IN Kansas City May 2024

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

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES

NOURISH YOUR SOUL

Transform your functional spaces into inspiring environments.

Featured Savings thru June 3rd

• 50% OFF Bernhardt Interiors

• 50% OFF Wesley Hall

• 45% OFF Huntington House

• Up to 50% OFF Luxury Outdoor

Kimberly Karen Becky Elizabeth Carrie Dave Meredith

Your Seville Home Designers

Individuality and personality define luxury living. Unexpected layouts with a tailored and eclectic mix of shapes, colors, and textures. Going bold while also embracing the rich tones of nature. That’s where Seville Home’s designer-led expertise shines.

We invite you to begin your beautiful home transformation today.

Everything from wining and dining her, dressing her in style , giving her a day of pampering , or creating memorable experiences with her that she’ll never forget.

TOWN CENTER PLAZA

4EverYoung (New in 2024)

Aerie

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

Dry Goods

Express

Francesca’s Collections

Gap

Gap Body

Gap Kids/Baby

Gorjana (New in 2024)

Hudson/Hawk Barber & Shop

J.Jill

Kansas City Aerial Arts

LaserAway

LOFT

Macy’s

Madewell

Natalie M. Studio

OFFLINE by Aerie

Pandora Jewelry

Panera

Pinot’s Palette

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness

Rally House/Kansas Sampler

Restoration Hardware

Revocup Coffee

Salon Ami Aveda

SandboxVR

Scout & Molly’s Boutique

Sephora

Sola Salon

Soma

Sundance

Sunglass Hut

Sushi House

Tabu Knits Boutique

TAO Reflexology

Tempur-Pedic

The Art of Sports

The North Face

Vera Bradley

TOWN CENTER

PLAZA • CROSSING

White House | Black Market

Whole Harvest Kitchen (Now Open)

Williams-Sonoma

X-Golf

Yankee Candle Co.

TOWN CENTER CROSSING

Apple

Blue Mercury

Body Lab

Cold Stone Creamery

Crate & Barrel

Evereve

Fabletics

Kendra Scott

Lovesac

Lululemon

North Italia

Paper Source

Purple

Roasterie Café

Salonone19 & Spa

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Tecovas

The Rockhill Grille

The Shade Store

Trader Joe’s

Treats Unleashed

Tuft & Needle

Vineyard Vines

Warby Parker

Woodhouse Day Spa

INFINITI of Kansas City

INFINITI QX50

Scents & Sensibility

What’s not to love about lighting a candle to set a mood? Kansas City has long been home to some of the most prolific scented-candle makers in the country (see Trapp, Bob). Although all of these are homegrown, they’re now available throughout the U.S. and beyond. Here are a few of my favorites:

ZIM LOY | EDITORI

Vol. 7 | No. 4 MAY 2024

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

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

Contributing Photographers

Silvia Beatriz Abisaab, Corie English, Aaron Leimkuehler, Rolf Ringwald

TRAPP FRAGRANCES

These OG candles were developed by Bob Trapp in the basement of his oral shop in the early 1990s. The classic is Orange Vanilla; these days the Palo Santo scent soothes my soul. Available at Trapp and Company of course, but also at many other retail shops throughout the metro.

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Did you know that Mixture candles are made locally? And it’s expanded beyond candles with lines of bath and body products and eau de parfum. So now I can light a Blanc de Noir candle at home, and spritz myself with the scent when away. General Store & Co. and many other local retailers carry Mixture products.

MERSEA

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Business Consultant Chad Parkhurst

Newsstand Consultant

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

SALUTÉ BY SEMPRE BEVE

Terrasi Living owner Ursula Terrasi celebrates her heritage with the line of candles she created that are inspired by Italian aperitivi. After the 90+ hour burn time of the 12-ounce candle, save the artisanal sand-etched glass to serve the aperitivo. I stock up on Champagna when I’m in the shop; it’s my preferred drink—and scent. Saluté!

MerSea launched with candles that evoked the atmosphere of summer by the sea. Now they’ve expanded far beyond that with clothing and accessories, but the candles are still a staple. Saltair is my preferred candle when I want to escape landlocked Kansas City. Check their website for local shops that carry the scented products, from reed di users to hand soap. Box 292374, Phone Email

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Magazine Subscriptions: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429 : 888-881-5861 : SUBS@inkansascity.com

Subscribe Online: inkansascity.com/subscribe

FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN

INKANSASCITY.COM

Studious Swifties. You won’t nd a Tortured Poets Department on the curriculum at e University of Kansas. But this fall, the sociology department will be o ering an honors seminar that explores the “cultural sociology, including the construction of authenticity, symbolic boundaries and gate-keeping, fandom and fan labor, and celebrity politics,” using the life and career of Taylor Swift as a touchpoint. Contributor Sunni Batten interviews the professor at inkansascity.com.

Face time. One lucky winner will receive a gift card for two HydraFacials, courtesy AesthetiCare. One for you and one for Mom, a best friend, or someone special in your life. e HydraFacial MC is a noninvasive skin treatment that combines the bene ts of hydra dermabrasion, chemical peels, and extractions, without any irritation or downtime. is innovative procedure is designed to improve your skin’s appearance and leave it hydrated and glowing. It’s a $388 value. Pick the location most convenient for you: Ward Parkway, Liberty, and now open in Lenexa. Enter to win by May 31 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enter-to-win.

Treat mom to a brunch she won’t forget. Looking for a special way to shower mom with the a ection and attention she deserves this Mother’s Day? Give your mom the perfect start to the day all about her with a Mother’s Day brunch at one of Kansas City’s many brunch spots. Looking for bottomless mimosas and breakfast cocktails? In the mood for elegant ambience? Need a place with a nice patio? Or a spot with a great bu et? Don’t fret, we have you covered. Head to inkansascity. com for our round-up of the best places to grab brunch with mom around the metro.

Choco-licious. May 15 is National Chocolate Chip Day. Everyone has their favorite chocolate chip cookie (probably the chocolate chip cookie at Mildred’s), but how about a slice of chocolate chip banana bread for a change of pace. Mildred’s may be famous for its Standard Breakfast Sandwich, but the chocolate chip cookie and chocolate chip banana bread available daily at both locations are worthy of acclaim, too. We talked to coowner Evan Ashby about Mildred’s two notable chocolate chip desserts at inkansascity.com

Patios to quench your thrist! ‘Tis the season. From happy hours to the local restaurant scene, we’ve got the city’s most comprehensive dining guide. Check it out at inkansascity.com/eatdrink/dining-guide.

This Month IN KC

May

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

MAY SPOTLIGHT

KC Symphony’s Bank of America Celebration at the Station

May 26 Union Station kcsymphony.org/celebration-sponsors

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 more than 20 food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment, and local vendors and booths. is year’s concert marks the nal under Michael Stern, as the music director leads the KC Symphony performing selections composed by John Williams, Aaron Copland, and John Phillip Sousa, plus crowd favorites, including the Armed Forces Salute and 1812 Overture with live cannons. e evening will come to a booming conclusion after the concert with a reworks display coordinated with patriotic music.

Kansas City Triathlon

May 19

Longview Lake Swim Beach sportkc.org/kctriathlon

May 11

Sprint 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: Elite Olympic Triathlon, where entrants are eligible for prize money and must meet special criteria, (1500m swim, 40K bike, 10K run); 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) and Relay – Olympic Triathlon. 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, beer, and massages after the race. To enter, registration fees range from $110 to $230 depending on your event.

KC Summer Beer Fest

Geha Field at Arrowhead kcsummerbeerfest.com

Cheers! More than 60 breweries, 150 beers, and food trucks are taking over Arrowhead Stadium for the rare opportunity to party on the playing eld. Admission includes samplings from participating breweries and access to the eld and food vendors. VIP and early admission include an added hour (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.), with general admission beginning at 7 p.m. General admission is $50, early admission is $65, and VIP admission is $90. No children and no pets—this is strictly a 21 and over event.

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

Set the Stage for Super-Fun Outdoor Parties

by

IT’S OUTDOOR PARTY SEASON! OUR ACE OF ENTERTAINING GETS YOU IN THE MOOD TO LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Regular readers of this column know it is the place to come for entertaining advice, but not for gardening tips. I am an admirer of beautiful gardens—I own every book ever written about Bunny Mellon—but I am not a gardener.

In fact, as I write this, I have the most heinous-looking backyard you have ever seen. It had been overtaken by bamboo, which I’d had removed last summer, along with a jumbo-sized broken hot tub. I had the bamboo treated to not come back but a few charmless sprouts have returned, and there they are in the naked ground, along with the leading-to-nowhere hot tub steps, which the junk hauler didn’t have room for in his truck.

ONE PRETTY THING

I’ve hired a local nursery to remove all of it and put in new landscaping. “I’m not looking for a garden-tour garden,” I told the gentleman from the nursery. “I just want it to be

Merrily Jackson photo by Corie English

Merrily Jackson in the garden of Cindy and Greg Barnhill.

Entertaining IN KC

My Very Favorite Way to Spend a KC Summer Evening

THE HEART OF AMERICA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Julius Caesar June 11 through 30 in Southmoreland Park. e fabulous John Rensenhouse will be playing Caesar. Put it on your calendar now to call a few friends and go. e show starts at 8, but you can arrive as early as 6, spread out your blanket, and enjoy a light supper before it begins. e acting in the shows is rst rate. I usually go at least three times during the run. (Is that so wrong? It’s

e late, great Marilyn Strauss, who founded HASF, was friends with Joe Papp, the OG who started e New York Shakespeare Festival in Central Park. When Marilyn told him she planned to begin a Shakespeare company in KC, he said “keep it free, keep it professional, keep it outdoors.” e HASF has managed to do that for 31 years. e show is free, but on the HASF website you can reserve your own seat at the front for $25, $35 on weekends. You can also join the Good Will Society, which gives you reserved seats, parking passes, and access to the comfy GWS tent, where you can have a glass of wine or two before the show and at intermission. Memberships start at $250 and helps HASF keep it free, professional, and outside, and teach Shakespeare to school kids, too. I am a proud member, and you can be, too. Go to kcshakes.org

HASF’s 2004 production of Julius Caesar

photo by doug hamer

low maintenance and not embarrassing.”

Which is not to say you shouldn’t have people over if your backyard is embarrassing by your standards. It’s probably not

some O ! handy for that one guest irresistible to mosquitos.

CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Well-thought-out lighting can make an outdoor party seem magical. Invest in some sturdy hurricane lanterns, in varying sizes. ey look pretty here and there or clustered together. I love the look of little glimmering lanterns suspended from a pergola, patio umbrella, or overhanging tree. I also like ickering tiki torches and tiny, sparkling fairy lights. It’s important for your bar area to be well lit. Sometimes I take a smart-looking lamp from inside my house and plug it in to light the bar C R E S T W O O D S H O P S

Entertaining IN KC

on our deck.

You can find very small, cordless, battery-charged lamps on Amazon. They provide nice lighting but aren’t quite as charming as real candlelight. Fake candles are an OK substitute.

MUSIC, YES!

Good-quality outdoor speakers are a sensible buy. The Sonos Move wireless portable speaker gives you voice access to audio streaming services and your digital music collection, and it has Bluetooth so you can take it beyond the reach of your WiFi network. What to play? Reggae music sets a festive but chill tone for outdoor partying. I tell Alexa to play the Bob Marley station and she never disappoints. I also love the Etta James station. But musical tastes vary, Darling. You do you.

SMART PURCHASES MAKE FOR EASY PARTIES

A few other sensible buys include: Melamine dinnerware that looks like ceramic or china but resists breaking, chipping or cracking; acrylic drinkware that looks like the real thing but doesn’t pose the risk of broken glass; a handsome insulated beverage tub that chills bottled and canned drinks without producing condensation, which means you can place it anywhere and it won’t damage the surface or create a puddle; and an all-weather table or cart that will be the ideal self-serve station, providing all the essentials in one spot.

GUIDANCE FOR GREAT GRILLING

Cooking outside while your friends hang out and watch is fun for everyone, especially if you are well prepared.

Use the finest ingredients you can afford and have them at room temp for faster cooking. Assemble all the tools you might need—spatula, tongs, fork, basting brushes, wire grill brush, thermometer, etc.—so you won’t have to leave the fire to dash to the kitchen.

No matter what kind of grill you have, you want to keep its surface clean. Oil it well while it is cold and preheat it thoroughly.

Cookouts are relaxed affairs. Give yourself plenty of time and don’t worry if the fire dictates that you have to eat sooner or later than you planned. Email me for my Grilled Mojito Chicken recipe, and three side dishes that go perfectly with it: watermelon-feta salad, fresh corn pudding, and ratatouille. (But please know there is no shame in serving store-bought sides.)

AND FINALLY, HAVE A PLAN B

Rule number one for outdoor entertaining in KC is to have a Plan B for inclement weather. Think about how you’ll arrange the bar, the food, and the seating if you have to move things indoors. If the whole point of the party is to be outside, say for a cookout, provide a rain date right from the start. Guests can pencil in the second date as well. Just make sure to keep people informed if forecasts are dicey as the day approaches.

by Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com : @damianlair #OurManINKC

Opening Day

Readers of this column know I just love an opening. New store, new restaurant, new museum exhibit—I’m there! But is there anything more exhilarating and classically springtime than baseball’s opening day?

I wouldn’t know because I’d never been. Despite agging it on my calendar every year, con icting work plans always seem to arise. Until this year.

My friend Matt Schulte was on the nal leg of his years-long Kansas City Royals career and generously had me out for the occasion. (He’s now Miami-bound to work for the World Cup, in preparation for the 2026 18-city extravaganza.)

More perfect weather could not have been possible. We arrived at Kau man Stadium on a sunny, cloudless afternoon. In true Royal style, we were immediately whisked from our vehicle, via golf cart, straight to the VIP tent for pre-game bites and, of course, some Boulevards. Royals (and Chiefs) management, owners, and alumni were all there in their best blues, excited to kick o a new season.

Inside the stadium, a sellout crowd roared. Following a B-2 bomber yover, Andy Reid threw the rst pitch, which was received by George Brett Clark Hunt and Mark Donovan anked Reid with gleaming Lombardy trophies in tow.

With the game underway, I had some serious business to attend to—sampling all the new stadium food. Long gone are the days of a concession stand limited to popcorn and hot dogs. Today’s MLB stadiums are practically food emporiums (that happen to also feature baseball games). Fortunately, I was provided with a knowledgeable food sherpa—Justin Copp—to guide me on my culinary stadium journey.

classic pepperoni order was just as great as what I get in the Crossroads.

OVERHEARD

“It’s a total CFA [cry for attention].”

Who brought boxed Kirkland wine as their hostess gift?

We began with what I’d been most eager to try. e “Back to Blue” burger. It features an eye-popping royal-blue brioche bun seared with the Royals logo, blue cheese crumbles, bacon, lettuce, and bu alo aioli plus wa e fries. As a blue cheese and bu alo-anything lover—it absolutely hit the spot. As I was devouring, Justin gently noted that we had about ten more stops ahead of us. OK, ne. Here’s where I must condense and focus on favorites—though I will note I’d re-order every single item I tried. e Market Place had an incredible Hawaiian-inspired grilled teriyaki chicken on rice plate. is was a very simple dish with no visual wow factor, but it ended up being one of the options I could barely put down. It came with a watermelon, basil, and balsamic salad that had summer feels drizzled all over it. Local Buffalo State Pizza replaced a mega-chain pizza purveyor this year, and I was happy to see it. My

And what’s a trip to the ballpark without a hot dog? Admittedly, hot dogs fall in the category of things I never order, yet I somehow fell in love with the hot honey hot dog (Vienna Beef is the brandnew hot dog partner). It was topped with mozzarella, roasted red potatoes, sausage crumbles, pepperoni cups, and—you guessed it—Mike’s hot honey. Totally out of my wheelhouse, and totally worth it. Also in the hot dog family, I tried the chicken spiedini sausage sandwich at (another KC local outpost) The Italian Sausage Co. e KC-made chicken sausage is served on a hoagie with red peppers, creamy amogio and alfredo sauce, and toasted bread crumbs. It felt like the sandwich version of a birthday celebration at Garozzo’s.

Finally—saving the absolute best for last—KCQ. is spot features KC craft barbecue pit masters, allowing them to showcase all their fan favorites at e K. Chef J’s BBQ, Scott’s Kitchen, and SMOAK Craft BBQ will alternate by series throughout the 2024 season. Each pit master has their own pit right on site. is must surely be an anomaly among professional sports venues, much like our new airport is the only one in the world to proclaim that fame. And I can tell you—it matters. is isn’t

Damian Lair delivering the Royals Game Day Ball at Kau man Stadium.

HOT GOSSIP:

TRUNK SHOW MAY 10TH AND 11TH

Our Man IN KC

barbecue that was cooked up days ago, trucked to the stadium, and reheated in a commercial kitchen. It’s every bit as good as any fine barbecue restaurant you’d visit in the city proper. I was there during Chef J’s rotation and was positively blown away. The brisket elote with smoked cheesy corn, cotija cheese, and chili lime hot sauce, topped with chopped brisket was phenomenal. And the MVP sandwich with hickory smoked chopped brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño cheddar sausage, all smattered with tangy barbecue sauce made my tight stomach nearly forget I’d just taken a trip of “around the stadium in 1,000 bites.” Helmets off to Chef J.

OK, last but not least, I couldn’t end a food tour without dessert. Back in the Diamond Club (everything else I sampled is accessible to any ticket holder), I got to try the liquid nitrogen-infused ice cream. It’s a labor-intensive process and dazzling to watch. I felt like I was back at The Bazaar by Michelin-starred José Andres, who made nitrogen dishes de rigueur. Hardly your average ballpark treat. Astonishing, I barely scratched the surface of the mind-boggling array of dining options, with so many not mentioned here.

Other new-to-the-K options I should share are the social spaces added since last year. Brew & View has a dedicated view-level section that’s general admission, and a beer is included with your ticket. Lower and closer to the field is Tavern Tables, which includes staff servers for your food and drink whims. And Lexus Complete Seats includes a luxe second-level view with an all-inclusive, dedicated concession stand.

Back at the game, I got to enjoy it on a very full stomach. Alas, the Royals did not prevail on opening day, but as I write—they’re tied with the second-most wins in the American League. Bravo!

Because baseball’s opening day is sort of like the Super Bowl, there was one more experience my friends at the Royals had in mind for me— but wasn’t possible that first day. Apparently, I’m B-list next to the likes of Andy Reid. And I’ll accept that.

So, the following week, I headed back to Kauffman Stadium. This time I invited my Royals-fan nephews along for the ride. As the game was ready to begin, I emerged from the underbelly tunnels of the K, with the Game Day Ball in hand for delivery to the pitcher’s mound. The nephews cheered as Uncle D occupied the massive CrownVision for more time than I’m likely to ever see again. It was. . .a very, very cool moment.

As the second inning kicked off, we were all invited to tour the broadcast booth where familiar announcers call all the action. With headphones, we got to listen live alongside the announcers, and we all chatted during a break. Among those announcers we had a chance to meet and spend an inning with was the legendary Denny Matthews— the voice of the Royals since the team’s 1969 inception. The nephews also got a signed copy of the game notes. They loved it, and so did I. Conveniently, this experience can be booked as an add-on to any game day ticket, online. Other incredible game-day experiences include viewing the early-bird batting practice from behind the dugout, pregame stadium tours, helping the grounds crew install bases, and watching summertime fireworks from the field during Friday games.

Who spent a week meditating abroad and now thinks every idea is universe-sent?

The Royals won in a blow-out that night, so we all got to see fireworks. It was another reminder of how swelled with civic pride one becomes when your

city’s team wins big. And— sometimes even more so—when they suffer a loss. I’m unapologetically grateful for our professional sports teams and all they do—via philanthropy, sheer economics, and morale-boosting pride—to make our city enviably great. As long as I live, I’ll remember 2015—bizarrely having Eric Hosmer as a neighbor and raising a banner high on Grand Street, as the World Series parade passed by. I am optimistically confident that more championship parades are in our future. Call it a red dynasty, a Sporting spectacular, a pioneering Current, or just—Royal.

FUN ON THE FARM

A YEAR AGO, I was tiptoeing through the tulip fields outside Amsterdam, having the grandest time. If you had told me that, next year, I’d be doing the same just miles from home, I’d have laughed.

Roughly 20 miles from downtown, in Kearny, Missouri, I drove a group of friends to see tulips. One and a half million tulips, to be specific. The Fun Farm is primarily known for its vast pumpkin patches and autumn activities, so how smart of them to diversify their offerings across other seasons. The tulip fields encompass 12 acres and include more than 40 varieties. There’s a large Dutch-style windmill and endless photo ops. We certainly achieved our step quota as we meandered through the fields on what was a lovely spring day.

What struck me—beyond the incredible tulips—was the activities abundance on this 300-acre farm. In addition to snapping photos, we hiked a hill and raced down its slide on gunny sacks. I won. We got very into the rope ‘n’ ride area where you can mount a faux horse and try your hand at lassoing a nearby hay bale “cow.” Though I kept improving, I was still never able to catch him by the horns—despite pleading with my friends to allow me “just one more try.” I believe that with some proper instruction and pro tips, I could excel at lassoing—so long as I stick with imaginary (and stationary) horses and cows. Next time.

We also shot basketball hoops in the vast carnival-like barnyard

HOT GOSSIP:

OVERHEARD

“She literally has meatballs for brains.”

game zone. I lost (not horribly!) but was also competing against a former basketball player. Despite being at the Fun Farm for hours, there was quite a lot we didn’t get to, including: the train, massive trampolines, petting zoo, apple cannons, treehouses, tire swings, and gemstone mining. This place is perfect for letting kids roam free. Our final stop was the country store, where we stocked up on jams, canned preserves, and ready-to-bake pies—all made on the farm, from farm produce.

Beyond tulips and pumpkins, The Fun Farm is also known for its Berry Festival, where you can pick strawberries from the vine. We could see the berries just beginning to form. The dates are TBA (dictated by the strawberry crop), but it’s typically around Memorial Day. Following berries, is the popular Apple-Picking Festival (approximately late August to early September). So, if you missed the tulips (they’ll be back next year!) there are berries, apples, and pumpkins all on the way.

J’ADORE!

WHEN I LEARNED that my friends Zach & Cecil Keyes were not only moving back to KC from Chicago, but also purchasing J’Adore Home & Garden from (retiring) owners Allan Stever & Michael Richardson—I was thrilled. I was also delighted to be invited to their official opening—a springtime soirée with bites and bubbles.

The charming Brookside home shop is chock-a-block full of giftables for oneself or someone you adore. The store is brimming with home décor, indoor plants and florals, kitchen accessories, and lots for the entertainer. More than just small treasures, J’adore has plenty of serious hard-good options, including lamps, furniture, and area rugs. In fact, most of the upholstered furniture and rugs are available in custom varieties. A new design center provides ample space for playing with fabric samples and wall covering options from venerable purveyors like Schumacher and Thibault. Drop in for a gift and give your living room a full makeover!

W hile sipping on my rosé, a cobalt-blue lacquered bamboo bar cart caught my eye. Likewise for the verdant green-velvet sofa and several attractive table and floor lamps. I picked up some host gifts for an upcoming dinner party, cocktail napkins by my all-time favorite, Caspari, as well as some fresh candles from Pickwick & Co. that matched my springy mood. Drop in and give the new owners a shout!

SPOTTED: Lon Lane, Linda Hall, Sarah Rasmussen, Nancy Brainard, Madison Hyatt, Emma McCalmont, Patty & Jerry Jensen, Marianne Callahan, Kiva Gates, Kelly Gardner, Jeff Wagner

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

The Gold Key Project

UNLOCKING $1 MILLION

ReeceNichols is thrilled to embark on the fourth year of the Gold Key Project, continuing our commitment to support families with hospitalized children in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities

The idea is simple. Gold Key agents pledge to cover the cost of a one-night stay for a family at RMHC ($100) for every home they help buy or sell from April through October. RMHC offers families a nurturing environment—free lodging, warm meals, and laundry facilities—while their child undergoes hospital treatment.

From its modest beginnings with a pilot program that saw agents donate $31,000, the Gold Key Project has flourished, raising $946,465 for RMHC to date.

This year, we're on the cusp of a monumental achievement: surpassing $1 million in donations, translating to 10,000 free nights for families to stay close to their critically ill children.

In addition to the nightly stays, funds raised have also enhanced RMHC facilities, including the creation of a new Family Room at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and the renovation of four rooms at RMHC-KC's Longfellow House.

Over 300 Gold Key agents are ready to unlock $1 million donated to RMHC, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that defines ReeceNichols.

MEET CHEVI

What started as a funny bump on 5-year-old Cheviona “Chevi'' Meyer's face became something that changed her family’s life forever. The Greenridge, Mo., residents' lives were turned upside down when she received a diagnosis of stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma sarcoma. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and lungs in the month and a half since they noticed the bump.

Destiny, Chevi, and Chevi’s brother, Ryder, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House on and off for surgeries and big doses of chemo at Children’s Mercy, plus two months straight during her daily radiation treatments at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

“We would have been in a very, very hard spot if not for Ronald McDonald House… I had to quit my job to take care of Chevi and get her to her appointments. I didn’t know how I was going to afford to stay in hotels or pay the gas money to get back and forth two hours,” said Destiny. “It was a huge stress relief, and then I found out there was food and dinners. It was a godsend.”

Chevi completed her treatment plan in August, but 5 months later her aggressive cancer started growing back. Chevi had to return in February but reached no evidence of disease this March and rang the bell at the hospital to celebrate!

THREE GENERATIONʼS CONNECTION TO RMHC

For Lisa Lewis, a ReeceNichols Gold Key agent, the Gold Key Project transcends the act of giving; it's a deeply personal commitment. Her journey with RMHC began 26 years ago when her newborn daughter, Jamie, was diagnosed with viral meningitis, requiring a two-week hospital stay. The memory of those challenging walks from her room at RMHC to the NICU still lingers with Lisa.

“When you’re alone and all by yourself, it’s just scary, but they were very kind and helped me get over some of my worries,” Lisa said. “I just couldn’t imagine not having (RMHC) there.”

Now, as life comes full circle, Jamie is expecting her daughter Annie, who will also begin her life under the careful watch of Children's Mercy Hospital due to supraventricular tachycardia. This means Jamie will lean on RMHC's services just like her mother did over two decades ago.

Lisa, Jamie, and soon-to-be-born Annie are a testament to the cycle of care and compassion that RMHC fosters, ensuring families can face their toughest challenges together, enveloped in the comfort and care that only RMHC can provide.

by Judith Fertig

by Silvia Beatriz Abisaab

Cary Esser

CERAMIC ARTIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

Born and raised in North Carolina, ceramic artist Cary Esser earned a BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute in 1978. “As a student,” recalls Esser, “riding my bike through urban neighborhoods was a fantastic introduction to the use of ceramics as architectural ornament. There are excellent examples all over—my favorites include the Mexican Talavera Uriarte tiles in the Plaza and the colorful embellishments at Main Street between 39th and 40th.”

In 1996, Esser returned to KCAI as the ceramics chair. She received the KCAI Distinguished Achievement Award in 2013. Esser, along with her students and colleagues, was featured in Season Two of the PBS Craft In America television series. A resident artist at Belger Crane Yard Studios, Esser has also participated in residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation, the Northern Clay Center, and the International Ceramics Studio in Hungary. She has received grants from the Lighton International Artists Residency Program and the McKnight Foundation. Her work is shown nationally and has been represented by Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art of Kansas City for 20 years.

The many possibilities inherent in clay shaped by the human hand continue to inspire Esser. “The four applications of ceramics through most of history are architecture, figures, utilitarian and ritual objects, and sanitary ware,” she says. “Buildings, dishes, human and animal forms, sinks and toilets— they’re all related, all vessels, all bodies. This is endlessly fascinating and compelling to me.” caryesser.com

INKC: What is it about the medium of clay that intrigues you?

Cary Esser: My passion for clay includes glaze, which when fired together with clay

photo

Arts & Culture IN KC

forms the material known as ceramics. In the studio, I love its mutability and tactility, its history, its relationship to architecture and the earth, and its ability to transform. Ceramics, in all its processes of becoming, is not one material but many. At various times it is wet, dry, soft, hard—it is at once a medium for dimensional form and a canvas and substance for color, texture, image, narrative. I am intrigued by the way ceramics can be both sculptural and painterly, 2D and 3D, while a carrier of content.

I spend a lot of time in the glaze lab, testing and developing glaze surfaces of interest to me. I’m especially captivated by metallics and textures that reflect different kinds of substances: oil, metal, salt, snow, crystal, and stone.

INKC: How does teaching complement your individual studio work?

CE: My teaching and art making are inextricably linked. There’s this perpetual astonishment of what can emerge in a creative environment, with an individual person or a cohort of students. And because KCAI has a curriculum in which students choose a major and take in-depth courses for three years, I see them grow and change. I feel tremendous gratitude for my connections with students and colleagues at KCAI.

INKC: What is your process? Do you sketch first? Start working with clay and let an idea come to you?

CE: Sketching is a tool for furthering an idea once I have initiated it in

clay. I work in sequence, in iterations of similar forms. I enjoy the changes from one piece to the next, and I intentionally set up opportunities for variations in effects that are out of my control. Yet, once I learn to control an effect, I tend to lose interest, and look to interject another variable that’s once again out of my control.

Moving my body—working—helps to provoke ideas. There’s also an important time in the studio for sitting still, observing what has been made, thinking, and reflecting.

I’m constantly sourcing inspiration outside the studio, though when I make, it’s about how my actions will build into something new and unexpected.

INKC: How has Kansas City nurtured your arts career?

CE: When I returned to Kansas City in 1996, I found a city that had fully embraced the arts.

As for my personal art practice, I have greatly benefited by knowing the collective of artists at the Belger Crane Yard Studios. I have enjoyed a two-decade relationship with Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art. Many of us grew up in places where there were few facilities for the arts. In KC there are numerous opportunities for students and artists to create and share artworks, and hundreds of jobs in our galleries, museums, arts centers, schools, and performing venues. The Kansas City community benefits from that. JUNE 15-16, 2024

Diamond

Diamond Banc offers

Diamond Banc offers

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE: REBELLION AND JOY AT THE NELSON

THROUGH JULY 21, a new exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art showcases the surreal world of Niki de Saint Phalle, painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and author of hand-illustrated books.

Presented in conjunction with the Musée d’Art Moderne et de Contemporain and the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, the exhibition features nearly 100 paintings, sculptures, prints, and films and marks the French-American artist’s first U.S. museum retrospective of her entire career.

In addition to viewing this exhibit, guests can further explore their own ideas in a hands-on creativity station, with free art activities and interactive elements.

On May 5 through Tivoli at the museum, a documentary film Niki de Saint Phalle, Who Is the Monster. . .You or Me? screens in conjunction with the exhibit.

For more information and tickets to the special exhibit, visit nelson-atkins.org.

THE LITTLE WAR AT THE WWI MUSEUM

CONTINUING THROUGH FEBRUARY 9, 2025, a new and first-of-its-kind exhibit at The National WWI Museum and Memorial explores an unusual topic—children and the Great War.

The exhibit was prompted by a new acquisition of a collection of World War I postcards involving all the combatants in the conflict, says Natalie Lovgren, specialist curator. Allied countries included Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States. The Axis powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Lovgren especially noticed postcards that depicted or were meant to engage children. “What does a world war look like to a child?” Lovgren wondered.

A trove of artifacts from the museum, including toys, sheet music, games, paper dolls, dress-up clothing, and books, show how children were mobilized to support the war, no matter which side they were on.

You get a child’s-eye view as soon as you walk into this exhibit via a period sitting room, complete with wingback chairs, dominoes on the table, and a puzzle on the floor.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit theworldwar.org

be hard to though, with exuberant container plantings from The Greensman. Any outdoor space can benefit from a little “above-ground love.” Just call us today and we’ll take care of everything, from design to installation to maintenance.

be hard to though, with exuberant container plantings from The Greensman.

Any outdoor space can benefit from a little “above-ground love.” Just call us today and we’ll take care of everything, from design to installation to maintenance.

Arts &Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

SUNDAY POTTERY CLASSES AT KC CLAY GUILD

THE NFL SEASON IS LONG OVER. So how are you going to spend your Sunday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.?

Why not learn how to throw a pot on a potter’s wheel at KC Clay Guild.

These classes introduce newbies into the wonderful world of clay and shaping that clay on a potter’s wheel. No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn.

You’ll be one of eight people in the class (and sign up soon as these classes fill up quickly). Member prices are $50 per class, non-members $70.

Once your piece has been made, you choose a glaze. The staff will glaze and then fire your masterpiece, which you can pick up in a few weeks.

While you’re looking at the KC Clay Guild site, you might also be interested in other Sunday classes, such as Birdhouse Handbuilding. Maybe your backyard birds could use new digs.

Visit kcclayguild.org for more information and to sign up.

Situated in the heart of Leawood, e Residences at Parkway Plaza boasts all the amenities for comfortable and stylish living. is elegand property o ers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, making it an ideal choice for descerning buyers.

COLM TÓIBÍN AT RAINY DAY BOOKS

ON MAY 20 at 7 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza, bestselling Irish novelist Colm Tóibín comes to Kansas City. He has written movingly about characters with their feet on American soil, but their hearts still in Ireland, about longings for home and a quest for where—and with whom—they truly belong. His novel Brooklyn was made into the lm starring Saoirse Ronan, who played the role of a young woman emigrating from Enniscorthy, Ireland, to New York.

His new novel, Long Island, picks up on this theme, following Irish emigrant Ellis Lacey, a married mother of two in an extended Irish-Italian family. Although she hasn’t been back to Ireland in many years, she doesn’t t in where she now lives, either. She feels alone in her marriage and longs for connection. And then comes the turning point. What will she do about her husband’s unborn child with another woman? Will she stay or will she go?

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

City Year’s mission is grounded in the unshakeable belief that we can all help make the world a better place. We are proud to recognize 15 individuals who embody the spirit of idealism. They’ve shown a commitment to improving Kansas City by making a difference in the life of one person, an organization, or an entire community. Idealists of the Year were nominated by sponsors of City Year Kansas City’s Idealist Gala on April 17, 2024.

2024 IDEALISTS OF THE YEAR

Cheryl Jefferson

Nominated by John and Terry Petersen

David

Nominated by JE Dunn Construction

Laura Jones Nominated by CommunityAmerica Credit Union

Rebecca Parker Nominated by City Year KC

Kara Koenig Nominated by Hoefer Welker

Petersen

Kim Schwaller Nominated by Jeff Hargroves

John and Marny Sherman Nominated by

City Year is an education equity-focused nonprofit that places tutors and mentors in schools to ensure more students are on track to graduate. Learn more at cityyear.org/kansas-city

Dr.

Pastor

Bell

Bock

Cristen Frederick Nominated by Delta Dental Kansas

Mitch Holthus Nominated by Hy-Vee

Ron Helmer Nominated by Great Range Capital

Max Lopez Nominated by Curt and Rachel

Jeff Maher Nominated by Mariner

Michelle Niedens Nominated by Lily Maxwell

Moneta

Anna Simpson Nominated by Polsinelli

Christy Turner Nominated by Turner Construction Company

NEW EXPERIENCES ARE WAITING AT KANSAS

CITY ATTRACTIONS THIS SUMMER!

Dive into the excitement and discover all the latest offerings waiting to be explored. From grand openings to special exhibitions, outdoor concerts, family-friendly events, history and museums, nature adventures, and sports activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE

America’s First Entertainment Over a River. It’s a public crossing, a community center, a trailhead, and a full-on entertainment district—40 feet over the water. ere’s so much to do. Grab a co ee and enjoy the views from the Porch. Stroll the farmers market or take in an art fair or makers fair on the Garden and the Wings. Your “home o ce” (with secure WiFi) has a great view. Dine, drink, enjoy a good book, or just meditate on the Patio. Live music awaits on the Top Deck, in the Nook, or on the Garden. Enjoy happy hour at the 50-foot-long bar with sweeping views of active railroad bridges and the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood. e Top Deck Event Space (under the cathedral roof) is perfect for reunions, weddings, company retreats, charity fundraisers, and more. Attend a morning yoga session or a pre-event gathering outside on Bush Landing—high above the river! rockislandkc.com for more information.

DISNEY100: THE EXHIBITION AT UNION STATION

is groundbreaking exhibition, celebrating 100 years of e Walt Disney Company, is one of the largest and most immersive projects the Walt Disney Archives has ever produced. e Walt Disney Archives opened its vault of treasures, and this widely anticipated exhibit will showcase objects including works of art, costumes, props, and Disney memorabilia. Guests will encounter items from some of their favorite Disney lms such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the live-action Cinderella (2015), Encanto (2021), and many more. e exhibition also features more than 14 interactive installations and iconic items from some of the most recent members of the Disney family—Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL. Disney enthusiasts will also have the chance to leave with both memories and memorabilia, as the exhibition will include several extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities along with exclusive merchandise o ered inside the Disney100: e Exhibition gift shop. e exhibition opens on May 24. unionstation.org

KC JURASSIC FARM AT KC PUMPKIN PATCH

Step into a world where prehistoric creatures run freely at the biggest dinosaur event in Kansas City: e Jurassic Farm at KC Pumpkin Patch. Opening June 1, immerse yourself in a prehistoric adventure as you witness over 20 life-sized dinosaurs come to life. Plan your visit to KC Jurassic Farm and discover the ulti-

mate family experience in Kansas City. You’ll see dinosaurs of all sizes, some up to 20 feet tall! Plenty of photo ops are available so you can take family photos you’ll treasure. Walk among the prehistoric creatures to scope out your favorites. In addition, there are more than 30 hands-on family fun activities. is event will be here for only a few weeks. Visit before extinction! kcpumpkinpatch.org

KANSAS CITY CURRENT

Catch a KC Current Home game at the inaugural season of the CPKC Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park, the rst soccer stadium purpose-built for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. Joining the Current Club is the best way to secure 2024 single-match tickets. Located on the north side of CPKC Stadium, the two-story KC Current Team Store is a one-stop shop for fans searching for the newest and most fashionable KC Current merchandise. Indulge in a diverse selection of dishes from multiple Kansas City eateries as you catch the game. Explore a wide array of culinary delights from Kansas City restaurants while you enjoy the game, ranging from BBQ to ice cream, ai cuisine to tacos. For a complete list of all the home games go to kansascitycurrent.com for more information.

KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM

It’s the rst summer at the Zoo to enjoy the aquarium, which opened last September. At Sobela Ocean Aquarium, you can experience being at the ocean, right here in Kansas City. With 650,000 gallons and 34 habitats, you’ll see 8,000 animals and learn how ocean currents connect us all. e Aquarium includes nearly 8,000 animals representing more than 200 species, including sea otters, a sea turtle, sharks, and a giant Paci c octopus. Entry to the Aquarium is included with Zoo admission and FOTZ memberships. To plan your visit go to kansascityzoo.org

JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM

Explore a time when fashion became a powerful form of self-expression for women, signaling what they valued, who they were, and what they wanted America to be. Don’t miss Free to Be…A 1960s Fashion Revolution, a groovy look at four themes in 1960s women’s fashion in a new exhibition opening June 1. Each theme in the exhibit represents a major trend in self-expression during the historical movements and signi cant shifts of the iconic decade. Curated in partnership with Johnson County Community College’s Fashion Merchan-

dising and Design Program, the exhibit will feature garments from the JCCC program’s extensive collection. The museum is located in the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave.,Overland Park. Go to jcprd.com for more information.

HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Visit the renovated Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, and you’re not only visiting a presidential museum, but a World War II museum, a Cold War museum, and more—all wrapped into one. The Truman Library reopened to the public after a $29 million renovation that transformed the library and museum into a cinematic experience. The first update to the Truman Library in over 20 years and the largest since it opened in 1957, the institution unveils two more decades of research on President Harry S. Truman. Truman’s legacy is explained through immersive mixed-media exhibits, eight films, and more than 140 minutes of riveting reels, making it an experience all ages can enjoy. Check out trumanlibraryinstitute.org for more information.

STARLIGHT THEATRE

Starlight has exciting new options for the 2024 AdventHealth Broadway Series. With the new 3-Show Package you now have the opportunity to purchase tickets at the best price with benefits like parking and exchanges. Whether you are making it a family fun night or a special date night under the stars, you have plenty of options to choose from including STOMP, Shrek The Musical, Peter Pan, The Cher Show, Come From Away, West Side Story and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. For more information, go to kcstarlight.com

2024 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ALLSTAR GAME AT LEGENDS FIELD

The reigning Miles Wolff Champion Kansas City Monarchs have a historic year ahead as they aim to defend their title, compete in the Baseball Champions League, and host the All-Star festivities in July. The event will feature the Association of Professional Baseball Home Run Derby and KC Celebrity Softball Game on Monday, July 22 followed by the American Association All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23. It’s the first time Legends Field has hosted an All-Star Game in 18 years.Visit monarchsbaseball.com/allstargame

WORLDS OF FUN

MEMBERS

ANITA B. GORMAN CONSERVATION DISCOVERY CENTER

4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 816-759-7300 • mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter

B&B THEATRES

PO Box 129, Liberty, MO 64069 816-407-7469 • bbtheatres.com

BIG BAM ON THE KATY / MISSOURI LIFE MAGAZINE

208 Columbia Street, Rocheport, MO 65209 (573)514-5453 • bigbamride.com

BLADE & TIMBER

1302 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-343-8489 • bladeandtimber.com/locations/ kansas-city-power-and-light

BOULEVARD BREWING CO.TOURS AND RECREATION CENTER

2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-701-7247 • boulevard.com/visit

BREAKOUT KC

114 W 3rd St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (River Market), 11535 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211 (Park Place) 816-945-2633 (River Market) • 913-298-1081 (Park Place) breakoutkc.com

CAROLYN’S PUMPKIN PATCH

17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty, MO 64068 816-730-6518 • carolynspumpkinpatch.com

CITY OF INDEPENDENCE PARKS/RECREATION/ TOURISM DEPARTMENT

416 W. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 816-325-7575• visitindependence.com

CLAY COUNTY PARKS

17201 Paradesian St, Smithville, MO 64089 816-407-3400 • smithvillelakecamping.com

Park guests will be in for a treat when they arrive on May 4th to discover two all-new food locations, a new merch location, and a beautifully themed patio as well as two new events. Enjoy hearty bar-b-que at the River City Grill and relax in the heart of Americana in the shadow of Steelhawk and Patriot. Mysterious flavors and daring treats await travelers at Dragon’s Delights in East Asia. At Europa Biergarten, across from Autobahn, you will find KC Bier Co. beers to enjoy in the surroundings of Europa. Come on in and meet the friendly shopkeepers at Boone’s General Store in the Wild West. And you won’t want to miss their new events. KC Nights at Worlds of Fun is on select Nights, July 13 - 28, and is the ultimate Kansas City summer party that keeps the excitement high as the sun goes down. KidZfest is happening on Saturdays & Sundays, June 1 - 16. Join in on the exciting dance parties, feast on delicious treats, enjoy our kid-friendly rides, and check out our interactive games and activities. Visit worldsoffun.com

THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE AND (MEN’S) NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME 1401 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-949-7500 • collegebasketballexperience.com

COLONIAL GARDENS

27610 SE Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-229-1277 • colonialgardenskc.com

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA

47th & Broadway Kansas City, MO 64112

816-561-3486 • countryclubplaza.com

CROWN CENTER

2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

816-274-8444 • crowncenter.com

FAMILY FUN EVENTS

May 25 – September 2

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood® A Grr-ific Exhibit

At Crown Center, you're in the heart of Kansas City's most extraordinary event scene. From our local shopping and dining to entertainment and events, explore what makes us uniquely Kansas City.

Outdoor Festivals, Events & Exhibits • SEA

• Live Theater

•Hallmark Visitors Center

• Kaleidoscope

• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

Created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions. DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2012 The Fred Rogers Company. All Rights Reserved.

June 1

Hospital Hill Run

LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

•Shopping & Dining

•Halls Kansas City

• Seasonal Outdoor Ice Skating

• Mayor ’s Christmas Tree

• Santa’s Gingerbread Station

June 14 – 15 Boulevardia

July 12, 19, 26 and August 2

WeekEnder — Outdoor movies, food trucks and local bands

August 30 – September 1

Kansas City Irish Fest

September 14

Hallmarket: A Hallmark Art Festival

September 21

Children’s Mercy Dream Big Day Family Fest + Walk

October 4 – 5

KC Oktoberfest

October 26

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

October 31

Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree

November 1, 2024 – March 9, 2025

Crown Center Ice Terrace 2024 – 2025 Season

November 29

Santa's Arrival at Crown Center

November 29

Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Event

November 29 – December 24

Santa's Gingerbread Station

ROTARY DAY AT THE MONARCHS

THE KANSAS CITY MONARCHS AND THE ROTARY CLUB are teaming up to benefit the Rotary Youth Camp, celebrating a special centennial for both organizations.

The Monarchs are donating a portion of their ticket proceeds from their home opener on May 16 to the Rotary Youth Camp as part of the organization’s Greater Kansas City Day celebration.

The celebration includes a pep rally on Wednesday, May 15 at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. and a special game day event at Union Station on May 16 from 7 to 9 a.m. Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye and actor Eric Stonestreet will serve as celebrity cochairs for both events, which will be open to the public.

The Rotary Youth Camp, located in Lee’s Summit, provides youth with physical, mental or emotional challenges a place to grow, laugh, and embrace their true selves.

2024 is the Rotary Youth Camp’s centennial, as well as the 100th anniversary of the original Kansas City Monarchs’ victory in the first-ever Negro League World Series.

The pep rally on May 15 will also include appearances by Monarchs leadership, as well as other celebrities to be announced.

Fans at the Union Station event on May 16 can purchase Monarchs pennants with a donation to the Rotary Youth Camp, and can get the pennant signed by Okoye, Stonestreet, and other celebrities in attendance.

The first pitch of the game itself is set for 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Every fan in attendance will be automatically entered into a drawing for a Monarchs jersey signed by Patrick Mahomes. Fans will receive a raffle ticket during the game. Drawing will take place in the 5th inning. Winner must be present at the game to accept the jersey.

Tickets available at monarchsbaseball.com

THE ESCAPE GAME KANSAS CITY

320 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112 816-677-6834 • theescapegame.com/kansas-city

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY MONEY MUSEUM

1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-881-2683 • kansascityfed.org/moneymuseum

FULL MOON HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS 1401 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64102 816-842-4280 or 816-842-0320 • fullmoonprod.com

GARMIN KANSAS CITY MARATHON 2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-389-4190 • sportkc.org/marathon

GO APE TREETOP ADVENTURE - SWOPE PARK 7331 Oakwood Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 800-971-8271 • goape.com/location/missouri-kansas-city

HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM

500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050 816-268-8200 • trumanlibrary.gov

HISTORIC LECOMPTON

609 Woodson Ave, Lecompton, KS 66050 785-887-6148 • lecomptonkansas.com

HOLLADAY DISTILLERY

One McCormick Lane, Weston, MO 64098 816-640-3056 • holladaydistillery.com

HY-VEE ARENA

1800 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102 816-505-0404 • hy-veearena.com

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE ASSOCIATION (HISTORIC DOWNTOWN) 106 S Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050 816-381-7181 • indepsquare.com

J RIEGER & CO. 2700 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120 816-702-7800 • jriegerco.com

JACKSON COUNTY MO PARKS + RECREATION 22807 SW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-503-4800 • MakeYourDayHere.com

JESSE JAMES BIRTHPLACE

21216 Jesse James Farm Rd, Kearney, MO 64060 816-736-8500 • jessejamesmuseum.org

JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM

8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-826-2787 • jcprd.com/museum

JACKSON COUNTY PARKS + RECREATION

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT to do this summer? You don’t have to look far. Jackson County Parks + Rec is a short car ride away with plenty of things for everyone to do.

It’s all about fun when you spend a day with Jackson County Parks + Rec.

For the land lover, they have one of the largest park systems of any county in America.

For the water enthusiast, Jackson County is home to fantastic beaches and lakes, with the finest public marinas in Missouri. Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs, and Longview Lake offer full-service marinas and boat rentals. Blue Springs and Longview Lake both have beaches open to the public for individuals to soak up the sun and enjoy a day at the lake.

Jackson County Parks + Rec offers residents and regional neighbors nearly 22,000 acres of premier outdoor enjoyment for “get-away-from-it-all” weekends and memorable vacations. From boating and biking to hiking and horseback riding, get on the go! From softball and golf, get into the game! From beaches and campgrounds to picnics and fishing, just sit back and relax.

Make your day at Jackson County Parks + Rec this summer.

For more information go to makeyourdayhere.com

KANSAS CITY AUTO MUSEUM

15095 W 116th St, Olathe, KS 66062 913-322-4227 • kansascityautomuseum.com

KANSAS CITY BALLET

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-931-8993 • kcballet.org

KANSAS CITY CARRIAGES

Nichols and Pennsylvania on the Country Club Plaza 816-531-1999 • kccarriages.com

KANSAS CITY CURRENT

CPKC Stadium, 1460 E Front St, Kansas City, MO 64120 913-374-0233 • kansascitycurrent.com

KANSAS CITY HELICOPTER TOURS

10 Richards Rd, Kansas City , MO 64105 816-499-3342 • kansascityhelicoptertours.com

KANSAS CITY MONARCHS BASEBALL

1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-328-5618 • monarchsbaseball.com

KANSAS CITY MUSEUM

3128 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64123 816-702-7700 • kansascitymuseum.org

KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION 4600 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64130 816-513-7500 • kcparks.org

KANSAS CITY RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-721-2110 • kcrenfest.com

KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE

Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110 Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-235-2700 • kcrep.org

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 816-921-8000 • royals.com

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (Helzberg Hall) 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-471-0400 • kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM

6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 • kansascityzoo.org

KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-994-7222 • kauffmancenter.org

KC FRINGE FESTIVAL

PO Box 415001, Kansas City, MO 64141 646-844-1505 • kcfringe.org

KC WINE CO AND KC PUMPKIN PATCH

13875 S Gardner Rd #1, Olathe, KS 66061 913-484-6251 • kcwineco.com and kcpumpkinpatch.com

LEGENDS OUTLETS

1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-788-3700 • legendsshopping.com

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER AND SEA LIFE AQUARIUM KANSAS CITY

2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-471-4FUN (4386) • legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ kansas-city and visitsealife.com/kansas-city

MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP & FARM

1200 Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS 66061 913-971-5111 • mahaffie.org

MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

8081 NW Roanridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151 816-281-2020 • mainevent.com

THE MIDLAND THEATRE

1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-283-9900 • arvestbanktheatre.com

THE MIDWEST GENEALOGY CENTER

3440 S Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055 816-252-7228 • mymcpl.org/genealogy

MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY 114 N Davis St, Hamilton, MO 64644 888-571-1122 • missouriquiltco.com

MUSIC THEATER HERITAGE

Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, #301, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-6987 • mthkc.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)

120 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-595-8000 • naia.org

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS / MINIATURES 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112 816-235-8000 • toyandminiaturemuseum.org

CROWN CENTER

AT CROWN CENTER, you’re in the heart of Kansas City’s most vibrant summer scene. From local shopping and dining to entertainment and events, explore what makes Crown Center uniquely Kansas City!

The family fun will roar to life with the new interactive exhibit, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood®: A Grr-ific Exhibit,” open from May 25th through Labor Day! All summer long, you can explore the depths of the ocean at SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium or the height of creativity at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City! Need more excitement? Boulevardia and WeekEnder are can’t-miss summer events! Work your way through the delicious food and drinks while enjoying jam-packed lineups full of energetic live music and family-friendly films under the stars.

There’s endless fun for everyone at Crown Center, so plan your family outing today and spend your summer making memories together that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL

2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-888-8100 • theworldwar.org

THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 816-751-1278 • nelson-atkins.org

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-1920 • nlbm.com

PLANET COMICON KC AND PLANET ANIME KC

Bartle Hall, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-533-3126 • planetcomicon.com and planetanimekc.com

ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE

0 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66105 913-620-6156 • rockislandkc.com

SINKERZ LOUNGE

53 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 913-374-0105 • sinkerslounge.com

STARLIGHT THEATRE

4600 Starlight Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-363-7827 • kcstarlight.com

T-SHOTZ

660 NW Metro North Dr, Kansas City, MO 64155 816-702-1320 • tshotz.com

UNION STATION AND SCIENCE CITY

30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-460-2000 • unionstation.org/sciencecity

URBAN HIKES KANSAS CITY

Kansas City Walking Tours 913-229-6493 • urbanhikeskc.com

VISIT KCK/ KCK TACO TRAIL

755 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101

913-321-5800 • kcktacotrail.com

WATKINS WOOLEN MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE

26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062

816-580-3387 • mostateparks.com/park/watkins-woolenmill-state-historic-site

WORLDS OF FUN / OCEANS OF FUN

4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161 816-454-4545 • worldsoffun.com

ZIP KC

12829 Loring Rd, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-214-9478 • zipkc.com

ZONA ROSA

8640 N. Dixson Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153 816-587-8180 • zonarosa.com

ALLIED MEMBERS

CITY OF BONNER SPRINGS bonnersprings.org

CTM MEDIA GROUP ctmmedia.com and visitorfun.com

DRURY HOTELS druryhotels.com

FASONE & PARTNERS fasonepartners.com

IN KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE inkansascity.com

KC GOING PLACES kcparent.com

KC TICKETS kcticketsonline.com

LEAVENWORTH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU visitleavenworthkc.com

MADDEN MEDIA vacationistusa.com and maddenmedia.com

MOD OP | KANSAS CITY modop.com

PAGE COMMUNICATIONS pagecomms.com

VICTORY PYROTECHNICS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS victorypyro.com

VISIT KC visitkc.com

Greater Kansas City Attractions Association members include local attractions from throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area.

GKCAA gives away tickets and items from the most exciting venues in the Kansas City area! Simply follow the Association on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the finest attractions in the region!

@GKAAAttractions

Jesse James Bank Museum

Historic Pharis Farm

Jesse James Birthplace

“Pair of Women in House Dresses” from Deborah Neff Collection, 1920-30s, Artist Unknown, United States. Photo: Ellen McDermott.

Stripe Up the Band

THIN AND DAINTY OR WIDE AND RETRO, STRIPES ARE THRIVING IN THIS SEASON’S COLLECTIONS

Even the patternaverse fashionista can carry o (and even love!) a cheerful striped dress. ere’s a hint of the nautical in a chic, classic stripe. It’s a basic for summer in blue and white. Lean into a punchy red-and-white striped dress for a polished vibe. Or think out-of-the-box with bold, color-blocked stripes.

Tanya Taylor dress, $545, available at Halls (Crown Center).

Nomia tiefront dress, $389, available at Finefolk (Westwood).

Cropped top, $245, and skirt, $345, by Rhode Resort, available at Clairvaux (Shops at Fairway and Hawthorne Plaza).

Stream On

SIMPLIFYING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

If to you, streaming means what shows you’re watching tonight, here’s a new take. Skin streaming is the latest trend to take back your mornings and evenings. Rather than a ten-step skincare routine, it’s the option of streamlining your steps to using three or four of the most e ective products that you know work for you. Added bene ts in addition to time saved? Fewer opportunities for irritation and it’s de nitely kinder to your wallet. e essentials are: In the morning use a cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, skip the sunscreen and vitamin C, and add a retinol.

What to do with all that new leisure time? Maybe nd a new series to stream!

Lover Cosmetics

Hydrating Lotion, $45, available at lover-cosmetics.com

Josh Rosebrook C Bright Complex Vitamin C facial serum, $65, from Welwythn (Prairie Village Shops).

Spectrum Sunscreen, $76, available at The Grove Spa (Brookside).

Saint Jane Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair with retinol, $70, available at bijin Salon & Spa (Prairie Village).

Pinklipps Super Cleanser, $13, available at pinklippscosmetics.com.

Alastin Skincare Pro Mineral Broad

The Write Moves

WHY BEGIN JOURNALING?

The pandemic brought about many trends: baking innumerable loaves of sourdough bread; Zoom parties with friends; knitting, from scarves to sweaters; and keeping a daily journal as a narrative of one’s life.

At rst, facing the blank pages of a journal might seem daunting. But there’s something to be said for diving right in. Write about the fear of failing. Some words, any words, begin the journey.

What can journaling do for you?

It can relieve stress. Writing about your daily stress factors can put them in their proper place.

It can de ne goals. ink of it as a to-do list for your life. Setting the parameters of what you want to accomplish, whether on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis, keeps your life plan on track.

And it can actually have an impact on your physical health. It’s been shown that keeping track of an illness through a journal can encourage faster healing. Remember, no one other than you is reading the sentences, paragraphs, and pages you’re compiling. Be brave; be bold.

dot grid

Journal lined notebook by Rosmond McCalla, $9.99, available at Wise Blood Booksellers .

Pastel Triangles wire-bound journal,

available at Barnes & Noble

Abaco

journal, $24, available at Cuorobella

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Gorgeous and Amazing journal, $18, available at Paper Source

$12.99,

Guitars & Games

Every Friday starting in May (6pm - 8pm)

Free live acoustic music & lawn games.

Second Saturdays for Kids!

Every second Saturday starting in May (10am - Noon)

Kids rule! Free entertainment for mornings filled with play, laughter, and meaningful moments.

Summer Concert Series

Every Saturday in June & August (7pm - 9pm)

Free outdoor concerts featuring top local bands.

Pinwheel Club

Every Tuesday in June & July (9am - 11am)

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

Wednesday Date Night

Every Wednesday (6pm - 8pm)

Live music for a mid-week date night!

Movies in the Square

Saturdays in July & September (At Dusk)

Free movies on the big screen under the stars!

Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.

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

Women’s Health IN

by Judith Fertig

Opening New Doors in the Future of Cancer Care

A CONVERSATION WITH BRENDA SHOUP, MD, ABOUT THE BRAND-NEW ADVENTHEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE

Healthcare can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. You see a physician here, get an X-ray there, do lab work somewhere else. Getting an answer could take weeks.

But when the diagnosis is cancer, waiting is not an option.

When the AdventHealth Cancer Institute opens its doors this month, the brand-new facility will usher in a new era in comprehensive and compassionate cancer care in Kansas City. No more running from medical office to medical office. Everything is where you need it to be—not across town, but steps away.

Brenda Shoup, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and the medical director of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, shares how this patient-centered approach will benefit Kansas City cancer patients and their families.

As the Institute’s medical director, how important was it to design a cancer center from the ground up, instead of retrofitting existing space to fit cancer patients’ needs? Patients and families experience extreme emo-

tions when diagnosed with cancer. There is anxiety, sadness, and bewildering fear of the unknown. When designing the new AdventHealth Cancer Institute the patient’s perspective was considered with each decision. The purpose is to provide high quality cancer care in an environment that is easy for the patient to navigate and to eliminate whatever stress we could from their journey.

And what are the needs of cancer patients that may differ from those of other patients who access hospital services?

The needs of cancer patients are unique. They often need same-day laboratory results to proceed with treatment. They may need immediate dietary instruction or social services assistance to obtain medications or transportation. They may have multiple appointments with different providers all in the same day. Now, with this all-in-one facility, our mission is for the entire care team to be able to easily work together to streamline the process for the patient.

“Intentional” seems to be a great word to de -

scribe the Institute’s design. How did AdventHealth go about researching patients’ needs?

Yes, the design of the Institute was very intentional. We convened patient focus groups and researched other cancer treatment facilities. The focus was on improving the experience by making everything close together and easy to access. All aspects of the patient’s care will be in one building with convenient parking. This includes on-site laboratory, infusion, radiation, and clinic space for appointments with the oncologist or other clinicians. There is also outdoor space for infusion patients and their families to enjoy when weather permits.

What is unique about the AdventHealth Cancer Institute?

The AdventHealth Cancer Institute focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—providing advanced cancer care in a setting that is purposefully created to minimize the stress and anxiety of the treatment of the disease. Our experienced, well-respected oncologists provide care for the full spectrum of cancer and hematologic disorders, and we are continuing to expand this team. Beginning later this summer, we’re thrilled that we will be able to deliver leading-edge radiation treatment when we’ll become the first and only team in Kansas City to implement a cutting-edge technology called MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy. cancercarekc.com

Brenda Shoup, MD

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

Visit CancerCareKC.com to learn more.

Goodbye, Razor . . . Hello, Laser

By Judith Fertig

Personal appearance is important in our public lives—putting our best foot forward—as well as in our intimate moments with others. No matter if we’re giving a sales presentation to a crowd or enjoying a romantic encounter with that special someone, we want the confidence boost that comes with knowing we look our best.

When plucking, waxing, and worrying about unwanted hair seems like an endless cycle, Laser Derm Med Spa in Shawnee can definitely help.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Founded in 2003 by Joseph Leiker, M.D., the practice is still a family affair. Dr. Leiker’s son, Eric, runs the med spa while Eric’s wife, Kaitlyn, a registered nurse, directs clinical training. Laser treatments are performed by registered nurses and other highly trained professionals.

“We’re here to stay,” says Eric Leiker. “Laser hair removal is what we do all day, every day. You could say we’re laser-focused,” he says with a grin. Leiker adds, “We sell no products. We truly focus on the treatment itself.”

THE BENEFITS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Besides the convenience of not having to shave or wax, laser hair removal also eliminates ingrown hairs, stubble, and razor bumps. “With laser hair removal, you get smoother, clearer skin,” says Leiker. For female patients, the focus is on the bikini area, legs, and underarms. For men, it’s the back and shoulder areas.

As more people work out and their bodies become more defined, they want to show off all that hard work at the gym with uninterrupted contours, says Leiker.

For people with certain medical conditions, laser hair removal can be dramatic. “We have a female patient with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) who has suffered from unwanted facial hair for years. After a series of treatments, her face was finally smooth. She cried and gave us hugs. She said we had changed her life,” Leiker relates.

HOW IT WORKS

Patients can schedule a free consultation, and then decide on the next steps.

The type of laser hair removal system depends on skin pigment and hair color. “The tone of the skin is the most deciding factor,” says Leiker. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair, not pale peach fuzz. “The darker the hair, the more effective the treatment.” The med spa uses diode and alexandrite lasers for lighter complexions and YAG lasers for darker complexions, which are “the gold standard for dark skin,” explains Leiker.

Patients shave the areas to be lasered from 4 to 24 hours ahead of a treatment. That’s because lasers target hair follicles under the skin, not the hair above it.

During a first appointment, patients will have their skin and hair evaluated for melanin or pigment. The results of this evaluation will determine which laser to use for safe and effective results. The state-of-the-art equipment at Laser Derm Med Spa offers the latest cooling technology, so as the skin is heated, it is immediately cooled. Numbing cream is not necessary. “We do everything we can to keep our patients comfortable,” says Leiker.

There is no downtime or after-care lotions or creams that need to be used.

“For best results, we recommend a series of five to nine treatments and then a touch-up about once a year,” says Leiker.

PAY AS YOU GO

Instead of asking new patients to subscribe to a membership plan or sign a contract, Laser Derm Med Spa lists prices for hair removal on different parts of the body at laser-derm.com/prices The patient can do as much or as little as they want on a “pay as you go” basis without the need to prepay for a package of sessions.

“We offer very affordable treatments from very qualified providers. That’s why we consistently get five-star reviews from our patients,” says Leiker. “We’re here to make our patients as happy as possible.” laser-derm.com

Wallpaper with Pop

LOCAL DESIGNER WITH FINE-ART BACKGROUND CLIMBS THE WALLS

by Patricia O’Dell

Jennifer Hunthas had a lifelong passion for textiles and decorative objects. As founder of Poppy, her wallpaper line, she creates a collection of bold and subtle patterns that have a unique point of view.

I’m already trying to find a spot for Bossa, a modern, line-drawn sketch of climbing flowering vines. From the subtle “gris” colorway to the bolder cobalt and black, the pattern is a fresh modern take on floral. And if florals appeal, “Mountain Rose,” a printed grasscloth, may be just the thing for your quickly maturing daughter’s room. “Wave,” inspired by a Japanese screen, is a subtle backdrop that exudes a soothing strength. It would certainly make your dining room a place no one would want to leave.

Poppy sells both to the trade and directly. Samples and rolls are available online. You can find them at poppyprintstudio.com.

Painted brushstrokes are overlaid to create vertical streaks of light and dark in Poppy’s Bands wallpaper.

Right, top row: Poppy’s Bands wallpaper is available in three colorways; Celadon, Plaster, and Smoke. Right, middle row: Bossa wallpaper is available in Black, Gris, and Cobalt. Right, bottom row: Mountain Rose is available in five colorways; Peace, White, Gray (all shown), Beige, and MInt.

ONE OF THE PLEASURES of writing this column is the necessity to be up-to-date on new resources. What a treat to discover SimplyMidKC, a shop in downtown Kansas City. With a healthy selection of midcentury furniture, from cabinets to dining tables and chairs to lamps and accessories, it’s de nitely worth stopping by. Bonus? ey deliver. You can nd them in the shop at 1313 Virginia, Kansas City, MO, online at simplymidkc.com @simply.midkc

Left: A rare Carlo de Carli lounge chair.

by Patricia O’Dell

Stepping Out

KANSAS CITY INFLUENCER LAUNCHES BLACKBIRD COLLECTION

Amy Appleton Dreyer started Steps of Style in 2012 with the launch of her Instagram account. In the last 12 years, she has built a brand that features her love of clothes, houses, travel, and her family. Now Dreyer is launching Blackbird Collection at 122 Southwest Blvd., a space with amazing light and a long history of creative energy.

Appleton is combining “leisurely fashion and curated interiors,” which includes iconic vintage furniture, graphic rugs, engaging—and

cheeky—accessories, as well as modern jewelry. Her stainless trays, tumblers, and ice cream cups are particularly appealing for entertaining a crowd, whether it’s for drinks on the patio or a grade-schoolers birthday party.

And, of course, there are clothes. Dreyer has curated pieces in enduring styles from a Michael Lo Sordo Bond 007 black silk satin maxi dress to a Carmen Llaguno Rhea Honey dress in white to a pair of tights in a sharp, clear red. blackbirdcollectionkc.com

YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN

MY HUSBAND moved into my house after we were married. It’s a great house in Brookside and provided a safe and nurturing landing spot following my divorce ten years ago. We’ve lived here together with our adult children coming and going for the past couple of years.

Recently, we realized that an empty nest was on the horizon as the last of our ve children will graduate a year from May. Opening two restaurants with our partners in two years has been a rewarding whirlwind; now it’s our new normal. But even during the height of the activity we’ve been thinking and talking about what we want in our next home. We’d like to stay close to where we live now. Perhaps the option of a rst- oor master, really great light, a yard big enough for a pool and space for our dogs, Je Bridges and Beau, to romp—and hopefully not dig.

How di cult could that be?

Well, let me tell you. Or perhaps you already know that the process of house buying is at a fever pitch. As we dipped our toes in the market we found it at a roiling boil. We were advised that contingencies—for selling a current home, or even inspections— can be as outdated as ice boxes, orange shag carpet, and doorbells that are not cameras. Today it’s better if you can make a cash o er, so selling rst and putting your houseful of belongings in storage is pre ered, so you can easily write a check at a moment’s notice. We’ve come up with a plan. Pack up? Rent storage? Sell and hope something good comes along? Start a grassroots movement convincing everyone to wait on their sale for six months?

Nope. We’re thinking of putting in a pool.

DOUBLE UP

TWO PRIMARY SUITES, TWO KITCHENS ADD UP TO A NEW LUXURY HOUSING TREND

By Judith Fertig

Here’s the first startling statistic.

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

Since 1971, the number of multi-generational households—meaning grandparents, parents, and perhaps children all living under the same roof—has quadrupled, according to the Pew Research Institute.

Here’s the second startling statistic.

Like many countries around the world, the U.S. is experiencing a major demographic shift.

By 2035, there will be as many people over the age of 65 as there are 18 and younger, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The third statistic may not be as startling, but it comes on the heels of the other two.

As people live longer and inflation remains high, families are exploring a new/ old way of living, long established in Europe—multi-generational living.

Says Belgian-born Karin Ross of Karin Ross Designs, “What we’re seeing is a new economic situation. In Europe, there is not enough land, so it makes sense for families to live together in one house. In this country, there is enough land, but the rising cost of inflation, taxes, and insurance makes multi-generational living more attractive. We’re seeing new homes and newly remodeled homes start to feature two primary bedroom suites and two full kitchens.”

In other words, the traditional mother-in-law suite, which generally featured a bedroom with a bath and a kitchenette, is getting a makeover.

The new multi-generational living trend emphasizes quality—quality in finishes and quality time spent together. With everyone pooling their resources, you could have one larger home with greater luxury in the rooms

PRESENTED

BY

that are the most used. “The whole house could live better,” says Ross. “The best remodeling scenario is to start with a home that has a walkout basement, so you would have one-floor living with its own entrance for older members of the family or young adults returning home for a while.” With a second luxury kitchen and primary suite on the lower floor, families could live quite comfortably without being on top of each other.

With boundaries and rules established ahead of time, multi-generational living could offer many benefits, says Ross. “Financial stability is one. Looking after one another, whether it’s children or elderly grandparents, is easier if you’re all in one place. And thirdly, you can enjoy more time together with the people who created you and the people you’ve created.”

Working with a kitchen and bath specialist to create a multi-generational home, says Ross, saves you time and money, not to mention stress.

A kitchen and bath designer keeps up with new products and knows what will work. “We try everything we install before we put it in a client’s home,” she says. “We try it in our home or in our showroom. That way, there are no surprises.”

There are no surprises, either, during the installation. Karin Ross Designs keeps products in stock, so no waiting. And Nick Ross, Karin’s husband, does the installation work with his team. “Our clients know we will take care of it all,” she says.

And that’s the main reason for creating a multi-generational home—taking care of those who mean the most to you.

MARVELOUS MUSIC

MARVELOUS MUSIC

MARVELOUS MUSIC

MARVELOUS MUSIC

Pops

Pops

Concert

Pops Concert

Concert Sci-Fi Spectacular

Sci-Fi Spectacular

Classical Concert Joshua Bell and Ravel

Sci-Fi Spectacular

Classical Concert Joshua Bell and Ravel

Classical Concert Joshua Bell and Ravel

Friday & Saturday, May 17-18 at 8 p.m.

Pops Concert Sci-Fi Spectacular

Friday & Saturday, May 17-18 at 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 17-18 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 17-18 at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

JACK EVERLY, GUEST CONDUCTOR

JACK EVERLY, GUEST CONDUCTOR

JACK EVERLY, GUEST CONDUCTOR

JOHN DE LANCIE , NARRATOR

JOHN DE LANCIE , NARRATOR

JACK EVERLY, GUEST CONDUCTOR

JOHN DE LANCIE , NARRATOR

JOHN DE LANCIE , NARRATOR

SARAH TANNEHILL ANDERSON , SOPRANO

SARAH TANNEHILL ANDERSON , SOPRANO

SARAH TANNEHILL ANDERSON , SOPRANO

KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY CHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

SARAH TANNEHILL ANDERSON , SOPRANO

KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

Experience an out-of-this-world concert conducted by the worldrenowned conductor Jack Everly and featuring music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,”“Star Trek,”“E.T.,”“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and more.Tickets from $40 for adults and $28 for children.

Experience an out-of-this-world concert conducted by the worldrenowned conductor Jack Everly and featuring music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Star Trek,” “E.T.,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and more. Tickets from $40 for adults and $28 for children.

Experience an out-of-this-world concert conducted by the worldrenowned conductor Jack Everly and featuring music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,”“Star Trek,”“E.T.,”“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and more.Tickets from $40 for adults and $28 for children.

Experience an out-of-this-world concert conducted by the worldrenowned conductor Jack Everly and featuring music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,”“Star Trek,”“E.T.,”“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and more.Tickets from $40 for adults and $28 for children.

Classical Concert Joshua Bell and Ravel

Friday & Saturday, May 31-June 1 at 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 31-June 1 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 31-June 1 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, May 31-June 1 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

Classical Concert Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony

Classical Concert Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony

Classical Concert Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony

Classical Concert Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony

Classical

Classical

Season Finale

Classical Season Finale

Season

Stern’s

Finale Stern’s Farewell with Sibelius and Barber

JOSHUA BELL, VIOLIN

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

JOSHUA BELL, VIOLIN

JOSHUA BELL, VIOLIN

JOSHUA BELL, VIOLIN

GUILLAUMECONNESSON

GUILLAUMECONNESSON Flammenschrift (Flame Writing)

GUILLAUME CONNESSON Flammenschrift (Flame Writing)

Flammenschrift (Flame Writing)

Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 at 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 14-15 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

JOELLE HARVEY, SOPRANO

JOELLE HARVEY, SOPRANO

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

JOELLE HARVEY, SOPRANO

JOELLE HARVEY, SOPRANO

KELLEY O’CONNOR, MEZZO-SOPRANO

KELLEY O’CONNOR, MEZZO-SOPRANO

Stern’s Farewell with Sibelius and Barber

Classical Season Finale Stern’s Farewell with Sibelius and Barber

Farewell with Sibelius and Barber

Friday & Saturday, June 21-22 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 21-22 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 21-22 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, June 21-22 at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

F. J. HAYDN Symphony No. 59, “Feuersinfonie” (Fire Symphony) The Elements (selections)

GUILLAUMECONNESSON Flammenschrift (Flame Writing) F. J. HAYDN Symphony No. 59, “Feuersinfonie” (Fire Symphony)

F. J. HAYDN Symphony No. 59, “Feuersinfonie” (Fire Symphony) The Elements (selections)

F. J. HAYDN Symphony No. 59, “Feuersinfonie” (Fire Symphony)

KEVIN PUTS “Earth”

The Elements (selections)

The Elements (selections)

KEVIN PUTS “Earth”

KEVIN PUTS “Earth”

EDGAR MEYER “Water”

EDGARMEYER “Water”

KELLEY O’CONNOR, MEZZO-SOPRANO KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

KELLEY O’CONNOR, MEZZO-SOPRANO KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY CHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

KANSAS CITYSYMPHONYCHORUS, CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR

GUSTAV MAHLER

GUSTAV MAHLER

GUSTAV MAHLER

GUSTAV MAHLER

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

SAMUEL BARBER Symphony No. 1

Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

SAMUELBARBER Symphony No. 1

Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

SAMUELBARBER Symphony No. 1

Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”

Symphony No. 2,“Resurrection”

Symphony No. 2,“Resurrection”

JAKE HEGGIE “Fire”

EDGARMEYER “Water”

JAKE HEGGIE “Fire”

KEVIN PUTS “Earth” EDGARMEYER “Water”

Symphony No. 2,“Resurrection”

JAKE HEGGIE “Fire”

HENRI VIEUXTEMPS Violin Concerto No. 5

HENRIVIEUXTEMPS Violin Concerto No. 5

JAKE HEGGIE “Fire”

HENRIVIEUXTEMPS Violin Concerto No. 5

MAURICE RAVEL

MAURICERAVEL

HENRIVIEUXTEMPS Violin Concerto No. 5

MAURICERAVEL

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé

MAURICERAVEL

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé

Tickets from $29.

Tickets from $29.

Tickets from $29.

Tickets from $29.

A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works.

A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works.

Tickets from $29.

Tickets from $29.

A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works. Tickets from $29.

A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works.

Tickets from $29.

JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2

SAMUELBARBER Symphony No. 1

JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2

JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2

JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2

The power and passion of this magnificent program will be a fitting celebration of Michael Stern’s Kansas City Symphony leadership. Stern shares music that inspires him.

Tickets from $39.

The power and passion of this magnificent program will be a fitting celebration of Michael Stern’s Kansas City Symphony leadership. Stern shares music that inspires him. Tickets from $39.

The power and passion of this magnificent program will be a fitting celebration of Michael Stern’s Kansas City Symphony leadership. Stern shares music that inspires him. Tickets from $39.

The power and passion of this magnificent program will be a fitting celebration of Michael Stern’s Kansas City Symphony leadership. Stern shares music that inspires him. Tickets from $39.

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

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

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

Michael Stern

Joshua Bell

Joshua Bell

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Michael Stern

Joshua Bell

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

MICHAEL STERN,

FRIDAY 5PM - 8PM I SATURDAY 10AM - 8PM I SUNDAY 11AM - 4PM

Matt Blashaw IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel

photo by Rolf Ringwald

He was a lifelong Californian, living the Hollywood dream, hosting do-it-yourself TV programs, when an episode of HGTV’s Yard Crashers took Matt Blashaw to Kansas City, where he met his future wife, Lindsay [Archer], a container gardening expert, on the set. Blashaw fell hard for the girl and her hometown.

Today Blashaw owns Blashaw Residential Construction, a full-service construction company specializing in outdoor living spaces and pools, in Leawood, where he lives with his wife and their 5½-year-old son, Jace.

On a recent Friday afternoon on his way to Home Depot after a typical day spent “putting out fires,” Blashaw spoke to IN Kansas City by phone from his truck about the arc of his life, bouncing from working the shipping docks in California at 13, to film school to Hollywood, to a spec housing business that went bust, to trading in a successful TV career for a real-life remodeling company and full-time family life in Kansas City.

When did you first get interested in using tools?

I spent a ton of time as a kid at the export packing business that my dad took over from my granddad in Orange, California. We built giant boxes for oil refineries, and we shipped things overseas. I worked on the docks at San Pedro when I was a kid, probably before I should have. I was 13 and working with pneumatic nailers and drills, and I was so light, they would crane me up to the top of these 30-foot boxes to put the finishing nails on top. So I was lifted quickly into the building world.

Literally lifted.

Literally. I loved it from the beginning.

You graduated from Chapman University. Where is that? It’s in Orange, California. I went through 12 years of Catholic education, including four years at Servite High School in Anaheim, which is an all-boys preparatory school, just like Rockhurst here.

I went to Chapman to be a pre-med major. I wanted to be a physical therapist. But organic chemistry and I did not get along. I tried for two years, but it was like someone was talking Mandarin Chinese to me. No comprende.

I was also doing film and television—I liked being in student films, and I liked the behind-the-scenes stuff, too. Chapman University has one of the best film schools in the nation. So I got my BFA in film and TV.

I worked on major motion pictures and large-scale commercials using my carpentry skills. I did that for a couple of years. But the Hollywood life was really tough on me.

How so?

You’re working 13-14 hours a day. So I thought, I don’t necessarily want to do that. So I got a job at Disney as an automation specialist. The guy who pushes the button for Tinkerbell to fly over the castle, hoping she doesn’t stall over 50,000 children—that was me.

You always come to a place in your life where you say, gosh do I need to work for somebody else, or am I going to be better off working on my own? I decided I wanted to be on my own, so I became a remodeler.

You hear some people say working construction is a “fallback.” It’s not a fallback. It’s a great living. My plumber makes $150,000 a year. Electricians make a good living. You make an honest living and you’re your own boss.

And you’re doing meaningful work that there is a strong demand for.

I’m attention deficit, but I’m not medicated for it. I don’t think any kid should be medicated for it, because I don’t think it is a deficit. I think it’s an asset. It’s a different way of learning. I have found that a lot of people who are attention deficit excel at building.

If you look around, not a lot of young kids are wanting to do construction. We need to debunk this idea that construction is a fallback and you should go for business and finance. That’s not really the way.

I work with Skills USA, who get kids when they are in 7th and 8th grade, and we try to build our trade because it’s kind of dying right now. We try to show them that after high school, you don’t have to go to college.

So I did remodeling for a while, then I got into spec home building in 2007, and you can guess what happened.

That was a bad year to get into spec building. It was awful. I went bankrupt. I had six projects going. I was ready to

do really, really well, and IndyMac (Independent National Mortgage Corporation) was the bank I was using for construction loans, and they were the first bank to go down. So I was holding six properties that all went into foreclosure. No one was loaning money, no one.

What did that experience teach you?

I think a lot of people try to force their way in life and say “coulda, woulda, shoulda,” but I’ve learned now, looking at where my life has gone, that sometimes the worst thing in life brings you to the best parts of life. If that bankruptcy didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be in Kansas City with the love of my life and a son who I love more than anything.

How did you extract yourself from the failure of your business?

I was doing very small remodels, because no one had any money. And I still had my real estate license and I was doing short sales, if you know what those are.

Not so much.

You’re basically begging a bank—because we had to sell these homes for less than was owed on them—to take this lower amount of money. And it was so much work. Because the bank would say, “Well, we’re taking a hit, so instead of giving you 3 percent, we’re going to give you 1.5 percent.” So I was doing twice the amount of work for half the money. So that is when I got into TV. In Hollywood, we always look at Backstage magazine. They were having this audition called the Studfinder Competition to be the next home improvement host. I didn’t know what home improvement television was back then, it was just starting to get ramped up. It was for a six-episode show, so I thought, OK, that will pay the bills.

So I put in a quirky video. I and three other contestants were flown out to Minnesota to do this competition show. I thought I did great—I had on-camera skills and off-camera skills. I knew what I was doing. That’s not to say—well, I’ll say it—not every DIY television host knows what they’re doing.

So I went home and I was sure I was going to get it, but I didn’t hear from them. Finally, I called and they said, “We decided to go another way.”

So I didn’t win that, but in the TV world, it’s who you know. And if you make a good impression on someone, they’re going to try to look for a spot for you. So they asked if I wanted to go and do a show in Denver called Deconstruction

They said, “Oh, you have to fly out there on your own and if you get the show, you have to find a place to live.” I didn’t have anything else going, so I thought, OK, I’ll just try it. So I flew out and was really relaxed because I didn’t really want it that bad, so of course, as soon as I got off the plane in Orange County, I got a call saying, “You got the show.”

I was married to my ex-wife at the time, so we packed up the car with all our clothes in those vacuum storage bags. That was great until we got up into altitude. About an hour and 15 minutes outside Denver, the bags all start to open up. We heard them popping, one after another. We literally could not see each other. They were pressed up against the windshield, and we could not get out because if we did we could never get our stuff back in. So we got to our apartment complex and spilled out like a clown car. That was my big entrance into TV.

We did a full season, 13 episodes. It rated well, we got another season, and then I became a network host. When you’re a network host, you get a contract, everything’s paid for, you do a lot better. I did a show

called Project Extreme, and then another one called Money Hunters, and then Yard Crashers was my biggest one. I took over as host after six seasons. It was rating out of the box. I was like, “Are you crazy? This is such a good show. I don’t want to mess it up.” I was nervous. But then a producer said to me, “Have you ever seen the first Cape Fear? I said, “No.” He said, “That’s right. Because everyone only remembers the second one with DeNiro. You are Cape Fear!” [Laughs] That show went another ten seasons, and that’s what really launched me. And that’s what led me to Kansas City and to my wife.

Are you hosting any shows right now?

The last show I hosted was in 2022. It was called Build it Forward. When you do these shows, you’re gone. I was gone 300 days out of the year. So my son, who was about 3 at the time would get me on FaceTime every morning and say, “Daddy, where are you?” And it just melted my heart. So when the second season came around, I said I didn’t want to do it anymore. So I started my company in Kansas City.

You build a lot of outdoor kitchens. Are they different in Kansas City than in California?

When I got to Kansas City I learned everyone has a smoker. [Laughs] Very different from California. I had to learn about smoking quick. Also, in California we live outside. And here, not a lot of people want to live outside. So I’m trying to get people outside. I think what’s happened with outdoor kitchens, much like with [indoor] kitchens— it’s all about the finishes and backsplashes. People are using quartz outside—not ground quartz but quartz slabs, because manufactured stone will yellow outside.

I’m trying to get people out of the Leawood stacked-stone zone. [Laughs] I’m moving to tile because there are so many advancements in tile printing. I dare you to see a tile and be able to say whether it’s real or not. You’ll never guess. It looks fantastic. I love tile because it gives you more of a modern look and it’s easy to clean. And there are so many options—stone only comes in limited colors, but with tile, you can have anything. I just did one that had this combed concrete look.

I’m putting in more refrigerators—people ask, “Am I going to use a refrigerator?” I tell them I use a refrigerator in my backyard almost every day. I love it so much.

What’s a mistake people make when they put in an outdoor kitchen?

Where they put the grill. A lot of times people will put a bar with seating right behind the grill. It looks great, but when you turn the grill on, bad idea. Also, if you put the grill far away from your house, you are never going to use it.

You also design and build swimming pools. What are the new trends in backyard pools?

I’m incorporating bar tops. I put seats in the pool. I also put some shade on top, make sure there’s shade in the pool. I want to make it so the pool isn’t just something you just dive into to cool off, but something you can hang out in and enjoy for hours on end.

I love what they call Cabo shelves, or sun shelves, where it’s about a foot deep and you can put chairs right in the water. You can put an umbrella post there as well.

What mistakes do people make when putting in a pool?

Depth. Everybody says, “I want a deep pool.” OK, but anything deeper than 6 feet is unusable, and you’ve got to heat it and cool it. If you want a 9- or 10-foot-deep pool, you are spending so much more money.

When it comes to landscaping, do you find a lot of people’s visions are not in sync with the reality of maintenance?

Yes. I always ask clients, “How much do you want to take care of your yard?” Not at all? We’re just going to put in boxwoods. Boxwoods are the cockroach of the plant industry, you can’t kill them.

If you don’t mind doing some trimming back and maintenance, we’ll do perennial plantings and leave room for annual beds as well. A lot of people here really have a green thumb.

Kansas Citians love lawns. What is the best choice for grass in this climate?

Synthetic turf. [Laughs] Seriously. I’ve been putting in a lot of it. Everyone is like, “Aww, you California guy. . .” But a lawn is tough out here! The dang squirrels and rabbits. . .

And the amount of water needed to keep it alive in summer. Oh, I know! Plus you’ve got to aerate it, over seed it, fertilize it four times a year. So, I recommend synthetic turf. It’s not cheap. Because to do it right, it’s got to be on a base of gravel and a layer of sand. It also needs at least partial shade, because it’s so hot here, it can actually get too hot—so if you have pets, it’s not the right choice for you.

But synthetic turf is really versatile. One thing I’ve been doing a lot lately is cutting 24-by-24-inch concrete squares into it.

That is so California.

It’s very California! And people are getting all about it here. Some of the other elements, pergolas and plantation shutters for shade also have California roots, but they set me apart here, which is nice.

How much of an adjustment has it been moving here after living in California your whole life?

[ Laughs ] The weather has been tricky. This is the most bi-polar weather on the planet. The other day it was 76 and the next day it was 19 ! My body is not used to that. I’ve also learned the weather report is always wrong.

‘‘

Kansas People talk about “Kansas City kind” and it’s true. Everyone is so nice, and now that I live here, I try to represent that when I go other places.”

In California, the weather report is always right: sunny and mild. Yes! Here, I’ve become an amateur meteorologist, checking my radar app to see if I’m going to be able to work outside tomorrow. But no matter how much you check the barometer and stuff, you can’t understand the weather here, you can’t. So you have to be able to accept that. But the people are amazing. The first time driving down the street

after we bought our house, people were waving at me. I was like, what? Then for a while I was like Elf, you know when he was waving really hard at people? My wife, who’s from here, was like, “Nope, just lift your hand up off the steering wheel, don’t go crazy.”

And when we moved in, the neighbors all brought pies and cupcakes and asked what they could do. The community was instant. In California, we build our walls before we build our houses. We wouldn’t know our neighbors for nine or ten months. That’s why we decided to come here. We’re in Kansas so the schools are fantastic. We’re near my in-laws—they’re in Springfield, Missouri.

We wanted to slow down a little bit and that’s all happened here. People talk about “Kansas City kind” and it’s true. Everyone is so nice, and now that I live here, I try to represent that when I go other places.

You have probably noticed that if you live in Kansas City, you have to be a fan of the Royals and Chiefs. Did that conflict with any pre-existing pro sports loyalties?

That is true. It was tough. I was a Rams fan. But, let’s face it, it’s not really that hard to start loving the Kansas City Chiefs. [Laughs] I think I started putting on a Mahomes jersey on Day One. And we love going to the K. I did the yard of the Royals dugout manager. I also did [former Royals relief pitcher] Scotty Barlow’s yard. I see a lot of good stuff coming for the Royals.

And my favorite thing is that you can get anywhere in ten minutes.

We have pretty good highways. Holy mackerel, yeah. So, I’m just loving it.

Regarding the saying, “The cobbler’s kids go barefoot,” do you have unrealized projects you’d like to do at your own home?

This cobbler’s kid wears Air Jordans. [Laughs] We bought a fixer upper during Covid when prices were going crazy and everything was selling for like $40,000 over asking—can I digress to tell the story of how I got my house?

Please.

So we see this house come up on a Thursday, and it seems a little underpriced for the market. I figure they’re going to wait and take all these offers over the weekend and pick the best one on Monday. But I decided to offer just $10,000 over asking and also write a letter.

In my letter, I wrote, “I’m Matt Blashaw from HGTV, I’m a contractor. I love this home and I just want to renovate it. I promise I’m not going to knock it down.” Two hours later, we got a signed contract back. The owner was Keith, now my next-door neighbor. It was his childhood home. He could have gotten way more money for it, but it would have been knocked down. I think that’s really special that he wanted to preserve the history and the architecture.

I think the residential architecture in Kansas City is some of the most beautiful in the country, and I have traveled the entire country.

So, after I got this beautiful house, I renovated it upstairs, downstairs, inside, outside, electrical, plumbing. Every single room has been done, including this weird thing they have here called a basement. [Laughs] It’s been a two-year labor of love. You can’t get better than a ranch house on a cul-de-sac in old Leawood. I feel very lucky.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

Road Trips, Family-Style

words by Katie Van Luchene

If you remember road trips in the family car when you were little, things have changed. Instead of playing the License Plate Game, kids’ faces are planted in electronics. While the drive itself may be different, the goal is the same: choosing a destination with activities and attractions to appeal to everyone—whether toddlers or teens—and creating memories that last a lifetime. Here are several suggestions within a few hours of Kansas City; short enough to keep the “Are we there yet?” to a minimum.

OH TO BE IN OMAHA

Omaha’s RiverFront can serve as a master plan as Kansas City begins to embrace its own river’s edge. Three attractions share 72 acres: Gene Leahy Mall, Lewis and Clark Landing, and Heartland of America Park enough to keep kids of all ages happy for a day or two. Outdoor activities include ziplines, playgrounds, an urban beach, and impressive sculpture gardens. The Kiewit Luminarium offers 125 hands-on learning experiences for kids 6 and up, with a play area for toddlers.

Bob the Bridge (named for former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey) is a 3,000-foot-long pedestrian walkway that connects two states as it rises 60 feet above the river. Catch concerts here during the summer months.

Adjoining RiverFront is The Old Market district with cobblestone streets dotted with boutiques, antique shops, and more than 45 eateries, whether you’re craving a snack or the all-you-can-eat pasta deal at Spaghetti Works. The First Friday gallery stroll is an ideal way to check out local art or explore the neighborhood by bike or carriage. Your sweet tooth will lead the way to Hollywood Candy, a giant store with retro brands and fudge made fresh. Riffle through the vintage vinyl selection then order malts blended in an aluminum tin at the diner. End your search for the perfect souvenir with a “Midwest: Hell Yes” T-shirt from Raygun, big sister to the store in Kansas City’s Crossroads.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers 160 acres of animal habitats, a treehouse with climbing nets, open-air chair lift, steam railroad, adventures trails, rainforest, splash

Below right: The Rockin Rainbow ride at Adventureland in Des Moines.

Opposite: A giraffe at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.

Above: The Alaskan Adventure splash pad at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Below left: The Old Market in Omaha is filled with a diverse mix of shopping, art galleries, and restaurants.

park, and butter y pavilion. Get an up-close look at the ocean’s creatures at the aquarium where the sharks swim above you. Download the online map showing attractions, restaurants, and yes, public restrooms. Pro tip: save money on tickets with a reciprocity deal with the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.

e Omaha Children’s Museum connects teens to the wonders of tech and science while little ones enjoy the Wiggle Room. With hands-on exhibits, a look at life on a farm, and an art center where kids can try their hands with crafts, no wonder this is Nebraska’s most visited museum.

Stay at the Embassy Suites Downtown, just three minutes from most attractions. Or choose Magnolia Hotel, built in 1923 and fashioned after a palace in Florence, Italy. Amenities include free transportation to nearby des-

tinations, a happy-hour reception, and milk and cookies at bedtime. Look for online deals like the Zoo and Brew o er.

MAKE MEMORIES IN DES MOINES

is city also makes the most of its riverfront area, which includes the Historic East Village, a dynamic collection of shopping, dining, walking trails, and an amphitheater where live music attracts locals and tourists alike. e Iowa Capitol Building, with its golden dome, serves as a landmark along with buildings saved from demolition that now house eateries and boutiques. e Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a delight with Asian-inspired landscaping, a dramatic geodesic dome, water garden, picnic benches, and sculptures nestled along the walkways.

e nearby Court District hosts a live-

ly Saturday morning farmers market with more than 300 vendors selling produce and baked goods. Favorite treats are the whipped pineapple drink and mango on a stick. e free DART bus shuttle is a convenient way to explore the area.

Marvel at more outdoor art at Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a 4.4-acre urban respite; capture family photos at the iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, Keith Haring’s colorful dancing gures or Louise Bourgeois’s giant bronze spider, which you may recognize from Kansas City’s Kemper Museum. e park is an extension of the Des Moines Art Center, known for its impressive collection of 19thand 20th-century art. Just as impressive are its three major buildings designed by world-renowned architects, including I.M. Pei.

Kids may beg for one more hour at Urban Air Adventure Park where they can zip through the air on the Sky Rider, test their skills on the ropes course, or burn o calories on trampolines. e onsite café serves pizza, mac ‘n’ cheese, and Icee slurpies.

Meanwhile, Adventureland is the largest amusement park in the Hawkeye State, boasting more than 100 rides and shows along its Disney-style Main Street. Entertainment for all ages includes bumper cars, the Space Shot, and roller coasters rated mild to intense. Draken Falls promises wet thrills, and the giant Ferris wheel provides a bird’s-eye view of the park. Dining options range from funnel cakes to Asian cuisine and mini donuts. For a stayand-play experience, book a suite at Adventureland Inn or park your RV or pitch a tent at the campground.

At 49-acre Blank Park Zoo, family fun includes feeding the gira es, riding a camel, and viewing animals like red pandas and tigers in native habitats. Behind-the-scenes experiences let you chat with zookeepers and see creatures up close; book these small-group tours at least two weeks in advance.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Des Moines’ River valley from the High Trestle Trail that stretches 25 miles through ve towns. Brightblue lights illuminate the bridge after dark. Rent a bike to traverse the more than 800 miles of scenic trails or simply hoof it. Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid is a popular local hangout.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is another way to regard the river valley from a comfy seat or an open-air lookout. e Fraser Train offers lunch or dinner service during a two-hour ride that passes over a 156-foot-high bridge. Or

take a 30-minute trolley ride to downtown and back. A museum showcases memorabilia from the days of elegant railroad travel.

Here’s why you’ll be glad for that extra space in your SUV or van—the treasures you’ll bring back from the West End Architectural Salvage. This four-story home designer’s paradise is filled with restored antiques, stained glass windows, and lighting fixtures. The coffee house serves hot and cold java, craft beer, Italian sodas, and cocktails.

Staying near all the action is always a plus when making lodging choices. The Staybridge Suites is located within the downtown and historic East Village area; a free happy hour will appeal to parents. Des Lux Hotel, the city’s largest hotel, may also be its most welcoming, with fireplaces in several of the suites, a madeto-order breakfast, and lovely bar and lounge.

FIND YOUR WAY TO WICHITA

Attractions built around the Midwest’s waterways seems to be a theme here. At the heart of the Riverside neighborhood is Botanica: The Wichita Gardens, 17 acres encompassing the rainbow trail path, children’s garden, a treehouse, and woodland bird center. Consider taking art or yoga classes in this relaxing environment.

Nearby is the Wichita Art Museum showcasing 10,000 works of art, including two dramatic Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. But don’t just admire the art; the museum offers creative activities for kids and adults while toddlers spend time at the drop-in play space. The outdoor art garden is a lush oasis along the Little Arkansas River.

More history and art can be found at other museums dotting the river and downtown dis-

tricts: the inspiring Kansas African American Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Museum, and one devoted to the state’s Cowtown history. Take the free Q-Line to explore these and other attractions.

If you want to get in the water rather than simply admiring it, the Wichita Parks and Recreation offers several options, from kayak rentals to boat tours.

Ready to get wild? Sedgwick County Zoo is the place. More than 3,000 animals roam the native habitats. Settle onto the Safari Express, take a boat ride, explore the Children’s Farm,

Experience the

Below left: Be transported back in time at the unique, 23 acre open-air Old Cowtown Museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880.

Below right: The Jewel Box in Forest Park is a St. Louis treasure that has been restored to its former glory.

Opposite: Suspended above visitors in the Missouri History Museum’s Grand Hall is “The Spirit of St. Louis,” sister plane to Lindbergh’s, which was featured in the 1957 film of the same name starring Jimmy Stewart.

Above:

magic of childhood as you cross under the iridescent rainbow and follow the yellow path at Downing Children’s Garden in Botanica: The Wichita Garden.

pet the goats, and feed a rhino or giraffe. And when it’s time to feed your kids, the Beastro has smashburgers and wraps, while the Cantina offers grab-and-go treats like the Walking Taco.

Shopping and dining await at Old Town, just east of downtown, where brick-lined streets and historic lampposts lend a vintage air. Pace yourself; the district boasts 100 businesses from antique salvage to fashions and food. Vietnamese, Mexican, barbecue, and bistro offerings might tempt you.

Stay nearby at Hotel Old Town where vintage meets trendy in this 114-room hotel built in 1906. Studios and suites include full kitchens, a plus for families.

The Douglas Design District is a threemile stretch between downtown and Uptown where 500 locally owned businesses include boutiques and eateries. It’s an Instagram paradise with 100 murals by local artists. The Vault Collection is the place to score estate finds from Art Deco and midcentury modern to Arts and Crafts.

SKIP TOWN TO ST. LOUIS

It’s not officially a visit to the Gateway to the West without a stop at the St. Louis Zoo, home to 16,000 animals, a 4-D theater, nostalgic carousel, sea lion show, and a Zooline Railroad. Now through June 16, the Dinoroarus exhibit delights youngsters of all ages with 14 different groups of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs. Dining choices include Pineapple Paradise, Scoops for ice cream treats, and Café Kudu, where you can watch your burger or street taco prepared on the open-air grill.

The zoo is nestled within Forest Park, along with the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, The Muny, a golf course, and planetarium. This 1,300-acre urban paradise was home to the 1904 World’s Fair; parts of the exhibit are still on view. Another architectural wonder is the Jewel Box, a stunning Art Deco iron-and-glass structure. Simply stroll among the forests, prairies, sensory garden, and wetlands, or take the suspension bridge to the

island for a picnic. Burn those calories by renting paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks, then dine at the Boathouse when it’s time for a breather. Book rooms at the nearby Drury Hotel to take advantage of zoo packages.

Kids will go for Grant’s Farm where they can view bison and water buffalo from the tram ride, feed a camel or goat, and see the massive Clydesdales. Grab lunch at the Brat Haus where guests over 21 can get two free beers. Now that’s hospitality!

City Museum, a wacky 600,000-squarefoot playground created by artists, encourages kids to crawl under, spin around, and swing across the ever-evolving installations. Slide down the old spiral chutes left over from its former days as a shoe warehouse; older kids (and adults) will find the five-story spiral slide thrilling. Keep those 6 years old and under entertained at Toddler Town. At Circus Harmony you’ll find juggling and magic acts while Art City encourages guests to draw or create a mosaic. A treehouse, tunnels, and caves, along with the Big Eli Ferris Wheel, adds to this city’s worth of fun.

If your teens are still in need of action, there are two attractions just made for them. Adventure Alley sports over a mile of ziplines reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Or challenge siblings to a paintball competition; the winner gets to pick the next place to eat. Amp Up Action Park lets kids zip around a go-kart track or engage in the three-level laser tag arena. Parents can relieve some stress with an axe-throwing contest and everyone can chill at the Filling Station Café.

The Missouri Botanical Garden melds beauty with play time. Take a tram tour to view the green spaces, including the 14-acre Japanese Garden with waterfalls, beaches, traditional lanterns, and an island on its four-acre lake. The Climatron Geodesic Dome Conservatory holds a tropical rainforest filled with exotic rare plants. It’s surrounded by a two-acre playground just right for splashing in a stream, climbing a treehouse, or boarding a steamboat.

Don’t miss the Sachs Museum, an architectural treasure originally built in 1860 that was brought back to life during an 18-month renovation. The hand-painted murals are noteworthy.

If you’re craving retail therapy by now, Central West End, a pedestrian and bike-friendly district, is famous for its eclectic mix of chic boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and sidewalk cafés. The streets are also lined with magnificent homes ranging from French Tudor to midcentury modern.

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station lets kids explore the ocean’s wonders. Shark Canyon gives an up-close look at these sleek creatures while playful river otters provide comic relief.

Also sharing space in the renovated train station is St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Its Grand Hall, resplendent with graceful archways, art glass, and fresco details, is as impressive as it was on opening day in 1894. At night, a 3D light show set to music illuminates the 65-foot-high space. Share some small plates, order a cocktail, and enjoy the show. In fact, there are nine dining choices in this city-within-a-city including Landry’s, known for its seafood, the Soda Fountain, and The Pitch, an upscale sports bar named for the soccer stadium across the street. The hotel can score you tickets to this.

Union Station’s other attractions include a mini-golf course and a zipline that lets you glide 50-feet above the lobby. The Wheel, with climate-controlled gondolas that seat up to eight, provides a stunning view of the city. Selfie Express is a train-themed walk-through experience where taking family photos can go a little off the rails.

And head outside for the thrilling lake show with a 100-foot-high waterfall and giant lotus pods that shoot fire into the air. The action takes place from noon to 9 p.m. at the top of the hour.

HOT ON THE TRAIL OF HOT SPRINGS

Continuing our watery theme, Hot Springs, Arkansas, didn’t become famous for its rivers, but rather its mineral-rich thermal springs found throughout the city. In fact, fill a container with the signature water from fountains throughout downtown for the ultimate souvenir.

Start your quest for a thermal experience at Bathhouse Row within Hot Springs Na -

tional Park. Eight bathhouses, built between 1892 and 1923, remain from the heyday of this resort, and two still offer luxurious baths, including Buckstaff Bathhouse known for its bright blue-and-white-striped awnings. The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum is now home to the visitors’ center; behind it is the Grand Promenade , a one-half-mile trail that runs between Bathhouse Row and the nearby mountains.

But first, food! Superior Bathhouse Brewery, housed in a retired bathhouse, crafts the only beer in the world using thermal spring water. Pair the suds with a smashburger or Bavarian soft pretzel. Ask for extra straws to share a root beer float.

Hotel Hale’s Eden Restaurant is another option, serving brunch, happy hour, and dinner in a beautiful setting.

While the bathhouses reflect the area’s history and charm, Hot Springs National Park may make you forget you’re in the middle of the city. Pick up a map at the Fordyce Visitor’s Center to orient you to trails, landmarks, outlooks, picnic areas, bathrooms, and cold spring and thermal water fountains to fill your jugs. Sunset Trail is 10 miles each way, while West Mountain may offer more wildlife sightings. Cyclists are allowed on paved roads. Find out how your enterprising kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge.

There are dozens of lodging options near or in the park, including Hotel Hale with nine suites, each with a soaking tub for a mineral springs experience. The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, across from the bathhouses, was built in 1875 and is being renovated to its early glory days. The lobby bar is a popular hangout for casual dining and drinks. A mother-daughter spa day might include a thermal soak and massage.

Below left: Built in 1912, Buckstaff is the only bathhouse to operate continuously for over a century on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs.

Below right: The hiking trails in Charon’s Garden, part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Medicine Park, range from easy to strenuous.

Opposite: American bison roam the native mixed-grass prairie of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Above: Tuna avocado crostini from Eden Restaurant in Hot Spring’s Hotel Hale.

Nearby rentals include cabins and B&B’s including Hot Springs Hillside Hideaway and Starlight Haven (see littlerock.com for more).

For something a little more rugged, sleep under the stars at the Gulpha Gorge Campground where you can stay in your RV or tent for up to 14 days.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, within the national park, has over 40 rides from rotating teacups to high-intensity roller coasters. Families can make a day of it with water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river ride. This is a popular venue for live music at the outdoor amphitheater.

The Natural State continues with Garven Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical garden along Lake Hamilton. Take a golf cart tour to experience the breathtaking scenery, including a woodland walk, koi pond, bonsai garden, and the Nature Preserve with almost 120 species of birds. A tree house, Children’s Adventure Bridge and man-made caves are just a few of the other attractions. Chipmunk Café serves

casual fare from 11-3 p.m. daily.

Not all the beauty is by nature; the Garven Pavilion with its vaulted ceiling, was designed by Maurice Jennings and Frank Lloyd Wright disciple E. Fay Jones. And the Anthony Chapel by Jennings and David McKee is a marvel of craftsmanship, with its truss system that mimics branches from surrounding trees. Fans of this design may recognize similar chapels found at Kansas City’s Powell Gardens and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Before visiting Garven Gardens, be aware that only clear bags are allowed.

MEANDER DOWN TO MEDICINE PARK

Only a six-hour drive from Kansas City, this Oklahoma getaway is a mix of quirkiness and majestic beauty. Around 1908, Medicine Park was known as a hideout for bootleggers and outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde and Al Capone and a vacation spot for famous guests like President Roosevelt.

The nostalgic charm starts with its signa-

ture red cobblestones—a rare, geological phenomenon—that adorn nearly every structure, including cabins, cottages, and lodges. Encourage your kids to turn off electronics and explore the woodland trails and a lake with shallow and deep areas for splashing or floating. Then scout for the secret swimming hole. Note there are no changing rooms at the lake.

Spend the day or a weekend at nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a 60,0000-acre paradise of native prairie grass, massive granite boulders, biking/hiking paths, and freshwater lakes for fishing. But the draw is seeing elk, bison, and playful prairie dogs in their natural habitat. The refuge offers several camping options (permits are required), including Charon’s Garden with easy-to-strenuous hiking trails. Doris Campground has RV hookups and walk-in tent sites with shower and restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills. Reconnect with your family over s’mores and board games.

If you need gear, BaseCamp Adventure Outfitters in downtown Medicine Park is where to find hiking boots and backpacks and rent paddle boards, kayaks, and mountain bikes.

Discover Outpost is a charming shop filled with books, toys, and gifts, including feather pens and journals to memorialize your trip. And Comanche Shirt Company is where to find T-shirts printed in-house, arrowhead necklaces, and native blankets and jewelry.

Downtown is filled with dining options, including Healthy Hippie Café with vegetarian and plant-based choices and live music at night. Fancy Nancy’s disputes its name: enjoy burgers while playing checkers on the table in this rustic hangout. Joe Mountain Breakfasts is popular with the mountain bike groups that frequent the area. We dare you to order the Full Serve with eggs, bacon, and cheese between two waffles. Cobblestone Creamery scoops up ten flavors of homemade ice cream and Cobblestone Pastry is where to relax over a mocha latte and fresh-baked scone. After breakfast, Blissful Body Spa provides soothing treatments including a warm river-rock massage.

When it’s time to turn in, rentals range from quaint cabins to lodges sleeping up to ten. Isn’t She Lovely is next to Bath Lake (floats are available) with a firepit and hot tub to enjoy the stars. Bath Lake Bungalow is so close to downtown you can hear the music from the screened-in porch. Blue Eyed Coyote Guest House, with three suites, a wrap-around porch and an inviting hammock is a five-minute walk to downtown. Alley Cat Cabin is in the heart of downtown and sleeps four.

WHERE TO

Swirl, Sni ff, & Sip

KANSAS CITY’S WINE BARS ARE AS VARIED AND UNIQUE AS THE DELICIOUS LIBATION ITSELF

words by Jenny Vergara

As ancient as it is intriguing, wine is something that one must drink to discover. If you don’t typically drink wine, you will never really “get” wine. It is known to ease the mind and open the palate, which is why it is so often paired with food. For many, drinking wine can be a moment of meditation and contemplation, because it forces you to slow down and move through the steps of seeing, swirling, sniffing, and sipping. Your tasting experiences will only be enriched by taking your time.

The world of wine is vast. So, the first rule of educating yourself about wine is to change the way you drink it. If you have found that one wine brand or grape that you know you like, and you only buy it to drink at home and only order it when you are out (you know who you are), then you’re denying yourself the opportunity to learn about other wines you might enjoy just as much, if not more. Think of every opportunity to buy a bottle of wine at the wine shop or enjoy a glass at a restaurant or wine bar as an opportunity to expand your mind and your palate.

In Kansas City, there are plenty of excellent restaurants with sommeliers and wine directors who have curated a wine list matched with the type of food and experience that they’re offering. Don’t hesitate to ask them to recommend a great bottle or glass to go with your meal—that’s why they’re there. There’s also a burgeoning selection of wine bars scattered across the metro, many who have their own wine clubs. They’re built for the opportunity to taste several wines in one sitting, usually with some amount of food available. These places are a gold mine of information, education and opportunity for the eager wine drinker, regardless of whether you are a newbie or an expert.

There are few experiences that require you to use all your senses at once, but wine tasting is one of them. Make 2024 the year you take the time to dive into wine, and you can start by visiting these spots.

JJ’s Restaurant | West Plaza

Jimmy Frantze opened the original JJ’s in 1985 with an incredible wine list that won its first Wine Spectator Restaurant award in 1990. In 2013, a gas explosion destroyed that restaurant, killing one person and injuring several others, in addi -

tion to ruining thousands of bottles of wine from JJ’s coveted list. With much public support and encouragement, Frantze relocated the restaurant across the street to the Polsinelli Building, where he and longtime wine director, Matt Nichols, worked to rebuild the list to more than 11,000 bottles and 1,200 labels and with over 30 wines available by the glass. With a focus on reds from California, France, and Italy, their wines can be enjoyed in the clubby wine bar, in the restaurant proper, or on the lovely outdoor patio with a pizza or appetizer. jjsrestaurantkc.com

Vita’s Place | Crestwood Shops

e newest wine bar in Kansas City belongs to Ryan and Jenny Sciara, who built their wine following as the owners of Underdog Wine Co. in the Crestwood Shops. Now they have opened their own wine bar just around the corner. Named after Ryan’s Italian grandmother, Vita’s Place is a cozy and convivial neighborhood spot with a stylish interior and a wine list that’s organized not only by country and varietal but also by weight and avor pro le. You can nd just the right glass to accompany their meaningful menu of interesting small plates and desserts. Find a wine you like, and they know someone who could sell you a bottle right around the corner. vitasplace.com

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen | Crossroads Arts District

Tannin was the rst wine bar to open in Kansas City’s Crossroads, and after 13 years of popping corks, hosting wine tastings, and running a stellar wine-club program, it’s now a xture that lls a late-night void for real wine lovers. Longtime wine director Barry Tunnell and his team have a low-key tableside manner and a casual everyday approach to wine that’s the secret to their success. Tannin continues to be a

destination for people with varying degrees of wine knowledge who want to discover wines that can go from mild to wild. e food menu has always been solid, but their O.G. meat and cheese plates put the “cute” in charcuterie. tanninwinebar.com

Affäre | Crossroads Arts District

Martin and Katrin Heuser opened their modern German restaurant in the Crossroads Arts District in 2012. In 2019 they remodeled the dining room to open a wine experience they call “ e Wine Bar,” with a dedicated 14-foot bar and lounge area just to taste special wine selections from their menu. Although guests can still sit in the dining room to enjoy a delicious meal, those looking for a more casual wine-tasting experience now have a dedicated spot where you can enjoy Katrin’s personally curated selection of German and European wines. Nominated this year for a James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Wine Program, Katrin has spent time on the phone and by email tracking down bottles of wine speci cally for the restaurant. at level of tenacity and expertise makes her a source of wine knowledge you should tap into. a arekc.com

Wine Bunker | Leawood, KS

Travis Wallace and his wife, Kathy Richman Wallace, opened their casual wine lounge in the Prairie re Shopping Center in Leawood in 2020, after Covid accelerated their retirement plans. Wine Bunker, named after their own wine cellar in their basement at home, is a fun and interactive place to taste many di erent wines in one spot. ey have 250 wines by the bottle, 160 wines by the glass, and nine rotating ights. Enjoy live music while you explore their list of wine ights that you can experience with a charcuterie board. winebunkerbar.com

JJ’s Restaurant

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen

Vintage ’78 Wine Bar | Overland Park, KS

For those who have been searching for a serious wine, cheese, and charcuterie bar in downtown Overland Park, search no more. You’ve found it. With fancy French bistro vibes, Vintage ’78 is an elegant place that provides great service with a world-class selection of wine. It features one of the largest selections of wine by the glass in the Midwest, along with cheese and cured meats in a casual, fun, and decidedly unstu y way. Michael Scherzberg and Megan Downes have the wine and food knowledge to bring some of the best bottles of grape juice and bar snacks together to your table, in addition to some serious tasting notes. Scherzberg is happy to answer all your wine questions, and he is ready to share some serious wine knowledge with you. vintage78winebar.com

The Pairing | East Crossroads

When it comes to food and drinks, it’s hard to resist the perfect pairing. is very idea impelled Mat “Slimm” Adkins to open e Pairing: Crossroads Wine & Grocer in Kansas City’s East Crossroads. e handsome 3,500-square-foot storefront o ers national and international wines, beers, and spirits that pair with its impressive selection of local and imported cheeses, cured meats, chocolates, and condiments. Adding to the appeal of the shop is a 30-seat wine bar, where customers can socialize while they sample a cheese or charcuterie board with a couple of di erent weekly wine tastings built around a theme and selected by Adkins and Kate Blackman, the general manager and food program director. It’s the most fun you will have learning about wine. thepairingwinebar.com

Big Mood Natural Wines & More | Crossroads Arts District

Big Mood Natural Wines & More is a stylish split-level wine bar and bottle shop located in the Crossroads. It also has the distinction of being the rst wine shop in the city to exclusively sell all-natural wine. Owner Richard Garcia has paired his love of natural wines with Matthew Chapman’s experience in booking entertainment and food vendors, including his own concept, Disco Burger, which he created with Darren Victor Carter. Together they have grown the vision of the four-year-old retail wine shop to become a place to party, o ering food, drinks, live entertainment, and community. Boasting a groovy—yet approachable—vibe, you can try natural wines from all over the world, along with a selection of craft cocktails and fun food pop-ups. bigmoodnaturalwines.com

Sail Away Wine | North Kansas City

Sail Away Wine in North Kansas City is the only place in town that o ers a unique passport system. It allows each guest access to its WineEmotion selfserve wine distribution system. Each type of pour (there is a one-ounce taste, three-ounce sample, or ve-ounce glass) is priced separately, and at the end of the night your tab is rung through the point-of-sale system, including any food you order. Local sommelier Katie Hendley curates the list of 74 wines available, which hail from ports of call all over the world. e food menu includes atbreads, meats, cheeses, salads, and small plates along with a few desserts. sailawaywine.com

Dennison Wine Bar + Lounge| North Kansas City

Named after Dionysus, the Greek god of winemaking, the Dennison Wine Bar +Lounge is located in North Kansas City’s Iron District. Sitting inside a dramatically decorated shipping container feels like you are sipping in the study of a wealthy wine merchant. e curated wine bar o ers up seasonal wines along with generous charcuterie snack trays made by Scimeca’s Deli up the street. Stay inside and play chess or grab a glass and enjoy it in the courtyard. You’ll have access to a rotating selection of wines on tap or try a glass of their N/A wines instead. instagram.com/thedennisonwinebar

Vintage ’78 Wine Bar

Sail Away Wine

Baseball

detailing on the leatherwrapped banquette hint at the homeowner’s business. A trio of sconces are from Visual Comfort flank the photographs.

MAKE IT Wow

COLORADO STYLE ON LAKE LOTAWANA

words by Judith Fertig photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

‘‘One of Kansas City’s best-kept secrets is Lake Lotawana,” maintains Sherri Hedrick, a physical therapist at Children’s Mercy.

She and her husband, Scott, owner of justbats.com, live in Parkville, but spend weekends at the lake on the eastern edge of the metro. “You can drive 40 minutes and you’re out of the hustle and bustle, somewhere completely different,” says Hedrick.

Her parents own a second home at Lake Lotawana, where the extended family has been gathering for years. “We wanted to continue that tradition,” she says. But with three grown children and their friends, “we all needed more space.”

“Ten years ago, we started looking,” Hedrick recounts. “Our favorite house on the lake became available. When we saw the inside, with the tall timbers the owner had brought in

Above Tucked behind the art above the bar is the “secret” scotch storage. The wall is clad in a sparkling Artistic tile from International Materials of Design. Left: A custom-designed console is the perfect spot for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while facing the lake view. Opposite: In what was formerly a three-season porch, cozy seating faces the stone fireplace.

Glam brass-and-glass shelves front the metallic-surfaced Artistic tile from International Materials of Design. Base cabinets repeat the brass detail and are painted in Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore.

Left: Two full baths are located at opposite ends of the lower level. Top: Carrara marble was used generously throughout the shower, floor, and sink in this bathroom. Bottom: Industrial-inspired plumbing and wavy white Akdo tile in this bathroom suggest lake living.

from Canada, we knew it was the one. We love skiing in Colorado, and this house had that feel.”

After living in the lake house for several years, the Hedricks wanted it even more open for entertaining. They approached Katy Sullivan, an interior designer with Madden-McFarland, to make it happen.

“The Hedricks were dream clients,” says Sullivan. “They asked me to take that Colorado log vibe, make it lake, and make it wow.”

The lake part involved opening the house more to the view, with soaring windows out to the lake, and embracing casual lake living. You can find a spot to play pool, mix a drink, read a book, play a game, enjoy a meal, or just hang out.

You can say “lake” without being too literal, says Sullivan. The guest bath, for instance, features “sail” tile in the shower. Rustic stone and wood and watery blues and grays capture the lakeside landscape. The banquette seating features performance fabrics with a baseball stitch, a nod to Scott’s business, and a “no big deal” to wet bathing suits.

A long metal-and-wood console with seating at the windows allows for a morning coffee perch or a laptop workstation with a lake view.

Curving around a rustic fireplace, a comfy bench offers a perfect spot to read a book, says Hedrick. Sullivan sourced the timber, finding a perfect match to the original logs from a company in Montana. The huge log had to be trucked along the narrow, windy lanes at the lake and then lifted with a crane over the house to be installed. “Mark Frashier, the builder, was up for anything we wanted to do,” says Sullivan. “He was our ‘yes’ man.”

Another spot, perfect for board games, includes a navy sofa and two swivel chairs, with a beverage bar with a metallic tile wall and glass shelving nearby.

The wow comes with playful details. Large black-andwhite photographs by Kansas City artist Mike McMullen in the seating area and a clutch of hand-painted snowboards by Kansas City artist Chris Meier, one for each child, suggest family history. In the piano bar area, a painting hides a secret compartment for a special vintage or a barrel-aged scotch. The player piano interfaces with computer equipment so that a pianist anywhere in the world can “play” this instrument for the Hedrick’s guests.

Sullivan used walnut to create a focal point on the curved staircase wall that wraps the kitchen. With cabinetry painted Cromwell Gray by Benjamin Moore, this kitchen says, “You go relax. We’ve got this,” says Sullivan. Most of the food preparation happens behind a hidden door to the working pantry, where commercial dishwashers, icemakers, and two Sub-Zero refrigerators

Above: Visual Comfort brass pendants hang above the Luce Lazula quartz countertops, a durable choice for the weekend getaway. Right: Next to the pro pizza oven, a wall of layered walnut wood designed by Sullivan accentuates the curve of the staircase. Opposite: A snug seating area wraps around a fireplace. The wood accent table from Hickory Chair is another creative reference to the homeowner’s business.

make catering for a crowd a lot easier. A pizza oven gets constant use.

“It was a huge leap of faith for them and a complete honor for me to do this project,” says Sullivan.

And the proof is in how life in this house unfolds, in moments, big and small. From birthdays and pizza parties to simply watching day turn to night.

At sunset, you’ll find the couple out on the patio as waves lap the shoreline. “The best thing about our house is the view,” says Hedrick. “We sit outside, right on the water. It’s so calm and peaceful. It’s a magical time.”

Interior

maddenmcfarland.com

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR NEXT REMODELING PROJECT WITH STUMPFF HOMEWORKS

By Judith Fertig

“I’ve always had a knack for building things,” says Tom Stumpff, founder and owner of Kansas City’s Stumpff HomeWorks. After working his way up to lead carpenter for a local remodeling firm and getting his contractor’s license, Stumpff opened his own business in 2011.

Since then, “My business has grown organically,” he says, “from just a van with my tools to having dedicated employees and a long list of satisfied clients. We design and build for any room in your house, even custom spaces like a guitar room or a retreat with a unique fireplace. Our craftsmanship and attention to detail set us apart.”

As Stumpff HomeWorks grew, so did Tom’s desire to be efficient and transparent, while still maintaining a watchful eye on every project. “Unlike many large companies, we develop and maintain a personal connection with each client,” says Stumpff.

Along the way, Stumpff realized that the more he detailed his unique process, the better and easier each project progressed. When you hire Stumpff Homeworks to remodel your home, this is what you can expect.

STEP 1—CONTACT You contact Stumpff HomeWorks via the website.

STEP 2—IDEA. You tell Stumpff HomeWorks about your project, what you have in mind, your timeframe, your budget.

STEP 3—ON-SITE VISIT. From 4 to 6 weeks after you request a visit, Tom comes out to your home for an on-site appointment. There, he can better eval-

uate and troubleshoot the scope of your project. He will suggest design solutions and determine the scope of work on which to base the high-level estimate.

STEP 4—ESTIMATE. After the on-site visit, Tom prepares an estimate. “I work through the project logistics, photos, and scope, and I detail everything from the design, materials, and labor to complete the project from start to finish. Just writing the estimate can take 8 to 12 hours from job site consultation to a high-level written estimate.”

STEP 5—DESIGN. Once you have accepted the estimate, Stumpff HomeWorks prepares computer-assisted designs (CAD) that not only show you the layout from an overhead view, but also a walkthrough video so you can see your kitchen or family room as it has been designed. “Many people just can’t imagine what something will look like, so this really helps to solidify the design,” says Stumpff. This is the time to make changes in cabinet style or layout. This is also the time for final selections of materials and the layout.

STEP 6—PROPOSAL. Stumpff HomeWorks’ remodeling proposals are extremely detailed with full drawing sets; pictures of all finish selections; and instructions of tile layout, grout color, paint color sheen, etc. Final pricing is also at this phase. They have accounted for all costs with subcontractor and vendor pricing based on the design drawings and scope of work. The client has

the option to add or subtract from the scope or move forward with the contract document.

Homeowners know how the workflow will go. “Because we’re remodeling, sometimes we find something during renovation that we hadn’t counted on, but that’s rare,” says Stumpff.

STEP 7—CONTRACT. A Stumpff HomeWorks contract gives a time frame and a payment schedule. Payments are due after construction milestones, such as the start of the project, rough-in completion, cabinet installation, etc. “The contract itself is like a user’s manual for the design project,” says Stumpff. “When one of the trades comes in to do the tile in the bathroom, for example, they may need to reference a particular layout after the initial walk through with one of our team members. The tile layout, grout color, and tile material are all spelled out in the contract.”

“I go out and check to make sure the jobs are completed to everyone’s satisfaction,” says Stumpff.

STEP 8—HAPPY CUSTOMERS.

“We get a lot of referrals,” says Stumpff. “Everything we do is custom, and we are very hands-on during the whole process.”

Schedule a consultation with Stumpff HomeWorks today at stumpffhomeworks.com.

IN SIDE KANSAS CITY REAL ESTATE

Nancy, Cory, and John Ward WARD RESIDENTIAL

In the world of real estate, Ward Residential is known as a trusted Kansas City team with a knowledge base that knows no bounds. Spanning several generations and offering a vast range of market insight, the team has made it their business to meet every client where they are in their journey to buy or sell.

For Nancy, Cory, and John Ward, real estate is a true family affair. Today, the team has a business built on integrity, professionalism, and unwavering attention to detail. Regarded for their work ethic and commitment to creating world-class results, the team partners with clients at every price point and phase of life—whether you’re a seasoned luxury seller or a first-time buyer on the hunt for your dream home.

Born and raised in Kansas City, the Wards know the region’s many vibrant communities like the back of their hand. They love helping their clients discover what makes it such a special place to call home—from Mission Hills to Sunset Hill, Fairway, Leawood, Brookside, and beyond. And thanks to their enduring local roots, the team has cultivated a dynamic network of valued connections that they continually leverage for their clients’ benefit.

Connect with them today for a real estate experience that always feels like home.

wardresidentialkc.com

900 W 48th Pl., #120, Kansas City, MO 64112

Nancy: 913.226.8093• Cory: 913.706.7512• John: 913.706.7510

Adrienne Fisher and Amy Hiles FISHER

TEAM

Very few personalities and prior professions align as well as they do for Adrienne Fisher (right) and Amy Hiles (left) of the Fisher Hiles Team. Partnering on every transaction, Fisher and Hiles are full-service residential real estate experts in the Kansas City area. As a team, they pride themselves on professionalism and ethics. Their skills in project management, marketing, education and communication allow them to create tailored home buying and selling programs for their clients. The Fisher Hiles Team distinguishes itself by using creativity and passion to provide the very best in concierge service.

As part of their mission, the Fisher Hiles Team believes a strong community is an active community. They are committed to being involved, by serving on Boards and supporting multiple organizations that help make Kansas City a terrific place to call home. These include The Kansas City Rose Society, A Simple House, Happy Bottoms and various other school and local organizations.

Locate Team at Compass

TOM SUTHER, BECKY LOBODA, HEIDI PETER, KEVIN BRYANT, CAROLINE HARRIS, KATHERINE GREGG, KATHY SCAGLIA-GREEN, SANDY PALMER, CHRISTI CLARK-VERGARA, JULIE CONNOR, ANDY BROWN, AND MITCH WEBER

The Locate Team at Compass is a powerhouse redefining real estate excellence in the Kansas City Metro area. As ranked by the Kansas City Business Journal , the Locate Team is the #5 team at Compass Kansas City and #14 across all brokerages in the Kansas City metro market. The team is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse demands of our fastpaced real estate market.

The Locate Team is set apart from other agents in the city because of how it operates. It’s a group effort, where everyone on the team is invested in success. It has successfully pooled together agents with diverse talents to provide the best of the best in every category needed to get a home evaluated, listed, marketed, and sold. Every listing has a lead agent who serves as the main contact and director of all activities. Then, each team member participates in the listing by bringing his or her own special talent. Some

are excellent at crunching numbers to analyze comps and recommend appropriate pricing. Some are well-versed in marketing and can write the most appealing “sell” copy, as well as be strategic about marketing activities. Some have a keen eye and talent for staging, décor, landscaping, and getting each photo perfectly set. And some can troubleshoot a listing that isn’t selling by identifying changes that need to be made to move the needle and get it sold. The members of the Locate Team are seasoned professionals who will shepherd you through buying or selling a home, which is often the largest asset you will ever own.

900 W. 48th Pl. #120, Kansas City, MO 64112• 816.280.2773

Sarah Page

PAGE HOMES KC, KW KANSAS

CITY METRO

A high level of professionalism and a commitment to the KC community consistently makes Sarah Page, Principal/Residential Realtor at Page Home KC, KW Kansas City Metro, a top 100 individual agent year after year. As a market expert in Westwood, Fairway, Westwood Hills, the Westside, Brookside, Prairie Village, and the entire KC metro, Page helps homeowners sell their homes for top dollar, using a strategic, proven plan and helps buyers find that perfect spot to call home and build equity. The cornerstones of her business are providing high-level service and building relationships that last a lifetime. From start to finish, Page educates her clients on the selling and buying process and gives them the tools to succeed in this competitive real estate market. A KC native, Page gives back to her community by hosting charitable events, serving on nonprofit boards, and volunteering. With her love and knowledge of homes, neighborhoods and all things KC, Page is dedicated to giving her clients a stress-free, tailored experience from start to finish.

Alec Rodgers REECE NICHOLS

With careers in finance, accounting, and ice cream, Alec Rodgers’ varied history in Kansas City as an invested community member, business owner, and investor has provided him the opportunity to view Kansas City’s real estate market from a different lens. Former owner of Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, he knows Kansas City and its suburbs inside out. His go-to flavor? Goat Cheese, Apricot, and Candied Walnut. Rodgers has sold, invested, and lived in single-family, condominium, and multi-family residences in varied areas of the Kansas City metro. Viewing himself as a steward of his client’s selling/buying process, Rodgers commits to serve each individual before, during and beyond their transaction. Currently, he is involved in local organizations focused on under-served and homeless populations in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, investor, or looking for a new place to call home, Rodger’s passion is found in connecting individuals to environments that fit their needs for the season they are in.

Susan Fate Real Estate Group

JULIE MCLARNEY, LAURIE BARNDS, BLAIR TYSON, SUSAN FATE, CONNIE CURRAN, STACY CURTIS, AND SUSAN JONES

The Susan Fate Real Estate Group is a team of seven full-time agents, all of whom are natives of Kansas City. Together, they have over 100 years of combined experience and achieved sales of over $67 million in 2023. The team was ranked as the Top Medium-Sized team within ReeceNichols Real Estate in the previous year and was also listed in the Top 25 among all teams and agents in Kansas City. When working with any member of the Susan Fate Group, buyers and sellers can expect attentive service, professionalism, and expert guidance, resulting in a successful home buying or selling experience. The group takes pride in being able to find out about homes before they hit the market, successfully managing multiple offers for buyers, and setting accurate prices that help sellers get top dollar for their homes.

DIAMOND BANC OF KANSAS CITY

Sicily Von Overfelt, Director of Diamond Banc in Kansas City, specializes in catering to clients with luxury items like large diamonds, high-end watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe, designer jewelry from brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier, and precious metals. These assets can be leveraged to secure substantial funding quickly and without the complexities of traditional bank loans.

The process respects client confidentiality and begins with a private evaluation or an online submission. Diamond Banc assesses the items and offers immediate funding, outlining the financial services that best meet the client’s needs. Funds are typically available via check or wire transfer, facilitating rapid movement in the competitive real estate market.

Diamond Banc’s Jewelry Equity Loan offers a non-traditional funding source, providing liquidity without the need for traditional banking requirements such as income verification or high credit scores, thus making it accessible to a broader range of investors. Each loan is custom-tailored to match an individual’s financial goals and needs, allowing for flexibility in both loan amounts and repayment plans.

This quick access to funds enables clients to swiftly capitalize on timesensitive real estate opportunities, including auctions and urgent property

acquisitions, by leveraging the equity in their luxury items.

In addition to Jewelry Equity Loans, Diamond Banc also provides immediate purchase offers for fine jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches. Moreover, Diamond Banc offers an exclusive Sellers Agent Service for both diamonds and Rolex watches, as well as other sought-after watch brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. This Sellers Agent Service guarantees that clients achieve an optimal return. Sicily and her experienced team employ a comprehensive strategy to market your diamond or timepiece across various platforms, connecting with a vast pool of potential buyers. This approach ensures unparalleled exposure for your item, maximizing its sale value.

Whether initiating a private evaluation or starting the process online, Diamond Banc stands ready to meet your financing needs swiftly with services tailored to each client’s specific financial goals.

Sicily Von Overfelt

Flavor

IIn the Kitchen FENNEL

BY Cody Hogan PHOTOS BY Aaron Leimkuehler

to robustly avored meats. It also slides

elegant avoring and an aid to digestion.

love fennel in all of its guises. It is delicious when raw and crunchy, its assertively clean, green, sweet avor awakening the palate. When braised slowly and caramelized, it becomes mellow and tender, with warm herbal tones that can elegantly accompany many foods. Roasted at high temperature, fennel’s sweetness is accentuated, yet tempered, by bits of dark char, giving it complexity and the boldness to stand up to robustly avored meats. It also slides comfortably into the role of dessert, its anise-like licorice notes serving both as an elegant avoring and an aid to digestion. What’s not to love?

gon, and basil (anethole and estragole are

plants have in common). But I believe fennel, prepared in at least one of the fol-

Fennel does have its detractors, especially those with even the slightest aversion to black licorice. Although not a fan of black licorice myself, I do love many of the other plants that have similar avor compounds, such as anise, chervil, tarragon, and basil (anethole and estragole are two of several organic compounds these plants have in common). But I believe fennel, prepared in at least one of the following methods, is sure to convert even the most recalcitrant objectors. Regardless of the camp you’re in, I hope you’ll give these cooking methods a try.

the camp you’re in, I hope you’ll give these

Fennel Three Ways

For lovers of the fresh avor of fennel, especially those who love crunch (and who doesn’t love crunch?), there are a few ways to slice it. Begin by selecting beautiful bulbs of fennel —they should be relatively blemish free, rm, and heavy for their size (they are mostly water) and without wilted fronds (the green, fern-like leaves of the fennel). I have had only moderate success growing it in my garden (due in part to rabbits and squirrels) but have seen beautiful examples locally grown by friends. My goto location for buying fennel here in KC is Trader Joes—it comes packaged two heads to a clamshell and is always of good quality, although there are no fronds attached (it

has to be the best fennel value in town). To clean a head of fennel, cut the stalks away from the bulb, trim the root end, and if the outside layer is very thick or tough and gnarly looking, peel o the outside layer. You can also, with a vegetable peeler, peel just the surface of the outer layer to remove any damaged areas if the head appears young and tender. Rinse the bulb, and you are ready to cut. I have two favorite ways of cutting fennel for salads depending on how I want to use it. Number one: Lay the head down on its side and cut across the grain as thinly as possible, working from the stem end towards the base—this can be done more easily on a mandolin slicer. is is the primary way for cutting fennel for classic Italian salads like fennel with red onion (and vinaigrette) and fennel with orange or blood orange (and citrus vinaigrette). e second cutting method: With the head standing on its base, cut the bulb in half from top to bottom, then cut out the little V-shaped core at the bottom, which could be tough.Slice the fennel into thin layers like you would to dice an onion, then cut the slices into small cubes. is method is great for applications like a chopped salad (it makes a great addition to a tarragon chickensalad with diced onion , carrot , and celery in a light mayonnaise-based dressing ) or in a salad with chopped nocchiona salami , olives , pine nuts , etc. Fennel, having originated in the Mediterranean, naturally goes with Mediterranean avors like extra-virgin olive oil and countless other seasonings. If you ever run out of ideas, just do a quick internet search for inspiration.

For those who desire a more mellow rendition of fennel, try gently braising it: Clean the bulb, stand it on end, cut it in half, remove a small wedge (but not all) of the core, and cut the halves into thickish wedges (about 3⁄4 to one inch), leaving the layers of each wedge connected to the core so they hold together when cooking. In an ovenproof skillet over medium-high

heat, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil and/or butter (both is best), then place the wedges in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, watching that the fennel doesn’t scorch but rather achieves a lovely caramelized color. When the rst side is browned, gently turn the wedges, adding a splash of oil or butter if the skillet seems a bit dry, then add a scant tablespoon of water and cover the pan. Continue cooking the fennel, lowering the heat a little. Check every few minutes to see that the fennel turns a beautiful, deep golden brown, lowering the heat if you think the fennel will burn. Test for doneness by poking the point of a knife into the thickest part of the fennel. e knife should meet only modest resistance and will be ready to serve. To take it to another level, try mixing equal parts coarse breadcrumbs (panko) and grated hard cheese , a generous splash of oil , crushed red pepper , thyme leaves and a little lemon zest . Generously sprinkle the mixture over the wedges of fennel, then place the skillet into a hot oven and cook just long enough for the breadcrumb mix to gratinee and become crunchy and toasty brown. Serve immediately. It would be lovely accompanying a nice piece of sh, a few slices of prosciutto, or just a fresh green salad.

If you like a delicately aggressive, lightly charred, yet sweet expression of fennel, try roasting at a high temperature. I like to do at least two heads at a time when cooking it this way because it loses volume when cooking, and the delicious leftovers have lots of applications. Clean the fennel as before, cut it in half, remove most of the core as for braising, then cut the fennel into ¾ to one-inchthick wedges (if you want shorter pieces, you could cut them in half lengths). In a bowl, toss the fennel with a drizzle of olive oil , the juice of half a lemon , salt and pepper ( crushed red pepper if you like it spicy). Spread the fennel in a large cast-iron skillet (or on a parchment-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup) and place the pan into a 500-degree oven and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Some charring will occur, and that is okay—good, actually. Remove the fennel from the oven. Prepared in this manner, it is a satisfying side dish or an outstanding addition to pasta sauces, salads, or as a pizza topping.

In Your Pantry FENNEL-LY FLAVORS

Fennel Pollen

The pollen collected from wild fennel plants all over Italy (and now California) is an incredibly flavorful expression of fennel, almost like a cross between fennel and dill (with which it can cross pollinate). It is intense and complex and very Tuscan. Once you have had a pork roast with fennel pollen as part of the seasoning, you will never forget it. Although today it is relatively simple to procure on the internet, those who love getting their hands dirty can grow their own wild fennel with seed from growitalian.com (distributed from Lawrence, Kansas). Try grinding sea salt, fennel pollen, and crushed red pepper to make a delicious dry rub for your next pork chop or steak. When fennel pollen is called for in a recipe and your pantry is lacking, finely ground fennel seed can be used as a pale but functional substitute.

Fennel and Anise Seed

Due to a confusing pedigree of names in Europe and America, fennel and anise are frequently confused, but they are distinctly different plants with many similar aromatic and culinary qualities. The seeds can be used interchangeably but those accustomed to one flavor or the other will be sure to notice the difference. Both can be ground or used whole depending on desired texture. Anise seed, which is considerably smaller than fennel seed, has a more intense black licorice bite with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Fennel seeds are mildly sweet and herbal in comparison. Both are said to aid digestion and are used in after dinner drinks and sweets.

Fennel Fronds

The fronds of fennel are the fern-like fluffy leaves growing off the stems of fennel. Though they are frequently discarded, they have many culinary uses. The tender greens make an excellent pesto and are a flavorful addition to marinades and soups. The stems and fronds of fennel can also be used as an aromatic non-stick surface for delicate items to be cooked on the grill—try lightly moistening and oiling a handful of stems and fronds, place them on the grill, top them with a piece of fish, and then cover with the grill top or an improvised lid. Allow the fennel to steam and char, which will impart a lovely herbal smoky fragrance to the fish.

by Jenny Vergara photo by Corie English

In Your Cocktail MUNI

From the moment Teddy and Pam Liberda, owners of Waldo Thai and Buck Tui BBQ, announced they were turning the former Tribe Street Kitchen location in the River Market into a new buzzy new late-night bar serving Thai and Mexican mash-up dishes paired with fun and flavorful cocktails from their business partner and bar manager, Eric Schmidt, the countdown to their grand opening began.

MuNi (a name created by mixing their two daughters nicknames) opened in March, and—save for the lipstick-red wall color that makes the space feel lively at night—it keeps the original quirky hi-low bar, jungle’s worth of green plants hanging overhead, and the KC streetcar whizzing by the windows.

People are happily waiting to snag a table eager to try its muchteased Thai sticky ribs, birria dumplings, and Gapow beef empanadas, which are filled with a combination of ground beef, Thai basil, serrano, jasmine rice, and cheese with creamy tiger cry sauce.

With Teddy working as the marketing engine and official hypeman, Pam is in the kitchen creating a menu inspired by the dishes their culinary team enjoys at family meal in their other restaurants. Standout dishes include the Carne Asada Kow Soi noodle dish, swimming in a

coconut curry, and their Smash Dat MuNi burger, which is made with two quarter-pound beef patties, chili jam, caramelized onions, American and Provolone cheese, and topped with spicy mayo on a brioche bun. It’s the perfect thing to smash after a few stiff drinks.

Speaking of stiff drinks, Schmidt, who was previously with Dodson’s Bar and Commons in Waldo, recommends guests try this 100-year-old cocktail recipe from the famed Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Legend says it was originally created to give Kentucky whiskey drinkers a break from sipping straight bourbon.

With a gorgeous pale-pink color and a lime wheel on the rim of the glass, the drink has a sweet, tart profile that provides a moment of pure refreshment when paired with the flavor-blasted dishes coming out of the kitchen. munikc.com

Pendennis Club Cocktail

1.5 ounces Old Tom-style gin

.75 ounce apricot liqueur

5 fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon Peychaud's bitters

1 teaspoon turbinado syrup

Combine all ingredients above in a shaker, add ice, and shake vigorously for ten seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass of your choice, and garnish with a fresh lime wheel on the edge of the glass.

Pendennis Club Cocktail

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

T’ÄHÄ MEXICAN KITCHEN

THE FATHER AND SON TEAM that owns and operates the Little Hacienda Mexican restaurants in Branson, Missouri, is going back to its roots bringing the cuisine of Central Mexico to Kansas City—specifically meaty dishes from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, where Fidel Gomez grew up on a farm. He and his son, Jose Gomez, will open T’ähä Mexican Kitchen this spring in the former Jax’s Fish House & Oyster Bar location in the West Plaza. The name means “dream” in Otomi, which is the largest group of Indigenous people in the Central region of Mexico. With the growing interest in discovering the food from various regions in Mexico, the family feels the time is right to celebrate the cultural and Indigenous dishes of their Mexican home state, like barbacoa, where cuts of beef, lamb, or goat are slow roasted over an open flame. Game meat, such as deer and rabbit, may also grace the menu, as it is hunted and prized in both the Midwest and Central Mexico. Find them on Instagram @tahakansascity

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

1587 PRIME AT LOEWS HOTEL

THIS COWTOWN will be getting a new steakhouse early next year with some familiar faces backing the beef. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have announced that they are partnering with the Las Vegas-based restaurant group Noble 33 led by Tosh Berman and Mikey Tanha, to open 1587 Prime inside the Loews Kansas City Hotel in the Crossroads. Named after the two players’ jersey numbers, the upscale steakhouse will be located on the east side of the hotel in a massive two-story, 10,000-square-foot space that overlooks Baltimore Avenue and will have views of the proposed South Loop Link project when it is completed. The space was originally built for an independent high-end restaurant concept, but when the hotel opened at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, it was not the right time to find a commercial tenant to fill the space. This new steakhouse will operate in addition to Bar Stillwell and The Stillwell Restaurant, Horsefeather Social, and Red Wheat Baking Co. inside the Loews hotel. Although the full menu has not been revealed, the steak program will be the focal point of the restaurant, with guests choosing their own cut of meat from a display. They also promise one of the largest wine collections in the state of Missouri. loewshotels.com/kansas-city-hotel

Paintings, American Pencil Signed Prints and Regionalist Works by Benton, Wood and Curry.

Birger Sandzen (1871-1954) Oil on Canvas 1917

Alan Shields (1944-2005) Mixed Media

Art of The American Southwest

Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller

Birger Sandzen (1871-1954) Oil on Canvas 1892

John Nathaniel Fenton (1912-1977)

Pencil Signed Prints and Works on Paper by Midwest Regionalists

Thomas Hart Benton, Jackson Lee Nesbitt, John Steuart Curry, Grant DeVolson Wood and Others

Flavor IN KC

BY Jenny Vergara

ELIXIR SODA FOUNTAIN

REFRESHING NEWS for the Kansas City Museum! Elixir, the museum’s stylish new soda fountain, has just opened inside the Corinthian Hall. Located downstairs, the soda fountain is serving food and drinks from a variety of local restaurants and co ee shops. A peek at the menu reveals a wide selection of barista-made co ee drinks made with co ee beans by Marcell Co ee along with tea from Hugo Tea. ere is also a fun selection of housemade sodas and ice cream treats by Fairway Creamery, including Corinthian Crunch, an exclusive ice cream avor just for the museum. Hungry? e French Market has created a tasty selection of grab ‘n’ go boxes lled with salads, charcuterie and cheese, and slices of quiche. ere are also sandwiches and sweets available from e Spot Co ee Bakery & Café. Needing something a little stronger? Order something from the bar, like an old fashioned made with Union Horse Whiskey or a glass of wine from Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Elixir is open to the public on ursdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 3:00 p.m. kansascitymuseum.org

OUTDOORS

Reservation for One OSTERIA BIANCHI

by Jenny Vergara photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

We have long tradition of training young chefs in Kansas City, letting them cut their teeth in our restaurant scene for a few years, and then watching them head off to larger markets, or even overseas, to hone their culinary skills in a place that offers more—more restaurants, more cuisines, more job opportunities, and more people to feed. Some never return, but those who do we welcome home with open arms, ready to experience what they have learned while they were away.

Homecoming for a chef can happen for several reasons. First, to be closer to family and support systems, especially when children come

along. Second, the desire to live in a place with a relatively low cost of living and a more relaxed pace, which the Midwest still offers. Finally, some chefs come home because they are eager to open their own restaurants, and that can only happen if the other two reasons are also present. Ultimately, this cycle only helps our local food scene grow broader and richer every time an influx of chefs hits the city limits.

Such is the case for married chefs and partners Josh and Kelly Bianchi, who recently moved back to Kansas City (Kelly grew up here) to open their own restaurant, Osteria Bianchi, located north of Kansas City and just 20 minutes from downtown.

One of them would have been enough, but together they bring a wealth of culinary experience that is seen, felt, and tasted at their new spot in the Northland. Kelly’s culinary career started in the kitchen at YaYa’s in Leawood and The American Restaurant before she left for New York, where she worked for the chef François Payard. She soon left the Big Apple for Las Vegas where she cooked at Le Cirque before becoming the executive chef for Wynn’s catering and special events division for the last eight years.

Josh was at Gramercy Tavern in New York before he left for Las Vegas where he worked in various prestigious kitchens, including Picasso, Wolfgang Puck, and DB Brasserie. He was also the opening chef for Vetri Cucina and Drais Nightclub in Las Vegas. For the past three years, Josh has been catering to the Las Vegas community as a private chef and resident at The Vegas Test Kitchen, an experimental culinary incubator that opened during the pandemic.

For their own restaurant, Osteria Bianchi, there seems to be clear roles, with Josh running the kitchen and the back of house, and Kelly overseeing the bar and restaurant operations at the front of the house. It’s a division that allows them to bring their unique skills and passion to the restaurant, with the flexibility they need to keep their own relationship, kids, and family a priority.

Located in a busy shopping center, Osteria Bianchi opened in the former Trago Bar & Tapas location, and the transformation from a

Spanish tapas bar to a traditional Italian neighborhood restaurant with a modern American influence is truly impressive. The renovation of the space was accomplished mostly by family and the couple themselves. The result is a spacious, open-concept restaurant where the entire restaurant can be observed when you enter. Views into the bustling kitchen and a large cocktail bar at the rear fit in with the sophisticated, but not stuffy, décor that feels as if you’re dining in someone’s home. Sage-green velvet drapes add drama and color to the dining room, which quite possibly has the most effective ambient lighting I’ve seen in a restaurant in ages. Not too dark, and not too bright, it feels like you’re dining by candlelight. It all plays an important role in making a large, commercial whitebox space feel warm and welcoming.

The service at Osteria Bianchi was convivial and spot-on, executed under the watchful eye of Kelly, who roams the dining room chatting with guests and clearing plates when needed. Every need was anticipated, and service was informative, but reserved. The perfect amount of being present, but not a presence, at the table.

The menu is compact, but seasonal, fresh, and exciting, with few nods to the sugo-sauced Sicilian dishes we’re used to seeing on Italian menus in Kansas City. The antipasti menu has offerings including house-baked focaccia with parmesan “salsa,” and a pretty pasta plate comprised of two artichoke- and ricotta-stuffed ravioli floating in a clear, green basil broth. A favorite was the Hamachi crudo topped with a

Flavor IN KC

sweet-and-sour mushroom agrodolce, truffled celery root, and generous sprinkle of fresh herbs. It was light and lively dish that sparkled in the mouth, preparing my appetite for what was to come.

Skipping the selection of pizzas that looked deliciously tempting on other tables, I selected a pasta dish from the menu. The thin and tender handmade cannelloni was stuffed with fresh ricotta and pooled in a simple brown butter and citrus sauce. I peppered bites of the rich but delicate cannelloni between tastes of the grilled hangar steak. The steak was garnished with a bright-green Italian parsley and vinegar-based chimichurri sauce and served over creamy white cannellini beans. It was the most expensive item on the dinner menu at $39. The plate was not overly composed, but instead thoughtfully arranged, cooked to order, and served at the perfect temperature. Vinegar and acid play a large role on the spring menu, and where it’s found, it works almost like a palate cleanser, keeping the rich cheese, butter, and meaty dishes in balance.

For dessert, I ordered one of everything. The olive-oil chiffon cake was crowned with a heaping dollop of mascarpone speckled with orange and lime zest. The simple, bright flavor of the cake contrasted with the salted caramel and chocolate tart, which was more like a rich, decadent candy bar. The passionfruit panna cotta and the polenta budino indulged my secret love of anything pudding-like. The cold, creamy panna cotta cone bathed in pool of bright passionfruit sauce flecked with candied

citrus and red pepper, while the layered polenta budino’s sweet-corn pudding base was topped with a sublime chocolatey hazelnut mousse and fresh whipped cream pierced with two crispy almond tuiles.

When the check arrived, it came with two soft, chewy amaretto cookies that are made in-house. They went home in my pocket and were enjoyed the next day with coffee.

There’s something special happening at Osteria Bianchi, and you can see it in the faces of the neighborhood regulars. Josh and Kelly are clearly pros at treating their guests with generosity. It’s part of the ethos here, along with their heart-felt desire to run an excellent restaurant that feels like a casual neighborhood spot.

But it’s not just their guests who are treated like VIPs, it extends to their employees as well. Toward the end of the night a cook was cut from her shift as her parents were just sitting down to dinner at a small table for two. The young cook went to say goodbye to her parents before she left, and Kelly immediately moved them all to the large family-style table, so they could sit together and enjoy their meal.

Treating everyone like they matter is something that is often talked about but can be difficult to practice, especially on a busy Friday night. It’s a million intangible little things that transforms a good dining experience to a great one, or makes an employee feel like they’re valued. Osteria Bianchi has a killer combination of warmth and professionalism that makes it a true dining destination. osteriabianchi.com

Tom and Carol Barnett

Faces IN KC

Bra Couture

TOGETHER WE CAN was the theme for the 2024 Bra Couture Fashion Show and Auction, which took place on April 19 at the KC Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. The annual event showcases eclectic work-of-art bras modeled by breast cancer survivors to celebrate their triumph over cancer. Funds raised provide lifeempowering services to uninsured and underinsured people in Kansas City who have been touched by all types of cancer. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by brian rice

Wild About Harry Patrons Party

ON APRIL 11, guests gathered at the home of Marny and John Sherman to show their support for the Truman Library and Museum’s 25th annual Wild About Harry event—the premier event celebrating and advancing President Truman’s legacy. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by chris crum / mark mcdonald photography

My Essentials IN KC

Mason’s essentials...

REPEAT EATERY:

Earl’s Premier, especially in the summer so I can order the frozen gin and tonic with my lobster roll and fries. Don’t forget to nish strong with the homemade soft serve drizzled with olive oil. Delicious!

GET BOOZY:

e Copper Rabbit at the Westport Café.

MASON HANSEN

DESIGN DIRECTOR. ARTIST. CYCLIST

The Populous principal and interior design director fell in love with Kansas City before she even moved to Lee’s Summit from the South when she was in the second grade. “My grandaddy was a professor and moved around a lot. He spent some time as an associate dean at UMKC, and he and my grandmother always talked about their stint in Kansas City, and how they had never lived in another city that had such a robust love of the arts,” Hansen says.

Her own passion for the arts led to her position at Populous designing complex interiors around the world. “Over the past ten years, I’ve been doing quite a bit of work at Churchill Downs,” she says. “We’ve been able to do a series of connected experiences. is year is the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. . . and telling the story of the Kentucky Derby through design has been a real honor.”

When not at work, Hansen is a watercolorist and loves to cycle. “My husband and I met while riding bikes,” she says. e Rock Island Trail is one of her favorite bike trails. “It’s kind of special because before he retired, my dad was the director of parks for Lee’s Summit and had a hand in connecting the trails.” populous.com

SHOPPING SMALL:

My go-to is Spruce in Leawood. I always nd a candle that motivates me to freshen up my home, and decor that gets me inspired for the next season. Bonus: leaving the store with a beautifully wrapped item, complimentary every time.

HIDDEN GEM:

head upstairs for a cocktail at

Hand in Glove in downtown Lee’s Summit. Be sure to check out the signed Picasso and the Lindsay Adelman chandelier. If you are feeling more boozy, head upstairs for a cocktail at The W. ey have some of the best bartenders in town.

CAFFEINE FIX:

My mom once bought me an unforgettable birthday cake from André’s Con serie Suisse that was a work of art. ese days I keep it simple with an almond milk latte, but I still like to dream about the beautiful desserts in the case.

SELF-CARE SESH:

Power Yoga 2 at Power Life in Corinth Square with Mikaela Steu. On a perfect day I would follow up with a facial from Michelle at Spa on Penn.

SIGNATURE SCENT:

Baccarat Rouge 540, a splurge that is worth it.

CHEVRON COLLECTION