seveneightfive Feb/March 2016

Topeka’s guide to art, entertainment, lifestyle + local flavor

who rock

WOMEN

February / March 2016 • Vol. X Issue V

FREE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

noto/north topeka 3

Support Topeka’s art community!

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Donate at: www.artsconnecttopeka.org/donate

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First Friday

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artwalk map

GORDON

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STREET

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21 11 14 20 9 15 7 10 8 3

& shopping guide

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downtown topeka

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KANSAS

AVE

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LANE

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HUNTOON

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QUINCY

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JACKSO

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WASHBURN

GAGE BLVD

OAKLEY

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4 Girls’ Garage | 837 N Kansas aMUSEd Gallery | 115 NW Laurent Ballet Folklorico | 814 N Kansas Curiosity | 1209 N Kansas The Eclective | 900 N Kansas Generations Antiques | 918 N Kansas Kaw River Rustics | 901 N Kansas Matryoshka Tattoo | 902 N Kansas NOTO Arts Center | 935 N Kansas NOTO ArtsPlace | 905 N Kansas The Open Window | 927 N Kansas Portico | 802 N Kansas Rewind Antiques | 840 N Kansas Robuck Jewelers | 845 N Kansas Rusty Haggles Antiques | 826 N Kansas Stonewall Gallery | 826 N Kansas Studio 831 | 831 N Kansas Two Days Monthly Market | 829 N Kansas Two Wolves Studio & Den | 837 1/2 N Kansas Vintage Vibe | 833 N Kansas Yeldarb Gallery | 909 N Kansas

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8TH

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10TH

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Absolute Design | 629 S Kansas Boho Mojo | 631 S Kansas Capitol Federal | 700 S Kansas Cashmere Popcorn | 1003 SE Quincy Constitution Hall | 429 S Kansas Creative Corners Gallery & Gifts | 115 SE 6th Dillon House | 404 SW 9th H&R Block | 726 S Kansas Kelly Gerhard, American Family | 119 SW 6th The Merchant | 913 S Kansas NexLynx | 123 SW 6th Ave Oddfellows Fine Books | 117 SW 6th Prairie Glass Studio | 110 SE 8th Quincy Street Event Center | 702 SE Quincy 712 Innovations | 712 S Kansas Skin Art Creations Tattoo | 114 SW 8th Topeka Performing Arts Center | 214 SE 8th Trails Gallery | 109 N Kansas Warehouse 414 | 414 SE 2nd Wolfe’s Camera | 635 S Kansas

westboro/midtown 1 2

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CALIFORNIA

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fairlawn plaza

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21ST 29TH

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29TH

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FAIRLAWN

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GAGE BLVD

TOPEKA!

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Topeka Community Foundation

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MAR

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APR

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complete exhibit information at artsconnecttopeka.org

Cafe Barnabas | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive Home At Last | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive The Hub | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive Kitchen Gallery | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive Sweet! | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive Topeka Art Guild | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive Yak 'N Yarn | 2114 SW Chelsea Drive

surrounding 5

FEB

Alice C. Sabatini Gallery | 1515 SW 10th Beauchamp’s Gallery | 3113 SW Huntoon Mulvane Art Museum | 1700 SW Jewell Porterfield’s | 3101 SW Huntoon PT’s Cafe College Hill | 1635 SW 17th Soho Interiors | 3129 SW Huntoon

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Colorfields | 6826 SE Stubbs Rd (Berryton) Glaciers Edge Winery | 1636 SE 85th (Wakarusa) Prairie Meadow Greenhouse | 7321 SE 45th Southwind Gallery | 3074 SW 29th Tasteful Olive | 2900A Oakley-Brookwood

INSIDE SEVENEIGHTFIVE

VOL X Issue V | FEB/MARCH 2016 4th ANNUAL

WOMEN WHO ROCK

Featuring eight unique women who are transforming Topeka. To date, 34 women have been featured.

table of contents #785FLAVOR

local bakeries

3 dock at the landing 18 shana cake 20 local flavor

restaurant picks 22 mug shot

51 flavors 24 food ninja

three bakeries 26 chef's crazy

tasty chicken

#785ART 14 artitude

poca kim

#785LIVE 4

burlesque

16 concerts

#785LIFE 6 WOMEN WHO ROCK 8 it's all about family 10 a colorful future 12 swimming in the

waters of success

EXTRAS

5 rup

psychic chicken 16 specials

featured advertisers "Wet Dream" by Poca Kim women who rock

ARTSConnect Topeka ArtPrint Express Ad Astra DJ Ali Rene Photography Anytime Fitness Backs by Popular Demand Capital City Crushers The Dutch Goose RowHouse Restaurant Joletta's Kansas Historical Museum

Luis' Place Mainstream Boutique Oddfellow’s PT's College Hill Strathman Sales Tailgator's Pub + Grub TPAC Topeka Beer Topeka Civic Theatre Visit Topeka Yuki Japanese Steakhouse

cover design MARTIE RISON is a marketing specialist at St. Francis Health and co-owns Oddfellow's Fine Books and Collectables. In her free time she likes to create various forms of art and administrates her group the Topeka History Geeks.

contributors PUBLISHER/OWNER Kerrice Mapes

seveneightfive@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Jay Bachman Greg Garcia Ali Hanlon Michael Howe Michelle Leivan Andrea Leon Noah Neff Travis Owens Tricia Peterson

Gary Piland Amanda Reynolds Ashley Reynolds Ni’Cole Revell Brandon Rison Martie Rison James Robinson Tom Wah Stephanie West

BUSINESS DIRECTOR Liz Bell

EDITING

D O’Brien + Rebecca Radziejeski Jay Bachman + Rio Cervantes-Reed

ADVERTISING

Kerrice Mapes + Ni’Col Revell

about us seveneightfive magazine is a free niche magazine highlighting entertainment, art, local businesses and more in Topeka, Kan. seveneightfive was created in June 2006 to inform area residents and visitors about a+e events in Topeka. Today, we continue to be a catalyst for cultural and art enhancement in Topeka. seveneightfive is made possible due to ad revenue and only allows locally owned businesses to be represented in print. seveneightfive magazine and its social media incarnations are not intended for readers under 18 years of age.

weekender TEXT 785 TO 66866

To sign up for our weekly e-blast which will keep you the most up-to-date on Topeka events.

To advertise your event, email seveneightfive@gmail.com. Submissions are due Tuesday by 5p. Ads are $75 per week. A discount is given to nonprofits or charity events that fit our mission.

Space is limited.

@seveneightfive

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pick up CHECK OUT THESE SUPPORTERS AND GET YOUR NEXT SEVENEIGHTFIVE • • • • • • • •

Pigskins Dutch Goose Joletta’s The Brass Rail Oddfellow’s Books + Collectables Tailgator’s Topeka + Shawnee Public Library Anytime Fitness on Gage

• • • • • • • •

Topeka Civic Theatre ArtPrint Express PT’s College Hill Mulvane Art Museum Backs by Popular Demand Rowhouse Restaurant Kirk & Cobb / Helen Crow Uncle Bo’s / Ramada Inn Downtown

• • • • • • • •

Live Music Institute Abigail’s The Break Room The Merchant KS Expo Center Downtown Topeka Inc. Visit Topeka Kansas Museum of History

#785FLAVOR

DOCK AT THE LANDING

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The Landing Grille + Bar |

2920 SE Croco Rd.

e preach it, we live it, we patronize it: locally owned businesses create communities that are more prosperous, entrepreneurial, connected, and generally better off. And the epitome of locally-owned would be the Lewis family and The Landing Grille and Bar.

“The neighborhood needed it,” said Tommy Lewis when asked why he chose to purchase the property and open The Landing.

The Landing is located in the building that previously housed Reed’s Lakeside, a common stomping ground for locals. Unfortunately, a complex and overwhelming menu paired with a slight identity crisis (neighborhood sports bar vs. family restaurant vs. late night riffraff) may have been its ultimate demise.

“We live in this neighborhood and the people that live here as well all deserve to have a good, clean, neighborhood-friendly, family-friendly, baseballfriendly establishment,” said Melissa Lewis, co-owner and Tommy’s wife.

The Shack, Ice and Olives, El Dorado Mexican Grill and Cantina, and a couple others are the few options for east side residents to dine and wine close to home. Tommy and Melissa knew that building couldn’t sit dormant for long.

“It was always Tommy’s dream, even before we married and bought this house [out east], back when he managed McB’s Sports Bar (which resided in that same space prior to Reed’s Lakeside), to one day own it,” said Melissa.

“It was wishful thinking,” added Tommy.

“Then the opportunity came up via our friend Jerry Berger (the property manager),” said Melissa. “Next thing we knew, we had a key in our hand.”

And that key brought an entire family to arms - cousins, siblings, in-laws, friends and more - working 20 plus hours a day to rehab and clean the entire space. The moment also witnessed the return of pizza crafter extraordinaire Matthew P. Worrell (a neighborhood favorite), who was known for years for making amazing pizzas using his homemade crust and sauce. Almost everything on their menu is made fresh, from scratch.

The Landing, open just a few weeks, already has positive responses rolling in from the neighborhood and friends. Stop by to see their amazing shuffleboard, the new look and menu.

FYI, be prepared to wait a little bit longer for food, as fresh takes time and love. But also be prepared for impeccable service with a smile. As with any new business, be prepared for changes as they get their lake legs.

Looking out from our dock, with an owner like Tommy, who has been a seveneightfive "Bartender of the Month" twice, and with all the support and family around them, this is the epitome of a local business and a recipe for success. aseveneightfive

Prognosticatio with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus, The Psychic Chicken TM

Jan - Feb

2016 Mr. R., Why can’t I ever keep my New Year’s resolutions? I set out to lose 10 pounds in January and so far I’ve gained 4. Help! - BIG Fan. Dear BIG, Tell me about it. When I was a younger and skinnier and, yeah, nicer chicken, I used to think, “why don’t those fat people just lose some weight?” Now I look at them and ask, “Am I as fat as that person?” And the answer is almost always, “DUH!” The secret to losing weight is controlling how much you eat vs. how much you do. Simple. And danged hard, at least for me. - RR ____________________________ A R I E S Nothing very pressing to warn ya about just yet. Lots of emphasis on the “yet” part.

T A U R U S I was thinking about how I should break the bad news to ya, but decided there was only one real way—do it next issue. Stay tuned.

G E M I N I Not much of a snake person for obvious reasons - but I do find it hilarious that squirrels slap the bejeezus out of them on a regular basis. Kinda restores my belief in justice. YouTube it.

C A N C E R Jail is nature’s way of reminding us all that law enforcement in America is rigged. Lots of people break the law and never get punished because they’re stinky rich and have a senator, judge, police chief or *cough* governor in their pocket. Now, if we could just figure out how to keep those stinky rich bastards from buying their favorite politicians, maybe things would start to even out for us little guys, er, chickens. Maybe.

4

L E O

Speaking of fairness, slutty girls #785LIVE

are denigrated as “sluts” while slutty guys are christened “womanizers”. It sounds like these guys have some special ability to control the opposite sex. Okay now - stay with me here - since this is far more true of women Mr. R., than men, why aren’t slutty girls Why can’t I ever keep my New called “manizers”?

Year’s resolutions? I set out to

Q+A BURLESQUE FEST

V I R G O If you buy a ticket you WILL win the Powerball Lottery.

Wait, Iwith was e sat down supposedRosa to tell Cavazos ya that lastfrom issue.

Dang! I must have put it ontomy Visit Topeka get Sorry! thecalendar scoopwrong. on the Burlesque

W

Festival taking place in L I B R A Downtown Topeka at no the Everybody says in 100 years, Ramada 5.that’s Here is one willon care,March but I say, what she hadYer to glad say we : won really stupid.

World War One aren't you?

C OARBURLESQUE P I O 1. SWHY FESTIVAL?

There are girls and there are When I girls. started Scorpio That’sresearching like saying Topeka history, I learned there are cars and there are that Gypsy Rose had appeared Mercedes cars.

Only more so. at

lose 10 pounds in January and so far I’ve gained 4. Help! - BIG Fan.

3. BIG, WHAT ARE YOU MOST Dear ABOUT ANDa WHY? TellEXCITED me about it.

When I was younger and skinnier and, yeah, I am excited tothink, bring this nicer chicken, I used to event backfat people to just Topeka. “why don’t those Everyone whoNow attended lose some weight?”

I look at last October a fat great them and ask, had “Am I as as thattime.

It was person?”

Andwonderful the answer is to hear the always, audience’s almost “DUH!” feedback, The secret so event is really to this losingyear weightthe is controlling tailored that how much youto eat vs. howfeedback. much We included two dance you do.have Simple.

And danged hard, at classes, least for me.

- RR one of which will be ____________________________ taught by Madame MacKay,

has a bachelor of fine the Jayhawk Theatre right A who R I E S arts in dance performance S A Gshe I T became T A R I U S before a famous Nothing very pressing to warn ya and a minor in theatre. We When in doubt, always let (Now, you burlesque dancer. about just yet. Lots of emphasis have a make-up and know who break the bad news to some argue that Gypsy onalso the “yet” part. the boss.

If theyperformed get lots of credit Rose never at photo session that people can U Rup U Sfor, and of course, sign still better than some getting fired. thethat’s Theatre and say T A I was thinking about I should we have the how performance sheC Adid.) with P R IEither C O R way, N break bad news ya, but Some for theyou to towatch. burlesque becoming popular Now, about those mom jeans. They was only one mightthere remember therealclown again andreallyitsshortappeal to decided now have mom shorts, way—do it next issue.

Stay tuned. performance from last year different demographics, it really mini mom mini skirts and

by Annie Cherry. And she seemed like a fun tie-in.

G E M I N I really skimpy mommy swimmy will be performing two Some remember suits.people Fashion can be kind. their Not much of a snake person for numbers this year. aseveneightfive parents going out on the obvious reasons - but I do find it A Q to U Acatch R I U aS burlesque town hilarious that squirrels slap the Okay,and nobody and I mean show others are nobody new bejeezus out of them on a regular our state is doing to really the believes burlesque world and basis. Kinda restores my belief in wellto economically.

Sure, some it. want know more about justice. YouTube it.

MARCH 5 Kansas Burlesque Festival

idiots say it is, but they’re mostly C A N C E R just liars and dupes. Just sayin’.

Jail is nature’s way of reminding 2. PWHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT I S C E S us all that law enforcement in WHEN THEY ATTEND THE EVENT? Be. That is enough.

America is rigged. Lots of people ___________________________ the law andRamada never getHotel People can expect to have a breakDowntown punished because they’re stinky Question for the Blue Guru? great time! They will laugh TICKETS: VisitTopeka.com on yer mind? Need an rich and have a senator, judge, at Something some of the performances answer to a burning (and itching) police chief or *cough* governor and they will be amazed 18+ event personal question? Find out in their pocket. Now, if we could by before the art of late. dance and it’s too Email me!the just figure out how to keep those Tickets are limited. dancers’ techniques. The Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com from buying ___________________________ It rich is anbastards intimate atmosphere. costumes are beautiful and stinky their favorite politicians, maybe predictions * Astrological some are a bit sassy.are to Seewould theirstart ad to to the evenright out for reality what Brownback is to smart. things #brownbackistan - Ruprecht us little chickens. Maybe. for guys, moreer,information.

L E O Speaking of fairness, slutty girls are denigrated as “sluts” while slutty guys are christened “womanizers”. It sounds like these guys have some special ability to control the opposite sex. Okay now - stay with me here - since this is far more true of women than men, why aren’t slutty girls called “manizers”?

V I R G O If you buy a ticket you WILL win the Powerball Lottery. Wait, I was supposed to tell ya that last issue.

Dang! I must have put it on my calendar wrong. Sorry!

L I B R A Everybody says in 100 years, no one will care, but I say, that’s really stupid. Yer glad we won World War One aren't you?

S C O R P I O There are girls and there are Scorpio girls. That’s like saying there are cars and there are Mercedes cars. Only more so.

S A G I T T A R I U S When in doubt, always let you know who break the bad news to the boss. If they get lots of credit that’s still better than getting fired.

C A P R I C O R N Now, about those mom jeans. They now have really short mom shorts, really mini mom mini skirts and really skimpy mommy swimmy suits. Fashion can be kind.

A Q U A R I U S Okay, nobody and I mean nobody really believes our state is doing well economically. Sure, some idiots say it is, but they’re mostly just liars and dupes. Just sayin’.

P I S C E S Be. That is enough. ___________________________ Question for the Blue Guru?

Something on yer mind? Need an answer to a burning (and itching) personal question? Find out before it’s too late. Email me!

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ * Astrological predictions are to

reality what Brownback is to smart. #brownbackistan - Ruprecht

TEASE CITY Kansas Burlesque Festival

Cheer, hoot and holler as the luscious ladies of the Kansas Burlesque Festival heat up the stage! The live cabaret-style show features more than a dozen performances, including dancers from Kansas City’s Burlesque Downtown Underground. Exotic, risqué and even humorous, these talented performers will have you cheering. Join us on March 5 at the Downtown Ramada Hotel.

Food trucks. Mariachi bands. Bicycles and chocolate. Exciting events are always popping up in Topeka! Come experience our next great event – from the lively Capital City Jazz & Food Truck Festival to the sweet Kansas Chocolate Festival featuring Mars Chocolate.

Discover Topeka’s favorite festivals at VisitTopeka.com. And sign up to get the best events sent directly to your email!

VisitTopeka.com | 800-235-1030

WOMEN WHO ROCK

WOMEN

who rock Featuring eight women who are transformational and significant in unique ways.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

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Sheyvette Dinkens Women Empowerment LEARN MORE + SUPPORT: 2016 Passion to Purpose Brunch March 5 | 1p

An afternoon to uplift and support women doing positive things.

Guest speakers Christyn Breathett and Author LaShonda Jackson.

‘‘

n the summer of 2010 two women started a book club. A month later, they launched a Young and Little Women Book Club, a mentoring program for elementary school students. As that expanded, costs increased, and the non-profit Women Empowerment was born. WE, under the leadership of founder Sheyvette Dinkens, celebrates six years of success this March.

Their success is measured by the community outreach programs they conduct to empower women and girls in Topeka.

Last year, WE served 370 meals to youth and conducted a "Save Your Self " teen mentoring program which reached 140 middle and high school students. They created and distributed 200 hygiene packages to homeless women, and might best be known for their leadership of the Little Free Library, a free community book exchange program, which now has 75 locations. All of this from a group with 15 members: 15 passionate women. aseveneightfive

Don't worry about becoming successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.”-Oprah Winfrey

FAT FREE ADVERTISING SHARES BEST RECIPES FOR CREATIVE SUCCESS

M

artha Piland, owner of MB Piland Advertising, has been rockin' the creative culture and advertising industry in Topeka for over two decades.

Her motto, "Fat Free Advertising" describes her no-fluff approach to direct creative business strategies that work. Her work generates proven successes and revenues for her clients while maximizing their investment and translating into accolades and awards. Martha serves some of these delicious strategies in her book "Culturing Creative - a

guidebook for fostering the curiosity and creative that solve everyday problems" published December 2015, available on Amazon.com.

Written and illustrated by Martha, the book empowers everyone to be more creative, to think differently for problem solving and teaches the reader how to discover and harness their inner creativity. The book is a how-to with Rules of Thumb, brainstorming methods, exercises and blank pages for recording your practices. aseveneightfive 7

WOMEN WHO ROCK

IT’S ALL ABOUT Kelly, Toni and Kade Every dream will be challenged.

FAMILY

January 15, 2016: “I went to Church last Sunday with some wonderful people. Kade fell asleep during the first half of church, but the second half, he was clapping & dancing in his seat. Can’t wait to take him back & experience that wonderful & blessed feeling again this Sunday with my son. I haven’t been in the church scene for a couple years, but I’m sure glad I’m back in it now. I miss my old pastor. His name was Arlie and he was an awesome man. I wish he was here so he could teach Kade some of the things he taught me in church.

All week I just keep reminding myself what he always used to say to our congregation: “God loves you and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.” Kelly

K

elly Vanderpool (Roberts) found her best friend and love of her life, Toni, while playing a game of pool at Skivies. They flirted, courted and bonded over Kelly’s passion for roller derby, among other things. They decided to make the forever commitment on November 13, 2013, in Iowa, since Kansas had yet to recognize same-sex marriage. They returned to Topeka on the 16th to celebrate their union, the way they wanted, with all of their family and friends in 8

by Kerrice Mapes | photo by Ali Hanlon and provided by family

their hometown. And just like many couples, their next step in their life plan was to start a family. Toni, a few years older then Kelly, already had a son - a militarydecorated one at that - and two grandkids. While it wasn’t necessarily in Toni’s plan to have more children, (and some in her family thought she was crazy to start that process over again), as a good spouse, she compromised and supported the desire of her wife to start a family of their own.

Rarely, a dream comes true easily and effortlessly, without delays, problems or hurdles.

Toni and Kelly’s next steps to parenthood was via a seven week class through TFI about foster/adoption parenting.

They knew that more than likely they would adopt an older child, if given the opportunity, and that still thrilled Kelly. During that time, however, they met a woman through a mutual friend who was pregnant and looking to give her child up for adoption. The Vanderpools' family process proceeded as quickly as Kade entered the world, shwoing up two months premature and weighing only 4lb 13oz. December 2, 2014: “Our second time feeding Kade.” Toni

‘‘

At the end we all want the same thing, don’t we?

To be happy and have a healthy family.”

At the time they filed for guardianship, Kansas did not recognize the marriage between Toni and Kelly, therefore both parents could not legally be listed on any adoption documents. So as many couples have done in the past, one spouse filed for guardianship (Toni), leaving the other parent without the same rights or responsibilities (Kelly). The law ultimately forced Toni to testify as being a single parent. During the process, the judge ordered home reports, a routine request, to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. The next time the couple went to court, Toni was called to the judge’s bench, where he reminded her of the legal oath she took and the ramifications of lying. Unsurprisingly, the home reports did not support the notion that Toni was a single mother filing for adoption, but instead that she was part of a domestic partnership, with a woman.

KANSAS RECOGNIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, JUNE 26, 2015.

Timing is everything: Toni and Kelly are now legally married in the state of Kansas and can legally file for adoption together.

Birth certificate reads: Kade Vanderpool, born November 26, 2014 to parents Toni and Kelly Vanderpool “We have no desire to be a poster child for lesbian adoption,” said Toni.

Although they are pretty confident they are the first same-sex married couple (legally recognized in Kansas) to adopt.

December 7, 2015: “Kade’s first picture with Santa.” Toni January 21, 2016: “Kade just walked for the first time. He is so proud of himself. #proudmommymoment” Kelly “In the end, we all just want the same thing, don’t we?” said Toni. “To be happy and have a healthy family.” aseveneightfive 9

WOMEN WHO ROCK

A COLORFUL FUTURE

giving locally helping abroad supporting the arts encouraging tourism 10

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nikki sloup

estled in a chair located in Nikki Sloup’s warm, mocha colored office, I’m slightly jarred when I hear “code blue” over the intercom. I assume it is less alarming to Nikki, who works in the middle of a busy hospital as director of marketing and communications for St. Francis.

Prior, Nikki worked for 19 years at the corporate offices at Payless.

Nikki says she hears lullabies and code blues regularly, and working in healthcare is quite a contrast from the corporate world. “You have to get out of the office and get a sense of what’s happening,” said Nikki. “It is humbling

by Andrea Leon | photos provided

to be a part of something like this.”

That humbling feeling resonated with Nikki again when she took a trip with Planting Peace to Haiti last year.

Nikki, a board member for Planting Peace, a nonprofit best known in Topeka for the Equality House, is an organization created to help sustain orphanages in Haiti and India. They have dewormed children around the world and protected acres of the Peruvian rainforest. Nikki said her trip to the orphanages in Haiti was an eye opening and shocking experience.

“They have nothing, yet they are some of the most happy and grateful people

‘‘

I didn't realize how much the Equality House meant to people until I met kids that have come...It gives hope to people who are struggling with being their authentic self.”

I have ever known.” Nikki plans to travel back to Haiti within the year with St. Francis and help with the work the hospital does there.

Additionally, Nikki is involved with Planting Peace’s Equality House in Topeka. On a nice day, it's not unusual for over 150 people from all over the world to pay a visit to the Equality House. Nikki said the house is a safe haven for LGBTQ people. “I didn’t realize how much the Equality House meant to people until I met kids that have come to the Equality House.

It gives hope to people who are struggling with being their authentic self.”

This isn’t heaven, it just feels like it.

Nikki, a lifelong Topekan who grew up in the NOTO area, is also the 2016 chairperson of the NOTO Arts District board. Her visions for NOTO’s future is to embrace what’s next and to “move beyond First Friday.”

“We have what makes it special: business partners, artists, board members and the community. It is a lot of individuals coming together,” said Nikki. “We want to drive things into the future and make sure we are moving forward. I am excited about the way the area is reinventing itself.”

As a member of the Visit Topeka board, Nikki continues her work to create a positive vision for Topeka and its future. What motivates Nikki to donate her time and money both to organizations locally and globally? While working at Payless and the Foundation at Payless, Nikki said her eyes were opened to the needs of our community. “If you have the chance to help someone you should just do it.”

Nikki says her grandmother was her biggest role model, “she never had a lot but gave what she had…I hope I can live up to that.” aseveneightfive

Backs By Popular Demand

301 Gage Suite 161

785-234-1548

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WOMEN WHO ROCK Jennifer has always had the drive to go places in life.

Many years have passed since growing up on the outskirts of Lecompton, where the only thing that could ever slow her down was a tractor going 10 miles per hour on the dirt road. With her car covered in dust, Jennifer would take her rural upbringing of tossing hay, baiting hooks and building bonfires with her beyond the dirt roads of Shawnee County into a new life at the University of Kansas. She never forgot what her parents had said to her “If you want to come back here, that’s fine. But go OUT THERE for a while first.”

SWIMMING IN THE WATERS OF SUCCESS

by Noah Neff | photo provided

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A

tall, lanky rural girl settled into her new digs in a little college town along the Kaw. It’s here where she would explore her artistry through all mediums. It's here that she would amass a following of adoring fans, creative and unique friends and also where she would transcend into the woman that so many of us know and love today.

At KU, Jennifer Goetz excelled in the music program, where she would rightfully earn the title of Drum Major and lead the Marching Jayhawks on the field. Today, she’ll happily show you pictures if you promise not to die laughing. And if you can't contain your laughter, she’ll gladly cackle right along

jennifer goetz with you. She had decided long ago to embrace her inner-geekdom.

Author's Note: In fact, that’s always been my favorite trait about her. She taught me that this was okay. Being “weird” is what makes you cool.

On a strict Monday through Friday schedule, you can take the elevator in Building B of Blue Cross and Blue Shield to the 4th floor where Jennifer serves as a multimedia specialist. You have surely received a postcard, driven by a bus or gazed upon a billboard displaying her work.

Jennifer also takes great pride in being a mother, and loves the opportunity to pass her goofy traits on to her 5-year-old daughter.

When Jennifer is not working or being a mother, she dives into public service, making her a Woman That Rocks.

‘‘

What I do know is there is an undercurrent of deep success running around and I want to swim in those waters."

Jennifer is the 2016 event director for Discover the Edge (discovertheedge.org) which raises awareness and cash for the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. She is also the board president for the University of Kansas Alumni Marching band, “which gives me an immense amount of post college days glory and satisfaction,” said Jennifer.

She manages SilverThumbs, as well, a division of Silverbackks.

SilverThumbs' primary project is to partner with Keep America Beautiful to clean up Shawnee County. “I have literally moved tons of garbage out of my city,” boasted Jennifer. She also bakes cookies every week for SilverSunday, an outreach group that encourages conversations with our homeless community over coffee and cookies.

eat happ y!

515 Van Buren Topeka 785.235.1700 RowHouseRestaurant.net

Last year, Jennifer was the Military Veteran Project Gala co-chair.

With the American Legion, Jennifer helped coordinate a wall of flags during the Veterans' Parade, visually blocking the view to Westboro Baptist Church's signs.

She serves on the NOTO Arts District marketing board and helps with their First Friday ArtWalk social media efforts. Additionally, she has volunteered to develop a full social media plan for the historical Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas.

But yes, Jennifer does sit down...in a chair at the Community Blood Center, where she is just two pints shy of donating four gallons of blood to the center.

So what drives Jennifer? What compels her to make changes in our community? Indicative of the variety of philanthropy work she does, Jennifer couldn’t name just one reason.

“The people. They inspire me. They move me to tears on a regular basis. And not because they’re perfect… but because they’re fallible and they love that about themselves. They know they won’t always stick the landing, but they always try.

When I first got to Topeka, I had the classic Lawrence attitude. I lived here, but I wasn’t from here,” said Jennifer. “Thank God that attitude had changed, because I see more people trying here, than I have ever witnessed and it fuels me like no other. We lift each other up to achieve what we’ve always been told we couldn’t.”

“Or maybe it’s me making up for being picked on in middle school,” continued Jennifer. “I don’t know. But what I do know is there is an undercurrent of deep success running around and I want to swim in those waters.” aseveneightfive 13

WOMEN WHO ROCK

ART TO HEAL THE

artist poca kim

WORLD H

Her work brings a message that vibrates as a healing salve that is greatly needed by each of us.

14

by Michelle Leivan, the Artist’s Artist ArtPrint Express.com

ave you ever experienced a piece of art that reached into your soul and changed your perspective on the world around you? If not you need visit the NOTO Arts District. There you can easily unearth sublime surprises and find unexpected diversity in artistically significant views of humanity.

South Korean-born artist' Poca Kim is one of those unexpected pleasures. Her perspective is drawn from her experiences as a stranger in a strange land. In Korea, she expressed herself through poetry, but after coming to Topeka to attend Washburn University and taking a few art studio classes, she quickly discovered that images often said things much more clearly than her second language.

In the beginning she did not believe that art could become a career, so Poca chose to study nursing, where she learned there was much more healing power in the human body than most people believe. Although she had a day job as a nurse she continued to paint privately, for herself. That was until one of her friends told her how selfish she was to keep her art to herself.

Spurred by the story of the Cleveland kidnapping case of the three girls held captive for years in 2013, Poca began her “Monk Talk” series and began her journey as a career artist.

‘‘

We all have the power within us to heal ourselves; we must look within, treat each other with kindness, restore one another.”

POCA KIM Yeldarb Artist Studios | NOTO | 907 N. Kansas Ave. PocaKim.com | Prints available at ArtPrintExpress.com “I asked myself, ‘what does the world need?

How will these girls move forward?’” What she found was: the world needs to know we can move forward and heal, even from the most devastating events. As a nurse she was witness to the awesome power of the human spirit to heal.

“I wanted to use the image of Monk, to say the things I could not say clearly in English,” she explains. “We all have the power within us to heal ourselves; we must look within, treat each other with kindness, restore one another.”

Her imagery uses unique patterns and layers of texture to design her figurative pieces that create a meditative voice with sensitive rhythms that is calm… yet echoing long. They lead you beyond what you see, to the artist’s personal insights, into powerful and reflective works that will reach into your heart if you let them.

“I keep thinking that the world needs to be changed in many ways and it must start from within our own healing power,” Poca clarifies. “I don’t know if my work will change the world, but I must keep trying.”

Her work brings a message that vibrates as a healing salve. Our perspective becomes a little calmer, a bit more profound when we stop to consider the quietness of simple compassion.

You can visit her studio and see her work in person in Yeldarb Artist Studios, located at 907 N. Kansas Ave., or at PocaKim.com. Prints of her work can also be found at ArtPrintExpress.com.aseveneightfive

WATCH THE VIDEO + HEAR MORE FROM POCA Video interview with Paco Kim and other featured artists. ArtPrintExpress.com 15

#785LIVE

WEEKENDER EVENTS

event highlights

MONTHLY EVENTS

Need more (and we know you do), sign up for the seveneightfive weekender - text 785 to 66866

3RD WEDNESDAY JAZZ NIGHT

The Breakroom | 6p

1ST TUESDAY OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT

Skivies Bar | 8p

SPECIAL EVENTS

TYLER GREGORY

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

FEBRUARY 19 | 9P

MARCH 3 | 7:30P

J&J Gallery / Event Space

EVERY SUNDAY

DRAG SHOW Skivies Bar | 10p

The Merchant Underground

MARCH 4 | 8:30P

4TH WEDNESDAY

WAKA WAKA COMEDY

The Breakroom | 7p

TRIVIA

JAM

The Brass Rail | 8p

Speck’s Bar + Grill | 8p

TUESDAY

TUESDAY BLUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Quinton’s | 7p Pigskins | 8p The Burger Stand | 8p

THURSDAY

*Watch TSCPL for Friday Trivia Nights

Flamingo, 4p Speck’s Bar + Grill All Ages Jam | 5p

Joletta’s | 7:30p

WEDNESDAY

Pigskins | 9p The Dugout | 9p

THURSDAY

Abigail’s | 9p The Dugout | 9p Skinny’s | 10p

Lazy Toad | 9p Skivies | 9p The Trap | 9p Abigail’s | 9p Landmark Grill | 7p The Brass Rail | 8p Lupitas | 6p

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Joletta’s | 7:30p The Trap | 9p

MARCH 5 | 1P

SECOND CITY

The Lazy Toad

THE SCHWAG The Granada

MARCH 4 | 7P

AARON KAMM + THE ONE DROPS The Celtic Fox

FRIDAY

New Mount Zion

FEBRUARY 24 | 9P

The Bottleneck

FEBRUARY 25 | 7P

Flamingo| 9p

PASSION TO PURPOSE BRUNCH KS BURLESQUE FESTIVAL

FRIDAY

Lazy Toad | 8p

Topeka Performing Arts Center

SOUL REBEL AND THE BEAST AARON KAMM + THE ONE DROPS DONKEY SHOW BLUEGRASS

*check weekender for full list

TUESDAY

Soul satisfying concert in intimate new venue, limited seating. $10

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

AJ’s Pizza | 8p

KARAOKE

LIVE MUSIC

MARCH 5 | 9P

MIKE ZITO

Uncle Bo's Blues Bar

MARCH 9 | 9P

MAX FRED BAND The Celtic Fox

MARCH 19 | 9P

KOOL + THE GANG

Prairie Band Casino + Resort

MARCH 25 | 8P

Ramada Inn Downtown

MARCH 5 | 1P Topeka Performing Arts Center

MARCH 12 | 7:30P

UP WITH PEOPLE

Topeka High School

MARCH 19 | 7P

POETRY OPEN HOUSE

Creative Corners Gallery

MARCH 31 | 7P

text 785 to 66866

21st + Urish 272.1432 FB: TailgatorsTopeka

Tailgators

17th + Washburn 408.5675 @PTSCollegeHill

PT’s @College Hill

5331 SW 22nd Pl 272.8623 FB: TheLazyToad 51 Beers on Tap

The Lazy Toad

600 NW Paramore 232.5511 FB: Joletta’s Bar

Joletta’s

3203 10th St. 357.8474 FB: Dutch Goose @thedutchgoose Established 1935

Dutch Goose

$1.5 16oz Draws Karaoke 7:30p - 12:30a

$3 Headaches $3.75 German Bierocks

$4.5 Dom Pitchers $2.75 Import Bottles $3.5 Wellers + Coke $2 Fireball $5Chburger + Fries

WEDNESDAY

$3.25 Big Bottles $4 Frozen Drinks

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints $5.5 Chicken Strip Meal

THURSDAY

TACO MONDAY $3 22 Dom Drafts $2.75 Wells $4 House Wines $4 Long Island $4 Grateful Deads

TASTY TUESDAY WHISKEY WEDNESDAY OPEN JAM SESSION $3 22 Dom Drafts $4 Jack Daniels CRAFT BEER $2.75 Wells $3 22 Dom Drafts THURSDAY $4 House Wines $2.75 Wells $4.25 Import 22oz $4 Bahama Mamas $4 House Wines $4.25 Micro 22 oz $4 Alabama Slammers $4 Hurricanes $3.5 Mexican beers

FIREBALL FRIDAY $4 Absolute drinks $4 House wines $4 Fireball shots $3.25 Dom drafts

$3.75 German Bierocks Live Music 9p No Cover

$2.5 Dom Aluminums $4.5 Red Bull Bombs

FRIDAY

$3.5 German Bierocks Live Music 9p No Cover

$2.5 Dom Bottles $5 Jumbo Wing’s Basket (8) $2 Fireball

SATURDAY

HH 5-8p: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (except premium imports)

HH 5-8p: $3 draft beers (excluding premium imports)

$1.5 12oz oz Cans $3 Bloody Marys $6.5 Wings

$3 Juarez Margaritas $2.5 Dom Btls $5 Taco Burger $6 Taco Salad $.75 Tacos

$2.5 Dom Pints $3 Wells $6 Cheeseburger

$4 JAGER BOMBS / $2.5 APPLE PIE SHOTS

$3 Aluminum Btls $3.5 Skol Vodka + Energy drink $6.5 Chicken Fried Steak

HH 5-8p: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (expect premium imports)

SIGN UP FOR THE “WEEKENDER” TEXT 785 TO 66866 FOLLOW @SEVENEIGHTFIVE FOR SPECIALS AND EVENTS

$2.5 Coors + Miller Lite Drafts $3 Aluminum Btls $4 Naked Jay Vodka $6.5 Pulled Pork Sand

$3 Import Bottles $3 Import Pints $6.5 Philly Sand

HH 5-8p: Working HH 5-8p: $1 off draft Women Wednesday - beers (excluding Special on food, wine premium imports) + cocktails. Wine Wed - $5 off all Btls

HAPPY HOUR: MON - FRI | 8-9A | $2 CAPPUCCINO | $1 BREWED COFFEE || FINAL THURS. OF MO: SPANISH ROUNDTABLE + DRINK SPECIALS 7-10P

Sunday Brunch 9a-4p Special Menu $6 Mimosa $6 House-mixed Bloody Mary

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4 Jack Daniels $6.5 Brisket Sand

HH 5-8: $1 off all alcoholic beverages (except premium imports) 1st Sat. of month: Coffee Bootcamp 10-11a

SEXY SATURDAY $3.5 UV Vodka (7 different flavors) $4 Sex on the Beach $4 Blue Hawaiians $3.25 Dom drafts $4 House Wines HOPPY HOUR AT THE LAZY TOAD, 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 3-6P | EVERYDAY $5 Jager Bombs, Tuaca Bombs, X-Rated Full Throttle Bombs

SUNDAY FUNDAY $3.5 Captain Morgan $4 Jack Daniels $4 House Wines $4 Hurricanes $3.25 22oz Dom draws

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4 Frozen Drinks

$3.5 Big Cans Karaoke 7:30p Free Pool 12 - 5p

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $4.5 Goose Sandwich + Fries

TUESDAY

HAPPY HOUR: MONDAY - FRIDAY | 4 - 6P | CHECK BAR FOR DAILY SPECIALS

$2.5 Wells $5 Cheeseburger + Fries

MONDAY

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints or Bottles 75c Tacos

SUNDAY

seveneightfive specials food | drink

WOMEN WHO ROCK

SHANA CAKE a gluten free dessert haven

A

CAKE FOR EVERYONE

by Tricia Peterson | follow her food blog at TastingTopeka.blogspot.com | photos by Ali Hanlon

llergen-free baked goods have hit the Topeka market, thanks to one woman, Kelly Dempewolf, owner of Shana Cake. Dempewolf has swept Topeka away with her allergen-free culinary treats ever since she opened her doors in downtown Topeka in the beginning of December 2015.

Dempewolf says she’s been so busy she had to hire a full-time employee the day after she opened.

Dempewolf originally began messing around with recipes because her eight-year-old daughter, Shana, had developed a gluten allergy. After months of trying to figure out why Shana was having alopecia occurrences, migraines and stomach pain they found out it was caused by her diet. After two weeks without gluten, Shana was back to normal, but Dempewolf knew the struggle was only beginning.

“I was a high school chemistry teacher for 10 years and I knew to get her through those teenage years without being like, ‘I’m going to eat that cupcake whether it’ll make me sick or not, because I want it’ that I had to have really yummy stuff for her or she was going to cheat all the time,” says Dempewolf.

Dempewolf loves to bake and her daughter loved to eat her baked goods, so Dempewolf set out to develop recipes they both liked. But, it wasn’t easy. Dempewolf wasn’t able to just Google a recipe like most of us do. Not all gluten free recipes had the same techniques or used the same ingredients. Some called for sorghum flour, others flaxseed or coconut flour. So Dempewolf had to muddle through them all before she came up with recipes that were satisfactory.

Shana Cake 435 S. Kansas Ave, Downtown | 408.1272 | 408.1272 | M-F 9a-5:30p S 10a-4p | Menu and more: ShanaCake.com 18

“The frustrating thing is when you do traditional wheat baking if you looked in every cookbook for a chocolate cake - you would find pretty much the same recipe with [small] differences but commonalities. The problem with gluten free is none of [the recipes] are similar,” said Dempewolf. “It took a lot of figuring out what worked for me and what I liked,” says Dempewolf. “It took a lot of investigating into what ingredients I wanted to use because most of the people who are eating [allergen-free foods] are also very conscious of chemicals, artificial ingredients and GMOs.” A lot of her recipes have been tweaked and changed from their original form in order to fit her needs. As a chemistry major, Dempewolf knows that baking is just like science and that definitely came in handy while figuring out the perfect recipes for her shop.

While switching to gluten-free and learning more about a glutenfree diet, Dempewolf started realizing how many people suffered from being gluten intolerant as well as having other allergies. Dairy, eggs, soy and nut allergies were just the beginning. She had an idea that more people than just her daughter would benefit from her baked goods. Thus came the idea for Shana Cake.

Shana Cake doesn’t carry any of the allergens in the kitchen, so there no way anything can be cross-contaminated in her shop. The only potential allergen in the shop is eggs, but, she says they can make egg-free items upon request.

Since opening, people have been showing their appreciation.

Dempewolf says she’s received tons of positive feedback on her Facebook page but also just from people coming in the store. The most important thing, though, is that Dempewolf enjoys what she does and the joy she brings to others.

“The appreciation is humbling. I’ve had people just standing here [in the shop] in tears because they are just so grateful to have food they know is safe, that they know isn’t cross-contaminated,” says Dempewolf. “I love what I do, I love seeing little kids come in who have never had choice or their parents haven’t taken them out to eat because they’re afraid. It is so fulfilling to make people happy.”

Shana Cake is located at 435 S. Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka.

She has a Facebook page and a website, shanacake.com. Dempewolf says she takes requests and orders and looks forward to partnering with local restaurants in the future. aseveneightfive

A very special exhibit January 28 – May 1, 2016 Learn to cook (and eat) appealing recipes from other eras • Kansas Cooking: Eat Like a President 2 – 4 p.m., February 20 • Kansas Cooking: With Kids 2 – 4 p.m., March 15 • Kansas Cooking: Old Time Recipes 2 – 4 p.m., April 9 Preregistration required Call 785-272-8681, ext. 425 $20/$15 members Register online at kshs.org/19154 War Fare, free lecture by Lora Vogt, from The National World War I Museum and Memorial, 6:30 p.m., April 8

6425 SW 6th Avenue • Topeka kshs.org/museum

LAUGH

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CHELLE

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GOODAL

IMPROV COME

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YOUR FAVORITE IMPROV TROUPE ARE BUSTING GUTS ACROSS TOPEKA! Call 357.5211 for tickets.

No joke, most performances sell out a week prior, so don't delay.

APRIL 1 & 2

ERS Country Legends 106.9 WIBW-TV & wibw.com Jamie Hornbaker, State Farm Agent Polo Custom Products, A Division of M-C Industries Vickie Trembly, Realtor速 Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair Jared & Emma Starkey WARNING: LAUGH LINES PERFORMANCES MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES.

ASSOC ATE CO-PRODUC

RS

MED A SPONSO

SPRING /SUMMER IS PEEKING AROUND THE CORNER....

BITCH PLEASE.

YOU DECIDE. CALL DARYL TODAY!

20

THE "UGLY RUMORS" SHOW

MAY 7

THE "WORLD OF TOMORROW" SHOW

Get your

FIT & FAB Personal Training

By Daryl

785.806.3589

IVAN’S TACOS - MARGARITAS JALISCO EGGS BENEDICT - BLUE MOOSE

LOCAL FLAVOR REFINED LUIS’ PLACE

5TH + KANSAS

Only Friday. Only four-course meal.

Menu changes weekly but includes choice of three entrees. Executive Chef Luis E. Guillén is known for his Latin flavors and use of herbs and ingredients grown in his garden/green house.

ROWHOUSE RESTAURANT 4TH + VANBUREN

Dinner served Wednesday - Saturday, reservation only. Tasting menu includes sampling of all items including soup, salad, three entrees and three desserts. Executive Chef Greg Fox is known for his use of fresh ingredients that make each plate simple but elegant.

YUKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 29TH + ARROWHEAD

A Tatami room with Japanese-style seating in the sushi bar area, extensive Sake menu including four-part sampler and Teppanyaki tables that accommodate groups of 10.

PAISANO’S RISTORANTE 10TH + GAGE

Traditional Italian cuisine. Known for their sauces and famous chicken spiedini. Great weekday specials.

BLUE MOOSE

32ND + WANAMAKER

Diverse menu featuring Rosemary Chicken, Curry Chicken salad and great flat breads. Great happy hour and weekly drink specials. Must: Sunday brunch. Add on eggs benedict for no additional charge.

CHEZ YASU

2701 SW 17TH

Classic French cuisine by Owner Chef Yasushi Hatasawa. Must: Crab Cake (Ask for an extra shot of rémoulade sauce, but not a straw - that would be tacky.) Goat cheese salad. Vichyssoise (when available).

TUPTIM THAI

29TH + KANSAS

Thai food, upscale. Only the serious mess with Thai hot; medium packs a lot of heat. Must: Money Bags.

editor’s monthly picks Share your food favorites, photos: #785Flavor

IN THE MOOD

PIZAGELS

NORTH STAR STEAKHOUSE

Musts: Herby sandwich (cream cheese on both sides of bagel). Philly pizza.

Musts: Beef tips and fries with gravy.

LA ROCAS

HIGHWAY 24

BLIND TIGER

37TH + KANSAS

Musts: Buffalo Burger, stuffed mushrooms.

GREAT WALL

31ST + GAGE

Musts: Homemade garlic rolls. Italian sandwich.

ICE + OLIVES

29TH + URISH

17TH + WASHBURN

Must: Cuban sandwich.

Musts: Crab Rangoons and Egg Drop soup.

FIELD OF GREENS

CAFE HOLLIDAY

Musts: Mom’s soup of the day. Salad bar.

Musts: Pan fried tacos and guac.

TACO VILLA

12TH + WESTERN

HHB BBQ

9TH + KANSAS

Musts: Chicken salad (Thursday).

PEPE + CHELAS

10TH + TYLER

Musts: Pan fried tacos, their new tequila cocktails, sopa fideo.

THE GLOBE

TACOS EL MEXICANO

Authentic Indian food. Musts: Tikka Masala. Lunch buffet.

Musts: Tostados, queso (yellow), enlos en vaso (corn in a cup).

9TH + QUINCY

29TH + FAIRLAWN

23RD + CALIFORNIA

9TH + KANSAS

21ST + FAIRLAWN

Must: The Thing (smothered).

MARGARITAS JALISCO 17TH + COLLEGE

Must: Ivan’s tacos. Guacamole mexicana (deconstructed).

ANNIE’S PLACE

12TH + GAGE

Must: Any pie. Hotdog (you did not read that incorrectly). Annie’s Alouette Burger.

21

#785FLAVOR

51 FLAVORS Serving up 51 brews on tap, The Lazy Toad has become a craft brew paradise.

22

“O

ur passion is to move forward and always to make progress.

Not to be the biggest, but always be better,” expressed Todd Howell, owner of The Lazy Toad. We sat down to talk about the panoply of beer taps the Toad now possesses. With 51 beers, the Toad surpasses its nearest draught beer competitor, Old Chicago, by 15 pulls. The selection ranges from domestic to imports, fruit flavored to seasonal, and highlights craft breweries, local and otherwise. Right now you can get various offerings from Ballast Point Brewery of San Diego. They even have some “one and done” kegs, used by breweries to market test their

by Kerrice Mapes | photos by Jay Bachman

product. “It’s an opportunity to try a lot of local brews,” said Todd. “We hope offering a large variety will fill the Toad with an eclectic crowd and encourage people to try new things.” While the beers varietals are as varied as the tap handle designs, note that some are served in smaller glasses (8oz) due to high ABV and to allow for proper tasting.

Future plans include highlighting beers with foods, a beer tour de Toad and of course new beers. Moreover, the bar is equipped to support another 40 taps, when and if the time comes. So read “Beer Advocate” or “Draft” and actually try out some of these talked-about brews. Sniff, sip, comment and become a craft brew connoisseur, without the six-pack headache. aseveneightfive

1st place wins Odell Skateboard.

Beers on Tap: IPA, 90 Shilling, Runoff Red, Wolf Picker and Meddler.

For more beer events, follow @TopekaBeer on Twitter

and Strathman Sales on Facebook

OSKAR BLUES DEATH BY COCONUT

Limited release specialty has intense fresh cacao flavors swirled with popping coconut aromas, all supported by a semi-sweet porter made from loads of dark chocolate and extra dark caramel malt.

BALLAST POINT SCULPIN IPA

Gold-medal winning IPA whose hops create hints of apricot, peach, mango and lemon flavors, but still packs a bit of a sting, just like a Sculpin fish.

BALLAST POINT GRAPEFRUIT SCULPIN IPA

Adding on to their signature IPA, this brew has a serious citrus twist with a tart freshness of grapefruit that complements the hoppy IPA.

LAGUNITAS IPA

BALLAST POINT CALM BEFORE THE STORM

‘‘

-Benjamin Franklin

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

FEB 25 | 6p | Burger Stand Odell Tap Invasion + Ping Pong Tournament

Unique version of an ancient style. Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts.

LOCAL ON TAP BLIND TIGER

HOLY GRAIL PALE ALE JAVA PORTER

Topeka, Kan

FREE STATE COPPERHEAD AD ASTRA

Lawrence, Kan.

A coffee ale with a touch of cream and a hint of vanilla creating a golden cream ale. Bright and coffee-forward.

Amongst the 51 beers on tap are six domestic and three imports plus a variety of microbrews including some local favorites.

TALLGRASS

BUFFALO SWEAT VANILLA BUFFALO SWEAT OATMEAL ETHOS IPA

Manhattan, Kan.

75TH ST. BREWERY RASPBERRY WHEAT

Kansas City, Mo.

BOULEVARD WHEAT IRISH ALE TANK 7 CROWN TOWN

Kansas City, Mo.

The Lazy Toad

5331 SW 22nd Pl | Fairlawn Plaza 272.8623 23

FOOD NINJA Triple Threat Edition LE PETIT BON BON

Carlos Serrano and son own and operate Petit Bon Bon, which first garnered attention at the Farmer’s Market. Now located on Fairlawn between 8th and 10th, the duo offers French pastries and unique, experimental coffee brewing. Le Petit Bon Bon strives to produce revolutionary experiences and products with their craft and hopes to one day bring the experience to you through catering. Keep your eyes on this one.

2ND CHANCE STORE AND BAKERY

2nd Chance Store and Bakery is located at 6th and Jewell and couples the charm and appeal of a second-hand/antique store with an in house bakery. The owner informs us that there are an abundance of these type of establishments with a desire to bring that charm to Topeka.

With an ever-changing selection of daily fresh baked goods, 2nd Chance brings a unique flair to Topeka’s bakery scene.

SHANA CAKES

Shana Cakes combines trendy baking with allergy conscious ingredients. When the owner’s daughter became sick it was difficult to find treats she could eat. Shana decided to begin a new service in Topeka for those who are allergy constrained. She chose 5th + Kansas for her storefront, to be part of the changes happening downtown.

Opened at the end of November 2015, Shana Cakes has garnered plenty of attention with the allergy-conscious and is proving to be enjoyable for allergy-free folks as well.

24

‘‘

Triple the threat, triple the skill needed for victory in battle.

No problem for this ninja. I infiltrate three different bakeries and discover three distinctly different styles and offerings.”

Shana Cakes

Le Petit Bon Bon

4 Fists

4 Fists ATMOSPHERE Clean, bright, simple. This is a no frills bakery full of Parisian inspired fare.

MENU Wonderful variety for any palette; cakes, croissants, biscuits, coffee and more.

FRIENDLINESS I arrived minutes away from closing, however the owner’s son was very accommodating and personable.

FUNDS Reasonably priced for the product you receive. I was able to procure more than enough to satisfy a ninja’s sweet tooth.

FOOD Splendid. The available pastries and other selections are a must try. L

Ninja’s Recommendation BISCUIT

Ninja’s Recommendation CREAM PUFFS

2nd Chance Store and Bakery 3.5 Fists ATMOSPHERE Unexpected but charming. An antique store feel with the bonus of sweet treats!

MENU The selections change daily with plenty of choices to satisfy any craving.

FRIENDLINESS Accommodating and personable owner, she is very proud of her offerings and exhibits it outwardly through conversation.

FUNDS Fantastic! I procured a variety of vittles for a very low cost.

FOOD Delightful and well crafted. The Cake Batter Truffles were masterfully made with a gooey center.

ATMOSPHERE Bright, trendy, clean. Adorably decorated and welcoming.

MENU Plenty to choose from, selections change on a regular basis and there is always something appealing in the case.

FRIENDLINESS The best attitudes are present in this bakery, always a smile to greet you and an upbeat conversation to met you, are rampant here.

FUNDS Reasonably priced. This ninja has made repeat trips and always has a difficult time deciding which new treat to tackle next.

FOOD Designed for a select market but surely appreciated by everyone. A clean approach in a rapidly changing society of healthy consumers. Everything is allergy friendly- no gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, corn, nuts, tree nuts, GMOs, artificial flavoring/colors or preservatives. This ninja is defeated, bring me more cookies.

Ninja’s Recommendation COOKIES see photo to left

#785FLAVOR

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL W

hat's in a name? For Chef 's Crazy Tasty Chicken, located at 1000 SE 21st Street, it is precisely what you get.

CHEF Owner/chef Chef (yes, that is what he goes by) is an executive chef by trade with over 30 years experience including leading a union and fine dining in Vegas.

His passion for food began with his mom.

"She had to feed eight kids on a budget, but everything was so good. We would run to the table," reflected Chef. Chef and his family moved to Topeka two years ago where he finally made his dream of owning his own restaurant a reality last November.

CRAZY TASTY His mother's cabbage recipe is the base for Chef 's crazy taste cabbage sidedish.

The cabbage is cooked with onions, salt, bacon and bacon fat - all caramelizing 26

for a sweet taste contrasted by pepper seasoning. It is soupy and by far the best cabbage I have every tasted. It was so good, I tipped my Styrofoam side cup to my mouth and drank the juice. My only regret was that I ordered the small size. Other crazy tasty options on the menu, which features chicken, breakfast, fish, burgers and more, is the Porkchop sandwich. The porkchop is hand breaded with the same southern-style, pepper seasoning that's on the chicken. It's is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. "You'll probably not find another porkchop sandwich like this anywhere in Kansas.) Next, you must try their home style burger (just reference photo above).

Lastly, try the only dessert on their menu, Chef 's Crazy Tasty Mud Pie. "I'm literally breaking into the restaurant now to get me a slice," said Chef as we talked on the phone one Sunday afternoon. "It's that good."

Chef's Crazy Tasty Chicken

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CHICKEN Chef was born and raised in Louisiana eating his Grandmother's and Aunt's southern fried chicken. When he started culinary school, however, he had never made fried chicken. "People would look at me and say 'Man, I bet you can make some good BBQ and chicken.' It was actually an insult," said Chef. "I am a classically trained French chef." Then at the age of 27, Chef finally got into his family's kitchen and learned how to make the crazy chicken. "I've incorporated it into my repertoire ever since." Chef 's southern style chicken is most notably different due to the pepper seasoning in the breading and the freshness of how it's cooked - making the chicken not overly greasy or have that "skin slides off the meat" feel. And, it is exponentially tastier than any fried chicken in the area. You are crazy if you don't try it. aseveneightfive 1000 SE 21st | M-SAT 10a-7p | Delivery: Topeka2Go.com Coming Soon: pre-order Sunday service, pick up noon-4p Tip: Call your order in ahead of time, if time is sensitive.

HAPY HOUR - 20% OFF MON - THURS: 4:30 - 5:30pm SAKE Sampler - Four for $7.95

TAPPANYAKI GRILL DAILY Fresh Oysters every weekend OWNER: JASON JEON 5632 29th St. / Barrington Village 271.7878 HOURS: MON/THUR: 4:30 - 9:30pm FRI/SAT: 11:30am - 10pm SUN: 11:30am - 9pm

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LAST CALL last random thoughts by editor Kerrice Mapes

FACEBOOK TOPEKA HISTORY GEEKS Started by Martie Rison (cover artist and a seveneightfive Woman Who Seriously Rocks!), this FB page has over 12,000 members and is by far the most accessible PAGES place for Topekans to communicate. Their strict code of conduct keeps everyone in and on task. History is what we are talking about here, folks. So if you enjoy WORTH A "LIKE" check seeing side-by-side photos of downtown Topeka with the Capital as a backdrop TOPEKA RESTAURANTS

Next time you see one of those people taking selfies with their food, or standing on the chair to get that perfect lighting on their sushi roll, don’t shun them - they might be publishing their findings and reviews on Topeka Restaurants FB page. With almost 2,000 members, the majority of posts are positive, informative and filled with pictures taken in real time. It’s a great resource when you need to pick your next dining experience.

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from today and 50 years ago, then this is the page for you. Started as sideline piece for Rison’s business (Martie and her husband Brandon own Oddfellow’s Fine Books and Collectibles) it was a way to share the amazing Topeka history items they had in stock. The page grew and now it’s a free resource for people who want to learn, share and ask Topeka history questions. As Martie states in the THG Code of Conduct, “It is your passion for local history that has made this group a resounding success!

Please keep the conversation going. And remember, we cannot wait for someone to do something to preserve local history, we are that someone and the time to take action is now!” (Did we mention, this Woman Rocks?!)

TOPEKA BEER

Topeka Beer is all about, well, beer. They host monthly events, give information on new releases, as well as when and where they are being tapped, alert you to new breweries opening nearby (shout-out to Happy Basset Brewing Co.!) and answer any of your foaming questions. They are also on Twitter: @TopekaBeer.

Last trip to Dillons on SW Huntoon.

Inverse. By Megan James-Rogers.

COMMUNITY CHANGE

HUNTOON DILLONS MARCH 31, 1977 -FEBRUARY 13, 2016 When the closure of the Huntoon Dillons was announced, several in the community took as much action as possible. Two community forums were held and the conversation continues today on the Facebook event page. Photographer Megan James-Rogers captured the process and the people. View her photos and engage in the conversation.

April 3, 2016. To register your team, find the "3rd Annual Derby Dodgeball" event on Facebook or visit capitalcitycrushers.net for more information.

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