IN Kansas City September 2021 by KC Media

Kansas City's Big Ideas & Bold Visions

TWO HOMES, TWO LOOKS

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SEPTEMBER 2021 INKANSASCITY.COM

Fall Fashion

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10% of the proceeds from the shops will benefit a local charity. For more information on the weekend please visit our website.

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SEPTEMBER 17 - 19 new date. same great show. Save the date for the 3rd weekend in September! The 35th Art Annual features nationally recognized artists in the

heart of Kansas City’s favorite neighborhood destination. Enjoy a weekend of culture, cuisine and connections again this year in Brookside. LE A R N M O RE AT B R OOK S I D EK C . OR G

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2021 72

86 Features 68

IN CONVERSATION WITH DEANNA DIKEMAN The Kansas City-based photographer talks about how she discovered her love of photography and her popularity in Europe.

THREE BIG IDEAS Kansas City’s transformation is far from over. Here’s what’s next.

FALL FORWARD Face the new season in clothes with cuddly comfort and sharp style.

96 Departments 26

WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN KC

COASTING HOME Leawood native Matt Gary craved family, and a shoreline, in Kansas.

ENTERTAINING IN KC

OUR MAN IN KC

ARTS & CULTURE IN KC

BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC

LOOK IN KC

LIVING IN KC

108

FLAVOR IN KC

128

MY ESSENTIALS IN KC

NEW BREWS The return of the coffeehouse.

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT A Sunset Hill home’s faded colors, worn leather, and layered patterns tell a timeless story inspiring a lifestyle and a business.

IN EVERY ISSUE

On the cover

Our fall fashion picks for the new season. For more information on this look and to see the rest of the feature, turn to page 76. Photo by Ron Berg.

SEPTEMBER 2021

| 18 | INKANSASCITY.COM

EDITOR’S NOTE

INKANSASCITY.COM

THIS MONTH IN KC

DA R L E N E LOV E

N E W DA N C E PA R T N E R S

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR FALL 2021 SEASON! K A N SAS C I T Y AND ALL T H AT ’ S JA Z Z

ANA G AS T E Y E R

H O S T E D BY B RYA N B U S BY

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Scan this QR code to purchase tickets.

Or call the Box Office at 913-469-4445, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

L A R RY CA R LTO N

S U SA N WERNER

E N D L E S S V A R I E T Y, M AT C H L E S S TA L E N T !

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K A N SAS C I T Y JA Z Z O R C H E S T R A

THE REMINDERS

Revolutionizing health care so you can feel whole for your whole life.

At AdventHealth, we’re redefining health care by employing the most innovative medical solutions in pursuit of less-invasive procedures, shorter recovery times and an elevated patient experience. Our leading experts are here to help you stay well ahead for your whole life.

Stay well ahead at AdventHealth.com.

Editor’s Note

Kansas City, Here We Come!

Vol. 4 | No. 9 SEPTEMBER 2021

Editor In Chief Zim Loy Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Zim

SEPTEMBER 2021

| 22 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Digital Editor Michael Mackie

photo by aaron leimkuhler

few years ago, I began to occasionally order clothes online. Gosh, it seemed so easy. I didn’t have to go out and try things on. It was another level of convenience. But last year, as we moved from our Westside house, I “edited” my closet. I am embarrassed about how many tops, pants, even shoes, that I sent off to the Salvation Army, some even with their price tags still attached. This is what I learned: Everything I kept, I had purchased locally at one of the great boutiques we have here in the metro. I have shopped and purchased items from every one of the stores and shops featured in our fashion feature starting on page 76 of this issue. And it’s not just the ability to try things on; I value the feedback I get from the shop owners and sales staff, too. There’s a reason Shop Local is a mantra here at the magazine. You’re not supporting Jeff Bezos; you’re supporting your neighbors and friends and keeping our dollars here, including taxes... ...which in turn fund the Big Ideas, Bold Visions that have defined the metro over the past few years. On page 72, our contributing writer Katy Schamberger takes a closer look at three of those big ideas and what’s happening with them. Of course, right now we are all complaining about the drive down Main Street, which is a bit like driving bumper cars at the fair. And that’s just the pre-construction! But when the streetcar extension is finished, it will be such an improvement in how our city lives and how it’s viewed by visitors. I’m really looking forward to the Rock Island Bridge renovation. Talk about creative reuse! It will tie both Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, closer to the river we’ve turned our backs on. It will be such a unique addition to the metro’s amenities. Although our third bold vision—the park over the downtown loop—is currently just a concept, how exciting would it be if we could actually make it happen! Connecting the Crossroads to Downtown proper would serve businesses on both sides of the divide. And more green space is always welcome. There’s lots more in this issue: We’re featuring two homes that couldn’t be more different, but each is a creative exercise that reveals the owners’ passions. One of them is bound to appeal to you. If you’re a coffee addict, like some I know, you’ll want to check out the new coffeehouses to which our food contributor, Kelsey Cipolla, introduces us. Our Q&A interview with Deanna Dikeman struck a personal note with me. Her book of her photography, Leaving and Waving, features photographs of her Iowa parents waving goodbye over a period of almost 30 years. As a native Iowanian and longtime Kansas Citian who has made that trip down I-35 more times than I can count, I could relate. Of course there’s more. More local news. More food, entertaining, fashion, and home coverage. You’re sure to find something meant just for you.

Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, Rachel Murphy, Patricia O’Dell, Katy Schamberger Contributing Photographers Ron Berg, Peter Bloch, Morgan Cooper, Corie English, Brandon Dahlquist, Aaron Leimkuehler, Cameron Story Graphic Designer Eva Tucker Publisher Michelle Jolles Media Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley Newsstand Consultant Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

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Life’s a drag. She’s

All ﬁred up. This

autumn, fall in love with this stunning, gray Stonefire gas firepit table courtesy of our friends at Complete Home Concepts and Outdoor Greatroom Company. It’s easy to move and has everything you need in both a table and a firepit. Valued at over $1,000, it’s perfect for those crisp fall nights just around the corner! Enter to win by September 30 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enter-to-win. Good luck!

You say tomato. This season, vine-ripened tomatoes are plentiful. Why not pick a few from your garden or at your local farmers market and whip up this flavorful heirloom tomato pie? The tasty recipe is courtesy of Po Wang, the culinary director of Third Street Social’s new Plaza location. Find the recipe at inkansascity.com/eat-drink-recipes.

Deliberating what to do tonight? The best dive bars in KC. There’s a time and

place for an icy craft beer or a perfectly executed libation. That time is not now. If PBR is your jam and/or you like a lethally strong Long Island iced tea, then these no-nonsense, metro dive bars are like the mothership calling you home. You know ‘em, you love ‘em—and we name ‘em. Find the list at inkansascity.com.

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

Hungry? Try out a new, local eatery tonight! From happy hours to the local restaurant

scene, we’ve got the city’s most complete dining guide. Check ‘em out at inkansascity.com/eatdrink/dining-guide

arguably one of most wellknown, omnipresent drag queens in the cosmos. Of course, we’re talking about the ever-snarky, sharptongued Bianca Del Rio who cleaned up on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Del Rio will be crisscrossing the U.S. and Canada on her new Unsanitized comedy tour which arrives at The Folly Theater on September 22. “I’m excited to be amongst the people again,” she says. “And for someone who hates people I was shocked at how much I missed people.” Read the story at inkansascity.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

| 24 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Dede Dunn

Kasey Bourk

Kristin Johnson

Kyla Cauthon

Blake Nelson

YOUR KANSAS CITY REAL ESTATE AMBASSADOR Laura Carpenter

•KC REAL ESTATE INFLUENCER: RANKED ONE OF THE TOP 20 AGENTS IN THE METRO •200+ BOTTLES OF CHAMPAGNE POPPED ANNUALLY & COUNTING! •STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH KC EMPLOYERS •99.9% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATING •DEDICATED RELOCATION PROGRAM •FULL-TIME CLIENT CONCIERGE

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Women in Business by

IN KC Michael Mackie

photo by

Corie English

Lisa Choules

THE FORMER MEMBER OF THE KANSAS CITY BALLET TROUPE PIROUETTED TO HER NEXT CAREER

fter training throughout her teens, Lisa Choules began dancing professionally when she was 18 years old. She dabbled briefly as a model and even moved to Italy before returning to her love of ballet. Early in her career, Choules had two daughters, only 11 months apart. “I was 27 and going back to dancing was not much of a thing back then,” she says. “Most dancers who had babies just retired. But I thought I wanted to try it.” Eager to work for a larger ballet company, her next act brought her to Kansas City where she danced with The Kansas City Ballet for nearly a decade. It was during that time Choules discovered a talent for designing dancewear, partly for fun and partly out of necessity. “After my kids were born, I started making my own dancewear. I couldn’t find anything that fit me—with my changing body,” she says. Colleagues admired her handiwork and requested Choules make pieces for them. Before long, Choules had a side hustle that would turn into a small cottage industry. She continued honing her design craft, eventually moving on to creating costumes for other dance troupes. “When I retired from dancing in 2009—it’s such a long career from 18 to 37—I thought, what do I do? Do I want to go into costuming, start my own dancewear brand?” she asks. After taking some design and branding classes in New York City, she determined her next step. “I loved school, but I was a single parent—with two children, three dogs, and I owned a house in Kansas City,” she says. “And I thought moving to New SEPTEMBER 2021 |

York City wasn’t going to be the life I wanted, so I started my own dancewear company in the basement of my home in 2010.” Choules says Elevé Dancewear took time to find its footing, but once she launched her website, custom orders started coming in. “We were doing pretty well right off the bat,” she says. An early assist also came from Choules’s colleagues—dancers who began selling her wares, which helped create buzz for the line. At first, pieces were all customized. “We created a fabricsoptions page where dancers could pick their own fabrics from styles I had designed,” she says. “Maybe they wanted a red leotard with black sleeves or white trim—or they could pick one of our beautiful prints. It was fun for the customer. And we still have a custom section on our website.” Six years ago, the company branched out to a more expansive ready-to-wear line. “I just want to create and design,” she says. “I’m really happy when people like my product. I want to look at what can I do next, or what can we do to make this even better? How can we make dancewear more fashionable and not the same as everyone else?” Over time, Elevé Dancewear has seen quite a style evolution, and Choules gives all the glory to her team of designers and sewers. “Now that we’re 11 years old, it’s fun to see the difference of the beginning versus now. I couldn’t do this without all my employees. They’re pushing us to elevate and be better and make our products the high-end [garments] I want them to be.” Known for its festive prints and original styles, the company’s growth continues after a middling 2020. “The pandemic was a year of creativity, coming up with different things, thinking out of the box,” says Choules. “And how can we feature dancers who are at home?” Choules adds that when the dance world started streaming online performances, Elevé featured performers on its website’s blog as well. The company also pivoted to sewing masks. “We donated a lot of money to dance organizations with our mask fund,” she says. “It was about digging deep and being creative.” Elevé Dancewear’s team checks every single piece before it goes out to clients. It’s a nod to Choules’s long-term, loyal customers. “I don’t do things the cheap way,” she says. “I want to have control over the product, the manufacturing, and the end result. We check everything and make sure it’s sewn correctly.” With nearly 80 percent of manufacturing duties being handled here in the metro, Elevé’s reach goes far outside the U.S. “Australia, Japan, and Canada buy a lot from us,” she notes. “The U.K. was also amazing, but Brexit has been a big hiccup.” Looking forward, Choules says she’s been on the hunt for a NY-based storefront, which she hopes to open in the spring of 2022. For now, she’s optimistic. “That’s one of my big goals: to have a store in New York where dancers from all over the world can shop,” she says. “We’re just waiting for dance and Broadway to come back.” Fingers and (pointed) toes crossed. elevedancewear.com

26 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Know Your Worth

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. POWER IS PERSONAL. Whether it’s a path to security, a gateway to your dreams or the road to being your own boss, we have the people and resources to empower you. Learn more at UMB.com/WXW

This Month IN KC

September

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE BY

Michael Mackie

American Royal 41st World Series of Barbecue September 16 – 19 Kansas Speedway

The Derby Party September 4 Kansas City Museum kansascitymuseum.org

americanroyal.com/bbq

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM Quick! Grab your jauntiest chapeau or most fascinating fascinator and secure your tickets to The Derby Party 2021: A Grand Reopening Celebration, a fashion-forward fundraiser hosted by the Kansas City Museum Foundation to benefit the Kansas City Museum. This year’s Derby Party coincides with the museum’s reopening. Guests are invited to be among the first to experience the newly restored and renovated Corinthian Hall. Festivities on the historic grounds include live music by Grand Marquis, Southern food bites by Brown & Loe, and plenty—and we mean, plenty—of adult libations. Plus, if you’re going to gussy up, you might as well be competitive about it. Special guest judges will be on hand to announce Best Dressed, Best Hat, and Best Face Cover awards.

BRING ON THE MEAT! Touted and revered as the largest barbecue competition in the world, The American Royal will bring teams together from across the United States and across the oceans, seas, and ponds to compete for the title of American Grand Champion. The rowdy four-day meat extravaganza will once again be held at the Kansas Speedway. Want to be a part of the smoky goodness? This ultimate barbecue experience also features live music, delicious eats, and a vendor fair that’s a must-see for carnivore enthusiasts.

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT Brookside Art Annual September 17 – 19 Brookside brooksidekc.org

Brush Creek Art Walk September 17 – 19 Country Club Plaza

WALK THE WALK This three-day, weekend-long, on-site painting event will prime you for the Plaza Art Fair the following weekend. Artists from across the Midwest will participate in this 10th annual outdoor painting competition along all four miles of Kansas City’s picturesque Country Club Plaza. It’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air (minus a few paint fumes) and see art happening right in front of your eyes. This year more than 50 registered and participating artists are slated to show off their on-site handiwork at Brush Creek Art Walk. The 100+ original submitted works will then be available for purchase starting September 27 through the end of October at the Discovery Center.

FINE ART Typically known as Kansas City’s first outdoor art show of the year, the Brookside Art Annual has been pushed back a bit this year. But never fear, organizers are pulling out all the stops this year to celebrate the art event’s 35th anniversary. (Fun fact: Artists selected for the canceled 2020 show were all invited to return this year.) The show—which draws upwards of 70,000 people—is slated to feature more than 180 artists. And bring your appetite, too. While you’re at the show, enjoy some of the best Brookside has to offer. Local restaurants serve up a variety of delicious food and drink options at food booths sprinkled throughout the venue.

For Kansas City’s most comprehensive calendar of events, go to inkansascity.com SEPTEMBER 2021

| 28 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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TOP THREE REASONS TO DETOX YOUR JEWELRY BOX

you haven’t rifled through your jewelry box lately, now is an ideal time to do so, says Diamond Banc’s Kansas City director, Sicily Von Overfelt. “Talk about hidden gems!” she says. “People could be sitting on a gold mine—literally—and not even know how much some of their vintage pieces are worth, especially if they’ve been inherited or passed down through generations.” Located on the Country Club Plaza, Diamond Banc has grown to become one of the nation’s best jewelry equity-loan providers. Couple that with their recent ranking as Kansas City’s top-rated jewelry buyer and lender on Google and it’s no wonder why Overfelt has been exponentially busy helping valued clientele sell off high-end jewelry and watches. She says with the jewelry market at an all-time high, here’s why going through your jewelry box isn’t just beneficial, it could reap big rewards:

3) PURGE AND SPLURGE

“Think about the value that’s sitting in your jewelry box that’s not being used. Like fashion, jewelry styles change. So, if you have a dated piece you’re not wearing, trade it in for something you do like. There’s no need to feel guilty about selling something you’ve inherited that’s merely collecting dust. And look around! That old, broken gold chain you haven’t thought about since the 90s? It has tripled in value. Or, say, you have one gold hoop earring but the other one is MIA. Well, gold is

now selling for nearly $1,800 an ounce. In addition, the price of used Rolex watches is astronomical. A client just last week brought in a vintage Rolex from the 70s he inherited. He had it stashed in his safety deposit box. It was worth nearly $7,000.”

2) DEMAND IS KEY

“Just like how now is the time to sell your house, it’s also the perfect time to sell jewelry. The pandemic has sparked a buying frenzy. People who were once spending money on lavish trips and clothing have started investing in precious jewels and diamonds. That’s why we tell our new clients that no piece is too big or too small. We encourage people who are unsure how much something is truly worth to visit us. Similar to cyclical fashion trends, vintage jewelry styles are hotter than ever. A fine quality diamond in a desirable vintage mounting is now commanding higher value than ever before. We want clients to know how strong the market is. Retail resale has gone way, way up—especially preowned designer jewelry and pre-owned diamond pieces.”

1) TIME IS MONEY

“With our no obligation offer, Diamond Banc makes it incredibly easy to become better informed and price out what your assets are worth. Drop off your jewelry with us or make an appointment. Regardless of whether you want to sell immediately or put it on consignment, we’re here to be of service. Plus, it helps if our clients

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know the dollar amount they have in their jewelry box in case they need supplemental emergency cash or a short term loan. Vintage jewelry pieces by global designers are, by far, the most desirable. Anything from Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels are getting top dollar. Most coveted are Cartier pieces from the 70s, such as the iconic LOVE bangle. And remember Harry Winston who donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian in the late 50s? He’s called the King of Diamonds for a reason. His vintage pieces are selling for staggering numbers—especially his classic three-stone style ring with a prominent center diamond and tapered baguettes on each side. Not only do we offer immediate payment, but we’ve also become a trusted partner of Tivol, our neighbor on the Plaza, who are phenomenal to work with. The collaboration has become a win-win for everyone involved—including our newest customers.”

Sicily Von Overfelt is a GIA graduate gemologist with over 14 years of experience in the jewelry industry and 10+ years with Diamond Banc. She began her jewelry career in retail sales, where she gained a vast knowledge of many designer brands. Sicily is the Director of Diamond Banc in Kansas City, authenticating and purchasing pre-owned luxury designer jewelry, diamonds, and watches from the public. Visit Sicily at her office conveniently located on the Country Club Plaza

DIAMONDBANC.COM 435 Nichols Rd., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64112 816.977.2677 FOR AN APPOINTMENT email sicily@diamondbanc.com

Entertaining

IN KC

Swell (But Simple) September Soirees Merrily in the Leawood garden of Greg and Cindy Barnhill.

OUR ACE OF ENTERTAINING OFFERS IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR SUPER-CASUAL LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL DINNER PARTIES

Merrily Jackson

photo by

Corie English

was so sure we—those of us who were vaccinated, anyway—were done with the masks. But now we’re told we are to wear them again, in stores and restaurants. I still feel comfortable socializing unmasked with friends who’ve been vaccinated, especially outdoors. How convenient, then, that it’s now September, one of KC’s best months to entertain alfresco. It’s still summer, but it’s cooled off a bit, and that makes everything in our gardens happy. And since the evenings of temperate weather are numbered, being able to have drinks and/or dinner outside seems more precious to us.

Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com

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SO, SPEAKING OF GARDENS My friends Cindy and Greg Barnhill have, at their home in Old Leawood, built a truly enchanting, completely organic garden, or should I say gardenzzzz because they have a series of impeccable

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Entertaining

IN KC

Cindy’s Simple Radish Salad

Radishes are sweet and earthy and spicy and delightfully crunchy—not to mention beautiful—in a salad. Cindy Barnhill likes to use her fall crop of radishes for this easy salad. RADISH SALAD

8 cups assorted fresh baby greens

2 cups pea shoots

3–4 cups assorted radishes (such as watermelon or black), very thinly sliced ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup champagne vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard

Fleur de sel or sel gris

Freshly ground black pepper

In a salad bowl or individual bowls, arrange greens, pea shoots, and radishes. For dressing, in a bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and mustard. Drizzle over salad just before serving. Season with fleur de sel and pepper.

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garden “rooms” featuring parterre knot gardens; an enormous vegetable garden; a French-inspired herb garden; a cutting garden; sumptuous beds of hydrangeas and ornamental boxwoods; an orchard with pear, giant quince, medlar, chestnut, pecan and dozens of varieties of apple trees; a weeping spruce arbor; a living fence of hornbeams; a dining terrace with grilling station, fridge and fire pit; and a gorgeously landscaped pool. Oh, and a working greenhouse where Greg, a bona fide orchardist, grafts and propagates plantings when he is not being an orthopedic surgeon. Did I mention they keep bees? And that they’re on close to three acres? Cindy and Greg love to entertain, especially in late summer and early fall. Even though few of us have their backdrop for entertaining—I certainly don’t—we can learn from their style and steal some of their great ideas. PARTYING GREEN One of the reasons Cindy likes to entertain in September is that the mosquitos, for the most part, are gone. But to keep the flies away, she burns lots of candles, unscented at table, scented in non-eating areas. “I only use scented candles that smell like they would come from a garden,” she says. Her favorites are Blood Orange & Lime Agav from the Forget-Me-Not Candle Company and Verbena Thyme from Leif. Procuring them is easy, since she carries both lines in her fabulous shop, Pear Tree Design and Antiques in the Crestwood Shops. Environmentally thoughtful through and through, The Barnhills never use disposable or non-sustainable anything. “For a dinner party, I haul out my white ironstone plates and jute chargers, and haul them back in again,” she says. For a big, buffet-style gathering she uses sustainable bamboo plates. Soft linen and cotton napkins add to the dining experience. Cindy’s favorites are from Couleur Nature and June & December. Both lines are available at Pear Tree Design and Antiques, natch. EAT WHERE IT’S PRETTY Cindy advises us to not get in a rut when it comes to outdoor dining locations. “We try to shake things up, and move the table around,” she says, adding that sometimes, when feeding company, they carry a table out to the orchard, or next to where something is in spectacular bloom. “Even if you have a smaller garden, or no garden at all, you can do this,” she says. “Move the table to the driveway, if the view is pretty, or next to the flowerbeds in your yard. Play ‘Aretha’s Jazz’ on Spotify. Your guests will love it.” “HATCH” A PLAN FOR GRILLED CHICKEN (YUKYUKYUK) In late summer and early fall, the Barnhills grill almost every night, whether entertaining friends, family, or dining a deux. Email me for their brined, grilled chicken recipe. You could use it as the basis for a casual get-together with friends. You make the grilled chicken and ask friends to bring seasonal sides, like SEPTEMBER 2021 |

35 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Entertaining

IN KC

ratatouille, fresh corn pudding, or watermelon feta salad. Email me—I have recipes! ANOTHER IDEA FOR A SEPTEMBER SUPPER It’s easy to overlook the fact that we don’t have a bounteous garden like the Barnhills when we remember our local farmers market, a captivating place to be this time of year. There are great markets all over the metro. My favorite is in the River Market where on Saturday mornings you will find, fresh from the farmers’ trucks, everything you need for an exquisite late summer/early fall feast: locally raised meats and poultry; all manner of luscious and exotic vegetables and fruits; verdant fresh herbs; just-baked artisanal breads and pies, gorgeous fresh flowers for your table. Go with no particular menu in mind (remember to mask up!); choose what looks good to you. Remember any vegetable is delicious oven-roasted at 400 degrees with olive oil and sea salt, as is almost any fruit when it is sliced or chopped, dusted cut-side-up with sugar, popped into a 450 degree oven until caramelized, then spritzed with a little orange juice. Cindy likes to pull whatever veggies are fresh in her garden, toss it all together in a bowl with a chopped avocado, and drizzle it with “a little herb olive oil and lemon.” You could do the same with your treasures from the farmers market.

NOT INCLINED TO COOK? Give yourself permission to serve carryout. Your friends won’t mind; they just want to see you. Cindy freely admits that in a pinch she goes to Aixois, the venerated French bistro next door to her shop, and picks up a to-go dinner made by chef Emmanuel Langlade. I’ve had many great meals at Aixois, but it never occurred to me to use them for a dinner party. Turns out they have an extensive takeout menu and will even deliver through ChowNow. Or set your table prettily and serve pan-fried chicken, a swell entrée for a casual dinner. I was heartbroken when Stroud’s in Fairway closed. Good news, they have opened two Stroud’s Express shops— in Mission and Lee’s Summit—that offer only curbside pick-up and delivery. For multiple orders, the food is packed in bulk, so you can transfer it to your prettiest serving dishes—you’ll want to tag them in advance with sticky notes—the chicken, tossed salad, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and those decadent cinnamon rolls. For a group of six, order three regular chicken dinners (each serves two very generously). I did this recently for a small dinner party and they delivered the meal right on time, halfway through the drinks hour, so I could scamper into the kitchen and get the buffet ready. I took care of it all online—no need to mask up.

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Our Man BY

IN KC

Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com

: @damianlair #OurManINKC

An Atomic Opening

erhaps you’ve been to the 6,000+ square-foot former ice manufacturing plant in the heart of Westport— now a four-concepts-under-one-roof mecca, comprised of the Denver Biscuit Company, Fat Sully’s Pizza, Atomic Cowboy, and Frozen Gold. After all, it’s been open for roughly a year. But, due to—you know—it just finally got a proper opening celebration. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s the first combined opening/one year anniversary party I’ve been to. But the wait made this night all the more sweet—and savory. While this eatery and drinkery managed a successful opening amidst the pandemic, they prudently decided that a celebration would have to wait. And so, I grabbed my neighbor BFF, and we settled in for an evening of mass stuffing and sampling. First up were fan favorites from Denver Biscuit Company. The name gives away the star of the show on this menu—freshly baked buttermilk biscuits. One of my favorite food groups, a biscuit can serve as quite the versatile medium for menu creativity. Among their two top sellers are The Franklin and The Lola. Franklin is a fried chicken biscuit sandwich with bacon and cheddar cheese, smothered in sausage gravy or a vegetarian mushroom gravy. (We got to try both, and the mushroom option was surprisingly delightful.) Lola is another biscuit sandwich with fried chicken but covered in an octopus of bacon strips and honey butter, resting in a wading pool of syrup. A sweeter option that can be made even sweeter by subbing the biscuits for French toast. Besides fried chicken on your fluffy biscuits, options abound—including sausage patties, eggs, pork belly barbecue, and even fried catfish. For next time, I already have my eyes on the biscuit potpie and the strawberry shortcake (made the proper way—with biscuits). Next up on our tour de cuisine was an unexpected cheeseburger from Fat Sully’s Pizza. The Lights Out Burger is a double smashed burger (think: Town Topic thin) with aged American cheese, house-made pickles, onions, and Big Mac-like sauce, all sandwiched inside a garlic butter toasted brioche bun. It was one of the best burgers I’ve had in KC. HOT And I don’t say that lightly. GOSSIP: What’s a burger without fries, you might ask? Sully’s (loaded) fries came Whose new outdoor in tow—waffle fries covered in that seating takes “street side” same sausage or veg gravy, pimento to a whole new level? cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. (Watch your arms!) And last but not least, from Sully’s menu was, of course, pizza. Not just any SEPTEMBER 2021 |

Damian Lair at Fat Sully’s Pizza.

pizza. A whopping 26-inch gleaming pie of perfection: known aptly as the “big ass pizza.” If you don’t need to feed a small village, one can also order more modest sizes. Or, out late in Westport and need a quick snack? You can also pick up this heavenly pizza, by the slice, via their walk-up window until midnight on weekends. Ours was a classic pepperoni (my fave), and it was stupendous—instantly tying my other favorite pizza joint in town, which was, in my mind, an impossible feat. Thankfully, I have enough leftovers for 17 weeks. As we ate our way through the menu, those behind the Atomic Cowboy bar kept us in good spirits. I could not resist the strawberry rhubarb mule (made with a super tart strawberry rhubarb jam), and later switched to the breakfast sangria, which turned out to be just as perfect at an evening hour. Finally, after treating us with the Sully’s dessert knots (fried pillowy blobs of their pizza dough, tossed in Oreo crumbles and icing—genius), they guided us to Frozen Gold for our choice of ice cream. Practically immobile at this point, I went for something simple. The Fair Grounds featured their vanilla soft serve, Pop Rocks, Kool-Aid candied popcorn, and a cotton-candy halo encircling the cone. Next on my wish list? The You’re So Cheesy with Cheetos, Cheez-its, Cheddar Goldfish, and salted caramel. And that’s how you throw an opening/anniversary party! 38 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Our Man

IN KC

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PULSATING MEDITATION

OVERHEARD Uber driver: “You want a Jell-O shot?”

JUMPING at the ON A PARTICULARLY balmy Saturday chance to get back morning, I was up early to celebrate the 200th to the Kemper Muanniversary of Missouri’s becoming the 24th seum of Contemporary Art to see Rafael U.S. state. The François Chouteau & Native Lozano-Hemmer’s Pulse Topology again, I American Heritage Fountain was the persigned up for a meditation event hosted amidst fect backdrop for this special celebration. the galactic exhibit. If you’ve not yet experiIf you’ve not been (I hadn’t), the Northland enced it, the work is an immersive light infountain features three heroic bronze sculptures stallation featuring an upside-down canopy of (French trader François Chouteau and two repmountains and valleys made from thousands of resentations of Native Americans, who foundsuspended light bulbs. It’s a massive site-speed our city when they built a trading post here cific exhibit (his largest of this kind) that also in 1821). A fourth sculpture of a native Kansa pulsates based on recorded heartbeats of curhunter stalking a beaver was ceremoniously unrent and past visitors. The most otherworldly veiled amidst the day’s activities. The fountain’s environment to meditate, no? And it was. next phase includes building additional bluffs Sat Inder Khalsa of KC Kundalini Yoga and adding a water feature. guided a small group of us through meditaThe day’s activities began with Beyond tion, qigong, breathing instruction, and sound the Circle, Native American dancers from healing. She explained (and I’d never really Springfield. The group represents the Nathought of it this way) that we should think vajo, Ottawa, Ojibwe, Zuni, and Apache of meditation as preparation and preventribes and have performed and powtion, rather than recovery. Put another wowed all over the U.S. way: It’s a fl u shot or vitamins—not Dennis Stroughmatt played HOT a sick trip to the doctor. And when French Creole fiddle, and playGOSSIP: you frame it that way, you realize wright Philip blue owl Hooser it’s not a form of relaxation that’s What bartender debuted a performance of Taran indulgent reward for hard tuffenthrope!, a play tying toquit twice in the work, time for which you need gether our city’s French origins same week? permission. Instead, it’s the selfon the Native American land at care that will allow you to work your the mouth of the “Canses” River hardest and perform your best. What an with French cultural heritage brought incredible rearrangement of thinking. by François Chouteau. Also incredible was the absence of any There were also horse-drawn wagon rides, other distractions. Just me beneath an undufood trucks, fur trapping reenactors, chalk art, lating cascade of beating lights. Like an ocean and puppet shows. Plein air painters were busy wave of gentle warmth that stops just short of throughout the day capturing the beauty of the crashing into you. Like glittering gold rainsurroundings, as well as all the happenings. Madrops that never quite reach your face. It was a jor celebration snaps to friend Heidi Markle beautiful, sublime experience. The exhibit will with KC Parks & Recreation, to whom much be on view through January 2, and more medof this event’s array of planning can be attributitation events have been added to the calendar ed, which aptly told a story of Missouri’s diverse (check the website). Go, not because you depeople, history, commerce, and culture. serve it; go because you need it. SPOTTED: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, Mayor Quinton Lucas, Rep. Emily Weber, Councilman Dan Fowler, Councilman Kevin O’Neil, Councilwoman Heather Hall, Brian Platt, Angie OVERHEARD Jeffries, Lee Page

“He is a magical soul.”

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DRAGONS LOVE TACOS WHEN my now 5-year-old godson was just a wee one, I found the most adorable felted wool baby taco shoes that were an instant buy. And because I love bundling gifts together in a theme, I paired the little tacos with a beautiful, embroidered guayabera shirt I found in

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COTERIE THEATRE

Mexico as well as an apparently popular (#1 New York Times bestseller) children’s book I stumbled upon online: Dragons Love Tacos. So, naturally, when I saw that The Coterie Theatre was performing a play based on the beloved book, I knew it would make a great summertime date with my favorite (and only) two little nephews. We met up at Crown Center for pre-theater dinner at Spin! Pizza. I got my usual custom creation: pepperoni with pesto and candied pecans. (Try it!) And despite the free gelato for kids, we made sure to save room for dessert #2 at the Kona Ice truck outside. The performance took place outdoors under the Entertainment Pavilion, i.e., the wintertime ice-skating rink. There, we were taken on an hour-long journey of Dragonology. News that dragons love tacos inspires a boy and his dog to throw a raucous taco party for dragons while mom is away. Spoiler alert: the party ends in fiery disaster. (It turns out that dragons do not like spicy salsa.) Not exactly a night at Hamilton, though neither was it trying to be. The sold-out crowd—filled with kids—loved it, and I loved that my OVERHEARD two companions were “Even my having a blast, soaking refrigerator has up the fading days of a dimmer.” summer before school started anew. Their enthusiastic review: A must-see.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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Arts & Culture

IN KC

Stuart Carden

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS by

Judith Fertig

photo by

Brandon Dahlquist

because we’ve entered an era of ‘making’ that is less bound exclusively to the word and psychological behavior and more driven by theatrical experimentation and invention, multi-disciplinary approaches, poetic gesture, and creating experiences for the stage that can only exist in the theater.” After a year-plus spent improvising on a pandemic-canceled live theater season, Carden is excited to bring it all back. “Theater, at its most thrilling, is an invitation to participate in a singular event every night—an invitation to participate. Sometimes that may be the call and response that happens between a performer and audience or it may be a moment where the audience is invited to make an imaginative leap or quite literally, as many will experience with Mary’s Wedding on the lawn of the WWI Museum and Memorial. Audiences will be immersed in the experience of the story.” kcrep.org INKC: You were just in your first year as artistic director with

ith one foot in Chicago, where his family lives, and the other in Kansas City, where he works, Stuart Carden balances writing, directing, teaching, and a host of other creative activities. Carden is married to contemporary art and public art curator Neysa Page-Lieberman and is dad to twins Dashiell and Griffin Page-Carden. Says Carden, “It is a dynamic time in the theater for new plays SEPTEMBER 2021

KCRep when the pandemic hit. What resources, personal and professional, did you draw upon to navigate this? Carden: This is a wonderful and extraordinarily big question. The pandemic hit followed powerfully by the social justice movement that has inspired so many in our industry and all of us at KCRep to work to create a more equitable theater that is truly for all. It has been a seismic moment of change and transition and by far the most challenging and meaningful work of my career. I have drawn on every ounce of every aspect of my life to help me navigate these last 15 months. All of my experience as an arts leader over the past 20 years was tapped again and again. And in so many moments, I drew from a sustaining belief in the transformational power of live performance and how we could be a part of bringing our community together during and on the other side of the pandemic. Holding on to our purpose and belief that KCRep plays a crucial role in bringing our community together, mourning the things and those we have lost, healing, and celebrating a return to community and affirming our shared humanity—this is what I looked to in moments of despair, heartache, and confusion. That and an endless pot of coffee. INKC: You have become a specialist in building new plays. How do you bring a written play to life to be immersive for the audience, that they experience rather than witness the drama? Carden: There is something electric about bringing a new story to life that speaks to who we are, in this present moment, that invites us to reflect, examine, challenge, celebrate who we are as individuals on our singular life’s journeys, what it means to be a community, and as a country.

| 44 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Developing a new play is always an opportunity to learn about yourself and the world. And right now there are as many ways to build a new play as there are artists creating them. There are incredible playwrights writing plays on screens from their homes and coffee shops, but there are also playwrights creating through improvisation with actors, partnering with designers, and starting with a visual concept, ensembles that devise new plays that are multi-voiced. INKC: You’re married to a contemporary art curator and father to

twin sons. Does raising children influence what values you want theater to convey? Carden: Oh, absolutely. Being a parent and thinking about my own experiences as a young person going to live performance—this has profoundly shaped my thinking about the types of stories we share on our stages. Theater at its best and at all ages is perspective expanding, empathy building, right brain and left brain energizing, and heart expanding. We also are thinking a lot about the value of intergenerational experiences at KCRep, and you’ll see in this season and seasons to come—a focus on theater experiences for all ages that create a shared space for audiences of multiple generations to engage and make new connections through the conversation happening between performer and audience. INKC: The arts are back! After a season-plus of offering out-

door and streaming performances, KCRep audiences can return to live indoor theater. Can you highlight the upcoming season for us? Carden: This is going to be a year of so many firsts! We’ll share a gorgeous and adventurous love story in Mary’s Wedding on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in September, followed by our 2nd Annual Ghost Light evening of haunted songs and stories featuring Enrique Chi and Juan Carlos Charaund of the Latinx band Making Movies on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Then the return of our much-loved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol in Spencer Theatre. Then a world premiere by one of my favorite playwrights, Kate Hamill, a wonderfully raucous feminist take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock genre, with Holmes and Watson – Apt 2B. Then we are so excited to share the powerhouse and thrilling boxing play, The Royale by Marco Ramirez, which tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion of the world (who fought right here in KC at the Folly Theater), and then closing the season will be one of my signature productions, The Old Man and The Old Moon. This music driven, lo-fi/hi-imagination piece is an all-ages experience—a feast for music lovers and the imagination. Our doors will be open wide as we welcome all in our Kansas City community to join us to experience theater that sparks imagination, awakens resilience and hope, and inspires wonder and joy.

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Arts & Culture by

IN KC

Judith Fertig

MARY’S WEDDING WRITTEN BY Stephen Massicotte and directed by KCRep’s Stuart Carden, this play casts an evocative spell of hope, regret, and memory attuned to our times—and in such perfect surroundings, under the stars in the shadow of Kansas City’s Great War memorial through September 19. On the night before her wedding, Mary dreams of a thunderstorm where she first met Charlie, who was sheltering in a barn beside his horse. The two discover a charming first love. But this is 1914 and the dark winds of World War I quickly bring chaos and destruction. Against the odds, will this young couple find the happiness they seek? For tickets and times, visit kcrep.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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PAREIDOLIA: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT AS AN EXTENDED PART of the What Is Beautiful: The Aesthetic of Pleasing the Mind show at the Hilliard Gallery, hilliardgallery.com, Renaissance woman Terry Frishman brings her pareidolia photography, showing viewers what they see, but don’t see in the urban everyday. “Pareidolia art captures patterns that may reveal faces, stories, and other meaningful imagery out of the random or abstract,” says Frishman. Each photo is a microcosm in the macrocosm, a whisper of the celestial on earth, and in the most unlikely places. A pothole. A reflection. A puddle. “I see the ethereal in the everyday,” she says. For every fine-art photograph, she lists the elements that have gone into the abstract pattern she captures, such as Street Paint, Coffee Stains, Leaf, Asphalt, Sealant, Granite, Cement. Frishman completes the equation, with her artistic eye and photographic process. To see more of her work, visit terryfrishman.com. Going Under by Terry Frishman.

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Arts & Culture by

IN KC

Judith Fertig

LIFE ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE WEINBERGER FINE ART in the Crossroads is back to hosting First Fridays, artist receptions, and cocktail parties celebrating emerging and established artists in its historic yet contemporary gallery. In an aptly titled new show, Life on the Brighter Side brings together works by artists including Cynthia Bjorn, Marcel Rozek, and Tom Gregg to explore the expressive potential of color in a variety of artistic styles ranging from color-field to abstraction to hyper-realism. Kansas City-based KCAI graduate Bjorn uses fine brushes to layer colors in her diffuse contemporary work. Abstract color-field artist Rozek dilutes his paints until they wash into each other, creating interesting relationships that mimic light. From his West Bottoms studio, Gregg’s still-life paintings take a modern route through a Technicolor lens. Each artist’s playful use of color lets us feel the weight of the last year lift ever so slightly. To get on their mailing list, contact weinbergerfineart.com. Means of Escape by Cynthia Bjorn.

DRESS FOR FALL WITH A NEW LOOK FROM ULAH 4707 Rainbow Blvd. | Westwood, KS 66205 | 913.777.8734 | UlahKC.com

SEPTEMBER 2021

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THE PLAZA ART FAIR IT’S BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER! The Plaza Art Fair brings over 240 artists to the streets of the Country Club Plaza for a three-day exhibit with activities, music, and food. Friday through Sunday, September 24-26, rain or shine. This year’s featured artist is Deana Goldsmith, born and raised on the prairies of Oklahoma, but who now lives in Perkinston, Mississippi. Says Goldsmith of her work, “Through my still-life drawings, I try to bring the viewer into a vintage world where nature comes to play. My drawings are created using sanded paper, pastel pencils, sticks, and PanPastels.” Arts in many media, including fiber, ceramics, 3D, digital, glass, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture offer something for everyone. Local favorites, such as Laura Nugent, Charlie Podrebarac, and Lisa Burge will welcome your renewed interest after a pandemic year off. Bring your credit card. Information available at plazaartfair.com.

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INSPIRED Designer Connie Fey brings her expertise to both residential and commercial design projects. Color, texture and technology are three elements of design that she finds particularly inspiring. Be inspired with a designer at Madden-McFarland.

1903 W. 135th Street I 913.681.2821 maddenmcfarland.com 1903 W. 135th Street, Leawood, KS | 913.681.2821 maddenmcfarland.com

Behind the Music

IN KC

Mac Lethal by

Timothy Finn

photo by

f your familiarity with the work of David McCleary Sheldon—aka the rapper Mac Lethal—is limited to his blockbuster video, then you no doubt will be surprised, blindsided even, by his latest album, Winter Heartbreak II, released in June in the wake of what Sheldon said had been an unbearably painful year. And if your familiarity with his work goes far beyond that video, you’re likely to be surprised as well. As Mac Lethal, Sheldon, a native of Raytown, burst into the hiphop world in 2011, when the YouTube video to Look At Me Now (Pancake Rap) went hyper-viral, generating millions of hits in just a few days and arousing attention from national and international media. (Spin magazine named it one of the year’s ten best viral moments.) The video shows Sheldon rapping manically about pancake preparation to the music from Chris Brown’s hit Look At Me Now, and it showcased Mac Lethal’s signature, high-caliber skills: a fusillade of SEPTEMBER 2021

Morgan Cooper

clever, wry, and humorous lyrics delivered rapid-fire in a nasally voice that deepened its unique comic bent. By then, Sheldon had released three albums, including 2011’s Irish Goodbye, which generated hype and acclaim within the indie-hip-hop world. But Pancake would be the breakthrough moment he’d been awaiting and deserved. It would lead to several major-media moments and opportunities and vault Mac Lethal into international renown. Sheldon, a husband and father of two, turned 40 in July, and the lead-up to that milestone was grueling and rigorous. In addition to enduring the pandemic, the lock down, and the suspension of all live performances, he suffered several hardships and tragedies, all of which made it into the lyrics and words of Winter Heartbreak, a career and personal turning point for Sheldon. He recently answered questions from IN Kansas City about the album and the events that prompted and inspired it, plus his soul-plumb-

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ing views and epiphanies on marriage and fatherhood and his devotion to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Let’s talk first about Winter Heartbreak II, your fifth and most-recent studio album, released in June. It is a deeply personal and candid album. In a few sentences, how would you define its overall themes or messages? Mac Lethal: I treated this album like a release valve for the unbearable level of pain I was experiencing. It’s a vulnerable, honest body of work, created by a guy who was blindsided by more pain than he could process. What moments more specifically inspired this catharsis? ML: My wife and I were on the verge of divorce; my father was on the verge of taking his last breath; my friend Info Gates, a Kansas City rapper, collapsed and died at the Riot Room; my friend EMC, a Lawrence rapper, died in his sleep; my family doctor, who I had an unorthodox friendship with, committed suicide; and my friend Georgia was murdered by her husband and rolled up into a rug and kept for days. Then Kobe Bryant died, and while I didn’t know him, that was like pouring bleach on an open wound. Then the country shut down, which in a lot of ways was like zooming in on all the pain I was experiencing. Oddly enough, I’m probably forgetting some events. Here’s a quote from Patton Oswald from the documentary I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. It’s to his wife, Michelle McNamara, who, not long before her unexpected death, was struggling to finish her book about the Golden State Killer: “Every creative object wants the safety and warmth of staying in your head. You’re trying to drag it out into the light.” He then exhorts her to “pin that (bleeper) to the mat and claim your trophy.” Does any of that apply to you, especially regarding this project? Was there any apprehension about bringing to light all this personal experience and emotion? ML: Big time. Mostly the divorce, which didn’t happen, thanks to therapy and communication. I wanted to be fair to my wife. I’m not saying this as a way to pat myself on the back, but I genuinely felt like I had a responsibility to protect and honor her even during the catharsis. I knew I was only speaking my side of the story. My wife isn’t the type of person to blast her life out on social media. She isn’t going to take me to task on Facebook. If I said something public about her and it hurt her, no one would ever know. So I felt like I needed to handle that with care. The last thing I wanted to do was play victim and pretend there wasn’t a long list of complaints she had about me that had been developing for a decade-plus. But I needed to get it out. It’s the only music I had available at the time. There was a major balancing act happening with being fair to both her and myself. Based on some of your Twitter posts, it seems this recording resonated deeply and profoundly with a lot of its listeners. Talk about that feedback and what it meant to you. ML: I remember a feeling kept surfacing, a sentiment, rather, that maybe the pain I was in was less about the specific moment and more about the collective experience we were all in. Sure, I have very detailed, specific things that would hurt anyone. But the pandemic triggered so much awful shit, I couldn’t possibly be the only one whose pain was magnified by it. I knew going into writing it that it was going to be dark, vulnerable, SEPTEMBER 2021

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CRESTWOOD SHOPS 5 5 t h & B R O O K S I D E B LV D hudsonandjane.com

Behind the Music

IN KC

and soaked in depressive feelings and thoughts. I knew it wouldn’t be for everybody, but I thought, or hoped, that at least a small element of people would connect with it. But I guess I incorrectly assumed how many would, because it has been overwhelming. I’ve never had multiple pieces of fan mail bring me to tears in one day until this. What does this recording say about what we can expect from you in forthcoming records? ML: I imagine they will all be significantly brighter and happier, at least for a while. Because things, for the most part, have done a complete 180: My life is great, or it’s on the way to be. And I wouldn’t mind just making “bangers” for a while. You turned 40 in July. You are a husband and father, someone whose life and lifestyle is vastly different from what it was in 2002, when you released your first recording. We all grow and evolve significantly from the people we were in our late teens and early 20s (well, most of us do). But few of us document permanently and make public who we were at those ages like you have. What do you extract from that period in your life—lessons, observations, or otherwise? ML: I was terrified of my 30s. I always thought turning 30 meant I was officially old. But in a lot of ways, my 30s were my best years. I spent my 20s in toxic relationships, insecure, on drugs, partying, and obsessed

with people’s approval. I threw out a lot of those habits in my 30s. Now I have wonderful kids who aren’t babies anymore, who have beautiful personalities, and I want to teach them and show them the world. And I’m more relaxed and healthier. I love productivity and exercise. And building wealth and reading and being vulnerable to my family. And learning about myself and seeing the world with the love of my life. The glory to me isn’t in my career anymore or what I could one day achieve. The greatest accomplishment of my life is learning that there’s nothing more important than spending time with those I love. And I only recently learned to truly value that. List some of the moments in your career you are proudest of. ML: • Winning Scribble Jam 2001.

• Signing to Rhymesayers Entertainment and releasing an album (11:11) with them. • Releasing multiple videos that got tens of millions of views on YouTube. • Having my blog Texts from Bennett go viral, which turned into a bestselling novel being published, which turned into a TV show being optioned. (And ultimately passed on. For the record, I pitched to FX a show about a white suburban rapper named Dave, and they passed on it in 2014.) • Being able to tour anywhere in the world and pull a nice crowd. I remember performing in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and having 100

Model and Photos by Alexandra Katsorelos-McAndrew

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people who knew the words to my songs in the crowd. I’ve never needed full stadiums; just give me some people I can connect with. • Releasing albums out of the trunk of my car and watching how they’ve created fans who have been with me for 15-plus years. • Getting a massive check for a Heineken commercial and using it to buy my wife our first house.

Another big moment: In March 2014, you appeared on the Ellen show. (Alongside Jason Bateman!) ML: Another experience that was awesome and came from me buckling down and going for broke. I try to do weird, or seemingly new, things. So I released the Alphabet Rap, and it blew up and took me to some cool places, like Ellen.

Another big moment: The video for Look at Me Now, also known as Pancake Rap, which brought you widespread national and international attention and accolades. It has now generated more than 50 million views. Assess that experience and its effect on your career.

You are an elite and unique lyricist. Do you ever wonder if listeners are so impressed with the speed and cadence of your deliveries that they miss some of your lyrical cleverness and wit? ML: I’d say it’s my Achilles heel. I truly don’t think people hear the words I’m writing. I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, but I’m an avid fan of rap and know what people are writing. There’s great stuff out there. But I dunno, some of my lyrics simply go over people’s heads, and it always bums me out. It’s always the super-basic stuff people quote, and I’m like, “Did you hear the other 96 bars on that song? I guess not.” Again, I’m not trying to be arrogant, but clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks that.

ML: The best contributor to success is consistent, innovative work. Consistency trumps everything. This doesn’t mean to just [dump] out every idea you have, but to work hard on making as many truly great things as possible and release them frequently. Whenever I focus on that, something gets through. When I sit around pontificating on the wonders of the universe and how I can achieve perfection, nothing happens. But with consistent work, I periodically have ideas that grow legs and travel massive distances I’d never even imagined. I didn’t intend for Pancake Rap to be so massive. I just wanted to stay consistent and work hard. But it blew up and opened a lot of doors for me that I kept open with more consistent hard work. To some people it defines me, to others it doesn’t. To me it’s just another idea that I wasn’t afraid of releasing. And it has had the life it was supposed to have.

Have you ever considered releasing songs in another music genre or format or is rap your sole terrain? ML: I’ve been taking singing lessons for a year and want to experiment with some singer/songwriter stuff: folk, pop, even outlaw country. I might end up transitioning to only singing. My wife has been playing drums like a maniac for about a year, and we want to start a band so we can tour together.

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Behind the Music

IN KC

Let’s pivot to your other roles. What has fatherhood taught you or awakened in you? How has your childhood played a role in your parenthood? ML: All of my creative compulsions and instincts as a child were either quelled or ignored by my parents. I’ve made it a point to make sure I’m nurturing every single thing I can in my kids—and also probably [screwing] it all up like my parents did. Fatherhood completely refocused my life, though, and the fear of time running out is a constant factor in my life. You’ve discussed how you and your wife navigated a crisis in your marriage. What else has marriage has taught you about yourself and life? ML: Not to always advocate for myself. That sometimes there are multiple ways to look at the same exact event. Listening is important, but so is talking. And not talking bullshit but talking truth. You both need to communicate. That looks so much duller and dumber than it actually is. Communication is probably the most powerful force on earth, and that doesn’t change in a marriage. It’s the soul of everything. And most of us do it poorly. Brazilian jiu-jitsu: In social media, you make it clear this has become a lifelong passion and game-changer, one whose benefits far exceed your time in the gym. What has made it so important to you? ML: The constant squashing of my ego, the constant refining of my own skill set. You can never be great at jiu jitsu. I’ve sparred with a sixth-degree black belt—each degree represents three years, which means he was a black belt for 18 to 21 years. He was so far beyond anything I’m even capable of grasping. It was like fighting a Jedi. That’s so inspiring to me: to know the journey of jiu-jitsu lasts forever. It feels super good physically, and it’s a wonderful way to get out anxiety and stress. It will be in my life forever. What are your plans for 2021-22? ML: Touring all fall and winter, assuming we don’t get shut down again. What do you tell outsiders about Kansas City and why it has remained your home and base? ML: If I can do this from Kansas City, I can do this from anywhere. I grew up here. My family is here. My friends are here. However, recently we’ve been considering exploring other parts of the world. Either way, this will always be home. I love it. Go Royals and Chiefs!

WANT MORE TIMOTHY FINN? Check out his weekly online-only content at inkansascity.com. Every Wednesday the website publishes his list of Top 5 Notto-Miss Concerts in the metro. Every week you’ll find his revered, rollicking, reasoned reviews and commentary. Email Timothy Finn at tfinn@inkansascity.com

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Come Home to Tranquility.

COME HOME TO NEST.

5911 Johnson Dr. u Mission, KS 66202 u 913.901.8257 u www.nestkc.com

Look

IN KC

Fashion

STAND ALONE STAR

Rachel Murphy

Luxe Layers VESTS RETURN WITH A VENGEANCE

hat’s that? The sound of crackling leaves, a whiff of pumpkin spice, and the first hint of the Han Solo uniform on Instagram? That’s right. Fall is coming, and with it, vests are back. This season, vests take on a whole new appeal. Feeling a little fluffy from your COVID-25? No problem. Cinching in your silhouette with a vest can make even the most dedicated athleisure addict feel put together yet still comfortable. Whether outdoorfocused and puffy or lean and fashion-forward, there’s a vest for everyone this season.

Asiatica is known for their one-of-a-kind pieces, and this longline cotton seersucker vest is a showstopper on its own. With wrap detailing, a notched collar, and drop shoulders, this vest looks breezy and chic alone over loose pants, the perfect transitional piece from late summer heat to chilly Kansas City nights. Elizabeth Vest in Japanese gray and off-white cotton seersucker, $895, Asiatica (Westwood).

FUZZY WUZZY WAS A VEST

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Ready to get cozy? Channel fall vibes with this knit crew-neck vest in warm copper. Wear it alone with a flowy chiffon skirt, or pop it on over a crisp oxford shirt for a more buttoned-up look for the office. Fuzzy knitted copper sweater vest by Scotch & Soda, $148, available at Halls Kansas City (Crown Center).

Looking for something to throw on to perk up your home-office uniform for your next Zoom call? A fleece vest like this one by Peter Millar takes a standard long-sleeved crew-neck T-shirt to the next level. Plus, its soft fleece still keeps that pajama feel but with the added benefit of zip pockets. Peter Millar ﬂeece sweater vest, $128, available at Halls Kansas City.

If you’re looking forward to some outdoor time, the Essex quilted travel vest will keep you toasty and stylish. Diamond quilting creates a lightweight warmth that also offers a bit of wind and water resistance. With chocolate suede piping, this is perfect for fall hikes or beers with the boys on the patio. Essex quilted travel vest by Peter Millar, $198, available at Halls Kansas City.

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Look

IN KC Beauty

Rachel Murphy

Back to Beauty—Straight A

s the bronzed glow of summer fades and the reality of our skin problems set in, it may be time to revamp our skincare. Try the vitamin that dermatologists love most—vitamin A, more commonly known as retinoid or retinol. Retinols, or vitamin A derivatives, are a super ingredient—they go deep into the skin to target premature aging, acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation by stimulating elastin and collagen production and exfoliating to reveal fresh skin. As wonderful as they are, retinols aren’t without their drawbacks. Some may find them irritating, and they do increase sun sensitivity. Since retinols are such a popular ingredient right now, check and see which of your products contain vitamin A. Using them in multiple products can aggravate skin rather than revive it. Talk to your dermatologist before you dive into the retinol pool. Once you have the all-clear, here are a few of our favorite products.

THE OG If you’ve struggled with acne, you may have been prescribed Retin-A, a potent retinoid. Differin gel is Retin-A’s more chill cousin that’s available over the counter. The active ingredient, adapalene, works hard to prevent blackheads, breakouts, and enlarged pores. Use daily and be patient. Results may take up to three months to appear, but once they do, you’ll be delighted with a smooth, even skin tone. Differin Gel, $12.29, available at Target.

A SEA CHANGE While some retinols may feel medicinal, retinols are also naturally occurring. If you prefer a more holistic approach, try the Mara Algae Retinol Oil. A few drops of this rich retinol oil at night triggers cellular turnover, so you wake up with fresh skin and diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Mara Algae Retinol Oil, $120, available at Hand and Land in the historic Luzier Building.

REFORM SCHOOL Black-owned beauty brand Shani Darden takes the sting out of retinols with Retinol Reform, her lightweight serum. While some retinols can be a bit harsh, Retinol Reform pairs encapsulated retinol with lactic acid to brighten and smooth skin while heading blemishes off at the pass. Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform, $88, available exclusively from Sephora.

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NOBLE DESIGNS

At Noble Designs, our passion is designing homes and spaces for our clients that reflect their needs in a style that lasts. We are a full service interior design firm ready to help with your new build, renovation or just simple updates to make your home beautiful.

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Look

IN KC

Wellness

You’re So Vein BANISHING SPIDER VEINS by

Rachel Murphy

SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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an little red lines wreck your self-confidence? The short answer is yes, especially if those red lines are spider veins. While less painful than their more severe cousins, varicose veins, spider veins can be unsightly and occur in the face or legs. Scott Darling, a physician with Missouri Vein Specialists in Liberty, Missouri, says that spider veins are caused by venous hypertension. Unlike varicose veins, which are wrapped in muscles and can become ropey, spider veins are veins dilated close to the skin’s surface, appearing as red webbing. Although spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, they can indicate a more serious vein issue. Darling recommends consulting with a vein specialist before choosing any course of action. Using infrared light, vein specialists can determine whether treatment will be effective for you. If treatment is in the cards for you, there are two options, laser treatments and sclerotherapy. Laser treatments tend to work well in patches above the heart level and when treating blue veins that lie beneath the most superficial veins. For spider veins in the legs, sclerotherapy is the better option. A vascular surgeon will inject the spider veins with a solution that collapses the vein walls using a tiny needle. Afterward, patients wear compression stockings for roughly a week. The veins seal, and the blood reroutes to more stable veins. Results appear in five to seven days, but each case is different. Some patients may need multiple treatments. Despite the efficacy of these treatments, Darling says that vein treatment is an ongoing battle. “Spider veins are kind of like weeds in the garden. We’re not going to cure your spider veins because they will form intermittently. We recommend follow-ups every one to three years,” Darling says. Ongoing treatment may sound daunting, but Darling says that treatments are quick and relatively painless. If you’re interested in treating your spider veins, search out a vascular surgeon or specialist and say see you later to unsightly and uncomfortable vein issues—for now.

Living

IN KC by

Patricia O’Dell

Knit One, Purl Two that kept my hands busy and calmed me down, which was huge during those tumultuous teenage years. It continues to be a source of peace and personal accomplishment for me today. Have you knitted items for the home before? Of course! There’s nothing cozier than home goods you make yourself. I have a couple of scrappy blankets that used up leftovers from other projects, so I got even more joy out of those projects with the sustainability factor. (Plus they look so cool and unique!) I’ve made almost too many pillows to count. You know that insurance commercial with the young adults turning into their parents? There’s the woman with so many throw pillows you can’t sit on the couch? I’m almost to that point. I’ve also given many a handmade housewarming gift to deserving loved ones. I love coming over years later to see them still in use. Do you have any tips for someone who is just getting started? I always tell my beginners to go easy on themselves. Everyone makes mistakes, and the key is to just keep going. I’ve yet to meet anyone who is truly incapable. Will you have to make some adjustments to technique? Absolutely, and that’s great. Knitting is knitting, any way you do it. Finally, everyone’s learning style is different. Find a teacher (or book or YouTube video) that makes sense to you.

hunky knits were all over the fall fashion runways. I’m not sure if it’s because we need comfort or a heavy layer of protection, or both. Over the last year, several news outlets across the country reported an increase in knitting, driven both as a constructive pastime and the calming nature of the craft. While stitching a sweater for the coming chill may appeal, I like the idea of a su-

Emma Fahrlander per chunky throw. Local knitting designer, teacher, and aficionado, Emma Fahrlander, weighs in on my chances for success. When did you start knitting and why? I started knitting when I was eight years old. A family friend taught my sister and me how to knit so we could make Gryffindor scarves to wear to the midnight Harry Potter movie premiere. I never did finish that scarf, but the craft really stuck with me! It was something SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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If you were to design a chunky throw for fall, what fiber and needles would you use? Chunky knits are indeed all the rage right now. I’d suggest a super bulky acrylic or wool blend. Something you can easily wash, because home goods should get used all the time. You’ll want some giant needles to knit those on, something in the 19 to 50 range. Think stakes for stabbing vampires you see in the movies. They’re a little cumbersome to start, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a finished blanket in no time! Follow Fahrlander’s fiber adventures on Instagram @emma.fahrlander, or on her site fahroutfiber.com.

Convivial sand stoneware planters, available in four-inch, $36, and sixinch, $42, at Verdant (Crossroads).

SAND? WHICH?! THE CLEAN LINES and not-quite-matte,

not-quite-shiny finish of Chentelle Shannon’s Convivial Production planters are a go-to for folks who like their greens seasoned just right. What fun to stumble into Verdant (128 West 18th Street), her simply elegant shop in the Crossroads, to find some of her creations wearing a new finish. This sandy hue will be just what you’re looking for when it’s time to bring your great, green darlings in for the winter. shopverdant.com

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Living

IN KC BY

Patricia O’Dell

Fall in Kansas City

Bozz Print’s Nelson Atkins Museum of Art postcard, $3.

all is my favorite season in Kansas City. We have games galore—Chiefs football, Sporting KC soccer, and the tail end of the Royals baseball season—and the opportunity to play outside ourselves. What’s better than a game of tennis at Loose Park or a picnic on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art? (Okay, that’s not a sport, but it’s certainly a pastime.) Sometimes I like to show a little hometown pride without too much, well, kitsch. Bozz Prints helps me fill the bill with art that looks like vintage travel posters. Prints, as well as postcards and T-shirts, are available at Made in KC. madeinkc.co

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Bozz Print’s Loose Park and Arrowhead Stadium prints, available in two sizes, $15 and $30.

A-TISKET, A-TASKET, A-GREAT-ANDHANDY-BASKET

Rectangular nesting baskets come in three sizes, $14–$20; round nesting baskets come in four sizes $10–$20, at JSH Home Essentials (Westwood Hills).

WHETHER YOU’RE taking gingersnaps to a tailgate or making an arrangement of fall foliage, these nesting baskets with their earthy colors and texture from JSH Home Essentials (1907 50th Street, Westwood, Kansas) make the perfect autumnal container. In both round and rectangle shapes (in case you need a little edge), these rugged beauties come with clear liners, so your table and linens are safe. In four sizes, ranging from four-inches to ten-inches wide, you’re sure to find just what you need for any table. jshhomeessentials.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 |

Artisan apparel for nomads and romantics. 335 East 55th Street • Kansas City peruvianconnection.com

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SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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words by

Cindy Hoedel

photo by

Peter Bloch

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Deanna Dikeman

eople waving—often behind glass—gained emotional significance during lockdowns. A rote gesture became something we paid attention to. Kansas City-based photographer Deanna Dikeman has been closely noticing people waving since 1991. Leaving and Waving (Chose Commune, 2021) documents nearly three decades of goodbyes in her parents’ driveway in Iowa, 400 miles from her home at the time in Columbia, Missouri. The book, shortlisted for the MACK First Book Award in London, sold out quickly, driven in large part by foreign sales, and is now in its second printing. The Leaving and Waving photos are on display through October 3 at the juried Cortona on the Move exhibit in Italy, and 90 Goodbyes, a collection exhibited at La Esquina in Kansas City in 2018, will be featured at Le Festival du Regard in Paris October 1-November 21. Dikeman earned a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in business at Purdue University. She took a corporate job at United Telecom in Kansas City in the strategic planning department, where she worked on the acquisition of Sprint. Less than four years later she left to devote herself to photography. In a sit-down conversation with IN Kansas City in Matfield Green, SEPTEMBER 2021 |

Kansas, on the eve of a book talk, Dikeman, accompanied by her rescue pup, Joey, talked about choosing passion over corporate success, the profound intimacy of her work, and unexpected connections with strangers in Europe since her work went on display there. What role did family play in your childhood in Iowa? A holiday didn’t go by that we didn’t all get together and have these big meals at someone’s house. All the cousins would play with each other. The adults would be drinking highballs or beers in the living room. And then there were little visits and we kept in touch. Why did you get a degree in biology? I think it goes back to high school where I was one of the kids who was doing well, getting good grades, testing well, and everybody was encouraging me to go into science. A teacher found this summer science program at Purdue. I was kind of the nerd in high school, but nerds weren’t cool then. I was just on the fringes of social acceptability. So [at Purdue] it was just this incredible experience where there were, I can’t remember, 20, 40 kids, and they were all really smart and they were really cool and fun to be around. So, I went back to Purdue [after high school] and 69 | INKANSASCITY.COM

majored in biology. No one encouraged me to major in music or art or math. It was the science teacher that took an interest. And my parents hadn’t been to college, so they were not able to guide me. Why did you go to medical school and why did you leave after a year? When I got close to graduating from college, the guidance counselors started asking, “What do you want to do?” I didn’t want to work in a lab, and I didn’t think I wanted to go to graduate school, and I thought, I like people, I’ll go to medical school. I didn’t have a great passion to be a doctor. I hated every minute of medical school. Why? Oh my God, it was such a grind. I was around a lot of people that were really good at memorizing everything. I kind of thought, well medicine is interesting, but these people aren’t. I didn’t like who my colleagues were, and I didn’t do well, for the first time in my life, so I left. To go through the medical school grind, I think it really must be your passion.

‘‘

Accompanied by a

textual silence throughout the book, the repetition of the same gesture forges a totemic significance by accruing an emotional and auditory power similar to the effects of mantra-chanting.” – Mengyun Han, reviewing Leaving and Waving by Deanna Dikeman for American Suburban X

Then you went back to Purdue and got a degree in management. Was that a passion? No! It was just, I had to do something. So, I got a master’s degree and a corporate job, which eventually took me to Kansas City. I worked for United Telecom, and I worked on the acquisition of Sprint in the strategic planning department. But I also didn’t like that job. What did you not like about it? I had to sit in a cubicle. I had to write papers for the executives. I was bored. I wanted to do something, and I was just analyzing things. How long did you stay there? Not quite four years. What made you leave a successful corporate job?

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This is a convoluted story. I went on vacation in Europe, and while we were there, I just had a little crisis. I said, “I don’t think I can go back to my job.” But rather than quit, I took a leave of absence, and I went to Johnson County Community College and signed up for a photo class. Why? Because the first thing I bought when I got my job out of college was a camera, and I’d always wanted to learn how to use that camera more. At the same time, I had enrolled at [University of Kansas Medical School]. I thought I was going to get a PhD in epidemiology and public health, because I had this interest in management and this interest in health and science and I thought that was the perfect combination. But I didn’t really care about the classes at KU Med. What I really cared about was the photo class, where I went into the lab, forgot to eat lunch, forgot what time of day it was—I was completely absorbed. And I thought, I’ve got to pay attention to this. It was the first time in my life I had found something I didn’t want to quit doing. You have said that moving to Baton Rouge in 1990 when your husband took a job at Louisiana State University “made Iowa look interesting” and that was when the Iowa pictures began. What exactly seemed interesting about it from the vantage point of Baton Rouge? When I got to Louisiana, I realized how Midwestern I was, and I just saw the Midwest. I said, “You know, it’s really interesting here. It is not the flyover country; it is not nothingness. There is really something here. And I want to figure out how to show it.” When you look across your whole body of photo work, what is the connective thread that ties the early work to the later work, and what has changed? I think it’s always been an interest in my surroundings. When I lived in Johnson County, I started photographing the houses there. And then there’s the whole big series with my family [in Iowa]. When I started working at a thrift store, I photographed the clothing there. One of my hobbies is ballroom dancing and so I started taking pictures in the ballroom. I learned the hard way: Originally, I thought photography was going to be something I would travel and do, and I did. But when I got to India or Africa, what I discovered was that I didn’t have anything to say about those places. But I’ve got something to say about where I live, or what I’m doing, or who I know. As for what has changed—it’s funny, when I go back and look at photos I took in the past, sometimes something that didn’t seem interesting in the past has become interesting. I don’t know if time has given me a different set of eyes to look at it with. Can you give an example of that? Yeah! I just found a whole contact sheet a couple of weeks ago, and I’d taken eight or ten pictures of my dad and my son at a backyard barbecue. I realized there is a little story in there: First they get the charcoal out and my son’s opening the bag. And the next thing is, the coals are in the grill, and my dad’s got his hand on my son’s hand, and he’s showing him how to handle the hot coals [with tongs]. And the next thing, my dad has a bicycle pump and he’s pumping air on the coals because they 70 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Deanna Dikeman’s Leaving and Waving portrait series presents nearly 30 years of Dikeman photographing her parents waving goodbye as she left their home after a visit.

must not have started fast enough. And then in the next picture, my dad is in a cloud of smoke and he’s flipping the hamburgers. At the time, I think I printed the one of my dad with the bicycle pump, but now I find the whole series interesting. Has it surprised you where your Leaving and Waving book has sold or what countries have reviewed it in major magazines? It’s blown me away. I always believed in it, but it was intensely personal. I always hoped that the world would like it, somewhere, that it had a place in the world. But then, snap, it just happened. Maybe with the tough year, with the pandemic, the way we all had to kind of regroup and think about families or couldn’t see families—that might have made a difference. What were some of the countries that surprised you when you saw your work being reviewed abroad? Italy! Italy! I mean, it’s in Italy right now [through October 3] on a castle wall! I wake up and I’ve got comments on Instagram from people in Italy telling me it made them cry, they love it. One lady sent me a picture standing in front of my parents and waving. Italy right away picked up on it. SEPTEMBER 2021 |

And then Germany—Germany’s been all over it. And then the publishers from France. The Europeans have taken to my mom and dad in a way that nobody in the U.S. has. Do you have any ideas about why that might be? I was talking to a friend, and she said, “The people from Iowa look exotic when you’re over in Europe. Here, they’re just a couple of people in Iowa.” [Laughs] I don’t know if that’s true or not. Are you going to be able to go to Italy to see your work on display in Cortona? I really want to. It’s hard to travel to Italy. There’s a ten-day quarantine unless you can get on a Covid flight. Delta offers them to people that are vaccinated or have a negative Covid test. I just really want to walk that walk. And the show I’m in Paris in opens October 1st, so I think I can do both. I hope. I hope. Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

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City downtown council. streetcar renderings courtesy of the kc streetcar authority. rock island railroad bridge renderings by gould evans courtesy of flying truss, llc.south loop link renderings by ojb landscape architecture courtesy of the kansas

big ideas words by

Katy Schamberger

KANSAS CITY’S TRANSFORMATION IS FAR FROM OVER. HERE’S WHAT’S NEXT

he past 40 years have included several big ideas that have changed the face of Kansas City: the 1970s building boom that included Kansas City International Airport, the nation’s first adjoining sports stadiums, and H. Roe Bartle Exposition Hall; the passing of a bistate tax to refresh and revive Union Station; construction of the Power & Light District and T-Mobile Center. Each of these milestones has proved transformational to Kansas City. And they each started as an idea, a vision, a spark of creativity, an answer to the question, “What if?” The last two decades in particular have ushered in a significant flurry of economic development and other positive changes in Kansas City. And the story is far from over. A new crop of big ideas is poised to guide a new chapter in the city’s story: one in which neighborhoods and people are more connected; history paves the way for exciting innovation (while still being preserved and acknowledged); and residents and visitors alike rethink how they experience Kansas City. Here’s a glimpse at what the future holds.

Big Idea 1: Rock Island Railroad Bridge Dine, drink, explore, and more while you’re 40 feet above the gently lapping waves of the Kansas River. It will all happen on the repurposed Rock Island Railroad Bridge, one of the more innovative examples of reuse in the Kansas City area. First, a bit of background. The historic bridge dates back to 1905 and was “an integral component of the Stockyards District, which, on both sides of the Kansas River, was the second-largest beef processing center in the world,” according to Flying Truss LLC, project developers. “We chose this bridge and this place along the Kansas/Missou-

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ri border to at long last embrace our metro’s history of railroads, big rivers, and big bridges, and to help set in motion what is becoming a vibrant riverfront district.” Despite not being used as a railroad crossing since the 1980s, a due diligence inspection showed that the bridge maintained “excellent” structural integrity and load capacity. (Fun fact: If you turned the St. Louis Arch on its side, the Rock Island Railroad Bridge is longer by more than 70 feet.) Thanks to the involvement of several municipal, community, and industry partners, the new vision of the Rock Island Railroad Bridge continues to move forward. Construction is planned to begin this winter, with the bridge’s opening expected by March 17, 2023. (Save the date!) Part entertainment destination, part trail connector, the pedestrian bridge will include a food hall, bars, coffee shops, event spaces, and room for a variety of programming, not to mention some truly spectacular views of the city from the riverfront. The bridge is a destination in itself, but then factor in a prime location in Kansas City’s flourishing West Bottoms neighborhood where restaurants, retail, residential space, and more continue to fill the historic buildings that once lined the Stockyards District. “Modern cities tend to offer similar amenities, but the Rock Island Railroad Bridge really is unmatched,” says Matt Staub, owner/founder of Proxima and a longtime downtown advocate. “When you travel, you remember places like the old railroad bridge in Nashville. We need iconic structures like that in Kansas City, and this is a great anchor for revitalizing the West Bottoms.” For a big idea to be truly successful, it should not only address short-term challenges and/or opportunities, but also play an integral role in long-term solutions. Mike Hurd, the director of communica| 73 | INKANSASCITY.COM

tions and marketing at the Downtown Council, sees the Rock Island Railroad Bridge as a prime example of that sort of sustainable success. “Since the bridge is installed as a permanent entertainment feature that spans two states, it really represents a whole new dimension,” Hurd says. “It could really open new doors to more cross-state collaboration and tourism for both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, and that’s an exciting possibility.” Follow project progress at facebook.com/rockislandkc.

development hasn’t ceased; just look at the recent additions to the City Market. Plus, the streetcar extension also continues to make downtown more attractive to developers.” If the KC Streetcar is the spine of local transit, then it’s no stretch to imagine downtown Kansas City as the heart of the city. And the healthier the heart is, the better the body—or in this case, all of Kansas City, Missouri, not just the areas of the city that the streetcar spans. For the KC Streetcar Authority, this expansion is far from the end of the story. Just last month, the company released an RFP to study a possible North Rail extension, which would bring the KC Streetcar across the river and into North Kansas City. “It’s important that these conversations happen now,” Mandelbaum says. “We were planning for the Main Street extension the same year (2016) that we opened the downtown line.” If you find yourself getting cranky in construction-related car traffic on Main Street through Midtown, just think of what’s ahead. The cur-

Big Idea 2: KC Streetcar Extension to UMKC All aboard, Kansas City! The KC Streetcar extension is moving full speed ahead (forgive the pun). After securing the largest federal transportation grant in Kansas City history, the KC Streetcar Authority will kick off construction of the new 3.5-mile line early next year, bringing the total streetcar route to 5.7 miles when fully complete. “The extension of the streetcar from the downtown line all the way south to UMKC serves as the spine of our regional transit system,” says Donna Mandelbaum, the communications and marketing director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “Not only will the streetcar extension connect downtown with other high-employment areas in Midtown and the Plaza, but will also connect to other transit routes that are running east, west, and south with RideKC buses.” Just think: In 2025, the anticipated completion date of the streetcar extension, you’ll be able to board a streetcar in the River Market and ride all the way to the UMKC campus (or vice versa). Mandelbaum says streetcar fares will remain free, maintaining wide-ranging accessibility that’s a critical part of Kansas City’s public transportation strategy. Even though work has yet to begin on the new streetcar tracks (that kicks off in February), Mandelbaum says economic development along Midtown’s Main Street corridor is already booming in anticipation of the extended line. Businesses like Shop Local KC, Canary, and Pirate’s Bone have either opened or plan to open locations on Main Street. PH Coffee, which quickly became a favorite gathering spot in Kansas City’s historic Northeast, plans to open a second location along Main Street with a fitting new name: Transit Coffee. “The streetcar is a significant economic driver and we’re seeing the same momentum throughout Midtown as we saw and continue to see throughout downtown Kansas City,” Mandelbaum says. “Downtown

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rent utility-focused work —a precursor to track construction—means that Midtown is getting upgraded water and sewer lines, replacing infrastructure that’s as much as 100 years old. Plus, streetcar construction will bring with it more than tracks and stops—you’ll also see new streets, curbs, and sidewalks; more greenery, including trees; and ADA-compliant walkways. “The streetcar extension is an exciting time for Kansas City,” Staub says. “This is helping to usher in a new culture for our city where we think differently about our transportation, where we live, how we move differently, and how we evolve and mature as a city.” To stay up to date with KC Streetcar progress, visit kcstreetcar.org.

Big Idea 3: South Loop Link So many big ideas are simply problem-solving in action. And the possible solution for a noisy stretch of interstate that bisects downtown’s Central Business District and Crossroads neighborhoods? Put a lid on it—literally! The South Loop Link—also known as “the lid”—would cover the

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BIG IDEAS: YOUR TURN

WE ASKED each of the people featured in this story to chime in with their picks of the transformational ideas that are changing the trajectory of Kansas City.

‘‘ south stretch of the downtown loop. Underneath the decking, highway traffic would continue unimpeded. Yet on top of the new covering, a fourblock park would welcome downtown residents and visitors alike for recreation, pop-up dining, and other events, art shows, live performances, and so much more. As of press time, this particular vision is not yet as solidified as the other two big ideas mentioned earlier. To help propel progress on the South Loop Link, the Downtown Council applied for a federal grant in early July. “Our application requests $2.4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation,” Hurd says. “If approved, we would work to match that with $600,000 in local funding to take this project to the next level of planning and development.” Each of these ideas offers plenty of advantages and opportunities for downtown Kansas City, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the larger metro area. What’s particularly exciting is how they connect to each other to bring an even larger, more comprehensive vision to life: the Imagine Downtown KC plan, the brainchild of the Downtown Council. “The last strategic plan for downtown Kansas City was published in the early 2000s and really focused on the central corridor: the Central Business District, Crossroads, and the River Market,” Hurd says. “Fast forward almost 20 years, and the core of downtown has changed and grown so much in that time. This new plan really embraces the entire footprint of the more than 15 adjacent neighborhoods that make up the great-

er downtown area and is all about creating more connected neighborhoods. Parks, greenspaces, the streetcar, more east-west connections—those are all part of this collective vision.” [Fun fact: the Downtown Council likely has a much larger definition of downtown than the one you know, so file this away for your next trivia outing. For this group of urban revitalization advocates, downtown Kansas City spans the West Bottoms to 18th and Vine from west to east; and the Missouri River and 31st Street from north to south.] For reference, plan a visit to Klyde Warren Park the next time you’re in Dallas. The 5.2-acre park in the center of downtown Dallas is meant to serve several purposes, including as a gathering-focused town square. “It’s phenomenal to see the economic opportunities created by Klyde Warren Park,” Hurd says. “It’s been a game-changer for Dallas in terms of land value and the activation of public space.” And for many of Kansas City’s urban revitalization advocates and stakeholders, these sorts of successful implementations can help Kansas City write its own success story. “We started a revitalization behind peer communities and we have to keep working to build the Kansas City we want,” Staub says. “We can’t be complacent, so the visionary projects mentioned—and others like them—are vital.” To keep tabs on the South Loop Link and also get Imagine Downtown KC updates, visit downtownkc.org/imagine.

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The increased focus on housing for the houseless population is among the most important things happening in Kansas City right now.” — Donna Mandelbaum

‘‘

Removing downtown Kansas City’s North Loop would be such a huge opportunity to right a past wrong, reconnect neighborhoods and improve a beloved part of the city.” — Matt Staub

‘‘

I might be biased, but the Imagine Downtown KC plan represents not just a significant opportunity, but also a thread that ties together all of these ideas and more with the shared goal of making downtown Kansas City even more vibrant and welcoming.” — Mike Hurd Now, it’s your turn. Connect with us online and tell us the big idea that you think is most important to the future of Kansas City. FACEBOOK

@inkansascitymagazine

INSTAGRAM @inkansascitymag TWITTER

@inkansascitymag

Ron Berg Arlen Wickstrum Flock Salon and Gallery MAKEUP BY Silvia Duckworth Bellísima by Silvia SHOT ON LOCATION AT Bishop McCann PHOTOS BY HAIR BY

fall

FACE THE NEW SEASON IN CLOTHES WITH CUDDLY COMFORT AND SHARP STYLE

forward

IN CHECK Joseph Ribkoff sweater, $183; Joseph Ribkoff pants, $192. Both available at Trapp and Company (Midtown). Earrings, $80, available at Halls Kansas City (Crown Center).

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ROLL WITH IT Good Man Brand jacket, $298; Faherty T-shirt, $78; Paige jeans, $199; Good Man Brand sneakers, $198. All available at Peters Clothiers (123rd and State Line).

DYNAMIC DUO On her: Joseph Ribkoff faux leather dress, $210; Julie Zancanelli earrings, $58; Taylor & Tessier cuff, $275; Jeffrey Campbell boots, $125. All available at Alysa Rene Boutique (Park Place). On him: Scotch & Soda jacket, $258; Scotch & Soda T-shirt, $68; Neuw jeans, $159; Clae sneakers, $150; Spitfire sunglasses, $45. All available at Ulah (Westwood).

TRUE COLORS Pullover sweater, $249; velveteen jeans, $189; earrings, $75. All available at Peruvian Connection (Crestwood Shops).

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SKY’S THE LIMIT Gimo’s jacket, $998; Crossley hoodie, $255; Crossley beanie, $75; White Sands slacks, $275; Rancourt & Co. moccasins, $257. All available at Hudson & Jane (Crestwood Shops).

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ORANGE CRUSH St. James jacket, $575; Cambio slacks, $285. Both available at Hudson & Jane (Crestwood Shops). Earrings, $49; available at Trapp and Company (Midtown).

SHAPING UP Allude sweater, $495; Mother leather pants, $218; Jenny Bird earrings, $105; Toral boots, $447. All available at Clairvaux (Fairway Shops).

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THROWING SHADE Gitman Bros. shirt, $136.50; OrSlow pants, $161; Engineered Garments jacket, $360; Sandlot hat, $65. All available at Guevel (Crossroads).

BLUE NOTES J. Crew jeans, $79.50; hoodie, $49.50; sweater, $59.50; slip-on sneakers, $69.50. All available at J. Crew Factory (Legends Outlets).

LEAN ON ME On her: Peserico sweater, $790; Peserico pants, $445; Prada sneakers, $825; Zenzii earrings, $25. On him: Eleventy jacket, $695; Eleventy sweater, $495; Eleventy joggers, $595; Magnanni sneakers, $395. All available at Halls Kansas City (Crown Center).

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Coasting Home

Above: Furniture and accessories from Restoration Hardware ﬁll the living room. Opposite: Gary’s dog, Owen, enjoys the view from the open staircase that overlooks the two-story, black-framed windows.

LEAWOOD NATIVE MATT GARY CRAVED FAMILY, AND A SHORELINE, IN KANSAS WORDS BY PHOTOS BY

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Patricia OʼDell Aaron Leimkuehler

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f there’s anything that shows up in Matt Gary’s social media feed more than his boxer, Owen, it’s a coastline. Whether it’s Florida or the Lake of the Ozarks, he seems most comfortable near the water. When he moved back home to Kansas from Nashville after pursuing a country music career for 11 years, he wanted his new home to have the feel of the coast. Gary worked with architect Todd Hicks at NSPJ Architects to design the house, which was completed

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in April of 2020. It was fortunately the perfect place to be. “Basically, I moved in right at the start of COVID-19 shutdown,” Gary says. “Matt knew how he wanted the house to look and feel,” Hicks says. “He brought pictures with him that were largely of French design. While the exterior of the house has French influences, we agreed that we didn’t want to overwhelm the neighboring houses on either side.” “I wanted an open space that would be great for entertaining,” Gary says. “There’s a terrific patio and the French doors open off the back of

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In the living room, Gary specified niches that wouldn’t be built of wood, but rather that the square shapes would be dry-wall. Floors here and throughout are reclaimed wood.

the house. Absolutely, it reminds me of houses at the shore.” Hicks says Gary was active in the design process. “He didn’t want the house to feel heavy. The main volume in the house is living room, dining room, and kitchen, so we incorporated a lot of glass in those spaces to keep the feel light,” Hicks says. Brick houses that had been

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painted white in Nashville had caught Gary’s eye, and he wanted that clean and classic look on his new home. This too, helps to keep the feel of the house light and airy, despite its size. In addition, Hicks set the house further back on the lot and situated the garage with a side entry to keep it in scale with its neighbors. The first floor

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Above, left: A two-story gallery surrounds the dining room RH oak-stave and iron wine-barrel chandelier. Above right: Throughout the first floor, French doors open to the patio, a favorite place to entertain. Below: In the kitchen, Carrara marble slabs clad both the countertops and backsplashes.

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Plantation shutters control light and visibility in the airy primary bedroom. The linen-upholstered campaign bed is dressed in buffalo-plaid and checked linens.

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Left: The sharp lines of the freestanding bathtub hold pride of place in the primary bathroom. Oversized Carrara marble tiles cover the floor, while the shower is clad with Carrara marble subway tile. Below: The home’s exterior reflects Gary’s interest in French architecture.

is largely one space with an easy flow from the living spaces to the patio. The open stairway, too, is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. “It’s almost like a piece of art,” Hicks says. The wood floor was Gary’s idea. “I saw this reclaimed wood table in Nashville, and I thought it would be great on a floor,” he says. The variegated colors of the wood provide interesting texture against the crispness of the white walls and steel. That they blend well with Owen’s coat may or may not be a coincidence. Gary’s mother, Darlene Gary, is a retired interior designer and she helped create the classic and comfortable interiors. “While I was part of the process from the beginning, I really tried to stay out of the way,” she says. “Matthew had his own ideas—and they were good ones. He knows what he likes. I did a lot of laying things out and presenting options.” Her focus was primarily scale and sourcing. “I let him lead the project and I did some of the footwork. Matthew wanted the kitchen to be similar to the kitchen in our lake house, which has the same white marble countertops. I knew it would be challenging to find enough marble, so I took on things like that.” She also helped Gary make smart choices when it came to the upholstery. Owen is allowed on the furniture, so most of the upholstery fabrics are stain resistant. “I love having friends here,” Gary says. “We live on my patio and the doors are always open. I really do feel as if I’m on the coast.”

Truly Sensational RENOVATION SENSATION

You can see Matt Gary’s home up close and personal during the Renovation Sensation homes tour Wednesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. This year’s chairs are Andrea Newman and Brea Noblit. Guests will be inspired by each of the homes’ interiors. Renovation Sensation is the primary fundraising event for the Shawnee Mission East High

School SHARE program, which is a student-led organization that encourages students to volunteer through student-led projects. Besides Gary’s home, the tour includes three other houses nearby. Passes are available for purchase at HenHouse Markets in Corinth, Fairway, and Prairie Village, online at bit.ly/resen2021pass, and at each house location the day of the event.

THE IT LIST Architect NSPJ Architects nspjarch.com Builder Noblit Didier Design + Build noblitdidier.com Wood Floors Elmwood Reclaimed Timber elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com

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b r e new s THE RETURN OF THE COFFEEHOUSE words by

Kelsey Cipolla

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t wasn’t so long ago that coffee shops were the backgrounds to our lives: meetings and solo work sessions, catch-ups with friends, and caffeinating respites between everything else. And while much of the world has changed, one thing remains the same: Our love for the local café. Fortunately, there is a new batch of spots to fall for with spaces as tempting as their menus—so pull up a chair and come thirsty. We’ll meet you for a drink.

Outta the Blue

5291 West 116th Place | outtatheblue.co Keith Bradley, Thomas McIntyre, and Tyler Enders highlight all things local as the co-owners of Made in KC, but they’re also bringing a taste of the other locales to Kansas City through their coffee and bar concepts. First came Front Range, a Fairway-based concept that takes inspiration from Colorado’s mountains (stay tuned for a Waldo outpost opening later this year). Now they’re hitting the beach with Outta the Blue, a tropical spot in Leawood’s Park Place. It’s a challenge to remember you’re still in Kansas as you set eyes on the majestic king palm trees that anchor the space, one of many design touches that reinforce the theme. Surfboards decorate the walls and window seats double as swings just in case you want to imagine swaying in the breeze.

The coffee program bears a close resemblance to Made in KC cafés, with a few beachy twists—the coconut latte has been one of the shop’s bestsellers, Bradley says. Guests can also enjoy teas, a seasonal shrub, kombucha, and juices. Outta the Blue’s bar program includes some classic cocktails, but also a tropical selection, which includes a painkiller, a blue Hawaiian, and more. The concept also marks a departure for the group when it comes to wines. “With our other locations, we’re kind of working within the confines of local wine and regional wine, but here we have a really great variety of natural wines, some orange wines, some new things on the menu that will also always be changing,” Bradley explains. But never fear—local companies are well represented on the food side of the menu, with Scratch Bakery KC pastries and vegan sandwiches from Mattie’s Foods. The mix of Kansas City and island vibes has made Outta the Blue a hot spot since it opened in June. “I think there’s just a real hunger to get back out and explore this city that we’ve kind of had to stay away from for the last little bit,” Bradley says. If you can explore with a mojito in hand? Even better.

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Meta Coffee is at the forefront of the shared space, which leads into Foxtrot’s stylish shop. It’s not the biggest storefront, but Tarhini and Fox make the most of it with a high-impact color palette of black and white accented by light wood, house plants, and an abundance of natural light. “We wanted to keep it pretty open so it kind of flowed, but there’s that visual divider as well where we have our respective spaces,” Tarhini explains. “We want the product to be the focus, and so there’s not a lot of distraction.” He takes the same less-is-more approach to the menu. You won’t find any kooky specialty drinks, just one coffee available on drip each day, one cold brew, and one size for everything. At a time when customers have an overwhelming array of choices, Tarhini hopes the simplicity makes it easier to home in on the coffee. “This is what we have,” he says. “It may not be the most vast menu, but we try to do everything that we do have really, really well.”

Jinkies! Coffee & Hangout

8350 West 151st Street | jinkiescoffee.com

Meta Coffee Roasting Co.

1639 Southwest Boulevard | metacoffeekc.com Simple doesn’t mean boring. At Meta Coffee Roasting Co.’s new Rosedale café, the space and menu are deliberately uncomplicated to keep the focus on what matters: the coffee. Zach Tarhini started Meta Coffee back in 2015, roasting out of his basement and selling whole beans and cold brew at the Brookside Farmers Market. Shortly after launching the business, Tarhini met Jordan Fox, a fellow local entrepreneur who had recently started Foxtrot Studio, a lifestyle company specializing in handcrafted leather goods. The two talked about how cool it would be to open a collaborative space, but nothing came of the idea until last fall, when a storefront opened in Rosedale a few blocks from Fox’s home. Tarhini was initially skeptical: The pandemic was in full force, and he was worried the neighborhood might be too out of the way for customers. But it wasn’t long before he was won over by the location’s potential as well as the community. “There’s not a lot of great coffee out here, and so it’s been really cool seeing people from the neighborhood and how pumped they’ve been about coming in,” he says. SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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Where can you find KC’s grooviest coffee? South Overland Park’s Jinkies! Coffee & Hangout, of course. Mom and daughter duo Lisa and Madi Dombrowski opened the 70s-themed coffee shop and bakery in January as a way to showcase baker Lisa’s sugar cookies and other confections as well as Madi’s passion for local coffee. “This is completely new for both of us, having a storefront shop,” Madi says. “It’s definitely been a learning experience, but we’ve been able to learn and grow with it together.” The pair wanted to offer a fun environment and settled on paying tribute to the Me decade, which holds special meaning for the Dombrowskis—Lisa grew up during the 70s and instilled a love of the era in Madi. Fittingly, Jinkies’s décor is filled with playful references to pop culture of the time, such as a cheese-grater light fixture that pays tribute to a design featured on That 70s Show. Posters of the Dombrowskis’ favorite bands and movies of the era adorn the walls, and one corner is covered in records from Lisa’s father’s personal collection—Madi’s personal favorite element of the space.

The menu has just as much personality. All the pastries and baked goods—including deluxe cookies, pop-tarts, and danishes— are made fresh in-house. Lisa spends most days baking to keep the pastry case stocked but also experiments with new recipes, like lavender honey muffins. On the coffee side of the business, Jinkies brews beans from Blip Roasters and offers classic drinks as well as specialties that are one of a kind: The Strawberry Fields, made with strawberry cream and espresso; the customer-favorite Cookie Dough latte; and a selection of lemonades in flavors like cotton candy, bomb pop, and lavender. Madi and co. serve up equally inventive limited-edition drinks, like a creamy salted butter popcorn latte inspired by Lisa’s love of the snack. “It sounds so off the wall and strange, but we ended up finding a way to make it, and it is delicious,” Madi says with a laugh.

makes the most of local partnerships, serving up exclusive blends from Marcell Coffee, plus Donutology donuts and Meshuggah Bagels. In many ways, Hitides is both a love letter to Hawaii and the midcentury-modern style that came onto the scene as leisure travel was on the rise. The build-out of the space was done by members of the collective, and Johnny drew influence from his own travels as well as vintage travel brochures and Hawaiian cookbooks from the 60s for the design, filling the shop with memorabilia that’s sometimes kitschy but always cool. Those tropical vibes are also felt on the menu. In addition to classic donuts and bagels, Hitides offers its own custom flavor combos, including pineapple glazed and berry hibiscus donuts, plus pineapple ring and citrus avocado bagel toasts. And guests will find a selection of artisan ice creams in flavors like banana caramel d’lite as well as the ever-popular Dole Whip. Johnny says Hitides also makes a point to work directly with companies based in Hawaii, including Shaka Tea and Hawaiian Sun. “Some of that stuff is a little more expensive, doing it directly from them, but we like that we’re supporting the culture and supporting some great people,” he says. In fact, the Dawbarns will be meeting with some of their vendors while visiting Hawaii later this fall—one more way collaboration comes full circle at Hitides.

Hitides Coffee

519 East 18th Street | hitidescoffee.com Collaboration is at the heart of Collective Ex, an all-inclusive creative space in the Crossroads owned and operated by Michelle and Johnny Dawbarn. A coffee shop felt like a natural conduit for conversations among the collective’s members as well as the broader community, Johnny says. “We want all those people in the same space so that we can collaborate together and that really spilled over into the coffee shop, the same idea of saying, ‘We’re not experts in donuts, we’re not experts really even in coffee,’” he explains. “We can come up with some great ideas, but we need to partner with someone who really knows what they’re doing.” Thus, Hitides Coffee was born, a café within Collective Ex that SEPTEMBER 2021 |

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Judith Fertig

Aaron Leimkuehler

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT words by

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photos by

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A SUNSET HILL HOME’S FADED COLORS, WORN LEATHER, AND LAYERED PATTERNS TELL A TIMELESS STORY INSPIRING A LIFESTYLE AND A BUSINESS

In Annie and Rick Zander’s sunroom, a sable antelope mount found at Antiquities and Oddities surveys the room from his perch above the fireplace.

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Above: Bella, the Zanders’ puggle, sits on the staircase that leads from the ground floor to the main floor. The three panels of fabric surrounded by roe antlers were handwoven by the Shipibo Indian tribe from Pucallpa, Peru, in the Amazon rainforest. Top right: A glass display case filled with seashells that greets guests in the foyer is from Christopher Filley Antiques. Right: French doors lead to the gardens outdoors from almost every room in the house.

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Above: In the museum room, a French 19th-century settee is upholstered in a fabric that closely resembles the original fabric. Pillows wrapped in Peruvian textiles fill the red velvet sofa opposite. The 18th-century Italian cabinet holds treasures from the Zanders’ many trips to South America and Europe. Flowers from Beco Flowers.

I’ve

just found the house of our dreams,” Annie Zander remembers telling her husband, Rick, about a 1931 brick and stone Italianate built into a hillside in Sunset Hill. But it was too expensive. Fourteen years later, the house came back on the market. Rain poured through the roof. But the founder of Peruvian Connection and her contractor/woodworker husband were thrilled. They bought it and got to work. Thus began the process of creating a home of timeless appeal, where antiques and furniture and art move in and out—from a location shoot for Peruvian Connection’s catalog or one of their shops or from the

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company’s headquarters on the family farm in Tonganoxie. Likewise, design ideas from home have a way of influencing the company’s line of artisan wallpapers, bedding, and table linens. Along the way, the Zanders enlisted the help of notable Kansas City antiquarians past and present, including Trish Headley of Nufangle, Gwen McClure of French by Design, Steve Rogers of Prize Antiques, and Christopher Filley and Rich Hoffman. “I like things that are broken, chipped, torn. I like a room that says everything has been there forever,” says Annie Zander. Bella, the family puggle, also helps sniff out antiques and is the first

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Above: The 18th-century refectory dining-room table, originally from a French monastery, is surrounded by 19th-century Italian chairs. Flower arrangement from Beco Flowers. Top right: A collection of pewter brought from Germany by Annie Zander’s great grandparents in the early 1900s sits atop a French pine sideboard she found at Gene Switzer Antiques. Right: The fireplace in Annie Zander’s office is engraved with the Latin for “I am happy with my lot.” Opposite: The kitchen, part of an addition to the original house, is dominated by a massive window that makes the room feel like a treehouse. Apples on the countertop are from the family orchard.

to welcome grown daughters Jane and Balie when they visit. To make the old blend with the new, sometimes a bit of judicious woodworking was needed, and for this the couple called John Boyd. In what the Zanders refer to as “the museum room” on the ground floor, Boyd took an 18th-century Italian cabinet and invisibly enlarged it to create the display shelves on top and bookcase underneath, anchoring the back wall. The massive piece—a cabinet of curiosities— holds Zander’s design books, artifacts she brings back from her travels, and ceramics, such as the schoolgirls piece by Akio Takimori. An antique settee came from a buying trip to Lyon, France, to outfit the London store on the King’s Road in Chelsea. It didn’t work there, but it is newly re-

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Opposite: Walls of French doors on either side of the primary bedroom lead out to the garden. The Thomas Moser pencil-post cherry-wood bed is dressed in a Magnolia duvet cover from Peruvian Connection’s new line of linens. Flowers by Beco Flowers. Top left: The Louise Fenne painting, which used Peruvian Connection hand-crocheted belts as a hair ornament, hangs above a blue-painted chest that was discovered in an old train station. Bottom left: In a guest bathroom, a commodious free-standing tub sits in front of a pine armoire from a Michigan farmhouse and an antique painted screen.

splendent in a rich brocade here. A framed remnant of colonial wallpaper Zander peeled off a wall in an old house in Cuzco, Peru, set the home’s color palette—yellow, blue, and red, faded and tinged with burnt umber. “Soulful colors,” she explains. “Colors that say ‘somebody has been smoking in that room for 50 years’.” When the museum room’s cabinet/bookcase needed Old World paint and peeling gilt to match the original, they called specialist painter Michael Jeran, who also antiqued the pine paneling in the sunroom. He stenciled Annie Zander’s ground floor office with a pale blue pattern from an old Prague monastery, one of the off-thebeaten path catalog locations. The stairs to the second floor are lined with roe antlers, some from the Black Forest, others from eBay. “I get obsessed with them,” she confesses. The Zanders removed the can lights and added beams in the dining room. They also made the fireplace more of a focal point. “I found the Federal mantel in a junkyard in Philly,” she says, and with the magic of Boyd and Jeran, it looks like it has always been there. The colonial silver candlesticks from Peru sitting on the dining table are from Zamder’s late mother, Biddy, who founded Peruvian Connection with her daughter in 1976. The open kitchen, with thick pine beams and a window reminiscent of a Spanish galleon, has plenty of room for Rick Zander, the gourmet cook, to work. The sunroom functions as a fami-

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The home’s exterior, reminiscent of a French country villa, features rustic stone walls trimmed in brick and arched doors and windows.

ly room with crackled leather furniture, a red spoon chair, and an Italian chandelier. Here and throughout the house hang works by John Douglas Patrick, an artist who taught at the Kansas City Art Institute. His painting Brutality is in the Nelson-Atkins’ collection. Zander had Dolphin Frames mount these paintings in an unusual way—each canvas, curling with age, is not stretched tight but more loosely attached to a larger backing. Creativity zips and zings from past to present, there to here, | 104 | INKANSASCITY.COM

International Materials of Design TILE & STONE

making surprising connections. Two belts woven by a female artisan in Lima, Peru, were sold in the London store to the sister of a Danish artist. They became headbands immortalized in an oil on linen painting by Louise Fenne, Girl and Her Parrot No. 2, bought from a Charlotte, North Carolina, gallery; it now hangs in the Zanders’ bedroom. “I just had to have it,” she says. The painting, the house—and everything in it.

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4691 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS 913.383.3383 www.imdtile.com | 105 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Flavor

IN KC

In the Kitchen LATE SUMMER MEATBALLS BY

Cody Hogan

PHOTOS BY

rowing up we never ate meatballs or meatloaf. I think my father had some sort of prejudice against ground meat, except in the form of the all-American hamburger. He was a cowboy and we lived on a ranch, and real men ate steaks and roasts. I think I inherited a little of that prejudice, but after several decades as a chef, my tastes have evolved. Ground meats can be a medium of creativity and complexity— and frugality. Meatballs and meatloaf are, after all, just a tiny step away from the most exquisite tartare and pâté. Meatballs with Summer Vegetables This recipe is based on one pound of ground meat, which will yield approximately 24 golf ball-sized meatballs. The choice of meat is up to you. I have used beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, and any combination of those and the results are similar and successful. I tend to use lighter meats in the summertime, but even that choice can be influenced by the contents of the refrigerator and my willingness to go grocery shopping. The vegetables I use change with the seasons, and like the choice of ground meat, with what I have on hand. Laziness, not necessity, is the true mother of invention. Begin by dicing and sauteing one small onion or half a large one in olive oil. When translucent, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool. In a spacious bowl, combine the meat with one cup of ricotta cheese, one egg, and one cup of cooked rice or other cooked starch (like stale bread briefly soaked in milk, or even shredded winter squash—I once made a delicious meatloaf with leftover spaghetti squash). Season with salt and pepper, add in the cooled onion, and mix thoroughly. Season with an herb—I like marjoram or oregano but have had outstanding results with sage and rosemary (especially with turkey or chicken)—and add half a cup of grated Parmesan or other hard cheese. Mix again thoroughly (all the mixing helps the ground meat to hold together, almost like kneading dough develops gluten in flour). Take a tiny quarter-sized piece of the mixture, make a patty of it, and cook it briefly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Shape the mixture into about 24 inch-and-a-quarter-sized balls and begin browning them in a large skillet with a little olive oil. Unless you have an enormous skillet, you will have to do this in two batches to avoid crowding the meatballs. Keep an SEPTEMBER 2021 |

Aaron Leimkuehler

eye on the meatballs because the cheese and egg in the mixture tend to brown quickly. While the meatballs cook, assemble your vegetables. In the garden at this time of year I usually still have long beans, peppers, and a few cherry tomatoes, but any vegetable combination can work. When the meatballs are all browned, remove them to a plate. If there is an excess of oil/fat in the skillet—and there most likely will be—drain away the oil and discard it, leaving just enough to cook the vegetables. Add about eight good-sized cloves of garlic, sliced, to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Next add any vegetables with longer cooking times, in this case the long beans and sliced peppers, including a serrano pepper for spicy heat. I left the long beans whole, instead of cut into shorter pieces. I think they look dramatic that way and are fun to twirl on a fork like spaghetti. Shake and toss the vegetables to get them sizzling and coated in oil. Clear a spot in the pan and add about two tablespoons of tomato paste (or Korean gochujang or Turkish pepper paste—any of those pastes that will add a little complexity and body to the sauce) and cook it briefly, stirring but allowing bits of the paste to stick to the bottom of the skillet and begin to brown. When the contents begin to look a little dry like they might burn, add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet and stir. Next add a big handful of cherry tomatoes, whole, halved, or both, and stir so that everything is coated in the sauce. Add the meatballs and any juices that have collected in the plate back to the skillet. Stir and shake so that everything is in an even layer. If the skillet looks dry again, add another splash of water. Cover the skillet and allow everything to steam and continue cooking for a few minutes, checking—if you absolutely must—to see that the contents are not scorching, although a tiny hint of char can be delicious. If you have any leftover cooked vegetables that would go well with the other flavors—in this case, I had some lovely sweet roasted peppers to use—now is the time to add them. Check one meatball for doneness, and if it is to your liking, toss everything again so that it is shiny and coated in sauce. For a final flourish and luster, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs—Italian parsley, cilantro, any kind of basil, scallions, chives, or mint—and serve directly from the skillet. The dish is delicious, satisfying and filling as is, but to further extend the meal, serve it atop rice, polenta, potatoes, or even a slab of good, toasted bread to soak up the juices.

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In Your Pantry PEPPERCORNS THE HISTORY of peppercorn spice is fascinating and long—as in thousands of years long. Several varieties of a rainbow of hues are popular today, but you don’t have to pick a favorite. Many stores sell peppercorn blends that include all or some of those listed below. Very important: Pepper always has the best flavor when freshly ground or crushed. Gourmet and specialty shops like Savory Spice (Brookside) and Penzeys Spices (downtown Overland Park) are great places to find and sample different varieties.

Black The standard and most aromatic of peppercorns. Their ﬂavor brings a touch of heat and piquancy to dishes all around the globe. As with wine, terroir has an appreciable impact on the ﬂavor, so black pepper from different locales can be quite varied. For the creme de la creme of pepper, try Tellicherry peppercorns from the Malabar Coast of India.

White The same type of peppercorn as black peppercorns, but they have been soaked in water and had the outer casing removed. The ﬂavor is more subtle, less pungent, but more earthy, with overtones of “barnyard” (AKA horse manure, which is not unpleasant for those who have grown up on a farm). White pepper is frequently used cosmetically in white sauces and foods where grindings of black pepper would detract from the appearance of the ﬁnished dish.

Green These are unripe, immature black peppercorns. They have a mild flavor, fresher and fruitier but with a lingering spicy finish on the tongue. Available dried, but more commonly— and some think for a fresher flavor—brined or pickled. Great in combination with cream sauces, especially with a splash of brandy for classic steak au poivre.

Pink Not actually true peppercorns, but berries from a South American shrub. They have a hint of peppery piquancy, but are more delicate in flavor, very floral and with a surprising hint of sweetness. They are considerably softer than black peppercorns and don’t do well in a peppermill unless mixed with other types of peppercorns.Visually striking, they fit easily into dessert applications.

Sichuan/Szechuan Also not from the pepper family, but a dried berry from the mountain ash tree grown in the Sichuan province of China. These are fragrant but not as pungent as true black pepper—and mouth numbing. In fact, the numbing effect is frequently used in conjunction with insanely hot chile peppers to minimize the heat while allowing actual chile ﬂavor to come through. When applied with a deft hand, the tingly effect can be skillfully used to enhance other ﬂavors.

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