IN Kansas City May 2023

Carrie Dave Karen Kimberly Becky Elizabeth

From our vast, curated collection of IN-STOCK fine furnishings to our professional design services (always available at no extra cost), your beautifully designed home spaces are in very good hands at Seville Home . . . down to the last detail.

Our May Savings Event is the perfect time to transform your indoor AND OUTDOOR living into pure livable luxury.

45 - 50% OFF through June 5th

May Savings Include:

• 50% OFF Bernhardt Interiors

• 50% OFF Paul Robert

• 45% OFF Lexington

• All in-stock and custom orders included Featuring

Bernhardt

Tommy Bahama, and Brown Jordan

Please join Kansas City Hospice as we remember your loved ones at

JOIN US - Join us from 5 - 7 pm immediately preceding Circle of Lights at Kendra Scott on The Plaza for a pre-event reception!

SHOP WITH US - Watch for details about two special Kansas City Hospice pendantscoming soon to The Plaza store!

SUPPORT US - Details coming soon about in-store (Plaza) and online donations from Kendra Scott for your May 23-24 shopping. Stay tuned!

Thanks to Kendra Scott for their continued support!

ANNUAL WAREHOUSE SALE

ALL FURNITURE AND DECOR UP TO 70% OFF MSRP

SATURDAY THROUGH FRIDAY JUNE 3–9

BOUTIQUE & WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS

BOUTIQUE: 1903 W. 135th Street, Leawood, KS |

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

I like to say that I don’t just care for newborn babies, I care for the understandably worried parents who can’t take their babies home just yet. I always let parents know their precious little gift is in the best possible place, then look forward to the joy on their faces when their babies meet new milestones. It’s the same joy I feel in helping make that day possible.

To learn more, visit KansasHealthSystem.com.

Parents trust me to care for their most precious gift I don’t take that lightly.”

gift.

-Kent Spitz Clinical Nurse, NICU

Hit the Road, Jacqueline

Vol. 6 | No. 5 MAY 2023

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Emily Laptad

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Gir lfriends’ trips, whether just two touring Tulsa or a half dozen renting an Airbnb in Charleston, are a definite thing, no matter if the friends are in their 20s or their 80s.

I know that road trips are a guy thing, too. My late husband used to plot golf weekends all over the Midwest and around the country with his golf buddies. But women seem especially adept at planning getaways that celebrate their friendships.

A group of my friends and I have been gathering monthly at dinners at Lidia’s for almost 25 years. (Yes, ladies, it’s been that long!) But every once and awhile, we pack our bags and head out to Aspen, or San Francisco, or Napa Valley. Once even to Paris. It doesn’t have to be far flung, though. We’ve also spent weekends closer to home—the Flint Hills, Weston, or Clinton, Missouri.

We have such fond memories of trips past. Maybe it was a most ambrosial late lunch at a tiny bistro on the oldest street in Paris (according to a nearby plaque) or a limo ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with one of our tribe poking her head through the sunroof and greeting San Francisco with arms wide (and yes, I have photos to validate).

Sometimes we come home with treasures that serve as constant reminders of the trip. Once, in a Weston, Missouri, antique shop, I happened upon five 1930s vintage black-and-white photographs of prize cows (and one bull). Each photo had scribbled on the back the awards won and the gallons of milk produced by each cow. They were obviously much loved by that dairy farmer. Having grown up on a dairy farm myself, I had to have them. They’re now simply framed and hang all in a row in my kitchen.

Our friendships have bonded over memorable moments both delightful and somewhat terrifying. For the latter, we’ll never forget the time we boarded the train we thought went to Versailles, but we ended up halfway across France going the wrong way. Even though at the time we were freaking out, those are the stories that end up being some of the best ones, don’t you think?

Due to the vagaries of time and responsibilities common to women our age, it’s been a few years.

But I think it’s time we hit the road again.

I’m driving.

Susan Cannon, Judith Fertig, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Damian Lair, Patricia O’Dell, Katie Van Luchene, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

Karen Ball, Brian Collins, Corie English, Beth Grimm, Zaira Kearns, Ally Kelchen, Aaron Leimkuehler, Jordan Savage

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Business Consultant

Chad Parkhurst

Newsstand Consultant

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

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Magazine Subscriptions: Mail: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429 Phone: 888-881-5861

Email: SUBS@inkansascity.com

Subscribe Online: inkansascity.com/subscribe

Zim

photo by aaron leimkuhler

The prized vintage cow photos on display.

ENTER TO WIN

Picking berries. ere’s something extra juicy and delicious about a berry you handpicked from the vine. On May 20, it’s National Pick Strawberries Day, and that got us thinking about where to pick your own strawberries around the metro. As it turns out, there are a handful of places with rows and rows of strawberries—and other berries—you can visit to pick your own basket of fresh fruit. Strawberry season runs from May to early June. Visit inkansascity.com to nd out where to nd a strawberry patch.

Face time. One lucky winner will receive a $300 gift card to e Grove Spa in Brookside as well an ESPA travel kit. Enter to win by May 31 at inkansascity.com/the-magazine/enter-to-win. Good luck!

Finding Neverland.

e Kansas City Repertory eatre is reimagining Peter Pan with the premiere of Peter Pan & Wendy May 2-21. Peter Pan will take Wendy Darling—a bold and budding young scientist with dreams of winning a Nobel Prize—to Neverland. e KCRep is packing in the talent and creativity with “aerial choreography, inventive staging and tumbling, large-scale puppetry, sword play, creepy mermaids, and a 12-foot crocodile.” We chatted with Harrison Bryan, the actor who plays Peter Pan, about the invention behind this adaptation of Peter Pan & Wendy—plus how his background as a puppeteer plays into the show. Read the interview at inkansascity.com

Social calendar need a reboot?

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

Serves up.

In April, Overland Park was named the Most Pickleball Obsessed City in the U.S.—a title won because of a recent study that analyzed internet search patterns about pickleball. If you’ve never tried it, the sport can be played in singles or doubles and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. As the weather gets warmer, now is a great time to begin. Head to inkansascity.com for your guide to the Kansas City area’s pickleball courts.

This Month IN KC

May

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Emily Laptad

Country Roots Fest

May 13

Legends Field countryrootsfest.com

Kick up your heels.

Grab your favorite pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots for an evening lled with country music from current and rising stars in the music industry.

Kansas City Triathlon

May 21

Longview Lake Swim Beach sportkc.org/kctriathlon

Jump into summer.

Looking to score ultimate bragging rights to kick o the summer? Checking a triathlon o your bucket list ought to do the trick. e Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is hosting the Kansas City Triathlon, where athletes can prove their strength in the threesport trial. e KC Triathlon features ve events: Olympic Triathlon (1500m swim, 40K bike, 10K run); Olympic Duathlon (5K run, 40K bike, 10K run); Sprint Triathlon (500m swim, 20K bike, 5K run); Sprint Duathlon (2.5K run, 20K bike, 5K run); or Relay Triathlon, in which a team of two or three can divvy up the tasks of the 1500m swim, 40K bike, and 10K run.

Not only will you feel on top of the world when you cross that nish line, but you’ll enjoy the perks of participating in the race. Each participant will receive a commemorative nisher medal, a custom apparel item, free food, Southwest BLVD lagers, Topo Chico hard seltzer, and massages after the race. To enter, registration fees range from $110 to $220 depending on your event—and remember you are the only one allowed to pick up your race day packet (pick-up times on May 20 and 21 will be announced later).

Did you snicker when we proposed you throw your hat in the triathlon ring? If you’re not that athletic, you can still cheer on the racers as a volunteer. e KC Sports Commission is looking for volunteers to take on the roles of bike-course marshal, run-course marshal, transition area and nish line support, kayak support, lifeguard, pre-race and swim support, aid station, and packet pickup. Sign up under the volunteer tab at sportkc.org/kctriathlon

Artists include Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Gabby Barrett, Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, and Lonestar, with more to be announced. But what fun is a night of your favorite tunes without your favorite treats and drinks? Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of options, including Snack Shack, Taylor Made Catering, Barbacoa de Pecoso, Bryce’s Food Truck, GiGi’s Betchin’ Chick-n, Omnivorium, 451 Pizza, and Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill. Plus, you’ll nd local retail vendors, a line dancing zone, outdoor game experiences, art installations, and multiple cash bars serving whiskey cocktails for a night of pure country living.

Celebration at the Station

May 28

Union Station kcsymphony.org/celebration

In concert.

Watch the Kansas City sky light up during the city’s biggest Memorial Day celebration. e Kansas City Symphony is returning for the Bank of America Celebration at the Station for a free concert on the South Plaza of Union Station and the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. e symphony will play at 8 p.m., but you’ll want to arrive earlier than that. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment, and local vendors and booths. Conducted by Michael Stern, the KC Symphony will perform selections composed by John Williams, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin, plus crowd favorites including the Armed Forces Salute and 1812 Overture with live cannons. ey’ll be joined by special guests e Resilient. e evening will come to a booming conclusion after the concert with a reworks display coordinated with patriotic music.

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

Entertaining Kitchen Design

THINKING THROUGH STORAGE NEEDS BEYOND THE BREAKFAST DISHES

One of the biggest decisions in whether to move houses may be

related to the state of your kitchen. Kitchen renovations are daunting and expensive projects. Unlike a dinner dish gone bad, missteps in a kitchen renovation are likely at least semi-permanent. Unless you have the luxury of creating a pantry, much of your storage will be in kitchen cabinets or on shelves. It’s an unfortunate mistake if you’re only thinking about everyday dishes and glassware, but overlook platters, pitchers, and ice buckets, because once your renovation is complete, you’re going to want to celebrate—often.

KNOW YOURSELF

When considering storage, the place to begin is with how you entertain and how often. If you’re in silk, stilettos, and pearls regularly, you may need space for silver platters, four types of stemware, and certainly an accessible spot to

by Patricia O’Dell photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Ed. Note: Merrily Jackson’s dearest, her husband Jim Jackson, recently passed away. Patricia O’Dell has stepped in to pen Entertaining IN KC this month.

In Patricia O’Dell’s kitchen, open shelves, honed marble countertops, classic cabinet fronts, and a beamed ceiling work together to make a small kitchen that works big.

Add a Dash of Pizazz

THE RECIPE for a wellstocked bar goes beyond booze. As with all things related to entertaining, presentation matters.

THE WELLSTOCKED BAR

2-102 servings

When my oldest two sons turned 21 years old, I gave them pretty hefty collections of vintage barware for their birthdays. I’ve hunted and gathered a good bit of barware myself, and love setting up the bar. But it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Below is everything you need to entertain crowds large and small, planned and impromptu, civilized and rowdy.

•Ice Bucket

•Tongs or large spoon

•Booze

•Glasses

•Shakers

•Stirs

•Peeler

•Stainless Steel Picks

•More glasses

If you’re entertaining a crowd, by which I mean more than four people, and you don’t have a built-in ice maker, have twice as much ice as you think you need. You can make ahead and

chill bubbles. If you’re purely backyard and blue jeans, it’s a good idea to have a place for large platters, be they pewter or melamine, and a large tray—I’m thinking galvanized steel or rattan—for atware and napkins. Some of these things need storage space that may be deeper than standard-size shelves or cabinets.

e other thing I’d like to mention is that, if you’re reading an entertaining column, you may not be able to resist the perfect low vase, the fourth set of salad servers (because you only had three and two of those were wood and one was pewter and the black iron ones would be perfect for the graduation barbecue). So, it’s important to be honest with yourself about what kind of storage you need and how much of it actually has to be in the kitchen.

PLAN ACCORDINGLY

My husband and I redid our kitchen during a global pandemic,

stockpile or pick up a bag. It’s inexpensive, and while I hate waste, if you end up with ice you don’t need—it’s just water. at said, put the ice in a pleasing bucket or bowl with tongs or a large spoon for lling the glasses.

In general, I have a backup bottle of every spirit on hand if I’m entertaining a large crowd. As I’m not 22 years old, I don’t use handles of alcohol. Regular, and preferably handsome, bottles look better and don’t overwhelm the bar.

You can get by with a single style of glass. I probably wouldn’t, because I love barware and a glass for every occasion is part of the fun. at said, the CB2 Marta double old-fashioned glass is a workhorse. It’s perfect for everything from beer to wine to a single-malt Scotch and beyond. Also, it’s ridiculously inexpensive, so you can have dozens. In addition, I like having coupes on hand. It’s a lovely presentation for shaken cocktails and Champagne.

An attractive cocktail shaker is a staple. You can nd them in glass, chrome, and sterling, and everything in between. If you don’t have one, you can’t ask if someone wants their martini shaken or stirred, and that would be a shame.

Unless you’re drinking something straight up, it’s likely your drink will have a garnish. Citrus garnishes will require a sharp knife or peeler. Lemons or limes are happy to be independent, but a maraschino cherry is better o on a pick, preferably stainless steel. (Speaking of cherries, do try Luxardo, which are soaked in Luxardo marasca cherry syrup—and are 100 percent delicious and resemble the maraschino cherries from your childhood, not at all.)

My only other suggestion is to have good spirits, and I mean yours. If you’re nervous or fretting or annoyed with your co-host for showing up ve minutes before the event and after the work— let it go. e key ingredient to any party is a relaxed and happy host. Cheers!

with our ve children coming and going. Our house in Brookside was built in 1914, and the kitchen is an old porch. e space is 14 feet by 8 feet. While one of my real estate friends asked, “Don’t you want to just blow out the back of the house?” we didn’t. So, we had to plan carefully.

e existing kitchen had upper cabinets, and a really interesting corner range situation, which created a total of about 12 square feet of wasted space. I’m not certain how the pantry came to be, but it was likely an old closet, which meant that its door and the outside entrance were diagonal from one another and could not be open at the same time. e walls were acid green when I bought the house, and I’d painted them charcoal in an e ort to do—something. It was basically a poorly laid-out cave.

In addition, the ceiling was about two feet lower than the other ceilings in the house. We’d done some investigation and determined

Entertaining IN KC

that we could raise them. Ultimately, this was the only construction piece of the project.

DEFINE PRIORITIES

Before we met with the designer, we’d decided open shelving for everyday plate and glass storage would be both convenient and make the space seem bigger. I was 100 percent-I’m-not-going-to-budge committed to a white kitchen. Also, I wanted storage for as many things as possible to keep the countertops bare. Fortunately, my husband was amenable to all this. He’s a chef, and his only real priority was the BTUs on the range.

We did create one indulgence. We really wanted a dry bar in the kitchen, and the pantry was the obvious place to put it. We’ve both collected glasses for every occasion and cocktail shakers, spoons, stirs, and bottle openers. We wanted them to have their own home, and we liked the idea of a somewhat ceremonial spot to fix a drink at the end of the day. The act is physical punctuation.

With all this information in hand, we met with a kitchen designer and after some minor tweaking, we were off to the races (and a fair amount of carry out).

Open shelving in the kitchen and the dry bar works well for us. It did create more visual space and, not to exaggerate the energy it takes to open a cabinet door, it feels easier. Despite its size, it’s still the place everyone ends up when we entertain.

TRUST THE EXPERTS

I did not appreciate the wisdom of our cabinet fabricators, who suggested deep drawers under the dry bar. But this provides great storage for thicker cutting boards, large bowls, a large-ish collection of Weck jars, and other food storage. The two small top drawers conveniently hold a collection of wine and bottle openers, a set of vintage silver cocktail stirs and linen cocktail napkins. You know, essentials.

The built-in dividers for flatware and kitchen towels did not seem necessary, but in the day-to-day use of the kitchen, they provide some civility for one of us (me) who is incredibly messy. (This can be witnessed in the drawer holding Weck jars and food storage.)

FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS

But one of the things that I love, I barely see. I really love clean countertops. I do not need decorative flour and sugar containers, and my beloved Kitchen Aid is stored on the landing to the basement. That the spice and cooking utensil storage is in a slide-out cabinet by the range delights me every single time I pull it open.

We did have one last minute change. I ran across an image that I’ve saved ten years ago or more of a wet bar designed by Carrier and Co. in New York that had the most charming hanging pendant light. We had small inset ceiling lights planned for the space already, and they were necessary. This change was somewhat—well, entirely—decorative. After an initial furrowed brow, my husband agreed.

It was a very good idea.

by Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com

:

@damianlair #OurManINKC

A Glorious Return

Spring. e equinox signals change, emergence—a shedding of the chrysalis of winter. It is also an allegory for dance: artists emerge from the bounds of the stage and tethers of their bodies—to lift audiences.

For me, spring means having some form of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (AAADT) at their second home in Kansas City. And for the rst time in six years, this world-renowned dance company graced the stage of the Kau man Center for the Performing Arts

Alvin Ailey rst brought his groundbreaking modern dance company to Kansas City in 1968 following years of performances abroad, with the company serving as an o cial cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department. Two decades later, in 1984, more than one hundred Kansas City civic, corporate, and community leaders, responding to a call by Mayor Richard Berkley, founded Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA), cementing our city as the company’s o cial second home.

In addition to bringing AAADT and Ailey II to Kansas City, KCFAA has responded to other community needs by creating innovative arts education programs. KCFAA o ers ten year-round youth development programs, as well as AileyCamp, the six-week summer program that was pioneered here and now serves as a model replicated

in ten cities across the U.S. ese education programs, which touch more than 25,000 students annually, are built on the philosophy that the skills needed to learn dance—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—are the same critical skills that can enrich further successes in life

KCFAA encourages diversity of people and ideas through its organizational structure, uniting people across racial, ethnic, and social barriers to promote awareness, respect, friendship, and ultimately, community-wide social change. I am proud to serve on the KCFAA board of directors.

Culminating the joyful weekend of AAADT performances (including one reserved for area students), the company performed on Saturday evening for patrons of the annual gala bene ting Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. With sponsorships and tickets sold out mere days after invitations landed in mailboxes, it was one of the most highly sought, glittering events of the season.

Gala patrons gathered in exuberant nery at the Kau man Center

Damian Lair at the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Gala.

“I’d call the look: origami Bratz doll.”

Our Man IN KC

for a 90-minute AAADT performance, including new works that juxtaposed beats by Drake and Kendrick Lamar with Renée Fleming dripping French opera. The new works were magical and felt utterly fresh and significant, like something I’ve not before experienced in Kansas City. Following intermission, we settled back into our seats for Revelations. Since its 1960 premiere, the moving masterpiece has been seen by more people worldwide than any other modern-dance work. More than 60 years later, this signature piece is no less relevant or emotion-inducing. Following the performance, I talked with numerous guests who commented that no matter how many times they see it, they cry. Admittedly, I cried, too. Tears of joy, frustration, progress . . . and hope.

Following the performance, we collectively floated to the neighboring Lowes Kansas City Hotel. Inside the sparkling ballroom, we dined. We heard from the KCFAA artistic director, Tyrone Aiken, who described some of the programming opportunities he oversees and introduced a group of KCFAA studio dance students who performed for a delighted audience.

The Janet K. Miller Award was presented to Dianne Cleaver, rightfully honoring her work as a civic leader focused on reducing disparities in health care, housing, and education—exemplifying the passion of the late Janet K. Miller.

A robust live auction ensued with packages ranging from a suite for the upcoming Beyoncé concert to a luxury vacation week in Aspen. And finally—dancing. Joined by some of the most talented dancers in the world, we all hit the dance floor with DJ Ben Rich. What we may have lacked in pedigreed talent, we made up for in spirit.

Since its founding, the AAADT has been seen live by over 21 million people in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents. The annual event makes it possible to bring these renowned performers to Kansas City. Not just for those of us fortunate to attend a spectacular gala, but for our community, because the contributions make performing arts accessible to a broad audience. It was my honor and privilege to serve as this year’s gala co-chair alongside the infectiously joyful Jamila Weaver

Knowing that every year, young people in Kansas City can look up at a grand stage and see people who reflect their heritage and lived experience—succeeding, excelling, daring to dream—may be the spark that propels them forward to do impossibly great things. Because they have seen with their own eyes what is possible. It is not easy to aspire to be what you don’t know and cannot see.

SPOTTED: Honorary Co-Chairs Peggy & Bill Lyons and Jon & Walter Porter, Ratana & Oscar Tshibanda, Dr. Michael Weaver, Marshall Miller, Ann Baum, Sharon & John Hoffman, Bunni & Paul Copaken, Maurice Watson, Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller, Susan & Lewis Nerman, Jackie & Lynn Johnson, Ellen & Jaime Copaken, Karen & John Yungmeyer, Hilda

HOT GOSSIP:

Who was debating whether he woke up with a bad fever or had wet the bed?

Fuentes & Allan Gray II, Mina & Lance

Steen, Helen & Frank Wewers, Kim Klein & Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Lauren Merriman, Mark Allen Alford, Jr., Erica Crenshaw, Julie Anderson Clark, Katie Kwo Gerson, Siobhan

OVERHEARD

“Eww. Now that the blue checkmark can be had for $15, how do I become ‘un-verified’? I don’t want anyone thinking I care that much.”

McLaughlin-Lesley, India Boulton, Jerry Katlin & Dan DeLeon, Lauren DeLeon, Kristy Katlin, Kelly Murphy, Lynn Carlton, Tammy Edwards, Jean Paul Wong, Debbie Ballard, Lindsey Heinz, Denise & Calvin Ricks, Sheryll Myers, Jane & Keith Gard, Debbie & Jerry Williams, Dr. Marjorie Williams, Sarah Fizell, Melanie Miller, Cathy Jolly, Marcia Bailey, Troy Lillebo, Brian Ellison, Nicole Wang, Suzanne Shank, Gwen Grant, Gabe Zorogastua, Troy Moore, Lee Page, Garret Toms, Angie Jeffries, Alan Carr, Matthew Schulte, John Schuppan, Colby Oberbroeckling, Stephen Gronek, Brian Pospishil, Brad Nichols, Robert Schmidt, Hannah Shah, Chris Warman

SEND IN THE CLOWNS

APRIL FOOL’S DAY was the occasion for the annual Lyric Opera Ball, benefitting the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Inspired by the inauspicious date and the opera’s forthcoming and final production of the season, Sondheim on Sondheim, a literal clown theme was selected. Send in the Clowns, of course, is the dramatic ballad—recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Judy Collins—from Sondheim’s musical A Little Night Music. It’s a raw, personal favorite, and I cannot wait to see this upcoming opera.

The evening commenced with extensive cocktails and mingling, giving patrons ample time to overview the dizzying array of silent auction items. As a veteran gala auction chair myself, my hat goes off to Peggy Beal and Karen Yungmeyer for helming this noticeably gargantuan task. And in three years, you’ll still be calling and emailing people about picking up their won items! Amidst the auction hullabaloo was also a raffle for a 1996 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole—a bottle of wine valued at $6,000. Something tells me that prize will be speedily retrieved!

While dining on our strip steaks and micro shoestring potatoes, guests were served a healthy dose of remarks, speeches, and thank you’s to guests, supporters, and even family pets. Finally—the entertainment! Resident artists of the Lyric Opera, including Luke Harnish, Aubrey & Wayne Odle, Krista Renée Pape, and Joseph Park performed a diverse program of primarily Sondheim works, interspersed with opera classics. I could have listened to them pull out hits from West Side Story, Sweeny Todd, and Into the Woods all night long. But people also want to dance, so dance we did. To the ever-popular Lost Wax, I found plenty of folks willing to oblige my sudden desire to boogie. Until next year . . .

SPOTTED: Drs. Karla & Ivan Batlle, Juliette Singer, Edie Downing, Mary Beth Gentry, Rachel & Dr. Nelson Sabates, Carmen Sabates, Dr. Amy Patel & Joe Rathermel, Kurt Knapstein, Amy McAnarney, Mike Sigler, Greg O’Bourney, Mary Leonida, Courtney Crappell, Karen Brown, Amanda Schuster

CUE THE SUMMERTIME FEELS

I LOVE a good rooftop bar when the weather is cooperative. Fortunately, for a seven-month window, we’ve got ample time to enjoy Kansas City alfresco. And I’m not the only rooftop lover. There are but a tiny handful of rooftop spaces in the city, and they’re (not surprisingly) frequently at capacity. Developers—please take note! Chicago has fewer nice-weather days and exponentially more rooftop bars, relative to population. This makes me insane every time I am there. We need more rooftop spaces. But I digress.

I was super thrilled to experience the refreshed Percheron before it officially opened later that week. Perched atop the ever-chic Crossroads Hotel, it commands (possibly) the best city skyline view.

The chef, Aaron Wells-Morgan, has revamped the rooftop food and beverage menus, just as he did last year for the hotel’s classic Italian restaurant, Lazia. Since then—over the past year—I have returned to the restaurant time after time. Every experience, dazzling. If you haven’t been, and you haven’t had the hand-pulled tableside mozzarella experience, then you must.

No surprise, I found everything on the rooftop menu to my liking. This isn’t your sliders and onion rings kinda bar. I’d describe it as refined Mediterranean: mezze platters, Lebanese hummus, ceviche, spiced lamb skewers. For a “bar menu,” it’s the absolute best Med cuisine (in addition to Extra Virgin) I’ve had in Kansas City. Period. Oh, and the dessert—the Baklava Pop—a Greek yogurt ice cream popsicle resting on phyllo shards, pistachio sauce, and local honey. Positively genius. And delicious.

Regarding cocktails, I loved the Party Pressure—matcha, St. Germain, lime, and lemon soda; I had mine made with mezcal. Delicious as it was verdant and gram-worthy. In addition to the creative cocktail offerings, there’s plenty of bubbles and a coastal wine menu as well. Now open for the season!

A week later, and on the other side of downtown, I dropped into the first-of-the-season Garment District Grooves concert series, organized by KC Parks & Recreation. Every third Wednesday through October, rotating performers and food trucks will occupy Garment District Place on Broadway, between 7th and 8th Streets. It’s an adorable (if not underappreciated) pocket park that I happened to neighbor for the first eight years I lived in Kansas City. I distinctly remember it being an idyllic spot for journaling and creating intentions.

On this day, though, it was far too lively for serious thinking. Two brothers, Payton and Finn, performing as ItsMurf Music, were breathing new life and energy into the typically bucolic urban refuge. The fingerstyle guitar duo covered the likes of Hall & Oates, The Eagles, and Willie Nelson. As I unwound from a morning at work, I grabbed lunch from this month’s food truck, Chilakillers. Who can argue with chilaquiles, street corn, quesadillas, tortas, nachos, and tacos? And Mexican sodas to boot. When I closed my eyes, it almost felt like I was in Puerto Vallarta, placing an incomprehensible 4 a.m. group order with a street taco vendor on our walk back home. Well—almost. Though the Chilakillers tacos were Mexico-good.

Wonder what’s on the agenda for the next six months? The full schedule is available on the KC Parks website at kcparks.org

Red Door Home Store at Ranch Mart

Refresh your space with new furniture and artwork! Whether you are looking for large-scale pieces, chairs, a bench, or wall art to hang, we have a beautiful selection of highquality pieces to choose from. Come see our collection in-store!

Seasonal Décor • Furniture • Custom Florals Gifts • Home Accessories

HOT GOSSIP:

Who shares her own motivational quotes as if she were Mahatma Gandhi?

Some upcoming notable performers include Max Groove , Bill Abernathy, and jazz with Stan Kessler & Friends . And on the food side there’s Julita’s , Ragusa Italian Cafe , and The Urban Knife on deck. I’m looking forward to downtown summer lunches in the park.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

CAITLIN

by Judith Fertig

Sharon Liese

THE DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

The Elder F lag factory in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, may not sound like the ideal setting for a film, but it was.

In 2019, as America was roiling with divisive political issues, Sharon Liese saw an opportunity. She and co-director Cynthia Wade filmed 200 immigrants, refugees, and locals working side by side, hand-producing five million American flags a year. The result was The Flagmakers, a documentary film for National Geographic , shortlisted for an Oscar nomination, and streaming on Disney Plus.

“It was exciting to me to be in the conversation,” says Liese of her brush with the Oscars.

A critically acclaimed and award-winning filmmaker, Liese directs and produces documentary projects that air on major television networks and screen at many prestigious film festivals.

Liese’s award-winning feature documentary Transhood premiered

on HBO in 2020 and was featured on The Ellen Show and Good Morning America. She also created and executive produced Pink Collar Crimes, a true crime series for CBS. She is currently directing and executive producing a limited series for Starz and directing a film for National Geographic that has already been optioned for a Broadway musical produced by Mark Gordon.

Liese created and directed the award-winning documentary series High School Confidential filmed over four years that broke ratings records on WEtv. She also directed and produced charming, quirky The Gnomist (CNN Films) which had its world premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival and went on to win 15 festival awards, including the Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at LA Shorts Fest, qualifying it for Oscar consideration before being acquired by CNN Films. herizonproductions.com

continued on page 34

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Arts & Culture IN KC

INKC: Some documentary films deal with sad truths and stark reality. Yours do, too, but with heart and hope. What is your secret?

Sharon Liese: I tend to be drawn to stories that remind us of our humanity and the most relatable aspects of sharing this world with others. We all share a need for connection, joy and understanding. When I reflect on my work as a whole, I realize that I start with an intimate story and usually expand the scope to a broader and larger topic. For example, my film Transhood (HBO) follows four young people in Kansas City for five years. While audiences are invited into their lives in an intimate way, they also learn about the growing outside forces that threaten their safety, health, and emotional well-being. When you meet and fall in love with subjects in a film, it’s easier to take an interest in the social and political environment that they are up against. I believe that finding the heart of the story is key to engaging viewers.

INKC: When did it hit you that documentary filmmaking was your creative path?

SL: When my daughter was about to start high school, I owned a marketing consulting business which allowed me to dabble in video production for some of my clients. I had this idea to follow a group of girls for all four years of their high school experience. It evolved into a documentary series that aired on WeTV. I was then hooked on

storytelling and became a filmmaker.

INKC: On the business side, what was your big breakthrough to getting your work on major networks?

SL: After I filmed for four years with 12 girls at Blue Valley Northwest, I secured an agent in Los Angeles (which was not as easy as it sounds). I went out to LA with a box of raw tapes and met with three studios. I had three offers to partner on the project. It was shocking and amazing.

After making The Flagmakers, I realized I would never look at the American flag the same way again. It was shortlisted for Oscar consideration and was not nominated.

INKC: What is it like going to major film festivals like Sundance?

SL: My film Parker, which I co-directed with Catherine Hoffman, premiered at Sundance.

Sundance represents a huge goal for most filmmakers, and I was honored to premiere Parker there. Receiving the call from the Sundance programmer inviting the film to screen there was thrilling. Sundance received 11,000 short submission and chose only 64 short films, ten of which were unscripted (like Parker).

I had a lot of wonderful support from Kansas City patrons of the arts here, which made it possible to complete the film.

RECHARGE AND REFRESH WITH US

Tribute Concert

Michael Feinstein

Celebrates Judy Garland

Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m.

GONZALO FARIAS DAVID T BEALS III

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN VOCALIST & PIANO

Join Michael Feinstein and your KC Symphony as we travel through the life and songs of Judy Garland, celebrating her 100th birthday. This brand-new multimedia concert event features big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, good humor and of course, great music. Tickets from $49. Sponsored by:

Film + Live Orchestra

The Princess Bride TM

In Concert

Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 19-20 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m.

GONZALO FARIAS DAVID T BEALS III

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR

Experience one of the most beloved films of all time with your Kansas City Symphony performing the entire musical score live-to-picture!

Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie features an all-star cast including Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant and others. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $25 for children.

Classical Concert

Stern Conducts Mahler and Montgomery

Friday & Saturday, June 2-3 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN CONDUCTOR

JULIA BULLOCK SOPRANO

DELIUS The Walk to the Paradise Garden

JESSIE MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs (KC Symphony co-commission)

MAHLER Symphony No. 4

Superstar soprano Julia Bullock’s angelic voice conveys a range of emotions in Jessie Montgomery’s socially conscious Five Freedom Songs and Mahler’s compelling Symphony No. 4. Tickets from $25. Sponsored by:

Classical Concert

The Rite of Spring, Ax Plays Beethoven

Friday & Saturday, June 16-17 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 18 at 3 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN CONDUCTOR

EMANUEL AX PIANO

CARLOS SIMON AMEN!

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3

STRAVINSKY Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)

It’s an event when one of the world’s leading pianists, Emanuel Ax, plays Beethoven. Together with Stravinsky’s monumental The Rite of Spring, it’s a can’t-miss concert experience. Tickets from $30.

Emanuel Ax

Michael Stern, music director

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

Michael Feinstein

Julia Bullock

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR TICKETS:

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN NEVERLAND

FROM MAY 2 THROUGH 21, catch the sly, light-hearted Peter Pan and Wendy at the Kansas City Repertory eatre.

J.M. Barrie’s traditional tale has been told in story form as well as a Broadway musical, Disney movie, and a swash-buckling lm. Now, the KCRep makes it y again.

“Stories change us, within and without,” says playwright Lauren M. Gunderson, who adapted the tale with a modern twist. “ ey ask us to question our world, our history, and ourselves.”

In a London nursery at the turn of the 19th century, Wendy and her brothers spend their last night together in the same bedroom before Wendy, destined for nishing school, moves up to her own room. eir parents are o to an elegant night out. Nana the dog keeps watch.

When Peter Pan ies in through the window, Wendy, who wishes to follow in the footsteps of Marie Curie, is full of scienti c questions. But soon they all take o for Neverland, replete with pirates, crocodiles, mermaids, a va-va-voom Tink, Tiger Lily as an indigenous people’s activist, and a greedy Captain Hook.

It’s fun. It takes you back to your childhood, and it’s only at the Rep for a few weeks.

For more information, visit kcrep.org.

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LYRIC OPERA PRESENTS: SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM

ON TWO NIGHTS ONLY—May 6 and 7—the work of one of Broadway’s greatest and most proli c composers and lyricists beguiles us once more.

In a musical revue conceived and directed by James Levine, Sondheim on Sondheim presents an intimate portrait of Stephen Sondheim’s life in melody and lyric, as well as interview footage. What we get is a rare look into his personal life and artistic process.

Mentored by Oscar Hammerstein II, Sondheim (1930-2021) collaborated with many Broadway talents, including Richard Rodgers and Hal Prince. Sophisticated and complex, his work is rare in that it touches upon a fuller range of human experience and emotions, some of the dark and harrowing, perhaps fueled by his relationship with his emotionally abusive mother. When she died, he did not go to her funeral.

e songs—well known, not so well known, and some from the “cutting room oor”—are from 19 of the composer’s shows over a 62-year period, including West Side Story, Sunday in the Park with George, Company, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, and Merrily We Roll Along

For ticket and performance information, visit kcopera.org.

Arts &Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

KANSAS CITY BALLET PERFORMS BLISS POINT

FROM MAY 12 TO 21, Kansas City Ballet takes us to Bliss Point—the nexus of greatest satisfaction. And that, of course, comes from three dance pieces that showcase the athleticism and thrill of contemporary dance, with musical accompaniment by the Kansas City Symphony.

Sandpaper by choreographer Mark Morris explores the movement and music to a percussive score. Lyrical costumes mimic green grass and the clouded blue sky above, adding another visual element to the dance, with original music by Leroy Anderson.

Le Petit Mort by choreographer Jiří Kylián, with music by Mozart, explores the notion of “the little death” in combat, sex, and rebirth. Nude-colored costumes suggesting 19th-century undergarments focus the attention on the dancers’ lithe bodies, which hold long, sensual poses.

Cacti by choreographer Alexander Ekman offers a quirky, witty, and playful take on contemporary dance as the dancers perform with large cacti. Why? Absurdist, yes. Existential, maybe. Intriguing to watch? Most definitely.

For more information and tickets, visit kcballet.org.

THE SWEET SIRENS

KANSAS CITY’S BACH ARIA SOLOISTS debut their new recording, Le Dolce Sirene, on CD and major streaming platforms. Add it to your classical CD collection or your playlist.

From the virtuoso playing of the artistic director/founder and violinist, Elizabeth Suh Lane, to the Grammy-winning soprano Sarah Tannehill Anderson—whose voice ranges from clear-as-spring water to rich and melodious—to the multi-talented Elisa Williams Bickers who plays old/new keyboard with harpsichord/organ/piano, and cellist Hannah Collins who seems to pluck magic out of thin air, the Bach Aria Soloists shine.

The 14 tracks include the aforementioned Bach Sonata, Handel’s Rejoice Greatly from the Messiah, Claudio Monteverdi, four Shakespearean songs by contemporary British composer Cecilia McDowall, and more. Bach Aria Soloists explore the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and those composers, down the ages, who have been influenced by him. They give intimate concerts around the city and have developed a devoted following.

For more information, visit bachariasoloists.com.

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Historically Modern Jewels

ORGANIC GLAMOUR GOES BACK IN TIME

BY Susan Cannon

Archaeologists were able to date the earliest obsidian bracelet, which was found in Turkey, back to 7,500 BC. Following the same artisanship are the onyx hand-carved cuff, $1,500, and the sculptural cuff in quartz, $1,700, both by Sophie Buhai, each available on sophiebuhai.com

Referred to as The Emperor’s Stone, jade has been mined in China since the Stone Age. Here, Ten Thousand Things jewelry makers modernize it beautifully. Small O’Keeffe Jade Earrings, $575. tenthousandthingsnyc.com

The fascinating octopus displays agility, creativity, and intelligence. Here a playful octopus is etched in rock crystal and backed by mother-ofpearl. Large Caspian, $5,000, by Renna. Available at Pendleton Jewelry. Email shop@ pendletonjewelry.com for a personal appointment.

Turkish goldsmith and jewelry designer Gurhan utilizes Byzantine techniques to handcraft his prized pieces, such as these one-of-a-kind 24-karat yellow-gold, bezel-set Ethiopian opal dangle earrings, $2,200, at Meierotto Jewelers (North Kansas City).

Established in Baccarat, France, the fine crystal manufacturer has created luxury tabletop and barware since 1765, but also creates statement-making jewelry.

Baccarat Médici Pop Ring in black crystal, $415. baccarat.com

Celebrated CFDA award-winning designer Alexis Bittar’s bracelet is created with hand-carved and hand-polished crystal-clear Lucite merging with rich, molten 14k gold-plated metalwork to form a striking cuff that’s hinged for wearability. $295. alexisbittar.com

Glass jewelry also had a wide appeal in Roman society. This hand-blown glass cocktail ring also has a chic 1970s vibe. Monument Ring in ochre with a topaz accent, $220, by Lizzie Fortunato. Find at Clairvaux (Hawthorne Plaza).

An edgy, yet comforting scent composed of sweet and bitter orange, ylang-ylang, and white musk inspired by the iconic setting of Villa Malaparte in Capri, from Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 film, Le Mépris 19-69 Capri Eau de Parfum, $195, at Clairvaux (Hawthorne Plaza).

Notes of golden amber, white floral layers, and tropical frangipani among a creamy coconut accord, there’s a grounding and alluring warmth when wearing Nest Sunkissed Hibiscus Eau de Parfum, $86, at Anthropologie (Town Center Plaza and Country Club Plaza).

Peonies in bloom, flirtatious and seductive, with red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower, all mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, $80 or $155, at all Sephora locations.

Sensory Perception

FRAGRANCES EVOKE MEMORIES, EMOTIONS, AND ATTRACTION

BY Susan Cannon

The ancient Egyptians used redolence crafted from nature to cover body odor, use in religious ceremonies, and to embalm the dead before mummication. e psychology of smell has been studied over the centuries, revealing that the aroma one wears can subconsciously alter self-perception, as well as the perception of others. While scent can evoke a range of emotions from traumatic to ecstatic, there are so many visceral triggers that the olfactory system is intended to detect in today’s perfumes: youthful energy, grounded contentment, adventure, exuberance, mystery, seduction, among them. Perhaps one of these will attract you.

A spirited fragrance distinguished by fruity and floral notes dancing with musk and cedar wood, evoking bright elegance and whimsical charm. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette, $72, $114 or $139, at all Ulta locations.

A raw, unorthodox fragrance of woody, spicy, and floral notes, its aroma is a heady evocation of its namesake city, using Moroccan spices with jasmine, neroli, and bergamot. Aēsop Marrakech Intense Eau de Parfum, $145, at Nordstrom (Oak Park Mall).

Inspired by Rita, who tended to her rose garden with a hand-rolled cigarette and a nip of whiskey. Notes of whiskey, tobacco, and rose combined with rare essential oils for a mysterious unisex scent. Saint Rita Parlor Signature Parfum, $160, at Finefolk. (State Line and 45th).

BY Susan Cannon

The Sundry KC

A SECRET HAVEN FOR HEALING

When you hit corporate burnout after 18 years in a senior position of a Fortune 500 company, you do as Jessica Azar did: practice your own holistic healing, start making small-batch apothecary products, and open a place where like-minded others can come for healthy pampering and inner growth.

e Sundry, Azar’s self-care market and healing lab, came about when she found a rustic shopfront tucked into an obscure lower-level spot at Ward Parkway Plaza and 81st Street. With its rugged stone wall leading down to a charming awninged entrance, it evoked memories of Èze, her favorite village in the south of France, and she took that as a sign to realize her calling.

Her line, Ritual Wheel, consists of bath salts, essential oils, body lotions and sprays, some of which she creates in-house or develops with other makers, along with other products. She sells Turkish bath towels and Indian cotton robes, as well as themed gift sets for all occasions, wrapped in toile de jouy tissue. She has partnered with licensed healing partners to come in and hold various group and individual services within the comfy living room setting she’s created, or in a private spa or meditation space.

“ e products, workshops, and events that we host are just parts of a greater holistic mission to teach and facilitate modern and meaningful self-care to the people of Kansas City,” Azar says. “We healers are much more than service providers. We’re also teachers, students,

mentors, and sages, here to support your physical, emotional, and spiritual journey to wellness.”

A short backstory: Azar admits to having no patience with barriers. Feeling disempowered by Western medicine didn’t settle well when she experienced postpartum di culties after her births. “I realize the frustration was a scope-of-control thing for me, and re ecting back, I know that if I had had a place like this to come during that period, it would have been a great help,” she explains. All the more reason she focuses many services toward new mothers. She also supports women coming out of the corporate grind to take on new life paths.

“I’m excited about our new Corporate Healing Club in collaboration with Tamir Bhakta, a doctor of functional wellness. It will be a monthly group meditation/medical qigong session that focuses on reclaiming and redefining one’s self outside of their profession or employer.”

For Mother’s Day, Azar has collaborated with the owner of the Tea Market to create a gift box containing gratitude cards, an amethyst crystal, baths salts, palo santo and matches to purify the air, and tea that will retail for $65 at the Tea Market in Crestwood. On Mother’s Day, she’ll be teaming with the owner of Waldo Greenhouse, and there they will hold a “self-care faire.” To learn more about e Sundry’s self-care market, events, and healing workshops, check out thesundry.com and follow @thesundrykc on Instagram.

Above: Mother’s Day gift box, $65.

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by Emily Laptad

Jumping for Joy

ADVENTHEALTH’S CORRIE MALLOT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXERCISE AND MENTAL HEALTH

exercise program in your 20s to 50s coupled with modest upkeep will make it much easier to stay active in your 60s through 90s. You will have improved muscle mass, bone density, and exercise tolerance.”

Physical activity improves self-esteem and cognitive function. Initially, exercise can cause a stress response in the body, which eventually lowers levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine and triggers feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

“When you engage in strenuous exercise, you mimic the body’s response to anxiety, which allows you to practice coping with the response without becoming overwhelmed,” Mallot says. “Exercise teaches people to put up with short-term discomfort, which can lead to better tolerance of internal disruption, anxiety, and uncertainty. It can also improve blood flow to the brain, causing potential improvements in memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.”

USING EXERCISE TO TREAT MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

In patients diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, Mallot has used a combination of exercise, therapy, and medication for treatment.

In 2023, the British Journal of Sports Medicine conducted a meta-analysis of 41 studies and concluded that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing psychological stress than medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Af ter 21 years of practicing medicine, Corrie Mallot, MD, has noted that her patients almost always feel happier when they exercise.

“I’ve asked myself if happier people exercise or does exercise make people happier?” says Mallot, a primary care provider with AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at South Overland Park. “Studies have shown over and over that regular strength and cardiovascular exercise are great adjuncts to counseling and/or medication in treating anxiety and depression. Even a minimal exercise routine seems to help.”

Mallot points out that multiple studies have shown exercise can prevent the onset of depression and anxiety, as well as improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia. A 2019 JAMA Psychiatry study found replacing sitting with 15 minutes of running or one hour of walking daily significantly reduces the risk of major depression.

A TOOL OF PREVENTION

The earlier in life an individual forms healthy exercising habits, the lower the likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.

Mallot cites a September 2021 study from Frontier Psychiatry that followed 400,000 people for 21 years, comparing competitive skiers to non-skiers from the general population. The research concluded people with physically active lifestyles had a lower risk of developing anxiety disorders than people from the general population.

“The earlier you start putting exercise into the bank, the more cumulative benefit you receive,” Mallot says. “Starting with a consistent

“Every patient is different,” Mallot says. “I see many patients improve with exercise alone or with counseling and medication. Sometimes patients only need medication for a short time and later do well when their life situation gets a little easier, and they have made lifestyle modifications. Prioritizing sleep and exercise seem to work best.”

For patients with mental health challenges that make it more difficult to routinely exercise or begin a routine, Mallot suggests starting small.

“For people struggling with anxiety and depression, I encourage them to get a walk in on the weekends and then maybe one or two days during the work week. You can start low—five minutes of walking for instance—and go slow, just gradually increasing,” she says. “I also encourage you to think of each day as a new opportunity, even if you’ve been hibernating for months. Park farther away, take the stairs at work, get up and talk to a colleague instead of messaging them. These things all make a difference.”

With AdventHealth’s whole-person approach to healthcare, you can find plenty of resourc es to help you find a fitness routine that works for you. Visit adventhealth. com/wellness to learn more about services such as fitness assessments, therapeutic fitness classes designed to improve mobility and symptom relief, yoga therapists trained in disease processes, oneon-one coaching, and monitored fitness membership.

THE ROAD TO THE PGA TOUR

May 18-21

AdventHealthChampionship.com

The AdventHealth Championship delivers a world-class golfing entertainment experience that features the next generation of PGA TOUR stars while also positively impacting the Kansas City metro community. Proceeds from the AdventHealth Championship will benefit the AdventHealth Foundation and select local charities, making a difference in the KC we all love!

Use the QR code to purchase tickets and support our community.

by Patricia O’Dell

I Love Lucy

A PEEK INSIDE THE PROJECTS AT GEORGE TERBOVICH DESIGN

I’m admitting up front that I’ve been friends with George Terbovich, and the relatively new owner of George Terbovich Design (and long-time associate), Lucy Mayor, for, well, let’s just say many years. I have seen some of their projects firsthand but was always hungry for more. More casual sophistication, more wonderful textiles, more . . . more.

But publicity has never been the firm’s focus, and the previous website featured a small selection of images and contact information. Recently, with their typical understated aplomb, they quietly launched a new site.

What a delight to see full projects such as Mission Hills IV, which appeared on these pages, but with the added surprise of the wonderful bathroom with its traditional painted floors that happily coexist with a sleek freestanding tub and wonderfully complex blue-tile shower.

The Hallbrook residence is rich with color and pattern, but so deftly executed that nothing shouts. And Missions Hills VI has made me fall in love with white walls in a way I never expected. (Though the strong dose of black lines may be the draw.) Inspiration abounds at georgeterbovichdesign.com/ projects. Be sure not to miss it.

Clockwise from top: Hallbrook living room, Hallbrook bedroom, Mission Hills VI entryway, Mission Hills IV family room, Mission Hills IV bathroom.

Reopening The Green Door

NEW DIGS FOR DUSTIN SWARTZ AND DARREN KILLEN

GREEN DOOR ANTIQUES is opening in a new spot with a slightly new game plan. Darren Killen and Dustin Swartz have purchased a building at 2507 Je erson Street, just west of Studio Dan Meiners, to hold their wonderful wares.

“We wanted a space of our own,” Swartz says. “ is move triples our showroom space, allowing for better design and display as well as more inventory.”

Kansas City does not have many dealers who still source in Europe, but in addition to the Round Top, Texas, shows and domestic hunting and gathering, Killen and Swartz are quite comfortable hopping across the pond.

“We source from around the world,” Killen says. “Recently we focused on England for garden and stone, Scotland and Belgium for furniture and smalls, and we brought in some gorgeous garden items from Italy.”

In addition to their nds, Killen and Swartz are creating an additional draw.

“We’re pleased to announce our new wine tasting bar,” Killen says. “We plan to feature small Italian vineyards that we have discovered in our travels, as well as select wines from the U.S. and around the world that you won’t nd at other local shops. For example, England is producing amazing wines, and it would be fun to explore that.” thegreendoorantiques.net

Inset: The new home of Green Door Antiques. Above: Rare and unusual vintage and antique pieces ll the new shop.

Lighten up your layout with our marvelous, milky masterpiece It's a chandy draped in selenite crystals

by Patricia O’Dell

Go to Town

A FEAST OF INSPIRATION SERVED UP DOWNTOWN

STEAL the LOOK

BRING THE CASUAL ELEGANCE OF THE TOWN CO. TO YOUR DINING ROOM

While the wonderful food and cocktails are the focus of e Town Company, the dining room is an inspiration. As the palette of my home becomes more neutral, I nd I’m drawn to shape and texture more than before. So, in-between bites, I was absorbing the details of the space of the dining room. e deep blue of the walls makes the room intimate without feeling cave-like. While not a typical neutral, it doesn’t shout, but provides a soothing background.

I’m a big fan of banquettes as they give you a good reason to cozy up. e banquettes at e Town Co. are quilted leather, which ups the ante in look and durability. In fact, all the seating is both generous and comfortable. (I should learn from this. Always, I have chairs with great looks but little stability.)

Subtle brass accents in the horizontal lights set in the paneling provide a warm gleam, as does the rail topping the banquette. One of my favorite components of the room is the La Creuset cookware in an array of colors, but it’s the Nick and Nora glasses that seal the deal every time.

Gates leather settee, $3,100, available at Arhaus

Canterbury dining chair, $650, available at Arhaus (Town Center Plaza).

Gage faux leather swivel barstool, $599, available at Arhaus.

Convivial Minimal stoneware dishes, available in four sizes, $12 –$38, at shopconvivial.com.

Benjamin Moore’s Fair Isle Blue paint.

Ravelle Linear sconce, $495, available in three nishes at RH (Town Center Plaza).

Le Creuset stockpot, $100, available at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities (Westport).

Nick & Nora glass, $8.95, available at Crate & Barrel (Town Center Plaza). town and co photo by

SWEATER, SOCKS, PILLOW – CHECK

BANANA REPUBLIC LAUNCHES HOME LINE

WHILE I LIKE DECORATING with color at home, I’m nearly monochromatic in my wardrobe. (If you can call it a “wardrobe.” Really, it’s just “clothes.”) For the past few years, I’ve relied more and more on Banana Republic because their clothes are classic, available in my favorite clothes colors of black, white, and khaki, and they wear well.

Recently I was on the site checking an item’s availability at a local store and was surprised to find products for the home. No, not loungewear—though I’ve nothing against it—but bedding, rugs, pillows, and throws. Not unlike their clothing, the selection has interesting texture and details, and is heavy on neutrals—with a dash of color that is endlessly appealing.

A timeless tickingstripe duvet with an all-weather weight for year-round comfort. Heritage Ticking Stripe Duvet Cover, available in queen, king, and California king, $270–$310.

Relish in the luxury of lavish texture with the Forever Knit Cashmere Pillow, available in three sizes, $160–$200.

Wrap yourself in sumptuous warmth with the Forever Cashmere Throw Blanket, available in five colorways, $289.

INTERIOR DESIGNER VS. BUILDER

How Designer Karin Ross Goes Above and Beyond in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

By Emily Laptad

When you have visions of the perfect colors, tiles, and fixtures for your next home remodeling project dancing through your head, it’s crucial to pick the right person to make those dreams come alive.

Finding the right match is one of the trickiest decisions you’ll face when you embark on the journey to transform your home— and your life along with it. When you start your search, you’ll probably notice that quite a few general contractors and builders are offering remodeling services that are similar to a specialized interior designer’s services.

“Builders are geared up to do quantity, not quality,” says Karin Ross, the European designer behind Karin Ross Designs. “Many builders aren’t the best remodelers because they don’t specialize in that. It’s kind of like going to your general practitioner instead of a specialist when something is wrong with

your heart. Designers live in the space of kitchen and bathrooms, while builders are used to building the entire house and do more of a cookie-cutter design.”

YOU NEED A DESIGNER TO ENSURE A COHESIVE VISION

When you work with Karin Ross, you can rest assured she will be involved with each and every decision, so that her vision and influence shine through the project. Meanwhile, if you choose to work with a builder, expect a variety of people to take the lead on your project design.

“When you’re talking about a bigger builder, there are three to four levels of individuals you’re working with—you have the company owner, the superintendent, the local office, then you have the manager on the ground—and it involves everyone’s interpretation of what the original soul and intent of the project was,” Ross says. “What that does is water down the original intention and you’re left with people who haven’t been involved from the beginning.”

DESIGNERS GUARANTEE YOUR REMODEL WILL REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY

With Ross, clients are guaranteed a fully personalized design unique to their personality and home, while builders are more likely to offer packages that don’t offer as many customizations.

“With me, you don’t have layers and layers,” she says. “I am involved with every project, and I am constantly communicating

with my team to ensure nothing gets watered down, that what we decided together becomes real.”

In some cases, you may notice builder packages stamped with a seal of approval from a famous designer. Ross herself has been asked to team up with other companies to create similar packages, but she’s refused.

“I’ve been approached by several companies who wanted me to create packages using my name to say I’d collaborated with them, but I’ve said no, because I wouldn’t personally be working with any of the design projects that package would be used for. The package allows you to control the price, but it doesn’t allow you to get the look and feel that is personal to your project.”

DESIGNERS KEEP AHEAD OF THE TRENDS

When your project is completed with Karin Ross, you’ll be able to match the final product to the design you spent so much time planning for and envisioning. Plus, Ross prides herself on being known for setting the trends rather than simply following them.

“That means I will take everything into consideration that a client has brought to my attention,” she says. “It’s my job to pull elements from your ideas, and with my expertise create the dream space and design elements for the client.”

From your first meeting with Ross, she’ll work with you to understand your inspiration to make sure it’s part of the plan from the beginning. She’ll guide you in choosing the right colors, tiles, fixtures, finishes, and accent pieces to achieve a design that’s all about you.

“I dig deep to make sure your personality shines in the remodel,” Ross says. “I make sure that you love it, that it really gives you goosebumps in the morning when you go into your new kitchen or bathroom, that it’s what you dreamed of. That emotion is totally gone when you don’t work with an in-house designer.”

George Anthony Morton IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel

His portraits have been compared to Rembrandt’s and have been written up in e New York Times and earned him an invitation for a private up-close viewing of Rembrandt’s e Night Watchman at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. But classical painter and Kansas City native George Anthony Morton’s life could not have been more di erent than the 17th-century Dutch master.

Morton’s mother was 15 when he was born. In the mesmerizing documentary Master of Light, as Morton is painting his mother, she tells him, “You were very planned. I wanted somebody who would love me.” e lm, which debuted at SXSW in 2022 and can be streamed on HBO, traces the unlikely journey from juvenile detention to elite art circles.

Morton was the oldest of 11 siblings. His mother used and sold drugs, and the family moved so often they didn’t even have a neighborhood to call home. Morton was in and out of group homes and foster homes when his mother was incarcerated. He dropped out of school in 7th grade, and at 19 he was sentenced to 11 years in federal penitentiary, where he spent his time learning to paint in the style of the European masters, particularly his favorite, Rembrandt.

After his release, he was accepted into the Florence Academy of Art, where he became the rst Black graduate of the prestigious academy and won its competition for Best Figure Drawing in 2015 and Best Portrait Drawing in 2016. His art was exhibited in a group show, Marking Time, at Metropolitan Museum of Art PS1 in New York.

Morton lives with his daughter Nuri, 9, in Atlanta, where he has a studio, ateliersouth.com. His art can be seen at georgeamorton.com and @georgeanthonymorton on Instagram. He spoke by phone with IN Kansas City about his fractured yet tender relationship with his mother, his a nity for a 17th-century Dutch painter, and his spiritual connection to ancient Egypt.

When did you first see a Rembrandt painting?

When I was 15, I was in a juvenile facility in Kansas City. In the process of studying for my GED, I met a teacher who saw something in me because I would win art awards there, I would make all the monthly bulletin boards. She told me that when I got out she wanted to take me to the Nelson-Atkins. And she actually did it.

So, we go to the Nelson and I see this Rembrandt [Young Man in a Black Beret], and it stops me in my tracks. She tried to make me stop at a Renoir. She

wanted me to study French art. She had me looking at the Impressionists, but when I saw that Rembrandt portrait, it stuck with me. Then she would leave me, take me back to my environment that was pretty hopeless and that had a gravitational pull on me that was a lot stronger than the museum.

The film opens with a close-up of you cutting a powdery substance with a knife, then pushing it into a line. The viewer thinks drugs, but you are mixing oil paint. Is making the paint important to you or is it just a necessary step?

It’s not even necessary. Most of us get everything we want in our packages presented to us at art stores in tubes. But there was a time when Rembrandt had to make his own paint and prepare his own surfaces, and I was fortunate enough to receive that level of training and study Rembrandt’s processes. White lead paint represents everything we use to create light on a canvas. So, it’s important to me, because I like alchemy and having control over my creative process.

In one scene you say, “I want to be more light, less serious.” What does light mean to you as a state of mind?

It’s about being more light-hearted, but it also gets to the dualistic nature of our being. Even in the word “individual” is the word “dual.” So we put emphasis on the light. Most of us aren’t as complete as individuals as those who have experienced the shadowy parts.

In the film, we learn that for a long time you believed that your mother inadvertently got you arrested by bringing an informant around. Later some of your siblings told you she intentionally turned you in to get out of a charge she was facing. That’s the darkest thing I can imagine. How do you wrestle with that?

[Pause] The Biblical story of Joseph is how I see my mother, and it applies to Africa as well. When you look at the betrayal that happened historically, how Black people have been shipped all over the world, and if you ever go to Africa you see that it took other Africans to participate in that. It’s a sobering reality. You go to this utopia and see ground zero and how it happened, and these stories take on different a meaning, and you begin to try to see the beauty that can be in them. You begin to try to approach things without judgment.

In the film, you say your mom denies betraying you and you just want to believe her.

At the end of the day we’ve reconciled that. The conclusion we’ve come to, we’re happy with it. The broader point is that she freed me from an even bigger prison.

How so?

To go to the Federal Bureau of Prisons is my rite of passage as a young Black male growing up in America, in Kansas City, Missouri, to be exact. It was an escape from mental hopelessness and bondage in Kansas City, so that I see federal prison as an opportunity that was brilliantly disguised as a setback. And I see what she did for me as a favor and, like Joseph, I would be able to come back and save my siblings, my family and help everyone.

There’s something to be said about sublime qualities that can only be extracted out of us through difficulty. It seems that everything in life worth having has this price tag of difficulty attached to it.”

Why do you think you were able to find such deep compassion? She taught me everything. She taught me everything. And I value what seemed like dark experiences that came as a result of her traumas, her dark experiences. I appreciate the pressure that has made a diamond. I appreciate the beauty that can be found in struggle. There’s something to be said about sublime qualities that can only be extracted out of us through difficulty. It seems that everything in life worth having has this price tag of difficulty attached to it.

Oftentimes I meet people who haven’t been through much and therefore don’t know themselves well enough, don’t have much to say or much to offer. I just began to try to look for the good in what seemed like a bad situation, and maybe it was crazy, maybe it was delusional to think that I could somehow go to prison, whatever got me there, and maybe make a career as an artist. I dared to do the impossible, and all I used were the things my mom taught me and the things my grandma, who died from an overdose, taught me, the very things that I learned in places that people in my life today would never probably want to be.

Was there a person who helped you in your art studies in prison?

I knew right away what I was going to prison to master. While still in the holding facility I was already making pictures, and all the letters I was writing to people, I told them what I would do while I was away and that’s just what I did. So by the time I got to Leavenworth I had it all mapped out.

When you first get there, if you’re not like a child molester or you don’t have a bad history, people from where you’re from or people who do what you do will try to help you. Especially when you go in at 19 or 20 and the men you’re around have sons your age who they can’t see. It’s really tough on them, so I had a lot of dads in there, I’d say that. Dudes would fight over who got to mentor me, because I was hungry for knowledge and love.

So the first thing I did was go to what we call the hobby crafts room, and there were a few political prisoners who spent their time in there, and there was this one guy who looked like a Hispanic, and he was painting wildlife animals and people with feathers in their head, and I quickly realized he was Native American, and I was just asking him about how to get my stuff to start. He was the first person to give me some old brushes, a palette, and some paints and an old canvas, and then it prompted one of the Black guys, and then a white guy helped me. They were all political prisoner types and really good guys. I didn’t know who Leonard Pelletier was at the time, but I’ll never forget that he was the first guy that gave me those brushes. I would later come down to our unit and see him in the day room in his chair waiting to go paint—we didn’t watch a lot of TV, those of us that painted. But one night A&E

comes on and his case comes on the screen and he just gets up and walks away. He never talked about it.

What is your relationship to Kansas City now that you live in Atlanta?

My whole life, my roots, everything is Kansas City. That’s my America. That’s the story I want to tell. I’m proudly shifting out of studying and maybe even mimicking a European aesthetic and coming into my own American aesthetic. Kansas City is what feeds my crown.

The thing about Atlanta is it goes to America’s history. The farther south you go the more you’re dealing with the history of this country, which is for me an emotional source of creativity, around my own family’s migration in Kansas City.

I am proud of my hometown, but it’s a matter of going away so that I can come back and bring things back. I travel the world. I lead tours through the pyramids. I walk the cobblestones of Michelangelo and all the best Renaissance artists. I just took Nuri to North Africa for the winter solstice this past Christmas. She’s writing her book about these experiences. I’m currently sculpting the head of Osiris on the West Bank on a 25th Dynasty tomb, doing master copies on that level—things Rembrandt himself would give a limb to do.

Why do you lead annual tours to the pyramids?

My belief is that Egypt can only talk through the arts. It’s the source of the Renaissance. The North African Moors point you to Egypt. All the Golden Ages point you to Egypt. To understand it takes a right-brained person with an understanding of architecture and art, and that is what I studied.

My students in my atelier go with me. I share information about my trips every year in a private email blast to people who follow me and subscribe. I always go during the most auspicious times where it’s the most spiritual and not high tourist season. We get a boat. We sail the Nile. We get private exclusive access. They love me there because I bring groups.

And you get there, and you realize it’s not the terrorist threat that you thought if you’re watching CNN. You realize they’re still stumbling on new discoveries, because they have 7,000 years of recorded history and we have about 400. Art is magic, and this is the most magical place. This is where art began, and you see the original sacred use of it. We’ve gotten so far away from art as a sacred practice. So I go to these sacred places that still carry sacred energy, and I study there. It’s where da Vinci would have gone and studied, and there’s evidence that he did. All of this is encoded in Renaissance art. It’s encoded in Golden Age art. It all points you there if you know how to interpret it.

Do you ever step back and wonder how you got to this place where you get to sail down the Nile and get lifted up on a scaffolding to see The Night Watchman at the Rijksmuseum so close that you can sniff the paint?

It’s because my mother taught me how to fish in the dark. She is Isis. She is the real Isis. She is the real Hathor. She is the Great Mother. That symbol of fertility and fecundity. I go abroad and study nudes on the ceilings of the temples and see her. I see stars as her body outstretched and covering everything.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

George Anthony Morton in the documentary Master of Light.

Girlfriends’ Getaways

Lawrence, KS

Circle S Ranch and Country Inn, just 12 miles from downtown Lawrence, o ers the cowgirl life with horseback rides, hiking trails, and, depending on the season, cute longhorn calves. After a day in the saddle, book a massage or hot-stone treatment. Each of the 12 rooms has its own personality, from cowboy-inspired to a garden theme. After breakfast, claim a rocking chair on the porch to admire the quiet beauty of the Kansas plains. If downtown action is more your speed, Lawrence has two luxury hotels, the Oread and the Eldridge with its popular Jayhawker Bar.

A BIG BIRTHDAY. SORORITY SISTER ANNUAL GATHERING. MOTHER DAUGHTER TIME. POSTCOVID (OR POSTDIVORCE) CELEBRATION. WHATEVER THE REASON, A ROAD TRIP IS THE SOLUTION. WHETHER YOU’RE HANKERING FOR RUSTIC OR RITZY LODGING, LUXURY SPA TREATMENTS OR COMMUNING WITH NATURE, WE FOUND ADVENTURES NEARBY OR A FEW HOURS AWAY. ADD IN EXTRAORDINARY ART, SHOPPING, AND CULINARY PLEASURES, AND IT’S TIME TO HIT THE ROAD.

Mass Street has blocks of unique shops, including KB & Co o ering more than a dozen fashion boutiques. Phoenix Gallery displays works by 500 local and regional artists. Pop into Waxman Candles for sensory overload, or Raven Book Store for the latest mystery. Lawrence Antique Mall has three oors of vintage and antique treasures, while Essential Goods showcases the works of hundreds of area artists.

Lawrence’s impressive list of restaurants includes 715, an Italian bistro with a menu that changes daily. Don’t overlook the chorizo dates or rapture-inducing desserts. 715’s front patio caters to what it calls the cool kids while the enclosed back patio hosts special events like a disco party or crab boil. The Mad Greek has been serving Mediterranean favorites for lunch and dinner since the late 80s. Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar is where to order a tower of shell sh to feed the entire table. Don’t let the “dive” in Wine Dive + Café fool you; entrées include ahi tuna nachos and seared duck breast. Noodle shop Zen Zero serves cuisine from Nepal, Tibet, Japan, ailand, and Vietnam. Visit explorelawrence.com for additional places to stay, play, and dine.

WORDS BY Katie Van Luchene

Situated on more than 500 acres of lush working ranch farmland, the vistas and room views at the Circle S Ranch and Country Inn are breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to relax with your gal pals.

Weston, MO

This charming hamlet feels worlds away from the big-city bustle, yet its Main Street is filled with so many restaurants, art galleries, and specialty shops, you’ll need a weekend to experience it all. Luckily, Weston has several bed and breakfasts for an overnight stay.

When it’s time to shop, consider turquoise earrings or a blackand-white cowhide rug at Cactus Creek. Missouri Bluffs has cornered the market for boho chic, including the Magnolia Pearl line of pattern-drenched dresses and tops. Back Roads Art features metal sculpture, chainsaw carvings, and Indigenous art. Beverlin Statuary specializes in cast-stone garden décor, while Ten Thousand Villages offers eclectic décor. Create a gift basket at Weston Bend Candle to thank your neighbor for watching Fluffy while you’re away. Else-Wares opens the second weekend of each month with an array of antiques and vintage treasures. Stock your home bar with premium bourbons from Holladay Distillery (founded in 1856) at McCormick on Main or take a short drive to tour the distillery.

Make a meal of baked brie and mussels in wine sauce at Avalon Café; the extensive menu may encourage a return for dinner or brunch. The Tin Kitchen serves pecan wood-smoked barbecue while American Bowman is the place for Irish food, including bangers and mash and Scottish eggs; after dinner sing along to Irish tunes at O’Malley’s Pub downstairs.

Fans of Green Dirt Farm will want to visit its café for charcuterie boards, local wines, and a life-changing tomato soup. Return to load your cooler with GDF cheeses before heading home. And the chef Nick

Matinkovic is making a name for himself at Noah’s Cupboard, an intimate eatery with locally sourced dishes like pork belly, pierogies, and foie gras. There’s no bar, so start with cocktails at sexy little Royal Deluxe across the street in the Saint George Hotel.

Many of Weston’s bed and breakfasts are within a short walk or drive from downtown (see a detailed list at westonmo.com). Verandas, antiques, hot tubs, lavish gardens, and cozy fire pits are just a few of the amenities, while innkeepers are eager to recommend must-see favorites. For those preferring Main Street lodging, the historic Saint George Hotel offers 26 rooms.

Cottonwood Falls, KS

The Flint Hills have captivated travelers since wagons crossed these undulating grasses while heading west. Start your own journey with a stay at Cottonwood Falls where songbirds replace your alarm clock at Clover Cliff Ranch. There are several delightful Lark Inn guest houses of various sizes scattered around the downtown area; the Stone Lodge sleeps up to 12, for instance. For the true outdoor experience, check out glamping at Dry Creek Post.

Grand Central Hotel and Grill, established in 1884, offers ten spacious rooms, each “branded” by a local rancher’s name. The restaurant proudly serves steaks from nearby Creekstone Ranch for lunch and dinner.

Meet locals, grab a beer, and listen to live music at the Doghouse Saloon HeBrews Coffeehouse serves up fresh java and baked goods. Downtown is also home to Prairie Wheel Pottery and Flint Hills Gallery. View antiques and works by local and regional artists at Prairie PastTimes, then mosey outdoors for the Emma Chase Friday Night Music ranging from gospel to vintage rock and roll.

Bring sunscreen for a day of hiking in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or PrairieArt Path in nearby Matfield Green where you can book an overnight stay. Practice your photography skills at the Cottonwood River Bridge and Waterfall; pack a picnic lunch to

Pierogies are a menu staple at Noah’s Cupboard, a 14-seat restaurant in downtown Weston.

Book a stay at the historic 1883 bed and breakfast Clover Cliff Ranch and you’ll truly home where the buffaloes roam.

make a day of it. Make time for a trip to Volland in historic Wabaunsee County to check out the award-winning renovation of The Volland Store, a former general store turned art gallery, event space, and community center. thevollandstore.com

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

With its midcentury vibe (paging Dean Martin!), the 350-acre Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort (4seasonsresort.com) is worthy of a weekend to enjoy all the amenities. Check parasailing off your bucket list as you scan the lake from 600 feet in the air or opt for a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht, cocktail in hand.

But it’s the award-winning Spa Shiki (spashiki.com) that makes the Lodge an ideal girlfriends’ escape. The Far Eastern philosophy starts with its Japanese garden and continues with spa services to balance your chi. A coffee-essence massage will invigorate your skin and a pedicure will have you ready for sandal weather. Meanwhile a reflexology session and time in the far-infrared sauna will leave you relaxed.

The Lanai guest rooms are just steps away from the spa; an afternoon nap might be in order before convening for cocktails at the Fire and Ice Bar or Rooftop Bar with light fare, including California rolls. HK’s Restaurant and Bar offers steaks or soy ginger-glazed salmon while Baxter’s Lakeside Grill combines stunning water views with menu items like sushi-grade sea scallops.

Bentonville, AR

When Crystal Bridges Museum opened in Bentonville, it transformed this Northwest Arkansas village into a major art destination. Yet it hasn’t lost its small-town feeling thanks to an old-fashioned square surrounded by gardens, unique shops, and Instagram-ready murals. Several restaurants offer outdoor seating to catch live music during summer months.

Art and nature converge at the museum ( crystalbridges.org); walking trails are dotted with installations by Chihuly, the famous LOVE sculpture, and a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Check the calendar for outdoor events like the Listening Forest, a night-time experience where your movements direct the woodland’s response. Inside the museum, view Diego Rivera’s America through July 31; other galleries are filled with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Culinary art is on display at Eleven during lunch and happy hour. Evenings at Eleven is a five-course dinner, and WOW (Wednesdays over Water) are monthly themed gourmet affairs.

The Momentary is like Crystal Bridges’ younger, hipper cousin. This contemporary art museum and outdoor music venue is home to The Tower Bar, a local hangout.

Keep the art experience going at 21c Museum Hotel where exhibits surround you (along with the famous green penguins). The hotel’s Hive restaurant is a place to share pimento cheese and a cocktail or end the evening with a nightcap; the lounge is open until midnight. Other lodging includes Airbnbs and a variety of upscale rentals through cohobnb.com, where you can book a townhouse for nine guests in the Market District or a downtown brownstone that sleeps 12.

Bentonville has become a food lover’s dream. One standout is The Preacher’s Son in a renovated church. Begin with cocktails at Undercroft Bar, a seductive lounge that features live music several times a week hidden behind a door marked “coatroom.” After dinner upstairs, head to the rooftop bar for last call. Consider the slow-roasted brisket enchiladas or a healthy veggie bowl at Table Mesa Bistro and Bakery; margaritas are available by the glass or pitcher. Tusk and Trotter is open for lunch through dinner; try the Truffle Shuffle, flatbread topped with sausage, bacon, and truffle oil. Share antipasto at Tavola, an Italian trattoria, before tucking into an order of lobster risotto.

Grab the best seat in the house at The Tower Bar at the top of The Momentary museum.

Unwind, relax, and enjoy a world-class spa experience at the Japanese-themed Spa Shiki, at The Lodge of Four Seasons.

Excelsior Springs, MO

Healing waters made Excelsior Springs (visitexcelsior. com) famous more than a century ago and it’s still known for its liquid attributes—as in spas, a lakeside inn, and nearby wineries. The Elms Hotel and Spa, with sumptuous suites, is set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens with a gazebo, pool, 20-person hot tub, and fire pit. The spa features a grotto where chums can reserve a private lounge while taking turns getting massages and pedicures. Treatments include cupping, Reiki, herbal compresses, an infrared sauna, and the Sleep Well massage that includes a CBD gummy.

That last one might help if you’re afraid of ghosts; it’s said the hotel is haunted. Take the fascinating paranormal tour if you dare. Dining options include the café, the Tavern lounge, and Three Owls, a modern steakhouse.

The fact that Inn on Crescent Lake is adults-only is just one reason your pals may favor this destination. The 1915 Georgian Colonial mansion offers ten sophisticated guest rooms, a pool, walking trails, and lake complete with paddle boards. Add in-room spa treatments to your itinerary because yes please. Downtown lodging includes the Sunny Side Cottage overlooking all the action, or The Loft with five bedrooms and two baths above a housewares boutique.

Nearby restaurants include The Wabash BBQ with award-winning ribs. Next door, Ice House Blues Garden has live music during nice weather. Ray’s Diner, a local favorite for burgers and chili since 1932, is easy to spot with its red-and-white awning. Ventana Gourmet Grill is known for steaks, pastas, and an extensive wine list for lunch and dinner.

Dubious Claims Brewing Company serves beer, pizza, and lasagna with a side of live music. Willow Street Mercantile has a wall of local wines, beers, and spirits along with gourmet food and gifts. Grab a light lunch at its bistro or make this the first stop for the Wine and Dine Trolley Tours that visit area wineries including Fence Stile Vineyards and Van Till Family Farm Winery, where you can watch your pizza being pulled from the wood-burning oven on the patio.

Big Cedar Lodge, MO

Yes, this Ozarks resort (bigcedar.com) is a magnet for families, but several new activities also make it a cool scene for female friends. There are yoga lessons, nature walks, and spa services galore. Tap into your creative spirit by making your own charcuterie board or candy bars (while sipping on mimosas), participating in a bakery contest, or trying your hand at painting or mixology. Challenge your pals to a round of miniature golf; the loser buys the first round at Buzzard Bar

Choose from guest rooms and suites in the two main lodges or a rustic cabin with kitchenette nestled in the woods that sleeps between two and

Relax poolside at The Elms Hotel and Spa.

ten. Lakeside cottages o er two to four bedrooms. Wherever you stay, a free shuttle will transport you throughout the resort.

Dining options include a sunset cruise or brunch aboard the Lady Liberty; a gourmet repast at the Wornall House Bistro and Raw Bar; casual fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Devil’s Pool Restaurant; or savoring a Kansas City strip at Buzzard Bar while listening to the Singing Cowboy. For dessert, make s’mores at the bon re. Early risers can get their co ee x and breakfast burrito at Truman Café and Custard

Top of the Rock o ers majestic views of Table Rock Lake. Stoke your appetite with a 2.5-mile trek along the Lost Cave and Nature Trail. Watch the sunset while sharing an order of spinach dip at Bu alo Bar; if tacos al pastor and margaritas are more your game, head to Arnie’s Barn. Or reserve a table at the upscale Osage Restaurant where you might ponder whether to order your lobster pit-grilled or stu ed in ravioli with a tru e cream sauce.

Keep the Ozarks vibe going at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, just 20 miles from the Lodge. See elk and bison on a tram tour or enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding through this 10,000-acre paradise. Canyon Grill Restaurant will satisfy your hunger pangs with spicy risotto fritters or a smashed burger. Be sure to ask about upcoming Wine and Dine 5-course dinners for your next girlfriends’ great escape. Because admit it; you’re already planning one.

Sharing a room or an entire house with your friends means hanging out in something more special than a T-shirt and yoga pants. We found fabulous loungewear (various colors and prices) at Terrasi Living and Scandia Home on the Plaza, including silky, animal-print pajamas. e top can double as a shirt for a night out. While you’re there, pick up a silk eye mask ($28), terry cloth spa thongs ($38) with non-slip bottoms, and a Salute by Sempre Beve two-oz. candle in a travel tin ($10). e Americano combo of pepper oil, exotic grasses, and bergamot will add a sophisticated scent to any room. terrasi.com

Joni Johnson, proprietor at Clairvaux (rhymes with “let’s go”), has so many summer travel-worthy fashions and accessories you can bring an empty suitcase and leave with everything you need. Start with a sun-shading fedora. The Eleanor, by Janessa Leone, which has a slightly downturned wide brim for added protection and the structured shape is flattering to every face ($370).

Dare to go bare in a Mara Ho man bikini top ($160) and low-rise bottom ($155) in a bright, tropical print. For a more modest style, the designer o ers a one-piece with a square neckline and straps that cross in the back in a gorgeous orchid color ($290). shopclairvaux.com

A one-of-a-kind kimono from J. Mullin Apparel can serve so many purposes: as a poolside or spa day cover up and a topper over palazzo pants or jeans. Designer Joanne Mullin combines vintage kimono fabrics with contemporary prints, each with its own personality and name. In robe or jacket length, the flowy shapes flatter every figure. Prices range from $150 to around $600. jmullin.com

Optical Innovations eyeglass shop in Brookside has been fitting some of Kansas City’s most stylish faces for years. A vacation is the perfect excuse for a new pair of sunglasses and with over 2,000 styles in stock, you’ll find the ideal shape, color, and vibe. Go for bold with a Matsuda black-and-tortoise shape or an Alain Mikli red, sculptural shape worthy of Jane Jetson. opticalinnovationskc.com

A GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY CALLS FOR A FEW NEW ITEMS FOR LOUNGING POOLSIDE, GOING OUT TO DINNER, AND SIGHTSEEING. LUCKY FOR YOU, SHOPS AROUND KANSAS CITY WILL HAVE YOU PACKED AND ON THE ROAD IN NO TIME.

words by Jenny Vergara

KANSAS CITYCooks!

THERE’S A VERITABLE PLETHORA OF COOKING CLASSES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE METRO WHERE YOU CAN UP YOUR COOKING GAME

Tobecome better at almost anything, you must continue to learn and practice. The same applies to learning how to cook.

Yet cooking for many is a skill that, once we learn the basics, we tend to stop adding to our knowledge. We don’t think we need to take our skills any further or push outside of our culinary comfort zone. Why would we choose to limit ourselves that way?

Listen, I get it. Ten thousand hours of feeding yourself and your family three meals a day through a pandemic will certainly build up your meal planning skills, but will it feed your culinary soul? Light your creative cooking spark? Will it open a new part of your brain or help you to think about food and the act of feeding people differently? Probably not. For that, you’ll need to seek out a little inspirational expertise.

Learning to cook uses skills that come in handy in everyday life. There is math in the measurements, science in the technique, technology in the tools, reading and comprehension in the instructions, and art in the presentation. Then, there is the emotional high you get from knowing that something you made with your hands is being enjoyed by friends, family, or even strangers, if you cook professionally. It is an incredibly powerful feeling.

Celebrated television chef and avid home cook Julia Child once said, “The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”

With that one quote, I think Julia was trying to impress upon us the importance of discovering new dishes in order to stay inspired to cook at home. No matter how much you think you know about cooking, there are always techniques you can learn to do better, faster, and easier in the kitchen, and on a busy Tuesday night with a family to feed, who doesn’t want those tools in their toolbox?

Look at any study that was done about the cooking and eating habits of Americans during the pandemic and they all say that when we were forced to cook and eat at home, many enjoyed eating healthier, saving money, and bonding with family around the dining room table. In fact, Americans liked it so much that many responded that they would continue to cook more at home even after the stay-at-home orders eased, and so far, that is exactly what has happened. The pandemic forced many of us to become better cooks whether we wanted to or not.

Because not everyone loves to cook, do they? For those who love it, cooking is a creative outlet, a way to relax and recharge after a long day of work. For others, cooking is just one more task standing between them and the moment their “me time” begins.

Anthony Bourdain felt like learning to cook should be considered a basic life skill, and everyone should at least try to master some simple dishes to feed friends, a lover, or family in a pinch. Every time I hear someone say they don’t cook, I wonder whose responsibility it is to feed them, as they clearly must eat.

Whether you love it or hate it or are a novice or an expert, maybe it’s time we all get out of our own kitchens and go looking for a little inspiration. Why not take a class that explores a new cuisine or a new way of eating? Maybe you’d like to try your hand at Chinese cuisine or gluten-free baking or eating vegan, or perhaps you want to acquire a new culinary skill such as learning to make Kansas City barbecue or use a sous vide machine. Lucky for us there are plenty of places across Kansas City that can help you learn more about just about anything you are curious about cooking.

Culinary classes will not only teach you new techniques you can use at home to “wow” your family and friends, but they are also a great way to meet other food-loving friends. Looking for a fun group activity

that everyone can participate in? Try a group cooking class to celebrate a birthday, a friendship, an anniversary, or even as a team-building exercise for the office. It’s great for bonding, and you usually get to share a meal or take home what you made after the class is over.

Scroll through this list to get you started, then do yourself a favor and grab a friend and take a culinary class that will stretch your skills and spark your imagination.

LENEXA PUBLIC MARKET

When the Lenexa Public Market opened their doors with a beautiful demonstration kitchen upstairs, their intent was to use it to host a series of culinary pop-up events and community cooking classes. Check their online events calendar each month to find a class you’d love to take. Taught by a local chef or food expert, past classes have included Pakistani cuisine, how to eat a plant-based diet, and how to make your own jam. Prices may vary, and classes can either be watch-and-learn or hands-on. lenexapublicmarket.com

THE CULINARY CENTER OF KANSAS CITY

Each year, Laura Laiben offers more than 600 contemporary cooking classes and demonstrations covering a wide range of topics and taught by qualified, experienced instructors at her culinary school and retail shop located in downtown Overland Park. From barbecue to booze to baking, they have the class for you. Whether you want to sit back and watch or get hands-on, you’ll find something that piques your interest. Most classes cost between $75 and $95 dollars per person depending on your skill level and type of class. kcculinary.com

ZERO ZERO PASTA

Founder and owner of Zero Zero Pasta, Mitch Fagan, and his partner, Leah Steinberg, had a clear vision for what they wanted their fresh- and filled-pasta shop on the Westside to be, and it always included plans to host pasta-making classes after hours. Zero Zero Pasta’s class size is limited to five participants per class, and with that kind of one-on-one

instruction, they can charge $75 per person, and you get to take the pasta you made in class home. Classes are usually hosted Tuesdays and Sunday evenings. zerozeropastakc.com

JYOTI’S INDIAN KITCHEN

Jyoti Mukharji hosted her first cooking class in 2010, and 13 years later, she estimates that she has taught more than 3,000 people how to cook Indian food, ten to 15 people at a time, from her home kitchen in Prairie Village. This former physician and self-taught home cook prepares family recipes, hosting one three-hour cooking class each week, promoting different four-to-six course menus that are emailed to customers and usually sell out. Cost is $75 per person and includes a full meal of the menu you learned in class. BYOB if you would like to pair your meal with wine or beer. Email her at jmukharji@gmail.com to be added to her email list to start cooking.

LAUREN LANE CULINARIAN

Lauren Lane turned her passion for Italian cooking into a full-time gig as Kansas City’s own culinarian. As a culinary-brand influencer,

she shows her followers on social media easy seasonal dishes they can make at home. But from the center island of her gorgeous home kitchen in Shawnee, Kansas, she hosts three-hour-long, Italian-inspired cooking classes that she can customize for your group for $120 per person. You may come into her home as a stranger, but you won’t leave as one. lauren-lane.com

THE OLIVE TREE

The Olive Tree is a great place to shop for quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but over the last 12 years, owner Mindy Riley has evolved it into a one-stop culinary shop. She also hosts a wide variety of cooking classes for the beginner cook and beyond. With four to six cooking classes per month, The Olive Tree features well-known local chefs and up-and-coming amateur cooks. Recent cooking classes included favorite Vietnamese dishes from Saigon 39, gluten-free fried chicken, and grandmother’s challah and babka. Classes cost between $39 to $65 per person, and each includes an opportunity to taste what is made. olivetreekc.com

A THYME FOR EVERYTHING

A 17-year fixture in downtown Lee’s Summit, A Thyme for Everything is a food-lover’s favorite with an impressive selection of gourmet food, kitchen, and entertaining products, and a calendar full of cooking classes all taught by professional chefs or cooking instructors. Hosted in the demo kitchen in the back room of the retail store, classes are $75 per person and are typically hosted weekly with everyone enjoying a full

meal at the end of the class. Classes are BYOB with wine glasses and openers provided along with water to drink. Learn to make Middle Eastern cuisine, sushi rolls, Italian specialties, or barbecue at A Thyme for Everything. athymeforeverything.com

THE FLAVOR LAB AT FLAVOR

Owner Amy Keith was inspired by her own love of cooking and food to open Flavor, a spice shop, specialty food market, and deli located in Lee’s Summit. Her mission is to bring more flavor to your food. Inside her retail shop is a beautiful gourmet kitchen known as The Flavor Lab, where home cooks and chefs alike teach classes and host tasting events. Classes range between $45 and $75 per person and cover topics such as cocktail and dessert pairings, dinners on the grill, and using oil and vinegar to make dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades. wemakelifetastebetter.com

BILLIE’S GROCERY

When Robin Krause designed Billie’s Grocery, she made sure that in addition to her sunny restaurant and bakery counter, she had room for a separate kitchen with experts ready to teach an impressive selection of both hands-on and demonstration-style classes. Many of the classes have an international flair, cost $95 per person, and includes a family-style meal with your classmates. Upcoming classes include topics such as mussels and more, flavors of India, a taste of Asia, dumplings galore, global stuffed pastries, and gluten-free crepes. billiesgrocery.com

words by Judith Fertig

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

A CLASSIC PLAZAAREA HOME WAKES UP TO A NEW DAY FOR A NEW FAMILY

Sleeping BEAUTY Sleep

After looking and looking for a home their new family could all share, “As soon as I walked in the door, I knew this is it,” says Katie Lumma. In 2019, she married Dan Lumma, a senior vice president with Kiewit Corporation. e two have a blended family of six children, ranging in age from 13 to 24. No wonder Katie’s role as household manager is now her primary one.

When they rst married, they had lived in Dan’s home in the Brookside area

a

with

Left: In the living room, the contemporary wool/ viscose rug from Jaipur Living is bordered by the Highland House cotton velvet sofa and two Chaddock armchairs upholstered in a Schumacher fabric. Above: Tucked into a corner of the living room is a chic blacklacquered bar accented with brass details.

Top: Lindstrom says of the Thomas O’Brien-designed Visual Comfort light fixture, “It’s so cool for a man’s office because it has such a modern, eclectic feel in an otherwise traditional space.”

Left: The black-andwhite marble tile in the foyer was original to the home.

Above: Maureen Lindstrom of ML Designs. Opposite page: Fabricut curtains detailed in a Clarence House trim frame the wall of windows in the hearth room.

midcentury-modern-meets-rustic vibe, but the couple wanted a house together that would not only blend their families but also their tastes.

Says Katie, “I love blue and white, a more traditional style, light and airy.”

Counters Dan, “I prefer contemporary design, maybe a moodier palette.”

What was a couple to do?

“The smartest thing we did was involve Maureen Lindstrom of ML Designs right from the beginning,” says Dan. “That has made all the difference. She helped us through the whole process of making the house suit us.”

“The bones of the house were gorgeous,” recalls Lindstrom. “It just needed to feel like them. We painted every surface, replaced tile and every light fixture. Because the rooms were so generous, and light flows through the house so well, every room could be its own individual style.”

That pleased both color-loving, traditional Katie, and Dan, who appreciates contemporary lighting and rooms that have a purpose.

Even traditional elements, such as wallpaper and draperies, go soft and airy or up-tempo. Draperies get unusual trims, wallpapers dance in classic patterns made modern. The home’s elevator is a case in point—Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy on the wood and an eye-popping Schumacher wallpaper.

“The design is in the details,” says Lindstrom. Three important keys to freshening up an older home are having a cohesive lighting plan, choosing modern hardware, and using patterns with movement and verve, she says. “We wanted to energize the home but keep as many of the elements that had always been there, such as flooring and woodwork, kitchen cabinetry, and the staircase.”

The living room, dramatic in black grasscloth and punctuated with eye-catching golden brass sconces and a chandelier, has a clubby vibe

with the addition of a glossy, black-painted bar that features a dramatic soapstone backsplash, perfect for mixing up Dan’s favorite Pendergast cocktail. “It’s stunning,” he says. “I wasn’t sure about the green lizard snakeskin pattern at first,” he admits, “but it’s great. And it’s a luxury to have a dedicated space where you can just unwind.”

His nearby office in Hale Navy features soft leather chairs the color of a fine cognac.

Katie’s favorite area is the blue-and-white kitchen and breakfast area. The original cabinets were painted white, the tile replaced—square around the stove and lozenges as a backsplash in the breakfast area. A generous island is surrounded by comfortable, upholstered seating in blue-and-

white geometric patterns. “I love to cook and have the kids sit around the island,” she says. “I love this big open space where we can all be together.”

The hearth room is another space where they can all be together on its generously sized sectional sofa.

Across the hall, the dining room is a contrast in a softer, airy taupe and gray floral with a traditional round table and curved, caned chairs the Lindstrom team found at market. “We knew at once they were perfect for Dan and Katie,” says Lindstrom. The teardrop crystal chandelier adds sparkle in the evenings, reflecting on the golden brass trim around the table.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom and bath is a study in sophis -

Above: Brass details shine throughout the dining room—on the table trim, chair legs, and the Uttermost mirror. A pale taupe and gray floral Thibaut wallcovering plays up the soft colors dominating the space. Opposite page, clockwise from top: Kitchen windows are topped with custom valances of GP&J Baker fabric from KDR Showrooms. In the breakfast room, the cerused oak dining table is surrounded by Chinese Chippendale chairs from Bungalow 5 and a pair of Chaddock upholstered chairs. Behind the Viking range, the backsplash is clad in Jeffrey Court mosiac marble tiles.

Above: A Julie Neill-designed chandelier comprised of plaster teardrops hangs over the Vanguard tufted-tweed upholstered bed in the primary bedroom. Opposite page, top: In the primary bath, the Thibaut vinyl grasscloth wallcovering is moisture-proof; the Miles Talbott ottoman is upholstered in a Fabricut blue cotton velvet. Opposite page, bottom: Jewelry-like details sparkle in the powder room, including the Kate Spade cut-crystal sconces and the moonstone and brass hardware from Modern Matter. Wallpaper is from Clarence House.

ticated comfort—soft blues, marble, and quiet pattern, as suits the adults in charge of a large brood. A large, tufted blue ottoman near the sculptural soaking tub allows a bit of practical softness in a room full of hard surfaces, says Lindstrom. “When the light comes in the windows, it makes everything sparkle,” she says.

Like all talented designers, Lindstrom and her team pushed the couple out of their comfort zone in the nicest possible way. Not just a little. A lot. “We were pushed in every room,” Dan says with a laugh. “I wasn’t sure about that zebra wallpaper in the small bathroom, but it all works.”

“We were so lucky to work with Dan and Katie, who have such great style and let us run with the project,” says Lindstrom.

“We were really trusting,” agrees Dan. “ e end product is so much better than we could ever have imagined.”

THE IT LIST

Interior Design ML Designs mldesignskc.com

Builder Hurst Construction, Inc. hurst.build.com

Lighting Relative Lighting relativelighting.com

Paint

Super Sweet Painting supersweetpainting.com

The elevator is a room of its own, with the bold Schumacher Chiang Mai wallcovering picking up the hue of the Benjamin Moore Hale Navy trim.

Celebrate Mom

12 AMAZING MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS YOU CAN GET AT TOWN CENTER PLAZA AND TOWN CENTER CROSSING

TOWN CENTER PLAZA

Aerie

AKT

Allen Edmonds

Altar’d State

Amazing Lash Studio

American Eagle Outfitters

Anthony Vince Nail Spa

Anthropologie

Arhaus

Athleta

Banana Republic

Barnes & Noble

Bath & Body Works

Blade & Timber

Blue Chip Cookies

Brighton Collectibles

Bristol Seafood Grill

Brooks Brothers

Brow Studio

Buckle

Chicos

Claire’s

CycleBar

DevAAudio

Dry Goods Express

Francesca’s Collections

Gap

Gap Body

Gap Kids/Baby

GNC

Hudson/Hawk Barber & Shop

J.Jill

Janie & Jack

Kansas City Aerial Arts

Kawai Piano Gallery

LaserAway

LOFT

Macy’s

Madewell

Natalie M. Studio

OFFLINE by Aerie

Panera

Pinot’s Palette

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness

Rally House/Kansas Sampler

Restoration Hardware

Revocup Coffee

Ruby Jean’s Juicery

Salon Ami Aveda

Sandbox VR

Scout & Molly’s Boutique

Sephora

May 12 is Mother’s Day and we’ve found fantastic gift ideas to make the mother-figure in your life feel extra special.

Sola Salon

Soma

SoReal Energy & Nutrition

Designed

by Francesca Kaye exclusively for Anthropologie, this stunning vase would make a sweet gift for mom. The glazed stoneware design offers individual spots for stems to peek out of—fill it with carefully-chosen flowers from your garden or the local farmers market for an extra touch. $118

Polished and perfect for everyday wear, this Evereve button-down is designed with a slightly oversized fit. Available in three colors, $88.

Mom can hold it all in style with the Inez knotted lavendar faux leather bag available in four additional colors, $98, from Anthropologie

Satisfy mom’s sweet tooth with gourmet cookies from Blue Chip Cookies. Cookie cakes and cookie gift boxes are available.

The elegant, western style Ponderosa Hat from Sundance is crafted to last a lifetime and graced with a slender, leather band and single, striped feather. $324

The Nest Perfume Oils Discovery Set includes five oils each with a single note ingredient harvested from a special region around the globe and blended with nourishing baobab oil. Available at Bluemercury, $48.

The Cait Stone Earrings from Evereve are the perfect finishing touch, $58.

The Cuisinart Soft Serve

Ice Cream & Slushy Maker turns any kitchen into a soft-serve dessert stop. There’s the option to make soft ice cream, frozen yogurt, smooth sorbet, or a slushy drink. Three compartments hold condiments that dispense with the simple pull of the handle, also included is a warming cup for heating up sauces and syrups to drizzle over the frozen treat as it’s dispensed into a cup or cone. $179.95 from Williams Somoma

.

The best-selling Annie cowgirl boot from is adorned with a beautiful stitched pattern in gradient tonal thread. Made from soft bovine or water-resistant suede from top to bottom, it’s availble in six

colors, $295.

The Flow Freely Yoga Bag from Athleta switches from tote to backpack so mom can maintain her flow. Ergonomic straps make porting all her favorite props comfortable. Available in black or mauve, $109.

Sundance

Sunglass Hut

Sushi House

TAO Reflexology

Tempur-Pedic

The Art of Sports

Vera Bradley

White House | Black Market

Whole Harvest (Coming Soon)

Williams-Sonoma

X-Golf

Yankee Candle Co.

TOWN CENTER CROSSING

Apple

Blue Mercury

Body Lab

Café Europa (Coming Soon)

Cold Stone Creamery

Crate & Barrel

Evereve

Fabletics

Kendra Scott

L.L. Bean

Lovesac

Lululemon

North Italia

Paper Source

Purple

Roasterie Café

Salonone19 & Spa

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Tecovas

Mom can take a little Disney fun with her everywhere she goes with the Vera Bradley soft-sided Disney Cooler Backpack which can carry cold drinks and snacks with ease. $100

The Rockhill Grille

The Shade Store

Trader Joe’s

Treats Unleashed

Tuft & Needle

Vineyard Vines

Warby Parker Woodhouse Day Spa

Could mom use a new band for her Apple watch? Gift her the Braided Solo Loop band available in five colors, $99. Or splurge and get her an Apple watch starting at $249.

Tecovas

In the Kitchen TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

BY Cody Hogan PHOTOS BY Aaron Leimkuehler

As a professional chef, I am always on the lookout for ideas for new dishes. For me, travel—be it a twoday road trip or grand tour of another country—is sure to re the imagination. A recent but brief excursion to Emilia-Romagna (home of balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and prosciutto di Parma), provided just the inspiration I needed— fruit-infused white balsamic vinegar, perfect for cocktails, savory accompaniments, and best of all, dessert.

Over the past ve decades, balsamic vinegar has gone from basically unknown status (outside of its home in Emiglia-Romagna in Italy) to an almost ubiquitous presence available at every American grocery store (though most versions are of questionable to poor quality). e process for making true balsamic vinegar is complex, tightly regulated, and time consuming.

of its home in Emiglia-Romagna in Itaavailable at every American grocery an astoundingly com-

cotta, the “cooked cream” eggless custard that is a wonderful conclusion to a meal, as well as an excellent vehicle for fruits, preserves, and sauces of all kinds (see In the Pantry for preserved inspiration). Both recipes can stand alone, and should provide inspiration for myriad variations.

Panna Cotta with Raspberry-Infused White Balsamic Syrup

Panna cotta is a wonderful dessert for entertaining at home. It can (and should) be made at least the day before you wish to serve it (and can be made up to four days before serving without su ering in freshness) which helps reduce stress the day of entertaining. e following proportions make six responsible servings.

reduce

e resulting product is black and viscous, with an astoundingly complex depth of avor— and a staggering price tag. White balsamic vinegar is a relative newcomer to the sweet-and-sour scene. It is made by boiling and reducing trebbiano grape juice (one of the key grapes for making traditional balsamic) and combining it with wine vinegar. It is pale yellow in color (almost clear), extremely oral and fruity (almost cloyingly so if abused), inexpensive, and bracingly acidic. My visit to the Giuseppe Giusti balsamic production facility where they have been producing their famous black liquid gold for over 400 years showed me that even when steeped in tradition, there is always room for innovation. ey have been experimenting with infusing various balsamic vinegars with fruit to great success. Since they are not yet available in our area, I decided I would make my own version, which I share with you here. I am also including a recipe for a basic panna

balsamic vinegrape juice (one of the key wine vinegar. It is pale yellow in they have been producing their famous black liquid gold for over

gredients. Next, gently heat to out of the bean into the strips of

or other spices perhaps, orange should like

Begin by mixing 3 teaspoons of powdered gelatin (about a packet and a half if you buy it that way) into ¼ cup cool water, mashing with the back of a spoon to eliminate any lumps if they form. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes while you proceed with the other ingredients. Next, gently heat 3 cups half-and-half (you don’t want it to boil) with ⅓ cup sugar, ¼ of a vanilla bean (seeds scraped out of the bean into the liquid to facilitate infusing), a pinch of salt, and a few lemon peel/zest (Note: the avorings can be varied in countless ways—herbs or other spices perhaps, orange instead of lemon, co ee beans, a few drops of almond extract instead of vanilla, you get the idea.) e mixture should infuse for about 30 minutes, so you need to reduce the heat to your lowest setting or turn it o completely if your stove is lacking in subtlety. Meanwhile, I like to serve panna cotta molded in individual ramekins, but tea or co ee cups could work just as well. Whatever your vessels, lightly brush them with a neutral avored vegetable oil (almond oil is brilliant for this) to facilitate unmolding.

If oiling the molds only took you about 2 minutes, you might want

powdered gelatin cup

to skip ahead to infusing the vinegar to save time. If you move with the speed of a sloth or fell into the Instagram time trap, then proceed. Taste the milk mixture (which should still be warm—if not, apply a little heat), and if the avors have developed to your liking, stir in the bloomed gelatin, stirring to dissolve the gelatin completely. Strain mixture into a large spouted measuring cup to remove the vanilla bean pod, zest, and any undissolved bits of gelatin, and to help with pouring. Pour the mixture into the ramekins or cups and place them in the fridge for at least 5 hours, preferable overnight.

Now for the infused vinegar, I speci ed white balsamic here. If it is di cult to nd or you have absolutely no desire to leave the house, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar could be used, although the outcome will be slightly di erent—but still delicious. For a full- avored reduction with the fruity characteristics of the trebbiano grape, bring 4 cups of white balsamic vinegar to a boil and reduce it to about one-and-a-half cups (you might want to do this with open windows). Add ⅓ cup sugar and a big handful of raspberries to the vinegar, stir, smash, and continue reducing until the volume is just a little more than a cup. (Note: if you are thrifty, like a chef in a restaurant, you might just save all of your raspberry scraps—like the seeds and skins strained out of making a raspberry sorbet or puree—in the freezer for just such an occasion and use those to infuse vinegar, so nothing goes to waste. Berries are expensive.) Remove the reduction from the stove and immediately strain the liquid, pressing on the berry mash to get every last bit of the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool. It will store inde nitely in the fridge and can be used for adding a secret dash of avor to cocktails or other desserts. Other berries or fruits could be substituted at your discretion.

To serve the panna cotta, run a knife around the edge of the mold, place a plate upside down on top of the panna cotta and invert, giving a good shake so that you hear/feel the panna cotta release. Proceed with each of the custards. Drizzle a few teaspoons of the syrup over each, and garnish with a few fresh berries (alternately, allow the fresh berries to macerate in the syrup for a few hours before serving to further intensify the avors).

UNUSUAL PRESERVES

A TRADITIONAL grand Turkish breakfast can be astonishing for the uninitiated. Composed of numerous freshly prepared breads, egg dishes, cured meats, cheeses, sweet and savory spreads, the entire table, crowded from edge to edge, can contain 20 or more di erent elements. One of those elements is a large selection of sweet preserves, beautiful to behold and stunning in variety. Look for the following (and many others!) at Shahrazad International Market at 127th and Metcalf or other stores specializing in Middle Eastern goods.

Young Walnut

Although slightly intimidating upon first viewing, this deep green, almost black preserve consists of immature whole walnuts (still in their edible shell!) suspended in syrup. The walnuts are frequently served cut in half as part of a dessert tray with other little bites. Their syrup has a rich maple-and-date flavor that would be delicious drizzled on pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Young walnuts would also be a wonderful foil for pungent cheeses or roast game. Likewise, the syrup makes an excellent glaze for meats, or swirled into butter, yogurt, or mascarpone for a decadent slice of toast (or pound cake). The notes of caramel and vanilla play well with many foods, and would make a welcome decoration for pumpkin pie, or even as a sweet and nutty garnish to a whiskey-based cocktail like a manhattan.

Cornelian Cherry

Carrot

This deep red preserve has an intense red-fruit flavor similar to that of a tart cherry or cranberry. It is extremely high in anthocyanins and has many reported health benefits. Because the fruit has a large pit that contributes to the flavor of the jam, it is normally retained when preserved. In more delicate times, the jam was served with a small silver spoon for gingerly removing the pit from the mouth. Try serving alongside cheesecake in the company of family and friends, perhaps out of doors to facilitate spitting out the pits. The Cornelian cherry is not a true cherry, but is actually a variety of dogwood with beautiful flowers in springtime that grows well in our area.

health benefits. Because the fruit has a large pit that contributes to the flavor of the jam, it is normally beautiful flowers in springtime that grows well in our area.

Imagine the sweetest carrot, shredded, suspended in syrup with hints of orange, rose water, and cardamom—it is exotic and familiar all at once. Try it spooned onto breakfast pastries or accompanying a cheese platter. Gilding the lily on carrot cake? Spread on buttered toast, these carrot preserves would be welcomed by every bunny at an Easter brunch.

Watermelon

This jewel-like preserve is not made with the red flesh of a watermelon, but rather the rind, very similar to traditional Southern pickled-watermelon rind, but without all of the pickling spices and acid. It has a clean, cool flavor with a hint of cucumber, the texture being pleasantly resilient to the tooth. In addition to its role at breakfast stirred into labneh or yogurt, these translucent chunks would be welcome alongside many cheeses or even ice cream.

BY Jenny Vergara

In Your Cocktail CHEVAL ON MAIN

After opening multiple establishments in Kansas City, Heather White continues to impress with her own unique “old money meets urban downtown” design style that she cleverly pairs with impeccable food, drink, and service. With her own restaurant, bar, and bakery now all open and located across the street from one another on the same block of Main Street near Westport Road, she has shown us that the design style that has become her calling card translates easily across concepts. In fact, you

can almost identify one of White’s concepts just by the dark and moody color palette alone. ose familiar with her concepts are referring to the corner of Main Street and Westport Road as “ e French Quarter” with all three concepts sharing French names and White’s love of antiques and European-inspired air.

Cheval on Main opened last year initially to function as the bar for the French-inspired bistro, Tailleur, located directly across the street, but it has taken on a life of its own with White’s French bakery, Enchante, now also open next door. Cheval is a before-or-after dinner-and-ashow weekend kind of place, but it is also a 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, and I just want a cocktail or glass of bubbles to unwind, kind of place too. People are just discovering this cute bar, and you should too.

With only a handful of tables, chairs, and bar seats available, Cheval is a tiny bar in every sense of the word. Spend some time with a friend chatting under the glow of the sparkling chandeliers above as you look at the menu, where you’ll nd a simple but elegant selection of cocktails, wine, and beer along with a few small plates to share.

Almost all the cocktails on Cheval’s cocktail list are a collaboration between Katie Hentzen, and her bar (and life) partner, Erick Galbreath, who serve as both bartender and server for your visit. With that kind of shared knowledge of the menu, either one can easily direct you to something delicious, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or for their advice.

One of their favorite recommendations is a refreshing mezcal-based drink called “ e Flight of the Stumble Bee” that they worked on together, but cleverly named by Galbreath. With sa ron liqueur, lemon juice, and honey as ingredients, the drink has a golden sunset hue to it, which helps tame the smoky mezcal it is paired with.

Order it the next time you are in Cheval, or given the name, perhaps try this one in the comfort and safety of your own home rst. chevalonmain.com

The Flight of the Stumble Bee

1 ounce La Luna Mezcal

1 ounce Apologue Saffron Liqueur

.75 ounce fresh lemon juice

. 5 ounce honey syrup (if you like it a little sweeter do .75)

Combine all four ingredients in a cocktail shaker and give it a good hard shake. Pour into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes. To garnish, paint a little honey on the rim or side of the glass and dip in black lava salt.

PARK PLACE

Guitars & Games

EveryFriday, May- September (6pm- 8pm)

Freeliveacousticmusic & lawngamesinthe Square. Eat, sip, relax. Repeat.

Second Saturdays (for Kids!)

Every second Saturday, May - Oct (10am - Noon)

Kidsrule! Free, themedentertainment takesover Barkley Squareformorningsfilled withplay, laughter, andmeaningfulmomentstogether.

May 13: Celebratemothersandmotherfigureswitha flowerbarexperienceandlivemusic!

Summer Concert Series

EverySaturdayin June & August (7pm- 9pm)

Freeoutdoorconcertsfeaturingtoplocalbands.

-June3: The Zeros

- June 10: Perpetual Change

- June 17: Cherry Bomb

- June24: StolenWinnebagos

Movies in the Square

EverySaturdayinJuly& September (At Dusk)

Freemoviesonthebigscreenunderthestars! Stay tunedformovieline-upannouncements!

- July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

- September2, 9, 16, 23 &30

VELOUTÉ FRENCH MARKET

PASCAL AND BRIANNA LARCHER, the chefs who own and operate Velouté, a French catering company in Kansas City, have announced plans to expand their business, adding a new restaurant and French market to the new local beer and cocktail corner developing in downtown Shawnee, Kansas. Taking over the former MadMan’s KC BBQ location inside the 110-year-old Masonic Lodge No. 54 that was built in 1930, the couple plans to renovate the entire building in preparation to open their first restaurant and market after years catering French pastries, quiche, croque-monsieur, crepes, and charcuterie boards. Once they open in their new spot, they will serve fresh Provençal-inspired cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in a dining room that will seat around 35 people. veloutekc.com

When you’re on the search for the perfect place for your next meeting or gathering—whether it’s a social gathering with friends and family, a team-building retreat with the office, or a brainstorming session for your organization—an environment that cultivates meaningful connection in a tranquil setting is indispensable.

Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, Unity Village is an incorporated township with all the elements for serenity. During your visit, you can take a relaxing stroll on the nature trail, play a round of golf on a 9-hole course, or have a picnic in the central courtyard overlooking the largest fountain in the Kansas City metro, among many other possibilities.

“Our tagline is that ‘it’s all right here,’” says Mark Fuss, Unity Village’s vice president of outreach and engagement. “We’ve got everything from the hotel to meeting spaces, to outdoor space, and a golf course. There are so many opportunities for team building.”

A PLACE TO MEET

No matter the size of your gathering, Unity Village has a space to offer. With over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, the campus is fully equipped with places for board meetings, conferences, training meetings, corporate luncheons, corporate retreats, holiday parties, weddings, and other social gatherings.

A PLACE TO STAY

Between the Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center and three Airbnb properties, you’ll have cozy and peaceful lodging options for groups of all sizes.

Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the award-winning hotel includes 50 rooms featuring two queen-sized beds, access to the fitness center, an on-campus coffee shop, and a complimentary hot breakfast. If you choose the Airbnb route, you’ll have three English Cotswold-style homes to choose from:

Hummingbird Chateau: two stories with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, accommodates up to 14 people.

Fillmore Manor: two stories with four bedrooms and two baths, accommodates up to ten people.

Hummingbird Vista: three stories with four bedrooms and two baths, accommodates up to 12 people.

A PLACE TO RELAX AND MEDITATE

You won’t have to go far to find places to decompress and enjoy the fresh air

It’s All Right Here

Foster Connection During Gatherings, Business Meetings, and Retreats at Unity Village This Summer

around Unity Village—whether it be a chapel where you can meditate or one of Unity Village’s other unique amenities.

This is the first summer Unity Village has a labyrinth to offer guests a space for walking meditation. Installed with hand-cut stones, granite benches, and soft lighting, the Unity Labyrinth is over 6,000 square feet and 90 feet in diameter. You’ll find it tucked into the northeast corner of the 400 Building.

On the 2.4-mile Carl L. Chinnery Nature Trail, you’ll find a haven for people and wildlife alike. Complete with benches and wellness activity stations, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the natural surroundings and beauty. You might even see a deer, raccoon, or fox along the way.

In the central courtyard , you’ll find the Venetian-inspired Bridge of Faith, a cascading, lawn-length fountain—the Kansas City area’s largest fountain installation—a rose garden filled with 800 rose bushes, and the iconic Unity Tower. It’s a perfect place for a short walk or picnic.

A PLACE TO PLAY

After a day of meetings or team-building activities, a game of golf is the perfect way to add playful fun to the day.

The Unity Village Golf Course is open to both members and non-members. Surrounded by nature, the beautiful par 36 nine-hole golf course is a must-do amenity. When you visit, stop by the Clubhouse where you’ll find snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

READY TO PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT?

Located near downtown Lee’s Summit’s shopping and dining offerings, Unity Village is the perfect spot to book your next event.

For booking information, call Unity Village at 816-251-3511 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or visit unityvillage.org

By Emily Laptad

BY Jenny Vergara

TACO NACO

IN THE MOST SATISFYING display of good karma and luck seen this year, the chef Fernanda Reyes and her husband and partner, Brian Goldman Ruiz, will open their second Taco Naco location in the former Port Fonda space in Westport. After ve years running their popular Overland Park taqueria and Mexican market, Taco Naco, Reyes and Ruiz are looking forward to being a part of Westport’s lively restaurant scene and are ready to introduce their own style of Mexican street food to new customers across the state line in Missouri. Since they are inheriting a full bar inside their new space, they will be adding a full cocktail menu for the rst time, featuring tequila, mezcals, and margaritas made with their house-made fresh-fruit margarita mixes to pair with street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and handmade salsas. Look for the couple to open a food trailer in front of their new location sometime this spring, so they can start feeding people while working on the buildout of the space in preparation for a summer opening. taconacokc.com

DISNEY’S BELOVED SONGS REIMAGINED BY HMCKC IN A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, LOVE, FAMILY, AND PRIDE FOR TICKETS, VISIT HMCKC.ORG

JUNE 17 & 18, 2023

MURIEL KAUFFMAN THEATRE THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Photo Cred: Zaira Kearns & Ally Kelchen

by Jenny Vergara

BUREK & CAKE

IN BOSNIA, if you want to catch a husband, you must first know how to make burek. After sampling both the meat- and cheese-filled versions of the spiral-shaped pastry snack, I can see why. I was prepared to propose to the owner of Burek & Cake after only a couple of bites of this tasty treat. Located in the Northland, the bakery specializes in both European-style cakes and traditional Bosnian snacks and sweets, such as tulumba, fried doughnuts soaked in simple syrup; hurmasice, a soft biscuit made with coconut or walnuts; baklava, which comes packed with nuts and covered in sticky syrup; and ruske kape (translated means Russian hats), and the tall, but small circular cakes do resemble just that but topped with chocolate, rolled in coconut, and filled with custard. Located in a charming cottage that sits next to a building that is simply called the “European Store” (a shopping destination all on its own). Both are owned by Senaid Hodzic and his wife, Fatima, who began baking special-occasion cakes for friends and neighbors in the Bosnian community for extra money during the pandemic. After working for over a year on the building and acquiring the right equipment, they opened last November and have enjoyed steady traffic during opening hours Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair for Fritz Hansen Circa 1969.

Poul Norreklit Danish Rosewood Credenza for Georg Petersens Circa 1969. Jerry McKeehan Oil on Canvas. Bruce Beasley Bronze Sculpture.

Jackson County Parks + Rec

Jackson County Parks + Rec Lakes, Lake Jacomo, Longview and Blue Springs Lake.

Monarchs

KC Monarchs baseball home opener and Greater Kansas City Days starts May 19th. #Seeyouattheballpark

Reservation for One SIERRA GRILL

by Jenny Vergara photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

When you tell people you write about food and restaurants the first question you get is: “So, what is your favorite restaurant?” I usually have two pat answers to sidestep that question, and both are 100 percent accurate. I either reply “All of them,” or “The last one I ate at.” I have learned that my favorite restaurant matters very little, as most people only want me to either validate their favorite restaurant or judge me for mine. As I never want to yuck someone’s yum (and would like the same courtesy in return), I often find this question feels a bit loaded for me.

However, after writing about food for many years I will freely admit there are people and places I have written about that I unexpectedly end up feeling vested in their journey, they are the ones I take great pride and satisfaction seeing their continued growth and success.

Sierra Grill in Lenexa, Kansas, is one of those places.

I first wrote about the chef Ryan Edwards, his wife, Marichris Edwards, and his father, Kelly Edwards, in 2017 only a few months

after they first opened their casual dining restaurant. With an American-made and Argentinian-inspired Grillworks wood-burning grill, Sierra Grill started out as a small restaurant serving big food—giant steaks, thick pork chops, and braised short ribs served on the bone— with sides included and a nice wine bottle list. At that time, what his restaurant delivered in terms of the quality (and quantity) of food more than made up for the lack of atmosphere at his tiny restaurant, located inside a former 50-seat Quizno’s sandwich shop on the edge of an industrial park in Lenexa.

Today, the new location for Sierra Grill is a 5,000-square-foot space located inside the Central Green Building in the new Lenexa City Center. They traded up, getting a much larger kitchen, bar, and dining room that is more than double the size of his former restaurant, and an outdoor patio that has room for another 50 seats.

Arriving at the restaurant on a Friday night, it was packed, and surprisingly loud. (You know what they say, if it’s too loud, you’re too

old. All I can say is, point taken.) Ryan Edwards says he knows he needs to work on that. With the soaring ceilings and hard surfaces, it sounds like a playground at recess when the dining room is full.

e restaurant was designed by Edwards and Yaeger Architecture and other than a few curtains, and a handful of local art on the wall near the host stand, the restaurant has few embellishments and is decorated quite simply. It almost looks like a larger version of his former Quizno’s location with some red-brick accents against white walls and dark wood tables and chairs.

We strategically ordered seafood and sh as our appetizers, and beef for dinner. e scallop ceviche was served chopped, speckled with diced fresh green jalapeños and red peppers with bits of green onion, a citrus marinade, and an abundant amount of hot sauce on top. A spoonful of the chilled scallop ceviche on a warm, salty corn tortilla chip was that combination of soft and hard, cold and hot, that I nd almost irresistible. e “ sh bites” were not bites at all, but strips of cod, beer-battered and fried until crisp and golden brown, then placed in a pool of mustard aioli along with fresh lemon to squeeze on top, and truly could have served as an entrée portion for me, they were that delicious.

Onion velouté soup arrived at the table presented in a generous shallow bowl sprinkled with green parsley for color. e silkysmooth soup had a rich, buttery onion avor with texture and body bolstered by just a bit of potato cooked in broth and puréed into the soup. is is a signature dish from the original menu that really shouldn’t be missed.

e 16-ounce wood- re grilled rib eye made its appearance in a cast-iron dish alongside buttermilk smashed potatoes that ate more like a chunky potato soup than smashed potatoes. e plate held a perfectly grilled mid-rare steak bathed in demi-glace and sautéed mushrooms, along with a few orets of oven-roasted broccoli. It was an impressive meal for $50 and was the most expensive entrée on the menu.

e hefty, braised-beef short rib was plated almost identically to the rib eye, the exception was the short rib came with the large bone and was presented on top of the smashed potatoes. e rich, tender meat pulled easily away from the bone with my fork.

At the bar is a full cocktail menu with beer and wines by the glass or bottle. e wine list has a lot of California in uence but o ers a quality selection of bottles. We chose a big-bodied, bold red to go with our beef—Killer Drop, a nice red blend from Napa Valley that had plenty of ripe, red fruit up front and a hint of dried leather at the end.

When Ryan Edwards came to the table for a long overdue chat at the end of our meal, he gave us a sip of the Yellowstone Barrel Select, a barrel-aged bourbon whiskey, a barrel of which he has reserved for the restaurant. e Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey was all toasted maple sweetness and smooth but was still just a little hot going down.

We talked about the old days, the challenges and limitations of the former space, and how they were navigating the new space and still working on some of the kinks. I thought about how Sierra Grill and his barrel-aged whiskey were similar. All the ingredients are there, and it tastes ne now, it is just going to take a little time to make it perfect. sierragrillkc.com

(913) 730–1905

therestaurantat1900.com

(913) 730–1900

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.

1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com

Alvin Ailey Gala 2023

KANSAS CITY FRIENDS OF ALVIN AILEY hosted more than 800 guests at their 2023 Gala benefit on Saturday, March 25 that featured a beautiful dance performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, followed by a dinner and dance after-party at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Damian Lair and Jamila Weaver served as co-chairs, and Peggy & Bill Lyons and Jon & Walter P. Porter II served as honorary co-chairs. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by tico productions

Faces IN KC

The Power of Film Nicki Awards 2023

ON MARCH 3, the 2023 Power of Film Nicki winners were announced at the Midland Theatre. Just Like You Films is an Emmy award-winning women-run nonprofit film production company that works to stop bullying and spread empathy and understanding through the power of film. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by zaira kearns and ally kelchen

HASF Romantic Revels Gala 2023

ON FEBRUARY 11, Romantic Revels, a benefit for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival (HASF), was held at the InterContinental Kansas City on the Country Club Plaza. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. The Festival is celebrating its 30th year of free Shakespeare plays in the park and education programs. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

Select Fridays June – September

Summer Concerts on the Lawn

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

$5 per adult

Free for children 12 y/o and under (must have adult present) Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs welcome. Dog and cat friendly. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit kansascitymuseum.org

photos by brian collins

3681 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111

My Essentials IN KC

by Emily Laptad

NIKKI AFFHOLTER

ENTREPRENEUR. ACTIVIST. DESIGNER

When Nikki A holter founded Tirza Design in 2020, she wanted to use the business as a platform to make a di erence in Kansas City. After spending time as a fashion photographer in Kansas City, A holter met a handful of models who were survivors of human tra cking and domestic violence. “After seeing so many women overcoming situations of adversity, such as human tra cking, domestic and drug abuse, and poverty, there was a desperate need for safe and supportive employment and the ability to provide for themselves while working through recovery and getting back on their feet.” rough Tirza Design, A holter hires survivors to handcraft jewelry and other products for the boutique—what she likes to call fashion with a purpose. Formerly located on the Plaza, A holter is securing a new location for the boutique’s retail location. Until then, she’s o ering merchandise at tirzadesign.com, and you can follow the boutique on social media @tirzadesign. “I love how strong the small business community in Kansas City is,” she says. “We really are a team that champions each other’s accomplishments and extends a hand when one is down. Shopping small is a growing part of KC life.” tirzadesign.com

Nikki’s essentials...

SELF-CARE SESH: Spirit of Health in Grandview has all-natural products. I love to go there for all my self-care and physical health needs. e sta is very informative and caters to your individual needs as a customer.

LOCAL ARTIST: Anything Yaya

Kieu puts on her paintbrush turns to gold. I love her hand-painted mural at West Bottoms Plant Company

MORNING BREW: I always love a spicy golden latte at Pre x Cafe in South KC. It’s lled with turmeric, so I can feel somewhat healthy the more I drink it.

Pancho’s Blanket. ey have a similar mission [to Tirza Design)] centered around helping people in need in such a practical way. eir style is unmatched. I have their Heritage print jacket and have my eyes on

their new leather bags handmade in Mexico.

COMFORT

FOOD: One of my favorite local restaurants is Housewife Cafe in Grandview. eir avocado toast and haleem soup are my go-to comfort food. Plus, the atmosphere is family-run and down-to-earth.

NIGHTCAP: For date night, I like a Ruby Red Slipper at Third Street Social in Lee’s Summit.

SPRING FLING: My family enjoys going to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Our kids love the annual spring blooms, and I look forward to spending time together as a family looking at all the owers.

photo by beth grimm

WHAT MAKES A ROLEX A ROLEX?

It's not the wheels and cogs. It's not the steel we shape nor the gold we forge. It's not the sum ofevery single part that we design, craft, polish and assemble with countless skills and constant care. It's the time it takes. The numerous days and months that are

necessary until we can print this single word on each individual dial leaving our workshops: "Superlative." It's the mark of our autonomy, responsibility and integrity. This is all we make, but we make it all. So that, in time, you can make it your own.

#Perpetual "i'