Kansas City’s Ultimate Sandwich Guide
OCTOBER 2020 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Derrick Nnadi Chiefs’ Defensive Tackle
TALKS ABOUT HIS LOVE OF DOGS, FOOTBALL IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS, AND THE ONE RESTAURANT HE WANTS TO SEE IN KC
KC-BASED BUSINESSES GO NATIONAL DOCUMENTING THE BLM MURALS A MIDCENTURY MASTERPIECE IN MEYER CIRCLE
Refresh. Relax. Make your home sparkle and save up to 40% Time is running short to refresh your home for the holidays. So, for the first time, we’re making nearly every in-stock creation available for immediate purchase and delivery. Up to 40% OFF, including new furnishings normally held back for display and special order. Don’t miss this special October sales event.
up to
40% OFF
across our gallery, including new warehouse arrivals.
Included in this event: • Bernhardt Interiors • Paul Robert • Century • Hancock & Moore • Vanguard • Wesley Hall • Theodore Alexander • And more! Your Seville Home Designers
5205 W. 135TH STREET LEAWOOD, KS SevilleHome.com | 913-663-4663
Savings not valid on prior purchases. Some exclusions apply. See store for complete details.
Preferred By Designers and Open To Everyone
Beyond Bounds 20/20 • Participating Artists • Online Auction • Oct. 24, 2020 • jccc.edu/beyondbounds
Tony Abeyta
Rena Detrixhe
Ronald Jackson
Matthias Merkel Hess
Michael Schonhoff
Gina Adams
Tomory Dodge
Hiba Jameel
Art Miller
Andrew Schoultz
Ben Ahlvers
Lori Raye Erickson
Ezra Johnson
Dylan Mortimer
Dana Schutz
Norman Akers
Mark Errol
Ryan Johnson
Cristina Muñiz
Emil Schutzel
Asheer Akram
Bart Exposito
Thomas Kiefer
Amy Myers
Carlos J. Setien
Ricky Allman
Brian Fahlstrom
Jessica Kincaid
Johnny Naugahyde
Russell Shoemaker
Barry Anderson
Edie Fake
Elisabeth Kirsch
Wilbur Niewald
Ron Slowinski
Jon Scott Anderson
Amir H. Fallah
Amy Kligman
Laura Nugent
Scott Anderson
Asad Faulwell
Misha Kligman
John Ochs
Marci Aylward
John Ferry
Miki Baird
Nate Fors
Corrie Baldauf Tim Barnhart
Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez
Justin Beachler
Andrea Fuhrman
Eric Beltz
Jorge Garcia Almodovar
Janet Kuemmerlein
Rita Blitt
Matthew Willie Garcia
Lisa Lala
Matt Bollinger
Rachelle Gardner-Roe
Ke-Sook Lee
Katherine Bradford
Laura-Harris Gascogne
Sherry Leedy
Sheila Pree Bright
Kathleen Gerber and Lori Nix
Christopher Leitch
Archie Scott Gobber
Judith G. Levy
Tom Gomersall Joanne Greenbaum
Marcus Cain
Colleen Zacharias Gregoire
Brad Callahan
Rashawn Griffin
GK Callahan
Lisa Grossman
Kevin Callahan John Davis Carroll
John Hachmeister and Judy Paley
Flavio Cerqueira
Jonathan Knight Don Kottmann Scott Krichau Michael Krueger
Doug Osa Ruthie Osa Nora Othic Anne Austin Pearce Michael Pesselato Ann Pibal Jason Pollen Tim Pott
Lynn Smiser Bowers Harold D. Smith, Jr. Paul Anthony Smith Jered Sprecher Lin Stanionis Sean Starowitz Mary Ann Strandell Juniper Tangpuz Caleb Taylor
Beverly Potty
Penny Thieme
Zigmunds Priede
Larry Thomas
Jane Pronko
Susan Tinker
Stephen Proski
William Tinker
Linda Lighton
Robert Quackenbush
Kim Lindaberry
Michael Rees
Bernadette Esperanza Torres
Anne Lindberg
Warren Rosser
Cannupa Hanska Luger
Aryn Roth
May Tveit
Eva Lundsager
George Rousis
Jane Voorhees
Sean Lyman
Cordy Ryman
Davin Watne
Ritchie Lynne
Jackie Saccoccio
Mary Wessel
Erik Hanson
Lauren Mabry
Jim Sajovic
Susan White
Pascal Chuma
Rachel Hayes
Marilyn Mahoney
Emily Sall
Eva Wilkin
Monty Claw
Dennis Helsel
Lynn Manos
Eric Sall
Holly Wilson
Maura Cluthe
Diane Henk
Liz Markus
John Sandbach
Tyler Coey
Ronald D. Hicks
Rodolfo Marron III
Lisa Sanditz
Kyu Sung Woo Architects
Douglas Coffin
Peregrine Honig
Angelica Sandoval
Jim Woodfill
Mark Cowardin
Bo Hubbard
Adolfo Gustavo Martinez
Hubbard Savage
Clinton Work
Karin Davie
Tonia Indigo Hughes
Joe Mason
Andrew Schell
Kee Yazzie
Samuel Davis
Richard Hull
Nicole Mauser
EG Schempf
Carol Zastoupil
Anson DeOrnery
Kahlil Robert Irving
Karen McCoy
Nancy Schneider-Wilson
Allison Zuckerman
James Brinsfield Bruce Burstert Joe Bussell Scott Butterfield
Beniah Leuschke
Gerry Trilling
Tomory Dodge, 12 x 9”/detail
Jonathan Knight, 8 x 12”/detail
Jackie Saccoccio, 22 x 17”/detail
Asad Faulwell, 12 x 9”/detail
Art Miller, 27 x 40”/detail
Karin Davie, 16 x 12”/detail
Scott Anderson, 24 x 20”/detail
Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez, 40 x 40”/detail
Eva Lundsager, 12 x 9”/detail
BEYOND BOUNDS 20/20 · ENVISION! Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College Oct. 24, 2020 • Online Auction jccc.edu/beyondbounds • Register for FREE
4500 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 www.diamondsdirect.com
(913) 312-1660
HARVEST DAYS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
The historic Brookside Shops at 63rd and Brookside Boulevard. Serving you since 1919. B R O O K S I D E KC .O R G
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01. COCO BROOKSIDE With a casual, west coast vibe. cocobrookside.com 02. LEOPOLD GALLERY Live Inspired. leopoldgallery.com 03. BROOKSIDE TOY & SCIENCE Great selection, friendly service and free gift wrap. brooksidetoyandscience.com 04. COSENTINO’S MARKET A friendly neighborhood market since 2004. cosentinosmarket.com 05. BROOKSIDER SPORTS BAR & GRILL Come see us in the
heart of Brookside to watch your favorite team or just unwind! brooksider.com 06. LADY BYE With a modern, east coast style. ladybyekc.com 07. WORLD’S WINDOW Nobody can define you like you. Clothing. Accessories. Folk art. Home décor. worldswindowkc.store 08. BROOKSIDE BARBER SHOP No appointments, just quality haircuts. brooksidebarbershop.com 09. THE CORNER CANDLESHOP The Corner Candleshop,
formerly 5B&Co. Candlemakers, your Brookside Neighborhood Candlemaker for almost 2 decades. thecornercandleshop.com
forever,
BROOKSIDE
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Our hand-built, organic mattresses made from the finest wool, purest cotton and natural latex are odorless and toxin-free for a deeply restorative, healthful sleep every night. Available in many configurations to suit your preferred sleeping style.
Come in and discover pure bliss & relaxation!
501 Nichols Rd. at Pennsylvania | A Country Club Plaza icon for over 30 years 816.753.4144 | 800.875.4144 | www.terrasi.com
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215 W. Pershing Road Kansas City § Missouri § 64108 816.363.5300
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215 W. Pershing Road Kansas City § Missouri § 64108 816.363.5300
Portfolio
K i t c h e n
kitchens | bathrooms | home
Portf olio
kitchens | bathrooms | home
Design Now, Enjoy Forever Design Now, Enjoy Fo
kitchens | bathrooms | home www. por t foli o- ho m e. co m Monday—Friday 9 to 5 Saturday 11 to 3
$30,461,589 Million Sales June-August $30,461,589 Million Sales June-August
FOR SALE FOR SALE
FOR SALE FOR SALE
SOLD FAST SOLD FAST
6326 Kennett Place | Kansas City MO
6718 Overhill Rd | Mission Hills, KS
2840 Verona Rd | Mission Hills, KS
6326 Kennett Place | Kansas City MO
6718 Overhill Rd | Mission Hills, KS
2840 Verona Rd | Mission Hills, KS
FOR SALE FOR SALE
433 Ward Parkway Unit 2E | Plaza 433 Ward Parkway Unit 2E | Plaza
FOR SALE FOR SALE
2813 W. 91st St | Leawood, KS
5049 Wornall | The Walnuts
2813 W. 91st St | Leawood, KS
5049 Wornall | The Walnuts
SOLD (BUYER) SOLD (BUYER)
6034 Windsor Dr | Fairway, KS 6034 Windsor Dr | Fairway, KS
FOR SALE FOR SALE
FOR SALE FOR SALE
UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT
FOR SALE FOR SALE
4103 W. 73rd Terr | Prairie Vilage , KS
1901 W. 61st Terr | Mission Hills, KS
4103 W. 73rd Terr | Prairie Vilage , KS
1901 W. 61st Terr | Mission Hills, KS
2023 W. 86SOLD Terrace(BUYER) | Leawood, KS
FOR SALE FOR SALE
2023 W. 86SOLD Terrace(BUYER) | Leawood, KS
Susan Fate
2010W.70thTerr| MissionHills,KS
6807 Fontana | Prairie Village, KS
9211 W. 157th Terr | Overland Park, KS
2010W.70thTerr| MissionHills,KS
6807 Fontana | Prairie Village, KS
9211 W. 157th Terr | Overland Park, KS
Susan Fate Susan Fate
Laurie Barnds Laurie Barnds
Connie Curran Connie Curran
Stacy Curtis Stacy Curtis
Susan Jones Susan Jones
Susan Fate Real Estate Group More than $52 Million in Team Sales in 2019 Susan Fate Real Estate Group 913.262.7755 More than $52 Million in Team Sales in 2019 913.262.7755
HICKORY CHAIR
Celebrate more time at home.
S. HARRIS
Interior sanctuaries created here.
8 510 M a r s h a l l D r i v e | L e n e x a , K S kdrshowrooms.com
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR HOME RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
You’ve likely spent more time than ever in your home during the last few weeks. Perhaps now you have valuable insight into what your home might be lacking or how you can make your interior space better. Now is the time for beauty and functionality. Bringing European Tradition & Design to Your Home
KarinRossDesigns.com 816-425-2815
home
There’s No Place Like
. . . Light It Well
More than ever, our homes are working overtime. They serve as gathering places, entertaining places, learning places, working places, and playing places… It’s the perfect time to shop safe with us and make your home the happiest place with new lighting, ceiling fans and home decor from Rensen House of Lights.
RENSEN HOUSE OF LIGHTS Lenexa
9212 MarshallCity’s Dr. (92nd & Most I-35) 913-888-0888 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 to 7pm, 10 to 6pm, Sun 12 to 5pm Kansas Recognized Name inSat Lighting •
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Visit our website and shop 24/7 www.RensenHouseofLights.com
Don’t miss a beat New New home home community community opening opening NOW NOW OPEN OPEN
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CadenceNewHomesKC.com CadenceNewHomesKC.com
Contents OCTOBER 2020 82
86
88
76 Features 66
IN CONVERSATION WITH DERRICK NNADI The defensive tackle talks about the Chief’s new season, why he supports KC Pet Project, and his mentors on and off the field.
70
STREET ART WITH A MESSAGE Bringing the Kansas City community together one paintbrush at a time.
76
A PLANT COLLECTOR’S GARDEN Exotic tropicals mix with traditional Midwest garden plants to weave a tapestry of brilliant color against a background of green in this Mission Woods garden.
Departments
82
THE ULTIMATE SANDWICH The best thing since sliced bread is what these restaurants do with what’s between the slices.
86
NATIONAL BRANDS, LOCAL ROOTS Meet the people and businesses putting Kansas City on the map.
88
A LITTLE BIT PARK AVENUE, A LITTLE BIT CALIFORNIA A longtime collector of midcenturymodern decor puts his sophisticated spin on a 1950s rambler.
On the cover
Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi hold a dog available for adoption at KC Pet Project. Photo by Ron Berg. OCTOBER 2020
| 18 | INKANSASCITY.COM
28
WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN KC
32
ENTERTAINING IN KC
38
OUR MAN IN KC
44
ARTS & CULTURE IN KC
50
BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC
56
LOOK IN KC
62
LIVING IN KC
104
FLAVOR IN KC
120
MY ESSENTIALS IN KC
IN EVERY ISSUE 22
EDITOR’S NOTE
24
INKANSASCITY.COM
Exactly what you want.
All in one place.
Leawood, KS | maddenmcfarland.com Professional Interior Design Services | Quality Furnishings | Unique Art | Rugs | Accessories
Editor’s Note
Read This Vol. 3 | No. 10 OCTOBER 2020 Editor In Chief Zim Loy Art Director Alice Govert Bryan Digital Editor Michael Mackie
W
P.S. We’re not crazy. We have plenty of exclusive online content on our website and social media sites that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss it at inkansascity.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
photo by aaron leimkuhler
ith yet another house renovation on my mind (our 11th, but who’s counting), I’m recapturing all over again the joys of leafing through magazines for inspiration. Print magazines with big, beautiful, colorful photographs and compelling words. Now, I’m not a Luddite; I’m on Pinterest and Instagram too. I’ll look for inspiration anywhere I can find it. But there’s something about sitting down with a magazine, cup of tea or glass of wine in hand—depending on the time of day—and absorbing the details of each image. It’s a comforting, luxuriously extravagant activity. Staring at my laptop screen and clicking through posts is just not the same. I recently read a blog post online (as I said, not a Luddite) from a design-obsessed millennial about how she has come around to the thrill of print magazines. Yes, millennials and even Gen Z’s are discovering print just the way they discovered vinyl. My magazine subscriptions run the gamut. Of course I subscribe to Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful for their home-design inspiration. And then for fashion, there’s Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure and more. Delicious, delectable food titles like Cook’s Illustrated and Bon Appétit are a must. But you’ll also find The New Yorker and The Atlantic in my magazine basket. And there’s a whole new generation of small, sophisticated indie titles like Cherry Bombe and Kinfolk to absorb. One of the reasons our team wanted to launch IN Kansas City is that we wanted to create a magazine that appeals to all those sides of us, and you too, hopefully. Whether we’re in your mailbox or you pick us up at your grocery store checkout, we want you to use us to discover things you didn’t know about Kansas City—homes to inspire you, fashion to thrill you, food and drink to delight you. Then there are our interviews with Kansas Citians who are making their marks on KC and on the larger world, and features that explore the many facets of life in our town. This issue is packed full of all that and more. We’re here to share all these stories with you.
Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Lonita Cook, Stacy Downs, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn,Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Anne Kniggendorf, Damian Lair, R. Murphy, Katy Schamberger Contributing Photographers Ron Berg, Aaron Leimkuehler, Kenny Johnson Graphic Designer Eva Tucker Copy Editor Craig Magnus Publisher Michelle Jolles Media Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Shelayne Lawyer, Krista Markley Newsstand Consultant Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com
Advertising Questions:
cparkhurst@inkansascity.com
Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com
Magazine Subscriptions:
Mail: In Kansas City, PO Box 92257 Long Beach CA 90809 Phone: 888-881-5861, M–F, 8–4 PST Email: inkansascity@psfmag.com
Subscribe Online:
inkansascity.com Find the subscribe link under The Magazine tab
IN Kansas City is published monthly by KC Media LLC
118 Southwest Blvd., 2nd Floor Kansas City, MO 64108 816-768-8300 | inkansascity.com Annual Subscriptions are $19.95
Zim
OCTOBER 2020
| 22 | INKANSASCITY.COM
H OT E L K A N S A S C I T Y
P A R T OF T H E U N B OU N D C OL L E C T I ON B Y H Y A T T
Finally, a hotel worthy of our city’s name. Located at 13th & Baltimore in beautiful downtown Kansas City. Now Open.
EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE AT
INKANSASCITY.COM ENTER TO WIN
A legendary giveaway! Enter to win this classic Michael Salad days. Chef Adam Glass’s Fall Harvest Salad is a mix of all of his favorite fall ingredients, including roasted butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts. The MyChef KC owner says the sherry-maple dressing is what really makes the dish, however. Find the recipe at inkansascity.com/eat-drink/recipes and try it today!
Kors clutch bag—courtesy of our friends at Legends Outlets Kansas City—along with an assortment of $25 gift cards from each of the following: Ann Taylor Loft, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory, Yard House, and Haggar Factory Store. Enter to win by October 31 at inkansascity.com/the-magazine/enter-to-win—and get ready to shop ‘til you drop. Good luck!
FOLLOW US
FACEBOOK @INKANSASCITYMAGAZINE
TWITTER @INKANSASCITYMAG
Sweet surprises. It’s only been a couple of months, but Drue Kennedy is shaking things up as the new executive chef at André’s Confiserie Suisse. We caught up with the culinary wiz to find out five things you don’t know about him. Find it at inkansascity.com.
Know a Socially Isolated Senior Citizen? Here’s How You Can Help. With
more than 320,000 Kansas City citizens 65 years or older, social isolation is an increasing concern as the COVID-19 shutdown continues. How do we help seniors be a part of a community? We find out! Find out at inkansascity.com.
OCTOBER 2020
Hungry? We’ve got the 411 on new restaurants that are just a hop, skip, and jump away. From happy
hours to the local restaurant scene, we’ve got the city’s most comprehensive dining guide. Check it out at inkansascity. com/eat-drink/dining-guide
| 24 | INKANSASCITY.COM
INSTAGRAM @INKANSASCITYMAG
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER subscribe at INKANSASCITY.COM (under The Magazine tab)
GREAT PLAINS SPCA ANIMAL EXPERT ANSWERS YOUR PET QUESTIONS Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.
JOIN US Dear Ashley – Is it necessary to wipe my dog’s paws after being out in public during the COVID-19 pandemic? – Kim Nguyen
'lJ'41mShf!AJ 'lJ'41mShf!AJ
'lJ'41mShf!AJ
RESCUE DOG SHOW & BRUNCH
Hi Kim – Per the CDC “At this time, RESCUE DOG SHOW & BRUNCH
there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus RESCUE DOG SHOW & BRUNCH (}ctoJwt om l:o that causes COVID-19. More studies Join us for the Dog Show Final, brunch, silent auction and more! are needed to understand if and how (}ctoJwt ombyl:oKC Magazine's Best In KC DJ Ashton Hosted Martin different animals could be affected by r the Dog Show Final, brunch, silent auction and more! COVID-19.” With the information that d by KC Magazine's Best Join In KCus DJfor Ashton Martin the Dog Show Final, we currently have, foot traffic is not a To register the free event go to brunch, silent auction andformore! high concern in spreading the virus, www.greatplainsspca.org/bestinshow Hosted byForDJ Ashton Martin. so it is probably not necessary to wipe more information, email events@greatplainsspca.org To register for the free event go to your dog’s paws after being in public. www.greatplainsspca.org/bestinshow
,StuUit.tg., 25, 2020 ff:00
25, 2020 ff:00 12:00 pm
To register for the or more information, email events@greatplainsspca.org
free event, go to www.greatplainsspca.org/bestinshow For more information, email events@greatplainsspca.org
GREATPLAINSSPCA.ORG
5424 Antioch Dr. | Merriam, KS 66202
12:00 pm
will run around you and jump again, so turn around again and make sure you are not facing Oreo. Keep doing this until Oreo gets bored of what he believes is a game and goes into a sit. Once he sits, praise him for the behavior and repeat until Oreo stops jumping on you and your visitors. You can also try giving your visitors a treat and having them ask Oreo to sit when they first come into the home. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Dear Ashley – How often should I bathe my dog? – Julia Hopkins
– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Dear Ashley – How do I get my dog to stop jumping on people? My Border Collie, Oreo, keeps jumping up on visitors and unfortunately, scratched a little girl on the face. Any suggestions or tips that I should try? – Sarah Thomas Hi Sarah – This is a common question from many dog owners. Dogs jump on us to get our attention, so the best thing to do when a dog is jumping on us is to not give them our attention. Dogs are less likely to jump on you when you greet them in a calm and quiet manner. If Oreo jumps on you, turn around and ignore the behavior. Sometimes dogs
Hi Julia – The coat type of the dog plays a large factor in how often a dog needs a bath. Short-coated dogs generally need less bathing than long-coated dogs. Medium to long-coated dogs generally need a bath every four to six weeks while short-coated dogs can go a little longer. However, if your dog gets dirty frequently due to playing outdoors, feel free to give your pup a bath more often. I recommend speaking to your vet about appropriate shampoos if you are bathing your dog frequently as many over-the-counter shampoos can cause a dog’s skin to dry out with excessive shampooing. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Email askashleyinkc@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here.
ADOPT. DONATE. VOLUNTEER. About Great Plains SPCA: Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501 (c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities that we are contracted with including Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.
Coming Winter 2020 – New Access to neighboring Overland Park & Leawood at 151st & State Line
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E x t r a o r d i n a r y.
Select Lots Remaining! Glenfinnan Way & Argyle Drive overlook the Tom Watson Signature Golf Course. A variety of exceptional homesites are still available near the new North Gate Welcome Center in the Village of Loch Lloyd.
r e a l e s t a t e @ l o c h l l o y d. c o m | ( 8 1 6 ) 3 3 1 - 9 5 0 0 | Lo c h L l o y d. c o m Available/ For Sale
Available/ Builder Owned
SOLD
“We don’t design for what’s next, we design for what lasts.” Arlene Ladegaard ASID Allied Member, Certified Interior Designer, IIDA
Come meet us! Call 913.851.8776 | View more designs online at DesignConnectionInc.com.
DC inKC_Oct_vFA.indd 1
9/10/20 1:27 PM
Women in Business by
IN KC
Michael Mackie
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
Megan Stephens
FROM HER START AS AN ACCOUNT COORDINATOR, STEPHENS WORKED HER WAY UP TO PRESIDENT AND CO-OWNER OF ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST ICONIC BRAND AGENCIES
W
henever Megan Stephens is out and about, inevitably she’ll spy a product or brand or two (or ten) that her talented team at Willoughby Design created—including work on the Kansas City streetcars. “When I walk around KC, I see logos we worked on, packaging, billboards,” she says. “I can see the work we’re doing is making our world a better place. And that’s success for me—seeing that work and ultimately having a great team committed to what we do.” Willoughby Design was nearly 20 years old when Stephens joined the brigade as a fresh-faced account coordinator. Her mentor, Anne Willoughby, opened the design firm in Westport in 1978. “She had a lot of ideas and designs she wanted to do—and didn’t want to do them for other people. She wanted to start her own thing,” says Stephens. “And she was a mom and wanted something flexible.”
OCTOBER 2020
Stephens diligently worked her way up the ranks, ultimately becoming the company’s president in 2008. She and her business partner, Nicole Satterwhite, purchased the company in 2016. “Nicole and I have been ‘words and pictures’ for over 20 years,” she says. “She’s the principal over design. I’m managing principal over strategy. Together, we’re yin and yang.” The company has evolved over the years. They’ve tackled a slew of well-known local and national brands—including Kohl’s, Panera Bread, and Hershey’s—honing their identities. “At our core, we believe great design truly has the power to delight, inspire, and inform the world around us,” she says. “When companies take the time to really understand what their values are and why they exist, that leads to success in both business and culture. When you have a strong brand strategy and strong reason for being, people want to be a part of that. From there, that needs to be communicated—and the best way to do that is through images, storytelling, and design. That’s what we do well and have been doing well for over 40 years—putting it in a language that audiences and customers can be inspired by.” She has surrounded herself with the perfect team—“the world’s best graphic designers,” she says—and created a loyal culture many companies would be jealous of. “We’re a nimble, small, and close-knit team,” Stephens says. “The culture at Willoughby from Day One was set up so you don’t have to choose between your family and having a business. We’re very family-oriented. We were able to go remote immediately when the pandemic happened. As a team, we value family and watch out for each other. I’m able to be a mom, be part of my family, and do great work with great people.” Continuing the legacy of being a woman-helmed company is important to Stephens, who says she is forever inspired by her mom. “She’s an amazing artist. I grew up around creativity my whole life,” she says. “I was always told I could do whatever I wanted to do and follow my dreams. That was a great foundation. And when I met Anne, she was all about girl power,” says Stephens. “I knew immediately it would be a great place for me to work. I started as an account coordinator and now I own the company. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by women who are mentors and want to support other women. In the spirit of philanthropy, the civic-minded team at Willoughby Design does about 20 percent of their work pro bono. “It’s very much been focused on women, children, and community,” says Stephens, who mentions many team members serve on boards and volunteer. And when it came time for the company to rebrand itself in 2017, they picked an easily recognizable icon—one that would create plenty of buzz, so to speak. “We made the change to our bee since we’ve always been called the bees because of the Willough-Bees. Plus, with the culture of the hive, the way bees work together and being femalecentric, it just made sense with our brand. By relaunching a communal brand around the bee community, it was a symbol that we’re moving to the next generation.”
| 28 | INKANSASCITY.COM
Know Your Worth
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. POWER IS PERSONAL. Whether it’s a path to security, a gateway to your dreams or the road to being your own boss, we have the people and resources to empower you. Learn more at UMB.com/WXW
It’s No No Trick! Trick! It’s Trick! It’s Working With With Us Us Is A Treat! Working Us Is Is A A Treat! Treat! Working With
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Entertaining
IN KC
Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com
My Personal Heroes of Hosting
by
H
Merrily Jackson
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
OUR HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS, AN AVID STUDENT OF THE ART OF ENTERTAINING, HOLDS FORTH ON HER FAVORITE PARTY HOSTS OF THE MODERN AGE
OCTOBER 2020
ow does one write a column on party hosting when one cannot in good conscience advise you to have or attend a party? We have online meeting options of course, but I am not tech-savvy enough to tell you a single thing you don’t already know about them, other than we mustn’t get too dependent on using them. Because, reader, the pandemic is going to end. Every day we hear great news about therapies and vaccines being fast-tracked. But in the meantime, we must keep ourselves safe, as monotonous as that may be. To all you frustrated hosts and hostesses, I know you are dreaming of the parties you long to have, of the merry groups you want to gather for drinks or cozy dinners or Sunday brunches under your roof. I’ve danced around the “entertaining” topic the past several issues by talking about my most beloved cookbooks, my most indispensable kitchen tools, my favorite comfort foods to make for
| 32 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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Entertaining
IN KC
It’s a Dressing! It’s a Dip! Gwyneth’s Versatile Blue Cheese Recipe Regular readers of this column know I am a grudging, mean-spirited, resentful fan of Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbooks. Say what you will about GP (and I’ll chime in, don’t get me started) her recipes are solid. This blue cheese dip/ dressing from her book My Father’s Daughter is a boon for homebound families. You can make a batch of it, and it will last in the fridge for a week. It tastes delicious on pretty much any chopped or tossed salad, as a dip for veggies or chips, or a spread for burgers or selected sandwiches.
-Murphy B.
Direct Importer of European Antiques, decorative furnishings and unique gifts.
Pear Tree
1/ 3
cup sour cream
1/ 3
cup Vegenaise or mayonnaise
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (GP says use the picante or mountain kind, not the dulce. But I use the Treasure Cave brand from Sun Fresh and it tasted magnifique.) 1/ 3
cup cold water
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 pound penne pasta (note: I use ¾ lb pasta) 1 large shallot, peeled and thinly sliced (Iʼve minced it in my food processor and the recipe is still delish) Big pinch coarse salt A few fresh grinds black pepper
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OCTOBER 2020
Stir everything together in a small bowl.
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your quaran-team. This month, I’m sharing with you my own particular idols of entertaining. I hope I don’t discourage you from reading any further when I tell you they are all long dead. Still, there are things we can learn from them. THE FEARLESS MRS. VREELAND Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue, known for her sartorial and editorial genius, was a venerated hostess, famous for her cozy dinners for eight in her two-bedroom flat on Park Avenue. Although D.V. ran in wealthy circles, she didn’t have money until late in her life (“It never occurred to me to ask for a raise” she said), but her guests had no idea she was strapped for funds. My hunch is she was so imperial, so fearless as a hostess, she made all of her economy-driven choices look chic and intentional, a lesson for us all. Before and after dinner, Mrs. Vreeland held court in her legendary living room, which was covered in red Persian fabric and filled with artwork, books, and photographs. “She lives in an atmosphere of informal luxury confined in crowded quarters,” said Vogue fashion editor Bettina Ballard, a frequent guest. “There is an aura of intimacy and mystery in which all conversation sounds important.” Just once, will someone please say that about my house on Harrison Street? Andre Leon Talley, former Vogue editor-at-large, attributes much of his success to Mrs. Vreeland, in his deliciously readable new memoir, The Chiffon Trenches. It was from Mrs. Vreeland he learned not to apologize for pursuing a “refined, dandy lifestyle,” exhibited through activities such as lacquering his Louis Vuitton cases with yacht varnish, bringing them to a high shine. “It’s not about glamour,” says A.L.T. “It’s self-respect—a standard.” MR. CAPOTE’S LITTLE DANCE Would you like to get back at everybody who has ever dissed you in your entire life? Throw an enormous masked ball with a glittering roster of guests, from which all transgressors are pointedly omitted. To really rub it in, release the guest list the next day for publication in the New York Times. That’s what Truman Capote did in 1966 when he planned what is still being called the party of the century. Capote’s Black and White Ball continues to be the subject of books, magazine pieces, and blog posts. (And I think I have read them all.) Why do we still revere a party from which so many were excluded, given by a man who later betrayed almost everyone who ever trusted him? Answer that and you will unlock all the mysteries of human nature. HIS REAL FRIENDS CALLED HIM NICK The writer Dominick Dunne and his wife were among those not invited to Capote’s ball, even though Dunne later claimed that Capote ripped the theme off from him, after having danced the night away, two years earlier, at the black-and-white party Dunne and his wife Lenny
OCTOBER 2020
127th & Metcalf
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Entertaining
IN KC
hosted in Beverly Hills to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. He makes a compelling case for it in The Way We Lived Then, a scrapbook-style memoir filled with snapshots of glam parties the Dunnes hosted and attended during the 1950s and 60s. The star-studded photos, most shot by Dunne himself, are a fascinating moment in time: Mainbocher dresses, tuxedos, everyone smoking their heads off. In those days even the surgeon general was a two-pack-a-day man. If you aspire to a sophisticated social life (and is that so wrong?), read everything you can get your hands on by Dominick Dunne, one of the great American writers, party-goers, and societal commentators. Would that he were still alive, still writing. A SALON IS A SALON IS A SALON Nobody ever talks about the food Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas served at their fabled Saturday night salons, which just goes to show, once again, that a great party is not about the cuisine, it’s about the conversation. Guests originally came to see Stein’s radical art collection, but they stayed for the company, which included the most avant garde artists and writers of the day, as depicted in Woody Allen’s 2012 gem, Midnight in Paris. Picasso, Hemingway and Matisse—then unknowns—were frequent attenders at 27 rue de Fleurus on the Left Bank of Paris. A friend of Stein’s commented that she collected geniuses, not masterpieces, and that she could spot them a mile away. This is something
I have noticed about great hosts and hostesses: they have an eye for people on their way up, and they include them at their parties. WHO DOESN’T ASPIRE TO BE LIKE JAC-LEEN? Isn’t it astonishing that Jacquelyn (she preferred it pronounced in the French manner, to rhyme with queen) Kennedy was only 31 when she became first lady? Her contributions to American fashion and culture are renowned, but she also knew exactly how to throw a dinner party. Dim those lights, she instructed the White House staff, and bring in small round dining tables, so people could actually talk to each other. She told them to swap out the fussy flower arrangements for vases of simple blooms, and to light Rigaud Cyprus candles so the state rooms smelled divine. Very importantly, she insisted on inviting the most interesting people in the country, instead of those the Kennedy administration owed politically—she would not cave on this point. And she hired Frenchman Rene Verdon as White House chef, whose French food paradoxically became a perfect representation of American excellence. How did she know to do all that? “The French know this, anybody knows this.” she said in a 1981 interview,” If you put busy men in an attractive atmosphere, where the surroundings are comfortable, the food is good, you relax, you unwind, there’s some stimulating conversation. You know, sometimes quite a lot can happen.” I would have said busy men and women. But other than that, my position exactly.
RELAX.
Isn’t that what you want to do when you buy or sell a home? Relax and let the experts guide you.
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OCTOBER 2020
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Fashionable Cocktails with Local Style! Harvested Locally, TILL Vodka Inspires Us This Fall Words by Katie Van Luchene
If
Kansas City business owner, Nicole Feltz, had a motto, it would be “VIP all the way.” That’s why Nicole Feltz you could always find her sitting in the front row at Kansas City Fashion Week each season. But when current events forced a temporary hold on live shows this year, Nicole made a decision to host her own fashionista party at home, while keeping safety guidelines in mind. To help make the gathering intimate and special, she brought together all the elements her friends had been craving for months while sheltering in place: a chance to dress in glamorous outfits and share a toast to friendship. She kept the guest list to ten, held the party on the patio and arranged seating that was convivial without being cozy.
Nicole’s second most popular motto is “buy local.” For her signature highstyle cocktails Nicole recently discovered a local spirit, TILL American Wheat Vodka. This Kansas native was thrilled to learn that TILL is distilled in Atchison, Kansas from wheat grown in the Sunflower State. TILL’s velvety profile with hints of orange zest and vanilla makes it an ideal cocktail companion for mixed drinks from savory to sweet. To inspire your next event, Nicole recommends The Rose Martini by TILL (creatively renamed “The sTILLeto” for a fashion-forward vibe), a beautiful cocktail garnished with rose petals. She plans to pair it with stylish finger food such as deviled eggs topped with caviar and gourmet pizzas from SPIN! Pizza, including one with a gluten-free cauliflower crust. And because a typical charcuterie platter is a no-no in the current safety environment, Nicole turns to local caterer, Grazing KC, to create
“jarcuterie”— individual glass jars filled with cheese, cured meats, pickled vegetables and garnished with olives on a pick. Since it’s not a party without dessert, Nicole consulted TILL Vodka’s website for menu inspiration like the decadent TILL Chocolate Mousse recipe, served in pretty Martini glasses to complete the look. And true to her reputation as a thoughtful hostess, Nicole likes to share recipe cards as a parting gift. WANT MORE COCKTAIL INSPIRATION? Scan the code for recipes and insider tips including the Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About cocktail from Extra Virgin. Read more at inkansascity.com.
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Our Man BY
IN KC
Damian Lair
dlair@inkansascity.com
: @damianlair #OurManINKC
KC Art on the Block
LOCATIONS, ARTISTS & THE CITY With added partners, the initial downtown location expanded to three. But with a growing list of locations, a desire for geographic diversity also emerged. And as we reached out to various stakeholders in other commercial corridors stretching from both ends of the city, others excitedly jumped on board. Some even came to us. Suddenly, there were six. But we still needed artists and the city’s approval. The legendary Pat Jordan led us to Natasha Ria El-Scari, founder of Black Space Black Art, who helped identify six local Black artists, each adept in largescale projects of this kind. That incredibly talented and illustrious group was comprised of Vivian Wilson Bluett, Adrianne Clayton, Warren Harvey, Avrion Jackson, Harold Smith, and Michael Toombs. Each artist, working within the framework of uniform block lettering, began producing six unique designs, each reflecting their personal style, as well as the identity and fabric of their paired neighborhood. As for city approval, Councilman Eric Bunch introduced a resolution endorsing this necessary project, and it was immediately passed by the city council, 12-1. That happened without delay—not because working a proposal through city government is traditionally quick and simple, but because the resolution reflected hundreds of hours of planning, care, and attention; because of the highly respected, cornerstone social justice
OCTOBER 2020
PHOTO BY DONNA MANDELBAUM
I
n a serendipitous, full-circle moment, I sit at my laptop in Colorado, where I was three months ago. I was hiking along a creek roaring with fresh snow melt, when I had a small idea. George Floyd’s still-recent murder—and the excruciatingly painful video of his last breath being squeezed from him over the course of eight minutes and 46 seconds—were still very much on my mind. For my respite of mountain solitude, I’d packed a small stack of race and social-justice books. Those, coupled with the omnipresent public attention to a burgeoning movement, inspired me. Like many Americans, I felt an urgency to do—something. But like so many, I wasn’t sure where to begin, or what I could do. I’d just seen the city of Washington, DC, complete a memorial street mural, and it felt like Kansas City needed a similar public value statement—a statement reaffirming its commitment to improving equal justice and opportunities for its most underrepresented community members. I’ll be honest. The initial idea was a modest one: obtain whatever city approval required, buy some buckets of paint, pay one of my artist friends to help paint the downtown street I live on, and Kansas City would have a street mural. But as quickly as the idea came, it also grew. The next day, with ten hours of idle driving time on my return to KC, I began calling people. The very first was Crissy Dastrup, co-founder of Troost Market Collective. Together, we quickly recognized the opportunity to do something bigger in a way that could involve the entire community. Almost immediately, the Urban League and NAACP Kansas City chapters joined as inaugural partners. So, we began planning.
Damian Lair working on one of the Black Lives Matter steet murals.
organizations that publicly championed the project; and because the effort was entirely privately funded—we asked the city for zero dollars. Additionally, I suspect that the values reflected by the project were also personally shared by the near-unanimous membership of the city council as well as majorities of their respective constituencies. Thus, in a matter of minutes, the City of Kansas City, MO was added as a fourth partner, and it was official: the streets of our city would reflect our values and bear the simple but powerful words: Black. Lives. Matter. WHAT ABOUT ALL LIVES? I think of it this way. I wouldn’t walk into a breast cancer benefit and pose the question—but, what about prostate cancer? Don’t all cancers matter? The “Save the Whales” slogan doesn’t suggest— ‘I don’t care about other living creatures in the sea,’ or that starfish somehow matter less. In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon tragedy or 9/11, no one argued that all cities or all buildings matter. The very obvious rationale is—most everything among us has value and matters. But it is OK to spotlight certain issues or categories as necessity dictates. And right now, it is our human obligation to shine a light on the disproportionate injustices faced by Black communities. Those equitable deficiencies encompass everything from dying at exponential rates due to the coronavirus to innocent children being shot in their own neighborhoods for grabbing a bag of Skittles
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Our Man
IN KC
or a can of iced tea out of their pocket. Black lives are uniquely in danger at this moment in history—and have, quietly, been for some time. This is why we, as compassionate beings, must profess—in actions and in deeds—that their endangered lives matter. When we organizers received two credible death threats, they were immediately forwarded to the police. Yes, the police—those officers of the law, whose primary duty is to protect us. Perhaps paradoxically, many of them were the first to support our project. Those same officers kept us safe while painting, stopped to watch and take selfies, and even knelt to put their paint strokes on this powerful statement. They did not ask whether blue lives also matter, and if so, to what degree do they compare to the value of a Black life. Because they, and the community members of every skin tone who joined together that day, know that caring for Black lives and blue lives are not mutually exclusive. Yet, law enforcement interactions with Black persons were three times more likely to end in death than the same interactions with white persons. This is why we must say the words. Absolutely all lives matter, and all lives include Black lives. But we cannot rest on our laurels and proclaim that every life matters if we cannot first agree that Black ones do. And once we can collectively agree on that critical steppingstone, then someday we may be able to extol a universal belief that all lives matter. But I don’t believe anyone can adequately argue that we have reached that pinnacle of enlightenment yet. The nightly news is full of examples that would contradict that rose-colored, wishful projection. PERMANENCE AND PURPOSE To some, this might seem like a trivial art project that will eventually wear down and fade away. And in a certain sense, that is true. There will be some upkeep and maintenance, but eventually the murals will fade. Their impact, however, will remain. This year, people who’d never before spent time considering what systemic racism is and whether it exists, are suddenly opening their eyes. Now, with their eyes open as they traverse the streets of our city, they’re going to see something different. We hope these words cause them to pause and think further. Because each one of those first-time pondering minds that shifts is one additional grain of sand on the scales of justice—weighing closer and closer toward that elusive “tipping point” we’re seeking—the point when we don’t have to paint streets with the words “Black Lives Matter” because everyone will already know and agree. WHITE ALLY CHALLENGES Doing this—and being white. It’s a difficult topic, but one I’ve been asked about quite a lot. I think that’s because many people with good intentions are unsure how to approach and navigate delicate subjects right now—and I certainly fall into that category myself. Just a couple days after that lengthy drive of thinking and coalition-building, I awoke with a sense of panic. I’d never worked on anything like this, and I was worried about all the things that could go wrong (optically) by having a white person, with a certain amount of privilege, fighting what others might perceive to be “not my fight.” Or even my place. And the fear of not saying the right things, or doing things the right way, nearly paralyzed me from doing anything at all. I remember listening to KCUR 89.3 that morning and hearing Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II on Up to Date. He was talking
OCTOBER 2020
| 40 | INKANSASCITY.COM
about how, just days before, for the first time in his half-century of protest involvement, he held back tears when he stood to speak near the Plaza and looked out on a majority-white crowd. He called it a “great awakening” and a unique moment in American history. That framing not only helped me recognize the obligation, but it gave me the courage to push through my fear and to forge ahead. Because I was realizing too, that this moment is different. And it is different because more people just like me are finding their voices and are using them to speak up. I recognize that there’s no single reason we find ourselves in this situation of prolonged inequality, but I believe that fear, held by those who can and should use their voice, is chief among them. As white allies engage in this work, it is important to be open to listening, learning, and adjusting—likely, there are gaps in your American experience that you’re unaware of. The takeaway from my experience is that, if I could be a small part of an incredible coalition of both legacy institutions and committed community members building from scratch a city-wide call to action, then anyone can. And I hope more ordinary people, like me, do. FORWARD… Converging crises are raising public awareness of issues that underrepresented communities have focused on for years. The coronavirus has laid bare gross inequities experienced by minority populations, at the same time as massive protests spotlight systemic racism in policing and criminal justice. Though it’s been a cataclysmic year, this could be the silver lining: long-lasting, overdue progress on social justice and civil rights. While murals covering a city cannot promise that aspired outcome, what they can do is ignite dialogue and conversations, one step or drive on the pavement at a time. And it is modest steps like these that keep bending Dr. King’s arc of the moral universe toward justice. Over the past three months, I and three others who met for long hours at my dining room table every Wednesday night (Crissy, Justice Horn and Marissa Iden) thought we could lend some organization and momentum to this initially modest idea. But you can’t organize a list of people with no names on it; you can’t create a thoughtful city-wide arts installation with no talent; and you can’t manifest a bold vision with no money. This project (the largest of its kind to date) happened because of what so many incredibly generous people in our community brought to it. And we are grateful. Also grateful are thousands of people who live in this city, whose lives were impacted. So many were able to witness, firsthand, how public art can not only draw communities together, but how deeply and emotionally it can connect with people. I’ve never had more face-to-face tearful conversations with pure strangers, than I did this weekend. It struck me, and continues to strike me, how much three simple words can mean to people, each of whom had their own stories to tell, and now this is one of them. It is a story of healing. To the thousands of our Black brothers and sisters whose murders weren’t captured on a cell phone video—whose names will never be known—and will never appear on murals such as these—we will work to prevent these avoidable losses of life and heal those affected when they do occur. Our ultimate hope is that, as our community moves on from this project, we can each find new ways to continue facilitating this healing as we simultaneously work to secure the blessings of liberty—for all.
So, KC—where do you want to go? XO
OCTOBER 2020
| 41 | INKANSASCITY.COM
We’re online. Are you? Virtual tours, art activities, artist talks, and at-home projects delivered to your home. Find it all at kemperart.org
4420 WarWick Blvd. kansas city, MO 64111 • 1 (816) 753 5784 • @keMperMuseuM
Arts & Culture
IN KC
W Brandon Draper
INKC: Is there a music gene that runs in
THE PERCUSSIONIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS by
your family? You and your father Paul form The Draper Family Band. You and your wife Teryn offer the children’s interactive program Drum Safari—involving your own children. Did you know early on that music, and especially percussion, would be your field? Draper: Absolutely. My father was a touring musician and recording session artist when I was born. Dad had a studio in our home and encouraged the idea of making
Judith Fertig Photo by JC Photography
OCTOBER 2020:
hen you begin life thumping your leg in the crib, it’s not surprising that you start drum lessons at age 5. By age 9, Brandon Draper was sitting in with his dad’s (Paul Draper) band, then touring at 14, and the rest, as they say, is history. He has performed with the New Mexico and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestras, Kansas City Symphony, Ottmar Liebert, DJ Logic, Donna Summer, Steve Coleman, Mike Moreno, Bobby Watson, Kevin Hays, Particle, and Quixotic Fusion. In Kansas City, he performs with The Draper Family Band and Ensemble Iberica. After many years of touring and performing in every genre, he now runs the acclaimed children’s interactive music program Drum Safari and teaches drum set, world percussion, and music business at the University of Kansas. draperama.com and drumsafari.org
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YOUR BEST LIFE BEGINS WITH A HOME THAT INSPIRES YOU. a living as a musician. I vividly remember knowing for sure that I would be a musician and possibly a professor at age 7. Dad was recently inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame, and we are working on a full-length debut release of the Draper Family Band. The Drum Safari program my wife and I founded performs and educates at libraries across the country. INKC: You are part of Ensemble Iberica and have also
recorded Turkish jazz and performed American hip-hop. What role does percussion play in achieving the “flavor” of the world’s music? Draper: Percussion defines the music of many world cultures and is at the root of many genres. In Ensemble Iberica, we produce concerts of specific indigenous music. It is so important that a musician does everything in their power to study and represent the music in the most authentic way. When I was living in New Mexico, I learned an incredible amount about the respect, honor, and study that must go in before one can authentically represent music from cultures they were not born into. For me, this is an insatiable passion, the endless pursuit of studying instruments and music of the world. INKC: Teaching at the KU School of Music, recording, play-
ing, producing—how do you keep all those musical balls in the air? Draper: My wife Teryn runs our business Looking UP Productions Inc., which oversees most of our work outside of KU. We also homeschool our kids so our lives are completely and beautifully intertwined. I have a home studio where I am currently working on some very exciting projects by local and national artists. One project is a singer songwriter, another is hip-hop/ r&b, another is pop with Middle Eastern percussion. I also produce audio and video for a local church that I very much enjoy. INKC: What is it about the Kansas City area that inspires or nurtures your musical career? Draper: First and foremost, it was the Kansas City jazz scene that drew me in. There is a relaxed vibe here and you can be anywhere in about 30 minutes (unlike the East Coast). There are incredibly talented musicians and visual artists moving here almost every month. There is diversity in culture if you are open and looking for it. I’m also involved in music for meditation and work with local yoga studios, churches, and synagogues. My career in higher education started when Bobby Watson hired me to teach drums at UMKC, which led to my eventual full-time job at KU. The balance of teaching college, being based in the center of the country (great for touring), and the eclectic artist landscape makes Kansas City great for my family and inspiring new projects.
OCTOBER 2020:
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Arts & Culture by
IN KC
Judith Fertig
TIVOLI TALKBACK FINE-ART FILMGOERS were saddened when Tivoli closed, then happy when Tivoli and the Nelson-Atkins joined forces, then sad again when the pandemic hit and the Nelson closed and Tivoli with it. But the rollercoaster ride has hit a smooth patch. Tivoli at the Nelson has pivoted creatively with two new virtual film events—one for art museum members only, the other open to the public. And you can attend in the safety of your own home. The concept is simple: You watch the chosen film, then you Zoom in for a discussion of the film led by Julián Zugazagoitia, the museum’s director; the curator of film, Jerry Harrington; and former Kansas City Star film critic Robert Butler. You will need a “ticket” to Zoom. The members-only film on Friday, October 2, is Portrait of Wally (rent from Amazon, watch on a streaming service, or buy the DVD at portraitofwally.com). Subtitled “the face that launched a thousand lawsuits,” the film introduces us to the portrait of Walburga “Wally” Neuzil by Austrian painter Egon Schiele. The painting was part of Jewish art dealer Leah Bondi’s collection. After the Nazis plundered her gallery, the portrait ended up at the Leopold Museum in Austria. When it resurfaced as a loan to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in 1997, Bondi’s heirs took action. The battle lines were drawn when the museums refused to return the painting to the rightful owners. The public film talkback will take place on Thursday, October 22. The film will be chosen soon. Visit nelson-atkins.org/tivoli to register for a free ticket.
Virtual Open House
Thursday, October 15th
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OCTOBER 2020:
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BE YOUR OWN TOUR GUIDE OF THE NELSON-ATKINS MODERN COLLECTION THE NELSON is open again, but you can also tour at home online. You just have to work a little harder at it, educating yourself. If you click on the Modern Collection at the museum, you might be surprised by a Cubist painting by Juan Gris, Coffee Grinder and Glass, from 1915. You might ask yourself, “Doesn’t that remind me of Picasso? I wonder if they knew each other.” Google Juan Gris and you find out that yes, the two artists met in Paris in 1906 and both adopted Cubism as a style. Gris veered more mathematical, influencing Matisse and Braque, while Picasso did his own idiosyncratic thing to international acclaim. A few paintings down, you come to Interior with a Book by Richard Diebenkorn. The tableau looks lonely, certainly a commentary on modern life. Doesn’t it look very Edward Hopper-ish? Again, you might go to your trusty tour guide, Google, for the answer and you would be right. Diebenkorn was influenced to go from abstract to more representational art by the work of Edward Hopper. Check out the rest of the collection—and others—and try out your inner tour guide. It’s a good excuse for talking to yourself.nelson-atkins.org/collection/modern
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OCTOBER 2020:
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Arts & Culture BY
IN KC
Judith Fertig
NEW RELEASE BY THE KANSAS CITY CHORALE IF, IN THE MIDST of overwhelming political division, we need a reminder of “kindness, goodness, and beauty,” we might give a listen to the Kansas City Chorale’s new album, suggests conductor Charles Bruffy. The group’s new release, Alexander Kastalsky’s Requiem for Fallen Brothers, adds to their covers of Russian music. You would assume this requiem would be mournful, and it is. You can hear the tears of many nations in this piece, their advisor and coach Vladimir Morsosan commented. Yet it’s also uplifting. Just when we need it. Kastalsky, a student of Tchaikovsky’s, wrote the piece as a remembrance of World War I. The music somehow speaks to the struggle we all have today to find sense in a world turned upside-down. kcchorale.org
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RESCHEDULED PERFORMANCE: PARK ICM PRESENTS BEN SAYEVICH AND LOLITA LISOVSKAYA-SAYEVICH NEAR THE BEND of the Missouri River in Parkville, Park University sits high on a bluff and is the home for a growing enclave of classical musicians. Park International Center for Music attracts renowned masters of piano, cello, violin, and viola to perform and teach. Two such experts are violinist Ben Sayevich and pianist Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich. Ben Sayevich performs in chamber music style with the local Park Trio, which he helped found in 2006, and with the Rosamunde Trio in London, with appearances around the world. He is a professor of violin at Park ICM. Lolita, his wife, is an accomplished concert performer as well. At 7:30 p.m. on October 15 at the 1900 Building in Mission Woods, the duo will perform Violin Sonata by Richard Strauss, a late 19th-century piece he wrote at age 23 when he was falling in love with the soprano who later became his wife—a fact you can hear in the amorous music. The second piece on the program is a more modern violin sonata by Francis Poulenc, which premiered in Paris in 1943. For more information and tickets: 1900bldg.com/events.
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L I G H T I N G
Behind the Music
IN KC
by
Timothy Finn
Julia Othmer
J
ulia Othmer relocated to Los Angeles many years ago, but her hometown still occupies a large, warm place in her heart. A native of Kansas City and graduate of Park Hill High School, Othmer emerged in our music community in the early 2000s, performing around the city and releasing a demo that included what would become the award-winning song Mission Control. Her first big splash outside of Kansas City came in 2006, when she released her first proper full-length, Oasis Motel, which attracted a gust of attention and a wave of glowing reviews around the country. The follow-up took a while but was well worth the wait: Sound, officially released in 2019 and produced by her husband, James Lundie, is Othmer at her best: a passionate singer and skilled songwriter rendering dynamic music swathed in atmospheres and tex-
OCTOBER 2020
tures and riven with melodies and grooves. All the while, Othmer toured extensively in North America and overseas, building a large and loyal fanbase along the way. She’ll be performing in a Spanish-language radio play airing on KKFI on October 29. It’s based on the lives of two painters, Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo. The play was written and directed by Karen Lisondra. Othmer recently answered questions from IN Kansas City about her upbringing, her many influences, her love of theater, opera, and the visual arts, and her experience performing at Lilith Fair. How did growing up in Kansas City shape you, as a music artist and as a person? Julia Othmer: It was a mixed experience for me. I was rather bullied as a
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kid and didn’t understand why I so often felt on the outside of things. I didn’t seem to easily fit in. In some ways it was a gift because it pushed me to explore places far away from home. That being said, what Kansas City had to offer felt accessible. There were groovy coffeehouses and thrift shops, lots of used bookstores, nice libraries: You could wander around the Nelson. If you had an interest, you could get to art galleries, the theater, the opera, the symphony. In some ways, Kansas City has probably influenced me more now than when I last lived there full-time. The more the city has invested in and embraced the arts, the more it has flourished. Seeing the city transform and develop is inspiring. Kansas City radiates community. In particular, the sense of heart that Kansas City cultivates in itself for itself is magnificent. Kansas City pride makes me proud. What are your earliest music memories? How did your family influence your music odyssey? JO: My earliest memory was hearing music and wanting to resound with it, to be entirely consumed in the sonic experience, to become it. I remember music in our house as being compartmentalized. If my dad was home, there was no music on or playing of the piano, usually because my parents were writing their books. Before my older brothers went off to college, I had the audible thrill of hearing their record collections blaring behind closed doors or in the basement. And my mom loves opera; we would watch the Met on KCPT whenever it aired. We had a piano in the house, my grandfather’s piano. The piano
was more than an instrument. It was a link to people I would not ever know; my grandfathers died before I was born and it connected me to a world that seemed so far away. It gave me a deeply desired sense of my own history and identity. My mother’s family was stuck behind the wall in East Germany, and most of my father’s family had been dispersed after WWII so the piano had this totemic quality. I have a kind of reverence for pianos because of the histories they can hold. My mom was my single biggest influence. When I begged for piano lessons, she figured out how to make that happen. In sixth grade, I started studying classical piano seriously with a phenomenal—and terrifying—teacher, Mrs. Hanschu. My mom drove me to lessons and competitions and rehearsals. She urged me to practice. Even when we moved up north, she would drive me to Overland Park so I could keep my piano studies going. Her dedication was incredible. She also pushed me forward when I faltered. My parents were fierce advocates of the importance of education. I was lucky that their idea of a well-rounded education included studying classical music. Becoming a full-time musician was a different story. When I came to that decision much later on, my parents had a hard time with that. But once they became fans, they were my biggest fans. What was your music education like growing up? JO: Years of classical piano training and competitions. Mrs. Hanschu loomed large in my world—she demanded more than anyone else did.
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OCTOBER 2020
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Behind the Music
IN KC
My senior year, I got rather burned out on Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. I loved the music, but I also wanted to be in school plays and go snowboarding and something had to give. I played flute in the high school marching band. Oh, yes. I listened to all kinds of music, but when it came to playing music, I was focused on classical. Then one night, a group of friends were hanging out and I was playing around on the piano. Brendan Moreland asked me: “What would it be like if you played the music in your head?” I wrote my first song shortly after that. The first album you owned? JO: On vinyl: a Smurfs record in German. I wonder if I still have it. You also played soccer through high school. How did sports shape you as a person? Are you still a soccer fan? JO: I really love being a part of a solid team, where people rely on and support one another. Every concert, every performance, is about every single person in the room. Definitely a team event. I love watching World Cup soccer. I was in Berlin for a few days when Germany was the host. The whole city had the most celebratory, festive quality. People were there from all over the world, sharing their love of the game, fully celebrating their different cultures. It was the most incredible feeling. That shared, cathartic experience is vital. Music can create that same kind of atmosphere and generate intimacy and camaraderie among strangers. I love that.
As much as soccer has been a part of my life, snowboarding was a bigger influence. In high school, I would go out to Snow Creek and Colorado whenever I could. A group of us from all over the city rode together and became really close. We did all kinds of ridiculously stupid things. It was wonderful. Those friendships were a critical part of my world for many years. You are a triple-threat as a music artist: a gifted musician, songwriter, and singer/performer. Which comes most naturally to you? Which takes more effort? JO: Thank you. Hopefully it looks like it comes naturally. If so, then I’ve done the work. With writing, I tend to go in phases with it, including long times of listening to silence and percolating. It doesn’t often come easy, but usually if I stick with it long enough, something interesting evolves. Once it’s time to perform, the song is written (usually), the parts have been worked out (generally), and there is no need to think (hopefully). If I stop thinking and I am just being in the song, then the hard work has made it feel easy. You are a dynamic live performer. Talk about how your stage show/presence has evolved. JO: I have become a much better listener to the quieter parts of the audience. I am also learning self-confidence, which is a game-changer for me. The more self-confidence I have, the more I trust myself. I find that freeing as a performer.
International Materials of Design TILE & STONE
4691 Indian Creek Parkway (I-435 & Roe) Overland Park, KS 913.383.3383
www.imdtile.com
OCTOBER 2020
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List some of your proudest or most memorable music experiences. JO: Lakemary Center, down south past Olathe, provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I was introduced to Lakemary through my friend Bob Arbuckle, who is an ardent fan of live music, and he asked me if I would perform there for his ‘guys.’ It was a life-changing concert for me. Many of my friends at Lakemary are not highly verbal or traditionally communicative, but because music can be such an incredible bridge, we found a way to have a powerful and pure connection. We make up songs, we dance, we laugh; I am so grateful to my beautiful friends in the Lakemary community. In normal times, I am there at least twice a year to celebrate Valentine’s Day and my birthday.
I remember the kindness and warmth of Sarah McLachlan. Her generosity was so very natural and sincere. At the end of the night, she invited all of the performers on stage to sing with her. While waiting in the darkness at the side of the stage, Emmylou Harris is standing there radiantly, caught beautifully in a ray of light. She was deeply absorbed in Sarah’s performance. I am in awe of both women as artists and to see the beauty of their dynamic—their mutual respect and care for one another, as people, as musicians—that affected me deeply. And Sarah showed the world a new possibility: a viability in female-fronted music that had been understated and/or ignored. I would love to see more of it.
You’ve lived in Los Angeles for some time. What do you miss most about Kansas City? JO: Right now, more than anything, my mom. I miss playing for all the amazing people who make playing a concert in Kansas City so phenomenal: the music lovers and supporters. Also: A thrilling thunderstorm. The smell of winter.
WANT MORE TIMOTHY FINN? Check out his weekly online-only content at inkansascity.com.
In 2010 you were on the Lilith Fair lineup with Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Heart, and Metric. What do you remember about that day? Do you think women still need that kind of platform to bring attention to their music? JO: That day was really pivotal; so much of my world was coming into fruition and simultaneously falling apart. That’s probably its own story.
Every Wednesday the website publishes his list of Top 5 Notto-Miss Concerts in the metro. Every week you’ll find his revered, rollicking, reasoned reviews and commentary. Email Timothy Finn at tfinn@inkansascity.com
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913-232-7906 4760 W 135th Street, Leawood, KS 66224
OCTOBER 2020
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SATURDAY OCTOBER 24 3-6PM
Free, family-friendly drive-in concert. Boo-gie with The M80s dance band and bring your costumed kiddos to meet their favorite princesses, superheroes and KC Wolf!
To learn more, cruise over to: TownCenterPlaza.com
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Look
IN KC
Fashion
by
R. Murphy
Lunch with a Side of Extra
K
ansas City native Ashley Erickson describes herself as an aesthetic person, if not a fashion person. As part of Chipotle’s marketing team, this Blue Valley High School grad has spearheaded something new on the menu at Chipotle—sustainably sourced clothing and accessories. Some are even dyed using one of the fast-casual chain’s most ubiquitous ingredients, avocados. “We wanted to create a line of apparel for our brand fans that was in line with the food that we make. The thoughtfulness and care that goes into making great food are also what went into making this apparel line. We certainly weren’t first to apparel in the restaurant world, but we think that our stand on sustainability and thoughtfulness in design and not adding to the challenges that come with fast fashion, sets us apart,” says Erickson. The Chipotle Goods line features branding that ranges from subtle (their branded chili peppers or avocados on a camisole) to bold (your favorite burrito order custom printed on a T-shirt). The natural avocado dye line includes a tee, a tote, and a sweatshirt. These are dyed using the avocados’ ground pits, resulting in a pale pinkish beige, earthy and natural. All of the items, including shirts, jackets, sleepwear, hats, and activewear, are made in cooperation with organizations like Textile Exchange and Loomstate, which advocate for safe farming practices and organic fabrics made with socially responsible methods, respectively. And best yet? All profits from the Chipotle Goods products are donated to charitable causes that work to make apparel and food more sustainable. Now that’s an order you can feel good about. chipotlegoods.com
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Clairvaux_INKansasCity_FullPage_October_Final.pdf
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NOW OPEN NOW OPEN
NOW OPEN NOW OPEN
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C C M M Y Y CM CM MY MY CY CY CMY CMY K K
NOW OPEN NOW OPEN
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NOW OPEN NOW OPEN
Look
IN KC Beauty
by
R. Murphy
Beauty in the Kitchen
I
f your self-care game is getting a little tired and your bank account is getting a little thin (Seriously, how much can you spend on face masks alone? A lot. You can spend a lot.), then take a break from Sephora and head to Hen House or Cosentino’s instead. Yep, there are plenty of ways to pamper your skin using items from the grocery store instead of a cosmetics superstore. Jill McDowell, owner and head maker at the Bittersweet Apothecary in Liberty, says you can find just as much benefit from ingredients in your kitchen as you can at the spa. Here are three that are simple and accessible for when you need a beauty treatment, stat. EGG WHITES You have to crack a few eggs to tighten pores. Whisk an egg white a bit and apply it to your face. Allow to dry and then rinse with warm (not hot) water. For an extra hit of vitamin C, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the whites. The protein in the whites helps to tighten pores, while vitamin C helps stimulate cell turnover.
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HONEY If egg whites tighten your skin, then honey soothes it. For skincare uses, raw or unpasteurized honey is best, as it retains all of the nutritional benefits that can be destroyed by heat. Honey can benefit nearly any skin type, but one of the best uses is as a soothing, moisturizing mask. Spread a thin layer of raw honey over your face or décolletage and let it sit for 15-20 minutes while you catch up on IN Kansas City online. Rinse with tepid water and enjoy soothed moisturized skin. WATER Yes, McDowell added water to the list. Proper hydration helps every skincare ill, from dryness to fine lines to acne. As we all chug coffee to keep the momentum going, it’s easy to become dehydrated and tough to catch up. Start your day with 16 ounces of water, then hit the hard stuff. Just keep that water bottle close and let your skin do the natural detoxing it was built to do.
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Look
IN KC
Wellness
by
R. Murphy
Train Safe: Getting Back to the Gym
I
f the idea of sweating near other people is a bit daunting right now, you’re not alone. While gyms are allowed to open, those of us taking every precaution to stay safe in a COVID-19 world may shy away from communal experiences, let alone communal sweat spaces. But as we wait for a vaccine, it may be time to venture out into the Iron Paradise. So how do you do that safely? Find a gym that takes the precautions that make you feel safe enough to focus on your workout. All gyms in the area have leveled up on their cleaning protocols. One Life Fitness at the Power and Light has added an AirPHX to their club, which continually sanitizes the air and surfaces using proprietary technology to kill viruses, including coronavirus. Woodside Health Club has upgraded its HVAC filters to MERV 13 filters and added U/V light to all air ducts. They’ve also added additional team members to clean high-touch areas and enforce social distancing and mask protocols in common areas. If members of Bodyfit want to work out in person, they can do so with a temperature check and proper mask-wearing. If they feel more comfortable at home, they can sign into virtual classes, which many gyms are still offering online. For cardio classes, streaming classes through your gym are a great compromise so that you can get your burn on while keeping your exhalations in your own space. It is also a great time to try lower impact forms of exercise. If you’ve ever been intrigued by barre classes or Pilates, try a class! Lower aerobic activity can feel safer than huffing and puffing. No matter what, find a way to increase those endorphins with exercise, and stay healthy for the long term.
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Living
IN KC BY
Stacy Downs
Get the Look: Power & Light Building
WALLPAPER The Deco Hemp wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries features the glamorous flair of Art Deco with its braided teardrop pattern atop a metallic ground. Available to the trade at KDR Designer Showrooms (Lenexa).
CHANDELIER The Hanley Small Chandelier by Arteriors shines the right light on Art Deco. Available at Madden-McFarland Furniture & Design Boutique (135th and State Line Rd.)
W
hile there are many, many things to love about Kansas City, one factor that tops the list is our hometown’s extensive examples of Art Deco architecture. On a recent visit to a friend’s new residence in the Power & Light Apartments, I marveled at the 1931 building’s original touches—geometric-patterned lanterns, elaborate elevator doors, and ornate metal air vents. But I also was impressed with the building’s recent decorative details in the common spaces. The wallpaper! The chandeliers! The furniture! Swoon. All paid homage to the enthusiastic elements of the machine age, such as lightning bolts, sunbursts, and zigzags. The sophisticated atmosphere makes it feel like each day is a celebration.
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VELVET A velvet-upholstered accent chair is a classic. Uttermost Haider gray velvet accent chair available at Seville Home (135th and Nall)
Fall Hard For This Season THERE ARE DEFINITELY MERITS TO WINTER, SPRING, AND SUMMER, BUT FALL IS A FAN
BOOK IT!
FAVORITE FOR MANY
These 11-inch-long safety matches in a letterpress-printed box have a cozy library vibe. From Golden & Pine (Prairie Village).
REASONS. IT HOLDS THE PROMISE OF COLORFUL LEAVES AND FEELING
DECORATIVE GOURDS THAT KEEP
COZY INSIDE AND
While real pumpkins are fabulous, velvet pumpkins with their natural pumpkin stems stay fresh year after year and add the rich colors and textures of fall. From Pink Antlers (Park Place).
OUTSIDE WRAPPED IN A COMFY THROW. WE HAVE A FEW KEY INGREDIENTS TO BRING AN AUTUMNAL FLAVOR TO YOUR HOME.
ALL AGLOW Switch your home fragrance to autumnal scents like tobacco and leather in this Trapp candle. From The General Store (Downtown Overland Park).
Marvin Gaye to Green Day From craft ale to canned beer, a nice merlot or a pinot, first date, date nights, girls’ nights and nights with the guys, make them a time to remember sitting by the fireside. Now’s the perfect time to upgrade or install a fire pit for outdoor living. Soundtrack not included.
DESIGN | INSTALLATION | SERVICE
See what’s #Trending at Complete Home Concepts! 4380 Belgium Blvd. Riverside, MO 64150 Tel: 816-471-4663 completehomeconcepts.com
OCTOBER 2020
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Living
IN KC
A New Studio and Shop is Hatched by
Stacy Downs
H
atch + Home, a new lifestyle design studio and retail shop, recently opened in the historic West Bottoms 12th Street Bridge district, 1300 W. 13th St. Owners Kelly Cook and Ashley Garza, two Kansas City designers, have created showrooms within Hatch + Home featuring tile, lighting, furniture, and flooring with decorative themes including rocker, boho chic, and Spanish chateau. All is an over-the-top creative array of color and pattern.
OCTOBER 2020
“Even if you are just looking for that perfect armchair, a dazzling tile for your wet bar, or that cool custom wallpaper from London, we source options that fit both your aesthetic and your budget,” says Cook, the store’s lead designer. Hatch + Home will also host private shopping and culinary events highlighting local food and drink artisans. Sign up for the store’s newsletter to get the latest. hatchkc.com
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FURNITURE & CABINETRY MADE TO ORDER
at
Garrison School Cultural Center 502 N Water St. Liberty MO 64068
corbintheatre.org
MEET J THOMAS HOME, where you can design your own dining table and kitchen cabinetry. “If you can dream it, we can make it” seems to be the store’s calling card. The business specializes in custom furniture, décor, and cabinetry. It was launched by husband-and-wife duo Josh and Emily Lorg in 2016 out of their garage. Emily not only has an eye for design, but she’s into power tools and making furniture. Their operation grew so rapidly that they purchased their current workshop/showroom space in Olathe, previously the original Crawford Sales—Anheuser Busch Company distribution facility. They are in the process of renovating the showroom for a grand opening in late fall. Some current best-selling pieces are both floating and hidden-bracket shelves, dining tables, and kitchen cabinetry. People are definitely gravitating towards these items since they are spending more time at home, focusing on family meals and making their space more aesthetically pleasing. They use beautiful hardwoods to create heirloom furniture—all ordered custom for each project. One customer recently designed a maple dining table stained in gray wash with metal legs. “It was really beautiful,” says Alexa Streu, director of business development. “It went with the style of her home.” J Thomas Home has a CNC router to create custom designs on wood tops, which could be a family’s monogram or a business logo. jthomashome.com
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The Corbin Theatre Company in historic Liberty is committed to providing highquality theatrical entertainment, encouraging and facilitating community participation in every phase of live theatre, offering highquality musical entertainment through shows from various music genres, and sponsoring and promoting educational opportunities that create greater knowledge of the performing arts. We are pleased to announce our theatre has move to the Garrison School Cultural Center. ccaal-garrisonschool.org
Please visit our Corbin Theatre Company website for show details.
www.corbintheatre.org
www.VisitLibertyMo.com
words by
Cindy Hoedel
photo by
Ron Berg
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Derrick Nnadi
T
he day after the Chiefs crushed their season opener against the Texans, a shelter dog went home with its forever family, thanks to Kansas City defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. After each Chiefs win, Nnadi, in a partnership with KC Pet Project, pays all the adoption fees for one dog. Following the Chiefs Super Bowl victory in February, Nnadi cleared a whole shelter, paying the adoption fees for 109 dogs to the tune of more than $18,000. The only thing sweeter than watching the 6’1’’, 300-pound Nnadi plow into the opponent’s backfield is watching him on YouTube effortlessly hoisting and cradling and getting covered in sloppy kisses from his 8-month-old tank of a pit bull, Saint (youtube.com/ watch?v=lgBdnyyIZS4). Nnadi is a first-generation American, the youngest of seven children born in Virginia Beach, to parents who immigrated from Nigeria. IN Kansas City caught up with Nnadi on the bye-week Sunday after the team’s 34-20 win in a Thursday night season opener. In a warm, relaxed baritone, he reflected on what playing in a near-empty Arrowhead is like for the team, shared how team leaders Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu are very different from each other in one
OCTOBER 2020
aspect, and described the personalities of his Instagram-famous pit bulls Rocky and Saint (@Rocky_Saint). You’ve taken some ribbing for being very proud of your hometown, Virginia Beach. What do you miss about it? Honestly, it’s just the city itself. It’s so bad that I love the city that much! I could have the worst day of my life and the second I touch down in Virginia Beach, all my problems are gone and I feel like, “I don’t care what happens today, everything’s OK.” I’m calling my mom, I’m calling my friends, I’ve got to see everybody, talk to everybody, get my mentals back to where they need to be. It levels me. When I go home and go to the beach, it’s just so relaxing. What are some of your favorite things to do in Kansas City? I don’t honestly go out very much. When I do go out, I’m usually out with my friends, my teammates. We go out to restaurants—Eddie V’s, Capital Grille. I take my dogs to the park. At first, I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t sure how the area was going to be after living in Tallahassee and then back home in Virginia Beach. I’m normally in an area that has a beach. It took me some time to get used
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Derrick Nnadi with one of the dogs available for adoption at KC Pet Project.
OCTOBER 2020
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to Kansas City. But now that I’ve been here two years going on three, I love it here. It’s a nice, relaxing place to be. It’s got a real chill vibe. If you could add one thing to make Kansas City better what would it be? Oh, by all means, Cook Out. It’s a restaurant on the East Coast, specifically Virginia, North Carolina, Atlanta. I love that restaurant. I would go there every day if it was in Kansas City.
‘‘
I’m normally in an area that has a beach. It took me some time to get used to Kansas City. But now that I’ve been here two years going on three, I love it here. It’s a nice, relaxing place to be. It’s got a real chill vibe.”
What is one trait you have from your mom and one trait you have from your dad? Man. [Pause.] So, my mom is a stone-cold fox. Nothing can break my mom. If something is bothering my mom, you would never know. And that’s kind of how I am. When I go someplace, I’m kind of straight-faced. I don’t show any emotion. I hear information and let it soak in and spit some more information back at you without letting it bother me. My father, on the other hand, he’s a very, very emotional individual for a good reason. He just loves his family, and I’m like that when it comes to anything I claim as family, whether it’s my dogs or my girlfriend. I’m going to be very protective of them. The thing that I get from both of my parents is their work ethic. My parents are the hardest-working individuals I’ve ever met. From the second they got to this country, they’ve been working nonstop. Before I was born, when it was my parents and two or three of my older siblings, it was a really bad time. My parents weren’t sure if they were going to be deported, and there wasn’t that much money on the table, but they were able to survive. What was your childhood like? I was somewhat of a quiet kid. I was pretty much a go-to-school, goto-practice type of kid, trying to make good memories along the way, trying to make good grades. It was really football that gave me life, that allowed me to open up more to people around me, allowed me to be more vocal about what’s on my mind, and talk to my friends to unwind and help me really unravel the present, so to speak. When did you first think about becoming a professional football player? Man, it was before I even knew what football was. My family was watching TV and I walked in and a football game was on. I don’t even
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remember what game it was, but I remember the Steelers were on and Troy Polamalu was just going crazy the whole game. Watching him made me like, “Wow, I want to play this.” I looked at my dad and said, “Dad, what is this?” And he said, “It’s football.” At that moment I was hooked. Where did you get your huge love of dogs? I’ve loved dogs since I was a little kid. My father didn’t really want to own a dog and my mother was scared of dogs, so there weren’t any animals in the house besides us kids. [Laughs.] It wasn’t until my senior year [in college] that I got my first dog, Rocky, a pit bull. The funny thing was, I could not tell my parents about him. It was so hard to keep it a secret. Whenever my parents would come visit me in college, I would literally hide him away. I would have someone watch him and I would hide the dog food, the dog treats, the dog bed, so my parents wouldn’t see. Finally, my mom—being a mom, she’s going to find out about it—a couple of weeks before the last game of the year, she pulled open a random drawer full of dog treats. And after the game she pulled me aside and said, “Why didn’t you tell me you had a dog?” [Laughs.] Then I got Saint my first year being here [in Kansas City]. How are Rocky and Saint different? It’s really night and day with those two. Rocky, he’s a calmer individual. He’ll read the room, come up next to me, want to be petted, be like, “Hey, Dad, how ya doing?” Saint on the other hand, oh my goodness, he is a firecracker. When he sees you, he’s running at you at full speed. He is never tired. All you hear is him panting and running around. At first, I got annoyed and then I was like, nah, that’s just him. So when you come home exhausted from a game or a workout, Saint is going to wear you out some more, huh? It’s funny you should say that. Because when I come home Rocky is a different animal—he acts like I’ve been gone for 50 years. When he hears my car pull in, he’s barking at the door and trying to open it, like, “I know you’re here. Let me out!” The second I open the door, he’ll jump on me, run back, grab a toy. It’s a whole lovely 30 minutes of him going crazy. Saint feels the same, but he can’t match Rocky’s intensity. I’m like, let’s go outside and get all the energy out of you both so I can go inside and lie on the couch. What was it like playing the first game of this strange COVID season at Arrowhead? The part that was kind of weird was there being so few fans. That’s hard to get used to, being in Kansas City, because Arrowhead is literally the loudest stadium in the league. It gets so bad a lot of times that I’ll be on in the game and I can’t hear what my teammates are saying. It’s easier to play at other stadiums because I can hear my teammates. It’s so bad, but I love it at the same time. So coming in with so few fans, it felt weird. They had that little machine that makes the crowd noise and that helps a little, but it wasn’t as authentic. It reminded me of practice because of how little noise there
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photos courtesy of the kansas city chiefs
was compared to how it usually is. I could hear everything the whole line was saying. Who are the players that have mentored you since you became a Chief? Allen Bailey—he plays for the Falcons now—gave me kind of a blueprint for how to go through the daily life stuff: being in meetings, going to practice, reviewing film, things like that. Other teammates have helped with other bits of information. Frank Clark, for instance, if we’re in a drill in practice, he’ll step aside and explain why it’s so important that we get this part right. When I was in rehab, dealing with my ankle, I would see him working and say, “Let me join in with you,” and he would throw in more little nuggets of information. He helped me adapt my game. Who are the real leaders of the team, on and off the field? That’s a hard question. If you’re talking about morale, and keeping spirits up, there are a lot of players that do that. There are some funny individuals on the team. [Laughs.] Like who? Most of them are in the D-line. Now, if we’re talking about leaders on and off the field, first off
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the bat, I’ll give it to Tyrann Mathieu. He’s been pretty much taking a stance since he’s been in the league. Everything he has done has been with a purpose, whether it’s here or back home in Louisiana, he’s always trying to help out the community any way he possibly can. And, of course there’s Pat [Mahomes]. He’s always trying to help out in the KC community as well as back home in Texas. He’s just always been that type of stand-up guy. They are both very genuine in everything they do. Do Tyrann and Pat show the same leadership style on and off the field? Tyrann is completely different. On the field, Tyrann goes from the Tyrann that loves the community to T5, the warrior of the defense. He gets meaner, and I love that about him. You just hear him in the background, “Somebody make the play!” I’m like, “All right, say no more.” What about Pat? He is exactly the same guy on and off the field. When things get tough, he’s right in the middle of it, making sure we know what we’re doing, making sure there are no heads down, letting everybody know we’re going to push through this and come out the winner.
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Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.
Street Art with a Message BRINGING THE KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY TOGETHER ONE PAINTBRUSH AT A TIME Lonita Cook Kenny Johnson
WORDS BY PHOTOS BY
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here is a disparity in how Black people experience America. That was the core concept for Crissy Dastrup, the legislative aide to the 4th District and co-visionary with Damian Lair for Kansas City’s Art on the Block Black Lives Matter street murals. [Editor’s Note: Lair is a regular columnist of this magazine; read his take on the project in his Our Man IN KC column on page 38.] “Painting on the streets is powerful and cements that this is important to us,” Dastrup says. “It’s on the street all day, every day. You don’t have to wait to hear about it in an interview or see a protest come through. It’s there every single day
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Mural artist Vivian Bluett
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Mural artist Avrion Jackson
for you to see and reminds you that this is our priority.” The pair enlisted Justice Horn and Marissa Iden, along with partners Black Space Black Art, the Urban League, and NAACP, and set in motion a plan to orchestrate a monumental operation that included thousands of texts, hundreds of documents, dozens of volunteers, and a new city resolution. Inspired by Black artists and leaders around the nation, they set up to protect two sacred communal concepts: the power of art and everyone’s duty to acknowledge the significance of Black lives. Six artists—Vivian Wilson Bluett, Adrianne Clayton, Warren Harvey, Avrion Jackson, Harold Smith, and Michael Toombs—were commissioned to turn this premise into murals that would embody the mood of the BLM movement and each of the six communities where they were lo-
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Mural artist Adrianne Clayton
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Mural artist Michael Toombs
cated. From Briarcliff to Brookside, thick lines, vibrant colors, cultural symbols, and names of the deceased defined this promise for Kansas City. On September 5, it all came together. With smooth rhythm and blues filling the air at 18th & Vine, art teacher Adrianne Clayton managed the painting of her history-inspired design. “Just being able to incorporate the jazz, the Negro League centennial, and Black excellence of the past into the design is amazing,” Clayton say of her contribution. For her, much of her vision is about preserving the integrity of the BLM movement while celebrating the contributions of Black people throughout history. Vivian Wilson Bluett, the artist of the Brookside mural, was aware that her design is located right in front of a school. Names of victims of police brutality fill the letters of her mural, but she also mindfully paints children into the design. This message is to be inherited by the next generation. Wilson says, “I want to add images of children so they can see themselves reflected in the conversations that need to be had in our households and our schools about police brutality and that Black lives matter.”
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Above: Coleus in shades ranging from chartreuse to burgundy line the front entrance. Right: A few Kathryn Arnett birdhouses are fronted by a trim boxwood border.
A Plant Collector’s Garden
EXOTIC TROPICALS MIX WITH TRADITIONAL MIDWEST GARDEN PLANTS TO WEAVE A TAPESTRY OF BRILLIANT COLOR AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF GREEN IN THIS MISSION WOODS GARDEN WORDS BY PHOTOS BY
Anne Kniggendorf Aaron Leimkuehler
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t a house where the homeowner loves unusual plants and considers her garden always in need of editing, the gardener’s work is never done. Founder and creative director of The Greensman, Kristopher Dabner, says he’s on constant lookout for unusual plants for this space. “She’s a very adventurous gardener,” he says. Dabner describes the property as a “compact Johnson County yard,” and when he has
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Clockwise from top: Pots of tropicals define the border of the patio. Under the shade of a hydrangea, New Guinea impatiens and pulmonaria bloom. Lirope accents the start of the brick path. Chartreuse creeping jenny covers the walkway leading to the backyard. An immense banana-leaf plant underplanted with impatiens and tradescantia shades a chaise on the patio.
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Clockwise from top left: Dabner loves the contrast of the brilliant yellow-green elephant ear plant with the purple-heart tradescantia in this patio pot. Tucked among the hostas is a terra-cotta pot filled with ficus elastica. Another patio pot displays an areca palm underplanted with croton. The only squirrel welcome in the garden sits atop a weathervane surrounded by caladiums and ferns. A narrow path of river stones among the variegated hostas. Just under a wrought-iron plaque, Dabner fastened a planter brimming with begonias and tradescantia.
an opening—as he recently did when a big azalea died—he and the homeowner seize that as an opportunity for experimentation. Rather than replace the shrub with another similar one, Dabner found a kerria japonica, also a shrub but with variegated leaves and early yellow blooms. The traditional Mission Woods home is surrounded by high fencing that conceals the backyard from view, which the homeowner describes as her “secret garden”—denoted by an ornamental rock saying as much. “It is so private. Private and secluded. It’s really peaceful, and I love that,” the homeowner says. Dabner and his team have spent eight years creating the peace she so enjoys. He largely accomplished it by staging several vignettes along a flagstone path that he’s wrapped around the house. The “hydrangea walk” is full of blooming shade-lovers, including hydrangeas, hostas, and the more surprising tiger’s eye sumac, which presents as chartreuse in spring but graduates to yellow by summer and orange or red in the fall. “It really is a garden to wander through and discover different things,” Dabner says. “You’re trying to keep people moving and keep them discovering: What are we going to find next?” The most functional and well-used of the vignettes is the patio area. A two-level concrete pad just off the house is edged by a Charleston-brick border—a motif that ties the yard and patio spaces together. Black wrought-iron furniture and five black metal planters ground the spot the homeowners use for socializing. The black planters serve as sturdy bones for dramatic plantings, such as banana trees in warmer weather and ornamental evergreens in the cooler seasons. Dabner and the homeowner work to coordinate the color palettes of the planters and border gardens with the decorative accessories, including the artisan birdhouses by Kathryn Arnett that pepper the prop-
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Clockwise from top: A bed of succulents and sedums adds color to the home’s entrance. Variegated Solomon’s seal and New Guinea impatiens flank the path to a wrought-iron bench. Just past the garden gate, a flagstone path leads to the front yard. Hostas and boxwood surround a star-studded ceramic ornament. Opposite: Water flowing over the three-tiered fountain softens any street sounds.
THE IT LIST Outdoor Sculpture Leopold Gallery leopoldgallery.com Plants Family Tree Nursery familytreenursery.com
erty. A three-tiered concrete fountain just off the patio is surrounded by boxwoods, a formal design element that lends yearround green structure to the space. But because the homeowner is more drawn to plants with great visual interest than she is to those that serve a structural purpose, Dabner offsets the fountain and boxwood with a purple-leafed Harry Lauder’s walking stick that begins as a deep red in spring. He also placed a red-twigged dogwood that sports an unusual puckered leaf and a dwarf gingko tree to a focal point in view of the patio. “I wanted to have something really interesting here that you would notice,” Dabner says. The homeowner feels just the same. She, too, gathers items that will attract the eye. A few of the yard’s objets d’art are custom-made, such as the iron Kokopelli art piece she found in Scottsdale, Arizona, and antique architectural iron panels that she had made into a table. A statue of a girl reading a book is positioned in one of the shady areas of the garden and serves as an homage to the homeowners’ oldest granddaughter. The Greensman team works yearround to ensure near constant visual interest both in the oasis of the backyard and near the entry area off of the driveway. Where tulips bloomed in spring along the drive, Dabner set colorful coleus at the start of summer, which he’ll replace with chrysanthemums as soon as the temperature drops. One of the homeowner’s favorite plantings is near the front door where Dabner has positioned a bed of sedums, succulents, and a few small tropical plants beneath a specimen evergreen. He expects more than half will winter well enough to come back in the spring, firmly establishing the unusual assortment as a long-term feature of this plant collector’s garden.
Design The Greensman thegreensman.com
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The
THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD IS WHAT THESE RESTAURANTS DO WITH WHAT’S BETWEEN THE SLICES
Ultimate Sandwich words by
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Pigwich sandwich from Local Pig.
here are few foods more perfect than a sandwich made right. From the simple to the multilayered, the satisfyingly messy to the easy-to-eat, Kansas City restaurants serve up exquisite takes on this meal between bread. While the competition is stiff, we’ve rounded up 13 of the absolute best to add to your lunch hit list.
Pigwich
LOCAL PIG Barbecue sandwiches are a dime a dozen in Kansas City, but there’s something extra special about the Pigwich served at Alex Pope’s top-tier sandwich shop of the same name. The sandwich feels classically Kansas City in the best way—loaded with barbecue and relatively frill-free. Made with pulled pork and provolone topped with a chunky slaw and barbecue sauce, the Pigwich delivers a just-right combination of flavors and textures that make you understand why it’s the restaurant’s namesake. localpig.com/pigwich
Bacon, Brie & Apple Sandwich
SOLSTICE Bringing flavors into balance is fundamental to building any good dish, and it’s exactly what makes the bacon, brie, and apple sandwich at Solstice, one of the vendors at Overland Park’s Strang Hall, so ridiculously addictive. Smoky bacon slices play off a salty-sweet bacon onion jam, crisp apple slices add tart crunch, and brie brings a welcome funk. Served on sourdough with a sharp cider mustard, it’s the kind of sandwich you think you could execute on your own, but never quite pull off. Best leave it to the professionals. stranghall.com/solstice
Breakfast sandwich from Heirloom Bakery.
Breakfast Sandwich
HEIRLOOM BAKERY Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when this is on the menu. Heirloom Bakery’s melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are the foundation for their build-your-own breakfast sandwiches.
Solstice’s Bacon, Brie & Apple sandwich.
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Kelsey Cipolla
Filling options include egg, bacon, three types of cheese, tomato, pesto or greens, but it doesn’t really matter what you go with— the biscuit’s presence ensures a delicious dish at a price that feels like a steal at only $7. heirloomkc.com
D’Bronx’s Eggplant Parmigiana.
Eggplant Parmigiana
DʼBRONX Meat-free menu offerings can often seem like an afterthought but leave it to an Italian place to treat eggplant with the love and respect it deserves. In D’bronx’s eggplant parmigiana (one of several entries into the eatery’s solid parmigiana sandwich lineup) thin, breaded slices of the fruit are fried until crunchy and tender, then slathered in a classic tomato sauce and mozzarella and served in an Italian roll—because sometimes vegetarians need to treat themselves, too. dbronxkc.com The Peaunt’s BLT sandwich.
BLT
THE PEANUT “Order something other than wings from The Peanut?” you say, eyebrow arched in suspicion. But hear us out—the restaurant also makes a killer classic BLT, built on toasted whole wheat and piled with a generous but not overwhelming portion of bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and red onions. Of course, should you want to be overwhelmed, there’s always the triple BLT, which is the same sandwich, just, you know, roughly tripled. Whatever your degree of ambition, you won’t be disappointed. peanutmidwest.com
Guacamole Chicken Club Pork Tenderloin from Kitty’s Cafe.
Guacamole Chicken Club from Mildred’s.
MILDREDʼS Some strange alchemy happens when Mildred’s guacamole meets the roasted chicken breast in this stepped-up take on the chicken club. The guacamole adds a layer of rich, fresh flavor that serves to highlight the seasoned chicken and bacon mellowed with provolone, spinach, and tomato and served on ciabatta bread. The sandwich feels simultaneously healthy and incredibly indulgent, leaving you full and energized. Bonus: It’s available halved or full to suit your hunger level. mildredskc.com
Pork Tenderloin
KITTYʼS CAFE Kitty’s Café is a throwback to an earlier time,
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when sandwiches were no-nonsense, paid for in cash and served in a paper-lined basket— but no less delectable. For its iconic pork tenderloin, the meat is pounded thin, deep fried in tempura batter until light and crispy and served with lettuce, pickles, and housemade hot sauce that packs a pleasant punch. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the sandwich is a tasty revelation.
Banh Mi
BUN MEE PHAN Bun Mee Phan’s banh mi offerings are impressive not just for their flavors and textures, but for their sheer variety. The restaurant offers an incredible ten different variations of the Vietnamese sandwich, all of which are served on a toasted baguette with paté mixed with homemade butter served with fresh veggies for $6.50 or less. Protein options include caramelized pork belly, lemongrass tofu, meatballs, and the combination special—a mix of headcheese, barbecue pork, and steamed pork. bmphankc.com
Hot Pastrami
Banh Mi from Bun Mee Phan.
BAY BOY It’s hard to pick just one item to single out at West Plaza-based Bay Boy, where deluxe sandwiches are the norm. But among the creative concoctions, a classic looms large: the hot pastrami. Made with thinly sliced, flavor-packed, peppery pastrami, spicy brown mustard, pickles, melted Swiss cheese, and horseradish on the eatery’s signature freshbaked Dutch Crunch bread, it’s the platonic ideal of what a sandwich can be: warm, filling, and familiar. bayboykc.com
El Cubanito from Empanada Madness.
El Cubanito
EMPANADA MADNESS Empanadas are the star of the show at this Southwest Boulevard favorite, but Empanada Madness also produces one of KC’s most illustrious Cuban sandwiches. The El Cubanito features both ham and pulled pork and is served with all the fixings, including the all-important mayo and mustard. Meaty, fresh, and stuffed to the brim, it’s not the most traditional Cuban in the metro, but it may be the most satisfying. empanadamadness.com
Bay Boy‘s Hot Pastrami.
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Beyond the Bread
GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THESE THREE LOCAL FAVORITES FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEM BEST: THEIR CREATORS.
Senor Chang
THE BITE It’s been more than six years since Carlos Mortera opened The Bite, but the Senor Chang is still one of his favorite sandwiches “I try to eat one once a week,” he says. “People ask me, ‘What should I have?’ and I say the Senor Chang. It’s the sandwich that started the restaurant, pretty much.” That’s because it embodies The Bite’s approach to sandwiches, melding Mexican and Korean flavors. In the Senor Chang, short ribs are marinated in bulgogi-style flavors but slow roasted in a barbacoa style so that the meat falls off the bone. Pickled onions, jalapeños, and sriracha crema further combine the two culinary traditions. “You get the freshness of the cilantro and the crunchiness of the radish,” Mortera explains. “You get the spice from the jalapeños, and the cool from the sriracha crema and the queso fresco. The bread we’re using is these French rolls, bolillo-style, that are baked fresh every morning that just make that sandwich so good.” thebitekc.com
Comeback Sandwich
MOTHER CLUCKER There is no delicate way to eat the Comeback Sandwich, Mother Clucker’s towering Nashville hot chicken sandwich that seems precariously constructed even before you go to take a bite. “You just have to go all on in,” laughs Mother Clucker owner Derrick Foster. Core to the sandwich is the supersized chicken breast, fried until crispy and craggy, dunked in a hot oil bath then seasoned again to further intensify the flavors. Then comes a generous helping of crunchy coleslaw, a smattering of pickles and, perhaps the most important ingredient, comeback sauce. The Southern sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and seasonings, but Foster puts his special spin on it using his own seasoning blend that includes seafood spices, which he thinks helps set the sandwich apart. But it’s not the sole source of the sandwich’s name, according to Foster. “We call it the comeback sandwich because it’s so good people come back for more.” parlorkcmo.com/kitchen/mother-clucker
Grilled Cheese
WESTSIDE LOCAL How do you turn one of childhood’s most quintessential comfort meals into fare fit for adults? At The Westside Local, it starts with upgrading the cheese. “With white cheddar, brie, and emmentaler as the cheeses, it’s just a tastier experience,” explains Brandon Strick, the restaurant’s general manager and co-owner. White cheddar provides a classic base, while creamy brie and savory emmentaler (a mild Swiss) add more nuanced flavors to the mix, without taking away from what you know and love about a grilled cheese—the bread is still toasty with plenty of cheese melting over the edges. But it’s not all about the cheese. Strick says when it comes to sandwiches, bread truly makes or breaks the dish, and Farm to Market’s sourdough slices complete The Westside Local’s grilled cheese, which also comes with a side of thick, rustic tomato soup that can be enjoyed as a complement to the sandwich or dipped into for the ultimate cozy dining experience. thewestsidelocal.com
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Morgan Georgie (left) and Carrie Kiefer of Ampersand Design Studio.
Swimwear from Helen Jon.
Zum products from Indigo Wild.
National Brands, Local Roots MEET THE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES PUTTING KANSAS CITY ON THE MAP words by
Katy Schamberger
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Christopher Elbow chocolates.
H
allmark. Garmin. Sprint. AMC Theatres. These companies all have on e thing in common: they started as small businesses in Kansas City and grew to global brands. Now, a new generation of businesses is taking up the challenge. And they’re putting Kansas City on the map by building a national, sometimes international, following. From hand-painted wallcoverings to chocolates to swimwear and, yes, barbecue, get to know these businesses and why they’ll always call Kansas City home. AMPERSAND DESIGN STUDIO Carrie Kiefer and Morgan Georgie know a thing or two about iconic Kansas City businesses. The two met while working full-time at Hallmark, then left to start their own business in 2010: Ampersand Design Studio. Now, the brand is known for vibrant, energetic patterns that adorn everything from kitchenware and apparel to bedding and accessories. “For us, it’s all about the artwork and the pattern and the illustration that’s on the products,” Georgie says. “A lot of our work is colorful and energetic, but also sophisticated enough that it can live in your house for a long time.
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Hand-painting a Porter Teleo wallcovering.
Jones Bar-B-Q’s famous sauce.
Natural ingredients make up the Coco Shea line. A travel wrap from Mer-Sea & Co.
Nickel & Suede’s new Plaza shop.
It’s suitable for kids and the young at heart.” Part of building Ampersand Design Studio includes creating relationships with other brands that license Kiefer and Georgie’s art to feature on their products. One brand in particular proved to be a milestone. “One of our most sought-after clients was The Land of Nod, now Crate & Kids,” Kiefer says. “We had approached them with not much success. Then they approached us, and it felt like there was validity in what we were trying to do.” Then came another significant moment: seeing their art prominently displayed in a The Land of Nod store. “There were tears,” Georgie says. “We were wandering around like little kids!” It’s not always easy for artists and creatives to negotiate the use of their work, especially when considering rights and fees. That’s just one reason that Kiefer and Georgie had pursued The Land of Nod, which led the way in listing artist and designer names on products. “They were really innovative in featuring the artist and making that an important part of the story,” Kiefer says. Another brand with a similar practice? Blue Sky Planners, which has been one of Ampersand’s longest running partnerships. Stroll through aisles at Target, for example, and it’s easy to spot Kiefer and Georgie’s work featured on planners and other stationery products.
Now celebrating ten years in business with a rebrand and a product refresh, Kiefer and Georgie credit Kansas City—and Hallmark—for helping to foster their success. “I don’t know if we really understood how amazing of an artistic community Kansas City has until we got to Hallmark,” Kiefer says. “We had talked about going to New York, but the pull here is so great. It’s impossible to leave!” Kansas City’s depth of talent has also given Kiefer and Georgie ample resources to not only create locally, but also manufacture their products. “We use local printers for our T-shirts and anything screen-printed we have done here in Kansas City,” Georgie says. “Our glassware is printed in Lawrence, and we partnered with Sandlot Goods to produce a custom tote bag. There’s so much talent and resources here that people might not guess exist in Kansas City. And with so much crazy awesome talent here, there’s lots to be inspired by.” ampersanddesignstudio.com CHRISTOPHER ELBOW It started with Oprah. Less than a year after launching Christopher Elbow Chocolates, business suddenly spiked when Elbow’s hand-painted confections graced the pages of Oprah’s magazine. “That put us on a trajectory that really set CONTINUED ON PAGE
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A Little Bit Park Avenue, a Little Bit California A LONGTIME COLLECTOR OF MIDCENTURY-MODERN DÉCOR PUTS HIS SOPHISTICATED SPIN ON A CLASSIC 1950S RAMBLER
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s soon as the business executive walked into this 1950s ranch near Meyer Circle, he knew it was the one. “I’ve lived in and redone nine houses in Kansas City. The last one was a white box condo. I was ready for a change.” And a change he got. He is only the third owner—make that “steward,” he says—of the custom-built house in 70 years. The terra-cotta-colored brick and mahogany paneling dictated a new midcentury aesthetic, one he honed during trips to Seattle, Miami, and Palm Springs. The move also prompted a purge of his possessions. “Over 35 years, I’ve collected 60 globes, screens, and lots of other pieces. Every time I move, I’m not afraid of letting go. I never repeat the same look. I reach out to antique dealers and interior designers and sell the stuff I no longer want.” Yet some of his style remains the same. “I always use white subway tile and Carrara marble flooring in my bathrooms; Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Bosch appliances in my kitchens. I’m a high/low guy; I have pieces from 1stDibs and Christopher Filley along with things I pick up at estate sales or big-box stores. And I like to layer coverings on the beds.” To start on this home, he had to revise the layout. Several small rooms formerly used as maid’s quarters were no longer necessary. The house needed better access to the backyard. White carpeting that had been hiding oak Judith Fertig Aaron Leimkuehler
WORDS BY PHOTOS BY
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The living room of the renovated ranch is chockfull of the owner’s highly collectible midcentury art and iconic furniture, including the Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman.
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Above: The vintage coffee table, a slice of charred redwood trunk, is a California find. The homeowner found the midcentury sofa—its original colorful silk fabric in perfect condition—at a Kansas City estate sale. Below: In the family room, a Gary Head painting hangs above a 106-inch-long sofa the owner purchased in Miami and had completely rebuilt and reupholstered. Two walnut and leather Danish modern chairs flank the walnut and Formica coffee table.
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Above: The den features a Hans Wegner wing chair upholstered in wool flannel; a vintage zebra-skin rug; and an iconic midcentury sofa. Left: The homeowner is all about a high/low mix. The bookcase, a Target find from several years ago, is filled with his curated collection of vintage globes, which began with the gift of a globe bank when he was a little boy.
flooring had to go. He relocated the original metal kitchen cabinets to the basement. And a bedroom became the dining room. The color scheme also transformed from peach and pale green to neutral. French Canvas, a Benjamin Moore color, now washes the walls in a warm white. And texture is the name of the game, punctuated with orange and charcoal gray. At one end of the house, a former maid’s quarters converted to a study features the original burlap drapes, along with a Hans Wegner wing chair, framed needlework from a local estate sale, a slice of California redwood as a coffee table, and an animal-print rug. From photographs taken on vacations in Cape Cod, the homeowner had Kansas City artist Gary Head create custom paintings hanging throughout the house. In the kitchen, Iron Mountain gray on the custom island picks up the warm tones of the oak butcher-block counters and Silver Cloud granite in a matte finish. New French doors words continued on page
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Above: In the kitchen, custom cabinetry from Infinity Cabinets is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Iron Mountain. Matte, honed Silver Cloud granite tops the island, which is fronted by three vintage Saarinen bar stools in their original upholstery. Opposite, top: A gallery wall above a late-1800’s Cape Cod prayer bench in the dining room is comprised of a Gary Head painting, an original Audubon bird print, and a vintage painting of a Cape Cod marine scene. Opposite, below: Tucked into a space that was originally a closet is a wet bar complete with a wine refrigerator. The homeowner commissioned the cast acrylic sculpture from Modernica.
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Top: In the main bedroom, a Room and Board tufted leather bed is covered in an antique Indian bedspread; the custom pillows are made from vintage silk Chinese panels. An original Mies van der Rohe woven rattan and chrome chair pulls up to the glass and chrome desk. Above: An octagonal mirror hangs above an antique Asian sideboard displaying red coral and the homeowner’s collection of vintage midcentury smoked-glass pieces. Right: In the main bath, the double vanity is from Restoration Hardware, the brass mirrors are custom, and the floor is herringbone Carrara marble. OCTOBER 2020
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Above: In a mahogany-paneled guest bedroom, a midcentury chrome chair upholstered in its original fabric sits in front of a vintage Asian red lacquer desk. Below left: Custom-made pillows in antique velvet fabrics front a sisal-wrapped headboard from West Elm. An antique Indian silk shawl covers the base of the bed. Below right: The Asian mother-of-pearl inlay vintage chest, an estate sale find, is topped with a collection of midcentury celadon pottery.
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lead out into the garden. Caramel-hued leather armchairs pull up to the nubby sofa. “I wanted a seating area in the kitchen for cocktails. This is the place for a margarita in the summer,” he says. The dining room, painted a marine blue, features a custom acrylic wall piece, a Julian Chichester table topped with high-low blueand-white china, and Brown Jordan outdoor bamboo-esque chairs. The kilim rug was a gift from former neighbors. The living room, with its mahogany paneling and entry screen, is “a little bit Park Avenue, a little bit California,” the homeowner says. “When I first walked in, within 30 seconds I knew I wanted this house.” It’s a room perfect for cooler months. “We like to have a glass of wine before the fireplace in winter.” The bed in the master suite layers a tufted leather headboard, an Indian-print bedspread, and other prints. A sawhorse glass-topped table, now a desk, was the dining table in the homeowner’s former condo. A guest bedroom is nicknamed “the therapy room.” Says the homeowner, “This is where friends and family come to stay when they’re getting over something,” be it a cold or a divorce. Grasscloth wallpaper suggests cocooning, as does the cozy bed. “I used to run and bike around this area, hoping that one day I would live here. Now it’s my favorite house of all the ones I’ve done,” he says.
Above: Another guest bedroom reveals a Sigurd Ressel Danish modern Falcon sling chair and ottoman upholstered in leather. A variety of art and objects, including an oval mirror made by the homeowner’s grandfather, a botanical print, a Hawaiian teak carved relief, and a vintage pencil drawing, hang on the grasscloth-papered wall. Below: The entrance to the 1950’s ranch home.
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NATIONAL BRANDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE
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the pace of the business,” Elbow says. “We were very fortunate to get that press less than a year after starting the business.” Mail orders soon evolved into a comprehensive eCommerce system to enable online ordering. Thorough testing and research—approximately two years’ worth!—helped Elbow and his team identify the best shipping materials and methods to protect product quality. A brick-and-mortar location soon followed: 1,000 square feet tucked in the back of the Southwest Boulevard building that now houses the Blue Gallery. Later, Elbow opened a full storefront, complete with production space, at 1819 McGee in the heart of downtown Kansas City’s Crossroads neighborhood. And in 2018, the company opened new headquarters near The Roasterie, combining production, packaging, warehouse, shipping, and offices under one roof. The last few years have also seen an expansion of the Christopher Elbow brand to include Glace Artisan Ice Cream and, more recently, Fairway Creamery, which introduced doughnuts to Elbow’s line of inventive and wildly popular sweet treats. When it came time to expand outside of Kansas City, Elbow used customer data to help determine the ideal location between contenders like Dallas, New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. “We had a substantial amount of orders going to the Bay Area and had built a customer base there,” he says. “Plus, San Francisco is a great food city and the climate is ideal for chocolate year-round since it never gets really hot.” Most businesses have had to make some sort of pivot during the pandemic, and Christopher Elbow is no exception. Elbow says the company is even more focused on strengthening the eCommerce experience and revenue, especially while in-store shopping is constrained. “We want online to be a more important part of our business,” Elbow says. “We’re scaling
OCTOBER 2020
back our wholesale orders and bringing those sales in-house so that we can ship directly to the consumer. We want to try and control that customer experience, whether it’s coming into one of our stores or ordering online.” More excitement is ahead for the Kansas City-based confectionary brand. Elbow’s been looking for creative ways to fill empty space in the McGee shop since production moved to the headquarters facility. And he’s got something delicious up his sleeve. “We’re going to build a cacao experience so that people can learn more about cacao, its history, and the farmers that grow it,” Elbow says. “Then they’d be able to see the cacao beans transform into chocolate and taste along the way. It’s coming—I just don’t know when!” elbowchocolates.com HELEN JON So many businesses are created to fill a gap in the current marketplace, and Helen Jon is no exception. The swimwear and resort style brand, founded by Gwyn Prentice and Missy Neville, originally specialized in stylish, well-fitting board shorts. Think of a cross between Billabong and Land’s End, Neville says. Since Helen Jon launched in 2012, the brand has expanded to include more swimwear options, including the original board shorts in prints designed by Neville, as well as resort and leisure wear. Visit the Helen Jon website and a new and unexpected product is prominently featured: protective face masks made from the company’s swimwear fabric. “Masks are certainly something we didn’t envision carrying,” Neville says. “Our production manager in LA was instrumental in helping to make mask production happen in our LA factory, and they appreciated the business. We’re doing what we can to help retailers and other related businesses make it through this difficult time.”
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In the years since Neville and Prentice founded Helen Jon, the company has grown to include a team of 14 employees. Talented, friendly people are one of the many reasons that Helen Jon remains headquartered in (relatively) land-locked Kansas City. “The people you can find to work with you are so good,” Prentice says. “Our CEO is incredible; she’s been with us for probably seven years now. Everyone who works in customer service is wonderful, and everyone’s stayed with us. When you work in a small office, having employees that are genuinely nice, caring and thoughtful makes the experience a pleasure.” Prentice originally lived in Kansas City when Helen Jon launched, and has since relocated with her family to Naples, Fla., the ideal testing ground for swim and resort wear! “We don’t even go on vacation anymore—we live in paradise,” Prentice says. Neville lives in Kansas City and shares design and other creative work with Charlotte Munyard, Helen Jon’s design director. When Neville isn’t working on Helen Jon-related projects, she’s likely at her second (yes, second!) business, a private therapy practice. Although Neville and Prentice have celebrated several milestones, including wholesale relationships with resorts and a customer base that spans the country, Neville says the company still has a lot to accomplish. “We’re really excited about where we’re headed,” she says. “We keep setting new milestones, new things that we’re working on. And we’re motivated by our success, but also our failures—you don’t get it right every time.” Much more often than not, Helen Jon gets it right—just scroll through the online customer reviews, which praise the fit, the quality and the overall experience. That customer feedback plays an integral role in Helen Jon’s ongoing product development. Neville says a customer recently asked for added cuffs, and the team quickly moved in an unexpected direction as a
result. “We’ll just stop everything and say, ‘That’s a good point,’” she says. Adds Prentice, “It’s scary to run a business, especially in the fashion world. You’re always having to predict what someone’s going to like and living in a world of semi-doubt. Seeing those customer reviews always helps me exhale and know that we’re succeeding.” Dreaming of their favorite places to wear their swimwear doesn’t hurt, either. If Prentice does opt to leave Naples, she prefers the Bahamas or the Florida Keys. Neville loves to hop a plane for a four-day winter getaway to Cabo San Lucas or Cancun. “It helps me reset,” she says. helenjon.com INDIGO WILD If you’re familiar with Indigo Wild’s fragrant, addictive plant-based body and home products, it’s hard to imagine the line without Zum Bars, goat-milk soap that’s instantly recognizable by a rippled texture that’s reminiscent of corrugated metal. Yet when Emily Voth began cooking up all-natural, cruelty-free products in her kitchen in 1996, she started with face creams, body oil, and bath salts (among other products) before adding Zum Bars to the mix. In fact, when Zum Bars were soon offered at a local farmers market, a quick sell-out told the Indigo Wild team they were on to something. That early business highlight was later followed by another milestone: a distribution agreement with Whole Foods. Now, Zum products are available nationwide in grocery stores like Hy-Vee, Publix, Giant Eagle and, of course, Whole Foods. Zum products are also widely available in locally owned grocers and boutiques. The ultimate Indigo Wild shopping experience awaits at the company’s Kansas City headquarters. continued
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KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
A renovated building in midtown at 31st and Wyandotte streets is home to the Indigo Wild Zum Factory, which includes an adjacent retail store that’s temporarily closed as a result of the pandemic. When the store reopens, it’s the perfect place to shop discounted products and new goodies that aren’t yet available in stores. In a nod to the transparency that’s always guided Indigo Wild’s business philosophy, visitors to the factory shopping store can watch raw, organic ingredients transformed into bath and body products. “Every Zum Bar and Zum Brick is a one-of-a-kind work of art, and watching it go from slab to bar or brick and into your hands is what makes us happy,” says Keelia Killip, marketing director. If you haven’t yet given Indigo Wild products a try, Killip says it’s easy to make a recommendation. “Our gateway product is the frankincense & myrrh Zum Bar—it has almost a cult-like following,” she says. According to the company, this “deep, mysterious combination of scents brings to mind the woods after a rainstorm or the incense wafting through an ancient roadside chapel.” From there, Killip recommends dabbling in three other Zum Bar fragrances that are customer favorites—lavender mint, sea salt, and patchouli. Although Zum Bars are a perpetual hit, that doesn’t stop the Indigo Wild team from continually exploring new product ideas. That creative curiosity led to a product expansion that now includes laundry soap, room and body mist, liquid soap, and a facial care line. And more new products are always under consideration, as are plans to grow the number of stores that carry Indigo Wild products, both here in Kansas City and nationwide. indigowild.com
KC Pet Project believes no one should have to surrender a pet they love dearly because of financial insecurity. Our Keep 'Em Together, KC program aims to keep pet families together in times of crisis and financial hardship. We can’t do this without you. Donate to our Keep ‘Em Together Fund this holiday season so pets can stay with the people who love them. KCPetProject.org/TogetherKC
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JONES BAR-B-Q Jones Bar-B-Q quickly went from beloved local barbecue joint to a nationally known brand when sisters Deborah “Shorty” and Mary “Little” Jones appeared on season three of Queer Eye. Viewers worldwide quickly became enamored with the humble, caring sisters, who are as quick with a joke as they are with a hug. After stepping into their father, Leavy B. Jones Sr.’s, footsteps to run Jones Bar-B-Q, they were focused on fulfilling a promise they had made to him: to get the family’s barbecue sauce, made from his recipe, sold in stores. The Queer Eye 5—Jonathan, Antoni, Bobby, Tan, and Karamo—did just that. Now, Jones Bar-B-Q sauce has a worldwide following, thanks to an online store that includes sauces, rubs, and a Jones Bar-B-Q T-shirt. “Something came over my soul,” Mary says. “If there was ever anything I could do for them, I don’t care how big or small, I’ll be at their door the same day. When people started ordering our products and coming from overseas, I don’t even know how to explain it. I never thought things would blow up like that.” Deborah and Mary, two of Kansas City’s only female pitmasters, are no strangers to hard work. And when the cameras and crew cleared out and the episode aired, they continued focusing on their business while navigating their newfound fame—sometimes literally! “I had a guy chase me on the highway,” Mary says, laughing. “We both pulled off at the exit and talked for a few minutes. That overwhelmed me! How can you recognize someone while driving on the freeway?” The seemingly unflappable sisters have even found creative ways to deal with the pandemic and keep feeding their customers. Earlier this year, Deborah and Mary introduced a 24/7 vending machine that dispenses sandwiches, wings, and sides. The refrigerated vending machine is restocked daily to ensure food quality, and has given customers a convenient, contactless way to get their favorite food any time of day—well, while supplies last, of course! Despite their TV stardom, Deborah and Mary remain as humble and driven as ever. Yes, Mary still uses Ziploc and plastic bags as a purse and | 100 | INKANSASCITY.COM
wallet. “We’re down-to-earth people,” Mary says. “We just do what we gotta do, every day, and treat people like we want to be treated. This show did more for us than we could have imagined.” jonesbbqkc.com NICKEL & SUEDE When style blogger Kilee Nickels finally tired of her signature silver teardrop earrings and couldn’t find a similar option in gold, she channeled her inner entrepreneur and went the DIY route. She cut into a piece of hammered gold leather and created the first pair of teardrop-shaped earrings that would soon spark an entire business: Nickel & Suede. Jewelry fans quickly flocked to the brand to add pops of color or texture to their outfits with the eye-catching earrings that, even in the largest size, feel virtually weightless. Now, six years after launching the business, Nickel & Suede has grown to three retail locations, including the company’s HQ store in Nickels’ hometown of Liberty. A strong customer base in Texas made Dallas an ideal fit for the company’s first out-of-state boutique, which recently celebrated its grand opening. And in September, Nickel & Suede hit another milestone: a Plaza boutique opening. “Having a store on the Plaza is a dream come true for me,” Nickels says. “Our HQ store in Liberty is our template store where we can try things out, stage products, and experiment for our other stores. The Plaza location is really the Kansas City crown-jewel store for central Kansas City. Any time people come to Kansas City, they typically go to the Plaza, and it’s exciting to have our name there.” Internal company growth has proved just as transformative. Guided by Nickels’ keen eye for that elusive blend of timeless and trendy, the company’s signature teardrop earrings are now joined by more than a dozen styles, including geometric gems and a new arrival for fall—indie fringe. Leather remains a core material for every pair of earrings, but some styles introduce other embellishments like acrylic half-moons and decorative posts. Capsule collections drop regularly, featuring seasonal hues, updated textures, and new styles. Nickel & Suede also offers leather cuffs, rings, and chic hats that reflect Nickels’ own enviable fashion aesthetic. After keeping a tight hold on wholesale distribution to help control the rapidly growing brand, Nickel & Suede is now carried in approximately 50 boutiques around the U.S. Don’t be surprised to see more Nickel & Suede shops open around the country next year and beyond. Yet no matter how far the brand grows, Kansas City is always a key part of the company. “In a bigger city, there are so many new businesses trying to make it that it’s easier to be drowned out,” Nickels says. “Kansas City is a tightknit community, so it’s also easier to get help and support. And it’s a great place to find talented employees.” nickelandsuede.com PORTER TELEO A chic Parisian residence, a bustling New York City hotel lobby, and the penthouse of the world’s third-tallest residential building all feature Porter Teleo’s wallcoverings and textiles, hand-painted here in Kansas City. Artist Kelly Porter and designer Bridgett Cochran joined forces to launch Porter Teleo 16 years ago. “We wanted to bring the best of those two worlds—fine art and interior design—together,” Cochran says. “And we wanted to create a product line that’s interactive with the designer and gives them room to be creative within our line.” That might mean creating a custom color palette or pattern that’s then meticulously applied to imported Japanese paper (for wallcoverings) or imported Belgian linen or heavyweight silk taffeta (for textiles). The magic happens inside Porter Teleo’s east Crossroads studio and
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office space. Porter describes the process of painting the wallcoverings or textiles as “painting huge puzzle pieces” that are seamlessly fit together during the installation process. Porter Teleo employs several artists, some of whom are Kansas City Art Institute graduates. “It’s been important for our business to be located in such an artistic city that’s home to so much talent,” Porter says. In fact, when the interior design industry first began hearing about Porter Teleo, Porter says designers were curious about the product’s origins. “They’d ask us, ‘Where in the world is this coming from?’” Porter says. “People were excited to see that it was from somewhere different. And it’s a fun opportunity to meet with designers and educate them about Kansas City.” Now, these luxurious, Kansas City-made products are featured in homes and businesses around the world. “To think of how many thousands of people see our work every day is something we don’t take lightly,” Porter says. Adds Cochran, “There are so many beautiful things that we make in the studio that we don’t get to see installed. Two that we’ve had interactions with—the 432 Park Avenue penthouse and the Lotte New York Palace lobby—were amazing to see in person.” For Porter Teleo’s clients, the brand is synonymous with luxury and an impeccable attention to detail. And just as Porter and Cochran channel their creativity to create the company’s portfolio of sophisticated patterns, they encourage clients to tap into their own creativity when considering how to incorporate Porter Teleo into a project. “We’ve been able to make our products while keeping several factors in mind—the people, the art, the environment, the quality, and the sustainability,” Porter says. “The end result is why clients are drawn to our products, because those things matter to them, too.” porterteleo.com
COCO SHEA NATURAL BODY CARE Little did Asiyah Lites-Rasheed know that a personal challenge would launch a business. Yet that’s exactly what happened in 2013. Lites-Rasheed’s son has eczema, and she grew tired of continually filling prescriptions for chemical-heavy products laden with impossible-to-pronounce ingredients that had little to no impact on her son’s skin. On a whim, she mixed up a batch of whipped shea butter from a recipe created by her great-aunt, Rae Rae. When her son’s skin improved, word quickly spread. “Everyone I knew wanted my shea butter,” Lites-Rasheed says. “This led to the creation of Coco Shea Natural Body Care.” Since then, the Coco Shea line of products has grown to include body and facial care products, soap, men’s care, and more. Every product includes plant-based and unrefined ingredients that occur naturally in the earth. The company also prioritizes Fair Trade ingredients, including shea butter imported from Africa. “We believe that taking care of yourself should be an organic process that doesn’t hurt the Earth or your body,” Lites-Rasheed says. Just as important to Lites-Rasheed: an accessible price point. High-quality, all-natural skin and body care can often carry a high price tag, but she’s committed to helping as many people as possible use her products to treat their own skin conditions and take care of themselves. That includes shipping to customers in the U.S. and Canada. A subscription service is also in development. Lites-Rasheed is focused on continually growing Coco Shea Natural Body Care while also juggling a second business: Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts, owned by her brother, Jamaal Lites.
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The fried chicken and donut restaurant opened last December in Kansas City, Kansas. Just as Coco Shea Natural Body Care started with a family recipe, Lites wanted to make “brown sugar”—his family’s favorite endearment—a focal part of the restaurant. In fact, you’ll find brown sugar in some of Coco Shea’s products, too, like the brown sugar lemongrass body soap or the hemp seed lotion. It’s a thoughtful nod to the importance of family—and proof that a little love goes into everything made by Coco Shea. cocosheanbc.com MER-SEA & CO. If you feel yourself becoming calmer and less stressed as you browse Mer-Sea & Co.’s travel wraps, candles, and other products, that effect is intentional. “At Mer-Sea, we think life should be simple, like life at the beach,” according to Melanie Bolin and Lina Dickinson, Mer-Sea co-founders. “We try to reflect this attitude where utility, tranquility, and simplicity reign supreme.” One of the company’s signature products, the classic travel wrap, embodies this ethos. The lightweight acrylic wrap drapes effortlessly over the body, making it the perfect accessory for a chilly plane ride, a meandering stroll, or an evening spent curled in front of a fireplace. Since founding the company in 2013, Bolin and Dickinson have grown Mer-Sea’s product portfolio to include clothing, accessories, home fragrance, and beauty products. The clean-burning soy candles have become a cult favorite and are packaged in reusable canvas bags that reflect the company’s beachy aesthetic. Mer-Sea’s products are carried by a number of distributors, but perhaps the most exciting partnership so far is with Anthropologie. The clothing and home décor retailer is synonymous with impeccable mer-
chandising and product curation, creating retail spaces that you want to live in instead of merely shop. Anthropologie carries Mer-Sea bath and beauty products ranging from lotions and foaming body scrubs to hair towel wraps and reusable face cloths. Bolin and Dickinson may have been inspired by wanderlust, but there’s no doubt that they’re committed to operating their business as locally as possible. They’re headquartered in Lenexa, a space that includes a warehouse (keep an eye out for periodic warehouse sales!). Candles, room sprays, and soaps are all poured here in the Kansas City area. And when Bolin and Dickinson need to source products elsewhere, they strive to support small businesses. Their travel wraps are a perfect example: many of them are made by a family-owned company in Ecuador. This emphasis on thoughtful sourcing is yet another facet of how Bolin and Dickinson have intentionally approached their business. Fragrances, color palettes, materials, packaging—each element is designed to evoke the effortless allure of the sea. Yet in a time when travel is currently limited, it’s equally important to make your home just as welcoming and relaxing as an oceanfront getaway. That sense of place helped inspire Bolin and Dickinson, longtime friends, to create Mer-Sea after they both relocated to Kansas City to support their spouses. Now, they can bring the best aspects of a beach getaway to others, no matter where they’re located. “To us, physical and mental travel are equally important and can bring just as much pleasure,” Dickinson says. “A good book and a scented candle can take you anywhere, while a travel wrap is the perfect companion on any journey. We’re dedicated to the travelers, the dreamers, and the doers—we really do believe ‘the world is your oyster.’” mersea.com
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Flavor
IN KC
In the Kitchen SPICY OKRA
BY
Cody Hogan
PHOTOS BY
O
ctober in Kansas City is a hit-or-miss month for gardeners as produce struggles to ripen in the garden. For cooks who need to use those last little bites of summer, it can be hit-or-miss as well. One of those last little bites in my garden—dependent entirely on the first frost—is okra. Along with the last tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, it saddens me when the frequently disparaged Southern staple disappears for the season, and I like to use it as much as possible before it is gone. AKA ladies fingers, bhindi, ochro, gombo or gumbo, the delectable pod most likely originated in Africa or South Asia—some place hot. It traveled to the Americas with the slave trade, and was firmly established and being cultivated in North America in the 1700s. Okra is an extremely versatile plant, with a mucilaginous (some say slimy) quality that people tend to either love or hate. For the unappreciative, the slime factor can be mitigated by cooking the okra with something acidic (tomatoes or vinegar), cooking it quickly at high heat, or cooking it slowly in a large amount of liquid in which it essentially dissolves and thickens the liquid. Regardless of the preparation, the slippery character of okra will still be present in varying degrees. A number of years ago, I ran across an okra recipe called Texas Hot Okra from local food writer Jenny Vergara. I was intrigued, and much to my delight fell in love with the manner of preparation, which is essentially a stir fry. The most common methods of American okra cookery involve either frying or some version of a stew, such as Creole gumbo. My spicy okra is a very quick sauté, which over the years has evolved to include many variations, from side dish to one-skillet meal with the addition of protein. Today I share one of those variations with you and hope that you will make it your own. Spicy Okra with Shrimp The key to successful execution of this dish is prep. You must have everything cut and ready to go before you begin cooking. Despite the recipe’s versatility, there are a few ingredients that I consider essential and non-negotiable: the okra, spicy peppers, walnuts, and some form of good vinegar (visit inkansascity.com for my Winter Salad article for details about good vinegars.) The other ingredients tend to be based on what I have on hand and how I plan to use the dish. I am using shrimp in this version because they are quick, tasty, and might make this dish a little more approachable for the okra averse. For your first run through, read the recipe, decide your ingredients, and get all of your prep together. I line things up on my cutting board and proceed as follows: Preheat the largest skillet you have—12 to 14 inches across if you have
OCTOBER 2020
Aaron Leimkuehler
such an option. If necessary, use a smaller skillet, but you will have to keep a plate handy to hold partially cooked ingredients while others have their time in the pan. I toast a handful of walnuts in the skillet as it preheats, careful not to burn them, removing them from the skillet before it gets too hot and smokes. Add a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or clarified butter to the pan and immediately add three to four cloves sliced t garlic and about half a pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp. shrimp Season lightly with salt—you’re going to be salting with each major addition of ingredients, so don’t go crazy. The skillet should be hot, so the garlic and shrimp will cook quickly. After a minute or two on the first side, turn the shrimp over to cook on the second side. If at any point the garlic looks like it is going to burn, remove it to a plate. After the shrimp have cooked on the second side for a minute or two (they should be opaque on the flat sides but still translucent on the edges), remove them from the skillet with a slotted spoon. Immediately add about half a thinly sliced medium-sized red onion or sliced shallot or two and cook and toss for about two minutes. Push that to the side of the skillet. Add about two cups of thinly sliced okra (cut on the bias so it has more exposed surface area—better for reducing the mucilage and getting more caramelization) and spread it out in the pan so it has as much contact as possible with the hot surface. Sprinkle with salt. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir or toss it with the onion and let it cook for a few more minutes. If your pan is too full (meaning you can’t really see the bottom of the pan anywhere), and if the vegetables are steaming themselves more than sautéing, now is a good time to empty the skillet onto a plate before continuing to cook. If you have some nice string or Romano beans (thinly cut on the bias) or maybe summer squash cut into batons, add that to the skillet and toss again. Add—dependent on your delight in spicy food—several sliced jalapeño, serrano, fresh cayenne or other piquant peppers, season lightly with salt, and cook for a few minutes, tossing frequently so that nothing burns. Next add halved cherry tomatoes (or similar-sized chunks of large tomato) and cook briefly so they are heated all the way through. Now return all of the ingredients you have cooked, including the toasted walnuts) to the pan, add about a ¼ cup sherry (or other) vinegar, and toss for a minute (maybe two) until everything is steaming and hot and the shrimp are cooked (crunchy, not rubbery/overcooked). Taste a bite of something and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately. For a fun variation, use a little soy sauce (or even better—coconut aminos) and rice vinegar and a handful of chopped cilantro and/or scallions added at the last second. Alternate proteins like diced grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or shredded leftover pork roast can be used in place of the shrimp. Just be sure to take advantage of the last offerings of the growing season—especially the okra.
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In Your Pantry SHRIMP A few things to know about shrimp: Kansas City is a long way from the sea. “Fresh gulf shrimp” don’t really exist here unless you’re willing to pay a small fortune, and a reliable retail purveyor is not easy to find. Shrimp should be purchased frozen, either in a block (the most economical, and probably still in their shell), or in bags IQF (Individually Quick Frozen), usually peeled or partially peeled and deveined. Deveined refers to the removal of the digestive tract that runs down the back of the shrimp which can contain bits of sand and grit. Some stores sell shrimp thawed (look for the little sign that says previously frozen)—but how do you know how long they’ve been that way? Your nose is a great indicator—any off-putting odors are a definite sign to avoid those shrimp. The numbers by the word shrimp indicate how many there are in a pound. The lower the numbers, the larger the shrimp and the higher the price. Here are a few varieties that can be found in our area.
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Easy Peel White Shrimp 8 –12 The “Easy Peel,” sometimes “E-Z Peel” indicates that shrimp are exactly that— easy to peel. The shells have been split down the back and the vein removed which makes it really E-Z for the cook. Buying them IQF allows you to use just the number you need without having to thaw the entire package. White shrimp tend to be tender and sweet even at this size. Eight-to-12-sized shrimp are considered “colossal,” and are colossally expensive. Perfect for your next shrimp cocktail when you want to impress that special someone.
Shell-On Blue Shrimp 16 –20 A great all-purpose shrimp, the size (jumbo) is easy to cook without overcooking. From the western coast of Mexico, these flavorful crustaceans have a snappy, crisp texture. Look for shrimp that are sustainably wild caught and Fair Trade Certified for the least negative impact on the environment and fishing communities.
Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions.
Peeled-Deveined White Shrimp 51–60 Great for cooks in a hurry, these little guys thaw in just a minute or two under running water and can be cooked in an equally brief amount of time. Black Tigers are another tasty variety, frequently found in this same useful size (or as 41-50s), that make a sweet and crunchy addition to your next pasta or stir fry. Just be careful not to overcook. And avoid “pre-cooked” which are generally overcooked.
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1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas
OCTOBER 2020
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KC UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 15-31 | FILM ROW ART SCREEN | 60+ FREE MOVIES
BORN TO BE
MYTH
OCT 15 6:00 PM
OCT 24 8:30PM
Born To Be follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting at the groundbreaking Center for Trans- gender Medicine and Surgery in NYC—where, for the first time, all transgender and non- binary people have access to quality healthcare and surgery.
Alex encounters his favorite filmmaker, JP Smith, stalking around his sleepy town in upstate NY. Together they form a precarious relationship, with Alex becoming the star of JP’s latest flick: a lo-fi, vérité depiction of Alex’s life, where the line between reality and fiction slowly becomes obliterated.
STUBBORN BOY
DREAM STATE
OCT 16 6:00PM
OCT 16 8:30PM
Hanna has traveled far to work in this remote village in the Black Forest. She shovels manure, milks cows and tries to cope with the farmer, Uwe Kiefer. Both his marriage and his finances are on the rocks. As Hanna becomes more involved in Uwe’s troubles, it seems she may be his only hope. But that’s not why she came here.
Louis is left feeling he hasn't achieved as much in life as he had hoped for. He is still chasing the same dream of becoming a famous photographer but has been stuck working on the same project for years. Louis’ girlfriend Rosa tries to get Louis to snap out of it and grow up, but when old acquaintances make an appearance the night draws Louis back in.
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In Your Cocktail THE CAMPGROUND by
Kelsey Cipolla
photo by
Aaron Leimkuehler
D
Bronco Buster
OCTOBER 2020
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on’t bother with tents, folding chairs, or head lamps. All you need at Kansas City’s coolest Campground is an appetite for craft cocktails. Despite its name, the West Bottoms-based bar is a far cry from a real campsite and closer to a moody, modernist mountain retreat you hole up in with a hot toddy and a good book. Black walls and dark tables and chairs reflect back natural light, keeping the space from feeling gloomy. Clusters of vibrant green plants and an exterior painted the color of pine trees at dusk also help pull in the natural world, along with The Campground’s fowl-depicting glassware. It’s a big, beautiful leap from how owners Christopher Ciesiel and Cristin Llewellyn launched the concept in the early 2010s. Back then, it was nothing more than a converted shed in the couple’s backyard where they hosted private cocktail parties for friends, events that left other Kansas City cocktail aficionados desperate for an exclusive invite. After a few false starts, Ciesiel and Llewellyn opened the new and improved
Campground to the public in late 2018 to much-deserved fanfare—from Kansas Citians as well as media outlets such as Vogue. In the age of COVID-19, the bar’s setup has shifted, with guests sitting on the patio or at the improvised parking-lot bar rather than inside the intimate (re: not great for social distancing) space. Fortunately, The Campground is still able to do what it does best: deliver impeccable cocktails and a surprisingly robust food menu. These aren’t offerings just designed to satiate drinking-induced munchies. Instead, The Campground serves up luscious charcuterie boards showcasing products from local companies including Local Pig, Green Dirt Farm, and Frisian Farms; carnitas tacos; and a delectable smash burger. There are even s’mores bites, made with graham cracker cake, rich chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow for those wanting to really lean into the campground theme. When it comes to beverages, the bar features an exceptional list of increasingly sought-after natural wines, beers and, of course, cocktails. The drinks will sound familiar—the menu includes a sangria, martini, and gimlet—but with a twist that makes them distinctively Ciesiel’s creations. The sangria is made with cane-sugar soda; the martini comes with a side of salt and vinegar chips; and the gimlet delivers a taste of the mountains with tea-infused gin and pine liqueur. For the Bronco Buster, Ciesiel took inspiration from close to home. The drink is a nod to the West Bottom’s history of livestock and cattle wrangling—it was, of course, once home to the Kansas City Live Stock Exchange and Kansas City Stockyards. “I like to think of this cocktail as a cowboy’s first cup of morning coffee but not being able to finish it on the account of all the work that needs to get done,” Ciesiel says. “So they leave it on the table, and when they get back to the house after a long day they add a little—or a lot of—alcohol to cap off their evening.” Made with coffee cordial and Frederiksdal Rancio Pedro Ximénez, a Danish cherry wine that has been aged in Pedro Ximénez (commonly abbreviated as PX) Sherry barrels, the finished cocktail has notes of chai, cherry pits, and dates. thecampgroundkc.com
Bronco Buster 1.5 ounces El Dorado 12 Year Rum .5 ounce Cruzan Blackstrap Rum .5 ounce Coffee Cordial .25 ounce Frederiksdal Rancio PX .25 ounce Cesar Florido Moscatel Especial Stir over ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a manicured orange twist.
OCTOBER 2020
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10/10/2020
Ie
Ions & Elements Through the Microscope
Gala Reopening
After being closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kemper Museum will reopen with an event like nothing you have seen before! The Gala Reopening will feature new exhibitions by Elias Sime, Joiri Minaya, Dawoud Bey, and performances by some of the area’s most exciting artists.
#kempermuseum ke m perart.org 442O Warwick Blvd Kansas City, MO 64111
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IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
QUEEN OF THE CONES FORGET ABOUT Cersei and Danaerys—there’s a
In Culinary News
new queen in town. Deangeleia Kennar’s Queen of the Cones (named in loving tribute to HBO’s Game of Thrones) serves up elaborately topped cheesecake-filled waffle cones in flavors like maple bacon, which pairs creamy cheesecake with crisp bacon drizzled in a maple bacon sauce and served in a homemade vanilla cone. Kennar was introduced to the novel dessert concept by a friend who asked if she could make a cone filled with cheesecake, and it wasn’t long until orders for the unique treat started pouring in from across the metro. Hungry for yours? Queen of the Cones currently accepts orders two to three days in advance through Facebook (facebook.com/queenofthecones), Instagram (@queenofthecones), and Tock, and cones are sold in pairs, with two for $15.
Outdoor Dining Build your outdoor kitchen with the essential grill, food prep station, sink, refrigerator and cabinets. Take it to the custom level with options, such as pizza ovens, wet bars, fireplaces, side burners, smokers, warming drawers and roasting spits. Dinner will be served outdoors tonight.
INSPIRATION | DESIGN | INSTALLATION
See what’s #Trending at Complete Home Concepts! 4380 Belgium Blvd. Riverside, MO 64150 Tel: 816-471-4663 completehomeconcepts.com
OCTOBER 2020
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Fall in love with our new Barista Seasonal Creations menu! Available at any of our Roasterie Cafés, you're sure to find a favorite. Find a location near you at theroasterie.com/cafes.
Sandwich ’s Ultimate Kansas City
NSA 2020 | INKA OCTOBER
SCIT Y.CO
Guide
IN Kansas City magazine is available at The Roasterie Cafe.
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Purchase a copy at any of our eight area locations and The Roasterie will donate a portion of the sales to Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.
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IN KC
Kelsey Cipolla
LOST EVENINGS BREWING CO. PATRICK AND HEATHER DAVIS are the latest local
In Culinary News
homebrewers to go pro with the opening of Lost Evenings Brewing Co. (8625 Hauser Court). Pat honed his skills as a member of the Johnson County Brewing Society, serving beer at metro events including the Kansas City Nanobrew Festival, High Plains BrewHoff and Blarney Brew Off before opening Lost Evenings over the summer. The Lenexa-based brewery specializes in sessionable (meaning low alcohol content) American- and British-style brews and features eight taps with rotating styles, plus local wine, cider, kombucha, and craft soda. Lost Evenings opted to open without a flagship beer, instead aiming to respond to community demand—although you can count on much of what Pat and co. serve up in the taproom to take its name from a song. losteveningsbrewingcompany.com
CAR WON'T WON'T GO? GO? CAR CAR WON'T GO?
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OCTOBER 2020
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Stellar Image Studios (402) 657-2595 751 E 63rd Street Suite 307 Kansas City, MO 64110 *Annual philanthropy award sponsored by NONProfit Connect
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Kelsey Cipolla
THE TOWN COMPANY RESTAURANT AND EL GOLD BAR PORT FONDA’S PATRICK RYAN is elevating the ho-
In Culinary News
tel restaurant landscape with The Town Company (1228 Baltimore Avenue), a Midwest-inspired concept located in downtown’s Hotel Kansas City, set to open October 1. Once home to the Kansas City Club, the new 144-room boutique hotel is designed to chronicle KC’s rich history and progressive future, as is the restaurant. Based around an open hickory-burning hearth, The Town Co. menu will rotate seasonally, leaning heavily on local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman, and include in-house cheese and reserve steak programs. Ryan also developed the restaurant’s sexy, western-tinged cellar saloon, El Gold. Both will be helmed by executive chef J ohnny Leach, a veteran of New York’s Town, Del Posto and Momofuku, with desserts and breads crafted by his wife, pastry chef Helen Jo Leach. facebook.com/ thetowncompanykc
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MADE IN KANSAS CITY
THE QUEER EYE GUYS’ COOL CROSSROADS LOFT FASHIONABLE FOOD
KC’S BEST ARTISANAL FOOD FARE KC START-UPS TO WATCH
APRIL 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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IN FASHION IN HOME DESIGN
the Pet
Issue
MAY 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PATIOS PET-FRIENDLY AND PRETTY COUNTRY AND CITY HOMES
IN FOOD
MULTI-PURPOSE MUDROOMS
AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH KAY BARNES
PAWSITIVELY FUN FASHION
(and the pets are available for adoption)
style!
An exclusive Q&A
with the Fab
Spring
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WHAT TO DO ON A SUMMER WEEKEND
What to Wear to a Wedding
PLUS
JUNE 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM
KC’s Top Caterers A STUNNING PRAIRIE VILLAGE MAKEOVER
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Entertaining for Introverts, Summer Fashion & so much more!
MEN’S WATCHES
Just in time for Father’s Day
A Renovation Sensation Home
4 COOL POOLS + 1 LOVELY LAKE HOME
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Restaurant Reviews, Recipes, Entertaining and more
A GARDEN IN TIME
Fall Fashion
A COLORFUL FAIRWAY COTTAGE
Exclusive Q&A with SNL’s HEIDI GARDNER
Paul Rudd AN EXCLUSIVE Q+A
Conquering KC’s Food Deserts
FOLLOW THESE FOODIE INSTAS
Talks about his movies, his hometown, his favorite charity (Big Slick, obvs.)
Fall Arts Preview
What To Wear Now —And This Fall
LOCALLY GROWN
Summertime!
Year the
Exclusive Q&A with bestselling author
SARAH SMARSH
KC-CENTRIC PODCASTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
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in
OCTOBER 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM
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Revisiting the Downtown Ballpark
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Tyrann Mathieu Kansas City Chiefs’ Safety
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DECEMBER 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM
THE QUEER EYE “HEROES”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
BOTTOMS UP The New Volume in Trousers This Fall
Kitchens to Covet
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Reservation for One CULTIVARE by
Kelsey Cipolla
S
photos by
ad salads, meet your match. Cultivare, a new fast-casual concept in Overland Park, aims to bring a little excitement and culinary finesse to the world of salads and grain bowls, one delicious dressing at a time. The restaurant found the right spot at the corner of 135th Street and Metcalf Avenue, where it’s surrounded by health- and beauty-focused businesses. You can easily imagine families stopping by after a dentist appointment for a guilt-free bite or congregating on Cultivare’s
OCTOBER 2020
Aaron Leimkuehler
umbrella-shaded patio after soccer practice. Indoors, black metal chairs are gathered around tables and hightops in natural colors, each one adorned with plants, as are the restaurant’s white walls. It makes sense for Cultivare thematically to lean into the green—after all, the earth’s bounty is front and center. Guests can choose from a lineup of designed salads and grain bowls or build their own from a long list of ingredients ranging from the basic to the less conventional. Lettuce blends and cauliflower rice, crispy
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913.469.8899 11725 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211
#inkansascity OCTOBER 2020
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Friday-Saturday 12 pm-9 pm Sunday-Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
NEW HOURS
ing fairly stock offerings into craveable dishes. In the miso mushroom bowl, the maple-miso dressing masterfully plays off the sweetness of cubed sweet potatoes and beets and the earthiness of the white quinoa base and meaty sesame yuzu mushrooms. If the dish has a shortcoming, it’s that there isn’t much variance in texture—a savory granola mix tries to get the job done, but there’s too little to make much of an impact. On the Hanoi chicken salad, a subtly sweet and slightly nutty sesame peanut dressing mellows out red onion and mint for a balanced bowl of romaine, napa cabbage, cucumber, and carrots that’s crisp and crunchy. Chunks of marinated chicken thigh hold their flavor well and help make the salad feel less like a first course and more of a meal. Other dishes are more traditional, although Cultivare does add interesting flourishes where appropriate: There’s an everything bagel salad with Meshuggah Bagel croutons and smoked salmon served with a creamy dill dressing, and a Mexican Caesar with jalapeùo, toasted pepitas, and a creamy cilantro-lime spin on the salad’s classic tangy dressing. A steak and gorgonzola salad and a crispy chicken BLT are sure to have wide appeal. There are no desserts on the menu, but the salads and grain bowls are surprisingly filling. Plus, you wouldn’t want to cancel out those good-for-you calories so soon—basking in your veggie fix for a while is enough of a treat. cultivarekc.com
chicken and carrot bacon, fresh herbs and chicharrones are just some of the options available at this next-gen salad bar. Cultivare’s menu also comprises appetizers, signature salads, grains bowls, and classics, plus a small but suitable selection of local beers, wines, and cocktails. Beverages aren’t really the focus, as the two-drink deep cocktail list suggests, but the coconut mojito is nevertheless tasty, and the rare cocktail that actually feels hydrating. Shareable starters include three varieties of hummus: chimichurri with toasted pine nuts; harissa red pepper with almonds; and spicy red chili with candied peanuts, available on their own or all together for a few dollars more. The hummus has a solid flavor and texture that works well against the accenting sauces and is served alongside your choice of thinly sliced cucumber rounds or soft pita triangles. Cultivare also offers two takes on spring rolls filled with cilantro, Napa cabbage, and rice noodles. The Lean and Green Roll features green bell pepper, cucumbers, and mint, while the Summer Roll turns to carrots, red cabbage, and mango. The rolls are tasty, although thin on veggies—rice noodles account for 85 percent of the filling—but they’re light and fresh and make for a serviceable snack, especially when they’re dipped in a divine sweet and spicy tahini dressing, which boasts more acidity than your typical peanut sauce. Sauces and dressings are the true standouts at Cultivare, transform-
My Essentials
IN KC
VINCENT SUNG INFLUENCER, MODEL, ARTIST BY
Michael Mackie
F PHOTO BY KAARON LEIMKUEHLER
ashion model and artist Vincent Sung was born in Taiwan and came to the States when he was 10. Based in Kansas City, the well-traveled fashionista is represented by four modeling agencies, including in New York City and San Francisco. His portfolio includes such big-name advertisers as Nike, Air Jordan, and Gatorade. (And he’s graced the pages of IN Kansas City several times.) “It wasn’t until I started modeling that I realized looking different from everyone else is actually my edge,” says Sung. “My mission is to be a part of a change that puts Asian men in the spotlight and improves diversity.”
Vincent’s essentials...
MANDATORY ACCESSORY: My woven bracelets, handmade by my daughter. You can order custom bracelets from her Etsy shop, easyasbutterfly, while supporting a local artist/small business. DO CREDIT CARD DAMAGE: Old Souls Tattoo Parlour. The owner Noah and I are currently working on my sleeve tattoo. Noah is an amazing artist and friend; he can take all my money. BACK TO NATURE:
I like going on walks at the Tomahawk Creek Trail—especially after dark when the fireflies come out.
POST 2 A.M. NOSH: Nothing good happens after 2 a.m.—unless you’re at Town Topic! During Kansas City Fashion Week, everyone always ends up at Town Topic. (It’s practically the official after-after party destination.) My favorite is their truckstop omelet with sausages. LOCAL HIDDEN GEM:
Chewology in the Lenexa Public Market. Their handcrafted pan-fried dumplings (a.k.a. ‘gyozas’) are made with locally sourced ingredients. But really there’s nothing ‘hidden’ about them—as you can grab a front-row seat at their bar which surrounds the kitchen and watch how your food is made. OCTOBER 2020
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GUILTY PLEASURE:
Whenever my daughter and I go to the Oak Park Mall, we always stop by the Disney Store to soak in all of that Disney magic. Alright, fine—I do this even when my daughter isn’t with me. DRESSED TO KILL: A group of my friends from the local fashion community attend First Fridays together in the Crossroads Arts District. We come up with a dress code each time. The theme is always different, but always fashionable!
FAVE SCENT:
I love the scent of coffee and bread, so Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery naturally has become one of my favorite hangout spots.
A Dream
To Build On
The Final New-Home Community In Leawood is Open Today! The Hills of Leawood is the newest luxury community from Saul Ellis and Mark Simpson, developers of Hallbrook and Lion’s Gate. Their new development is ideally positioned at 151st & Mission Rd. and is the last new residential community in the City of Leawood! The community features walkout luxury homesites and large estate lots in a neighborhood that is in the heart of everything, yet private and serene in its innovative rolling hills landplan design.
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