IN Kansas City October 2023

HOT NEIGHBORHOODS

BRIARCLIFF, LONGVIEW, MISSION, SHAWNEE, WALDO

What’s Brewing in KC

15 OF THE BEST LOCAL BREWERIES AND WHAT TO ORDER FROM EACH OF THEM

ARROW ROCK

THE REBIRTH OF A 19TH-CENTURY ITALIANATE MANSION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

A Q&A WITH THE AUTHORS OF KINGDOM QUARTERBACK

PLUS: EASY ENTERTAINING, COCKTAIL RECIPES, MAKING GNUDI, RED LIPPIES & QUIET LUXE FASHION

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In Season

One of the best things about living in the Midwest is that we fully experience all four seasons. Granted, some of them may go on a little too long. (After a couple of snowfalls and the holidays, I’m always over winter by mid-January.)

But autumn—ah, autumn. No humidity, temperate days, cool nights, what’s not to love?

This issue celebrates the best of fall. While languid summer days call for rosé by the pool, October is a month for beer. Oktoberfest, right? Kansas City’s brewery culture is thriving. Our food writer, Jenny Vergara, delves deep into where to go and what to order at 15 of KC’s most intriguing craft breweries. While the East Crossroads is beer scene central, small, local breweries are sprinkled all over the metro, so you’re sure to find one in your neighborhood.

October is also a month for football, especially for our Super Bowl-winning Chiefs. Contributor Cindy Hoedel interviews Mark Dent and Rustin Dodd, two writers who both grew up in Kansas City, moved away (Mark to Dallas and Rustin to Brooklyn), but returned to collaborate on Kingdom Quarterback, a new book that’s not just about football, but it’s about two iconic characters and their impact on KC. J.C. Nichols, who introduced racially restrictive covenants in his newly built suburban neighborhoods (and introduced the concept to the rest of the country), and Patrick Mahomes, whose leadership of the Chiefs has reinvigorated our civic pride. It’s a fascinating interview and a thought-provoking book.

October is an ideal month to take a day to explore some of the metro’s trendiest neighborhoods. Judith Fertig took on the task of scouting five locales that can no longer be considered sleepy suburbs, but instead are burgeoning, happening communities for fun, food, and culture.

We also tour an Arrow Rock antebellum home that has nothing to do with October or autumn, but it is an absolutely spectacular transformation. Patricia O’Dell interviews designer Kelee Katillac to report on her elevated take of mixing neoclassical with brilliant color, fashion, and art for a truly distinctive result.

Let’s enjoy these last balmy days of fall before winter sets in. But then, I’m old enough to remember the six-and-a-half inches of snow we received in early October of 1996. So, it may be a short fall from grace.

Zim

Vol. 6 | No. 10 OCTOBER 2023

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Liz Schroeder

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

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

Contributing Photographers

Corie English, Kenny Johnson, Aaron Leimkuehler, Brian Rice, David Riffel, Staci Totta

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Business Consultant Chad Parkhurst

Newsstand Consultant

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

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

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photo by jenny wheat

ENTER TO WIN

That’s the ticket! Get a little culture in your life courtesy of the Greater Kansas City Attractions Association. One lucky winner will receive two tickets for a Kansas City Symphony concert, four tickets to a Music eater Heritage production, and two admission tickets to e National Museum of Toys/Miniatures. Enter by October 31 at inkansascity.com/themagazine/enter-to-win. Good luck!

Quintessential fall cocktails. Kansas City is home to some of the most innovative and exciting bars and restaurants in the country. Lucky for us, lots of them rotate their menus seasonally—taking advantage of the fresh produce and introducing new avors. What’s new on everyone’s fall menu? We’re taking a look at the newly introduced autumn cocktails around the city for a no-holds-barred ranking of this season’s quintessential fall cocktails you have to try before it’s too late. Find the list at inkansascity.com

The hot hot sauce.

Famously home to many delicious varieties of barbecue sauce, Kansas City’s now making a name in the world of hot sauces. It feels like H Sauce, a cult favorite based out of Prairie Village, is fast becoming the city’s new go-to hot sauce. A vinegar-based fermented blend of peppers, H Sauce is described as “highly addictive.” Maggie and Howard Laubscher started making hot sauce as a homemade gift for friends and family. Now H Sauce can be found in restaurants across the city alongside the only other product H Sauce makes—its

Hot Honey. Named a 2021 International Flave award-winner, this spicy local sauce spot is just getting started.Check out inkansascity.com for the full story.

October concerts. By now, Queen Bey has come and gone—leaving a trail of silver in her wake. But there’s plenty of music yet to get through in the month of October. Music critic Tim Finn has the entire month’s schedule on lock, ready to guide you through the ins and outs of every live performance you shouldn’t miss. Are you turning up for tribute bands, rocking out to alternative vibes, or waiting to see your nostalgic fave one last time? Check in with Tim Finn for a guide to who, where, and what, for the entire month of October at inkansascity.com

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

This Month IN KC October

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Liz Schroeder

AUTUMN IS IN FULL SWING, and so is Kansas City’s slate of fall festival celebrations.

KC Oktoberfest

October 6-7

kcoktoberfest.com

e largest traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Kansas City, KC Oktoberfest is modeled after the Oktoberfest in Munich. Last year, the festival drew over 22,000 people to its lively atmosphere, Bavarian and American cuisine, authentic German-style beer, and family-friendly activities.

Greater KC Japan Festival

October 7

kcjapanfestival.org

Happy anniversary! It’s been 25 years of the Greater KC Japan Festival, and this year’s all about kabuki. Experience this larger-than-life Japanese theater tradition at Johnson County Community College.

KC Foodie Fest

October 7

kcfoodiefest.com

KC Foodie Fest focuses on our metro area’s unique artisanal food and beverage community—can you handle it? At least 50 of KC food’s nest will be out, and you can sample what’s new in beer, wine, spirits, honey, chocolate, co ee, barbecue, sauces, and more.

Historic Weston’s Applefest

October 7-8

westonmo.com/applefest2023

Stay away apple haters, because this harvest season-marking celebration is all about fall’s famous fruit. ere are games, crafts, artists, and live music, but the real fun is down Apple Alley— nd apple treats, an apple-themed parade, and apple dumplings.

Cornucopia: The Ultimate Fall Festival

October 13-15

cornucopiakc.com

True to its name, Cornucopia is over owing with fall feeling. Take the streetcar down to this Power & Light staple and enjoy a carnival vibe, lled with free fall activities and fun for the whole family.

Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Fest

October 14

shawneeindianmission.org/fall-festival

A day of history, culture, and entertainment, the Shawnee Indian Mission lined up demonstrations of Native American dancing, living history demonstrations, wagon rides, pony rides, live music, and fun.

Porchfest KC

October 14

porchfestkc.com

e quintessential community music festival, Porchfest features over 100 musicians from all genres. Stroll through historic Midtown neighborhoods, take in the fall weather, and catch your new favorite band at an intimate porch concert.

Kansas City Jewish Culture Fest

October 15

thejkc.org/jewishculturefest

Beginning in 1997, the Jewish Culture Fest has evolved into KC’s premier Jewish event. e festival brings communities of all cultures, faiths, and backgrounds together for an all-day event featuring artists, musicians, and activities for kids and adults alike.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT

colorful tissue-paper

skulls, out of papier-mâché, clay, or sug-

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, commemorating loved ones and reuniting the living with the dead. Traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, the holiday is often marked by family ofrendas, or o erings, in the form of decorated altars. Kansas City hosts several annual Día de los Muertos events, complete with traditional yellow marigold and colorful tissue-paper decorations. Artists often make calaveras, or skulls, out of papier-mâché, clay, or sugar—decorated with colored icing and intricate designs—to mark the occasion.

October 21

Kansas City Museum kansascitymuseum.org

e museum’s tenth annual Dia de los Muertos event explores the history and cultural traditions of Mexico, partnering with the Mattie Rhodes Art Center and many local vendors and musicians to support the educational and public programming at the museum.

October 27

Guadalupe Centers guadalupecenters.org

Billed as “ e original Dia de los Muertos” celebration, Guadalupe Centers honors departed loved ones through colorful altars, crafts, live entertainment, and ceremonial dancers, as well as festive face painting, local food, and artistic vendors.

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

Patrick McCarthy, CIMA®, CRPS® Managing Director –Financial Advisor

Office: (913) 451-3591

Mobile: (913) 340-3495 pat.mccarthy@rbc.com

John L. Brown Senior Vice President –Financial Advisor

Office: (913) 451-3592 Mobile: (913) 340-3551 john.l.brown@rbc.com

Eric A. Taylor, CFP® Senior Vice President –Financial Advisor

Office: (913) 451-3593 Mobile: (913) 340-2030 eric.a.taylor@rbc.com

Scott Jones Vice President –Financial Advisor

Office: (913) 451-3594

Mobile: (913) 340-3500 s.jones@rbc.com

Penny McKinney, AAMS® Associate Vice President –Senior Financial Associate Office: (913) 451-3595 penny.mckinney@rbc.com

LaGina Nicholas Associate Vice President –Senior Business Associate Office: (913) 451-3596 lagina.nicholas@rbc.com

John F. McCarthy

Associate Financial Advisor

Office: (913) 451-3597 john.f.mccarthy@rbc.com

Let’s Celebrate Sweater Weather

OUR HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS OFFERS EASY-TO-EXECUTE IDEAS FOR AUTUMN ENTERTAINING

October is my favorite month to be alive—yours too, I bet!—and one of the best for entertaining in Kansas City. The foliage is breathtaking, the air crisp and cool, the cashmere fresh from storage. For so many of us, October is also an action-packed, heavily scheduled month. Which is why I am offering some ideas for easy, casual ways to gather friends together this fall.

by Merrily Jackson

photo by Corie English

Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip

MY FRIEND Joanna Glaze gave me this easy-to-make recipe. It’s her go-to for any kind of cocktail gathering. Although it’s only five simple ingredients, it has that “I want more” quality we hope for in anything we serve our guests. You can find the dip online, but this version incorporates Joanna’s tweaks.

5 green onions, chopped 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded 5–6 pieces of bacon, crumbled ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted 1½ cups mayonnaise (Duke’s tastes best) or to taste

In a medium bowl, combine green onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, and almonds. Mix well, then add mayonnaise slowly until it reaches a taste and consistency to suit you. The original recipe calls for 1½ cups but that’s too mayonnaise-y for Joanna (and me)! Mix until combined and chill for at least two hours. Serve with your favorite crackers.

EVERYBODY LIKES A POT ROAST

In the fall, we crave heartier fare than summer’s ceviches and Caprese salads. My friend Brian Justice serves the most delicious pot roast at his cool-weather dinner parties. He uses a recipe called, simply, Pot Roast with Vegetables, which he clipped from the St. Louis Post Dispatch about 25 years ago. I asked him for it, and he emailed a PDF of the scanned clipping; its condition attests to the number of times this recipe has not failed him. Email me if you would like the PDF; I will send it to you (it is still readable) and any other recipes mentioned herein.

Since the roast is made with a mountain of vegetables, it’s all you need for a main course, along with some crusty French bread. Ina Garten’s Endive, Pear and Roquefort Salad is a brilliant rst course. Should you have time to bake, food writer Molly Wizenberg’s Apple Tart Cake is a delicious and very autumnal nish to the meal.

If one or two of your guests is vegetarian, show them the love by making a separate, meatless pot roast. e Field Roast Grain Meat Company makes a “Celebration Roast,” available online.

GATHER FOR A CHIEFS GAME (AND DON’T CALL HIM PAT)

Our whole town is in love with Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes (his mom once tweeted during a game she doesn’t like it when broadcasters call him Pat), Travis Kelce and all our world champion Chieeeeeeeeeefs. is October we have ve Chiefs games, which means ve opportunities to invite friends over to watch the game. Tailgate food is the order of the day. You could serve Smoky Red Devil Eggs and cowboy caviar with tortilla chips during the game’s rst half. At halftime, bust out the pulled-pork sandwiches and homemade mac and cheese (my recipe is crusty and extra-cheesy). During the third quarter serve Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies.

If you want to expand beyond beer, make a pitcher of mojitos or bloody Marys. Pinot noir tastes excellent with pulledpork sandwiches.

CARRYIN Q

Here’s a fabulous solution for the time-challenged couple. Invite some friends you are dying to see—as many as can t around your table—for dinner at your house next Saturday night. Live your busy life and don’t think much about your dinner party until Saturday morning when you go online to Q39 (the late founder, Rob Magee, was a perennial winner on the competition barbecue circuit) and place your order for pick-up. Keep it simple. To feed eight, you want three full slabs of ribs, an extra jar of sauce and a half-gallon each of potato salad, baked beans, and apple slaw. Half-gallons feed eight to 12, so if you’re lucky, you’ll have leftovers.

en divide and conquer. One of you sets the table with your prettiest, not-necessarily-matching tableware, and whips up a batch of Neiman Marcus cheese dip (see recipe on opposite page), which, combined with crackers, provides a simple homemade appetizer to serve with pre-dinner drinks. e other of you heads

DESIGNER RUGS

out to pick up the Q and swing by the liquor store for Boulevard Pale Ale (cold!), which tastes marvelous with the spicy ribs. As soon as the food arrives, transfer the sides to civilized-looking serving bowls and the ribs to a platter. Instant dinner party!

For dessert, carrot cake would be delicious and suitably autumnal. Buy one at a bakery if you don’t have the time or inclination to bake. But if you do, I have a recipe!

CASSOULET, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT

My cooking buddy Don Loncasty, the biggest food snob you’ll ever meet, sniffs at the very idea of making cassoulet. “Peasant food!” he calls it.

But I can’t think of anything more enjoyable than eating cassoulet with good friends on a cool autumn night.

Cassoulet—the robust, slow-simmered rustic French stew of plump beans, stock, and succulent meats—is the perfect one-pot party dish. For those obsessed with authenticity, making a cassoulet is a labor-intensive process, begun three or four days in advance. For those not above taking a few acceptable shortcuts (like using duck confit from Fareway Market* instead of making your own), a good cassoulet still is time-consuming, but worth the trouble.

The good news is you won’t have to spend a lot of time cooking any other menu items, because a cassoulet is a meal in itself. You want to serve it with nothing more than a simple green salad and a light dessert.

EXPLORE REGIONAL WINES AND CHEESES

Is it just me, or is there something a little affected about the notion of a “wine and cheese party?” One pictures a gaggle of metrosexuals sipping and effusing about texture and complexity. It’s, well, a little cheesy is what it is.

All the same, there’s a lot to like about good wine and cheese. And it’s fun to explore new varieties and combinations with friends, in the comfort of a private home. The cool days of autumn are especially well-suited for organizing just such a gathering.

Call six or eight like-minded friends and ask each to bring a bottle and a wedge to share. Choose a theme, such as cheeses and wines from the Piedmont region of Italy; or Goudas from around the world with California reds; or New Zealand sauvignon blancs with English cheddars. The possibilities are many. You can then refer to your gathering as “The Piedmont party” or the “The Gouda party,” which has a much more original ring to it than “the wine and cheese party.”

Our Man IN KC

by Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com

: @damianlair #OurManINKC

Wine & Roses

Capping o the nal week of summer, the Kansas City Rose Society held its annual Wine & Roses event at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park. Beyond smelling the roses, I was there to support my friend and the event’s chair, Amy Embry.

e expansive circular form garden is centered around a commodious marble fountain and surrounded by stone and timber pergolas. Since 1931, the garden has been carefully maintained by the all-volunteer Rose Society. ese volunteers spend 1,500 hours a year grooming and tending to more than 130 varieties of 3,000 rose bushes. In 2018, the venerable World Federation of Roses Societies recognized our ne garden with the prestigious Garden of Excellence award (including it among peer rose gardens in Paris, Vienna, Buenos Aires, Beijing, and Tokyo).

is elegant garden party—straight out of Bridgerton—is the primary source of funds for the organization, allowing continued care for the 1.5-acre garden. e evening’s rose-inspired festivities included passed hors d’oeuvres by Olive Events and a wine bar. (Plenty of rosé, naturally, but also some delicious, avored waters—basil pineapple, anyone?) e UMKC Conservatory Graduate String Quartet delighted the hundreds in attendance with their playful nesse, harmonious sounds, and dramatic movement. And, while the roses stole the show, patrons’ garden party looks were a close second. It was the sartorial nal hat tip to summer, just ahead of stowing away these garments for the cooler months approaching.

anks to the society volunteers’ tireless work and our community’s generosity, the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden can continue to serve as an iconic public gathering space, enriching the eyes and minds of all who visit.

SPOTTED: Erin & Steve Mos, Rachel & Nelson Sabates, Karen & Jack Holland, Heather Paxton, Susan & Dr. Stephen Bubb, Heather & Tim Pluard, Frances Baszta, Don Loncasty, Chadwick Brooks, Liesl McLiney, Ford McLiney, Michelle Roberts, Kandi & Mark McCasland, Betsy Beasley, Taylor Smith, Nancy & Bruce Schall, Anna Schall, Kristopher Dabner, Paul Gutiérrez, Richard Lara, Susan & Charlie Porter, Dan Bolen, Deanna Deiboldt, Josh Dampf

PUTTING ALONG

I’M NOT SURE when I rst learned about the forthcoming Puttery mini golf location on the Country Club Plaza. If memory serves me correctly, I seem to recall hearing about the concept pre-pandemic, which means a years-long wrench was thrown into its grand plans.

HOT GOSSIP:

Whose birthday turned into a 16hour Sunday Funday?

e drawn-out anticipation meant I was quite excited to be invited to a pre-opening night of putt-putt, extensive bites, and cocktails.

Puttery is a 21+ only, modern spin on putting—an immersive experience of creatively designed mini golf courses, wrapped up in a social environment of competition, music, upscale food, and inventive cocktails. Reservations can be made in advance or walk-in guests can have a tee time assigned (if you like; gol ng not required) and wait while enjoying some food and drinks.

Kansas City’s location marks the eighth for Puttery, with others in Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. New York City and Miami are on the way. Each outlet o ers uniquely themed courses. e Plaza’s two-story location features three nine-hole courses. ere’s an art museum-themed course upstairs (think: putting through Warhol-inspired

Amy Embry and Damian Lair at Wine & Roses.

Our Man IN KC

stacked Campbell’s soup cans), a conservatory theme (redwood forests, desert cacti, Japanese cherry blossoms), and a rooftop theme (not an actual rooftop, but skyline views included) located downstairs. Each course has a sizable adjacent bar.

Puttery offers an extensive menu, and my friends universally praised the food, of which we were plentifully supplied. The beef sliders were A+, the chop salad was excellent, and the sausage and hot honey pizza—with its thin, yet soft and pillowy, crust—was dynamite. The desserts are bite-sized and small enough that one could try all three (they have a dessert flight!) without guilt. Wine and beer are of course represented, but the drinks menu focuses on signature cocktails. I happily tried the Mean Machine (gin, orgeat syrup, Midori, lime, cane sugar, and mint) and the BBQ on a Saturday Night (bourbon, honey, smoked peach, lemon, and bitters).

Having visited other similar concepts, I’ll note that this is by far the most elaborate and well-executed I’ve experienced. Aside from the pandemic, it’s no wonder that it took so long to complete. There are also a lot of group package options, and I’m already planning with a larger group of friends when we should make a night of it. Time to start perfecting my swing.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

IT SEEMS TO BE a common refrain for me here: I’ve lived in KC for fifteen years now, and I’ve still never done [fill in the blank]. Though I’ve clearly made progress with my quest to fill these pages over the past five years (and adventuring well before that), there’s always plenty remaining to explore. So, just recently, I coaxed some friends into joining me on my first trip to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.

For seven weekends, beginning late summer and extending through mid-October, the festival—one of the largest in the U.S.—hosts roughly 200,000 newly curious and longtime fanatic visitors. Falling into the former category, I was initially struck by the sheer size of the (47th annual) festival. It is a massive event, and the provided program and map are absolute necessities.

We arrived near lunchtime and were quite hungry. Lines were long, but we divided and conquered—some waiting for food and others reserving seats at the nearby jousting field. Burgers, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and chicken tenders were on the menu, in addition to the iconic turkey legs (I resisted). The jousting match (my first ever) is absolutely the quintessential highlight of a Renn Fest experience, and it was a riotous good time.

HOT GOSSIP:

Who’s always “so humbled” to instantly dash said humility with a haughty brag on social media?

Following the match, we spent a few hours meandering along the festival’s circuitous paths. Across glades, through forests, and over streams, we encountered a variety of characters. It was difficult to discern who among them were the 100+ cast members and who was

simply looking for an excuse to pull their Lady Galadriel costume from Halloween storage. Adherence to the historical Renaissance theme seemed to be honored rather casually, as really any Middle Earth, steampunk, barbarian, or cosplay costume fit the bill.

OVERHEARD

“JEEZ-A-LOO!”

Along our journey, we also peeked into what were easily more than 100 crafters’ and vendors’ shops. There are also a dozen games and rides to try, from tossing faux decapitated heads into basketball hoops or tomatoes at a jester to ziplines that zigzag across the tree canopy. At any given minute, there are also innumerable shows and entertainment programs happening. You’ll want to keep the schedule handy. And final pro tip: save yourself the ATM trouble and bring cash with you. Despite the website indicating that cards are widely accepted, we found that cash still reigns as the primary king.

If you miss this year’s final October 15 festival date, there’s also a Knights of Lights experience on weekends, November 24 through December 31, where lights guide guests through a dozen holiday scenes. Huzzah!

WILD LIFE!

WHAT BETTER WAY a to punctuate an important anniversary than a splashy party? The 30th Anniversary Wild Life! event was held at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on the Johnson County Community College campus to celebrate 30 years of art on campus and simultaneously honor the legacy of Bruce Harman, the museum’s retired founding executive director and chief curator. Contemporary art on the JCCC campus took off in the early 1990s with its newly opened Gallery of Art and the recently hired Hartman mapping a path forward. Fast forward to 2002—Jerry Nerman phoned Hartman with an offer to assist with building a new contemporary art museum on campus. The Nerman family’s foundational pledge and work to secure other donors ultimately led to the 2007 opening of the Nerman Museum that we know today. The elegant, minimalist building clad in white Kansas limestone was designed by architect Kyu Sung Woo. Throughout the museum’s 41,000 square feet and two levels are 11 galleries, an auditorium, classrooms, and a café. The impressive cantilever entrance features a dazzling 60,000 white LED overhead installation, Microcosm, by artist Leo Villareal. Both Kyu Sung Woo and Leo Villareal were in attendance for this anniversary celebration and offered reflective remarks.

Since the Nerman Museum’s opening, it has received national and international acclaim for its architecture, exhibitions, educational programming, and collection. JCCC is ranked as one of the top ten college campuses for public art in the U.S. The museum’s permanent collection (which includes works from luminaries such as Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Nick Cave, Louise Bourgeoise, and Dana Schutz) was initially comprised of works primarily gifted by Marti and Tony Oppenheimer and the Oppenheimer Brothers Foundation. Art obtained via the JCCC acquisition fund represents a growing supplement to these gifts; the collection has grown from 81 works in 1990 to ap-

proximately 2,000 today.

More than a celebration, the event was also, of course, an opportunity to raise funds. The event’s proceeds are specifically earmarked for the restoration of Villareal’s exterior light sculpture, which requires roughly $1 million in repairs. On temporary display at the event was the Wild Life! exhibition, showcasing six works that would be sold later in the evening via live auction. The six works were by legendary artists, including Julie Buffalohead, Ebony Patterson, Lauren Quin, Paul Anthony Smith, Leo Villareal, and Summer Wheat. Villareal’s signature LED and acrylic piece was a show-shopper (and garnered the highest sale price at $25k). Summer Wheat’s Laptop—a giant pebble-shaped fiberglass sculpture, mosaiced in marble—was instantly recognizable, despite not taking the form of her most-recognized medium: painting. It was my favorite piece of the six and desperately made me wish the next day that I’d had a couple more glasses of champagne, pre-auction. Like many, I find live art actions to be exhilarating, and this one was absolutely a nail-biter.

In addition to enjoying gourmet bites and live music, party patrons could also explore the just-opened New Chapter exhibition. As the title suggests, it is comprised of acquisitions made over the past two years under the curatorial vision of the museum’s new director, JoAnne Northrup. Northrup’s selections bring attention to the incredible diversity of the Nerman Museum’s permanent collection and carry forth the priorities pioneered by founding director Harman, including a commitment to collecting and displaying works by artists of color and queer artists. The exhibition is on display through November 19.

Finally—as if we needed more to celebrate—the event also served as the official launch of the museum’s 30th anniversary publication—a massive, 563-page coffee-table tome, 3 0 Years of Art on Campus . I was so pleased to be gifted a copy on my way out, and I’ve been making my way through it ever since. Flipping through the catalog of past exhibits, more than a few conjured pangs of regret that I missed them. The book serves as a weighty (literally) reminder to not let these fleeting talent showcases pass us by. Going forward, I’ll be watching the museum’s schedule more carefully.

OVERHEARD

“Where are the servants?”

SPOTTED: Sue & Lewis Nerman, Tony Oppenheimer, Lena Price & Thomas Cohen, Linda & Brad Nicholson, Mary Kemper Wolf & Gary Wolf, Ellen & Jamie Copaken, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, Peregrine Honig, Linda Lighton, Scott Heidmann, Ken Petti, Kim Klein, Toma Wolff, Lisa Lala, Sean Kelley, Melanie Miller, Katie Van Luchene & Jerry Foulds, Mark Allen Alford, Jr., Lorece Chanelle, Rachelle-Gardner-Roe

Wine&Roses Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors & Donors.

UMKC CONSERVATORY GRADUATE STRING QUARTET

Caroline Beckman, violin

Laura Herrera, violin

Chung-Wen Lee, viola

Seungchan Song, cello

2023 COMMITTEE

Erin & Steve Mos

Honorary Chairmen

Amy EmbryChairman

Nancy Schall

Taylor Smith

Mandy Burditt

Anna Schall

Anya Brandmeyer

George Embry

Adrianna Gautreaux

Max McLiney

Frances Baszta

Graphic Design

David Riffel

Event Photographer

Bergamot & Ivy

Floral Design

Olive Events Catering

Top Shelf Bartending

2023 KANSAS CITY ROSE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kandi Murphy McCasland, President

Laura Dickinson, Vice-President

Joan Taylor Sherman, Secretary

Hodges

Amy & Paul Holewinski

Nancy Lee & Jonathan Kemper

Tracy & David Lockton

Don Loncasty

Steve & Susan Miller

Heather & Tim Pluard

Susan & Charles Porter

Jeanette & Kevin Prenger

Cyndy Price

Kelly & Joe Privitera

Rowland Family Fund of the Douglas County

Community Foundation

Dr. Nelson & Rachael Sabates

Nancy & Bruce Schall

John Rensenhouse & Darren Sextro

Joan & Steve Sherman

Susan & Tuck Spaulding

Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller

Marylou Turner

Bridget & Richard Wagstaff

Loren & Tom Whittaker

Nancy Bramlett, Treasurer

Betsy Beasley

Amy Embry

Lauren English

Ann Greene

Barbara McCanse

Betsy Parker

Margie Paxton

Vicki Riffle

Linda Rostenberg

Taylor Smith

Julie Spaeth

Marylou Turner

WWW. KANSASCITY ROSE SOCIETY.ORG

HOW IT WORKS

HOW

UPLIFTING & POWERFUL PERFORMANCES

Classical Season Begins

The Music is Calling

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR

YEFIM BRONFMAN, PIANO ➤

GABRIELA ORTIZ Kauyumari

BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra

BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2

Where will the music take you?

Stunning masterpieces that are playful, thunderous, daring and mystical. You’ll be amazed as you are swept away by elegant melody. Tickets from $25.

Pops Concert Bond and Beyond:

55 Years of 007

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

GONZALO FARIAS, GUEST CONDUCTOR

MORGAN JAMES, VOCALIST

The music is Bond — James Bond — as the KC Symphony takes you into the world of your favorite spy. Enjoy music from five decades of Bond films, including “Casino Royale,” “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever” and more. Tickets from $40.

Creepy Halloween Concert

The Phantom of the Opera

Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

DOROTHY PAPADAKOS, ORGAN

With live organ accompaniment, this classic 1929 silent film tells the creepy tale of a demented organist lurking in the catacombs beneath the opera house. Watch the movie on the giant screen, with acclaimed organist Dorothy Papadakos providing the spooky soundtrack. Tickets from $29. Note: The Kansas City Symphony does not perform on this concert.

Classical Concert

Explore your Imagination

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR ➤

MARK GIBBS, CELLO

MINGYU HSU, VIOLA

QUINN MASON A Joyous Trilogy

LUTOSŁAWSKI Concerto for Orchestra

STRAUSS Don Quixote

Embark on an exhilarating musical adventure that’s cheerful and powerful. Featuring Strauss’ epic Don Quixote. Tickets from $25.

Michael Stern, music director

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • BASEMENTS •MAIN SUITES

Experience the excellence of Karin Ross, the renowned award-winning design and remodeling firm, in crafting your dream kitchen and bath. With a rich legacy of over 30 years, our luxurious and top-notch designs consistently surpass expectations.

by Judith Fertig

Eric Dorfman

FOUR QUESTIONS

As far back as the 16th century when polymath Galileo maintained that the earth revolved around the sun and not the other way around, the world has been divided into believers and questioners. Questioners could turn into believers if the concept in question was proven to be true, but believers are a tougher nut to crack. Thus, science, which relies on Galileo’s scientific method of questioning, has been in for a rough ride during the pandemic.

One of the leaders in the charge for science, technology, and engineering is Kansas City’s Linda Hall Library, founded in 1946. Recently, when longtime president Lisa Browar retired, the Linda Hall Library conducted a national search for a new leader. Eric Dorfman, PhD, was appointed in July.

As the new president of one of the nation’s foremost libraries—“a guardian of the collective intellectual heritage with regard to science,

technology, and engineering disciplines”—Dorfman has taken up the challenge of expanding the horizons of the library.

Dorfman comes to Kansas City from North Carolina State University with an impressive international resume as a research professor, museum director, author, podcaster, and executive board member of the International Council of Museums. His PhD is from the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia.

In his own words, he tells us more about what makes him tick. lindahall.org

INKC: Growing up in California, what sparked your interest in science? Did you collect rocks as a kid, grow those “sea monkeys,” investigate life in tide pools?

Eric Dorfman: I was very fortunate to start my life journey living on

THE PRESIDENT OF LINDA HALL LIBRARY ANSWERS

Arts & Culture IN KC

the beach in Malibu. One of my earliest memories was of thousands of grunion—small silver fish that come onto the sand to lay their eggs by the light of the full moon—swarming around my 3-year-old feet. There were definitely sea monkeys, tide pools, as well as a 4th-grade teacher who introduced us to mineral collecting. When you think about it, there was no escaping being in an institution that has a science collection. The spectacle and phenomenon of nature stayed with me and was one of the things that gave me the impetus to study science and share the love of science with others. Then I went to college at the University of California San Diego where we were encouraged to take a diversity of courses in different subjects as part of our degree. I studied singing, acting, and music theory as well as ecology, statistics, and animal behavior. This broad background definitely serves me well today.

INKC: We’re in a time in which some people question the validity of science and are scared of science. How do you take up that challenge?

ED: The Linda Hall Library and its resources are important, not just because it serves as source material for new research and inspiration for artists, but because science itself has the opportunity to address many of the world’s most intractable and looming problems. Public trust in science is critical for leveraging the will to support scientific solutions for issues—like climate change—that affect us all. Developing this trust is one of the greatest ways that cultural institutions like ours can add value and secure a future for the next generation. The library has a unique opportunity to take the magnificent collection and its internal expertise

and turn it outward, sharing the information within its holdings even further with the world.

My vision, and my pleasure, is to work with the institution’s knowledge-holders to interpret and synthesize the incredible storehouse of society’s collective scientific wisdom, adding vitality to conversations that are of increasing relevance—and urgency—in today’s rapidly changing world.

INKC: Is there an “arts” side to complement your “science” side?

ED: There is. In my youth, I was very involved in the performing arts. I was acting and singing opera before I was bitten by the marine biology bug. Much of my work now still builds on the intersection of arts and sciences, whether in books, exhibitions, or programming. I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent in performance, which helps me daily in the work I do. I’m also very pleased to be at the Linda Hall Library, which is a beacon of science and its interpretation for the region, building on Kansas City’s commitment to being an intersection of arts, culture, and innovation.

INKC: You have worn many hats: scientist, museum director, author, podcaster, thinker. Is there a new hat you’d like to try on?

ED: I’ve been blessed to have the chance to spend time doing the things I love and, I believe, am good at. A couple of things I’ve had a taste of that I’d love to return to one day are film directing and writing fiction. Both require the discipline that I enjoy, while providing facets of creative freedom that would challenge me in new ways.

Come experience the birth of our international stars. Visit ICM.PARK.EDU for our concert schedule today.

“These featured soloists from Park University’s International Center for Music represent not only the quality of performance in Kansas City, but the future of it, too.”

– THE KANSAS CITY STAR

by Judith Fertig

JULIE BLACKMON: A LIFE IN A FRAME DELIGHTS AT KEMPER MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

AT FIRST GLANCE, Julie Blackmon’s photographs might remind you of Norman Rockwell’s work for the covers of Life magazine. You smile at the familiarity, the nostalgia, the quirkiness.

But as you look closer, you notice there is more going on. Compositions echo works by 19th-century artist George Caleb Bingham, 17th-century Dutch painters, and even photographer Diane Arbus. “Each frame,” writes Los Angeles Times art critic Leah Ollman, “is a meticulously orchestrated slice of ethnographic theater…that abounds with tender humor but also shrewdly subtle satire.”

Julie Blackmon: A Life in Frame surveys ten years of the artist’s work, depicting Midwestern family and community life in and around Spring eld, Missouri. ese 20 works also address themes of feminism, social and political issues, and the modern family. In 2008, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art was the rst museum to acquire her work, exhibiting four photographs.

is exhibit includes those four photographs and more from local collections and runs through January 7, 2024. For more information, visit kemperart.org

Hilltop by Julie Blackmon

JEKYLL & HYDE

WHEN ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON unleashed the gothic novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on the world in 1886, he had no idea how it would live on in the popular imagination. Long interested in the struggle between good and evil in every human, Stevenson produced a work that shocked readers then and now.

To date, there have been over 120 adaptations of this work for stage, screen, musical, video games, and now ballet, choreographed by Val Caniparoli. The ballet debuted in Finland in 2020.

From October 13 through 22, Jekyll and Hyde takes the stage for its North American premiere at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Told through dance in a feverish and increasingly hallucinatory atmosphere, the good Dr. Henry Jekyll battles his evil alter-ego Edward Hyde, alternating between the streets of Victorian England and a 19th-century madhouse until the lines blur. With music by the Kansas City Symphony and scenery and costume design by David Israel Reynoso, the stage is set for the Kansas City Ballet’s main company dancers to perform the roles.

For more information and tickets, visit kcballet.org

FROM GLOWING TO GROWING

Now is the time to plan late-autumn bulb plantings for fabulous spring color when next year’s growing season commences. And with offerings of classic roofline, tree and shrub lighting, natural evergreen entries and seasonal container plantings, call now and your home will be glowing with glee when you flip the switch on Thanksgiving day.

photo by kenny johnson

Arts &Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

HILARY HAHN, VIOLIN

THREE-TIME Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn returns to Kansas City on October 13 at the Folly Theater, part of the Harriman-Jewell Series. Since Hahn made her Kansas City debut in 2004, she has traveled the world as a much in-demand soloist with leading conductors and orchestras.

Hahn says that she has played a Bach solo piece every day since she was 8 years old. “Bach is, for me, the touchstone that keeps my playing honest,” she says. “Keeping the intonation pure in double stops, bringing out the various voices where the phrasing requires it, crossing the strings so that there are not inadvertent accents, presenting the structure in such a way that it’s clear to the listener without being pedantic—one can’t fake things in Bach, and if one gets all of them to work, the music sings in the most wonderful way.”

Artistically curious, Hahn draws from a rich and wide-open repertoire of classical music and contemporary, newly commissioned pieces that reach a global audience. A fan favorite, Hahn blends technical brilliance with expressive musicality to create a prolific performing and recording career.

For more information and tickets, visit hjseries.org

A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

DURING LOCKDOWN for Covid, some people ate and drank too much. Some renovated their homes. Others, like David Sedaris, re ected on their unique lives—his included becoming an orphan at almost 70 years of age—and wrote a new collection of essays titled Happy-Go-Lucky

But no one performs their written work in quite the same way as Sedaris. Humorous, poignant, acerbic, pointed, universal. No wonder he has been called a “champion storyteller” in print and in person.

In this new collection, which he will perform on Sunday, October 22 at Helzberg Hall, Sedaris tackles the dichotomies in American life that he views up close while on tour and from afar, from where he lives in England. e performance also includes a Q&A and a book signing.

Visit kau mancenter.org for information on tickets and times.

BY Liz Schroeder

Quiet Luxury

MINIMALIST PIECES WITH TIMELESS APPEAL

HBO’s hit drama Succession didn’t invent the quiet luxury trend, but it may have helped explode it into the mainstream. Vogue called quiet luxury “the one trend to watch” for 2023, and it’s trickled down from ctionalized billionaires to bargain hunters. Luxurious but inconspicuous—those are the words the New Yorker chose to describe the Succession wardrobe, marked by Siobhan Roy’s suited separates and muted tones. ink elevated basics and polished minimalism. Camel coats and sharp-lined turtlenecks— this month we’re thinking tame, tailored, and timeless. Shh!

$900, available at Clairvaux (Shops at Fairway and Hawthorne Plaza).

Freda Salvador penny loafer, $395, available at Clairvaux

Alpaca wool sweater, $189, available at Peruvian Connection (Crestwood Shops).

Zadig & Voltaire satin dress, $548, available at Luna by Ulah (Westwood).

Aesther Ekme leather hobo bag, $594, available at Finefolk (West Plaza).

Robert Coin 18k-gold doublehoop earrings, $1,200, available at Tivol (Country Club Plaza).

Shinola watch, $950, available at Mazzarese (Parkway Plaza).

BY Liz Schroeder

Bold and Beautiful

THE RED LIP RETURNS

What makes a bold, red lip so timeless? Trends come and go, but year after year we return to the classic red—arguably made famous by the apper movement of the 1920s. e iconic rouge color has often been said to represent passion and sexuality.

Autumn is the perfect time to fall back in love with this iconic hue and refamiliarize yourself with best application practices. We turned to Lover Cosmetics owner and make-up artist Ashley Maurin Rodden for help.

“If you’re a bit timid, but you want to try a bold lip, I would suggest more of a sheer red gloss that’s going to get you there without being super dark,” says Rodden. ose used to darker hues (or those ready to go for it) can head straight to the matte and cream red lipsticks. If you’re in a place where you can reapply, Rodden suggests a cream or satin formula. Otherwise, go with a long-wear formula with a long-wear lip pencil.

Rodden keeps a few tricks up her sleeve. “I struggle when I wear a cream-based color or any kind of gloss—my lipstick feathers and bleeds.” She suggests an Invisible lip pencil. “You actually paint it on the outside of your lip line right above the lip to keep your lipstick from bleeding.” Other handy products include the Rosebud Lip Salve and Lover’s Smoothing Lip Balm—dab these over a matte lip if you start feeling dry.

Is there a best red hue for you? Not really, according to Rodden. “I wear every color in any color under the rainbow. I don’t think people need to be pigeonholed. You should pick the color you like best and feel the most con dent in—otherwise you won’t wear it!” Her personal pick for fall is a deep wine.

Our advice—just go for it! “I guarantee you’ll get tons of compliments,” says Rodden. A bold lip gives us all a bit more con dence and prepares us to take on whatever season’s coming next.

1. Invisible long-wear lip pencil, $18, available at lover-cosmetics.com. 2. Go Nude lip pencil in Pavia Red, $22, available at Nordstrom. 3. Liquid matte longwear in Award Show red, $30, available at lover-cosmetics.com 4. Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss, $22, available at Welwythn 5. Runway Red cream lipstick, $30, available at lover-cosmetics.com

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by Liz Schroeder

Sweeter Dreams

BETTER SLEEP FOR A BETTER YOU

The colder months signal the start of different things for everyone—for some, it’s the return of the pumpkin-spiced latte and cable-knit sweaters, to others, it’s back to school supplies and parent-teacher conferences, and for far too many, it begins an annual disruption to our sleep schedule. Darker mornings and earlier nights have long plagued those of us who try, and fail, to keep our bedtimes consistent as the seasons change.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ages 18 to 64 should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. How close are you? We checked in with Gayln Perry, a physician with the Perry Center for Pediatric and Adult Sleep Care, and she said the number one sleep disorder affecting people is simply insufficient sleep. Daylight Savings Time is known to disrupt sleep routines, and she advocates for maintaining standard time year-round.

Let’s face it—we all need more sleep. But how?

An appropriate sleep environment is key. Products like white-noise machines and sleep masks can be helpful and essential if you’re a partic-

ularly light sleeper or someone prone to one last scroll on social media. According to Perry, making your bed has a tremendous impact on sleep quality. “There’s something about crawling into a nice bed that’s so inviting in the evenings. Having a dark, quiet, and cool environment is essential to good quality sleep.”

Keep your schedule consistent. While Perry admits your genetic wake-up time is typically hard-set and difficult to change, it’s more about our self-imposed “social jet lag.” “We live in a 24/7 society,” Perry says. “What most Americans do is skip sleep during the work week and catch up on the weekends.” It may not be easy, but consistency is key.

It is true—some of us will always be night owls, and some of us are genetically predisposed to love the mornings. But consistent wake-up and bedtimes are the easiest, best way to lean away from those preferences and towards a schedule that makes sense for us. “I tell people that before we had electricity, farmers would go to bed when the sun went down and got up when the rooster crowed. All most people need to do is get enough sleep and they will feel markedly better,” says Perry.

INSPIRED

Designer Connie Fey brings her expertise to both residential and commercial design projects Color, texture and technolog y are three elements of design that she finds particularly inspiring

Be inspired with a designer at Madden-McFarland

by Liz Schroeder

Reducing the Risk

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, a renewed focus shifts toward the preventative measures we can take to reduce our risk of breast cancer, especially for high-risk patients and breast cancer survivors.

While anyone can be diagnosed, some people are at higher risk for breast cancer than others. “Typically, women who fall above 20 percent have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, carry a genetic mutation that increases risk, or have other factors that contribute,” says Elizabeth Butler, DO, FACS, FACOS, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon with AdventHealth Cancer Center Shawnee Mission. These other factors can include the use of hormone replacement therapy, a previous biopsy demonstrating hyperplasia or atypia, and increased breast density, among others.

What can be done? Butler emphasizes lifestyle modifications, most of which will sound familiar. “Diet is just one part of the puzzle, but I do think a big one. Emerging literature suggests whole-food, plant-based, or plant-centered diets are helpful in reducing risk,” she says. “The Mediterranean diet is similar and boasts many benefits for overall health.” Butler recommends a low consumption of red meat and processed foods, as well as a limitation—or complete elimination—of alcohol. “I emphasize the same things to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and those in survivorship. Making these changes helps them decrease the risk of recurrence and lowers the risk of other cancers.” She pairs these recommendations with another tried and tested preventative measure—exercise.

“Physical activity is a key component,” says Butler. “Going for a walk is helpful but we really need to get the heart rate up and think about adding in weight-bearing exercise as well.” While counseling high-risk patients, Butler believes in meeting people where they are. “I put a large emphasis on things we can change,” she says. “We can’t change genetics; we can’t change our breast density or family history, but we can change what we put in our bodies and what we do with them.” While patients should strive to do well on all fronts in order to really lower their risk, Butler names quitting smoking and limiting or abstaining from alcohol as two of the biggest factors.

Butler knows people are tired of hearing “drink less, exercise more,” but the classic advice does pan out. And it’s not about perfection. “We can all do something, but we don’t have to do everything,” she says. “Every little bit helps, so I recommend trying small things that take up small amounts of time and money and then building on those.” Breast cancer survivors and patients at high risk are not alone with the Ad ventHealth Cancer Center’s network of support and resources, including smoking cessation counseling, social work assistance, and follow-up appointments. “It is not enough to just tell them they need to make changes,” she says. “As physicians and other members of the patient’s care team, we help them figure out how.”

ADVENTHEALTH’S ELIZABETH BUTLER ON WELLNESS HABITS FOR WOMEN AT HIGH RISK FOR BREAST CANCER

Elizabeth Butler, DO, FACS, FACOS

Offering wholeperson care for every age and every stage

Our whole-person approach to health and wellness ensures you have the tools and support you need. From preventative care and routine screenings to disease management and illness, we’re here to serve your health needs.

To find a primary care physician who’s just right for you, visit AdventHealthKC.com/PrimaryCare.

by Patricia O’Dell

Ooh La La!

GET THE LOOK OF THE LOUNGE AT AIXOIS BISTRO

Kansas City favorite Aixois Bistro in Crestwood has updated their popular restaurant with a new lounge in the front room. Wisely, they worked with Susan Cannon, owner of Storyteller Interiors, and what a story she’s told here.

Crisp white walls, cozy sea-blue sofas, rush chairs, and marble-topped tables provide a winning combination of textures that reference tradition while feeling comfortably modern. Bookshelves and natural woven seating add a relaxed air to the space.

STEAL the LOOK

La Coupole rectangular iron bistro table, $3,495, from Williams-Somoma

Hattie open bookcase, $1,799, from Arhaus.

Annie Selke linen pillow, $164, from A Store Named Stu

Seagrass dining armchair, $175, from World Market

YOUR WEEKENDS JUST GOT BETTER

LONGTIME DESIGN GURUS, hunters and gatherers, and generally allaround lovely people, Jaclyn Joslin and Addison Ford, have opened a charming new spot in the antique district at 45th Street and State Line. eir shop, Afternoons, is a well-curated collection of antiques, vintage, and new items that have depth of character without shouting. eir selections range from antiques to midcentury art to—yes, my new obsession—art pottery. Whether you are furnishing your rst home, freshening your family’s dwelling, or sprucing up your empty nest, Afternoons is a great spot to visit.

noons, is a well-curated collection of an-

4504 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Kansas ursday – Saturday 12-5 shopafternoons.co

SPEED OF LIGHT.

Nothing transforms a space faster than a big, beautiful pendant from the Wilson Lighting Showroom

Postmodern

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin channel-tufted sofa, $3,295.

steel-andbrass table lamp, $119.

Antique hay

by Patricia O’Dell

Falling for Autumnal Hues

ORANGE YOU GLAD IT’S COOLING OFF?

It’s nearly impossible not to feel better once the heat subsides. A bonus, as well, is that it’s easier to look good in the golden glow. While I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween, it can be fun to add some fall color to your table and home. No need to pull out a paint brush (or in atable—unless that’s your thing.) Instead, adding warmer colors in accessories is an easy way to honor the season. Personally, I think adding a little blue cuts the punch of these warmer hues. Is a oral-print gourd-shaped mug a little too much? I suppose that depends on how you feel about waving Frankensteins and recordings of cackling witches at the front door. As for me, I’ll take my negroni in the one with the red handle.

a little too much? I suppose that depends on how you feel about door. As for me, I’ll take my negroni in the one with the red handle.

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Metal bucket, $53, from The Upper Crust Pie Bakery

Yellow check tray, $18, from The Upper Crust Pie Bakery

Rawson Street mosaic vinyl oor mat, $283, from Jorjy.

Veuve Clicquot co ee-table book, $105, from Jorjy

Boyan Moscov Painted Vessel

, $375, from the Kemper Museum of Contemporaty Art Museum Shop

Cantaria charger plate, $68, from Terrasi Living & Scandia Home.

Floral pumpkin mugs, $16 each, from Anthropologie

FAVORITE FOLLOW ESTATELY,

A KRISTIN HOLTON COLLECTION

KRISTIN HOLTON, owner of Estately, is allowing many hostesses a bit of relief with the launch of Estately, a full-service tabletop design service. Holton launched her new career as her youngest child started school full time. She has an extensive collection of chargers, china, glassware, and atware, in addition to tables, chairs, and linens. She is happy to work with clients’ pieces as well. You can nd her on the website, but do add her to your Instagram feed @estatelykc —it’s a delight. estatelyevents.com

Karen Ross Designs is a local award-winning design firm that doesn’t follow trends; they set them. Boasting over three decades of experience specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels, as well as new-build projects, this agency’s visionary founder and lead designer, Karin Ross, draws upon a combination of her European heritage and classic timeless elegance.

With each design project, Ross forges a design that tells the client’s unique story in their home. From new builds to total home remodels, kitchen and bathroom makeovers—including countertops, cabinets, and flooring—Karin Ross Designs does it all.

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.

What sets Karin Ross Designs apart is their ability to push boundaries. Prepare to be introduced to an eclectic palette of colors, textures, and patterns that you never knew you needed, yet will find indispensable. At its core, Karin Ross Designs adheres to a philosophy of embracing fresh, luxurious elements that exude the timeless refinement of classic European heritage. When it comes to interior design, they’re not just setting trends; they’re defining the future of elegance.

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.

Mark Dent and Rustin Dodd IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel photo by Staci Totta

Patrick Mahomes is not just the hero of Kansas City; he is Kansas City. He doesn’t just provide thrilling athletic highlights to adoring fans in his adopted city—he reflects their values back to them. Mahomes rolled into town with his aw-shucks humbleness and fierce work ethic at exactly the moment when the city was poised to finally overcome a long, painful period of decline. He hitched a city’s hopes and dreams to his Superman cape and lifted off.

That’s the premise of Kingdom Quarterback by sports writers Rustin Dodd and Mark Dent. Dodd and Dent both grew up in Overland Park and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Journalism in 2009. The book weaves together two wild stories 100 years apart: The transformation of a muddy cowtown into a glittering and hedonistic metropolis fueled by jazz and booze which in turn gave way to idyllic but cruelly segregated suburban neighborhoods and the electrifying rebirth from ashes of the Kansas City Chiefs under Patrick Mahomes. They are familiar stories that Dodd and Dent flesh out with riveting and sometimes painful new detail

What was the original idea for the book, and did it change?

DENT: The original idea came in 2020 after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. Russ and I started talking and I kind of had the germ of an idea: Alright, Kansas City is kind of on the rise. The Chiefs have just won the Super Bowl, and they are probably going to win more because they have Patrick Mahomes, who seems to be the greatest player in the league now and maybe of this generation.

At the same time, Kansas City had been changing a lot over the last 15 years. It had been growing in population for the first time in forever. Downtown had kind of been revived along with a lot of other neighborhoods. So there’s all these things happening at the same time. What if we use this as an idea to tell the story of the Chiefs and Mahomes as well as the city that had always kind of been down on its luck, similar to

the Chiefs prior to when Mahomes got there.

We did change the idea a little bit. Some of the history that we included; we went further in depth in ways we didn’t expect. And certainly in 2020 we were very aware that not only was Kansas City changing in the sense that it was growing, but people were also reflecting on the past—and the present, frankly—which you saw in the summer of 2020 when we had protests over the murder of George Floyd and people were really turning an eye toward local policing and the legacy of J.C. Nichols.

I think as we were working on the book, we realized the story of Kansas City today needs to be told, not just as, “We have more nice things downtown.” We also have this kind of fight going on that is extremely important to make sure Kansas City is more equitable.

The book has two major characters, Jesse Clyde Nichols and Patrick Mahomes. Why did you choose to intertwine the stories of these two men born more than a century apart?

DODD: We see Patrick Mahomes as symbolic of modern Kansas City. He’s certainly the most famous person in Kansas City and maybe one of the most famous people who’s ever lived here. And yet as we were telling the story of the city’s history, I’m not sure that there’s anybody more influential in Kansas City’s history for good or bad than J.C. Nichols. Mark and I grew up here in the ’90s, and we sort of knew of J. C. Nichols in broad strokes. Anybody that’s been in Kansas City for the last 20 years has encountered his story. But it was always like you would read a few paragraphs. Part of the mission for us was understanding him in full. As a journalist, sometimes you’re most interested in something just so you personally can understand it.

Kingdom Quarterback is deeply reported. What were some of the favorite unexpected things you learned when researching it?

DENT: I would say all the stuff about how Kansas City and the two

Mark Dent (left) and Rustin Dodd

states was confusing even back in the 1870s and 1880s. There’s a detail in there about how a mayor at the time, Van Horn, whose name is still all over the city, got everything set up with both state legislatures so that Kansas City would become (entirely) part of Kansas. But then it failed just because the emissary who went to Washington, D.C. ended up falling in love with a woman and just moved to Europe instead of lobbying Congress for final approval.

Another thing that was fascinating but shows the grim aspects of our history, was learning just how influential J.C. Nichols was not just in Kansas City but nationally and finding that his racially restrictive covenants and his methods to keep them going on forever, were emulated all over the place. And, frankly, they were kind of taken up by the Federal Housing Administration in 1934, which was the beginning of redlining. Learning all that was very eye-opening.

You write that you interviewed around 100 people for your book, including many black Kansas Citians, about the segregation created by Nichols’ covenants and the east-west racial dividing line that still exists, although it is more porous now. After all those conversations, what is your take on how we are doing as a city today in terms of racial equality?

DENT: A lot of people I spoke with think that on Troost Avenue, which historically has been the dividing line, there have been good improvements on parts of it. Local businesses have sprung up, particularly in the Midtown area. They’ve come with a lot of good amenities. One person I talked to, an activist in the community, lives around 30th and Troost in a new apartment and loves it there. She grew up on the East Side and remembers when she didn’t even want to go walking there at night, and now everybody can walk there at night with their dogs and it’s a very good thing.

But at the same time, if you just go a few blocks farther east, those economic benefits have not extended into that part of the community. That’s kind of what you see, big picture, in Kansas City is that there’s still concentrated poverty on the East Side and there are some neighborhoods that have been revived but a lot of people within those neighborhoods are facing challenges of higher rent and higher tax bills. And even on the East Side where there’s still concentrated poverty, the rent is still going up because there’s a lot of speculation there and property values are going up in the city there.

So there are a whole host of problems and KC Tenants and a lot of other housing activists have a presence that I think was missing for the last couple of decades, which is when the beginnings of the “new Kansas City” kind of started in the early 2000s. There wasn’t much of a check on the development to make sure that the benefits are extending to all the neighborhoods, and in the neighborhoods that are reviving that there’s enough affordable housing. And now there are people pushing for that. There’s been a lot of gains in the last three or four years but not nearly enough yet.

When you look at all the great quarterbacks around now— Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, etc.—why do you think Patrick Mahomes is such a perfect fit for Kansas City?

DODD: He grew up in East Texas, which is a very specific part of Texas and different than Dallas and Houston. It’s smaller, more out of the way. When he was going through the draft process in 2017, his agents even

looked at Kansas City as a place that would fit his personality.

How so?

DODD: Texas is not the Midwest, but Patrick almost feels Midwestern in the way he goes about himself. That said, I think he could probably fit in anywhere, because one of his greatest gifts outside of his athletic prowess is his ability to connect with people and to be relatable to everybody.

The book talks about the Kansas City Spirit with a capital “S.” Every city has some level of civic pride and cities with pro sports teams generally are proud of them. What makes Kansas City different?

DENT: I would go out on a limb and say that a lot of cities don’t have a lot of civic pride. I live in Texas. I’ve lived in three cities down here and there really isn’t very much civic pride. There’s state pride. I think Kansas City’s [civic pride] is different from other places because of the way that the sports and the civic pride are woven together. In a lot of places, you find people who might be big fans of the sports team, or maybe they just love their city because they grew up there, but in Kansas City they come together in a way that they feed off each other.

The fact that Kansas City has had good sporting success lately has unlocked the pride that was always there. Like in the ’90s, when [Rustin and I] were growing up and it was tougher times for the city and the sports teams, we were just waiting for someone to recognize Kansas City, and we would get so excited if Kansas City appeared anywhere nationally. And now that Kansas City has a little bit more cred nationally it’s just developed into something even bigger. That’s why you see everybody wearing shirts that just say “Kansas City,” not even Chiefs shirts.

DODD: The other thing I would add is that I think Kansas City is the perfect size, in that it’s a major league city with professional sports teams, and those sports teams are often the day-to-day language that connects people. In a place like Kansas City, even if you’re not a sports fan, you sort of understand the language. It’s sort of inescapable. The Chiefs and Royals are part of our daily lives in a way that even if you’re not a hard-core fan of the teams, you are aware of the players and the characters and the coaches.

In a bigger city I think you’re able to escape that if you’re not a sports person. Like in New York or L.A., it’s easy to go about your day and not

‘‘

In a lot of places, you find people who might be big fans of the sports team, or maybe they just love their city because they grew up there, but in Kansas City they come together in a way that they feed off each other.”

–Mark Dent

think about all the many sports teams that exist in those cities. Whereas in a place like Kansas City, everybody thinks about the Chiefs and Royals a lot, even if you don’t have a huge emotional investment in them.

What is the lowdown on how living in Dallas, Mark, and Brooklyn, Rustin, is different than living in Kansas City?

DENT: I think rst and foremost—I hope not too many Dallas people end up reading this—but there is that lack of civic pride. In Kansas City—I try to explain this to people down here—you can just kind of feel it, people caring so much about the place and these sporting teams. And you see physical manifestations of that. Everybody has a Chiefs ag on the block, and there’s ve or six big companies that sell Kansas City apparel now. You don’t really have that down here. I also can speak to what Rustin was saying about size. [Dallas] is so spread out. Kansas City sprawls, too, but you still get the feeling like everyone is on the same page, thinking about a lot of the same things. People’s interests down here are so much more divided.

DODD: I don’t know if this perfectly answers your question, but I interviewed Calvin Trillin, the Kansas City native and New York writer, for the book, and I asked him whether he held onto Kansas City when he lived in New York for decades, and he had a story that he always said that even though he lived in the West Village neighborhood, he felt like he raised his daughters in Kansas City—that they were honorary Kansas Citians because their 800-square-foot apartment was Kansas City, it was not New York.

I think there’s something true about the way that the Kansas City essence stays with you even when you are in other places. I nd other people in big cities who are from Kansas City gravitate towards each other. Maybe that’s true of people from Cleveland or Milwaukee or St. Louis, but I’m not sure if it is true.

When I would watch a Chiefs game in New York City and there would be dozens of other Kansas Citians around, people from other parts of the country would look at the group and be like, “Why are you guys all together watching this football team? People from where I’m from, we don’t really do this.”

I won’t ask you to make predictions about how the Chiefs will do this year, but if the 2023-2024 season were to be the next chapter in your book, what themes would you expect to see play out?

DENT: at’s a tough question. Predictions are always hard. I think

what we would see is something relatively similar to last year in that we have more doubts around the Chiefs than one would expect. Don’t get me wrong, [laughs] they’re still the Vegas favorite for the Super Bowl. But people are like, “Well, now Chris Jones, the defensive lineman, is going to be coming in late to the season, if at all. He might continue to hold out. People are worried about that. People are talking about, “It’s all new wide receivers. How are they going to acclimate?”

I don’t know what it is but there’s always just a little bit of doubt around Mahomes and the Chiefs over these last three or four years. And then the players, of course, act like it’s a mountain of doubt, and get even more motivated, and it leads to them getting to the AFC championship game. I think that is what the storyline would be. It would look a little like what we have now and potentially we would have truly a repeat of a storyline. I think it will be Eagles-Chiefs again in the Super Bowl.

DODD: So I slightly disagree with Mark. I think Patrick Mahomes after he won the last Super Bowl, he kind of stood on the podium and he said he didn’t want to declare the Chiefs a dynasty yet. I think that’s one of the main themes going forward, is how does Kansas City react to the idea that it’s home to this dynasty football team. And will the dynasty continue? And what would that mean for Kansas City moving forward?

How does this city that always has sort of had this creeping doubt about its own identity, how does it handle being on top of the mountain? How will Kansas City handle having likely the best quarterback for the next decade and winning a few more championships?

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

Patrick Mahomes is featured on the cover of Dent and Kingdom Quarterback.

‘‘

I think there’s something true about the way that the Kansas City essence stays with you even when you are in other places. I fi nd other people in big cities who are from Kansas City gravitate towards each other.”

–Rustin Dodd

Dodd’s newly released book,

Suburban Renewal

FIVE AREA HOT SPOTS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

words by Judith Fertig

Unique small businesses and planning visionaries are breathing new life into five Kansas City metro communities.

WHERE’S WALDO?

In 1841, David Waldo, a local physician, purchased 1,000 acres in what is now Waldo. Today, Waldo is home to over 300 small businesses ranging from the James Beard finalist Waldo Thai, Front Range Coffee & Provisions, bars, McLain’s Bakery, and shops with a distinctly eclectic vibe.

Sisters Dawn Van Kleeck and April Brennan recently opened Heartist Alchemy. “By January

2020, we were longing to have a space where we could do all the things that light our souls,” says Van Kleek, an aesthetician, reiki practitioner, and crystal jewelry maker. In an affordable location, “We were finally able to get our long-awaited spa and shop.” By appointment only, the spa offers full facials with a little bit more—crystal or energy healing, sound therapy, and card readings.

Emilie Jackson, a native of Nantes, France, and her husband, Alex Jackson, combined their businesses under the same roof in a former bridal salon where Emilie had purchased her wedding dress. Emilie’s French Teas channels the charm of a French tearoom, with looseleaf teas and tisanes. At Centered Spirit, Alex’s practice is rooted in ancient Mayan health tradition; you can enjoy a

Above: Emilie’s French Teas in Waldo.

Bottom row, left to right: Waldo Thai, The Aztec Theater in Shawnee. The All New Low cocktail from Drastic Measures.

Opposite: Fresh fare with a French twist from Velouté.

sauna to detox or a massage. “We chose Waldo to live and work because it has an eclectic spirit, it’s still affordable, it’s growing, and is very supportive to local businesses,” says Emilie.

ALL TRAILS LEAD TO SHAWNEE

Shawnee, once a stopover on trails headed west and then a sleepy business district, has become a place designated by WalletHub as one of 2019’s Best Small Cities in America. It’s vibrant and fun. At the intersection of Johnson Drive and Nieman Road, the walkable downtown beckons young professionals who live and work at the new Blume development.

In the old stone Masonic building, Pascal and Brianne Larcher are expanding their French cater-

ing company Velouté into a restaurant. Courtney Servaes brews up not only signature beers but also craft sodas at Servaes Brewing Company, which features themed trivia nights (Ted Lasso or Taylor Swift, anyone?). Across the street in the century-old hardware store, Brent Anderson and Nathan Ryerson opened Friction Beer Company.

Night-lifers can take in a classic movie like Errol Flynn’s Captain Blood in the iconic Aztec Shawnee Theatre, then enjoy food truck goodies, in a revamp that was a three-year renovation project by Jeff Calkins, his late brother Chris, and Bruce Young, all lifelong Shawnee residents. “I grew up here,” says Calkins, “and I was drawn back after college. In 2017, we had an opportunity to buy the theater. When I saw an old photo of the marquee all lit up in the night, cars parked along the street, people out and about, I thought ‘how cool would it be to have that again?’” Around the same time, Transport Brewery was going in. “We all seemed to have the same vision of a place with a hometown feel, but new and fun.”

At the James Beard finalist Drastic Measures and no-or-low alcohol Wild Child, majority owner Jay Sanders says several things combined to make this business happen: Johnson County lifting its requirement to sell food with alcoholic beverages, the vision of the city of Shawnee, and a landlord agreeing to an equity share in lieu of rent. “My grandparents lived in Shawnee when I was a kid. When I was looking for a location, the city made their plan very clear, with the existing architecture and infrastructure. They sold us on it,” he says. “It’s a good town with good people who want to make these experiences happen.”

THE VIEW FROM BRIARCLIFF

When Sarah Nelson and her husband, Louis Guerrieri, searched for a landing spot for their new restaurant Ombra Small Plates + Libations, they had already operated in downtown Kansas City’s Parlor and the Northland’s Iron District. For this

new restaurant with its house-made charcuterie and plant-forward shareables, “I was looking for a place in the Northland that could support a concept where people could make it what they wanted—dressing up for a date night, having a casual business lunch, or just bringing the family out for Sunday brunch,” says Nelson. “ ere are so many places out south and downtown to get dressed up, go out, and have small plates/libations, but far fewer places like that existed north of the river prior to 2020. Briarcli was one of few areas that gave us the opportunity to execute Ombra’s vision without needing to worry about guest parking or valet!”

Ombra joins 15-year restaurant stalwarts Piropo’s and Trezo Mare in Briarcli Village.

With the 1957 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bott House nearby, and views of the Kansas City skyline attracting upscale homebuyers, Old Briarcli is also a mecca for home design. Since 2007, Nell Hill’s has been part of the mix, relocating from the small, original store in Atchison, Kansas, to 16,000 square feet of interior design bliss. When Katie Laughridge took over in 2019, she expanded the design side even more, adding baby and nursery décor and a design lab, which o ers client customization to furniture, bedding, and more.

“Being located in Briarcli means we are a bit closer to our company’s roots in Atchison, and I’m close to my own roots, just a few miles away from where my husband and I grew up. It just feels like home!” says Laughridge. “The Village at Briarcli is accessible and a great place to spend the day shopping and dining with friends, which also speaks to our origins as a destination experience.

We want our customers to come in and stay awhile, and our community certainly helps with that!”

MISSION: POSSIBLE

Somewhat surprisingly, Mission has also become a destination for design businesses. Says Kat Benson, a principal and designer at Nest Interiors, “I love that Mission is centrally located, so we can get to all our clients easily, wherever they live.

Above: Sweet potato gnocchi from Ombra Small Plates + Libations.

Bottom row, left to right: The Village at Briarcli . Urban Prairie Co ee in Mission. The Village at New Longview. The Longview Mansion.

Mission has a quaint, urban feel but with good parking. It feels a little like downtown Overland Park back in the day, and we like that.” eir showroom on Johnson Drive is just blocks from the new Victor’s Home & Upholstery showroom full of wallpaper books, lighting, accent pillows, and more.

Tucked away on Martway is the by-appointment-only Tran + Thomas Design Studio. “We love our o ce here in Mission,” says Carmen omas. “All of the business owners are so friendly, and the area is very accessible and walkable. Mission just felt like the right city for us with its support and nurture of small businesses . . . in fact most of the businesses on Johnson Drive are small businesses. We are also conveniently located very close to several of our multifamily projects, with three underway nearby. e central location of our o ce makes for quick and easy trips to our construction sites!”

Mission has also been a good spot for serial entrepreneurs. e Jason and Julie Hans family started out with Mission Board Games on Johnson Drive, their son Mason now in charge. When the property next door became available, “We thought why not adjoin the two?” says Jason, a trial and business litigation attorney. e family created the Urban Prairie Co ee shop in 2018, so you can buy a beverage and go play a game. Another idea bubbled up. “My wife and I like to go to Drastic Measures and Sword sh Tom’s for a craft cocktail,” says Hans. When yet another space became available, they decided to open The Primrose cocktail bar in September of 2022. ere you can sip an Urban Prairie Cold Brew Martini before you make your next move, chess or otherwise.

TAKING THE LONG VIEW AT LONGVIEW

A new vision for Longview is also taking shape. In 1914, Kansas City lumber baron Robert A. Long, whose city house is now the Kansas City Museum, bought 150 acres with the aim to create “the world’s most beautiful farm” in Lee’s Summit. Today, the farm and its historic buildings provide the cornerstone for a community focused on New Urbanism, a walkable neighborhood. e U-shaped Show Horse Barn has been repurposed into Longview Farm Elementary School. e former Longview Mansion is now a wedding and event space. “And we’re open to ideas” about new uses

for the two large dairy and calf barns, says Mark Moberly of Sun ower Development Corporation, which owns the historic buildings.

Such a unique property requires unique thinking, and Lee’s Summit has done that. Tax revenues from new commercial business in New Longview, such as the B & B Theater, will go to fund new ventures that maintain the historic integrity of those farm buildings, but in creative new ways, says Bryan Parrish, real estate agent for The Village at New Longview. e village o ers townhomes that evoke the past with brownstone and Queen Anne Victorian designs in a neighborhood “where people can walk to get co ee and donuts or an ice cream or pizza,” he says. “We want to get that mix, similar to downtown Lee’s Summit.”

Hometown feel, contemporary mix. It’s a formula that’s working in Kansas City.

The Urban Prairie Cold Brew Martini from The Primrose in Mission.

Swimming in Suds

LOCAL BREWERIES IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

words by Jenny Vergara

Beer is one of those beverages that somehow feels instantly relatable and accessible to most people. ere is no special way (other than cold) or time of day that it is more appropriate to drink it, and it comes in a variety of styles, avor pro les, and price points.

It is also easily portable, available in bottles or convenient cans, which means you can take it with you and drink it almost anywhere. Finally, you can nd beer almost anywhere. From a baseball game to the fanciest ve-star restaurant and from a gas station to a big-box retailer, if you want beer, you can typically nd beer.

Big beer—brands like Budweiser, Busch, Coors, and Miller Lite— may have branded beer with an everyman, blue-collar vibe, but at its core, it goes deeper than that. Beer has its own unique, loyal fan base, and when talking about Kansas City’s local craft beer scene one thing is clear—craft beer here is made for people who love it, by people who love it.

Just look at how our local craft beer scene has exploded in the last ten years in Kansas City. What Imperial Brewing Company and Heim Brewing started in the early 1900s in Kansas City and Boulevard Brewing continued in 1989 when John McDonald rolled his rst keg of Pale Ale down the street to Ponak’s Mexican Restaurant, pouring until his keg was empty, continues to this day with taprooms located in every neighborhood across the city. No matter where you live, there is likely a local brewery nearby just waiting to pour you a glass, as local taprooms are replacing the spot once held by a neighborhood pub or beer bar. What could be more local than drinking a locally made beer right in your own backyard?

In the beginning many craft beer companies, trying to separate themselves from watered-down big beer brands, leaned into statement beers brewing sharply bitter West Coast IPAs, only to discover Hazy IPAs were more approachable, and that ultimately brought more beer drinkers to the yard. Access to better and locally grown hops and new yeasts allowed many local craft breweries the luxury of being small enough to play with exciting new styles, with each of them eventually settling on a style or avor pro le to hang their hat on. Walk into any taproom in this town and ask what their most popular beer is, and that is usually a solid place to start your tasting journey.

Today breweries are diversifying, brewing much more than just beer; some are making their own ciders, spirits, and canned cocktails. ey are dabbling in real root beer, kombuchas, seltzers, and even hop-infused sparkling water. For those looking for all the avor without the buzz, there are craft brewers also making nonalcoholic beer that tastes just as good as the real thing.

So whether you are a beer novice or a cicerone, there is plenty of local beer (and more) to be discovered at craft breweries in Kansas City. is is by no means a comprehensive list, but simply a starting point. May it inspire you to get out and discover how much good beer there is to enjoy at a taproom near you. Cheers!

PARKVILLE

Boho Brewing

ere are some interesting things happening at the Old Town at Creekside Development in Parkville, and Boho Brewing is one of them. Owner Robert Mann opened his taproom in January (naming it after his Bohemian ancestors) serving German and Czechstyle lagers, including their popular Parkville Pale Ale. e outdoor patio is the place to be with views of a green space that includes a giant LED-lit tree and a sound stage that has live music on the weekend. e icing on the cake—you can get food from Whiskey River Pizza & Pub delivered to you from next door. bohobrewing.com

style lagers, including their popular Parkville

NORTH KANSAS CITY The Big Rip Brewing Company

As head brewer and co-owner of the North Kansas City brewery, Bri Burrows was one of the rst women to hold the title head brewer in Kansas City. In addition to brewing beer, Burrows shows her support for marginalized groups by working to diversify the Kansas City beer industry, something that is evident in the events she hosts and in the wide variety of beer styles emerging from her four-barrel brewhouse. Try Hathor’s Sweet Brown, a agship beer that is a roasted brown ale brewed with lactose for sweetness. bigripbrewing.com

from her four-barrel brewhouse. Try Ha-

WEST BOTTOMS Stockyards Brewing Co.

Greg Bland opened Stockyards Brewing Co. in 2016 in the original Golden Ox’s cocktail lounge, keeping all the original charm of this 65-year-old cowboy-themed bar. Out tted with a custom three-vessel brewing system, Stockyards Brewing o ers a rotating line of seasonal brews—including Stocktoberfest, Black IPA, and Mexican-style Cerveza Royale—and is currently planning to open a second location in Overland Park. stockyardsbrewing.com

WESTSIDE Alma Mader Brewing

Ask anyone who really knows our local beer scene in Kansas City, and they will probably mention Alma Mader as being at the top of the KC craft-brew game. After years spent working at breweries in both Denver and Seattle, Nick Mader and his wife and brewery co-founder, Tania Hewett-Mader, moved back home to Kansas City to open Alma Mader (pronounced may-der) Brewing in April 2019. is ten-barrel brewhouse and taproom produces only a handful of beers at a time, including his picture-perfect Czechstyle pilsner, Premiant, and pales and IPAs to enjoy in their tasting room or on the outdoor patio. almamaderbrewing.com

CROSSROADS

Casual Animal Brewing Company

Casual Animal Brewing Co. opened in 2018 in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City. Today, owners Kyle and Laura Gray have expanded into the stunning industrial space next door, brewing a combination of beers, ciders, and hard seltzers all named after animals. e brews can be enjoyed inside or at the outside sidewalk seating. Snacks are available and food vendors often pop up here happy to feed the crowds. casualanimalbrewing.com

EAST CROSSROADS

Torn Label Brewing Co.

Torn Label Brewing Co. was among the rst breweries to call the East Crossroads home in 2015. Founders Ra Chaudry, Travis Moore (who is also head brewer), and Carol and Chad Troutwine opened their public house where you can order a beer along with the crazy delicious Mexican cuisine provided by Tacos Valentina or in their more intimate taproom overlooking the brewery. eir beers cover a wide range of styles, including ales, stouts, lagers, and IPAs. tornlabel.com

EAST CROSSROADS

City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen

e three owners of City Barrel Brewing Co., Joe Giammanco, James Stutsman, and Grant Waner, have achieved a trifecta of good taste: a great location in the brewing district in the East Crossroads, an intriguing yet accessible selection of beers on tap, and a full-service, seasonal food menu. Guests will nd a tasty selection of IPAs, including their signature Rad AF, lagers, wheat and pale ales, that they can enjoy along with the chef Benjamin Wood’s comforting food. citybarrelbrewing.com

tion of beers on tap, and a full-service, seasonal

18TH & VINE Vine Street Brewing Co.

e dream of local beer enthusiast, rapper, jazz performer, and co-owner Kemet Coleman, Vine Street Brewing Co., Missouri’s rst blackowned brewery, has recently opened near 18th Avenue and Vine Street. e historic building is home to the brewery, tap room, and beer garden, in addition to being a community space and a live-music venue. Brewers Woodie Bonds and Elliot Ivory are responsible for the beverage program and are in the process of de ning their basic beer selections, which includes IPAs, lagers, wheat, ales, and stouts, before adding seasonal beers. vinestbrewing.com

den, in addition to being a community space

RAYTOWN Crane Brewing

In fall 2015, Crane Brewing’s 15-barrel production brewery opened in a former manufacturing building owned by the president, co-founder, and innovative homebrewer Michael Crane. e rest of the team includes vice president and co-founder Chris Meyers, CEO Jason Louk, and head brewer Bryan Stewart. e brewery enjoys a strong following for its farmhouse ales, sour ales, and wild-fermented beers. Located right on the Rock Island Trail in Raytown, the rustic taproom is the closest brewery to the Kau man Sports Complex. cranebrewing.com

LEE’S SUMMIT Diametric Brewing Company

Opened in an o ce park in Lee’s Summit in 2018, Diametric Brewing Company is the work of four homebrewers turned brewery owners—Mac Lamken, Joe Migletz, Devin Glaser, and Sean Householder. e owners blended their individual brewing styles to provide their guests a well-rounded selection of beers and sodas, producing everything from IPAs to wheats and porters to sour beer. ere’s a large communal bar, indoor tasting room, and outdoor patio overlooking a beautiful pond. Taylor Jones, the head chef and pitmaster at Burn eory Fire Kitchen, supplies the barbecue and tacos made in his food truck outside and delivered to your table. diametricbrewing.com

EAST BROOKSIDE

BKS Artisan Ales

e awards just keep rolling in for Brian and Mary Rooney’s BKS Artisan Ales located in Kansas City’s East Brookside neighborhood.

eir focus is on quality beer production needed to satiate the crowds packing their charming tasting room on the weekends. An award-winning homebrewer before he opened the brewery, Brian uses a seven-barrel system to produce hazy IPAs and double IPAs, lagers, and ales, along with his English-style mild called Rockhill & Locust, the rst beer he brewed back in 2017. bksartisanales.com

WALDO KC Bier Co.

Working to put the “i” back into the word beer, owners Steve Holle, Jürgen Hager, and head brewer Karlton Graham, have turned KC Bier Co. from a Waldo-based brewery into a regional one specializing in German-style beers, such as the dunkel, a Munich-style brown lager. Helles is another popular beer, a golden Bavarian-style lager, as is the Hefeweizen, a pale Bavarian-style wheat ale. With a large taproom and an even bigger beer garden outside, there is plenty of room to nd a spot to enjoy a beer and soft pretzel. kcbier.com

SHAWNEE Friction Beer Company

Co-owners Brent Anderson and Nathan Ryerson worked harder and longer than most to nd the perfect spot to open Friction Brewing Co. in downtown Shawnee. With the goal of bringing their signature pilsners, hazy IPAs, and milk stouts to the neighborhood, Friction opened inside the 100-year-old Hartman Hardware building o ering what they call a “music-soaked beer experience.” frictionbeer.com

goal of bringing their signature pilsners, hazy

Limitless Brewing

house everything from production to a tapup their West Coast and Hazy IPAs, dark lagers, sour beers, and even a Hot Chocolate

stout.

During the pandemic, Limitless Brewing business didn’t shrink, it expanded, allowing owners Emily and Dave Mobley along with Darin Worthington and Dave’s brother, Steve Mobley, to purchase land in Lenexa to build their new 7,000-square-foot facility to house everything from production to a taproom with a large patio in the back, serving up their West Coast and Hazy IPAs, dark lagers, sour beers, and even a Hot Chocolate limitlessbrewing.com

Tall Trellis Brew Co.

It would make sense that the guys who grow and sell local hops under the name Kansas Hop Company, would also be the ones to make the beer. Tall Trellis Brew Co. was the brainchild of co-owners Ryan Triggs, Clyde Sylvester, and Nick Feightner, who opened their unique taproom last year in Olathe to showcase beers made by the over 70 breweries that use their hops, in addition to a few seasonal beers they are brewing themselves in their one barrel system. eir taproom has a large outdoor seating area surrounded by live hops, which grow up to 20 feet tall. Guests can sit outside and sip on suds made from the hops that surround them. talltrellis.com

sour beer. ere’s a large communal bar, inmade in his food truck outside and delivered

gional one specializing in German-style beers,

Tradition, Reimagined

A HISTORIC ARROW ROCK HOME IS RE-ENVISIONED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

words by Patricia O’Dell

Leimkuehler

Interior designer Kelee Katillac clearly remembers the decorator from Ethan Allen coming to help her mother decorate their family home.

“That started my love of yellow and orange,” she says. An organic creative, she began sewing and painting in college, which led to an interest in art and art history. Eventually, she understood that creating her environment brought her energy.

“I began to really research and understand that the further away from creativity we are, the more depleted, alone, and helpless we feel. I put together my own life experience of becoming happy and fulfilled through creative work in my home and realizing it’s the first step of creative manifestation for all of us.”

Following a “vision quest” through the American Southwest, Katillac and her husband, Steve Heiffus, decided on a move to Arrow Rock, Missouri. Fortuitously, a contract on Aderton House, which was built in 1845, had fallen through, and the couple decided to make it their own.

“We are so fortunate that the state of Missouri is booming and being redeveloped in terms of heritage tourism. Arrow Rock is the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail, and we took advantage of historic tax credits to save this legacy property. That launched a ten-year odyssey

photos by Aaron

The east drawing room, with its pale, white-washed furniture and vintage blue-and-white china, takes advantage of the light to evoke the feeling of a painting by a Dutch old master. The bronze chandelier is original to the house.

of becoming a 360-degree company that offers architecture redesign in harmony with the National Park Service Standards for history preservation,” Katillac says of their company, Heartland Historic Homes.

The existing structure of the house was already a good framework for her vision. The two ornate porches on the front had been removed, leaving a very classic facade. The interior rooms maintained the original layout— no ceilings had been dropped, and the remarkable original glass remained in the windows—which Katillac was committed to maintaining.

“The Dutch masters’ light is the glory of the house,” she says. “We wanted to hold onto the restraint of the original Dutch colonial influence existing in that room, including the Dutch bronze chandeliers.”

While the architectural review applies only to the exterior of the house, Katillac maintained the plaster walls, the existing floors, and millwork. Her treatment of the east drawing room is classic and subdued, with dashes of blue-and-white pottery. But in the main hall, her

inspiration of designer Alessandro Michele, former creative director of Gucci, and his iconic Love Parade fashion show begins to be felt in the photograph of the model by the stairs.

“When I saw the Gucci Love Parade show, and this wonderful joining of fashion and art concept that reflects our desire to express something beyond the old memes and the old semiotics of fashion and history, that we’re creating something new, it really struck me. It was almost like a church of fashion for me,” Katillac says.

She was so compelled by these images that she licensed and acquired some of the photographs. “It was a way for me to live with an idea that I cherish.”

The vibrant “Dolly Madison” fabric and wallpaper that Katillac designed was inspired by the healing expression of color, particularly in relation to gemstones. “It’s also an homage to Dolly Madison, women who had no agency at the time, and their descendants as a celebration,

Above left: The view from the foyer to the east drawing room. Curtains are trimmed in Katillac’s “All of Us” pattern. Above right: George Washington’s verdigris-green dining room in Mount Vernon inspired the green hue of the upholstery and curtains in the Aderton west drawing room.

Above: The 12-panel mural in the west drawing room is “Views of North America” by Zuber. Katillac rescued the panels from an Illinois house and had them restored. Far left: An Italian ILVE eightburner, two-oven range holds pride of place in the kitchen.

Left: Katillac’s design of the kitchen purplebottle wallcovering was inspired by the purple- and blueglass collection at the Henry David Sleeper estate in Beauport. The pendants over the island are 1930s German work lights, the sink is by Watermark, and the faucets are from Waterworks.

Above: Modern art, including the William Rainey Pink Elephants painting, mixes with neoclassical details and brilliant pastels in the lady’s suite. Top left: Feminine details abound in the lady’s bath. Bottom left: Brass sconces flank the antique gray and gilt trumeau mirror.

Far left: In the gentlemen’s bedroom, Katillac designed the classic-with-a-twist bed hangings on the circa 1820s mahogany and black-walnut bed. Above: Cheery, bold yellow-andwhite gingham checks cover both a vintage settee and the walls of the men’s sitting room. Left: An antique mahogany Empire commode converted to a vanity matches the mahogany paneling—which Katillac repurposed from a house in New York City— in the men’s bath. Topping the vanity is an English 1875 men’s traveling foldup mirror.

www.imdtile.com

tradition, reimagined continued

acknowledgment, and attribution.”

The white walls of the upper floor of the house enhance the presence of beloved objects the couple has collected: the painting of the by famous Navajo artist R.C. Gorman, a work by English equestrian artist Lydia Kiernan, and New Mexico artist Doug Candelaria’s work happily co-exist with a photograph from the Gucci Love Parade fashion show.

Katillac sees the combination of old and new, including the reimagining of traditional patterns and designs, as a way to move historic style forward.

“The future of historic style is taking what serves and incorporating it into the history of our own story, then leaving behind that which no longer is relevant. When we change a color, when we take something that looks like it’s gone and beyond hope and physically alter it in the restoration of a house, it reinforces the fact that we can do that for our lives. Connection to the past leads to personal connection—and home.”

Katillac’s new book, Historic Style , was released on October 1

Design & Restoration

Heartland Historic Homes

heartlandhistorichomes.com

Wallcoverings

Adelphi Paper Hangings

adelphipaperhangings.com

and is available on Amazon. e book features Aderton House and several other of her company’s projects, including the Henry Blosser House, a 19th-century estate on the National Register of Historic Places.

STUMPFF HOMEWORKS: HIGH-LEVEL CRAFTSMEN FOR WHOLE HOME REMODELS

By Liz Schroeder

Whether undergoing a small update or complete renovation, trusting your home with someone else can be difficult. But then you see the work Tom Stumpff and his hands-on team of remodeling experts have been doing. Stumpff spent years working for other local and high-end contractors before striking out on his own in 2011. For the last 12 years, Stumpff HomeWorks has built up a stellar reputation around town due to its focus on craftsmanship and service, and the results speak for themselves. Stumpff is a man dedicated to his craft, and

his team members share the same mindset. Including Stumpff, the business runs with nine employees, each of whom brings a unique skill set and knowledge base to the renovation process. Matt Ponzer, licensed master electrician, Joe Moore, master carpenter and shop manager, and Tony Hamlin, project field support and scheduling, all previously ran their own businesses. “It’s nice to have that background because they know what it takes to get things done, and they know it’s not always easy,” Stumpff says. “That’s a big deal.”

The team is quick and adaptable. “We take on a little bit of everything,” Stumpff says. “For me, I love the challenge. We’ll take on smaller custom jobs, projects that are more design-intense that maybe other contractors don’t have the capability to take on.” Moore is especially known for his high-level carpentry skills and quick turnaround for small custom projects and cabinetry. And Stumpff appreciates the individuality of the projects. “I enjoy the different aspects of each project,” he says. “Everyone needs a different approach and style, and everything’s custom. Every project is unique in its own way.” From demo to drywall, Stumpff is genuine in his excitement to watch a project come together.

Stumpff’s passion for renovation extends to the care he takes with his clients, using a seven-step process from budget estimation to project completion. Through every step, the team is always communicating with clients, responding to needs, and educating about potential solutions. As potential clients reach out, they can expect to receive knowledgeable information before an on-site consultation to make sure their project is a fit for both sides. “Even if a potential client isn’t interested in moving for-

ward right now, we still take the time to educate them on budget ranges and how our process works,” he says. The entire process is lengthy but incredibly thorough.

Over the years, Stumpff and his team have proven themselves honest, reliable, and extremely talented. The early days of starting out are years past, but Stumpff recalls having no portfolio or business plan. “I had a van with my tools,” he says. “I didn’t have anything other than—I have a good work ethic and I know how to use my skill sets and produce high-level carpentry and finishes. I’m a good worker.” After years of growth, Stumpff HomeWorks is a well-known name synonymous with the high-end quality it delivers. Stumpff is quick to spread credit around to what he calls his “Super Bowl team.” “We’ve got high-level craftsmen,” he says. “And it’s hard to find a group of guys who gel like ours do. We’re like a family. They really like what they do—they’re not there to punch the clock. They’re there to be a part of something different.”

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

In the Kitchen A RECIPE FOR ARTFARE

BY Cody Hogan PHOTOS BY Aaron Leimkuehler

Contrary to the proverb “too many cooks spoil the broth,” I nd it fun to collaborate in the kitchen. Earlier this year I was invited to participate in ArtFare, a bene t for the Kansas City Art Institute where Kansas City chefs are paired with artists to create a delicious, stimulating, and entertaining evening. I was paired with artist Dylan Mortimer, whose story and art shimmer with light and life. In addition to Dylan, inspiration for my dish came from an early spring trip to Emilia-Romagna, Italy. For those not familiar, the area is home to many great works of Renaissance art, and a cuisine that during the Renaissance began evolving into dishes we recognize today. row in the region’s spectacular Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and balsamico tradizionale, both ingredients used at that time, and you have a recipe for success.

My dish for ArtFare is a version of gnudi—literally naked ravioli. at means that it’s a ravioli lling not covered with pasta, rather more like a dumpling. Gnudi is normally made with ricotta cheese, a binder, and seasonings. is recipe is loosely based on one I found perusing translations of Renaissance Italian chef Bartolomeo Scappi, one of the earliest writers of cookbooks, or what I think of as vague culinary guidance. (It’s hard to call these really old instructions “recipes” because there is a great deal that is assumed by the writer of the original text concerning the knowledge of the person reading—think instructions like: handful, enough, the correct amount, as needed, herbs of the season, in the normal manner, on fat or lean days, after the fashion of the country folk. You get the idea.) Fortunately, versions of this dish are still being made today, and chemistry being chemistry, proportions in recipes tend to be successful only in certain ratios, so a little experimentation is all that is required to achieve a nice dish. I also wanted to use winter squash, a New-World ingredient just becoming popular in Europe at the time, so I based my version on an av-

erage-sized butternut squash

I picked up at the OP Farmers Market—the squash beetles and some bastard chipmunks really did a number on my squash this year, so I didn’t have any of my own. Since gnudi is normally made with ricotta, I also used a conveniently packed one pound tub. e remainder of the recipe wrote itself.

For the curious and industrious, read on and give gnudi a try. For the curious but less inclined to actually cooking, I hope to see you at ArtFare where you can taste a slightly more “re ned” version of this dish—one with a little more bling than you might want to attempt at home—and you’ll be able to experience the avors and creations of the other chefs and artists as well. Regardless, I know you will enjoy the collaboration.

Winter Squash Gnudi

Begin by washing a medium-sized butternut squash (mine was 1.75 pounds to start), cut o the stem, carefully split it lengthways, and scoop out the seeds and strings. Lightly oil the squash, season the cut surface with salt and pepper, and place it cut side down on a parchment-lined sheet pan. In a 400F oven, roast the squash until tender (about 45 minutes—the skin should be slightly blistered and the squash tender when prodded with a fork or nger (don’t burn yourself). Allow the squash to cool, then remove the skin (sometimes it is easy to peel skin o the esh, sometimes it is easier to scoop the esh out of the skin). Mash or purée the esh, again season lightly with salt, and allow the squash to drain in cheesecloth or in a colander–it may or may not release much liquid depending on the moisture content of the squash. Out of curiosity, I weighed my drained squash and ended up with about 15 ounces of squash purée (almost 2 cups by volume). If you have any type of leftover roasted winter squash or pumpkin from another meal–even sweet potato—you could use that. Just be sure to drain it.

In a large bowl, combine the squash purée with one pound ricotta (also drained of any excess liquid), one cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, one egg, and about ¼ cup cooked, chopped and drained greens, such as spinach, Swiss chard, kale, or other greens. e original Italian “recipe” referenced “herbs,” which covers a wide range of green things that won’t kill you when eaten (they really like to forage in that part of the world). Swiss chard and spinach are the contemporary plants of choice, but you could certainly experiment with dandelions, parsley, carrot tops, or nettles. As for seasoning, next sprinkle over a little more salt, several generous grinds of black pepper, and then grate in about one third of a nutmeg. Other pumpkin spices i.e., cinnamon cloves or allspice, could be added, but that seems a bit like gilding the lily. When everything is thoroughly combined, sprinkle over one cup of all-purpose our and gently stir in until the our is no longer visible—try not to work too much which can toughen the dough and make the dumplings less tender. If the dough seems too wet, you could add a bit more grated cheese or plain breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture. Taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. Set the mixture in the fridge for a bit while you think about the rest of your meal and debate re lling the glass of wine you’ve been nursing.

In Your Pantry

BEYOND CANNED PUMPKIN

PUMPKIN and other winter squash are good for more than just Jack O'Lanterns, holiday still lifes, and pumpkin pie. ey also have more to o er than just squishy cooked pumpkin esh. Look for these ingredients in health food and better grocery stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods.

Pumpkin Seeds

AKA pepitas, are squash seeds with the outer hull removed (they can be eaten with the hull, but that’s a bit more work). They have a gentle, nutty flavor and are delicious both fresh and roasted, eaten out of hand as a snack. Pumpkin seeds provide a great garnish for any winter squash dish. Try them as an addition to granola or muesli, or sprinkled on pumpkin ice cream, squash risotto, and autumn salads.

Pumpkin

Butter

One of the few places pumpkin spice actually belongs, pumpkin butter is a great addition to your rotation of spreads for toast or as an impromptu frosting for coffee cakes. Many pumpkin butters have apple as a component because they blend quite harmoniously and add a hint of sweetness. Try it as a filling for fried pies, dolloped onto a steaming bowl of oatmeal, or swirled atop a warm breakfast muffin or afternoon cupcake.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is an especially tasty and nutritious source of many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try it as an oil for salad dressings or as a finishing oil drizzled over pasta or risotto, grain and pumpkin salads, or soups.

(Grana or Parmigiano), and shake the gnudi onto warmed plates and lightly drizzle with the you can nd (or make a syr-

When ready to cook, put on a large pot of salted water to a boil. Generously dust a sheet pan with our and lightly our your hands. Gather walnut-sized pieces of the sticky dough (about two tablespoons—I like to use an ice cream scoop) and quickly shape them into slightly attened balls or quenelles, setting them on the oured pan until everything is shaped. Gently drop the gnudi into the boiling water, just a few at a time—you don’t want the temperature of the water to drop too far below the boiling point or the gnudi could dissolve before rming up. Depending on the size of the pot, you may have to do this in two batches. After several minutes (be patient) the gnudi will begin to oat to the top. Allow them to bob and continue cooking for about four more minutes until rm. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet (non-stick is nice) with 6 to 8 tablespoons of butter and a few sage leaves until the butter quits sputtering and the solids in the butter begin to turn brown. With a slotted spoon, gently transfer the oating gnudi into the skillet and sauté them for a few minutes in the sage butter. Shake the pan lightly to move the gnudi around so they are coated in butter, take on a deeper golden color, and begin to crisp a bit on the edges (be careful—the ricotta scorches easily). For a creamier sauce, add a few tablespoons of the pasta water and a handful of grated cheese (Grana or Parmigiano), and shake the skillet to emulsify the butter and water. To serve, spoon the gnudi onto warmed plates and lightly drizzle with the nest balsamico tradizionale you can nd (or make a syrupy reduction of grocery store-grade balsamic vinegar with a little sugar), sprinkle with more grated cheese, and enjoy. To serve at ArtFare, add a drizzle of turkey demi-glace, fried sage leaves, gold leaf and art. Hope to see you there!

ArtFare, October 19 at the 1900 Building vanderslicecommittee.org/art-fare-2023

Pumpkin

Seed Butter

It’s like peanut butter—but made from pumpkin seeds. Great for those with peanut and tree-nut allergies. The texture is like natural peanut butter and the flavor is very similar. Try it on a nutritious and seasonal avocado toast, swirled into pumpkin gelato, on a sandwich with Concord grape jelly, in smoothies, or to add body to nutty soups and sauces. For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle the butter with honey or maple syrup (and a sprinkling of flaky salt).

by Jenny Vergara

In Your Cocktail

WHISKEY RIVER PIZZA & PUB

Creekside Development is a bustling $300 million-dollar mixed-use neighborhood with a combination of family homes, apartments, and townhomes paired with retail and restaurant spaces, walking trails, hotels and tournament-worthy youth baseball fields that’s located in Parkville near Interstate 435 and Missouri Highway 45. Yet not that long ago, this area was just an empty field with a single roundabout and one lone gas station on the corner. Now, it is on the collective radar, attracting singles, couples. and

families who on weekends pack outdoor restaurant patios, watch from their own apartment balconies or sit on the green space listening to live music as they watch their kids play under a massive tree lighted with thousands of colored LED lights.

(It also explains why Virtue Restaurant Collective, which owns Char Bar in Westport, just announced they will be opening a second barbecue restaurant and bar complete with pickleball courts later this year at Creekside.)

Whiskey River Pizza & Pub is the newest restaurant to have opened

The Colonel

in Creekside, o ering a family-friendly menu serving tender chicken drumettes, pizza, smash burgers, and salads along with a cocktail menu that celebrates whiskey with six di erent versions of an old fashioned, along with beer and wine.

Owner Cory Stipp founded Quay Co ee in the River Market before selling his two co ee shop locations to open Apogee, a restaurant serving co ee, pizza, beer, and whiskey in Olathe. For his second restaurant, Stipp has popped-up across town, but stuck to what he knows is a winning combination, while pushing the envelope just a little further with a secret whiskey lounge hidden behind a bookshelf that sits inconspicuously behind the hostess stand.

e private lounge is called Colonel’s Reserve, and it is only for members of their whiskey club. Stipp is accepting members now.

ey will pay a monthly fee to have admittance to barrel tastings, private parties, or just relax in the handsomely appointed space, which has room for 14 people to enjoy cocktails. e lounge features a dedicated bartender working behind a beautiful marble-topped bar stocked with incredible bottles of top-shelf whiskey.

For those looking for a solid whiskey cocktail to enjoy, bar manager and craft cocktail bartender, Jameson Huckaba, suggests e Colonel, his own Missouri ri on a classic old-fashioned cocktail, named after Colonel Park, the founder of Parkville.

“ e Colonel cocktail is all about bringing attention to what sits at the heart of the Kansas City area, bringing together elements that are found locally while highlighting what we are known for,” says Huckaba. “We use Ben Holladay bourbon from Weston, Missouri, and substituted the classic citrus found in a traditional old fashioned with another local avor, rhubarb, which is found in the Rabarbaro Amaro and brings a delicious bite to the cocktail. We top it o with a slice of locally grown apple and a piece of crispy smoked bacon to represent the years of smoking meat and barbecue we are nationally recognized for making.” whiskeyriverkc.com

The Colonel

2 ounces Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

.75 ounce Sfumato Rabarbaro Amaro

.25 Turbinado simple syrup*

4 dashes Aromatic Bitters

1 slice apple

1 slice crisp bacon

Stir with ice, strain over a large cube or new ice into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an apple slice and a slice of bacon on a cocktail pick.

*Turbinado simple syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio, one part water to one part turbinado sugar.

a magnificent courtyard.

1900bldg.com

(913) 730–1905

therestaurantat1900.com

(913) 730–1900

1900 Building

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Mission Woods, Kansas

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.

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

BAR MEDICI

DAVID MANICA and Christian Moscoso will welcome a new bar by the end of the year into the family that already includes some of the most luxe cocktail spots in Kansas City, including The Monarch Bar, Verdigris, and The Mercury Room. Bar Medici will be the first food-focused bar from the duo, with its own entrance and private lobby located on the ground floor of the Reverb apartment complex in the Crossroads, the same building that houses The Mercury Room on the top floor. Inspired by the opulence of 15th-century Florence, Italy, Manica spared no expense outfitting the space in subtle shades of silver, gold, and bronze. The bar and restaurant will celebrate many Italian cultural culinary traditions, including coffee service standing at the bar, aperitivo, the Italian tradition of having a drink and bites after work but before dinner, and by serving Italian gelato for dessert. The lunch, dinner, and late-night menus, created by their new culinary director Mitchell Fetterling, will feature light Mediterranean-inspired fare along with plenty of smaller plates made for sharing. A full commercial kitchen on the ground floor will also allow for a more expansive food menu to be served upstairs at The Mercury Room. barmedici.com

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CAFÉ CÀ PHÊ

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR since Jackie Nguyen opened her colorful and inclusive Vietnamese co ee shop, Café Cà Phê, in Columbus Park, but she has already leveled up with a new “baby girl” location now open inside e 12th Street Post, a retail shop o ering a collection of products made by local artists and makers in the West Bottoms. With her original Columbus Park location still open and serving her entire menu every day except Tuesdays, this new satellite location is open weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every First Friday. is new co ee counter o ers a mini menu of her most popular signature co ee drinks and donuts. Try her newest creation, the 12th Street cold brew, made with local honey and yuzu syrup mixed with Vietnamese Robusta cold-brew co ee. Come, shop and ca einate. cafecaphe.com

A collaboration of Artists and Chefs

A collaboration of Artists and Chefs

A collaboration of Artists and Chefs

Please join us for a delectable evening of cocktails, art, and food

Thursday, October 19th, 2023 at the 1900

Building

An Event hosted by The Vanderslice Committee to Bene t the Kansas City Art Institute

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit VandersliceCommittee.org or call 816-806-1308

JUDY & DON CULP LINDA & TOPPER JOHNTZ, HONORARY CHAIRS ARTFARE 2023 +

Hosted by the Vanderslice Committee, to Benefit the Kansas City Ar t Institute

The Vanderslice Committee would like to thank our 2023 media sponsor

by Jenny Vergara

STRANG CHEF COLLECTIVES AT CASCADE HOTEL

STRANG CHEF COLLECTIVES takes local chefs and new restaurant concepts and puts them inside of mixeduse real estate developments, bringing professional and curated food and beverage service into every building. Their newest project will open this fall inside the sleek new Cascade Hotel, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection, located just north of the Country Club Plaza. The Plaza location marks the third Kansas City location for Strang Chef Collectives joining Strang Hall in downtown Overland Park and Lightwell located in downtown Kansas City. The first of the four new restaurant concepts have been announced with the chef Chris Jones heading up Khai-Noy, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine inspired by the food of Thailand and Laos. Guests can expect to enjoy delicacies such as a pork belly platter, chilaquiles, curry fried rice, and purple ube cookies. Jones previously worked as a sous chef under Anourom Thomson, the chef who operates Anousone inside of Strang Hall, and says that is where he first learned to appreciate the cuisine and flavors of Southeast Asia.

Reservation for One OF COURSE KITCHEN & COMPANY

by Jenny Vergara photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

For as long as people have traded goods and ingredients, there has been a blending of cuisines, and yet, “fusion food” is still considered by most chefs today as a dirty culinary term, sometimes even referred to as the “f-word” in restaurant kitchens.

The term “fusion” was first coined in the late 1980s, and it carries the stigma of its careless inception, as the term was often used to describe a “new” kind of cuisine that happened when typically white, male chefs who were classically trained to cook French cuisine attempted to take Asian ingredients and mix them into traditional French or European dishes, usually with questionable culinary success.

Today, a new generation of chefs is entering restaurant kitchens and regardless of their roots, they are developing dishes that have one foot grounded in the cuisine they grew up eating at home and the other in the foods they grew to love from dining out in the culinary melting pot that is America. These new chefs are picking and choosing what they cook, mixing and matching ingredients based on their own palates and preferences without putting a label on it.

The chef Swetha Newcomb’s splashy first restaurant, Of Course Kitchen & Company, is a good example of the effortless blending of cultures and cuisines. She even refers to her food as fusion on her website. The food this 28-year-old South Indian-born chef is preparing is American, made with local ingredients, and seasoned with the flavors and spices that come from her Indian roots, and in that way the menu at Of Course Kitchen & Company seems fresh, inviting, and innovative, while still being familiar.

This mixing of cultures is not just seen in Newcomb’s cooking, but also in the décor of her tasteful and intimate restaurant, which blends a modern American aesthetic with small subtle touches of Indian decor. A calming mix of light and dark brown woods pairs well with cream and khaki-colored walls and with sleek gold light fixtures, creating a neutral backdrop for the dramatic black-and-white striped floor tiles. The whole room is spiced up with stylish modern screens that separate the bar, kitchen, and dining room, in addition to sapphire blue banquette seating, Indigenous clay pots, and modern artwork.

A quick note about where Newcomb’s restaurant is located in the BluHawk strip center. Over the next year, BluHawk will finish construc-

tion on a $125 million dollar, 420,000-square-foot sports arena where new basketball courts, soccer fields, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, a fitness center, bowling alley, and more restaurant and retail tenants will open attracting more people to the area. Newcomb sees Of Course Kitchen & Company as being an attractive option today for those looking for a nicer restaurant out south, and a place that will be well-positioned in the future when new attractions will bring new people to her door.

My party of four ordered drinks all around once we were seated. The cocktail menu was created by Jay Sanders, co-owner of Drastic Measures and Wild Child. His drinks play with all the flavors found in Indian cuisine in a smart but subtle way. The Wish You Were Here is made with deeply spiced Opihr gin and tonka-bean syrup, which heightened all the flavors of the warming spice, topped with a South Korean yogurt-based seltzer called Milkis that gave the drink a milky hue and tangy flavor. It was spot-on the perfect drink to have as an introduction to Newcomb’s food.

The lamb keema samosa croquettes came to the table with five golf ball-sized croquettes centered around creamy whipped feta and roasted red pepper sauce redolent of curry. One bite and the crispy exterior gave way to a soft and steamy hot interior, a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb and green peas, that when dunked into the sauce brought the flavors of India brilliantly into focus.

Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street-food dish, and here it consisted of sweet, yeasty dinner rolls served with a curry that was a rich tapestry of India spices (including masala powder, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, and chili powder) with cauliflower, okra, and potatoes. Do not miss your opportunity to sop up every bit of sauce with your own dinner roll.

The palak paneer mac and cheese came to the table with cavatappi pasta tossed in a luscious sauce of white cheddar and puréed spinach that was reminiscent of the original Indian dish, sprinkled with cashew and coriander dukkah for a bit of crunch. As someone who is not a believer in mac and cheese as an entrée after the age of 12, it was the perfect dish for those who just desire a bite of something comforting and understandable.

We ended the meal with the whole market fish, a white fish whose name or origin I did not catch when it was mentioned by the waitress. It was tender and flaky, served flash fried, head on and nestled as if it was swimming upstream in a bed of sticky basmati rice. A lovely mix of pickled vegetables, a creamy labneh-focused sauce, garam masala and Old Bay seasoning accompanied it. The crispy, hot fish gave off a heady aroma when presented to the table, because it was judiciously sprinkled with a bit of the same spices that were in the sauce accompanying it.

Side dishes that we ordered included the peri peri hand-cut fries served with fried green curry leaves and a side of curry ketchup, which I suspect had some peri peri pepper in it and was truly addictive to eat.

Eating Newcomb’s food was like playing a small trick on your palate. I equate it with how you see a slice of yellow watermelon, and your mind tricks your tastebuds into preparing to experience something other than sweet juicy watermelon. Then when you take a bite and the yellow watermelon tastes just like a red one, you find yourself pleasantly surprised. Many of Newcomb’s dishes look American, Italian, and even French when they come to the table, but once savored, layered into each dish are the recognizable and joyous Indian spices, not in terms of heat, but in seasoning and flavor.

As we left her restaurant at the end of the meal, I walked away wondering if I had gotten it all wrong. Is Newcomb’s food really Indian food, and not American food, as I declared at the beginning of this piece?

The food is unique to Newcomb, her experiences, her restaurant, and Kansas City, and that alone makes it worth a trip to Of Course Kitchen & Company to taste for yourself. ofcoursekc.com

Planet Anime

October 20 – 22, 2023 Planet Anime is happening at Kansas City Convention Center. For tickets: PlanetAnimeKC.com

Haunted Attractions in Kansas City’s West Bottoms Beast, Edge of Hell, & Macabre Cinema – check the website kcbeast.com for open dates and times.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park & State Historic Site Watkins Mill o ers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. 816-580-3387

Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin picking plus dozens of activities for all ages. Carolyn’s is the place for Fall Fun! CarolynsPumpkinPatch.com

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date on Greater Kansas City Attractions Association

COOKING IS A CELEBRATION OF DETAILS

The Hestan team spent years working alongside America’s most celebrated chefs, reinventing restaurant kitchens with award-winning innovation. Now they’ve reimagined your home kitchen. More power. More control. More inspiration. Hestan products are built to meet the needs of the most demanding home chefs, and that could be you. This traditionally styled full Hestan kitchen features built-in Ensemble Refrigeration and Wine Storage, an undercounter Ice Machine, Refrigerator Drawers and a Dishwasher. The 48” Dual Fuel Range and Hood are shown in Hestan’s exclusive “Pacific Fog,” one of 12 available colors.

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We Care KC Brunch

KC CARE’S first-ever in-person We Care KC Brunch took place on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Hotel Kansas City. It featured the elements we all love about brunch in a creative and engaging event. Mimosas and missiondriven stories were on the menu. For more photos, go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by brian rice

Nerman Museum’s Wild Life!

THE WILD LIFE! celebration took place at the Nerman Museum on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The event honored Bruce Hartman, the museum’s retired founding executive director and chief curator, with an exciting art auction and launch of its highly anticipated publication, Celebrating 30 Years of Art on Campus. For more photos, go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by kenny johnson

Wine and Roses

ON SEPTEMBER 14, the Kansas City Rose Society, along with Honorary Chairs Erin and Steve Mos and Event Chair Amy Embry, hosted their 11th annual Wine and Roses event. Over 200 attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres from Olive Events Catering. Attendees could select from six wines curated by Top Shelf Bartending. The UMKC Conservatory Graduate String Quartet serenaded the guests as they enjoyed the beauty of the Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden. Bergamot and Ivy provided stunning floral arrangements. All proceeds benefited the maintenance and preservation of the rose garden, which was established in 1931. For more photos, go to inkansascity.com/events.

Finding the Perfect Fit

When Shelley Seibolt and Roses Ammon founded Sta ng Kansas City in 1998, they wanted to build a company that would help small to midsize businesses grow roots in Kansas City, changing people’s lives, and strengthening the economy. For 25 years, Sta ng KC has done just that by assisting local businesses with sta ng and recruiting needs.

With Sta ng Kansas City, clients don’t have to worry about the process of recruiting, screening, and interviewing potential talent. e WBE-certi ed employment agency takes its role as Kansas City’s employment services partner seriously, guaranteeing each client only the best, skilled candidates who are the perfect t for permanent or temporary sta ng needs. Sta ng Kansas City clients know they will always talk with someone they know and trust.

photos by david riffel

Renovation Sensation Patrons Party

ON SEPTEMBER 19, the Renovation Sensation Homes Tour patrons party was held at the home of Britton and Rick Norden. Renovation Sensation is the primary fundraising event for the Shawnee Mission East High School SHARE program, which is a studentled organization that encourages students to volunteer through studentled projects. For more photos, go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by brian rice

by Liz Schroeder

LUIS MORTERA

PHOTOGRAPHER. ARTIST. CURATOR.

Luis Mortera gravitates toward beautiful things. Working as a collector and curator of midcentury furniture at Populuxe, his keen eye sees past the imperfections to nd fabulous and fascinating pieces. “In an age when you can buy anything and everything online, a great store has to be more than a place to spend money,” Mortera says. “It’s got to be a place to spend time.”

A lifelong photographer, Mortera graduated from the Fine Arts School in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, and often collaborates with local businesses and artists today, shooting at area fashion shows and art salons. Mortera values the passion and support locals have for our small businesses and entrepreneurs. “We have the best team in the country—the Chiefs—amazing collections of art, and our museums are free. You don’t have to pay to get in and admire Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio,” he says. And the changing seasons are a bonus for Mortera, who used to live in Florida. When the snow comes, he’ll be by the replace with his partner, Roger Bryant and their puppy, Scotch.

You can nd Mortera on the weekends at Populuxe, surrounded by all his curated treasures. And good news—Populuxe is expanding just in time for their fth anniversary! populuxekc.com

Luis’s essentials...

MAKING MUSIC:

The Ship is a venue for diverse live music: honky-tonk, jazz, salsa, and disco with dope DJs. My favorite artists are Calvin Arsenia and Mike Dillon

KC SCENT:

I always get compliments and people asking me what I’m wearing—my secret is Saint Rita Parlor Parfüm from Finefolk smells amazing. You can never go wrong with a mix of tobacco, leather, sandalwood, and musk.

DAY TRIP: We like to go to Weston and Parkville in the fall, charming historic towns that have everything for a perfect getaway. e weather is perfect and the tree colors are changing. In Parkville, we like to go to antique and design stores like Samsara Home for holiday decorations. In Weston, we taste all the local wines.

. It go wrong with a mix of tobacco,

COOL COCKTAILS: I go to Bijou for cocktails and order the Lion d’Argleterre every time. It’s so refreshing and can be your drink till the fall.

BUYING BOUTIQUE:

e best lingerie shop in America can be found at Birdies—they also carry men’s underwear and pajamas. It’s that time of the year!

FOODIE FIND: e pasta dishes at Novel are so delicious. The Ship for lunch for the Shrimp Poboy. Little secret—they make the best Caesar salad.

MEET THE MAKERS: I’ve got two favorite KC makers. Convivial in the West Bottoms—each of the wares is designed and handmade. I bought a beautiful vase and the salad plates we use every day at home. Hammerpress makes cards for every special occasion. I always nd lots of perfect little holiday gifts there.

CAFÉ STOP: I really like the vibe of the West Bottoms for co ee. I go to Blip and order iced lattes! I also recommend the seasonal drinks on tap.

photo by corie english

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