscent of the First Fridays of yore. Long gone are the days of galleries luring prospective patrons inside with free wine. Remember that? In more recent years, the crowds became so unwieldy that, for safety’s sake, food trucks were relegated to the district outskirts. Art galleries not only plugged the wine spigot, but more than a couple closed to the public—opting for more intimate private events and showings. Enter the pandemic—and unless you arrive on the much earlier side, as I did, you’re Damian Lair at Verdant. likely to find many businesses already closed for the day. No crowds; no food trucks. It doesn’t feel like a street carnival. There are still people, but it’s different. In many ways, it was a refreshing “correction.” you drop into one of their planters? How about a designer bouquet? My first stop was a shop I’d been eagerly awaiting to open. Then the There’s a cooler full of ready-made bunches, assembled by their inworld shut down and the anticipation gradually drifted from my mind. house floral designer. Or you might prefer just a stem or two, which can The store, which opened late last year, is Verdant. Like be purchased individually. You can also point around at its name, the little shop is a lush, green paradise. If you’re what you like, and they’ll whip together something truly familiar with West 18th Street, you may remember its special, on the spot. While you’re waiting, you may as OVERHEARD predecessor, YJ’s Snack Bar. Once inside though, memwell smell their Convivial soy candle line. The contain“The one bad thing ories of those late-night bites fade into the jungle-like er is—you guessed it—one of their minimal, handmade about these glasses atmosphere. Milky white walls and hexagonal tiled floors ceramics. And even better, the candles are poured right is that I can’t really are the perfect backdrop for everything—verdant. Needhere in Kansas City by my all-time favorite—Mixture. see out of them.” ing a houseplant, which has lately risen to newfound hip Naturally, with spring in the air, I wanted something status? You’ll have ample choices. Are you looking for that could wrap me in the season. Anjou Pear did the something low maintenance? (Raises hand.) Go for the trick. Oh, and return your empty container (unless you bowstring hemp snake plant. I can attest that even weeks decide to reuse for flowers at home) and get roughly half away on vacation won’t phase this hearty one. Or, perhaps, off your next candle. Also, don’t miss their selection of you’re looking for something with air-purifying properties, as many of custom greeting cards. These ecru, letter-press beauties look torn from us now think more carefully about the air around us. They might reca botanical encyclopedia. They’re available exclusively at Verdant and ommend a samurai sansevieria or perhaps a purplish dracaena dragon illustrated by Cooper Malin, based in Montana. A prolific note-writtree. Maybe you have a pet that likes to nibble on the plant children? er—I grabbed an entire stack. Upon checkout, you’ll note the almost Try a rubber tree or bird’s nest fern. And for those with a very green obsessive attention to detail. From the tissue-wrapping for the cards, thumb and ready for the famously persnickety fiddle-leaf fig, they’ve got to the errant plant sprig carefully taped (with beautiful, custom-logoed those too. Owner Chentell Shannon might just be there to share her tape) to the bag’s exterior, complete with verbal instructions for how to personalized knowledge with you, as she did for me. Chentell is also the pot at home. It’s the most happy and thoughtful space. Drop in, and I founder of Convivial Production, which designs and manufacturers guarantee you’ll smile. handmade ceramic wares in the historic West Bottoms. Coincidentally Upon leaving Verdant, I ran into my friend Peregrine Honig, (or not), these simple but stylish ceramic containers make just the perproprietor of the shop next door, Birdies. Peregrine was locking up fect vessel for any of the plants they sell. How smart. What else might for the night but had time to catch up for a bit. She updated me
MAY 2021
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MAY 2021
Our Man
IN KC
on her latest project, a sublime, five-color lithograph drawn from taxidermy unborn twin fawns. Rebirth is, of course, the illustrated version of The Twin Fawns artwork, in which Honig encapsulated taxidermy twin fawns inside a custom-blown Rebirth by Peregrine Honig. glass cloche. It is mesmerizing and unforgettable, a reliquary with more questions than answers. The lithograph version is thought-provoking as well and limited to just 25. Our conversation then turned to yet another thing Peregrine is known for—the annual West 18th Street Fashion Show. If you’ll recall, I wrote about the pandemic-induced transition to a film version Summer in Hindsight, which debuted at the Boulevard Drive-In Theater last autumn. Since then, the film has been showered with awards and film-festival selections, including, among others, the Venice Shorts Film Awards and the Barcelona International Film Festival. That’s major. Not resting on laurels, Peregrine would rather talk about what’s next. Recognizing the untimeliness of densely packing 18th Street with glistening, sun-kissed bodies this summer, the organizers are planning pedestrian-focused installation bases on portable, scattered stage sets—this year, back on 18th. The inspiration will be 1960’s counterculture movements, and you can bet everything that I’ll be there, and you can read about it here. Though I could have chatted for hours, I let Peregrine get on her way, and my group rounded the corner for two more quick stops before dinner. We dropped into Biz & Weezy Confections for a sweet treat. I was in the mood for one of the bacon caramels, but I quickly filled a box with tons more pretty, bite-sized desserts. As I waited, I peeked at their cafe lunch menu, which prompted me to drop in twice the following week for both their turkey avocado wrap and their southwest salad. They’re near my office, and it’s a quick, easy and healthy option. Win! We then jumped across the street to Raygun. Self-described as “The Greatest Store in the Universe”, it’s a retail shop that’s heavy on quirky, screen-printed items—everything from baby bibs to hoodies. But there’s also postcards, notebooks, shot glasses, magnets, wall art, and tons of cute pins begging to adorn a weathered denim jacket. The design is very text-based, and you’ll want to read everything. Prepare for some lol’s. I bagged up a ton of fun gifts, but truthfully, most items were just for me. With my friends grumbling because they were ready to eat, we hopped a couple blocks over to HOT the eatery I’d been dying to try—Sauced. GOSSIP: Coined an “urban lunch counter”—that’s precisely what it is. A little counter, no Who admired her bigger than a tool shed, that’s firing up friend’s handbag and a tight menu, seemingly in the middle of arrived to dinner the nowhere. It’s nestled in what’s essentially following week with an alley right behind the Corrigan Station the same one? building where Corvino Supper Club & | 34 | INKANSASCITY.COM
REBIRTH PHOTO BY EG SCHEMPF
International Materials of Design
OVERHEARD Tasting Room occupies the first floor. “I only drink water It’s a gated, narrow slice of downtown on weekdays.” solitude. While still very different—and no fountain wall—it immediately conjured memories of my most favorite (I won’t say secret, but it feels that way) quiet, tiny park in New York City. If you’ve been, Paley Park on East 53rd, between Madison and Fifth, is restrained perfection. And while not widely known, it is considered by the architecture cognoscenti to be one of the finest examples of public urban spaces. This feels like that, and I love it. But ok, enough with the Mies Van Der Rohe-sian waxing, what about the food?? Well, it’s awesome. Your choices break down to burger or chicken. There’s a handful of variations on the burger, but they all come with homemade condiments (the catsup is especially unique—almost Thai-like). The cheeseburger was my choice, and there were no leftovers. For chicken, there are sandwiches, which looked stunning, and also chick bites, which I nabbed for sampling purposes and finished off half of those as well. I ordered them drizzled in the “sassy sauce” because, well, why wouldn’t I? While there, you may as well add on the seasoned fries because they are super. I’ve heard this place can get really poppin’—though we found it to be perfect level of busy. Given the tiny kitchen, orders can get stacked up. So, if you’re in a rush, order online before you arrive to cut down on any wait time. Once summer is in full-swing, I just know this is going to be a full-time hotspot. A shady, breezy little alley, perfect for hiding from the heat.
R EL
AX, WE DO THE
COOKING FOR YOU HOT BUTCHER BLOCK BUNDLES
rebirth photo by eg schempf
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN Because it is officially patio weather, and because it happens to possibly be my favorite KC patio, and because new owners have swept in, I seized the opportunity to preview (the now refreshed) Gram & Dun. Occupying a bustling corner on the Country Club Plaza, and scattered with plush furniture, heaters and fireplaces, it’s the perfect spot to settle in and enjoy bites or drinks (or both!) alfresco. On this occasion, though I have my preferred G&D dishes, I set out to try only new menu items. In that vein, I sampled the nachos (with short rib and beer cheese sauce) and the tuna tartare (teriyaki-marinated ahi tuna, avocado, wontons, and firecracker sauce) for appetizers. I had the fresco burger for my entrée—smoked gouda, arugula, pickled onion, tomato jam (the winning ingredient!) and potato bun. And, despite devouring every last bite, I still (naturally) saved room for dessert. I dug into the hot tartee (lemon honey tartlet, cinnamon whipped cream, and whiskey sauce) and the Gram & Dun bar (chocolate mousse, ganache, peanut nougat, salted caramel, pretzel, and peanut butter-cup ice cream). So, clearly, the new menu was a win for me—of which this was merely a snapshot. Two of my companions also raved about the new Wagyu ribeye. Plus, G&D now offers a high-grade sushi menu, and all their bread, buns, and pastries are made in-house by their pastry chef. And if the new food wasn’t enough (but it was), everything from the drinks menu, to the private event space, to the interior fixtures and finishes have been reimagined. You’ll know where you are, but it feels somehow—fresh. Still, save me a table on the patio. I plan to take up residence there this summer.
PIG OUT PACKAGE
SERVED HOT & FRESH READY FOR YOU TO CARVE
So, KC—where do you want to go? XO MAY 2021
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An Important Multi-Generational Estate Auction The 60 year collection of a prominent Kansas City family occupying the same home since 1962. Furniture, Paintings, Silver, Mirrors, Tapestries and Icons 1750 to 1950. A
U
C
T
I
O
N
S
This Telephone, Internet and Absentee bid auction will stream live from inside the family mansion on
Saturday, May 15 beginning at 11 am.
Rare Louis XVI Period Benches Several Aubusson Tapestries
The Estate of Georgia and Jack Olsen Session Two Saturday, May 22 at 12 Noon
A Country Fine Art Auction with hundreds of works of Fine Art, held outdoors under a Big-top Tent. Free Food, Drink and Live Music from 10 am to 12 noon.
Dan McCaw Oil on Canvas
Aaron Pyle Tempera
Daniel MacMorris Oil
[Far left] Steve Kestrel Bronze [Top left] Jackson Lee Nesbitt Sheffield Steel Series [Bottom Left] Gene Kloss
V i s i t w w w. S o u l i s A u c t i o n s . c o m f o r m o r e d e t a i l s . | 8 1 6 . 6 9 7. 3 8 3 0 | d i r k @ s o u l i s a u c t i o n s . c o m
SPRINGING BACK TO LIFE
Spring is here! Fresh finds are popping up everywhere at Legends Outlets with new stores, lively events, and just-for-you experiences. Come see what’s blooming at your favorite open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. LEGENDSSHOPPING.COM
Arts & Culture
IN KC
Lisa Lala (left) and her painting Intertwined.
Lisa Lala THE ARTIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS BY
L
Judith Fertig
isa Lala’s iconic birds-on-a-wire wing their way through collections in Kansas City and beyond. Many artists go on to other subjects, but Lala continues to draw inspiration from these images. “In the birds I am thinking about people and how we all interact and what we are drawing from each other,” she explains. “But also in each painting I am meditating/journaling/exploring ideas. I remember when I thought that painting the Birds on a Wire pieces would have a start and an ending like other series—but instead they have became a
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part of how I live,” says Lala. “In each painting I am exploring what I am thinking about and listening to that day, which is why sometimes they end up with such crazy titles,” she adds. Born in Manhattan, Kansas, with an art degree from The University of Kansas, Lala lives and works at Lake Lotawana. lisalala.net INKC: You grew up in an artistic family—your father a sculptor, your mother a watercolorist—who both also traveled the world
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as medical volunteers, taking you with them. How has this unique upbringing shaped your world view? Lala: I am so grateful for getting to grow up in a home with a studio area for each of my parents. I had my own little desk full of art supplies in my mother’s area, and I spent hours working there regularly. Our home was full of art, artists, and other interesting people. My folks invited such international people to dinner (often foreign students that were studying at the university), so it seemed like I was getting a global education even when we were at home. I guess it gave me what travel brings to so many of us, a love of people and connecting with them. INKC: Why paint with a palette knife? Lala: It is the perfect tool for me. I painted for years with a brush, and
my colors were always getting muddy and mixed in a way I didn’t like, so I had to stop and clean the brushes while I was working, when I wanted to be painting. When I tried a palette knife and felt how immediate it was, how I could just wipe it off in a second to switch to whatever paint I wanted—I was no longer held back, it was like I was flying. INKC: What are you working on now? Lala: This last year has been a really productive year for me. In a
regular year I am pulled so many different directions, from travel
MAY 2021
out of the country, to other cities, to the myriad of wonderful art events here in our city. This year all of that moving around got traded instead for really peaceful days of working in the studio, or the garden, or kayaking. Life slowed down, but at the same time my studio time increased. I had my most productive year ever, and then all those paintings found their people, who were also probably staying at home. Mostly I painted the bird paintings, but I also did several from my Water Glass Series, which all went to Blue Gallery. I checked in on them only a few weeks later and they had all found homes—it feels really great to be so supported by my city. INKC: How does your studio at Lake Lotawana inspire you? Lala: I have loved every place I lived, but Lake Lotawana is the place
for me. We hand-built our home here on this cliff for the gorgeous view, but it turned out the community is even more special. It is a mix of families that go back generations, with newer people like us (we have only been here 20 years). It is a small town right next to a big city. And I do need lots of outdoor time to feel best. I keep my kayak sitting on the dock so I can just slide it in. In the winter I can kayak next to the ice, I just dress for the weather. Often I just float out there on the lake, going nowhere, just thinking. From my studio I can look out at the lake, other boaters, sailors, friends, children, the sky, the seasons. It all just fills me up.
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Arts & Culture BY
IN KC
Judith Fertig
HOLLY ADDI AT BLUE GALLERY SLOWLY, TENTATIVELY, with masks and social distancing, art galleries in the Crossroads are reopening to the pub-lic. On the First Friday in May, Blue Gallery displays the work of Holly Addi during regular business hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Addi, whose studio is in Utah, works in acrylic, charcoal, and watercolor on large canvases. Her abstract, mixed-media works are often about contact with architecture and basic living elements. With a subdued palette and jolts of color, she explores the interplay of heat, light, water, space, and landscape. In a search for new methods to “read the city,” she focuses on the idea of public space, and more specifi cally, on spaces where anyone can do anything at any given moment: the non-private space, the non-privately owned space, space that is economically uninteresting. Addi says she looks for “beauty in imperfection.” Yet one of her works would certainly look perfect in a pareddown, contemporary room. The exhibit will run from May 7 through May 31. bluegalleryonline.com
MAY 2021
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BASEBALL: A MUSICAL LOVE LETTER OPENING DAY. Actual human fans in the stands. We wondered if baseball, if sports, would ever come around again. As the pandemic lessens, we’re celebrating. The Lyric Opera is partnering with the Negro Leagues Museum on Baseball: A Musical Love Letter, a 70-minute revue featuring a rich collage of baseball music, including some old favorites and some re-discovered gems from Count Basie, Ahrens & Flaherty, Rusty Magee, William Schuman, Kander & Ebb, and Alan Menken. You’ll hear a rich diversity of styles, from opera to jazz, popular to musical theater. In-between the musical numbers, the documentary-style narration tells a wider story of what was happening on the diamond and what was happening in our country. America’s pastime illustrates our struggle with racial equality and justice in our quest for a more perfect union. The revue, created and directed by Kathleen Belcher and Dan Rigazzi, performs May 7 & 8 and May 13 & 14. All shows are at 7:30 at Lyric Opera Production Arts Building. Tickets are $30 per person. For ticket information, visit kcopera.org.
Spring
REFRESH! It’s spring in Kansas City and what better way to celebrate than with fresh new lighting designs from Rensen House of Lights. Our Maison Des Fleurs collection brings a ray of spring light into any home. Available as a chandelier, linear pendant, wall sconce or foyer light. This unique collection and hundreds of beautiful lights now showing at Rensen House of Lights.
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MAY 2021
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Visit our website and shop 24/7 www.RensenHouseofLights.com
Arts & Culture by
IN KC
Judith Fertig
THE ART OF MINI-GOLF THE ART-FULL mini-golf course in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is back open with a new putt-putt design. Eyy Putter Putter Swing is a tribute to Kansas City Monarch’s player Satchel Paige and the 100-year anniversary of the Negro Leagues Baseball association. The whimsical golf course, opened in 2019, features nine curated holes inspired by the museum’s permanent collection. Eyy Putter Putter Swing replaces Radcliffe Bailey’s Mound Musician, also Negro Leagues Baseballoriented and on display inside the museum. The new hole was designed by Sierra Swift and fabricated by Dimensional Innovations. The museum’s golf course designs came from 75 artists, students, and designers. The course will be open on weekends during museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $16 for the adults, $12 for members, and $10 for children 4 to 12 years old. nelson-atkins.org
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THE CRYSTAL FIELD OPEN-MIC NIGHT SO YOU’VE BEEN AT HOME A LOT, sitting by an open window with your quill pen, scribbling rhymes and ditties and diatribes and short stories, and who knows what else? It’s time for you to perform that mini-masterpiece at The Crystal Field Open Mic Night on Friday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. through The Writers Place. Unlike traditional open-mic nights where you step up to the microphone in front of a live audience, this one puts you in front of those familiar little laptop windows of Zoom attendees—and an emcee who can mute you if you go too long, stray too far, or make a nuisance of yourself. So, get those poems, those pithy sayings, those short essays and songs together and share them with others. Although there is no charge, you still need to register ahead of time for the event; you will only get the Zoom link after you register. Donations will be taken in memory of Crystal Field, a local writer and supporter of the art. thewritersplace.wildapricot.org
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Behind the Music
IN KC
Lee Langston
N
by
Timothy Finn
o one who knows Lee Langston or has seen him perform could have been too surprised in March when he announced he’d been selected to fill the Friday night residency at the downtown music club The Phoenix, a gig held for more than a decade by Kansas City legend Lonnie McFadden. Langston, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but raised in Kansas City, has been performing professionally in a variety of roles since his early 20s. About a decade ago, he made his first big splash in our music community by organizing a tribute show to Lauryn Hill, a show that filled the now long-gone Crosstown Station and led to successful trib-
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photo by
Doriel Demps
utes to other music superstars. A 1995 graduate of the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Langston is best-known for his music performances, but he is a multi-faceted and -talented entertainer who uses his public platforms to raise awareness about a variety of issues, especially racial and social injustice. He recently answered questions from IN Kansas City about his upbringing, his music inspirations, other professional experiences (including a role in the 2000 presidential election), and his perspective on the rise of social justice awareness in the era of Black Lives Matter.
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What was your childhood like? What do you remember most about it? Lee Langston: I spent my childhood surrounded by love. I was a shy kid until middle school; from middle school and beyond, I was one of the “popular kids.” However, I operated in it differently: Instead of being the mean popular kid, I held space for everyone. I had a very diverse, tight-knit group of friends. Most of us are still very close. My best memories were centered around all of the ways our individual families fostered this wonderful village. Most of the parents were heavily involved in making sure we had great experiences growing up. Our households all represented something different as far as class, religion, and marital status, but we never operated as if there were any differences. We learned from our differences. Tell us about your family, your nuclear family and extended family. LL: I came up in a single-parent home with an amazing mother. My
father had been married several times, and as a result of this I was given a very unique family dynamic. With each sibling that was born, all of the mothers in my tribe made a choice to keep the children close to each other in one way or another. I grew up being close to not only my immediate family, but also my stepmothers’ family and all the branches of their families.
so music and church went hand-in-hand with that side of the family. Also, my grandparents on my mother’s side were performers. Around age 13, I started to truly realize my love for singing. However, I was extremely shy. I sang around the house, but I wasn’t ready for any public consumption. I didn’t really start singing publicly until my late teens at my family church, St. James United Methodist. Who were your earliest music influences? What about them captured your attention? LL: My mother raised me around jazz, gospel, R&B, and all of the soul music sub-genres: the Hawkins Family, Roy Ayers, Michael Franks, Spyro Gyra, Minnie Riperton, and many others. The ability to make such beautiful sound with the voice has always captured me, almost putting me into a trance. It could be a female or male voice, a high voice or a low voice; it didn’t make a difference. Certain textures of voice spoke to me. I was rarely drawn to music-industry norms or the most popular norms. I just liked what I liked. I was probably considered an oddball by my classmates for some of my tastes in music, but it definitely benefited me later in life. What was the first record/album you owned? LL: The very first record I ever bought was the 45 single of Purple Rain by Prince, and, of course, the vinyl was purple.
When were you first aware of and attracted to music? LL: I always had a love for music. I had musically inclined relatives on
When did you first start performing?
both sides of my family. My grandfather on my dad’s side was a pastor,
LL: I started performing in my early 20s. I was a member of several
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Behind the Music
IN KC
different local “boy bands.” I remembered always having extreme stage fright then. Later, I learned the art of connecting with my audience. Did you have interests other than music? LL: For the most part, growing up I was an art/music nerd. I loved photography, visual art, performance art, and modeling. My junior and senior years in high school, Hallmark Cards purchased and used one of my photographs to use on the cover of one of their cards on the Mahogany line. Also, I used to do print-work modeling as a side job. Describe one or two breakthrough moments for you as you pursued music as a passion/profession. LL: There are many. Two come to mind. First: When Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, asked me to pull together a team of musicians and singers to perform for country music legend [and former Negro Leagues pitcher] Charley Pride. He was receiving the Jackie Robinson Legacy Award. We all stood before Charley Pride [in April 2013] and performed some of his original music while he looked on. When the show was done, he walked up, shook my hand, and told me he enjoyed my rendition of his music. I was so relieved. It was the first time I had performed country music publicly. The other was shortly after Kansas City received its UNESCO City of Music designation [in fall 2018]. I was contacted by Anita Dixon to locate musicians and lead them on her behalf to Chiapas, Mexico, to do a cultural exchange during Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It was
MAY 2021
an amazing experience I will never forget. What have you done for employment outside of music? LL: I have worked in many fields: banking, home mortgage, and politics to name a few. I previously had a job working for the Florida State Legislature in the very district where the infamous ballot issues played out during the 2000 presidential election, and I watched the madness play out first-hand. You have organized and produced several tribute shows to music legends. How did that get started? LL: I always had a desire to put together shows that reflected the artists I enjoyed most, but at first, I wasn’t quite sure how to execute it. I was invited to perform as a vocalist in a hip-hop tribute show produced by Les Izmore, where he paid homage to Common’s Like Water for Chocolate. After that, I was able to better determine how I wanted to format my own shows. I started with my first actual breakthrough moment in the city, around 2010-11 when I did my first self-produced show: A Tribute to Lauryn Hill at the former Crosstown Station. I pulled together a large ensemble of the city’s well-known singers, spoken-word artists, and musicians. It ended up being a sold-out, standing-room-only show and started the buzz and established my following. Since then, I have produced about 60-plus tribute and theme shows. The other tribute shows I have enjoyed the most paid homage to legends like Whitney Houston, New Edition, and D’Angelo. What I
| 48 | INKANSASCITY.COM
loved most was putting together costumes, settings, and dance steps that were conducive to the feeling of the music. What do you learn from immersing yourself deep in the music of the masters? How does it change you as an artist? LL: It has taught me to always express art in my highest form of authenticity. Even if I’m interpreting art created by someone else, I do it my own way. When you think about it, most of the artists that we consider to be masters were those who were fearless when it came to self-expression. I always show up as myself at every show. I am the same on and off stage: no alter-ego, no facade, always me. This has worked for me since Day 1. What music legend, dead or alive, would you most like to meet and collaborate with? LL: There are many, but my first choice would be Donny Hathaway. There is a conviction attached to his music that I can’t describe. Also, I’ve always loved performing his music. I’d like to talk about racism and social justice/reform and Black Lives Matter, issues that have become widespread and prominent over the past several years. Describe your involvement. How have you expressed your voice? LL: I have always used my stage to affirm, educate, and open dialogue
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on the challenging discussions around equality. Also, different community organizations have brought me in over the years to produce shows around social justice. Not long before the pandemic, I was brought in by Communities Creating Opportunity to produce a show that centered around civil rights in Kansas City. This organization’s mission is to “organize communities for racial justice and social change.” What is your reaction to what has transpired so far? LL: I am glad to see steps that have been made, however I do still feel we
have a long way to go and I will continue to do my part. Has any of it inspired hope in you? LL: I wish I could say that there has been a consistent feeling of hope, but that wouldn’t be true. There are days where I am able to hold on to hope, and other days when I’m simply exhausted. There is a level of perpetual trauma that comes along with the Black experience. Sometimes we have to shut the world out in order to keep our sanity, and only after that are we able to continue doing the work. I’m a very spiritual person, so I do regular meditations around my own Black experience. That helps me to keep a positive outlook. What do you think most needs to be better understood? LL: First: “Black Lives Matter” is actually an affirmation. I repeat, an affirmation.
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Behind the Music
IN KC of the city’s boutique hotels. The booking agent that brought us in believed in inclusion and happily added my band and several other diverse bands to the schedule. The moment the agent left to further their career elsewhere, all of the Black artists were immediately removed from the calendar. For months we inquired about continuing on the performance schedule, but none of our calls were returned. Upon deeper research, we even learned that the venue had been participating in “erasure” whenever they advertised Black performers on their social media. “Erasure” is when someone advertises or promotes a Black artist, then intentionally replaces (images of ) the artists with pictures and scenes that target only a white demographic. This is a divisive marketing tactic that keeps people from knowing what to expect before they arrive. None of us even knew this had been going on. After months, I was finally able to get a return email from management to discuss this. No sincere apology was offered. Just a template “corporate” response, and no real accountability. I find it hard to say whether things are really improving. Over the past couple of years several venues in the city have been called out on this type of behavior, but it just repeatedly gets swept under the rug. We have even seen recent articles written where venue owners have openly admitted their clear biases against the Black demographic and spoken of the things they’ve put in place to keep Blacks away. Over the past decade, I have had to end working relationships with several venues and organizations over that type of behavior.
It doesn’t need to be edited, modified, revised, reworded, or adapted to make anyone else comfortable. Just let it be an actual affirmation of Black Life. This doesn’t erase anyone else’s existence; however, it does give consideration to include ours. It also admits to an awareness that the race hierarchy actually does exists. Once that part is done, look in the mirror and ask yourself: “Are you going to contribute to the betterment of actual equality—or are you going to be complicit?” What racial obstacles or biases do you confront? LL: For people in my community, it happens so much that none of us are shocked when we experience it. One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough is how much racism and colorism actually play out in many of Kansas City’s music spaces, especially in music and art spaces where races intersect. I have had my share of bad experiences surrounding race in the city. I have filled up space after space with sold-out shows over the past decade, only to learn that in some of the performance spaces, my fans and supporters were not treated well. I have performed for well-known collectives and had to explain to the band owners that it still isn’t safe for Black people traveling through “sundown towns” after late-night shows in remote locations. To that I received insensitive responses. Sundown towns still exist in 2021; I recommend everyone look it up. In recent years, I did a regular stint with a venue inside one
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You were recently named Artist in Residence at the Phoenix, following in the footsteps of a beloved Kansas City artist, Lonnie McFadden. Talk about what that means to you and what your plans are for that role. LL: It is an honor to be following in the footsteps of Lonnie McFadden. If I’m not mistaken, he has performed at this venue for nearly 15 years. I spoke with him before my residency began, and he gave me advice and expressed joy in knowing that I had been chosen to fill his spot. That meant the world to me. Some people don’t realize that Lonnie McFadden has done so much with art activism deeply rooted in Black culture by creating spaces in which people of all races and backgrounds can sit in one space together and enjoy music. He has laid down an amazing framework for this. I will always honor him for his work. I plan to add my own unique style of entertainment to the Phoenix. For many years I was pegged as a neo-soul performer, but I just have a deep love for the genre. I am actually a multi-genre artist. One of the reasons I love performing at the Phoenix is because it is among the small group of venues west of the redline—Troost Avenue—that actually represents true inclusion. That has been consistent in my experiences over the past couple of years. This inclusion includes both the patrons and the staff. I have many different demographics that follow me as far as race, gender, religion, orientation, class, and I have enjoyed seeing them all in one room enjoying music as a universal language.
What other music endeavors do you have in the works? LL: I am working on my original music to be released this year, more
themed shows, and also the official launch of my accessory line, Stardust & Stones. Finally, talk about Kansas City and what living and thriving here as a music professional means to you. LL: Kansas City and its music community have supported my art in large numbers for many years. I have an amazing hub of artists that I work with. Some of them are mentors; some are mentees; all of them are my music family. I consider it a blessing to do what I love for a living, and I am eternally grateful.
WANT MORE TIMOTHY FINN? Check out his weekly online-only content at inkansascity.com. Every Wednesday the website publishes his list of Top 5 Notto-Miss Concerts in the metro. Every week you’ll find his revered, rollicking, reasoned reviews and commentary. Email Timothy Finn at tfinn@inkansascity.com
To easily l book b k your FREE In-Home Consultation l online, l visit our website b at
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Look
IN KC
Fashion
by
R. Murphy
photo by
Cassie Taylor
Loon and Co. NOT QUITE YOUR GRANDMA’S QUILT
D
rive through most suburbs, and you’ll see signs dotted along roadways beckoning to the curious—Estate Sale! Thursday through Saturday! Those liquidations of lifetimes have provided Elisabeth Ingraham, a prodigal daughter of Kansas City, with plenty of inspiration and materials for her new design lab, Loon and Co., where she turns vintage quilts into bespoke coats. The company was born amidst the pandemic but started incubating in Ingraham’s 325-square foot apartment in New York a few years ago. After trying her hand at English paper piecing a quilt, she started listening to podcasts on sustainability. Those podcasts piqued her interest in craft traditions, which she says go hand in hand with sustainability. After purchasing a quilt coat, she realized that she wanted to be a part of the trend to repurpose orphan quilts into fresh new garments. Ingraham moved back to Kansas City and became entrenched with the artistic community, finding a thriving scene that helped foster her dreams of creation. When the pandemic provided more time at home, Ingraham decided to leap. Now, the design studio is getting attention, popping up at the Strawberry Swing Indie Festival and at Cafe Ca Phe’s recent Saturday makers series. Although Ingraham is happy to make custom items from quilts that people bring to her, she also sources quilts from estate sales and thrift stores to hand-stitch boxy chore coats or a longer driving
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coat. Both styles feature vintage buttons and roomy pockets that make them perfect layering pieces. While some may shudder at the thought of cutting up vintage quilts, Ingraham says she tries to find quilts that are good candidates for repurposing. “I try to find quilts that speak to me because I feel like it’s easier to create something when I really like the quilt. There are two schools of thought when it comes to these quilts and how to preserve them. I try to find a balance between cutting something up that’s in really great condition and saving them. I don’t necessarily cut all the ones that I find. I have a nice collection going of ones that I save,” she says. Those that do meet her scissors become unique garments that tie the past to the present. Ingraham has created coats for women and men across all age groups but says that millennials and Gen Z have been very interested in her designs right now. Through her collaboration with photographer Cassie Taylor, they have created imagery driven by diversity and inclusion that reflects what she sees in the Kansas City community. “I don’t like to lead with sales. It’s more about how we can create community. How can we lift people up?” says Ingraham. Find Ingraham and Loon and Co. at loonandco.com or follow them on Instagram at LoonandCo.
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Look
IN KC Beauty
BY
R. Murphy
Kiss-Off LIPS ARE BACK!
H
ey, remember lipstick? You know, the bright, bold instant mood booster that fits in your pocket and ruins masks at record rates? Well, as those vaccinations roll out and the masks come off (hopefully, in due time and with safety measures in place), it’s time to let the world see our lips again in all their glossy, matte, or satin glory. So just in case you’ve forgotten, here are a few of the essentials for an on-trend lip look to turn heads over the rim of your favorite patio cocktail. Main Street Apothecary Lavender Lip Scrub, $8, available on Etsy, with local pickup options.
PREPPED AND READY Start by sloughing off the winter’s chill and last season’s dead skin cells with local favorite Main Street Apothecary’s Lavender lip scrub. This scrub combines sugar with 100% organic coconut and jojoba oils and fair-trade shea butter to gently buff away flaky skin, leaving a smooth canvas for whatever lip look you attempt. LIP SHADES After a long year under wraps, make sure you’re protecting your pout as well. The lip area is susceptible to burns and needs sunscreen just like the rest of your face. (You are using sunscreen, right? Right.) You’ll find minimal protection in many lip balms, but we recommended going beyond the standard SPF 15. Try Butterstick Lip Treatment for SPF 30 and just a hint of berry color.
PinkLipps Glass Gloss, $10, available at pinklippscosmetics.com or their boutique in Midtown.
HAVE A GLASS Maybe you kept your lipstick habit under your mask, risking the tell-tale smear that never really goes away. But gloss? Fugetaboutit. Well, gloss is back, baby! We love the Glass Gloss from locally owned cosmetics company Pinklipps. No worries about a pucker-full of hair—this high-octane gloss manages to be softening, not sticky. In five universally flattering shades, Glass Gloss delivers all the shine we’ve been missing. THE BUZZ ABOUT TOWN In case you’re not quite ready to splash out with a bold color, try a hint of tint that harnesses the power of raw honey and beeswax from local favorite Messner Bee Farm. Their tinted lip balms moisturize while they leave one of eight subtle shades, each of which is named for a variety of heirloom tomatoes. We’re eyeing Missouri Pink Love for a coral kiss.
MAY 2021
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 in Touch of Berry, $24, available at Sephora.
Messner Bee Farm Tinted Lip Balm, $5.50, available on Etsy.
| 54 | INKANSASCITY.COM
SATURDAYS | May 1 – October 16 | 7:30 am - 12 pm @ppvfarmersmarket
116th Place and Ash Street
parkplaceleawood.com/farmersmarket
Look
IN KC
Wellness
by
R. Murphy
Tea Time
T
he weather is heating up, and the opportunity for iced drinks abounds. If you’re eschewing soda and cold-brew coffee gives you the jitters, what’s your best option? Let the humble tea plant be your savior. With the option of either traditional white, green, or black teas, oolong, rooibos, or herbal tisanes, there are options for every palate. Camellia sinsis, the shrub that produces tea leaves, is a source of antioxidants that can fight off aging and boost your immune system. Green tea has been shown to suppress appetite. Plus, with other herbal additives, a glass of iced tea (sans sugar) can be a calorie-free way to sip your way to health. Of course, you can grab an iced tea to go from most places, but we recommend finding one that speaks to your tastes and goals. Tea is simple to brew at home and can be batched for easy grab and go. Here are a few options for a tasty glass with a boost.
DANDELION DETOX Don’t dive into your front yard just yet. This blend of oolong and Black Pu’er tea also includes dried dandelion greens, which are detoxifying. A hint of cinnamon and citrus makes this an herbal powerhouse. Dandelion detox tea, $6.80 for a one-ounce bag. Available at the Tea Market in Brookside. ICED MANGO BLACK TEA North Kansas City’s Hugo Tea keeps your iced endgame in mind with these tea bags meant for iced applications. The hand-picked certified organic black tea is blended with house-made mango oil and packaged in pitcher-sized portions. And it doesn’t get easier to brew—simply drop a tea bag into a pitcher of cold water and allow it to steep overnight. Iced mango black tea, $5.49 for six tea bags. Available online at hugotea.com or in area grocery stores. PASSION FRUIT TEA For a tropical hit that’s good both hot and cold, try black tea from Sri Lanka infused with ripe passion fruit. The tangy fruit lightens and brightens the flavor profile for a thirst-quenching brew. Passion fruit tea, $2.75 per ounce. Available at Dragonfly Tea Zone in the River Market, Westport, Independence, or Creekwood Commons.
MAY 2021
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We’d like to give you
ENJOY A NIGHT ON US! Plan a getaway to Springfield, Missouri, between April 1 and June 27, 2021and we’ll pick up the bill for one of your hotel nights! Participation is simple and is designed to fill your trip with some of the best food and fun that Springfield has to offer.
How it works: Visit the local attractions and food and drink establishments participating in this program between April 1 and June 27, 2021. Then, make a qualified purchase at THREE (3) attractions, THREE (3) food & drink establishments and spend at least TWO (2) nights in a participating hotel, and we will pay for one of your nights! *Hotel rooms must be reserved 48 hours before you plan on arriving. *Limited to the first 3,000 participants.
Explore Springfield at
SpringfieldMo.org Point your smartphone camera at this QR code to go to the registration page on our website or go to
springfieldmo.org/night-on-us
Be sure to check out the Terms and Conditions so you know exactly how to get your free night.
Living
IN KC BY
Stacy Downs
Outdoor Entertaining—Finally! NOW THAT SO MANY ARE VACCINATED, WE’RE ALL BEYOND READY TO HAVE PEOPLE OVER ON THE PATIO AND PORCH FOR MORE THAN A FEW STOLEN MOMENTS HERE AND THERE. CUE KOOL & THE GANG
CELEBRATION!
A FEW THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR OUTDOOR-ENTERTAINING PARTY PANTRY THIS YEAR:
KC STIR STICKS
PALM-LEAF WOVEN TRAY
It’s hard to see wine charms when it’s dark out, but these locally themed stir sticks stand out above the rim. This pack of four handmade by Love Letter Studio of Kansas City include the silhouettes of KC, a heart, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and a shuttlecock. From Pink Antlers (Leawood).
Strive for the easy transport of plates, flatware, and napkins back and forth from inside to outside. This handwoven tray made by fair-trade artisans in Bangladesh is strong and generous enough to tote items, but also stylish enough to be a display piece indoors. Find it at Golden Pine (Prairie Village Shops).
MAY 2021
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LARGE BRASS-ANDGLASS LANTERN Who doesn’t love having a few candles—real or flameless—for both illumination and ambience. They add a welcoming warm glow. From B Here Now (Independence Square).
Destination Shopping: The Eclectic Co. ONE PASTIME I’ve missed in the past year is taking advantage of the pleasant warmer weather to hunt for treasures. One of my favorite places is The Eclectic Co. in south Overland Park. When I’m heading out on a weekend to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, I like to stop and shop there. Along with the 1910 farmhouse on 2 ½ acres are gardens, tall trees, and four buildings full of goodies for fun exploration. For more than three decades, Pat Blanchat and her husband, John, have traveled the country and discovered truly unusual pieces. theeclecticco.net ANTIQUES. The Eclectic Co. specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Americana, as well as trade signs, advertising ephemera, and vintage folk art. IRONWORK. The store has a wide selection of decorative metalwork, including garden gates, Victorian fencing, widows’ walks and other embellishments gathered in the Midwest, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. ARCHITECTURAL. Elements include corbels, headers, cottage doors, mirrors, terra cotta and windows—stained glass and beveled.
Cue the Light
Your favorite people. Your favorite place to be. Nothing brings them both together like a backyard fire pit. Let Complete Home Concepts design your outdoor space in a way that’ll draw memorable occasions like moths to flames.
SALES | NEW INSTALLS | UPGRADES & SERVICE See what’s #Trending at Complete Home Concepts!
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MAY 2021
| 59 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Living
IN KC
4 Steps: An Inspiring Place to Work and Play by
Stacy Downs
Cabinets painted in Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore.
1. Large work surface. She invested in a big table that can be used for a variety of purposes: homework, art, crafting, and gift wrapping.
MAY 2021
2. Flexible storage. She bought modular shelving that can be stacked vertically and horizontally and added to or reconfigured as needs change. It has storage boxes that fit perfectly so myriad things have their place. For example, one box holds glue sticks, crayons, and pencils so the boys can grab them to take to school.
3. Zones for everyone. There’s a reading corner and a cart full of books, including the library books, so everyone always knows where to find them. The computer and web cam are set up so someone can have a quiet work meeting. It’s arranged so that if she and her husband are reading, their sons can be gaming.
4. A serene paint color. She strove for something calming, but with depth, so she chose Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore (the paint brand’s color of 2021). The hue serves as just the right backdrop for art with a tranquil vibe. | 60 | INKANSASCITY.COM
photo courtesy of benjamin moore
O
ne of my dearest friends recently renovated one of her rooms. It needed to serve her family’s needs to work hard and play hard—a tall order many of us can relate to. With the pandemic creating more remote working from home for her and her husband, and the occasional learning from home for her two elementary-school sons, the room needed more organization and function. Plus, as an avid paper crafter and reader, she also wanted the room to serve as a place that offered calm and inspiration. Her sons, too, enjoy creating art. She took an approach to emulate:
SPRING SCENTS ONE OF MY FAVORITE morning rituals besides brewing strong coffee is lighting a candle while I read. About this time of year, I finally put away the candles with notes of tobacco and leather and welcome in scents of the season— more floral and citrus notes. Lucky for us in Kansas City, we have a number of local candlemakers with fragrances that are simply spring right on the nose.
Lilac This Pickwick Candle Co. candle is from the JSH Home Essentials’ spring collection. It evokes rich blooms of white lilac, privet flower, heliotrope, lily of the valley, and a hint of jasmine. $24, available at JSH Home Essentials (Westwood Hills).
Bob’s Flower Shoppe Named for the florist roots of Trapp, this candle brings forward an open-air flower market with the fragrance of all the flowers, freshly cut green stems, and water droplets. $35, available at Trapp and Company (Midtown).
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
Limoncello Sempre Beve candles, inspired by Italian aperitivi, are poured into containers that can be used later as stemless wine glasses and cocktail ware. This fragrance is lemon and lavender. $36, available at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home (Country Club Plaza).
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words by
Cindy Hoedel
photos by
Gia Goodrich
IN CONVERSATION WITH
David Morgans Sanchez
photo courtesy of portland opera
I
t’s an opera-worthy plot development: after a turbulent early life in Ohio, a talented young man finds stability with an adoptive family in Liberty, Missouri, discovers a love of singing in the high school theater program, earns a bachelors and then a master’s degree in vocal performance at William Jewell College and University of Missouri-Kansas City respectively, auditions locally, gets no offers, uses his savings to move to New York City, and within a year is singing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in Porgy and Bess and wins a Grammy for the recording of the show. And, at age 28, tenor David Morgans Sanchez is calmly certain that his second and third acts will be as thrilling as the first. Following Porgy and Bess, which closed in Feb. 2020 just before the pandemic shut down the city, Sanchez was invited to be part of Portland Opera’s historic all-black class of resident artists for the 2020-2021 season. The season debuted April 16 with Journeys to Justice, compositions that explore the experiences of being a Black American (available for streaming through May 31 at portlandopera.org.) In a relaxed and winding Sunday evening conversation with IN Kansas City, Sanchez discussed his vision for the future of opera in America, reflected on the inseparability of his role as an artist and his identity as a young Black revolutionary, and shared his deep love for Kansas City and the changes he thinks would make it even better.
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What has it been like, being a member of the first all-black class of resident artists at the Portland Opera? It has been really special, working with the other Black artists, and being able to network with other Black singers, especially Russell Thomas, an Atlanta-based tenor who has become like my voice coach and a mentor. To see someone on stage singing the things I want to sing that looks like me is something I cherish. Growing up in white America, the culture I was raised in didn’t give me the privilege of seeing people doing things I wanted to do that looked like me. One of my favorite shows right now is This is Us, and of course I relate to the character Randall, as an African-American man raised by a white family. When I watch it, I feel so seen. Did you participate in the civil rights protests last summer? Yes. I spent the lockdown in Kansas City with my family, so I was going out and protesting. When I went to Portland, I was definitely ready for hostility, because I had already seen it firsthand (in Kansas City). I had witnessed people being maced and being abused by police for zero reason at a peaceful protest. I haven’t participated in protests in Portland because of the very strict Covid protocols (of the opera company) and needing to protect the other artists. I have been followed and tailgated by police on motor-
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cycles a few times, even though I was just driving from my downtown apartment to my job, about ten minutes away. I was confused at first, because I was going the speed limit—this is why people are upset. I just want to exist and not have to think about that. Do you think about whether protesting could hurt your career, or if you could get hurt? I’ve never even considered that there could be an implication for my career for doing the right thing. Yeah, I guess I could be hurt, but I could be hurt driving to work. I don’t feel any safer in my car (as a Black man) than I would out on the streets. The stories that I tell and that I want to tell in opera about Black revolutionaries are powerful and beautiful. And being a person who just says something without being out there actively doing it, I just think there’s no value in that. I don’t think there’s truth in that. Who I am is a young Black revolutionary.
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and I came into my creative being. In 9th grade I was in Guys and Dolls. That was my first musical. Then Les Mis in 10th grade, The Sound of Music junior year, and L’il Abner senior year, and I realized I love to sing. When you were on stage in high school, did you blow everybody else away? Was it obvious to the audience that yours was the voice on the stage that would win a Grammy one day? [Laughs] No. I want to say I was given a lot of smaller opportunities in high school. In Les Mis, I got to play five or six bit roles. I don’t know that I was ever given those accolades. I certainly wasn’t cast in that way. But I’m singing today and I’m very happy doing it. What are your earliest memories of music? Listening to Ja Rule and Eminem with my uncle and my cousins growing up. I remember hearing the poetry and the lyricism, and it was like, wow. I didn’t understand as a kid quite what it meant but it was a good feeling, to hear this narrative delivered with emotion and intention. That’s the through line from opera to rap. Definitely, in the aspect that in opera we tell stories through poetry. And in opera, not only is the language heightened but the music is heightened through amplification, and there are these amazing costumes and sets.
The stories that I tell and that I want to tell in opera about Black
What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic? I already knew I was a people person, that I need human connection. When I’m not able to experience that, it’s a little hard for me. I get a little down.
revolutionaries are powerful and beautiful. And being a person
Has life during Covid changed you in any permanent way? Covid taught me for sure to be more intentional about communicating with and loving the people that love me. And, just like singers always wear a giant scarf in the winter, I will always be wearing a mask in the cold seasons and in cold weather from now on, and I’m not going to feel awkward about it.
who just says something without being out there actively doing it, I
”
just think there’s no value in that.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a paleontologist-slash-Egyptologist. Why? I loved the symbolism, the architecture, the artistry, the hieroglyphs. It was this amazing, fantastical world. The mystery is really intriguing, too—we don’t know how the pyramids were made. And all of the gold! And the great stories. That was where I first got my love of art and beauty and other cultures. Were you a natural performer as a kid, wanting to entertain family members or friends? Not at all. [Laughs] I don’t think I knew I had that side of me back then. Also, I grew up very poor before I was adopted, and we didn’t have any of the resources to give me anything extra. I grew up on food stamps. I remember getting boxes of food from the church, and it was about just trying to survive. It wasn’t until I was adopted in 7th grade that things opened up
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What are you passionate about besides singing? I’m really into cinematography. I love [director] Christopher Nolan, who just released a new movie called Tenet. I’m really into watching people’s acting choices and how a camera can capture that, and how a director frames a landscape and why he chose these colors to represent a character. I guess I love diving into any and all kinds of visual art. Like the Caravaggio at the Nelson. I could stare at that for about an hour and a half, looking at the brushstrokes, the facial expression, the extreme chiaroscuro. How do you experience nervousness before a performance and how do you control it? For me, it’s never nervous energy, it’s just energy. It comes as emotion, and I’ve learned to use it to propel me forward instead of hold me back. Are you a goal-setter? Do you have a 5-year plan, a 10-year plan? My career trajectory already doesn’t look anything like [my plan]. I got my master’s and then, before I was a resident artist here in Portland, I’d already been to the Metropolitan Opera. In five years, I definitely will be established, far more so than I am now, and singing in opera houses around the world.
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Portland Opera’s 2020/21 resident artists (l. to r.) Michael Parham, Lynnesha Crump, David Morgans Sanchez, Edwin Jhamal Davis, and Jasmine Johnson.
photo courtesy of portland opera
In ten years, I will continue to have a music career but also cross over to more popular culture. If opera is going to continue, we need to reach out to younger audiences and also not cheapen the art form. I want my mark on the industry to be, not just was I an amazing artist, but I brought opera back over to popular culture, as it really was back [in 1990] when Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma was used as the theme music for the World Cup. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the arts in America, and what are the bright spots? The biggest challenge is that, for the most part, the people that hold the most power and that have been gatekeepers, are still there. Of course, every new artistic director we get who is committed to change is beautiful, and we have seen a lot of that. What gives me hope is that we are seeing more people-of-color stories, more LGBTQIA stories being told on the stage, on the screen, and in every single place where we take in culture and art. When I get back to Kansas City, I don’t want to just see Black jazz musicians in the 18th and Vine district. I would love to see more of that culture being celebrated at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. I would love to see more musicians of color in the Kansas City Symphony. I want to go the Green Lady Lounge and have it be a regular thing to see musicians of color on that stage and on other stages that have been traditionally white spaces.
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What do you miss about Kansas City? A lot, I think. It shows up like this: Whenever I’m in a new city, here’s me trying to find Kansas City in the new city. Like in New York, they have this amazing bar in Brooklyn that has Kansas City barbecue. I sincerely miss Gates Bar-B-Q and Jones Bar-B-Q. The second thing I really miss is the coffee shops. I love Messenger Coffee but the favorite, the OG coffee shop for me, has been Thou Mayest on 18th Street. The vibe is always great. I did plenty of coursework there for my master’s, and it was a great place for a date because you can have cocktails there and there are no children. When you come back to Kansas City, is there anything missing that makes you think, “You know what this place really needs…”? Besides more Black art, I want to say public transportation. I used to live downtown in Kansas City, so I could take the streetcar when I wanted to go to the River Market. But that is nothing like not having to have a car. In Portland, I don’t need a car. In New York, I don’t need a car. In Kansas City, our transportation system needs a major overhaul. Maybe we need to legalize recreational marijuana and tax it so we can get real public transportation.
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Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.
On the Road Again words by
Katy Schamberger
THE OPEN ROAD HAS NEVER BEEN MORE ALLURING. PLAN AN OUT-OFTOWN ADVENTURE WITH SUGGESTED DESTINATIONS, PANDEMIC SAFETY TIPS, AND MORE
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nyone else longing to throw some clothes in a suitcase, pack some snacks, cue up a favorite playlist, and hit the open road? After more than a year of staying close to home, many people (full disclosure: me included!) are ready for a change of scenery. And thanks to Kansas City’s prime location in the heart of Midwest, you can plan anything from a family-friendly adventure to a romantic escape within a few hours or less of home. Wherever your destination, keep pandemic protocols in mind as you travel. Just as you’d stock up on supplies and get your vehicle checked before you depart, don’t forget to grab some extra masks, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer. When you arrive, look for as many contactless options as possible, including at your hotel or lodging (for ideas, see sidebar). Maintain social distancing whenever you can. And do a little homework before you go. States—and even cities—have varying pandemic requirements, from mask mandates to capacity limits. Use convention and visitor’s association websites and social media channels to get up-to-date information. Bookmark sites like Tock or download apps like Open Table or Yelp to explore dining options, including patio seating, and make reservations. Now, the only question is where you’ll go first! Consult our round-up of popular road-trip destinations, including can’t-miss attractions and other pro tips. Let’s hit the road:
Head South Northwest Arkansas: Rogers, Bentonville, and Beaver Lake Distance: 210-231 miles* You could easily make a week or more out of touring picturesque northwest Arkansas. From Highway 71, hop on Scenic Highway 12, which leads you through historic downtown Rogers, along Beaver Lake and into Eureka Springs. You’ll instantly relax as you travel through the lush forests of the Ozarks, and also find plenty of places to stop and browse, including Lookout Mercantile, a modern-day general store featuring furniture, décor, and more made by local craftsmen; and War Eagle Mill, the only working water-powered grist mill in the state. Stock up on flours, jellies, jams, or stop for lunch at the on-site café. If you’re missing the water, you’ll love the gently lapping waves *Mileage is mapped using The City Market as a starting point.
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Above: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has a renowned collection ranging from Rockwell to Warhol in a striking structure set on 120 lush acres. Right: Enjoy a special night out in the beautiful North Forest at Crystal Bridges with a Forest Globe Experience.
of Beaver Lake, a nationally renowned bass-fishing destination that’s also a popular choice for kayaking, swimming, and boating. You can even scuba dive in the lake’s clear water. The Beaver Lake Outdoor Center in Rogers is a full-service destination for rentals, including kayaks, mountain bikes, tubes, and more. If Beaver Lake is the focus of your trip, consider staying in nearby Rogers, or browse a number of cabins and other vacation rentals available in the area. Rogers offers a laid-back, small-town vibe complete with museums, art galleries, and shopping. Don’t miss Ozark Beer Company or the Saturday morning downtown Rogers farmers market (DTR for short). Build up an appetite and then work your way through The 1907, a historic building that now houses a food hall
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Below: Tuna crudo from Bentonville ‘s The Preacher’s Son, a restaurat in a restored Gothic Revival church. Right: Ziplines run through the treetops of the Ozark Mountains.
Above: Experience an underground adventure exploring an Arkansas cave. Right: Enjoy a scenic kayak journey down the James River.
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of sorts, complete with a coffeeshop, modern Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, shops, and more. Nearby Bentonville is another lodging option, especially for art lovers. Get lost in the gorgeous work on display at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. For a truly immersive experience, rent a Forest Globe, surrounded by the beauty of the museum’s North Forest. Relax in a private, lighted globe as you sample savory and sweet cuisine from the chef ’s menu, along with cocktails, beer, wine, and sparkling water. Stay at the nearby 21C Museum Hotel Bentonville, sister property to Kansas City’s own 21C location and home to both rotating art exhibits and permanent installations. Dine and drink at hotel restaurant, The Hive, and stroll over to the Crystal Bridges Museum. Or enjoy an upscale dining experience at The Preacher’s Son, a restored church just steps away from the city square. To better enjoy the refreshing Ozarks scenery, pack your bike and take advantage of Bentonville’s numerous biking trails. Bike rentals are available at Phat Tire Bike Shop, MOJO, Spoke Adventure, and The Hub Bike Lounge.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas Distance: 229 miles Check Eureka Springs off of your travel bucket list and you can say that you’ve visited an entire downtown area that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History buffs will especially love the mesmerizing sight-seeing throughout the city, from downtown streets lined with boutiques, museums, and restaurants to neighborhoods of stately Victorian homes that wind along the cliffs of the Ozarks. Craving a little thrill-seeking? See the Ozark Mountains from a high-speed perch at Ozark Mountain Ziplines. Or spend an evening at Flickering Tales, where you’ll settle in for retellings of haunting folktales passed down for generations within the Ozarks and Appalachian Foothills. Note: Eureka Springs is a popular destination for ghost hunters, so keep your eyes peeled for supernatural companions. Other must-see attractions include Beaver Bridge, better known as “the Little Golden Gate.” Pictures are a must! Descend into the depths at Onyx Cave Park, a living cave filled with incredible formations. Radio-guided tours are available and last about 30 minutes. When it’s time to eat, kick back on the sizable patio at Eureka Grill or grab a towering Reuben sandwich at the Cat House. The Gazebo Restaurant’s Victorian atmosphere is ideal for a history-focused trip. Or stick with the below-ground theme and stop into Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave, which offers a mouthwatering mix of small and main plates and some of the most unexpected restaurant scenery you’ve encountered.
Springfield, Missouri Distance: 167 miles Act fast and you could get big savings on your Springfield trip. The local Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering a free night’s stay if you visit by June 27, 2021, stay at least two nights and visit a minimum number of attractions and restaurants. Get details at springfieldmo.org. As pandemic precautions continue, you may want to spend the majority of your time outside—and Springfield has plenty of options. Plan a day to float or kayak on the James River, part of Missouri’s larger Ozarks system. Pack a picnic and pull over at one of the river’s
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UNFORGETTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS Kansas City resident David Johnson and his husband, Stephen Powell, have enjoyed several safety-focused road trips throughout the pandemic. Johnson’s lodging tip: “Find a vacation rental with a kitchen and cook for yourself or find a hotel that’s offering room service or offers a kitchenette.” Consider these unforgettable vacation rentals as you plan your trip:
PRAIRIE PRIVACY IN THE FLINT HILLS Johnson and Powell have booked this secluded hilltop home before and Johnson says it’s his favorite vacation rental yet. The 2,200-square-foot home sleeps six with two bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. Step outside and immerse yourself in a sea of grass. A nearby pasture is an idyllic retreat for hikers, artists, and photographers. Kick back on the sprawling porch, which surrounds all four sides of the house. vrbo.com/639587 STAY IN A SILO The Konza Cabin in Manhattan, Kansas, immerses you in farm life in the midst of the Flint Hills. The cabin is cleverly constructed out of two reclaimed grain bins connected by a glass atrium. Property features include a full kitchen, an outdoor fire pit, two bedrooms, and one bathroom for a total occupancy of four people. You’re just seven miles from Manhattan, so spend the day exploring “The Little Apple” or plan an entirely nature-focused retreat. Search Konza Cabin on airbnb.com. ELEVATED CAMPING RETREATS Heather Shelton and Tiffany Watts recently launched Suite Tea, a glamping experience that offers a serene and luxurious way to experience the outdoors. The first glamping site is open at Watkins “C” Ranch in Kansas City, Kansas, and includes boho-esque tents in different sizes to accommodate various groups. In addition to posh lodgings, guests will enjoy activities like outdoor yoga, hikes, holistic massage, and picnics. suitetea.co RENOVATED COTTAGE NEAR TOWN SQUARE This quaint guest house, renovated in 2018, is within walking distance to downtown Bentonville and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The cozy cottage includes a front bedroom that sleeps two and a full bathroom complete with a 100-year-old clawfoot tub. The original kitchen nook is intact and includes a kitchen island with seating, the perfect perch for morning coffee or afternoon happy hour. vrbo.com/1457914
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gravel bars to rest and refuel. Have you heard the legend of Springfield-style cashew chicken? In 1963, chef David Leong invented the dish that’s now served worldwide. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are fried, then smothered in a delicious brown gravy topped with chopped scallions and cashews. It’s easy to find cashew chicken on Springfield menus, but you can’t go wrong with a stop at Leong’s Asian Diner. Springfield native Dave Burgess recommends Mexican Villa, which serves “what someone from the Ozarks imagined Mexican food to be in the 1950s.” He recommends the Sancho, served enchilada-style, and recommends taking home a bottle of their house-made hot sauce. Other culinary highlights include the original Hurt’s Donuts, Nonna’s for Italian food or Rama Thai, tucked away on a picturesque residential street. While you’re downtown, visit The Gillioz Theater, a refurbished theater that hosts a late-night talk show called The Mystery Hour. Check out episodes on YouTube before you go. Thirsty? Make a pit stop at beloved local brewery, Mother’s Brewing. Live music venue, restaurant, and cocktail bar, The Royal, opened last year inside a former art gallery in Springfield’s Rountree neighborhood, an area that’s attracted a number of local restaurants and other businesses.
Head North
trian Bridge, where you can take your picture while standing in two states at once (if you share on social, include #ItHappensOnBob). Use Omaha’s bike share, Heartland B-cycles, for a fun and active way to explore favorite attractions like Omaha’s Old Market. You could also grab your sweetie or a couple of friends and enjoy a delicious weekend eating and drinking your way through Omaha. Try Proof, a whiskey and bourbon bar; Berry & Rye, an aboveground speakeasy that serves Kansas City’s own J. Rieger & Co. spirits; elegant New American dining at V. MERTZ; or classic French cuisine and cocktails at Le Voltaire. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the comfy club chairs at the second-floor Drastic Plastic, part vinyl shop and part cocktail lounge, then head downstairs for a daring dining experience at horror-themed The Monster Club (lots of options for vegetarians, FYI). Don’t leave without perusing the delightful selection of thrift, vintage, and pop culture-centric items at The Imaginarium Super Store. Bonus stop: Head about an hour southwest of Omaha to Lincoln, Neb. for cocktails at The Other Room, the first establishment founded by Kansas City’s beloved Jill Cockson, the brains behind Swordfish Tom’s and Shawnee’s Drastic Measures.
Go West The Flint Hills, Kansas Distance: 131 miles to Cottonwood Falls, Kan., along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
Des Moines, Iowa Distance: 221 miles One of the best parts of a road trip is you have your car handy for impromptu exploring! While you’re in Des Moines, don’t miss a jaunt to Madison County Winery. It’s on the way to Des Moines, so you could make a pit stop to stretch your legs and stock up on local wine and craft beer. You’ll be right by the area’s iconic covered bridges, too! If you’re a fan of the Kansas City locations of Up-Down or Raygun, visit the original spots in Des Moines. Collectamania’s thrift and vintage selection offers a fun trip down memory lane. Stop by The Republic on Grand for rooftop cocktails and small plates, Alba Restaurant for delicious fine dining or Eatery A, a casual Mediterranean restaurant outside of downtown Des Moines. Bonus stop: Who needs a trip to Holland when you can experience the magnificent tulips of Orange City, Iowa? Take the scenic route to or from Des Moines—Orange City is a little over 3 hours west and enjoy the annual Orange City Tulip Festival, May 13-15. Enjoy wooden shoe carving demonstrations, horse-drawn trolley tours, performances, markets, and so much more. octulipfestival.com
Omaha, Nebraska Distance: 183 miles Family adventure? Foodie frenzy? An amorous escape? No matter what type of trip you’re planning, Omaha is ready. Family-friendly favorites include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, described as “the ultimate interactive zoo experience.” Don’t miss the world’s largest indoor desert, a sprawling African Grasslands exhibit, and a state-of-the-art sea-lion habitat. Check the zoo’s website, omahazoo.com, for updated exhibit closures and safety guidelines. The kiddos will also love a trip to the Bob Kerrey Pedes-
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The Flint Hills encompass an incredible 9,936 square miles, so the first decision to make is where in the Flint Hills you’re headed. The Kansas Office of Tourism & Travel has a handy, two-page digital guide that includes an easy-to-read map of the area, complete with helpful tips like scenic byways and nearby cities, available at travelks.com/flint-hills. One popular destination is Cottonwood Falls, a picturesque small town in the heart of the hills. Split your time between exploring the town and the surrounding prairie. In town, don’t miss the historic Chase County Courthouse, built of walnut and limestone and finished in 1873. Fun fact for your next trivia competition: the Chase County Courthouse is the oldest Kansas courthouse still in use. Explore the Prairie PastTimes Arts & Crafts, a co-op that represents more than 40 artists, most of whom live in or near the Flint Hills. Enjoy house-made pasta, mouthwatering barbecue, brick-oven pizzas and more at Keller Feed & Wine, or steaks, sandwiches, and pasta at Grand Central Hotel & Grill. Outside of Cottonwood Falls, spend the day hiking through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and be on the lookout for bison! Keep your phone handy and dial 620-805-3185 to connect to an audio tour. Chase State Fishing Lake is another beautiful hiking destination complete with trails, small waterfalls, and the namesake body of water, plus a gorgeous array of wildflowers, picnic tables, and fire rings. As an FYI, other cities within the Flint Hills include Council Grove, Emporia, Alma, Manhattan, and El Dorado, to name a few. Bonus stop: Take the long way home from Cottonwood Falls and stop in at Prairie Fire Winery & Candle Co. in Paxico, directly off of Interstate 70. The owners describe the winery as a “dirt to glass” operation—everything from planting to consumer consumption is handled on-site. Make your way through more than 17 different labels of wine, including a range of reds and whites.
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Left: Spaghetti all’ubriaco from Nonna’s Italian Cafe in Springfield, MO. Below: The Orange City Tulip Festival’s Tulip Court.
Far left: The Owen Sea Lion Pavilion at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Left: Bass fishing at the Chase State Fishing Lake. Below: Bison roam the Konza Prairie.
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Wichita, Kansas Distance: 195 miles Outdoor and family-friendly attractions abound in this Sunflower State hub. Take a ride on the carousel at Botanica; explore The Bartlett Arboretum, one of the oldest arboretums between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains and owned by Robin Macy, a celebrated musician and founding member of The Chicks; or be among the first to cheer on Wichita’s new baseball team, Wind Surge, at the newly built Riverfront Stadium. Feeling thirsty after all of that exploring? Norton’s Brewery offers outdoor igloos to provide additional pandemic protection. And for a truly unforgettable drinking and dining experience, head north about 20 minutes to Kechi, Kansas, and lose yourself in the picturesque surroundings of Elderslie Farm. Laine Alter, a real estate agent and Wichita resident, says Elderslie Farm is “a true farm-to-table experience. In the spring, you can feed baby goats or stop by their creamery to buy cheese and gelato.” Sip and snack on the farm’s scenic patio, or head inside the restaurant for a prix fixe meal. Alter’s insider tip: ask the Elderslie Restaurant’s chef, Katharine Elder, to sing to you while you eat—she’s a trained opera singer.
Eastbound St. Louis, Missouri Distance: 248 miles Ditch the car and instead hop aboard an Amtrak train to cross the state. You’ll average the same amount of travel time but be able to kick back and relax with a book or movie or simply watch the Missouri scenery roll by. Once you disembark in the heart of downtown St. Louis at Union Station, you’ll have no shortage of places to see, including attractions like a carousel, mini golf, and the St. Louis Aquarium. For a towering view of the St. Louis skyline, hop aboard the St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot-high observation wheel with 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that seat up to eight. Don’t miss The Gateway Arch, which was recently expanded to create a sprawling park that connects the arch to the Basilica of St. Louis, the first church west of the Mississippi River (yes, you can still stop in for daily mass). Of course, you’re going to need fuel for all of this sightseeing! Does St. Louis have better deep-dish pizza than Chicago? Judge for yourself at Pi Pizzeria, which serves crusts sprinkled with cornmeal for extra crunch. Be sure to get an order of warm, crusty bread served with roasted, spreadable garlic cloves. Hold your own Kansas City vs. St. Louis barbecue competition with a stop at Salt + Smoke in the Delmar Loop, a wonderful place to stroll, shop, and eat. St. Louis resident Court Hinton recommends the burnt-end ravioli. And for Italian food, there’s no better destination than beloved neighborhood The Hill, three miles south of Forest Park. Stop and pay respects at Mama Campisi’s, the birthplace of toasted ravioli. “They melt in your mouth,” Hinton says. He also recommends the duck fried rice at St. Louis Chinese Cuisine, soul food at the Upper Crust or cafeteria-style plates at Mom’s Diner.
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Clockwise from top left: The carousel at Bontanica. The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens has a diverse collection of trees and plants to explore. Basilica of St. Louis beneath the Gateway Arch. See the St. Louis skyline from the St. Louis Wheel.
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words by
Judith Fertig
photos by
Aaron Leimkuehler
The Suite Life LET’S DIP OUR TOES INTO SUMMER TRAVEL WITH LUXE STAYCATION SUITES THAT LET US TEST-DRIVE DESIGN. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE IMMERSED IN CONTEMPORARY ART? SOAK IN A SCULPTURAL EGG-SHAPED TUB? SLEEP IN A LOFT? PLAY POOL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT? LIVE WITH WALLS OF WINDOWS? OUR FIVE KANSAS CITY PROPERTIES DIVULGE THEIR DESIGN SECRETS— AND FOLLOW COVID PROTOCOLS FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THEIR GUESTS.
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Furniture in the Pendergast Suite at the Crossroads Hotel is a mix of contemporary and pieces with a vintage look. Large-format photograph is by Melanie Sherman.
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Wood paneling and green leather chairs lend a masculine air to the game room.
THE PENDERGAST SUITE AT THE CROSSROADS HOTEL KANSAS CITY
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istoric and modern meet at the Crossroads Hotel. The property employs a mix of fun and funky that is appropriate to both its location and its former life as the Pabst Brewing Depot. Kansas City political boss Tom Pendergast once owned both buildings and now lends his name to the suite. With its own pool table, game table, and a dartboard in place of the powder-room mirror, the Pendergast Suite very much keeps a local Kansas City connection, showing the way to put a sense of place in our own homes. Says Jeremy Bennett, the hotel’s director of lifestyle, “We want guests to have an authentic Kansas City experience. We don’t turn to
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a catalog to find design elements. We prefer to work with someone local.” You’ll see original architectural elements freshened up with works by Hammerpress, hand-drawn wallpaper designs from local tattoo artists, hand-painted lights by ceramicist Melanie Sherman, and works by Kansas City Art Institute students. All in a bohemian palette of teal, tobacco, brandy, and burnt orange perfect for an arts district. And what about that good night’s sleep? “The beds are ridiculously soft and comfortable,” adds Bennett. “The room looks good and feels good and even smells good.” That’s thanks to toiletries by Grown Alchemist in scents of sandalwood and sage in the tah-dah bathroom with its sliding steel-and-glass door. crossroadshotelkc.com
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Clockwise from top left: A pool game awaits. In the powder room, a classic dartboard hangs over the marble and brass pedestal sink. Look closely at the wallpaper leading to the main bath to discover what’s tucked between the elaborate florals. Art from Kansas City artists is displayed salon-style in the bedroom. Dark walls, curtains, and leather sectionals create a cozy media room.
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Floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning city views envelop the entire suite.
THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT LOEWS KANSAS CITY HOTEL
W
ith soaring windows and sleek steel ribs, the new Loews Kansas City Hotel is within walking distance of the Kauffman Center, the Power and Light District, T-Mobile Center, and the Kansas City Convention Center. It’s also a place where you can live with dramatic design by Dallas-based Looney & Associates and see how you like it. High above the city skyline, you can step into the bath with a wall of windows; you can see the city lights, but no one can really see you.
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The same in the bedroom, where you can go to sleep with the twinkling stars, then wake up to a panoramic view of downtown. Says Brian Johnson, the managing director, “We wanted to draw the views into your room, so you feel like you are part of the city.” The Presidential Suite has a high-end residential feel, says Johnson, an aspect of Loews’ “reinvented hotel experience.” From the huge walk-in closet to the pillow-top mattress you can sink into and the floating TV on the glass wall, this is the lifestyle to which you’d love to become accustomed. loewshotels.com/kansas-city-hotel
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Clockwise from top left: Bird’s-eye views. The principal bathroom. The bar is the perfect spot to mix up a martini (or order one from 24-hour room service). One of four largescreen TV’s (out of sight) in the suite faces the pillow-top bed.
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Light floods the two-story living space.
B
KING BED LOFT SUITE AT HOTEL KANSAS CITY
uilt in the Gothic-Revival style and opened in 1922, the 15-floor Kansas City Club was where lumber barons, cattle ranchers, railroad executives, and power brokers gathered. Now in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the hotel preserves hand-hewn walnut and stained glass, but adds modern touches, with a nod to the feminine. Design inspiration, through Simeone Deary in Chicago, came from an unlikely source—a modern portrait of flame-tressed Bertha Goodwin, the first female who applied for membership in the all-male club (and you can guess how that turned out). But the spirit of Bertha lives on, says Sarah Beck, the director of sales and marketing, to welcome
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male and female travelers alike. Neutral upholstery, armoire-style double doors into the bath, lampshades formed like hoop skirts, and a light fixture whose outline resembles a necklace add a softer touch to the black-and-white décor. The King Bed Loft Suite features a downstairs gathering place and a four-poster bed in the loft bedroom. “You feel like you’re on your own island—or in a New York City loft apartment,” says Beck. An upscale coffee maker, locally made treats (Savory Addictions nuts, Andre’s chocolate, Kansas City Joe’s beef jerky), and even a signature Kansas City Club bourbon in the mini-bar program give guests a taste of place. hotelkc.com
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Clockwise from top left: The four-poster bed overlooks the living area and a clever LED light fixture that’s strung across the room. The soaking tub and the shower. A generous use of Carrara marble defines the principal bathroom. The dining area. A portrait of Bertha Goodwin hangs in the foyer.
The blush hues used throughout the suite creat a calming, spalike vibe.
THE 21C SUITE AT THE 21C MUSEUM HOTEL
B
uilt in 1888, the venerable Savoy Hotel underwent a $50 million transformation into a true-to-place 21st century art experience, says Kim Jessen, the director of sales and marketing. Next year, exhibits of modern art will pop up again, as do beams of lusciously colored lights, mixing with the Victorian and Arts and Crafts architectural features. That’s just what New York designer Deborah Berke intended. Says Berke, “Reasserting the here and now, which is an antidote to placelessness and homogeneity, demands absolutely that you avoid predictability.
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To bring out the here, something has to be quite unexpected, jarring us into the moment, asserting the now.” And the now in the 21c Suite is wow. Keeping and repurposing the original sink and floor in the powder bathroom, the design mixes the historic with contemporary in midcentury furnishings and modern art. Custom bedding, double-paned windows, electronic blinds and blackout fabric guarantee a good night’s sleep—the ultimate luxury—even in the heart of the city. The entire seventh floor, with seven rooms including the suite, can be booked for a private party. 21ckansascity.com
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Clockwise from top left: Stunning Calacatta marble tops the dining table. The photos here and throughout the suite are by Laura Lee Brown and were shot in Antarctica. Brass, marble, and tile combine for a classic look in the principal bath. Mirrors wrapping the bar area reflect the river views. A leather headboard runs wall-to-wall behind the king bed.
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The gas fireplace can take the edge off an early-morning chill.
THE GRAND SUITE AT THE INN AT MEADOWBROOK
I
f you want a more suburban staycation on the site of a former golf course, the Inn at Meadowbrook offers scenic lake views, walks in Meadowbrook Park, and wide open spaces. In a traditional palette of earth and sky, with a fireplace and a table that seats eight, the Grand Suite exudes “easy luxury and contemporary charm,” says Chris Curtis, the director of sales and marketing. Designed by Looney Ricks in Memphis, the Grand Suite offers what is trending in boutique hotels—a curated experience. Soak in the
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egg-shaped tub in front of a fabulous tiled wall, take an aromatherapy shower infused with Vitamin C, brew your own espresso just the way you like it. And sleep like you’re in a luxury hotel suite. Says Curtis, “A good night’s sleep is one of the most important aspects. We want our guests to say, ‘I feel so refreshed’ the next day. Our linens are custom designed for their hand feel more than their thread count, for that fall-into-the-bed experience.” Plush comforters, robes, and custom toiletries add to the feeling of wellbeing. innatmeadowbrook.com
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Clockwise from top left: The banquette is surrounded by windows that overlook the lake view. Floor-to-ceiling marble tile clads the wall behind the soaking tub. Custom linens cover the king-sized bed. Wood beams and an impressive chandelier call attention to the height of the vaulted main room.
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Chilling Out
S
ummer in Kansas City means watching the Royals play at The K, lots of topnotch backyard barbecuing, and, of course, plenty of frozen treats. Whether you’re devoted to the classic cone, all about shaved ice, craving something tropical, or on the lookout for dairy-free (or boozed-up) options, these local spots will help keep you cool when temperatures rise—not that you need an excuse. WORDS BY
Kelsey Cipolla MAY 2021
PALETERÍAS TROPICANA paleteriastropicana.com Few things are as refreshing on a hot summer day as one of Paleterías Tropicana’s colorful fruit popsicles—also known as paletas—which burst with bold, fresh flavors ranging from lime and watermelon to pineapple chili and hibiscus. The Kansas City company, which has several locations throughout the metro, also serves up cream variations of its popular paletas, plus sorbets, ice creams, and aguas frescas as well as a selection of savory dishes. | 86 | INKANSASCITY.COM
FOOʼS FABULOUS FROZEN CUSTARD facebook.com/foosbrookside Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard has been a Brookside mainstay for more than 30 years, thanks to its rich, creamy custard and delightfully flavored concretes. Fan favorites include Java the Nut, made with chocolate chips, pecans and coffee, and the CinnaBerry, featuring cinnamon and strawberries. Or get creative and customize your ideal combination—whatever you go with, it’s the flawless complement to a summer evening.
I AM FROZEN DESSERT CAFÉ iamcafe.co Frosty treats get a chic makeover at Overland Park’s colorful and stylish I Am Frozen Dessert Cafe, which offers shaved ice creams (a hybrid of ice cream and shaved ice) in varieties such as cinnamon toast crunch, strawberry limeade, and matcha green tea. The café also serves up boba teas and honey toast—fluffy Japanese milk bread coated in honey caramel sauce, toasted and served with ice cream.
FAIRWAY CREAMERY fairwaycreamery.com
SYLAS & MADDYʼS sylasandmaddysicecream.com Sylas & Maddy’s inspires such loyalty that it’s not uncommon to see a long line even in the dead of winter at the Lawrence location, a downtown favorite of KU students, and in the Olathe shop. Both make their ice creams and crispy waffle cones fresh daily and offer flavors like Maddy’s Mud, Oreos, brownies, and fudge swirl in a coffee ice cream base, and Mahomes Magic, butter pecan ice cream with toasted coconut, chocolate flakes, and graham crackers.
Fairway Creamery combines nostalgic charm with modern flair: Classic vanilla bean and strawberry share the ice cream case with golden chai, Messenger coffee, and lemon curd chocolate flake, and soft-serve cones are available dipped in chocolate, peanut butter, cherry, or butterscotch. The concept comes from Christopher Elbow, so Fairway Creamery naturally serves a selection of his chocolates, but guests will also find breakfast sandwiches and burritos as well as delectable donuts.
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SUMMER SALT ICE CREAM CO. instagram.com/summersalticecreamco Prairie Village residents got a new spot to flip out over last year when Summer Salt Ice Cream Co. opened in Corinth Square. Owned by ice cream-obsessed chef Curtis Thurston, the neighborhood shop features homemade ice creams and mix-ins. Combos like banana peanut butter hot honey and ooey gooey butter cake have quickly become customer favorites. Summer Salt also serves up pints, soft serves, and other sweet confections.
FOGGI ICE CREAM foggiicecream.com The secret ingredient in Foggi Ice Cream’s lineup? Liquid nitrogen, which is used to make ice cream right in front of you at the Mission-based shop. Fans of Foggi’s love the mix of flavors—classics include salted caramel—while the more adventurous can enjoy the polarizing taste of durian. The ice cream parlor also serves up coffee drinks and boba tea. Get the best of both worlds by opting for a coffee float.
MIAMI ICE
HAWAIIAN BROS ISLAND GRILL
facebook.com/ miamiicekc Decked out in bright blue and pink, Miami Ice is a hard-to-miss oasis of chill when you’re driving down West 39th Street. The shop specializes in shaved ice topped with your choice of flavors such as birthday cake, cinnamon, cola, coconut, guava, peach and many, many more with or without the addition of custard. But the shop also serves up ice cream, smoothies, and cakes, leaving no sweet tooth unsatisfied.
hawaiianbros.com Since launching in 2018, Belton-based Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has quickly built up a cult following. One major factor? The restaurant chain’s distinctive Dole soft serve, perhaps better known as a Dole Whip. The tropical treats are fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and low calorie, but they still pack plenty of oomph. Close your eyes and pretend you’re on that island vacation you had to cancel. MAY 2021
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KC WINE CO. kcwineco.com Most summer treats are fun for the whole family, but KC Wine Co. knows sometimes adults need something just for them. Enter Vine Coolers, packaged wine popsicles that come in frozen sangria, winarita, lemoncello, and peach bellini and are sold at retailers throughout the metro. If the personal pops just aren’t getting the job done, KC Wine Co. also offers 32 oz. wine slush growlers, and keep an eye out for even more flavors offered during weekend events at the winery.
FROZEN GOLD frozen-gold.com For those with dietary restrictions, going out for dessert often means an underwhelming sorbet option. That’s not the case at Westport’s soft-served focused Frozen Gold, which offers vegan coconut ice cream layered with candied Rice Krispies, toasted coconut and vegetarian fudge for a treat that evokes its namesake Girl Scout cookie: Samoa Samoa. The dairy ice creams are just as indulgent, and many come in cones featuring Frozen Gold’s softcore, a tasty surprise at the center of the dessert.
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SNO.BUH instagram.com/@snobuh Even if you don’t know it by name, you’ve probably seen Sno.Buh’s work on Instagram, where its picture-perfect, frequently colorful soft serve swirls often make an appearance. Piled high in a cup or cone, the ice cream tastes as good as it looks. Based out of North Kansas City’s Iron District, Sno.Buh is constantly creating new flavors (like fruity pebbles cereal milk, key lime pie and black sesame), plus it always offers a vegan option.
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WINSTEADʼS winsteadssteakburger.com Ice cream in Kansas City doesn’t get any more timeless than at Winstead’s, the iconic local spot that’s been serving diner favorites for more than 75 years. The flavors are traditional, as are the preparations—malts, milkshakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, and soft serve. Then there’s the skyscraper sodas and shakes, topped with a mound of whipped cream and cherries and big enough for an entire family. Why mess with a classic?
BETTY RAEʼS bettyraes.com
SOUTHERN CHARM GELATO southerncharmgelato.com Ice cream’s indulgent Italian cousin takes center stage at Southern Charm: We’re talking about gelato, which boasts lower butterfat content and less air, giving the treat its dense, silky texture and concentrated flavor. At locations on the Country Club Plaza and in Lee’s Summit, you can enjoy varieties like pistachio, salted caramel, Georgia peach, and peanut butter crunch, plus rotating favorites and fruit sorbets.
Betty Rae’s is back in Waldo and River Market with a new owner, but the same staff and flavors longtime fans know and love, including the complex goat cheese with apricots and candied walnuts as well as energizing jasmine green tea. Crispy cones and waffle bowls make for an ideal ice cream vehicle, but the sundaes and ice cream sandwiches—made with cookies baked in house—are also nothing to scoff at.
POPPYʼS ICE CREAM SHOP poppysicecream.com At this Lee’s Summit shop, the ice creams, custards, and sorbets are made in micro-batches, so you can rest assured your scoops or shakes are as fresh as they are flavorsome. The charming neighborhood spot also serves up Broadway Roasting Co. coffee and espresso drinks and snacks from Chip’s Chocolate Factory and Scratch Bakery, but we wouldn’t blame you for sticking to the basics—Poppy’s waffle cones are among the city’s best.
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Flavor
IN KC
In the Kitchen FAVA BEANS BY
Cody Hogan
PHOTOS BY
Aaron Leimkuehler
U
nless you grow your own and are a bit of a fanatic about them, fava beans can seem an extravagance. Although it’s an ancient bean and staple in Mediterranean and European diets, here in the Midwest—in much of the U.S., for that matter—they are still relegated to fancy restaurants and the kitchens of foodies. I first encountered them some 20-plus years ago in one of those fancy restaurants in California. But it wasn’t until the last few years while growing my own and cooking them at home—as opposed to using them in a restaurant with a contingent of cooks to prepare them—that I really came to appreciate and understand them. For gardeners, favas make for a good winter indoor gardening project right when you want to be outside, but the weather won’t permit. I start mine in early February (at the same time I start artichokes) under grow lights—they need the warmer indoor temperatures to germinate but are extremely cold tolerant. Gardeners a bit further south can start them in the fall and overwinter them, but our Kansas City winters are simply too unpredictable and occasionally extreme for this to be a reliable method. As soon as the soil can be worked, I move the tiny plants into the garden to establish roots, even if they don’t show much top growth, and cover them with a light insulating fabric for the next few months. From that point on, they require little attention other than possibly being staked—they can easily grow to a height of four feet. Sometime in early May they begin producing lovely, fragrant, butterfly-shaped black-and-white flowers, which will then turn into rapidly growing pods that can reach up to 12 inches in length. For the impatient (and the hungry), the smaller leaves and flowers can be eaten either raw in salads (they have a slightly sweet, nutty green flavor like pea shoots), used as garnish on hors d’oeuvres, or quickly sauteed like spring greens. And that is just the beginning of their versatility. Fava beans have three relatively distinct stages of life and styles of usefulness in the kitchen. Most people, especially restaurant cooks who generally dread the labor-intensive bean, are familiar with the mature stage of the fava—the stage in which they have to be removed from their fur-lined pods, then blanched, then peeled before you even begin to actually cook with them. A large pile of whole pods turns into a tiny pile of peeled beans. That stage of naked bean, the beautiful, glossy, bright green easily recognizable form, is the one people think of first. Those are the beans we see tossed in salads or featured in mixed spring vegetable ragouts, or perhaps served peeled and raw with young pecorino cheese and a chilled white wine. This is the stage where they can be featured in pasta sauces or ravioli fillings or braised alone or with other spring vegetables like peas, leeks, and green onions—a useful technique to extend their volume.
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Certainly, their least appreciated stage of development is their youth—beans about the size of a big middle finger, up to longer pods that don’t have well-developed beans in them. At this stage, a scorching sear in some olive oil or a few minutes on the grill is all that is needed to create a fresh and complex vegetal flavor with intense savoriness that I can only compare to charred scallions mixed with braised greens and the sweetness of fresh peas. The final stage of development is one of starchiness. The beans, once shelled, peeled, and cooked for a substantial amount of time, dissolve into a hummus or mashed potato-like paste that is quite delicious served warm or cold. The beans are dried in the older, starchy form (either peeled or unpeeled) and will keep indefinitely in storage (see In the Pantry for more details and tips for use). Regardless of the stage of maturity, I encourage you to explore the fava. Favas Three Ways If you grow your own, it is extremely interesting (and easy) to prepare favas in different ways and serve them at the same time. One of my favorite methods for very young and tender whole beans (you shouldn’t feel anything larger than a fingernail inside the pod) is to grill them. One at a time, grab them by the stem end and pull down, removing any stings that may be forming along the seams. Toss the cleaned pods with olive oil (or duck fat!), a little crushed red pepper and an herb like sage, rosemary or thyme. Place them directly on a moderately hot grill or under a broiler and cook for several minutes on each side until they have lots of lightly charred bits and become more tender. Serve hot or at room temperature sprinkled with flaked salt. A squeeze of lemon over the top is nice, too. Fully developed favas need to be shelled (I like to pop them through the shell rather than open the shell and slide them out—in kitchen contests of speed, we have found this to be the fastest method). Smaller beans can be used as is, but if the skin on the bean has turned grayer and is wrinkled, the skin will be tough, and they need to be peeled. To do this, drop the shelled favas into boiling water for about 30 seconds then remove them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Next, with the tip of a fingernail, nick the corner of the bean and with a little pressure, squeeze the brilliantly green bean out of the skin. Whatever you do with the bean next, you want people to see it, because you’ve invested all of that effort into the dish. I like to showcase them in a salad composed of their fresh, tender green leaves, toasted almonds, and shavings of a salty or nutty cheese, such as an aged gouda or young pecorino. To extend the salad, fresh peas, chives, and other greens make a nice addition. Dress the salad with wine vinegar or lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. An interesting fava bean spread can be made with cooked, peeled beans (frozen favas work for this too, as well as the addition of some frozen peas to
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extend the amount of favas you have). Set aside a few of the prettiest, tiniest beans for decoration. In a small pan, briefly sauté a few cloves of sliced garlic in a generous amount of olive oil, then add the favas, a splash of water, some leaves of mint, and cook, covered, stirring occasionally for about five minutes—longer if it is a larger quantity of beans. Allow it to cool, then purée the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread it on crostini and garnish with olive oil, mint, and a few of the reserved fava beans. Other garnishes like cubes of halloumi cheese or poached shrimp would also be welcome. Serve as part of a selection of appetizers and enjoy. A note of caution on fava beans: People with the rare genetic disorder of a G6PD deficiency should avoid eating fava beans as it could result in hemolytic anemia. This happens almost exclusively in males of Mediterranean, African, or Sephardic Jewish descent, with the most severe reaction happening in children. If you experience symptoms or discomfort after eating fava beans, you should be tested for this condition. Fava beans can also react with some antibiotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, so avoid eating them if taking any of those types of medications.
In Your Pantry If fresh fava beans aren’t available, out of season, or if you’re looking for a shortcut, try one of these preserved types of bean. By the way, the British call them broad beans, which can complicate shopping if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Mill Creek Antiques
Open Fridays and Saturdays 9AM-5PM Monday-Thursday by appointment or chance Please call 785-341-8957 www.millcreekantiques.com
Fava Bean Flour Fava beans that have been dried and ground into a flour have found great popularity with the gluten-avoiding sect. It is most often found mixed with garbanzo bean flour and is marketed to use as a wheat flour substitute. It can also be used to thicken and add a luxurious texture and nutty flavor to soups as well as make the traditional farinata flatbread. Available in most health food and gourmet grocers.
Frozen Favas Don’t feel like shelling, blanching, and peeling fresh fava beans? Frozen peeled favas are a great time saver and are especially useful for making bean purees. The flavor is milder than that of fresh beans and the texture is less distinct, but for speed they can’t be beat. Great for stir fries and quick pasta sauces. Available in peeled and unpeeled versions, so be sure to look for the peeled variety if speed is your goal. Available in most Asian grocers and fancy food stores.
Dried Favas A staple of many ancient diets, dried fava beans have provided nourishment during the lean times when other crops failed or were unavailable. They also happen to be delicious. They are at their best when cooked simply with water, olive oil and a little salt, and mashed into a purée-like hummus. Serve warm—or chilled and sliced— with flatbread and spicy greens. They come peeled (usually creamy tan or yellow, and easier to process) and unpeeled. The unpeeled beans (dark tan to brown) are frequently cooked, dressed with oil and herbs, and served as a snack or appetizer—being peeled by the eater. Available in Middle Eastern and southern Mediterranean markets.
4759 Rainbow Boulevard Westwood, KS 66205 913.362.2912 stevenussltd.com
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Flavor
IN KC
In Your Cocktail S.D. STRONG DISTILLING by
Kelsey Cipolla
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
Strong Ginger Snap
SD
Strong Distilling gives new meaning to on the rocks—the Parkville company makes its spirits 65 feet underground in the world’s only known distillery in a cave. The environment provides consistent temperature conditions ideal for the distilling process, not to mention a one-of-a-kind space for S.D. Strong to host monthly tours, private events, and cave concerts. The music is a natural tie-in for the company’s founder, president, and head distiller, Steve Strong. He sold high-end acoustic guitars for 25 years and played in a number of bands, and Strong was introduced to the concept of home distilling by a bandmate making moonshine in his cousin’s garage.
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“I thought that was ridiculous, actually,” Strong says, laughing, but it piqued his interest, nonetheless. After experimenting on his own, Strong decided to kick things up a notch, and S.D. Strong Distilling was born in Parkville, the community where he’s lived for two decades. Admittedly, there was a learning curve as operations at the distillery began. “The very first day that we started the distillery up and we were doing the mash and stuff, I remember thinking to myself, ‘Oh, what have I gotten myself into?’” Strong says. “I felt like I spilled more stuff on the ground than I got into any container.” But it didn’t take Strong and company long to find their footing and make a name for themselves in the local spirits world. Nine years after
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launching, S.D. Strong now offers a lineup of five products. There’s the S.D. Strong Vodka, the distillery’s first spirit, distilled and filtered multiple times for a clean, smooth drinking experience. Pillar 136 Gin, named for the pillar that holds up the distillery, is made to Strong’s own tastes. “I’m not a big fan of really heavy juniper type of gins, so I call it a citrus-forward style of gin,” he explains, adding that the gin features hand-zested lemons, limes, and orange peel as well as fresh ginger, which delivers plenty of citrus flavor up front before fading into a spicy, cinnamon finish. The gin is aged in a used whiskey barrel for 11 months to create a barrel-aged version of the spirit, which has some whiskey flavor components that make it ideal for mixing into a Negroni or old fashioned. S.D. Strong also produces a straight rye whiskey and Big Boom Bourbon, made using 65 percent corn, 30 percent rye, and 5 percent malt. “You definitely get some spiciness from the rye in that bourbon,” Strong says. “The corn gives you kind of a nice balance of sweetness as well.” These days, there’s a S.D. Strong spirit for every occasion and taste. But when the business was getting started, Strong was still looking for ways to introduce his offerings to Kansas City. S.D. Strong was participating in a big local food event, and he wanted to serve a cocktail with wide appeal that people could sample. He landed on the idea of Moscow mule. There was just one problem: Paying for the ginger beer needed for thousands of cocktails would be prohibitively expensive for the young distillery. Fortunately, Strong found a cost-effective solution in substituting the ginger beer for ginger simple syrup, and the tasty recipe lives on today. sdstrongdistilling.com
A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905
Strong Ginger Snap To make the ginger simple syrup: 4 cups water 3½ cups sugar 3 to 4 bigger pieces of fresh ginger Peel and slice ginger. Boil water, add sugar and stir. Put in ginger and hard boil for about 15 minutes. Simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900
To make the cocktail: 1 part S.D. Strong Vodka 1 part ginger syrup ½ part lemon juice Splash of soda water
1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas
Combine ingredients in a glass over ice. Stir and enjoy.
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Flavor by
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
CROSSROADS MARKET
In Culinary News
FOR CROSSROADS RESIDENTS, grocery shopping often requires a trip to more suburban parts of the metro, one made more difficult by a lack of public transportation—until now. Crossroads Market (640 E. 18th St.), which celebrated its grand opening in March, aims to make it easy for those in the neighborhood to access fresh, natural, and affordable groceries with an emphasis on locally produced items, including Farm to Market Bread Co. breads, kombuchas from Tea-Biotics, and produce from area growers. Crossroads Market also offers grass-fed meats, dairy products, snacks, beer, wine, and spirits. Stay tuned for convenient meal boxes designed in collaboration with local chefs, as well as other market locations placed to help increase access to healthy groceries in urban food deserts. communitygroceries.com
Rare South Side Wornall Plaza Co-op Unit with Plenty of Sunshine!
Outdoor, safe distanced concerts are back!
310 W 49th St, Unit 803 — $399,500
SAVE THE DATES
2 BR, 2 BA, Wornall Plaza Corner Unit
Kansas City Museum’s On The Lawn: Summer Concerts Fridays June 11, July 9, and August 13 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Space is limited, tickets required, and we will adhere to safety protocols. For more information, please visit
kansascitymuseum.org
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Come See Us in
Springfield…
We’ll Show You Around! When you visit Springfield, Missouri, ask a local! We know where the best watering holes are. Whether it’s enjoying a refreshing beverage at one of the many local craft breweries or cruising down one of the many water trails on a kayak, we love our city and know the best places to eat, drink and play. See you in Springfield!
Explore Springfield at
SpringfieldMo.org
Point your smartphone camera at this QR code to find out more about the Ozarks Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour.
Flavor by
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
AUBREY VINEYARDS
In Culinary News
KANSAS CITIANS can experience locally grown grapes as never before at Aubrey Vineyards’ new Overland Park tasting room and wine bar (16350 Kenneth Rd.). Located right on the vineyard in a charming barn with a modern interior and plenty of outdoor seating, The Vineyard Tasting Room offers wine by the glass as well as a customized five wine-tasting experience designed around guests’ preferences. It starts by staff getting a sense of what wines the guest enjoys and translating them into Aubrey’s offerings. “We have found that many people don’t know the kind of grapes that we can grow in this Midwest, Kansas and Missouri area,” winemaker and general manager, Karine Hellwig, explains. “The grapes that we grow are very different than the California grapes.” Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, although outdoor seating is first come, first served. aubreyvineyards.com
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KidsTLC’s Expansion Dreams Are Now a Reality Words by Michael Mackie
KidsTLC
has been transforming the lives of children and families experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma, and autism for nearly 50 years. What started as an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children has expanded to further help children and youth in crisis. Over the last decade, their mission has continued to grow and meet community needs by implementing innovative new programs—including outpatient services and family support. Last spring—just as the pandemic was gripping the nation—the Johnson County organization seized the chance to purchase a neighboring skilled nursing facility that was set to close up shop. “Longtime board members had always had their eye on this property. It was literally in our backyard, adjacent to our campus,” says Shannon Wickliffe, KidsTLC’s chief development officer. “It was an opportunity we had to pounce on—pandemic or not. We took possession early last fall.” The facility—which was originally built in the 60s—“needed to be updated in terms of safety and security, but had a good blueprint for our needs,” says Wickliffe. “With the acquisition, we have doubled the size and footprint of our campus.” The expansion—its biggest in over a decade—is designed to get more kids in need off the state’s waitlist and into KidsTLC’s expansive list of renowned programs. “At any given time, there are typically 100-140 kids on that waitlist for psychiatric residential treatment. Eventually, this expansion will allow us an additional 50 residential beds. It’s a tremendous opportunity for these kids and their families.” KidsTLC started moving kids in this past December, just before the holidays. With the expansion, the organization predicted doubling their program needs. Many local businesses stepped up to help with Christmas gifts and donations for the kids.
Greenspace Galore
The additional campus offers tons of greenspace for outdoor activities. It’s been a welcome addition—and then some, says Wickliffe. “Sunshine does everybody good. I love walking around and seeing kids throwing footballs, playing outside, and just being kids,” he says. “Now they have plenty more space to do just that.” Architects are mapping out the potential for small athletic fields in the new outdoor arena, but they’re also eyeing bigger projects. “It’s going to set us up for the next 15 to 20 years, as it also gives us the space beyond this expansion,”
he says. “Our architects tell us we could easily fit in a couple more buildings. Bottom line, it’s a gamechanger for KidsTLC and families desperately seeking hope for their children.” The expansion also means hiring another 150 employees to take care of the additional kids. Recruiting has been underway since late last year and will continue through much of 2021. It’s a win-win across the board says Wickliffe. “It’s going to bring the thing that we do so well to so many more kids and families who are in need. It’s heartbreaking to think of all the kids in the state of Kansas who can’t get the help or services they need,” he says. “We’re going to be able to cut that waitlist by a third. And, in many cases, we are a place for kids where there is no other placement. No other place is equipped to take them. Because of our high-quality services and our expertise—we’re going be able to take the most vulnerable and the toughest of the toughest kids. That’s meaningful.”
Giving Campaign
Right now KidsTLC is in the middle of a comprehensive giving campaign—a multi-tiered approach to help them with their continued growth. “We’re eager to get the expansion completed, but also ensure we reinvest in our existing campus so we can re-engineer it to work better for us and our kids. Remember, for our kids, this is their home.” In addition to the 50 new beds, the added space will offer the organization’s revered residential programs, outpatient programs, and parent support programs to have a little breathing room. For now, though, Wickliffe is just excited to see smiles on faces. “The kids over there are excited. It’s like they get to move into new digs—bright, open, spacious digs. They love it,” he says. As the pandemic ebbs, Wickliffe says KidsTLC has weathered the storm and is looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy this summer. The organization’s popular golf tourney scheduled for June 7th is already sold out—a good sign, says Wickliffe. And their upcoming annual benefit on October 9th is steadily building buzz. “Trust me, we’re all looking forward to that,” he says. “It will be nice to see—and celebrate with—people again.”
Visit kidstlc.org to learn more!
Flavor BY
IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
AYA COFFEE & BOOKS AS A TEACHER and a life-long lover of reading,
In Culinary News
Aya Coffee & Books founder, Jahna Riley, knows the power of books. Through her online bookstore and pop-up events, Riley highlights and celebrates stories and authors from marginalized communities. Next on her agenda? A brick-and-mortar book and coffee shop on Kansas City’s east side, the community where Riley grew up. Although she is still working out the details of Aya’s coffee program, Riley hopes to tap into KC’s rich coffee culture while also focusing on people of color. “The more that I’ve learned about the coffee industry and knowing that the majority of coffee is grown in countries where the people look like me, I definitely want to do my part to highlight as many black and brown folks as I can, from farmers to roasters to different coffee brands,” Riley says. ayacoffeeandbooks.com
No Place Like Home With Featured Speaker: Jeanne White Ginder Virtual Event
| May 12, 2021 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Tickets | $50 Social Worker/Student Ticket | $25 SAVE, Inc. provides permanent, transitional and emergency housing assistance programs to Kansas City’s most vulnerable and is celebrating 35 years in 2021
Visit saveinckc.org/nplh for tickets and for more information on SAVE, Inc.
MAY 2021
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2021 idealists of the year City Year’s mission is grounded in the unshakable belief that we can all help make the world a better place. We are proud to recognize 20 individuals who embody the spirit of idealism. They show a commitment to improving Kansas City by making a difference in the life of one person, an organization, or an entire community. Idealists of the Year were nominated by sponsors of City Year Kansas City’s Idealist Gala on April 21, 2021.
Mark Donovan
Laura McCarthy
Amber Struemph
Loren & Tom Whittaker
Nominated by City Year Kansas City
Nominated by Global Prairie
Nominated by McCownGordon Construction
Nominated by JE Dunn Construction
Wendy Doyle
Carolyn McGuirk
Bri Struemph
Rebekah Wampler
Nominated by Kathy & Mark Donovan
Nominated by Hy-Vee
Nominated by Mariner Wealth Advisors
Nominated by City Year Kansas City
Sue Jayaratne
Patrick Ottensmeyer
Zane Thompson
Kyle Williams
Nominated by H&R Block
Nominated by Kansas City Southern
Nominated by CommunityAmerica Credit Union
Nominated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
Mike Oyster
Shakia Webb
Jim Zakoura
Nominated by Carolyn & Bruce Kusmin
Nominated by Great Range Capital
Nominated by UMB Bank
Nominated by Terry & John Petersen
Jen Mather
Hillary Stamper
Vicki Webster
Nominated by Veracity
Nominated by GEHA
Adrien Lewis
Nominated by Polsinelli
City Year is an education-focused nonprofit that places tutors and mentors in schools to ensure more students are on track to graduate.
Learn more at cityyear.org/kansascity
Flavor
IN KC
Reservation for One THE STILWELL by
Kelsey Cipolla
T
photos by
he hotel restaurant is having a moment in downtown Kansas City. The latest impressive entry is The Stilwell, serving contemporary American fare from inside the mammoth new Loews Kansas City Hotel. The 800-room hotel is also home to grab-and-go coffee spot and bakery, Red Wheat Baking Co., and the forthcoming Horsefeather Social, a cocktail bar on the 7th-floor terrace. But The Stilwell feels like
MAY 2021
Aaron Leimkuehler
the centerpiece from the moment you catch a glimpse of the bar’s glamourous cascading light fixture and the decoratively arranged bottles that rise up on either side, all against a backdrop of the Kansas City skyline. The bar serves up its own food menu, which includes a number of dishes from the restaurant, as well as some more casual fare. But the drinks are worth a close look, whether you’re waiting to check in to a room or enjoying dinner in the restaurant. The Pleasure to Burn is a
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sweet and spicy tequila-based sipper perfect for summer, while the Blue Swift 75 offers a playful take on the classic French 75, adding potent cinnamon-pear syrup to the mix. Views from the bar and restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows feel as much a part of the space’s design as the interior itself, which is warm, yet modern, as you pass through the large lounge area into The Stilwell dining room. A massive exposed kitchen anchors an open-concept layout that makes the most of the spectacular sights, and a terrace lets you get even closer to the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Stilwell is helmed by chef de cuisine Patrick LeBeau, and the menu is, to quote a server, “nontraditional.” That’s the 2021 way of saying diners are meant to order multiple plates for the table to share, dishes coursed out by the chef as he sees fit. But they aren’t really small plates—most items eat like a hearty appetizer or entrée and are priced accordingly. While it is fun to mix and match items, the approach does create a lack of cohesion, since the menu ranges from seemingly Southern-inspired fare like shrimp and grits and fried chicken to clam “chowder” and crab cakes to pastas. That clam chowder is in quotations, courtesy of The Stilwell, because it’s actually not a chowder at all. Instead, tender new potatoes, thick chunks of bacon, buttery brioche croutons, and clams in the shell sit in a shallow pool of rich, creamy broth. Did clam chowder
need to be reinvented? Not really, but the interpretation is satisfying and hits many of the same notes as the original, with the added benefit of more textural contrast. With the smoked beef short rib, LeBeau takes a different approach, offering up very familiar to Kansas Citians: barbecue. That’s a high bar to clear here in Cowtown, and although the short rib itself is flavorful and tender, it doesn’t come across as smoky or particularly evocative of KC barbecue, even when it’s slathered in Jack Stack sauce. The fried chicken looks to be a treat, served on a platter with house-made pickles and mac and cheese, but the meat was a bit dry. The Stilwell once again finds its footing with scallops paired with celery root and apple for a sweet and earthy balance punctuated by sharp bites of vinegar-laden leeks. The dish could be easily overlooked in favor of flashier fare, but it’s a welcome, grounding force on the menu. Come dessert, the sometimes controversial pairing of apple pie and cheddar cheese gets an upgrade in the form of an apple cake with cheddar ice cream. The Stilwell plays with ice cream flavors again as the filling for its oatmeal cookie sandwich. Although the advertised Tom’s Town bourbon flavor is difficult to detect, it’s hard to complain after biting into the chewy, well-spiced cookies while looking out onto a twilight street scene playing out beyond your window seat. Who can resist dinner and a show? thestilwellkc.com
More to Life Than ‘Que
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DESIGN | BUILD/INSTALL | RENOVATIONS See what’s #Trending at Complete Home Concepts!
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MAY 2021
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My Essentials
IN KC
CHRISTIAN COLÓN KANSAS CITY MONARCHS INFIELDER BY
Michael Mackie
J
uly 1st marks seven years since Christian Colón made his MLB debut playing for the Kansas City Royals. Baseball fans will recall that in 2015, Colón drove in the winning run in the 12th inning of Game 5, which gave the Royals their second World Championship. Since then, the versatile infielder—known for toggling between shortstop and second baseman—has had stints playing for the Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds. Now the Puerto Rican pro baller is back in the metro and recently signed to the newly revamped Kansas City Monarchs. It’s a definite homecoming for the athlete who says he’s a fan of, well, all the baseball fans here. “KC feels like a small town but still has everything you need,” he says. “The fans are amazing and I honestly love having all four seasons. You can’t beat fall or spring here.”
Christian’s essentials... RAISE A GLASS:
JOLT OF JAVA:
I keep it simple. I just do whiskey on the rocks. But I do enjoy the Effen Mule from one of my favorite spots, Coco Bolos.
Grande Nitro Cold Brew with sweet cream at Starbucks is my go-to.
SCENT-ATIONAL:
Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Cologne is my favorite. The bottle looks like a brick of gold. Pretty cool. I also like Gucci. You can find them both at Nordstrom.
THE DOWNLOW LOW-DOWN:
The best local hidden gem in the metro? Jalapeños in Overland Park!
WORK IT:
Outside of Kauffman Stadium, my favorite place to work out is Bar-None Training by Wilson Thomas.
ICE CREAM, YOU SCREAM!:
There’s a place in Overland Park not a lot of people know about called Sweet Caroline’s. ACCESSORIZED:
PERSONAL MOTTO:
I believe in this 100 percent: “Tables always turn.” Good or bad, things always change. MAY 2021
Watches and sneakers. I love having some swag with both! TAKE ALL MY MONEY:
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STARSTRUCK: I laugh a lot with Paul Rudd and Rob Riggle! I mean they represent Kansas City really well on the big screen!
tivol.com