Discover the great outdoors this summer at Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve! Journey along the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, discover the Cathedral of Nature, and walk through history at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Following your adventure, take in the Sunset Ceremony as a Civil War era cannon is fired overlooking Table Rock Lake. Tickets available online at:
topoftherock . com
Explore 10,000 acres of the Ozark Mountains this summer at Dogwood Canyon. Experience nature in bloom with countless outdoor activities including horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, wildlife tram tours, hiking and biking.
dogwoodcanyon . org
A NEW BUSINESS MODEL HAS EMERGED, AND IT’S CHANGING THE WAY OUR COMMUNITY APPROACHES WELLNESS AND SELF-CARE
A new business model has emerged, and it’s changing the way our community approaches wellness and self-care. Kansas City-based Liquid Mobile gained attention as an ondemand, mobile intravenous (IV) therapy service, offering fast, within a few hours, and convenient, as in delivered at home, customized IV hydration therapy to relieve nausea, fatigue, dehydration, performance recovery, and migraines. The idea of bringing fast wellness services directly to consumers’ homes proved overwhelmingly popular and indicated a strong demand for this kind of care. For one savvy healthcare professional, it also marked a new era in care delivery, with expansion into other areas of wellness inevitable.
The business was founded in 2021 by Scott Colangelo, Paul Kushnir, Mike Kushnir and registered nurse Christine Ricci, who all recognized a need for accessible wellness solutions with the convenience of on-demand delivery. By eliminating the need for clinic visits and providing lightning-fast service, Liquid Mobile quickly rose in awareness to become a game-changer in the industry. As a nurse, Ricci was already keenly aware of the need for a better delivery system for healthcare, and it was only natural that adding other wellness programs would follow.
One of the most popular additions is Liquid Mobile’s weight management program. It is specifically tailored to the individual and provides personalized support leveraging cutting-edge services including Semaglutide, Peptides, Tirzepatide, Vitamin B, and lipo-mino injections and is paired with nutritional advice from a team of expert clinicians. Consumers are equipped with the tools they need to reach weight loss goals and achieve optimal nutritional health without ever leaving home.
Also new to Liquid Mobile are customized hormone replacement therapies, aesthetics such as injectables, on-demand labs and telehealth. Services are available when you need them, where you need them – at home, virtually through telehealth or in clinic, same day.
With its team of 50+ exceptionally experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and pharmacists, Liquid Mobile has carved a niche to best serve the greater Kansas City and Phoenix communities. A beacon of innovation and convenience, championing the path to a healthier and more vibrant Kansas City, Liquid Mobile is ready for you.
OUR MISSION
We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles, and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.
PUBLISHER Kathy Boos k athy@ kansascitymag.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Dawnya Bartsch dawnya@ kansascitymag.com
ART DIRECTOR Kevin Goodbar kevin@ kansascitymag.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, STYLE & EVENTS
Molly Higgins m olly@ kansascitymag.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, FOOD Tyler Shane tyler@ kansascitymag.com
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Dominique Parsow dominique@kansascitymag.com
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Emma Flannery and Alexia King
COPY EDITOR
Kelsie Schrader
WEB COORDINATOR
Madison Russell
SALES
Angie Henshaw angie@kansascitymag.com
WRITERS
Katie Baldwin, Nina Cherry, Martin Cizmar, Molly Higgins, Nicole Kinning, Reece Parker, Tyler Shane, Susie Whitfield and Whitney Youngs
PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS
Zach Bauman, Caleb Condit, Barrett Emke, Joshua Haines, Jeremey Theron Kirby, Rebecca Norden, Kelly Powell, Joe Rocha, Scott and Shannon Schaefer and Brandon Waldrop
SUBSCRIPTIONS
kansascitymag.com/subscribe or call 913-469-6700
Kansas City magazine is published monthly by 435 South, LLC. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Kansas City magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Kansas City magazine adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which requires a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages.
kansascitymag.com
INQUIRIES
Kansas City P.O. Box 26823 Overland Park, KS 66225-6823 (913) 469-6700
@kansascitymag
@kansascitymagazine
We’re proud U.S. News & World Report named Children’s Mercy Kansas City the top children’s hospital in Missouri, and 9 of our specialties ranked in the top 50 nationally. But we’re most proud of the kids who make every day into a victory. This one’s for them!
Learn more at childrensmercy.org/rankings.
This Mexican bakery is known for its sweet bread treats.
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WHEN KANSAS CITY magazine staff met for a team lunch to plan an upcoming issue that, in large part, was going to focus on the area’s Korean food scene, a Korean joint seemed the most apt setting for the planning session. It was suggested that our food editor, Tyler Shane, pick the spot. Her selection? Kobi-Q in the Crossroads, known for its many delicious treats. Shane had been wanting to try it, as had all the rest of us. It did not disappoint. You can read a bit about Kobi-Q in our Korean restaurant roundup (page 50). Now, this was not my first time eating Korean food. I lived in Los Angeles for some twenty-odd years. Between that and traveling, I’ve eaten lots of different types of food. My first foray into Korean food was on a date with my then-boyfriend, now my husband. We went to a traditional Korean restaurant in L.A.’s Koreatown. Unbeknownst to me, my Kansas City-bred boy knew a lot about Korean food. He ate his way through New York, where he lived for many years, and he also did a stint in South Korea. Now that I know him a bit better, I think he wanted to show off his
“cosmopolitan” side. He did a good job. He ordered. I ate. We talked. It was a great time.
The traditional shared banchan—small side dishes placed in the middle of the table and often served alongside cooked rice before and during a Korean meal—are meant to be shared. That is what can be so striking about enjoying Korean food with friends and family: the communal experience. Along with the small plates, many of the larger entrees are also ordered for the entire table and meant to be enjoyed by all. Food always brings folks together, but that’s even more the case when people are eating the same dishes and preparing it together, as happens more often than not with Korean BBQ.
If you’ve been reading about and seeing various Korean food places around town but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. We’ve got the rundown on soju (page TK), the Korean equivalent to sake, and a breakdown of the names and ingredients in banchan (page 64). And if heading to a Korean BBQ place where your party sits around a grill and cooks your own meal sounds appealing but intimating, we’ve got a guide for that, too (page 58).
Finally, I know this isn’t Korean, but I find a concha the perfect sweet treat to end or start any meal. Like Korean food, my love for these often brightly colored pastries grew in L.A., and it is with great delight that Tyler discovered a scrumptious version of this pastry at Elvira’s (page 95). Bon appetite.
This month’s story on a veterans’ rehabilitation program was shot by husband and wife team Scott and Shannon Schaefer. The duo has a photography studio in Columbia, Missouri.
Contributor Whitney Youngs, former newspaper reporter in Los Angeles and San Diego, wrote this issue’s profile on street dancer Leo Gayden. Whitney is a graduate of Northwestern University and lives in Chicago with her partner and their son.
Tyler
Kansas City magazine’s food editor and critic Tyler Shane takes a deep dive into the metro’s Korean food scene this issue.
The estimated number of cars that pass through U.S. Highway 69 between 103rd and 151st streets daily.
PAGE 23
The number of DJs hosting Hallyu Wednesday, a K-pop radio show that airs on 90.1 FM KKFI.
PAGE 65
The year the historic Hotel Muehlebach, the new home of the recently opened Voo Lounge, was built.
PAGE 96
Our most talked about and celebrated story was a kansascitymag. com blog by our food critic Tyler Shane announcing local Yoli Tortilleria’s James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery. The Westside tortilleria (1668 Jefferson St., KCMO) owned by Marissa Gencarelli was one of several local establishments that were finalists. Kansas Citians are rightfully proud.
“I’m beyond proud! To have a national James Beard best for KC in any category is a huge damn deal. I’m gonna go tomorrow and give them a high five or something.” –happytierskc via Instagram.
“Well deserved Yoli!”
– Judy Rush via Facebook.
“Wonderful news. I’ll be getting some!”
– Georgia McCrabb Bianchi via Facebook.
“Amazing. KC’s food scene is really making a mark. I’ve had these tortillas, they are incredible.”
– Jon Tanner via Facebook.
Another story that got noticed was Medicine in the Darkness, a first-person account by photographer Samantha Levi about her experience participating in a darkness retreat. Levi spent three nights and four days in complete darkness and solitude at The Darkness Call, a twelve-acre farm in Johnson County with three small spaces for dark therapy. Dark therapy is about depriving yourself of light and sensory distractions with the intention of finding greater awareness.
“Uhm, what?” –javadiva4 via Instagram.
“Weird.” –jesse.fly.fishing via Instagram.
“Wow! This is incredible. The article was great as well!” –theremodelstudio via Instagram.
Photographer Rebecca Norden creates the perfect toothbrush layout to highlight this issue’s special section on local dentists and dentistry.
SHOUT-OUT
Thanks to Korean BBQ restaurant K-Pot for providing the necessary provisions to photograph “A Guide to Korean BBQ.”
“
“I’ve been in the pellet game a long, long time, and there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in this pellet world. I’ve used everybody’s stuff.”
–Eddy Maurin, creator and owner of Grilling Pellets
BY KATIE BALDWIN
WITH THE 69 EXPRESS Toll Lane project well underway and about ninety thousand cars using the U.S. 69 Highway between 103rd Street West to 151st Street West, there’s a bottleneck.
“I often drive on Alternate 69, and although I appreciate the improvements, it hasn’t made navigating the area any less frustrating,” says frequent commuter Tim Fitzsimmons. “What is also concerning is whether anyone will be willing to pay for the use of those toll lanes.”
Much to the chagrin of many local residents, construction of the highly anticipated and hotly debated project began almost four months ago. Although most agree the highway is inadequate for the number of travelers and in need of repair, many aren’t sure creating a toll road is the answer. Just days before the start of construction, opponents unsuccessfully tried to stall construction when learning that an ancient tree would be sacrificed for the sake of expansion.
The Kansas Department of Transportation identifies Alternate 69 from 103rd Street West to 151st Street West as the busiest four-lane highway in all of Kansas. Carrying more than ninety thousand cars a day, it’s a dangerous stretch.
According to KDOT, crash reports on this highway stretch are fifty-three percent higher than the statewide average. Existing pavement and bridges are more than fifty years old and are overdue for repair and replacement. Additionally, congestion is steadily increasing, with an expectation that traffic will triple by the year 2040. The Express Toll Lane project is expected to take nearly three years to complete and will eventually mean one additional express toll lane in both directions. The other two lanes will remain free. The expansion increases the highway from four lanes to six, with three lanes in either direction. The expansion will provide improvements in longterm safety, travel flow and time reliability, according to KDOT.
Currently the overnight lane closures are impacting the entrance and exit ramps, causing most of the traffic. The lane closures are expected to continue nightly through the fall of 2023.
“As someone who lives a few blocks from the Alt 69, I do feel like so far, they’ve done a great job of keeping inconvenience to a minimum by doing most of the closure work at night,” says Angela Crawford of Overland Park.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $650 million, which is $140 million more than first expected when discussion of the project began in 2020. This is due in part to the increasing cost of construction, according to the KDOT.
Motorists will eventually pay between 30 cents and $1.40 to use the express lane, which could generate as much as $20 million in revenue each year. Authorities are hoping that revenue will help pay for the project and maintenance.
Also included in the project is the building of the 167th Street and U.S. 69 interchange, the construction of eleven noise barriers around residential areas and the reconstruction of pavement along the route from 103rd Street to 151st Street.
The express lanes are planned to be open by late 2025. The entire project is estimated to be done in 2026.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $650 million, which is $140 million more than first expected when discussion of the project began in 2020.
THE NEGRO LEAUGES Baseball Museum keeps hitting home runs. From its humble beginnings thirty-three years ago in a one-room office at the Paseo YMCA to its own facility, the museum is making moves.
Museum officials recently announced their “Pitch for the Future ‘’ campaign, which aims to raise $25 million to build a new thirty thousand-square-foot facility adjacent to the museum’s recently renovated Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center. Located in the historic 18th and Vine corridor, both buildings together will create the Negro Leauges Campus. The campus will have educational areas, archival materials, exhibits and conference rooms and is intended to solidify the museum’s position as a nationally recognized institution.
Negro Leauges great Buck O’Neil helped lead the fundraising effort for the museum’s first permanent ten thousand-square-foot building, which opened in 1997. Since then, more than two million people have visited the museum. It has grown to become one of the most important cultural facilities in the nation, documenting a remarkable piece of baseball and American history, according to Bob Kendrick, president of the NLBM.
“Now, we’re building an organization that will continue to preserve and celebrate the triumphant story of the Negro Leagues but also fortify our position as one of the nation’s most important civil rights and social justice institutions,” Kendrick says.
Campaign funding will help the NLBM expand its programming, create dynamic interactive displays and build new exhibitions at the new facility. The museum will be equipped with immersive exhibitions letting visitors dive deep into African American baseball history.
In the 1800s, well before Jackie Robinson broke the Major League color barrier, African Americans had already immersed themselves in the world of baseball, playing on military and college teams. Some players even found their way to professional teams with white players, but it wasn’t long before Black baseball players were forced off those teams.
Rather than entirely quit America’s pastime, they joined disparate leagues scattered across the United States, often embarking on long barnstorming tours, playing anyone who would challenge them.
Eventually, in 1920, within the historic walls of the Paseo YMCA, the National Negro Leauge was formed under the guidance of Rube Foster, esteemed manager of the Chicago American Giants. After the National Negro Leauge was formed in the Midwest, rival leagues began to form in the West and the South.
The National Negro League initially had eight teams, including the Kansas City Monarchs, for whom Negro Leauge Hall of Famers Buck O’Neil, Satchel Paige and Cool Papa Bell played. Jackie Robinson also graced the Monarchs roster before signing to the L.A. Dodgers in 1945 and making history as the first African American to play in Major League baseball.
In the following years, increasingly more Black players signed to Major and Minor Leauge teams, and the era of National Negro Leauge baseball ultimately came to an end.
However, the NLBM is still dedicated to keeping that history alive by continuing to tell the powerful stories of Negro Leauge baseball players. It is a story of adversity and perseverance that the museum has been dedicated to preserving and telling for the past thirty years, and, with a new facility, one they will continue to tell for generations to come.
“Just like the Negro Leauges, it is important that we dare to dream,” says Kendrick of the organization’s future facility.
The Negro Leauges Baseball Museum launched a $25 million campaign for a new building.
YEARS AFTER THE SCHLITTERBAHN water park closed in 2018, another company, Homefield LLC, set its sights on the four hundred-acre lot for its latest entertainment and sport mega project.
The development is still in the early stages, but some construction has begun, with $75 million already spent on various projects, including a two hundred and seventy-four-unit apartment complex by Milhaus, a Camping World store and a Fairfield by Marriott hotel. Moving forward, the development is intended to be increasingly sports- and entertainment-focused, with the construction of several indoor and outdoor sports facilities, hotels, apartments and retail shops.
Homefield focuses on athletic development and training programs, with multiple facilities around Kansas City and Olathe. Robb Heineman, founder of Homefield and current part-owner of Sporting KC, hopes to turn the former water park site into a “youth sports mecca.” With plans for eight outdoor baseball fields and a $40 million Homefield training facility, the project would definitely be a true athlete’s destination.
Discussions about the development began in late 2020, but costs have continued to balloon. Heineman approached the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, again in May 2023 to discuss revisions to the plan. The UG unanimously agreed to increase project funding from $648 million to $838 million.
So far, Kansas has issued $115 million in STAR bonds, which is an incentive program to help offset costs for large-scale developments. The developer may request more due to the revisions and increased cost of the project, according to Todd LaSala, the UG’s attorney working on the agreement. Homefield is also seeking $135 million dollars in industrial revenue bonds, which would help them secure a ten-year tax abatement.
Project revisions include the addition of a BigShots golf entertainment complex, similar to the popular Topgolf complexes. The BigShots complex is to be topped off with a bar, restaurant and outdoor mini golf course. The revisions also included the addition of a potential immersive art museum and a sports arena.
Kansas City-based company Dimensional Innovations introduced the concept of the “immersive museum” called Atlas 9. The thirty thousand-square-foot facility would include spaces for interactive and live performances, an auditorium, a concession stand and a gift shop.
“I think on the hot, muggy days of summer when kids are playing baseball, this is a great place to go inside and see something unique,” says Richard Napper, a real estate consultant for Homefield.
Homefield also plans to add a Margaritaville resort and hotel to the project, similar to the chain’s other laid-back Margartiaville destinations in Lake of the Ozarks, Nashville, Palm Springs and the Bahamas. The resort would have two hundred and thirty rooms and include a LandShark restaurant and an indoor pool complete with a climbing wall and a ninja obstacle course.
The company is also working to finalize deals to bring a pickleball complex, a new Hilton Garden Inn and a used car chain to the plans as well.
There are a lot of moving parts to this largescale development, but Homefield’s partners are excited about the transformation of the defunct Schlitterbahn site. The water park opened in 2009, but business quickly declined after the tragic death of a ten-year-old boy on the Verrückt water slide. Schlitterbahn opened for its last season in 2018 but remained untouched until Homefield set their sights on the area.
Greg Maday, principal of Sporting KC alongside Heineman, says: “We’re really Kansas Citians and not developers. What we’re doing is a development, but we’re about making the community better. We drive by (the former Schlitterbahn water park) every day, and with all due respect, it feels as good to me to tear that down as it does to build what we’re building.”
Changes to the plan are likely to continue, but Homefield hopes to open their youth baseball complex by this summer, in time for the 2023 baseball season, and open the Homefield training facility by 2024.
If you haven’t experienced Cedar Crest Lodge, you are missing out on one of the area’s most beautiful establishments. It’s a relaxing and private country inn that is nationally recognized as one of the top 10 in their field. It’s less than an hour from Kansas City and is an ideal getaway, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or a day trip to experience the great food and beautiful grounds. Read more about this experience and visit them online to book your reservation. You’ll be glad you added this hidden jewel to your must-do list for the summer.
#9 BB/Inn in the US for 2023
Each of the 11 guest rooms are unique and radiate their own personality and ambiance. Most offer the following amenities: individually controlled HVAC unit, Hinkley water system, Keurig coffeemakers/pods, microwave and mini-fridge. Most luxury rooms also include two person tubs and private decks. No matter what you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Your stay at Cedar Crest Lodge is highlighted by the farm-to-table gourmet dining you’ll enjoy as part of your stay. Cedar Crest delivers delicious dishes from their scratch kitchen using onsite produce and only the highest quality ingredients. Guests rave about the award-winning Smoked Brisket Quesadilla, homemade cinnamon rolls, and other signature dishes they create. A full breakfast and 3-course dinner is included with each overnight stay. Enhancements such as chocolate-covered strawberries, picnic lunches, and flowers are also available.
Start your weekend with delicious wood-fired pizzas on the patio at the Lodge. Come experience great flavors starting with Chef Laura’s 72-hour cold-fermented pizza dough, homemade sauces, and garden-fresh ingredients. While you’re there, you can also take in the great views and relaxing atmosphere that Cedar Crest provides.
Get lost on over 100 acres of beautiful grounds at Cedar Crest Lodge. An escape from the ordinary awaits you and your loved one on a nature-inspired romantic getaway in Kansas. The property is certified as an Official National Wildlife Habitat, with more than 16,000 feet of garden space. Nestled within the trees and rolling hills that define the grounds, you are sure to find a favorite spot among the colorful perennial gardens.
Cedar Crest Lodge is named again to the TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best in 2023 (and 2022). They are currently ranked as #9 in B&Bs/Inns in the United States. Customer reviews call it “a hidden gem in Kansas” and “hands down, the best inn ever”! Food lovers state, “absolutely amazing”. Others said they were “looking for a place to stay that would provide us with a break from the hustle and bustle of life, where we could relax and come away feeling refreshed. This weekend absolutely accomplished that”.
The national touring Breakaway Festival returns to KC for the second year in a row, bringing some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, along with festival favorites like silent disco, food trucks, outdoor bars and other fun summertime activities.
Breakaway originated in Columbus, Ohio, and co-founder Adam Lynn says the cities are comparable— expanding the festival to KC was a no-brainer. “We don’t have a Coachella or Lollapalooza, so why don’t we have something really cool like this? Breakaway is more of a smaller, homegrown exciting event. We just wanted to bring something here for our friends and the local community.”
Like last year, Breakaway will be held in Azura Amphitheater along with other special stages built just for the festival. “There will definitely be an act that you want to see playing at all times,” Lynn says. “We try to really tap into the local community as well and curate a little food village of good local cuisines. It’s become a national festival, but we’re keeping it cool and localized.”
The festival includes dozens of performances by national big-name electronic dance music festival artists like GRiZ and Zedd, as well as local KC DJs.
Audien, a Grammy-nominated DJ, producer and musician, will also be performing at Breakaway, citing it as one of his favorite festivals because it’s where he and other DJs can try new, more experimental sounds that fans may not be expecting.
“I personally love Breakaway specifically because I always love festivals that blend different styles of music in one place,” Audien says. “It’s never boring, it’s never the same artists over and over again. I love versatile festivals like this, and it’s just a good, open-minded crowd.”
MOLLY HIGGINSJuly 1. 7 pm.
Irvine-based rock band Young the Giant has been playing catchy poprock for nearly two decades. In the mid-2010s, they gained widespread fame with radio hits like “Mind Over Matter” and “Cough Syrup.” July 1. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
July 1. 8 pm.
Seattle indie-folk band Fleet Foxes has been a staple in the scene for fifteen years. The band released their fourth critically acclaimed album, Shore, in 2020, which received the most praise of any album they’ve released in the last decade and even earned a Grammy nom. They’re hitting KC on tour in support of the album. July 1. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
July 2. 7:30 pm.
Progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me formed in 2000 in Raleigh, North Carolina, slowly cementing themselves as one of the most important bands of their genre, especially for then-teen millennials. In 2015, their album Coma Ecliptic garnered them critical and commercial success. Now, they are on tour promoting their sprawling two-part album Automata I and II, which promises a wide scope of visual accompaniment. July 2. 7:30 pm. The Truman.
July 7–8.
Mega popstar Taylor Swift made headlines last fall following the announcement of her highly sought after Eras tour, when scalpers’ reselling caused prices to balloon for hopeful fans and lawsuits were filed over Ticketmaster’s price-gouging. The dust has settled, and Swift’s performing a twonight stint at Arrowhead, where she previously played in 2011 and 2018. Now, she will be performing all the hits from her repertoire. July 7, 6:30 pm; July 8, 6:30 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
July 11. 8 pm.
American punk-rock band Gogol Bordello has been polarizing audienc-
July 7–9, July 11–13, 8 pm. This fun award-winning musical is based off the film of the same name. Legally Blonde the musical follows the transformation of sorority girl Elle Woods as she faces adversity in pursuit of her dreams. July 7–9, 8 pm; July 11–13, 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
es since they formed in Manhattan over two decades ago. Composed of a vast array of musicians from around the world—including violinists and accordion players—the band’s sound is influenced by Romani music with elements from punk and dub, though they are now most known for their neverending touring and surprisingly theatrical concerts. July 11. 8 pm.
The Truman.
July 14–15. 5 pm.
Part of a popular tour across the country, Breakaway festival brings some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, including GRiZ and Zedd, along with festival favorites like silent disco, food trucks, outdoor bars and other fun summertime activities. July 14–15. 5 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
July 14. 7:30 pm.
British pop-rock group Tears for Fears gained widespread fame in the mid-eighties with their 1985 album
Songs from the Big Chair, which contained universally known songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Shout.” July 14. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
July 15. 7:30 pm.
L.A. native saxophonist Dave Koz pays tribute to the richly arranged horn sections that served as the backdrop for sixties and seventies hits. After serving as a band member and leader on The Arsenio Hall Show and Emeril Live, Koz now plays, records and tours with various bands. He’ll be joined by Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius for the KC performance. July 15. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
July 16. 7 pm.
Killer Queen is a world-renowned Queen tribute band—and the only tribute band to have played and sold out the same arenas as Queen. They are making their way across the pond to play the iconic hits of the legendary band. July 16. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
July 18. 7 pm.
British-American rock band Foreigner originally formed in New York City nearly fifty years ago. Guitarist Mick Jones, original King Crimson member Ian McDonald and vocalist Lou Gramm still want to know what love is.
July 18. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
July 19. 7:30 pm.
Country music queen Shania Twain is embarking on her first tour in nearly half a decade, the global, forty-nine-date Queen of Me tour. Mickey Guyton will be joining Twain as she performs her iconic, enduringly popular hits. Let’s go, girls! July 19. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
July 19. 8 pm.
English rock band The Smile isn’t familiar to many, but it’s composed of members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of uber-popular band Radiohead. Tom Skinner joins on drums along with longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. For many longtime fans, this will be the first time they are able to see the members of the band play live together—but this time the music is much more free and wild, incorporating elements of postpunk, progressive rock, Afrobeat and electronic music. July 19. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
July 21 & 22, 7 p.m. & 9:45 pm. New Yorker Michael Rapaport has been on the scene for over thirty years, making over one hundred appearances in various movies and TV shows. Most recently, his stints on shows like Atypical and Only Murders in the Building, along with his divisive podcast “I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast,” have proven his enduring sense of humor and rough and rugged charm. July 21 & 22, 7 p.m. and 9:45 pm. Improv Comedy Club.
July 21–23. 8 pm.
Theatrical production Rain, a Beatles tribute, has been around longer than the Beatles band itself. The immersive show gives audiences the experience of seeing the classic songs performed live that were never done so by the actual band, along with theatrical rain effects. July 21–23. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
July 22. 6:30 pm.
This co-headlining summer tour features Trombone Shorty, the New Orleans native who is best known as a classic-style trombone
and trumpet player, along with his supporting band, Orleans Avenue. Ziggy Marley, son of icon Bob Marley, is continuing his father’s legacy performing reggae. July 22. 6:30 pm. Grinders.
July 22. 8 pm.
Ann Wilson, the legendary singer of Heart, is embarking on her U.S. tour following her 2022 solo album, Fierce Bliss. Inspired by icon Janis Joplin, Wilson has become an influential rock star all her own, with one of the most powerful vocal ranges in music. Blending rock, pop and folk music, the result is an enduring, versatile sound. July 22. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
July 24. 6:30 pm.
Jacksonville-based blues-rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band only formed in 2010, but the band has a classic, almost vintage sound. Their debut album, Revelator, won a Grammy, and the band has since released five studio and three live albums. July 24. 6:30 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
July 25–30. 8 pm.
Based on the book by Peter Stone, 1776 is a musical with
music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. The show is based on John Adams’ pursuit for independence and the events that led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. July 25–30. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
July 29. 8:30 pm.
This immersive experience melds genres along with stunning visuals to bring a live orchestral rendition of Dr. Dre’s iconic album 2001. 2001 was Dr. Dre’s second album, a striking difference from his universally beloved debut album, The Chronic. This modern orchestra composed of Dr. Dre fans include trumpets, horns, strings, drums, DJs and live vocalists to bring the hits in a way fans haven’t heard before. July 29. 8:30 pm. The Truman.
July 30. 3:30 pm.
This musical takes the audience on a journey back to the big-hair bands of the eighties with the story of a small-town girl and a city boy. Rock of Ages’ rocking score features favorite rock anthems like “I Wanna Know What Love Is” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” July 30. 3:30 pm. The Warwick Theatre.
July 27. 7:30 pm.
Formed in Topeka fifty years ago, Kansas has cemented itself as one of the most iconic classic rock bands in America. Made famous by hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” Kansas is coming back home for their fiftieth anniversary tour. July 27. 7:30 pm. The Midland Theatre.
A MEDIAN THE SIZE of 0.17 acres runs along Broadway Boulevard in Old Westport. Its official name: Pioneer Park. The park’s tip, near Westport Road, is expansive and flat—physical features suitable for dancing. A reproduction of a mid-nineteenth century map illustrating the three trails of westward expansion sits in the little park and delineates the origin of the Santa Fe trail, thus the park’s name. The locale was also where teenagers and twenty-somethings once tried to break into the Kansas City street dance scene. “Let’s meet at ‘The Map,’” they’d say. “It was a place you could pull up, bring a boom box or radio and just dance in the afternoon and dance all night, where nobody bothered you,” street dancer and East Kansas City resident Leo Gayden recalls. “There was a hazing that happened when first entering the dance scene in Kansas City. You are not welcomed in. You have to earn your way in.”
Street dance, a social phenomenon that mixes dancing with socializing in open public spaces, dates back to the 1970s and encompasses varying styles of improvisational dance, including breakdance (hip hop), popping (funk) and waacking (disco).
Gayden, a forty-four-year-old Chicago native, relocated from the windy city to Kansas City at the age of twelve. He grew up near Wrigley Field and spent most weekends on the Southside, where his father’s family lived.
“I did not want to move, and I remember the day we left and crying almost half the way there,” Gayden says. “My neighborhood in Chicago was so multicultural, and Kansas City was Black and white. I spoke too proper for the Black kids and too Black for the white kids, so I hung out with the outcasts, nerds and geeks.”
Over the past ten to fifteen years, Gayden has watched Kansas City become increasingly diverse, especially in the arts. In the early 2000s, Gayden, then in his early twenties, rediscovered street dance after traveling across the “border” into Lawrence.
“I remember going to a place called The Granada, and that’s where I first saw breakdancing for the first time in probably twenty years, since I left Chicago,” Gayden says. “It was this whole underground thing, and it gave me an identity and something to pursue.”
In 2013, Gayden and dancer Juliet Remmers collaborated with choreographer Jane Gotch to create a stage production of abstract breakdance stylings set to an operatic song titled “Let It Fall.” The performance premiered in New York City and concluded in 2015 with two weeks of sold-out shows in Kansas City.
“It was an extremely rewarding and agonizing experience,” Gayden says. “I put so much of myself into those routines. It was such a process. I was going through a lot of depression. I just got out of a relationship, so I put it all into the performances.”
In 2017, Gayden received a Rocket Grants award from the Charlotte Street Foundation with funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. With the award, he produced “This Is Our Scene,” a two-part multimedia project that explores the symbiotic relationship between public space and street dance in Kansas City.
“I love the physicality of [street dance],” Gayden says. “There’s something about putting motion and movement to sound.”
In his dancing career’s early years, Gayden moonlighted as a DJ under the moniker Leonightus. These days, he’s DJing more than ever, trying to cultivate younger dancers through the music. He regularly spins music at local venues like The Ship, Nighthawk and Yard Bar.
“As I got older, my body just betrayed me,” Gayden says with a laugh. “You can’t do what you used to do all of the time. Now, I am more so a DJ than a dancer, but not because I don’t like it. I was just dancing the other day, but what I try to do as a DJ is create new avenues for other dancers to come through and dance.”
SINGER-SONGWRITER JASS has swiftly made a name for herself in Kansas City’s music scene––and beyond.
She performed at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans in July and opened for bassist Thundercat at Grinders KC the following month. In October, she was a major draw at the second annual Troostapalooza. From clubs to community events, you can frequently find her performing throughout the area.
And earlier this spring, her music was twice featured on the second season of Bel-Air, Peacock’s modern reimagination of the nineties sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
“I had no intention of my music taking on the life that it has,” Jass says, “but now I’ve been putting a lot of movement behind it.”
Born and raised in KC, Jass’s love and affinity for music made itself known at an early age in her church choir, but she didn’t start performing and releasing music until 2020.
It was after putting out her music on SoundCloud that Jass was invited to play at an open mic as a featured artist. Things progressed from there. She put snippets of her music on Twitter, expanded her releases on to a wider variety of platforms and booked more gigs.
“From there, everything just grew,” Jass says. “Before, I had just been sending songs to my friends. I’ve always written.”
Jass overloaded and crashed her computer after writing and recording so much––over two-hundred songs. From that collection, she released two four-song EPs on physical copies only in April and May: April Showers and May Flowers. In May, she released the dual CD on all streaming platforms.
Jass’s style remains rooted in the oldschool sounds of soul, R&B and hip-hop. She sites some of her biggest influences as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Erykah Badu. Frequently found with a bass or flute in hand and occasionally at the keyboard, she performs as both a solo artist with an accompanying band and with Jass and the Boys.
“When I perform my own music, I like to stay in a soul pocket, but I do spoken word and rap too,” Jass says.
Last month, Jass and the Boys took the stage in Chicago for a Sofar Sounds Pride performance and in KC at the ninth annual Boulevardia with a primetime slot. The band––a collaborative effort Jass describes as a “psychedelic fusion” of funk, rock, R&B and more—showcases energetic originals with a funky, contagious groove.
No matter the ensemble, venue or instrument in hand, Jass’s warm vocals, inviting presence and lyrical prowess will captivate you. She’s an artist to keep your eye––and ear––on.
“I had no intention of my music taking on the life that it has, but now I’ve been putting a lot of movement behind it.”
In Nebraska, we believe that only boring people get bored. So we invent our own fun. Like when we realized that a livestock tank would float, and thought, “It’s a boat.” Soon, “tanking” became the preferred method of meandering down our slow-moving rivers. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if it sounds as good to you as it did to us, go to VisitNebraska.com for a free Travel Guide. And welcome aboard.
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The fun, maximalist trends of last year have seemingly subsided, and quiet luxury is taking their place.
Quiet luxury isn’t as stuffy as minimalism, but it’s more polished than the coastal grandmother aesthetic we saw trending earlier this year. In many ways, it is the opposite of fast fashion, focusing on mindful shopping and investing in pieces that can be worn after fads have cycled.
This trend celebrates the art of subtle beauty and restraint, focusing on true craftsmanship and refined details. Often also referred to as an old money aesthetic, the quiet luxury style relies on a sophisticated timelessness of minimalist design that moves starkly away from an emphasis on brand names.
Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez, who often make headlines for their flashy clothing choices, have noticeably broken from their old ways and been seen rocking this subtle style.
The focus with this trend is prioritizing well-made, elegant and often simple pieces that will be able to be worn even when the fads of the moment subside. —MOLLY
HIGGINSKOREAN-AMERICAN ARTIST SUNYOUNG CHEONG has called Topeka home for more than a decade. When she first moved to the states, she landed in South Carolina, but soon found her way to Kansas when her husband recieved a professorship at Washburn University. Soon, Cheong began taking classes at Washburn and transferred to KU, where she received both her BFA and MFA in metalsmithing and jewelry. Now, she is an assistant professor at KU who encourages her students to integrate modern technology with traditional craft.
We talked with Cheong about her studies, the lessons she teaches her students and the increasing need for artists to marry tradition with modernity.
Tell us about your background and the process of becoming an artist. I didn’t have any art background when I was living in Korea. Once we moved to Kansas, we did not have any friends and family in town. So I spent time with my children, trying to make things at home for them—cooking and sewing. I didn’t have any intention to get into art back then. It was just the way I lived daily, doing things for me and my children.
What led you on a path pursuing art? Later, I was looking for something that I could do to actually spend a little time for myself, so I got involved with art classes. I like to use my hands. When I was little, my mom always made my clothes and she was really good. My mom always made something out of nothing. I think because I was influenced by my mother, when my kids were little I started making things for them. I actually had so much fun creating something with my hands.
What was it like going from taking classes at KU to teaching metalsmithing and jewelry? I made a lot of mistakes when I was a student. I think that experience actually became a good thing to teach the students. When they make a mistake, that’s not a bad thing—you learn more from the mistakes. I encourage them to try new things and not be afraid of making lots of mistakes because that becomes a part of their strength.
What currently influences your art? My interest now is how to integrate technology into traditional art and craft. We are in the midst of change in art and design—many disciplines use technology. For example, the metalsmithing department at KU has a long history. We’ve been teaching the traditional metalsmithing technique for a long time. And now we adapt to the technology. It’s like an oxymoron. You had to use your hand to hammer down the metal, but now your process is focused on the computer and you use the machine to create it. I’ve found that we have to adapt technology for the future. My focus right now, as a teacher, is how to use the technology with the traditional skills.
Alternative Eastern beauty treatments are taking over the spa scene in KC.
BY MOLLY HIGGINS
IN THINKING OF ALL the yummy Korean food around KC for this issue, I got to thinking about my time living in Los Angeles and the wonderful Korean spa experiences I had there.
While KC might not have a plethora of Korean spas, there are many spas offering similar Eastern beauty techniques for relaxation and rejuvenation of skin, body and energies, including wet and dry saunas and amenities like skin treatments and massages.
Here’s our guide to our favorite alternative beauty treatments available at local KC spas to bring Korean spa vibes to Missouri.
What makes a Korean day spa experience different from traditional spas is that a Korean spa will typically be a several-hour or nearly all-day experience focused on bathing, steam and water cleansing.
“We are a true day spa—there aren’t really a lot of those in KC, especially since the pandemic,” says Shannon Willis, owner of Spa on Penn. “A true, bona-fide day spa will have water services. We have a steam shower, rain shower, hydrotherapy tub and sauna.”
Spa on Penn’s special soaking tubs are also unique. “There are different herbal, plant-based soaps for different things,” Willis says. “In wintertime, we will use a eucalyptus one for when people have colds or aren’t feeling well to energize the body. And the body is absorbing these products in the tub.”
There’s a soothing milk bath with coconut and tropical flowers, scrubs followed by steam and totally immersive body wraps like the French Red Clay mud wrap or a Dead Sea mud wrap.
“The sauna is infrared, which is an invisible light spectrum that we receive from the sun’s natural rays,” Hand and Land spa co-owner Jessica Moler says. “It differs from a traditional sauna because it’s a little gentler. I find that it’s a little bit more tolerable for people. The [infrared sauna] has so many benefits. It’s great for pain relief—it penetrates deeply into the tissue. It helps joints and muscles, anything from minor pains to more chronic issues. It can help lower blood pressure, and sweating in general is the body’s natural way to detoxify itself.”
The sauna experience can be enhanced with chromotherapy, or color therapy, which uses specific colors to adjust bodily vibrations and promote overall balance and wellness. Spa patrons are encouraged to choose a color they feel most drawn to in order to restore various energy points to help balance the body. For example, red is often used to enhance metabolism and energize heart and blood circulation, and blue is used for anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects.
Acupuncture has been used for more than two-thousand years in Eastern medicine to treat a slew of health problems by inserting tiny needles into various points in the skin.
“Sessions with our acupuncturist are based on the individual’s needs, whatever they have going on—for stress or pain management, hormonal issues, women trying to regulate their cycles or to reduce PMS symptoms,” Moler says. “Cosmetic acupuncture is also a popular alternative to Botox.”
Hand and Land Spa offers energy work or sound therapy with the service, using Reiki, tuning forks and crystal singing bowls for added healing.
Along with acupuncture, cupping therapy is one of the oldest methods used to release body toxins. “Cupping is going to move stagnation and move the lymphatic fluid up and out,” Moler says. It brings the toxins from the body up and out through the skin using special cups pressed on the skin to create suction.
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With a background in organismal biology and experience as a KU college football player have shaped his compassionate approach to patient care. He views his relationship with patients as a team effort, making decisions together based on their needs and desires. Outside of medicine, Dr. Swab cherishes spending time with his wife, three children, and their rescue dog, in Kansas City.
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BY DAWNYA BARTSCH
BY MATTHEW ANDERSON
HEN ROGER AND KATIE ACCURSO decided it was time to downsize, they didn’t think they would find the perfect spot to build their new home just a few doors down from their old place. But they did.
“It’s literally four doors down,” Katie says of their Lake Lotawana home. The Accursos knew they wanted their new home to be a complete design and style departure from their old residence, especially since they were so close. “We were ready for something completely different, not just a smaller version of our old home,” Katie says. Although their kids are out of the house, there is still lots of activity with grandkids, family and friends.
The Accursos’ former home used dark woods and had a more Italian-esque feel, Katie says. “Almost a little cabin-y.” To make the transition from old to new, the Accursos enlisted the help of interior designer Kendra Miner of Evolve Interiors and builder Starr Homes.
Their new home sticks to a color palette of primarily white and black with splashes of gold. “We went bold,” Katie says. “It is definitely more of a stretch, more out of our comfort zone. We made very bold choices and I love it. We like the modern look.”
Everything about the Accursos’ house is built with ease in mind. It sits on top of a bluff facing west, overlooking the lake. The main living areas and kitchen, including the primary suite, are on the first level, opening to a lanai and swimming pool—no need to trek downstairs to enjoy the amenities. The party is all on one level.
The blazing-red double front doors are sure to let the neighborhood know where the party is. With the home’s color foundation of black and white, it seemed only fitting that bright-red statement-making doors welcome the world into their home, Katie says.
The doors’ chevron pattern was highlighted by covering the red paint with a black glaze, Miner says.
Despite the dramatic use of black and white quartz and bold fixtures, this kitchen is actually quite functional, Miner says. It was designed to “easily entertain,” and there’s a place for everything.
The bold choices in material create the perfect backdrop for an amazing party, and the kitchen’s functionality makes hosting a breeze. For example, the kitchen is right next to the outdoor grill for easy access, and the grill leads directly to the pool overlooking the lake. Inside, hidden from view, is a pantry and a prep space with a dishwasher where lots of messy meal prep work can occur.
A large piece of black and white quartz was chosen to create the kitchen island, and Minor duplicated those colors throughout the space, using pops of gold as accents. “They really designed this house for family and friends,” Miner says.
The main living areas and kitchen, including the primary suite, are on the first level, opening up to a lanai and swimming pool—no need to trek downstairs to enjoy the amenities.
The powder room looks as if it belongs in a boutique hipster hotel, with its towering wall of classic black and white tiles set in a modern pattern. Miner decided to float a floor-to-ceiling mirror and backlight in front of the tile wall and behind the vanity to create a stunning focal point.
A room with a wall of glass serves as a walk-in bar and is visible to folks entering the Accursos’ home. It’s close in proximity to the kitchen but separate at the same time.
“I wanted it separate from the kitchen,” Katie says. “I had it as part of the kitchen before, and everyone would hang in that one spot.”Katie wants people to mingle a bit more, to walk away from the kitchen. She says it’s working.
Miner used mirrored tiles in the bar as a backsplash, adding to the glitz.
The primary bedroom is a study in neutrality, a slight departure from the bolder choices in the rest of the house. It seamlessly blends with the main rooms but feels more like a private retreat.
A softer teak wood floor was used along with textured wallpaper. The masculine fabric headboard looks like a piece of contemporary art and is from Bernhardt. A swivel chair was placed by the floorto-ceiling windows.
With a long fireplace hearth perfect for sitting by the fire and a custom-made “cracked” cement coffee table, the main living area has plenty of conversation pieces and places to have them.
“We really were looking for a space that was comfortable, inviting and a great place to be with our family and friends,” Katie says. “I saw several pictures of coffee tables similar to this on Pinterest, and I wanted something similar.” She showed the inspirational images to Seth Taylor of Concrete Designs, and he went to work. The tables can be pushed together and pulled apart.
12611 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park & 7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway Overland Park, chosunkoreanbbqkc.com
Tucked away in strip malls, both locations of this family-owned business are slightly pricier options for Korean barbecue. Traditional Korean BBQ tables await those choosing to do their own grilling, but regular tables are also available for those wanting a non-barbecue experience. Proteins can be ordered individually or as combos. Thin slices of rolled raw brisket create a dazzling presentation with their bright-pink hue.
Noodle dishes, bento boxes and bibimbap are just a few non-barbecue related entrees. Both restaurants are casual and equipped with small bars that can be enjoyed with a bottle of soju while K-pop music plays overhead. –TYLER SHANE
4117 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO, chingukc.com
When chef Keeyoung Kim opened his Westport restaurant last year, he was determined to avoid pan-Asian dishes and to exclusively serve Korean food. Chingu’s menu accounts for all styles of Korean cuisine—homestyle cooking, barbecue and street food. The portions are large, and dishes like bossam (DIY pork belly wraps) and L.A. galbi are meant to be shared family-style. For those unfamiliar with Korean cuisine in general or a menu item, the servers are prepared to answer any questions and make recommendations.
The bar, lit up by a pink neon sign in the shape of Chingu’s mascot (a tiger and magpie), serves creative cocktails highlighting Korean spirits along with wine, beer and soju. K-dramas play on the television, and a large wall covered with an illustration by local illustrator Frank Norton provides a vibrant, fun ambiance.
When I reviewed Chingu in March, I thoroughly enjoyed the kimchi jjigae and kimchi pajeon. And for imbibing, the Korean-style old fashioned infused with gochujang should not be missed.
–TYLER SHANETraditional Korean BBQ tables await those choosing to do their own grilling, but regular tables are also available for those wanting a nonbarbecue experience.PHOTOGRAPHY JEREMEY THERON KIRBY; ZACH BAUMAN
K-BITES
Four locations around KC including Waldo, Overland Park and Lee’s Summit, bibibop.com
Often called the Chipotle of Korean food—and in fact owned by the Chipotle of burrito fame—Bibibop is a great place to take someone unfamiliar with the flavors of the cuisine. There are four Bibibops across the city, and all offer the same build-a-bowl model where you select from beef, chicken or tofu in various flavors with a starchy base of sweet potato noodles, salad or purple rice. The sauces make the meal: The spicy gochujang is highly recommended, but you also can’t go wrong with the classic ginger teriyaki. –MARTIN CIZMAR
KIMCHI AND BAP
8750 Penrose Lane, Lenexa kimchiandbap.com
Lisa Hamblen began cooking traditional Korean meals at the Lenexa Public Market as a way to explore her Korean roots. Her pop-ups sold out nearly every weekend and earned her an official vendor space. She keeps her menu items traditional, with meatand vegetable-focused dishes and no shortage of flavor (especially with her homemade banchan).
10308 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, k-streethotdog.com
One of the most singular Korean restaurants in KC serves almost everything on a stick. K-Street Hot Dogs is based around a ubiquitous Seoul street food called hasdogeu, which, like its cornmeal-coated brethren, comes on a stick rather than between a bun. At Ssong’s Hot Dogs, which is in the same Overland Park plaza as 92 Chicken (see page 60), you’ll stroll up to the touchscreen kiosk and place your order. The dogs feature beef frank—standard, spicy or paired with mozzarella or cheddar—dipped into a panko, rice flour and wheat flour batter. There are also rice cakes on a stick, seaweed spring rolls on a stick and a chicken skewer on a stick. The waffles fries are not on a stick but worth ordering anyway.
500 W. 75th St., KCMO, borukc.com
Boru is an Asian fusion restaurant in Waldo that has gone through a few iterations since opening as a ramen bar back in 2017. You’ll still find ramen on the menu, along with dandan noodles and sushi, but there’s also a deep well of Korean-influenced dishes like kimchi French fries, bulgogi lettuce wraps and chicken wings in the Korean style (see page 60).
–MARTIN CIZMARThe sauces make the meal: The spicy gochujang is highly recommended, but you also can’t go wrong with the classic ginger teriyaki.
1531 Grand Blvd., KCMO, kobi-q.com
Kobi-Q’s cool yet unfussy atmosphere allows the food to take center stage. The menu has a heavy Korean influence, but crab rangoon, fried rice and Japanese fried pork can all be found on the menu here, too.
The menu features an extensive list of starters, including house-made kimchi accompanied by homey meat-focused entrees of fried chicken, spicy pork barbecue with rice cakes, and beef short ribs.
Asian-imported beers, Japanese whiskey on the rocks, sake and soju are all offered as libations. Soju and sake bombs (a shot of your chosen spirit served with an imported beer) are also available to imbibe.
6920 W. 105th St., Overland Park, chogakoreanrestaurant.com
This no-frills Korean BBQ restaurant is slightly hidden near a shopping center in North Overland Park and is easily overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. The atmosphere is relaxed, meaning there’s no push to get you out the door fast. Unlike Chosun, this joint is all you can eat for $32.95, and that includes fourteen proteins like slices of spicy pork belly, beef bulgogi or spicy squid. For $44.95, you can upgrade to a mean ribeye steak. Served alongside the grillable proteins are pickled radish, salad and three dipping sauces. Then, as your meal progresses, your choice of kimchi or soybean paste soup will arrive along with steamed egg and cheesy corn. Reservations are encouraged for BBQ, but you can also order off a regular menu that doesn’t involve cooking for yourself. Either way, you certainly won’t leave here hungry.
–TYLER SHANELocated in Parlor food hall, Korean comfort food consists of dumplings, kimchi fried rice and bibimbap. We reviewed Sura’s sister business, Westport’s Chingu, in March and were impressed by the dining experience. Chef Keeyoung Kim is explorative yet unpretentious with his menus.
KPOT
Tables are equipped with individual hot pot stoves and a grill for the whole table. This Asian fusion restaurant is all-youcan-eat, and a condiment bar allows you to create your own sauces with the help of recipes. Ordering is done on a tablet, and service is quick.
By Tyler Shane
With Korean BBQ, everyone has a chance at being a chef. It’s a fun and delicious interactive experience where diners cook their own marinated and sliced meats over an open grill at their table. But the collective experience can also be intimidating for first timers.
Fear not! The best advice for handling Korean BBQ is to be intuitive and don’t overthink it. When grilling, aim for a nice sear. If your meat has a dull gray tint to it or you’re questioning its doneness, keep cooking until it develops more colors. There’s no pressure to cook everything to perfection. Every protein offered is forgiving, and some crispy caramelization from the grill adds great flavor.
Some restaurants, like Choga (6920 W. 105th St., Overland Park), offer an all-you-can-eat experience while others, like Chosun (12611 Metcalf Ave Overland Park and 7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Overland Park), allow you to order select meat combinations and sides.
Once the server takes your order, they’ll turn on the grill to begin preheating. This only takes five to seven minutes, but typically, once your raw proteins arrive, you’re good to start grilling.
HERE’S HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SOME EXTRA TIPS:
1. Start by designating one or two people to manage the grill. Sure, being the grill master involves a bit of work, but it also bestows the prestige of authority. Bask in this position of delegation. Don’t think; just jump in and take control. Do a practice round if need be.
2. Proteins that your table is sure to enjoy are thinly sliced brisket, any variation of bulgogi or galbi, bone-in short rib, rib eye and marinated pork.
3. Start grilling the meats that take the longest to cook—thicker cuts like pork belly and steak. Check on them after two minutes and flip if ready.
4. Thinly sliced meats and shrimp will cook quickly, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them. You can usually flip them after a minute.
5. When something is finished cooking, use the tongs to either transfer
it to someone’s plate or push it to the side of the grill where the heat is not as intense. If you’re the grillmaster, be the gift that keeps on giving. It doesn’t really matter if someone doesn’t want more shrimp in this family-style setting. Keep the proteins moving through the grill as necessary. Let your party eat what they want and not eat what they don’t.
6. Instead of knives, you’ll use scissors to cut your meat. The bone-in ribeye is a great opportunity for this.
7. If the grill is getting uncomfortably hot or blackened from leftover burnt meat, call over your server to turn the heat down or switch out the grill plate.
8. Think of Korean BBQ like a charcuterie board. Enjoy bites of various items with the accompanying banchan (see page 64) and sauces, and experiment with flavor combinations.
Korean chicken is one of those things that, like pizza or barbecue, means different things to different people. It’s consistently battered and fried, but that batter is sometimes especially thin, other times extra thick and crunchy. Sometimes KFC—the clever name given by many American aficionados—is tempura-battered. Cornstarch is common, too. Potato starch, sometimes. But when it comes to the sauces, all bets are off. There are dozens of different flavors—in one Overland Park shopping plaza alone. I spent a week trying a half-dozen Korean fried chicken spots around KC, mostly in Johnson County. The first place I’d send anyone looking to try this style of fried chicken is 135th and Metcalf, where you have two of the better options.
CM Chicken (6601 W. 135th St. a21, Overland Park) is one of two massive Korean chicken spots in the area. It’s part of a bicoastal chain that was founded in Korea a decade ago and came stateside in 2017. CM Chicken’s breading is on the thick side, which is all the better for soaking up the spicy (but not super hot) gochujang chili sauce or tangy lemon and wasabi sauce. CM Chicken is near Scheels and has a massive dining room with a bar, making it a good spot for a lively night out with a big group.
The same plaza has the Korean hot pot spot K Pot and a location of Bibibop, the chain that’s been called the Chipotle of Korean food and is, in fact, owned by Chipotle. It’s also home to my favorite Korean chicken in the area, which is at a sushi spot that has recently rebranded to emphasize the trending chicken. That’s the eccentrically named Prime Sushi & bbq Korean Chicken (13611 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park) which has a dozen flavors and a medium-thick fried shell that walks the razor’s edge between crunchy and sopped up with sauce. This batch had more dark meat than most I encountered, which meant it was juicier. The classic Korean galbi sauce is sweet and spicy, with a hint of smoke and a dusting of sesame seeds that amp up the umami. It’s served with a little tin cup of pickled radish to freshen the palate between bites.
Any serious chicken hunt will inevitably take you up Metcalf to 92 Chicken (10326 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park), another dedicated Korean chicken spot. Like many others on this list, your smallest option is a $15 serving that’s a full meal. The Instagrammable special chicken dishes with shaved vegetables are showstoppers, but the spicy garlic chicken is solid, though my experience suffered from slow and disorganized service.
Most of those picks are strips, but if you’re looking for wings in the Korean style, you can find them at two spots in KCMO: Chingu (4117 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO) and Kobi-Q (1531 Grand Blvd., KCMO). The waitress at Chingu in Westport claimed their wings have been described as “better than the Peanut” by customers, and while this is patently ridiculous, they are very good. The best part, though, was that we got a selection of banchan (see page 64), with pickled veggies to freshen things up. Kobi Q’s sweet garlic glaze was the tastiest sauce I found—sweet but with some depth of flavor.
BY JOSHUA HAINES
When it comes to the sauces, all bets are off. There are dozens of different flavors— in one Overland Park shopping plaza alone.PHOTOGRAPH
Soju is served in shot glasses and meant to be drunk straight. The drinker can choose to sip it or throw it back. The etiquette within Korea’s drinking culture is meant to show respect. You don’t have to abide by these rules at Waldo Thai or Chingu (Loo created the cocktail menus for both) but if you feel inclined to show off your mixologist skills to your fellow table members, give it all you got.
1. Never pour your own drink.
2. The eldest will pour the first round. Once they’re finished serving, someone will pour theirs.
3. Use two hands on the bottle when you serve the drink and two hands on your glass as you receive one.
4. Drink your soju by turning your head to the side and avoiding eye contact, especially in the presence of your elders.
5. No one drinks alone. Drinking is a social act that creates camaraderie in Korea. Never turn down a drink. If someone pours you one, you should pour them one.
6. “If [a glass] is empty, it should be filled,” Loo says. “If you don’t want [your glass] to be filled, you don’t finish it.”
In the popular K-drama Business Proposal, a group of coworkers watch in awe as their fellow colleague, actor Lim Ki-Hong, stands at the end of a table and proceeds to flamboyantly pour six glasses of his own innovation: the Dynamite shot. Hong proceeds in a near-dance as he expertly bursts open bottles of Jinro soju and beer and sprays them like a firework display before pouring. He tops his performance off by sticking a sparkler in a beer, parading it while busting some K-pop boy band moves and finishing his pours.
Hong’s showmanship may be a dramatization, but the iconic scene isn’t too far off in exemplifying the customs of Korea’s lively drinking culture. It’s extremely common for corporate gatherings to take place around a few (or many) bottles of soju. Drinking is considered a communal experience, and social skills, like dazzling a crowd with your bartending abilities, are applauded.
Soju is not only Korea’s favorite spirit but also the number one liquor sold worldwide. According to The Spirits Business magazine, Jinro soju is expected to be the first liquor brand to sell more than one hundred million cases in a year. Darrell Loo, the bar manager of Waldo Thai, credits soju’s popularity to its low alcohol by volume, which averages around twenty to thirty percent.
“In bigger cities, soju has become more mainstream because if you have a wine and beer liquor license, for example, in New York, you can still sell soju, so you can also use soju to make cocktails,” Loo says.
Consumers are also becoming increasingly more interested in low ABV spirits as an alternative to liquors with higher alcohol percentages. Often referred to as Korean vodka (partially due to its clear and colorless liquid), soju takes on a much lighter and smoother flavor and an overall refreshing quality. The mouthfeel is almost delicate. This also makes it versatile for cocktails.
Traditionally, soju is distilled from rice, but it can also be made from a variety of grains and starches. The green-tinted bottle that has long been associated with the spirit is indicative of an accessible and relatively cheap genre that is most likely made from sweet potato, tapioca or barley. Flavors include green apple, lychee or soju made from rice. This type of soju is not necessarily better quality, but some folks are looking to change that.
“I love drinking the popular green bottle,” says Keeyoung Kim, owner of Sura Eats and Chingu. “But once I discovered the flavor of a product distilled solely from rice, it changed my view of soju completely. The reason for distilling from a variety of grains is deeply rooted not only in soju history but in Korean history. It’s a completely different product, from higher ABV content to the distinct flavor profiles. The green bottles distilled from different grains used today were a result of bans, rice shortages and various cost-saving methods occurring throughout Korean history. You have to respect and honor that process.”
As an example, in 1965, due to a rice shortage, South Korea’s government banned using rice to make soju, so distillers turned to other grains and starches. It wasn’t until 1999 that the ban was lifted.
Kim has been working on a rice-based soju recipe with Mean Mule Distilling Co.’s master distiller, Tyler Gloe.
“The recipe is finalized, maybe a few tweaks, but no set date for initial production and launch yet,” Kim says.
Literally translated to “small dishes,” banchan is a staple of Korean cuisine. Don’t think of them as appetizers, though. The snackable condiments, typically served cold or at room temperature, are meant to be enjoyed throughout your entire meal to provide contrast, texture and heavenly flavor combinations.
Lisa Hamblen’s business name Kimchi and Bap (8750 Penrose Lane, Lenexa, kimchiandbap.com) was born from her personal mantra: “You can always make a meal out of kimchi and bap
Gyeran Mari (Pan-Fried Egg Omelet)
A thicker omelet created by layering and rolling the eggs, it’s commonly enjoyed with rice. The green onions in the omelet have a way of marrying the two dishes together.
Kongnamul (Seasoned Bean Sprouts)
Slightly cooked and tossed with sesame oil, garlic and green onions, this crunchy veggie delivers a subtle nutty taste.
(rice).” Historically, Koreans use banchan to create diverse meals efficiently. Their cooking processes require, as Hamblen describes, a lot of “tender loving care,” so they’re made in larger batches. When it’s time for a meal, the premade banchan can be divided into small bowls and enjoyed with rice or marinated meats.
“Those little dishes, although small, make the meal, and that’s what Korean food is all about,” Hamblen says. “It’s all about the color, the different tastes on the table and the variety.”
Hobak Bokkeum (Stir-Fried Zucchini)
Salt, garlic and a little sesame oil are all that is needed to bring out the zucchini’s bright piquancy. Simple yet mighty, its flavor provides great contrast to savory bites of beef bulgogi.
Kimchi
Fermented napa cabbage typically flavored with salt, garlic, ginger, green onions and Korean red pepper flakes. Seasonings and ingredients can vary, but whatever the concoction, the glorious sour and tangy condiment is quintessential to Korean cuisine. Even though banchan offerings differ at every restaurant, kimchi can always be expected at the table.
Gamja Jorim (Braised Potatoes)
When it comes to flavor, Hamblen describes this one as packing “a little bit of everything.” Sweet and savory, a touch of soy sauce in the cooking process makes the potatoes burst with umami.
Like banchan and rice, K-pop and karaoke are just meant to be together. The wildly popular music genre fits right in with South Koreans’ love of private karaoke rooms, or noraebang, the Korean word for karaoke that translates to “a song room.”
Unlike America’s version of karaoke, where folks stand on a bar stage in front of strangers, Korean-style karaoke is a gentler, kinder version, taking place in a private room surrounded by friends.
After a bit of research, it seems that the greater Kansas City area has only one private-suite karaoke bar: Offkey in Westport. Although it’s not technically a Korean karaoke establishment, it does have private rooms that can be reserved for small groups or large parties. There, patrons can sing along to a favorite song while imbibing and eating, in true Korean karaoke fashion.
And just in case you plan to have a night of karaoke after a delicious meal at one of Kansas City magazine’s Korean food picks, here’s a K-pop playlist:
• “ Sorry, Sorry” by Super Junior
• “Why So Lonely” by Wonder Girls
• “DNA” by BTS
• “Cupid” by Fifty Fifty
• “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK
• “Breathe” by Lee Hi
• “I Can’t Stop Me” by TWICE
• “Why Not?” by Loona
• “After LIKE” by IVE
• “I’m Happy” by Eco
– DAWNYA BARTSCH
Riding the K-pop wave in KC
Every Wednesday night, live from Kansas City, Kansas, three somewhat unlikely K-pop aficionados blast the airwaves with the upbeat, colorful music.
Airing on 90.1 FM KKFI and known as Hallyu Wednesday, the programing is made up of two alternating K-pop radio shows—“Rhythm and Seoul” and “Eastify”—that share the same Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m. time slot. Even though hosts Trish Doherty, Meighan Peifer and Emma Fotovich are all squarely past their teens and K-pop’s key demographic, they are passionate about the upbeat dance music.
“It’s very positive,” says Doherty, whose interest in K-pop grew when she started listening to it with her children. “It’s about loving yourself,” she says, adding that Western popular music doesn’t often have positive messages.
Hallyu means “Korean wave” and refers to the phenomenal reach of Korean culture that began in the 1990s. The K-pop music genre and K-dramas are credited with creating the “wave” that spread across the globe.
Doherty and Peifer host “Rhythm and Seoul,” airing on the first and third Wednesday. They say they are bringing the “heart of Seoul to the heart of Kansas City” through vibrant K-pop songs.
Fotovich, who became a fan of anime and interested in Asian culture in her teens, helms “Eastify,” which airs the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Fotovich’s show is a bit more eclectic and is an “East Asian show that focuses on bringing all genres of music right to your radio. This show is where you hear all the greatest hits and unknown bops from Chinese, Korean and Japanese cultures.”
DAWNYA BARTSCH
blindboxbbq.com
Blind Box BBQ offers a variety of delicious catering options, but the Pitmaster’s Buffet is the ultimate barbecue fan’s paradise. Choose three meats and three sides: the signature smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, sliced chicken, sausage medallions, smoked ham, and sliced turkey, all made and smoked in house. Side choices include bourbon baked beans, smoked potato salad, cheesy corn bake, house slaw and mac & cheese. All catering orders are also served with salad, BBQ sauce, pickles & bread. From set up to tear down, your celebration is overseen by a catering expert to help ensure flawless execution. Check out the menu for Blind Box’s entire selection of delicious barbecue fare!
ticketmaster.com
Mark your calendar for one of the biggest concerts of the summer. Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks take the stage on August 19th at GEHA Field at Arrowhead. These two music legends are teaming up for one unforgettable evening of live music. It’s the first time the two have ever performed on the same stage in the Show-Me state. The show starts at 7:00. You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
cedarcrestlodge.com
It may be a day-long or weekend getaway, but either way, Cedar Crest Lodge will add to your summertime experience. You can access their beautiful grounds with more than 111 acres of walking and hiking trails, stocked fishing ponds, fresh cut flower garden and a scratch kitchen that serves breakfast and dinner. Your overnight stay also offers access to the on-site pool and spa. It’s less than an hour from the KC area, so treat yourself this summer to one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 bed and breakfasts that’s right here in your own backyard.
kcwatersports.com
Join KC Watersports for Movie on the Water Event, July 15th. Expect a fun movie night floating in a tube on the lake, listening to live music, eating food from some of Kansas City’s best food trucks, enjoying some cold beverages all while watching the featured film. There will be a VIP section that is gated off and general admission will be on a first come first serve basis. Go online to purchase tickets. It’s a fun evening for the entire family. Gates open at 5:00, with food and music festivities from 6:00 – 9:00 and the movie will start at approximately 9:00.
TIP: Purchase tickets in advance on the website because only 250 are available.
resurrection.church/vbc
Registration is open for the summer camp Beach Bash at Church of the Resurrection. The themed vacation bible camp is a weeklong of fun for your elementary-age kids. Your summer schedule fills up fast, so it’s time to mark July 17 – 21 on your calendar. The camp is scheduled at all Resurrection locations and will include games, snacks, crafts, fun, and learning about Jesus. There will also be some surprises along the way!
TIP: Scholarships are available for any family in need. If you have more than three children in your household, they will cap your cost too.
kcstarlight.com
Enjoy Broadway musicals in a casual and inviting atmosphere under the stars at the Starlight Theatre this summer. Three of the big hits will fill your calendar during the month of July. The season continues in August with Jagged Little Pill.
July 7-13: Legally Blonde The Musical Follow Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. It’s so much fun, it should be illegal!
July 21-23: Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles
It's a tribute to The Beatles and highlights songs from Abbey Road, the Rooftop Concert, and more.
July 25-30: 1776
It's 1776. What will it take to get two dozen passionate individuals to settle their differences and determine the future of a nation?
This list is excerpted from the 2023 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for almost two hundred dentists and specialists in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. The Jacksonville area list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.
“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”
This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results.
The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.
Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received as well as status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.
Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.
Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.
This list is excerpted from the 2023 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for nearly two hundred dentists and specialists in the Kansas City metro area. For more information call 706-364-0853; write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or visit usatopdentists. com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2011-2023 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.
Anthony Altomare Leawood Commons
Endodontics 11409 Ash St., Suite A Leawood 913-491-5552
Robert H. Altomare Leawood Commons
Endodontics 11409 Ash St., Suite A Leawood 913-491-5552
Christopher G. Budig Apex Endodontics 13364 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-851-2739
Jeffrey R. Burroughs Burroughs Endodontics 5525 West 119th St., Suite 215, Overland Park 913-258-5696
Adam S. Colombo Village Endodontics 7301 Mission Rd., Suite 317 Prairie Village 913-236-7668
Kevin P. Cunningham 11900 West 87th St., Parkway, Suite 160, Lenexa 913-599-0888
Kenneth J. Frick University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 East 25th St., KCMO 816-235-2749
Steven P. Gish Leawood Commons Endodontics 11409 Ash St., Suite A Leawood 913-491-5552
Mark A. Holman Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636
Joon W. Kim Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 West 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636
Tae S. Kong University Park Endodontics 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 130 Leawood 913-491-0056
James E. Moore
3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 106, Prairie Village 913-642-3636
Barton W. Putnam Olathe Endodontics 16093 West 135th Street, Suite A, Olathe 913-829-0060
J. Mike Randall Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636
Brenton A. Reavley Briarcliff Endodontics 4137 N. Mulberry Drive KCMO 816-326-8204
Alexander W. Stamos Endodontic Care 4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 221, Independence 816-478-8895
Daniel G. Stamos Creekwood Endodontics 5400 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 201, KCMO 816-452-0900
David E. Stamos
Endodontic Care
4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 221, Independence 816-478-8895
Amy Vermeer Cornerstone Endodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 250, Overland Park 913-498-3636
Ryan M. Walker Northwest Endodontics 803 N. 36th St., Suite C, Saint Joseph 816-364-4422
Sara H. Wilhite
Cornerstone Endodontics 1218 N.E. Windsor Drive, Lee’s Summit 816-554-7668
Nancy L. Addy S & G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash St., Leawood 913-945-1612
General Dentistry
Firoozeh Biria Biria Dentistry 14364 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-499-1111
Chad A. Bowles Bowles Dental Center 6811 W. 121st St., Overland Park 913-491-6663
Bernard G. Bruns Tremont Dental 5501 N.W. 62nd Terrace, Suite 101, KCMO 816-741-6960
Ronald J. Burgmeier 13025 S. Mur Len Road, Suite 250, Olathe 913-764-1169
Holli D. Careswell Careswell Anderson Dental 300 S.E. Second Street, Suite 200, Lee’s Summit 816-524-6300
Lauren L. Carr Dental Excellence 19501 E. US Highway 40, Independence 816-795-9500
Aaron M. Craig 11775 W. 112th St., Suite 240, Overland Park 913-469-5444
Scott B. Craven Turner Dental Group 2933 S. 47th St., KCK 913-677-1004
Richard D. Crowder Crowder Family Dentistry 14922 W. 87th St., Lenexa 913-322-2222
Carlyle H. Dahlquist 1508 N.W. Mock Ave., Suite A, Blue Springs 816-228-7176
James J. Dixson Liberty Park Dental 1508 N.E. 96th St., Suite A, Liberty 816-415-8080
Rachel Pitts Driscoll Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 S. Black Bob Road Olathe 913-782-8900
G. Brent Evers Evers & Gardner Dental 5815 N.W. Barry Rd., KCMO 816-741-2333
Hollie E. Pfeffer Flack The Brookside Dentist 6247 Brookside Blvd., Suite 207, KCMO 816-523-1444
Erin P. Flood 7301 Mission Rd., Suite 203 Prairie Village 913-362-7320
John C. Flucke Flucke & Associates Dentistry 209 N.W. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 816-209-6675
James D. Gentry 4861 W. 134th St., Leawood 913-341-0018
Mark D. Gilroy
Gilroy Dental Care
11826 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-681-1900
Eric Gottman University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 130, Kansas City 816-235-2146
Jarrett S. Grosdidier S & G Family Dentistry 11313 Ash St., Leawood 913-945-1612
Stephen Haake Bluestem Dental 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 222, Overland Park 913-381-6644
Amy R. Hahn Rhoades Family Dentistry 13400 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe 913-782-8900
Tricia C. Halford Corinth Dental Care 3700 W. 83rd St.., Suite 108, Prairie Village 913-341-9600
Robert Norman Hanson Hanson Dentistry 3151 S. State Route 291, Suite A, Independence 816-373-5606
Sarina M. HarmanTinnel HT Complete Family Dentistry 7621 Frontage Road, Overland Park 913-962-0036
Ross S. Headley KCSmile 12850 Metcalf Ave., Suite 200, Overland Park 913-491-6874
Craig W. Herre University Park Dental Associates 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120 Leawood 913-491-4466
Scott B. Herre Scott B. Herre, DDS, LLC 11237 Nall Ave., Suite 140 Leawood 913-912-7341
Timothy R. Herre Dental Health By Herre 11201 Nall Ave., Suite 120 Leawood 913-491-4466
Andrew Herwig Herwig DDS 11900 W. 87th St., Parkway, Suite 260, Lenexa 913-492-8884
Michael S. Hollingsworth Hollingsworth Dental 420 S. Woodbine Road, Saint Joseph 816-232-8788
Stephen J. Huber
Stephen Huber, DDS 13400 Roe Ave., Leawood 913-543-3751
John K. Humphrey, Jr. Kansas City Dental Works 12705 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa 913-432-9414
Ryan W. Johnson
Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center 4101 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth 913-682-2000
Luke Joliff Leawood Dental 11551 Granada Ln, Suite 200 Leawood 913-642-3939
Alison M. Jones
Alison Jones Family Dental 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 110, Overland Park 913-491-0077
Charles R. Kimes Overland Park Dentistry 8100 Marty St., Suite 111 Overland Park 913-341-2380
Kory Kirkegaard The Art of Dentistry 7550 W. 160th St., Overland Park 913-270-7959
Jennifer A. Kirwan The Smile Centre 309 S. Second St., Leavenworth 913-651-9800
Ashley E. Knight Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101 Lenexa 913-251-9930
Ian J. Krusich Krusich Dental 11111 Nall Ave., Suite 106 Leawood 913-383-2600
John C. LaBarca Dental Excellence 19501 E. U.S. Highway 40, Independence 816-795-9500
William D. Ledford Blue Stream Dental 1236 W. 103rd St., KCMO 816-941-0980
Joel D. LeMense
Joel D. LeMense, DDS 8012 State Line Road, Suite 100, Leawood 913-341-3415
Steven B. Lemieux
Steven B Lemieux, DDS & Associates 211 E. 63rd St. KCMO 816-333-3711
Matthew Lenz Lenz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 14221 Metcalf Ave., Suite 100, Overland Park 913-851-5900
Anthony Marengo, Jr. Esthetic Enhancement 16103 W. 135th St., Olathe 913-829-9222
Michael D. McCunniff University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 396, KCMO 816-235-2185
Eugene F. McGill
Dr. Eugene F. Mcgill, DDS 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 208, Prairie Village 913-381-9880
Abbie S. McKnight McKnight Signature Dental 3400 College Blvd., Suite 203, Leawood 913-948-9710
Jacob W. Meggison
Dental Elements 11912 W. Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee 913-383-0440
Andrew S. Moore Andrew Moore, DDS 5367 Roberts St., Shawnee 913-422-0007
Bryant E. Phye Phye Family Dentistry 401 S. Clairborne Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-782-2231
Vanessa C. Phye Phye Family Dentistry 401 S. Clairborne Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-782-2231
Robert A. Pierce Pierce & Knight Family Dentistry 8615 Rosehill Road, Suite 101 Lenexa 913-251-9930
Jennifer L. Pottinger
Dr. Jennifer L. Pottinger, D.D.S. 6885 W. 151st St., Suite 202, Overland Park 913-897-4300
Robert W. Rechtien, Jr. Rechtien Dental 231 N.W. 72nd St., Gladstone 816-436-5900
Lawson S. Rener
Lawson S. Rener, DDS. 4320 Wornall Road, Suite 402 KCMO 816-561-8050
Kami L. Ross Overland Park Smiles 6007 W. 121 St., Suite 104, Overland Park 913-851-8400
Jamie Smiley Smiley Dental 13430 Briar St., Leawood 913402-8888
Gregory A. Stiver Dental Care Center 325 E. 135th St., KCMO 816-941-7788
Brian S. Sutton Brian Sutton, D.D.S. & Associates 4546 Main St., KCMO 816-931-2342
J. Brad Tally J. Brad Tally, DDS 13650 Roe Ave., Leawood 913-491-5040
Timothy T. Taylor Timothy T. Taylor, DDS, PA and Associates 8919 Parallel Parkway, Suite 219, KCK 913-334-1161
Kelly K. Thomas Leawood Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 4861 W. 134th St., Leawood 913-685-1900
Ross Thompson
Olathe Pointe Dental 14979 W. 119th St., Olathe 913-780-0080
Lisa A. Thurlow Johnson County Dental Care 7299 W. 98th Terrace, Suite 150, Overland Park 913-341-7440
Jamie L. ThurmanTaylor TLC Family Dentistry 3568 S.W. Market St., Lee’s Summit 816-537-6161
David L. Tuttle 8631 West 150th Street, Suite 103, Overland Park 913-681-2893
Julie A. Tuttle Tuttle Family Dentistry 8631 W. 150th St., Suite 103, Overland Park 913-681-2893
Stephanie M. Warden Stephanie M Warden, D.D.S. 2200 W. 75th St., Suite 101, Prairie Village 913-825-2500
Katie Watson Stone Post Family Dental 13341 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-766-0027
D. Douglas Watts II Geha Family Dental 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 240, Overland Park 913-338-3384
Luke Wolniak Prairie Fields Dentistry 16072 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park 913-871-5360
Dave B. Woltkamp
Overland Park Smiles 6700 W. 121 St., Suite 104, Overland Park 913-851-8400
Michael Barber
Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194
Joseph C. Camarata ClearChoice Overland Park 10777 Nall Ave., Suite 100 Overland Park 913-871-1527
Kirk C. Collier
Oral & Facial Surgery Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194
Thomas H. Faerber
Faerber Surgical Arts 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 118, Overland Park 913-469-8895
Douglas W. Fain Fain Oral Surgery 20168 W. 153rd St., Olathe 913-839-9709
Brett L. Ferguson University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 304 KCMO 816-235-2073
Adam Flack Flaza Facial Surger 4225 Baltimore Ave., KCMO 816-753-4225
Steven D. Green
Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 11551 Granada Lane, Suite 100 Leawood 913-491-4488
Christopher J. Haggerty
Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists 3600 N.E. Ralph Powell Road, Suite D, Lee’s Summit 816-554-8300
Matthew R. Hlavacek Kansas City Surgical Arts 8080 N. Flintlock Road KCMO 816-286-4126
Michael W. Lowe Dr. Michael W. Lowe, M.D. 1524 N.E. 96th St., Liberty 816-792-1022
Taylor L. Markle
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 11005 W. 60th St., Shawnee 913-268-9500
Tyson E. Marrs
Oral & Facial Surgery
Associates 3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 103, Prairie Village 913-381-5194
Patrick B. Moore
Parkville Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics 6340 N. Chatham Ave., KCMO 816-746-1171
Gary L. Nesslein
Northland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6301 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 101, KCMO 816-452-0300
Brent F. Newby
KC Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 7701 W. 119th St., Overland Park 913-529-5999
Daniel C. Nielson
Great Plains Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 965 N. Mur-Len Road, Olathe 913-780-3100
Richard M. Oakley Oakley Oral Surgery 5811 Nall Ave., Mission 913-722-3253
Brian E. Pannell
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Kansas City 7701 W. 119th St., Overland Park 866-988-1256
Steven J. Prstojevich
Facial Spectrum 1208 N.E. Windsor Drive. Lee’s Summit 816-524-4334
John P. Tanner Facial Surgery Group 4700 Belleview Ave., Suite L-10 KCMO 816-561-1115
Harold D. Wallin, Jr. Heartland Dental Group 3507 S. 4th St., Leavenworth 913-682-1000
C. Reiger Wood IV
Deer Creek Oral Surgery 12800 Metcalf Ave., Suite Overland Park 913-451-7680
Jerald O. Katz University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., Room 163, KCMO 816-235-2138
Tanya Gibson UMKC School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., KCMO 816-235-2131
Eric Anderson Anderson Orthodontics 121 Delaware St., Leavenworth 913-651-5040
Branson Billings Braces By Billings 8600 Tom Watson Parkway, Suite 101, Parkville 816-226-4291
David P. Blackburn Blackburn & Elrod Orthodontics 3131 S. State Route 291, Independence 816-373-6006
Chad Bulleigh Bulleigh Orthodontics 8600 W. 95th St., Overland Park 913-441-7321
Dustin S. Burleson Burleson Orthodontics 401 Laurus Drive, Raymore 816-384-0801
David M. Christensen KC Braces + Kids 7111 N.W. 86th St., KCMO 816-741-1155
David E. Dykhouse Dykhouse Orthodontics 1300 N.W. South Outer Road, Blue Springs 816-229-0444
Jeremy R. Fry
Fry Orthodontic Specialists 11940 Quivira Road, Overland Park 913-469-9191
J. Joseph Hannah Hannah Orthodontics 7505 Quivira Road, Lenexa 913-268-5559
Richard D. Hannah
Hannah Orthodontics 1441 E. 151st St., Olathe 913-829-2244
Paul J. Hechler
Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Ave., Suite 1 Overland Park 913-469-6086
Steven L. Hechler
Hechler Orthodontics 12800 Metcalf Ave., Suite 1 Overland Park 913-469-6086
Kurt W. Hoffman Hoffman Orthodontics 11213 Nall Ave., Suite 130 Leawood 913-649-8890
Jerry W. Huerter, Jr. Huerter Orthodontics 8919 Parallel Parkway, Suite 450, KCMO 913-334-3055
Jay Joshi Stay Smiling Orthodontics 4601 W. 109th St., Suite 310, Overland Park 913-661-9901
Neil C. Kanning Kanning Orthodontics 9101 N.E. 82nd Terrace, KCMO 816-781-8585
Kurt E. Kavanaugh Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics 8407 N. Main St., KCMO 816-420-8100
Michael Klein Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 N. Mur-Len Road, Suite C, Olathe 913-829-4466
Jeffrey J. Lenius Lenius Orthodontics 8764 W. 151st St., Overland Park 913-357-1212
Joe Moon Moon Orthodontics 14247 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park 913-782-7223
Eric S. Neue Prairie Pointe Orthodontics 10044 Woodland Road, Lenexa 913-393-9911
Elizabeth B. Nill Drs. Blackwell, Nill and Francois 10 N.W. Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit 816-524-6525
Jay M. Oltjen
Oltjen Orthodontics 15159 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe 913-829-8855
Clarence E. Simmons Smile Doctors 315 Nichols Road, Suite 208 KCMO 816-753-0377
Bradley N. Smith
Dyer and Smith Orthodontics 11244 W. 135th St., Overland Park 913-897-6950
Jeffrey J. Thompson
Jeff Thompson Orthodontics 4851 West 134th Street, Suite A, Leawood 913-681-8300
Kelly H. Toombs
Toombs Orthodontics
3700 W. 83rd St., Suite 215, Prairie Village 913-381-5292
Cameron Walker Klein & Walker Orthodontics 975 N. Mur-Len, Olathe 913-829-4466
Ashlee Weber Weber Orthodontics 7577 N.W. Barry Road, Suite A, KCMO 816-746-1200
Donald B. Wilcoxon Wilcoxon Orthodontics
4601 W. 109th St., Suite 310, Overland Park 913-661-9901
Angela Williams Fry Orthodontic Specialists. 11940 Quivira Road, Overland Park 913-469-9191
Zachary T. Williams Blue Springs My Kids 1254 N.E. Coronado Drive, Suite 113, Blue Springs 816-220-5598
Pediatric Dentistry
Kurt A. Aarons Kurt Aarons Pediatric Dentistry 4411 Belleview Ave., KCMO 816-531-2070
Vanessa R. Axelsen Blue Valley Pediatric Dentistry 7560 W. 160th St., Overland Park 913-232-2708
Brenda S. Bohaty University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St. Room 393, KCMO 816-235-2036
Brent Church LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 15151 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe 913-764-5600
David J. Cobb
Axelsen & Cobb 975 N. Mur-Len Road, Suite A, Olathe 913-829-0981
Emily C. Cortes Prairie Pediatric Dentistry 15230 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa 913-871-5771
Emily C. Day Health Partnership Clinic 407 S. Clairborne Road, Suite 104, Olathe 913-648-2266
John T. Fales, Jr. Fales Pediatric Dentistry 13496 S. Arapaho Dr., Olathe 913-782-2207
Rebecca Ferns Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co. 4621 W. 6th St., Suite B, Lawrence 785-838-5650
Matthew W. Hillman
Smiles Dentistry for Kids 14700 Metcalf Ave., Suite 110, Overland Park 913-685-9990
Jill C. Jenkins Jenkins Dentistry for Kids 6810 Silverheel St., Shawnee 913-745-2500
Robinson T. Kiser Little Chompers Pediatric Dentistry 2511 S. 4th St., Leavenworth 913-250-6583
Michael A. LeBlanc LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 8226 Mission Road, Prairie Village 913-378-9610
Claudia Z. Lopez Pediatric Dental Specialists 11401 Nall Ave., Leawood 913-649-5437
Kyle E. Pedersen LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 8226 Mission Road, Prairie Village 913-914-9013
Louis A. Pollina Dentistry for Children 7001 N. Cherry St., Suite 100, Gladstone 816-548-3400
Casey Rhoads
LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children 15151 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe 913-764-5600
Brandi K. Roeber Dentistry for Children 7001 N. Cherry St., Suite 100, Gladstone 816-548-3400
Glynn Spencer Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry
301 N.E. Mulberry Street, Suite 201, Lee’s Summit 816-607-6000
Jodie L. Spencer Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry 301 Northeast Mulberry St., Suite 201, Lee’s Summit 816-607-6000
Kathryn N. Stanley Stanley Pediatric Dentistry 8575 W. 110th St., Suite 310, Overland Park 913-345-0331
Jaime Stinnett
Drs. Parrish & Stinnett Pinnacle Pediatric Dentistry 6500 W. 95th St., Suite 102, Overland Park 913-649-0166
D. Scott Thomas
Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry 9051 N.E. 81st Terrace, Suite 220, KCMO 816-781-5437
Periodontics
Ann A. Fay Fay Periodontics 6333 Long Ave., Suite 201 Shawnee 913-268-9300
Amy L. Gillihan Gillihan Periodontics 3151 S. M291 Highway, Suite B, Independence 816-373-5400
Adam C. McClellan Periodontal Care, P.A. 5000 W. 95th St., Suite 270, Prairie Village 913-341-4141
Sidney A. McKnight III McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 W. 75th St., Suite A Prairie Village 913-649-4978
Patrick J. Morris Morris Periodontics 613 S.E. 5th St., Lee’s Summit 816-554-2663
Catherine A. Mowry Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade St., Suite 100, Lenexa 913-894-9962
Kevin Mowry Foundation Periodontics 8704 Bourgade St., Suite 100, Lenexa 913-894-9962
Nancy L. Newhouse Newhouse Periodontics 4731 S. Cochise Drive, Suite 200, Independence 816-373-6800
N. Randolph Oliver McKnight & Oliver Periodontics and Implants 2200 W. 75th St., Suite A, Prairie Village 913-649-4978
Seth Rush Periodontics & Implant Dentistry 9249 Ward Parkway, KCMO 816-444-8822
Lara Tull Ryan Johnson County Periodontics 15074 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe 913-491-5548
Tanu Satheesh University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th St., KCMO 816-235-2075
Kelley S. Thompson Kelley Thompson Periodontics 8340 Mission Road, Suite 203 Prairie Village 913-652-9844
Audra Ward Ward Periodontics Implant Dentistry 12701 Metcalf Ave., Suite 200, Overland Park 913-563-7400
Stanley L. Wint Periodontal Care, PA 5000 W. 95th St., Suite 270 Prairie Village 913-451-6158
Jeremy Youngblood Youngblood Periodontics 6301 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 102, KCMO 816-453-2323
Bruce C. Cummings Bruce C. Cummings, D.D.S. 4151 N. Mulberry Dr., Suite 260, KCMO 816-454-9090
W. Stuart Dexter Prairie Village Prosthodontics 7301 Mission Road, Suite 206 Prairie Village 913-362-8200
Brandon A. James 12541 Foster Street, Suite 330 Overland Park 913-642-0000
Brandon Sparks KC Complete Prosthodontics 11401 Nall Avenue, Suite 102 Leawood 913-703-5599
The installation of outdoor swimming pools is just the beginning of creating a backyard paradise. The experienced landscape design team at Banks Pool & Spa can help you create the perfect finished look for an in-ground swimming pool. The process involves the planning and design of the pool, deck layout and des ign that may surround your pool, and landscaping to create the perfect space to relax with family or entertain friends. Their team can also help after installation with servicing and maintenance.
Give your home a beautiful and elegant look with simulated recessed lighting. This full-color control system highlights your architectural features and accents your home. You can eliminate the need for oversized can lights with the Trimlight flush mount IC LED downlight. The body of the light is 1/2" thick and only requires a 1/2" hole for installation. Deco ring can be painted to match. These low voltage downlights run on the same controller system as the Trimlight Select, which is an innovative, patented lighting system that gives you permanent, exterior lighting on your home. The downlighting works well on decks, pergolas, patios, gazebos, pool houses and outdoor living spaces.
TipTry deck board spacers to help simplify a do-it-yourself deck project. They can be used to space boards either 1/8 in. or 3/16 in. apart. Large spacers work well because they’re easy to grab and pull out, and less likely to fall down between the boards. They're available online or at a local home improvement store.
Outdoor spaces that mimic the indoors continue to be a popular home project, as simple as creating seating around a firepit to as grand as building a kitchenette. Outdoor spaces are an extension of the home and the perfect area to incorporate organic design. With subtle tones and earth elements, wear-and-tear over time can enhance the beauty of this classic look. When considering outdoor countertops, choose a natural stone as they are more appropriate for exterior applications. Visit the team of experts at Rocktops and they can assist in finding the perfect material to transform your space into the dream oasis you’ve always wanted.
For female veterans at Stephens College, the future looks bright.Bright Future Air Force veteran Ashley Cole in the historic Columbia Residence Hall at Stephens College, Columbia, where she is enrolled in Mission Promise Kept, a comprehensive program that helps female veterans earn a college degree.
Just as the men in her family had, ASHLEY COLE joined the Air Force, and for a while, she says, everything was perfect.
Cole was going through a difficult time when she decided to enlist. “I come from a family that served in the military, but when I was about twenty-five and going through a divorce, I wondered, if I were to die tomorrow, what kind of legacy would I leave my son?” The Air Force became the answer.
“I was surprised at how at home I felt and how quickly I felt important,” she says. “I loved what I did—the hard work, the successes, the camaraderie. And then I was sexually assaulted by a master sergeant.”
The man had a twentyyear career. Cole says, “I was asked, ‘Do you really want to report this and ruin his career? Why are you making waves?’ But that is the culture.” →
For female veterans, serving in the military can be extraordinarily empowering; at the same time, it can be unbearably devastating.
Elizabeth Herrera, executive director of Mission Promise Kept, a comprehensive program at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, that aims to get female veterans back on their feet, understands Cole’s story all too well.
“About ten years of researching the trauma female veterans suffer shows it is a very complex issue,” Herrera says. “There is an institutionalized epidemic of inequality, and what is happening in the military is a reflection of society as a whole.”
Herrera, who is also a veteran, says several facts underscore the seriousness of the problem: “Female veterans have the highest risk for homelessness of any segment of the population. They also have greater risk for post-traumatic stress as a result of harassment and sexual assault.”
Oftentimes, women veterans don’t feel worthy or capable of going back to school, Herrera says. They tend to isolate and self-blame. Where men express anger outwardly, Herrera says, women internalize their sadness and anger. “They are reluctant to go to Veterans’ Administration
hospitals for care because there is no standard practice for women’s care in most cities.”
Mission Promise Kept is the first college program that empowers women veterans to earn their college degrees, launch their professional careers and attain financial independence.
By coordinating academic, medical, mental health and legal support systems as well as social services and lifeskills training, Mission Promise Kept creates opportunities at Stephens College that are unmatched by any other programs for female veterans.
The women pay the standard college tuition and room and board costs, which are offset by their GI benefits and any other scholarships or financial aid they might receive. They do not pay any additional charges for participation in Mission Promise Kept. The students can also receive college credit for prior learning experiences.
Herrera grew up in Puerto Rico, and she faced “an uproar” when she told her family she would be enlisting in the Air Force.
“I have an adventurous spirit,” says Herrera, who was based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. “The
military was where I felt that I had truly become an American. On active duty and in the Reserve and in the National Guard, I learned so much. I don’t think I would be in the position I’m in today if I had not served.”
However, Herrera says, “at Whiteman AFB, my peers were sexually aggressive, and I felt like prey. Latinas are perceived as being more submissive and more easily controlled, and I didn’t know how to destroy the stereotype. How do you tell someone who outranks you not to talk that way to you? I didn’t know how to negotiate the dynamics of power.”
She recalls a required course on what sexual assault is and how to combat it. “The course was led by a female major who was the sexual assault officer, but she made a joke out of the program that was supposed to end harassment,” Herrera says. The officer sped through the course so that “everyone can get out of here and go have a beer.”
Men not taking sexual harassment seriously and women being fearful of reporting it has led to tragedy. Before she was murdered by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood on April 22, 2022, Private First Class Vanessa Guillen told her family about suffering sexual harassment at the hands of the soldier. However, Guillen told them she thought she could handle it and that she didn’t want to make a report. Soon after, she was reported missing and her body was discovered
An independent review of Guillen’s case cited multiple leadership failures at Fort Hood that led to disciplinary measures. Eventually, President Joe Biden signed an executive order establishing sexual harassment as a specific military offense.
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security published a study titled “Culture, Gender, and Women in the Military” that found nearly one in four activeduty women report that they have been sexually harassed. When a superior officer makes sexual comments and overtures, reporting the behavior can be highly problematic, especially for the lowest ranking soldiers.
The study also found that because of the lack of appropriate protective and combat gear, women had higher injury rates. Herrera explains that some women who have had limbs amputated have been given male prosthesis, the only option available to them.
“Women can be treated like second-class citizens there,” Herrera says. “They don’t feel valued.”
When Cole made the decision to report her sexual assault, she was told that the report had to be “open,” meaning everyone would eventually know all the details. Word quickly got around.
“I could have made a private report, but I wasn’t told that a private report was an option,” Cole says. “I felt excluded and pressured. When I applied to re-enlist two months later, my application was denied.”
Herrera says, “It’s a tactic that’s used to force women who aren’t compliant out of the military. People who were supposed to be our comrades and our friends assaulted us.”
After leaving the Air Force, Cole began working for a nonprofit in Columbia, where she met Herrera. “When Elizabeth described Mission Promise Kept and what I could do there, I was so excited. Many veterans don’t have a purpose anymore when they leave the military, and I was afraid of not finding my purpose.
“Coming from the military, I was trained to be a leader,” Cole continues. “I knew I wanted a leadership role. I am majoring in business and will graduate in May of 2024. Stephens evaluated my military experience in the Air Force where we have our own military college, which eliminated two years of coursework for me.”
Students with children have access to Stephens’ on-campus Children’s School and neighborhood public schools, as well as affordable, supportive and coordinated child care. Being part of a network of peers, friends and mentors helps make the challenge of going to college much less daunting. Cole has a ten-month-old daughter and was intimidated at first by the idea of navigating college life.
“I needed help finding classrooms and buying books,” Cole says. “But Stephens walked me through everything. Choosing a direction to go was hard, but everyone was very patient. There was one day I didn’t know whether I could get myself and my daughter ready on time for my 2:30 p.m. class, but my professor told me to come to the 3:30 p.m. class and to bring my baby too. I can give my daughter an amazing experience at Stephens that she couldn’t have anywhere else.”
The historic Columbia Residence Hall at Stephens is the home for female veterans. Its one- and two-bedroom apartments have been newly renovated and are fully furnished. On-site advocates and advisors provide twenty-four-hour support service.
“When I go to class, a sitter comes to my apartment to stay with my baby,” Cole explains. “Many female veterans are hypervigilant and anxious, so an environment like this is absolutely supportive. We feel so safe here.
“It means something to be a Stephens graduate. Stephens has a two hundred year history and an amazing group of alums who can support me. It’s also helped me to realize that as a female veteran, I need to give myself grace.”
Cole smiles and holds up a picture of her daughter. “We all need to do that.”
“It’s a tactic that’s used to force women who aren’t compliant out of the military. People who were supposed to be our comrades and our friends assaulted us.”
–ELIZABETH HERRERA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MISSION PROMISE KEPT
Dr. Camarata and his team at Aesthetic Surgical Arts are focused on the details that make a difference in your face… and body. It’s rare to find a team of specialists that offer both cosmetic and oral surgery options all in the same office. They deliver incredibly beautiful outcomes, whether your desire is out of medical necessity or fulfilment of a personal aesthetic goal.
Studies have shown that a person’s satisfaction with their smile significantly affects their psychological and social health and and overall self-confidence. That’s why wanting to improve your smile isn’t about vanity. It’s an essential investment in your health, happiness, and self-esteem.
Dr. Chase Tomcala is a dental professional who combines his creative passion with exceptional clinical skills to deliver beautiful and unique smiles to his patients. With a DMD doctoral degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Chase embarked on a career focused on aesthetic design and personalized care.
During his academic career journey, Dr. Chase’s dedication to excellence in his field was recognized with several prestigious awards. Among these accolades were Dean’s Top Clinician award, Excellence in Prosthdontics award, Dean’s Top Clinical Pair award, and the Digital Dentistry award. These honors underscored his commitment to mastering the art of blending artistry and esthetics, highlighting his unwavering pursuit of customized results for each individual.
Dr. Chase works alongside his dedicated team, fostering a synergistic environment where handcrafted smiles are the ultimate goal. By harnessing the latest advancements in dental technology, he ensures that his patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. Driven by a desire to serve the community, his practice proudly welcomes patients from the surrounding area while also extending a warm welcome to individuals who travel from across the United States.
Dr. Chase adeptly generates a ‘smile mockup’ within 15 minutes while the patient is comfortably seated. This procedure, known for its non-invasive nature, brings forth delightful news for individuals grappling with dental apprehension or anxiety. The meticulous craftsmanship in creating the mockup ensures no lasting harm is inflicted upon the patient’s teeth. Employing a temporary tooth-colored material, the mockup is skillfully applied to provide a visual preview of the anticipated outcome of the prospective smile, facilitating an informed decision-making process.
With Dr. Chase’s relentless drive to perfect his craft, patients can trust that their dental care will be delivered with the utmost skill and precision. His unwavering commitment to blending artistry, esthetics and advanced techniques results in smiles that are not only functional but also truly unique to each individual. By choosing Dr. Chase Tomcala, patients can expect exceptional dental care in a warm and caring environment that goes beyond the ordinary, providing them with the confidence and satisfaction that comes from a stunning and personalized smile.
did you know
Dr. Newhouse in 2012 became the 99th President of the American Academy of Periodontology. At that time, she was only the 4th woman to serve in that capacity during its nearly 100 year history.
Beautiful, healthy smiles start here! This is not just a “catch” phrase to Dr. Newhouse. It embodies what Newhouse Periodontics is all about as well as the art and science of what great periodontal care can achieve. “I can’t think of anyone that doesn’t want to look good,” says Dr. Newhouse. The smile is one of the first things that people notice. Having a great smile boosts self-confidence and improves overall well being. It’s why Newhouse Periodontics provides state of the art services that will have you look and feel your best.
That said, if the underlying foundation on which that smile is built is not healthy, then that beautiful smile will not be sustainable. Think of a picture frame. That frame should enhance the painting it surrounds. The same can be said of the “gums” around teeth or implants. If gums are red and swollen, if there is too much or too little “gum”, or if there has been loss of bone, then no matter how pretty the teeth are, the smile will not be as good.
Because Newhouse Periodontics provides personalized care, listening from the very beginning about what a person wants is essential to the outcome. By fully understanding the goals, an individualized plan is established to address those specific health and cosmetic needs and wants to get that great long lasting smile.
Sometimes, there is great confusion about what great periodontal care entails. At its most basic, periodontists SAVE TEETH! While Dr. Newhouse certainly has the expertise to place implants, if a tooth can be healthy, function well, and look good, it is certainly best to keep it. If for some reason a tooth cannot be kept, then implant placement may be appropriate. Dr. Newhouse also has skillsets to regenerate soft tissue and bone, lengthen short looking teeth, treat infections around implants (peri-implantitis), and shorten long looking teeth.
As an internationally recognized leader in periodontology, Dr. Newhouse is honored to be recognized as a Top Dentist for the 16th year in a row. She is a full-time periodontal specialist, an ADA recognized dental specialty, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Dr. Newhouse also thinks it’s important to give back to her profession and her community. Dr. Newhouse, the staff at Newhouse Periodontics, as well as her wonderful patients participate in annual food drives for Harvesters, donations to the Salvation Army, and various other local sponsorships.
Discover how Newhouse Periodontics can be your way to a beautiful, healthy smile by calling 816-373-6800 or by visiting www.newhouseperio.com
As biological dentists, Drs. Tim and Craig Herre use the safest dental materials that are the most compatible with your own body and health. They also practice rejuvenation dentistry, which is a conservative dental approach to restore the entire bite and mouth, creating jaw stability and proper oral function. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach that focuses on managing disease, their mission is to get you back to health by rejuvenating the entire system so the body can thrive. There are many treatments offered at Herre Holistic for your health journey, including TMD/TMJ treatment, tongue tie releases, orofacial myofunctional therapy, airway-focused orthodontic treatment, early orthodontic expansion for kids, holistic mercury-safe dentistry and Cerec one-visit crowns.
Drs. Craig and Tim have decades of experience treating TMJ/jaw pain and bite issues to address how your teeth fit together. Clenching or grinding your teeth and jaw misalignment are signs you may have an airway issue. The team at Herre Holistic Dental believes that a healthy airway is the key for your body
to function in an optimal way. With on-site 3D X-ray technology, they can help find the root cause issue and provide you with choices that best fit your needs.
Dr. Tim Herre is the first third-generation dentist in Kansas, and he has focused on functional, airway-centered dental care for over a decade. He is passionate about helping kids grow optimally with early intervention in order to prevent long-term health issues and sees patients as young as newborns. During the past four decades, Dr. Craig Herre has given his patients a lot to smile about and provides compassionate care for his patients. Dr. Craig and Dr. Tim strive to learn and optimize their treatment in ways that surpass traditional dentistry. Herre Holistic Dental is proud to be your local dental care team.
TMJ and Airway-Focused DentistryDr. Kory loves spending time outside of the office with his 3 year old daughter, Khloe, his wife/business partner, Lauren, and their dog, Ivy, who is also the office therapy dog and official team morale booster! He also loves giving back to his community through volunteering with Braden’s Hope.
Dr. Kirkegaard and his team are passionate about cosmetic dentistry, implants, and sleep apnea treatment. Dr. K and the “Dream Team” chose the field of dentistry to improve the lives of their patients holistically through restoring their self-confidence, their smiles, and their general health. They utilize innovative forms of technology, such as 3D-Printing, 3D CT scans, digital scanning of your teeth, and CEREC 1-visit crowns to give you the highest quality work in the most comfortable way.
Among the other unique services offered by Dr. Kirkegaard’s team is their partnership with a sleep physician. You may not realize this, but if left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can reduce your lifespan by 5-10 years and make you feel exhausted every day! Sleep apnea may result in snoring, severe grinding of our teeth, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and many other life-threatening conditions. By collaborating
with the physician, Dr. Kirkegaard’s team can help treat sleep apnea and even snoring with a simple mouth appliance. If you have tried and failed a CPAP, inquire about the creation of an oral appliance fitted specifically to you that can drastically change your life (and your bed partner’s!).
Dr. Kirkegaard spends countless hours in advanced training, learning the latest technology and techniques to provide you with the most beautiful and predictable outcomes possible. Whether it’s a single tooth, an entire smile, or getting your best night’s sleep, the “Dream Team” at The Art of Dentistry works to exceed your expectations and they look forward to taking great care of you.
“It is not only our top priority to offer our patients the best dental care and experience, it’s our passion. I am proud and honored to be a part of a team that thrives on giving the best of ourselves to our patients and does not settle for less than excellence. Our greatest reward is seeing a child have fun at their dental appointment.”
-Dr. Michael LeBlancAt LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children, their team of Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists offers the highest standard of service, quality, and expertise in pediatric dentistry for your children.
Founded and owned by Dr. Michael LeBlanc, the goal at LeBlanc & Associates is to provide the best possible dental experience, with a fun and inviting atmosphere. Dr. LeBlanc, along with his team, Dr. Emily Meyer, Dr. Stefanie Curtis, Dr. Mary Le, Dr. Brianne Kerns, Dr. Kyle Pedersen and Dr. Bryan Henrie, is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable and stressfree experience every time you visit any of the four convenient locations in Prairie Village, Overland Park, Olathe, and Kansas City, KS.
From the moment your children walk into the brightly colored office, they are greeted by a welcoming environment catered to their experience. The dental team is focused on cultivating a friendly culture so that your child
enjoys visiting their dental home. They believe in positive reinforcement and offer patients incentives during their visit, including prizes, stickers, balloons, and ice cream.
Dr. LeBlanc and his team recognize that all patients deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Their team delivers on their promise to always put patients and families first by offering a customized, transparent, and conservative approach with the latest treatments and technology available in the dental field. They pledge to do everything possible to set your child up for a lifetime of dental success, by showing them that their dental appointments can be a fun, positive, and rewarding experience.
Overland Park | 143rd and Metcalf Ave. Prairie Village | 83rd and Mission Rd. Olathe | 151st and Blackbob Rd. Kansas City, Kansas | Providence Hospital 913.387.3500 | kidsmilekc.com
Dr. Lenius’s expertise has distinguished him among the top Invisalign® providers worldwide and has garnered him recognition as one of the Top Orthodontists in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Orthodontics improves your smile, enhances your overall dental health, and boosts your confidence. Dr. Jeffrey Lenius is an orthodontic specialist with more than a decade of experience treating thousands of patients. “I believe orthodontics is both art and science,” states Dr. Jeff. “It’s much more than simply straightening teeth. Because every patient is unique, it’s important to consider the teeth, mouth, and facial structures when perfecting that beautiful smile.”
As an expert in Invisalign clear aligners and braces for adults, teenagers and children, Dr. Jeff uses the latest in digital technology to create customized treatment plans for his patients. The first step is understanding exactly what the patient is hoping to achieve with orthodontic treatment. Then, Dr. Jeff and the team share details about processes and custom treatment options so patients know exactly what to expect.
Because orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry, Dr. Jeff works closely with dentists who refer their patients to him. “While we treat all ages, it’s an advantage to start early. We often see patients as young as seven years
old. These early growth-and-development assessments help ensure that the teeth and jaws are developing correctly, giving parents peace-of-mind. Early visits allow us to identify the most opportune timing for orthodontic treatment for the best outcome.”
Whether the treatment path is Invisalign® or braces, Dr. Jeff and his team always enjoy seeing the results. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that confident smile on a patient’s face at the last appointment,” says Dr. Jeff. “It’s fun for us, knowing that we’ve made a difference in our patients’ lives.”
Come and see our new office in Overland Park. First consult is complimentary.
Herwig DDS believes a true smile radiates from the inside out, which is why they are so passionate about delivering an exceptional dental experience that makes you look great, but feel great, too! Their highly trained staff of professionals offers a full spectrum of services within the fields of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
A native of Overland Park, Dr. Andrew V. Herwig earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2015 from UMKC School of Dentistry. He customizes his dental approach based on your long-term needs. It is an approach based on trust, comfort, necessity, and expertise, with the result focused on ultimate satisfaction. Dr. Herwig is a member of the Fifth District Dental Society, Kansas Dental Association and American Dental Association.
The family-owned practice has proudly served the Greater Kansas City area since 1981. Their mission is to provide first-class dental care with the utmost professionalism. Dr. Herwig and his team are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile that you can be proud of. With offices located in Johnson and Miami counties, they are excited to become your local family dentist. Dr. Herwig’s practice welcomes new patients and hopes to make you a part of their dental family!
When you walk into Kisling Family Dentistry, music is playing, people are smiling, and you’ll feel at ease in a relaxed environment curated by Dr. Rebecca Kisling and her all-female staff. The women at Kisling Family Dentistry deliver quality, non-judgmental, and compassionate dental care using the most current technology in their modern office opened just last year.
Dr. Kisling graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After graduation, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, with special focus and training in cosmetic dentistry, TMJ and occlusion, and implant dentistry.
She is a member of the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, and several local continuing education groups. She and her team offer patients a variety of treatment options including cosmetic and therapeutic Botox, sleep apnea appliances, as well as preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. They are accepting new patients and welcome the opportunity to show you the Kisling Family difference.
Kansas City dental Profiles top dentists 20 23
Dr. Douglas Watts, an Overland Park dentist with more than 35 years of experience, has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s topDentists™, which is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. His dedication to enhancing smiles for families in Overland Park, Kansas, has once again earned him this top honor.
Dr. Watts completed his studies at Rockhurst College and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This education, complemented by his additional training in restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry, forms the foundation of his dental practice, which his father, Dr. Dale Watts, founded 60 years ago.
Over the last four decades, Dr. Watts has held a core value of building strong bonds with patients and their families. Recently, the practice transferred ownership to Dr. Joseph Geha, rebranding the practice as Geha Family Dental. Dr. Geha offers advanced treatment options for patients, complementing the longstanding clinical success and strong patient relationships established by Dr. Watts. Both Dr. Geha and Dr. Watts are confident in the continued provision of high-quality care to the next generations of Overland Park families.
DR. KELLY THOMAS is a graduate of UMKC Dental School and has been practicing for 19 years. She studied extensively at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies to expand her fields of expertise into cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Thomas has been recognized as one of the nation’s Top 40 Dentists under 40, along with being named to the Kansas City area’s Top Dentist’s list and Best Cosmetic Dentist in KC two years running.
Leawood Cosmetic and Family Dentistry operates in a state-of-theart facility, serving Leawood, Overland Park and the surrounding area. Dr. Thomas and her incredible team create relationships based on a foundation of listening to patients and then creating treatment options that are based on the best in dental technology and patient comfort. Providing a caring environment is of utmost importance to Dr. Thomas and her staff. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Daniel DuHadway are always accepting new patients.
At Burroughs Endodontics, their vision is to provide the highest quality root canal treatments to the greater Kansas City area. While the thought of a root canal can be daunting, Burroughs Endodontics’ compassionate staff puts you at ease from the time you schedule your appointment until your specialized care is complete.
As one of only a few board-certified endodontists in Kansas, Dr. Jeffrey Burroughs expertly combines state-of-the-art technology with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of endodontic excellence.
To provide you with the best care, Burroughs utilizes 3D imaging (cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT) and surgical microscopes to accurately diagnosis and deliver the most precise treatment. Additionally, Burroughs uses the innovative GentleWave Procedure as a minimally invasive approach to root canal treatment, infection removal and tooth preservation.
Simply put, Burroughs and his staff focus on providing their patients with Quality Care – it’s their motto. If you are in need of a root canal, experience the difference by scheduling a consultation with Burroughs Endodontics.
Dr. Jake Meggison has created a unique environment where you feel like you’re visiting with friends but getting a healthier smile at the same time. When you walk in, you’ll hear upbeat music, see teamwork among the staff, and recognize friendly faces.
He has invested in technology that focuses on comfort. The TV’s and heated massage chairs, 3D imaging, laser technology and impression-free scanning will help make your dental visit a breeze. Another unique offering at Dental Elements is the “The Freedom Plan,” a membership program that has enabled hundreds of patients to complete treatment that was once financially impossible.
Dr. Meggison and his talented team provide more than general dentistry. Each of the four locations offer specialty procedures including dental implants, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry and root canals. If you’re looking for a patient focused, comfortable and pain free dental environment, come meet Dr. Meggison and the team at Dental Elements. You’ll come in as a patient but leave feeling like part of their dental family.
Fry Orthodontics has been your hometown Orthodontist for over 45 years! With locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, we are committed to providing top-notch, innovative orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Dr. Jeremy Fry, leader of Fry Orthodontics, is a Kansas City native and passionate about treating patients in the community he has grown to love.
“I am so grateful for what Kansas City has provided me as a young kid and now as an adult. My family has been in the community for over 45 years honoring this great place. I’m proud that I can continue on my father’s legacy at Fry Orthodontics to continue serving patients in this wonderful city.”
Fry Orthodontics utilizes the latest technologies in orthodontics, making treatment easier and faster than ever before. They are the leading provider of Invisalign in the entire Midwest and treat both adults and children with this method! Whether you’re interested in high tech braces or Invisalign, Fry offers both for the same great price. Have you been told your child needs braces more than once? Or that teeth need to be extracted? At Fry, we take a conservative approach to treatment and are proud to say that less than 1% of our patients need teeth pulled, and the majority of patients only have to wear braces once! Not only does this save you unnecessary time missed from school and work, but ultimately saves you money as well.
Learn more about how you can improve your smile and talk with a doctor directly by scheduling a free initial exam that can be done at any of our 13 office locations, or via video from the comfort of your own home. Visit our website, www.fryorthodontics.com, to request a free exam, or call our office directly at: 913-469-9191.
At Stanley Pediatric Dentistry we are committed to creating a positive dental experience for your child. Dr. Kate Stanley is a pediatric specialist, board certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and mother of three. She is supported by an experienced team of registered dental hygienists and professional staff members who are committed to a high standard of care while providing personal attention to our patients. We believe the key to excellent dental health is starting early and therefore recommend an initial dental exam by your child’s first birthday.
Dr. Stanley and her team strive to provide a caring, comfortable, and FUN environment for your child from their toddler through college years. We offer a variety of dental services for infants, children and young adults, including those who are anxious or have special needs. Nitrous oxide and sedation are available.
We realize parents want the caring details a privately owned, single location, single doctor dental office just for kids can provide!
Ilove pediatric dentistry! Not everybody gets to do exactly what he or she wants for a career. I’m so lucky to have this unique opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the community.”
Dr. Matthew Hillman (aka Dr. Matt) became a board certified pediatric dentist with the ABPD (American Board od Pediatric Dentists) after completing the postgraduate residency program in Pediatric Dentistry at Northwestern University and Chilren·s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He opened his pediatric dental practice. Smiles Dentistry for Kids. in Overland Park in 2001.
“Children are amazing. and working with such diverse personalities requires a lot of flexibility and a lot of energy.” Hillman says. Through both parent and patient education. I hope that we can reduce the occurrence of dental decay in kids and do so in a fun and supportive environment that doesn’t feel clinical. I truly feel that working with children is what I was meant to do. and I look forward to the many years to come.”
DR. JAMIE SMILEY has been recognized as a Top Dentist for the past eight years while providing quality dental care in Johnson County for over 18 years. Dr. Smiley offers comprehensive dental care for your entire family and is genuinely concerned about patients. She and her highly skilled team strive to make your dental visit comfortable, while addressing your needs. They enjoy seeing new patients and earning your trust. Smiley Dental has an in-house CEREC machine, which means patients receive their crowns in one visit. The CEREC uses an intraoral camera to scan the prepared tooth and create the perfect crown milled from a ceramic block that can be prepared within ten minutes. Smiley is a member of the KDA, the ADA, the 5th District Dental Society and Spear Dental Study Club. Her education includes a B.S. Science, Kansas State University and D.D.S., UMKC School of Dentistry.
Dr. Joel LeMense has been helping patients of all ages in the Kansas City area for twenty-seven years. LeMense believes in the importance of staying up to date with the many advances in dentistry, including intraoral photography, digital radiography and 3D scanning technology. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Great Plains Study Club and others. He was awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2003. Dr. LeMense takes into consideration all viable options available to patients and uses them to customize a plan that best suits the patient.
Dr. Bowles is a multi-year recipient of the top Dentist® distinction. He has operated his practice for 15 years, serving those in and around Johnson County. As a full-service general, restorative, and cosmetic dental office, they are a proud provider of family dental services. Dr. Bowles and his team know the importance of tailoring a patient’s care to their individual needs at every stage of life. From general office visits to restorative and cosmetic care, they provide their patients with high-tech dentistry. Among their services are Invisalign, implants, veneers, root canals, same-day crowns, teeth whitening and more.
Let your inner child take over when you walk into Reyna’s Mexican Bakery and dart toward the colorful bread section. If you arrive early enough, you might snag a fresh-out-the-oven concha, a traditional Mexican sweet bread roll with a crackled, seashell-like topping. About the size of your hand, conchas have a subtly sweet taste reminiscent of shortbread. The concha’s slightly crunchy top contrasts perfectly with its fluffy texture.
Reyna’s (727 Kansas Ave., KCK) might have the best conchas in Kansas City. They’re baked fresh every day and never seem to taste stale, a fate that plagues so many baked goods when left out too long. Tacos, served on the opposite side of the bakery, are a huge draw to the KCK bakery, too, but this is one of those rare spots where I let the unnaturally bright-pink baked goods pull me in.
—TYLER SHANESUMMER-THEMED DRINKS are usually thought of as anything ice-cold, refreshing and resulting in beads of condensation. Can a drink be considered ideal for summer if it’s served with a mini whipped cream cone? What about if that same drink is served in a dimly lit cocktail lounge that rarely sees the light of day? My vote is yes.
The Rendezvous cocktail at Voo Lounge, in the historic Hotel Muehlebach building off Baltimore Avenue, combines Rieger gin, lime juice, blueberry syrup and Luxardo maraschino liqueur, creating a bright-pink hue. A small clothesline pin clamps down on the rim of the glass, and a paper carrier holds the tiniest waffle cream cone filled with a house-made blueberry foam. In all my searching through a thesaurus, “cute” is the word that best captures the essence of this garnish. For this particular drink, beverage director Allison Korn, who created the entire cocktail menu at Voo, was inspired by the lounge’s previous name in the forties, The Rendezvous. Ryan Maybee, owner of whiskey distillery J. Rieger and Co., showed Korn an old cocktail book that had a recipe from the original bar. The recipe had the basic elements of gin and Luxardo, and she gave it a glow-up from there. She recommends sandwiching bites of the whipped cream cone between sips to experience an extra depth and mouthfeel to the blueberry flavor.
“Take a sip, and then take a bite, and then take a sip,” Korn says. “It adds a real aromatic moment to it as well.”
Although the cocktail is a menu staple, the produce infused in the drink and foam whip changes seasonally. Lavish cocktail garnishes are a hot trend right now, and this is one I will be following gladly.
WHEN I MEET DWIGHT TILLER to interview him, one of the first things he says is, “I remember ironing linens together.” We both attended Johnson County Community College’s culinary program circa 2016. Hospitality management classes have a way of bringing people together: taking turns collaborating and managing every aspect of the school’s weekly luncheons can do that.
Back then, Tiller was just a budding chef, paying his dues in various kitchens and helping run his family’s food truck Deez Nachos. In 2021, with the family food truck as a side gig and plenty of kitchen experience under his belt, Tiller co-opened KC Mac N’ Co. in Parlor food hall. The niche menu was created around Tiller’s rich and creamy made-from-scratch cheese sauce. After stepping away from the restaurant, Tiller went to work at One City Café, serving the homeless and other needy folks.
Now, his focus is his family’s business. During our reunion, Tiller reflects on his career working in kitchens so far.
Breakfast: Easy. District Biskuits. Chef Guroux Khalifah is my boy, but that biscuit—the layers are perfect. They’re not too thin and they’re not super thick. It’s like biting into a pillow. The Wonder breakfast sandwich is really good. For matcha, my go-to is Kinship Cafe. The Green Fling is my favorite drink, and I get it every time I’m there.
Tacos: El Camino Real. Typically, I get the al pastor tacos. I like them dressed straight and traditional—onions, cilantro, with a side of lime. It doesn’t have to have anything else on it. And for a drink, I get the horchata. I tear it up every time.
Dinner: Right now, my two favorite places are Fox and Pearl or The Town Company. My girlfriend and I went to Town Co. for our anniversary, and the hot buns with the smoked carrot dip was so good we were scraping the rest of the dip with a spoon. It taught me that simplicity is what’s fine. You need quality and consistency and that’s it.
Sweet Treat: Miami Ice. I want the custard at the bottom, when the syrup starts to mix in with the ice cream. And then there’s the tiger’s blood-flavored ice cream. Oh my gosh, talk about a perfect day. I order guava, strawberry and tiger’s blood. I want the guava in the middle so it can go all the way down and mix with the custard. The custard they use is local, Sylas and Maddy’s. It’s so good.
“My mantra is, ‘I desire to break bread so that I can break cycles,’” Tiller says. This remark is in reference to a sweet potato tiramisu he created last summer as a personal project. “I like to find ways to see how [my] food can bridge communities. It starts kind of with race and that we eat differently. The sweet potato tiramisu was a way to get African Americans and white people to eat the same dessert and bridge those two cultures.”
Tiller’s work is grounded in his faith, family and community. The family nacho truck was an idea bred from Tiller’s father’s love for nachos and his barbecue competition background. When Tiller was a teenager, he got his first taste of culinary accolades when he suggested his dad’s team plate their smoked Basa filet in the shape of a star. The starfish plating won an overall nine out of ten points for presentation.
“That was a lightbulb,” Tiller says.
The Deez Nachos food truck pops up at various events with a menu full of mouthwatering nacho combinations. Smoked meats are based on the customer’s choosing and mingle with house-fried chips, secret sauces and hearty toppings. Tiller is ready to take the family business to new levels.
“It’s about my family,” Tiller says. “It’s about my community. My family and I built something. I need to keep that rolling. Our community propelled us forward wildly. We want to continue to ride with our community.”
Keep a lookout for Deez Nachos on Facebook to see what their next move is.
Dwight Tiller talks food trucks, community and his perfect day.
BY MARTIN CIZMAR
THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE of an automatic-fed pellet smoker is that you’re not supposed to have to think much about them.
Fast Eddy Maurin thinks about them a lot. The former Kansas City firefighter and purse-chasing competitive barbecue cook has been involved in the pellet scene since 1990, when he met the first seller of wood pellet grills in the Midwest. “It can produce the same product every given time once you learn to use it well, and it’s labor-less,” he says. “The problem is, like anything else, when something gets so easy, people get so lazy.”
Maurin was an early user of Traeger, the Oregon-based grill builder that popularized the auger-fed pellet smoker that’s the standard today. As a firefighter, Maurin understands airflow and the physics of fire better than most. He put that knowledge to work modifying and then building pellet grills. He bought an old fire station in the East Bottoms, which is now owned by J. Reiger & Co., and eventually partnered with a builder. You can still find his designs for sale under the Cookshack Fast Eddy’s Pellet Grills nameplate.
But that’s not what led me to Fast Eddy. Rather, it was a bag of his custom pellets, which was delivered with a Kansas-made Yoder pellet smoker I’m reviewing at my day job.
“These are the best pellets anywhere in the world—it’s a local guy,” said the delivery driver.
Indeed, these pellets were noticeably better than any others I’d used, producing a steady burn and more smoke flavor than I’ve had with others. I decided to track down Fast Eddy Maurin by phone.
Maurin is a “Pellethead,” a subset of barbecue enthusiasts who swear by pill-sized capsules of wood. This group was built off Pelletheads.com, which went dark when forum founder Larry Hill died in 2017.
“It was amazing—that forum got more than two million clicks a month,” Maurin says. “That’s one of the biggest mistakes I ever made, not buying that forum and keeping all of that information intact. The amount of information that was on there was just unbelievable.”
Maurin’s got plenty of his own info, of course. “I’ve been in the pellet game a long, long time, and there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in this pellet world,” he says. “I’ve used everybody’s stuff.”
A few years ago, Maurin made a breakthrough when he met a man who owns a mill in Southeast Missouri. “He’s hugely passionate about barbecue, and he and I got to talking and it was like ‘holy cow,’” he says.
Before long, the two were teaming up to bag and sell pellets made from a blend of post oak and red oak. “There are some secrets to the quality of the wood we get and how we handle it,” Maurin says. “I would say it’s the greenest that anyone can press a wood pellet. That’s what gives you more flavor.”
The wood listed on a typical bag of pellets has “a lot of hocus-pocus,” Maurin says, as most pellets are made from whatever is convenient to the mill that’s pressing pellets.
“There’s a lot of material from flooring plants, which is mostly white oak,” he says. “White oak is a good wood to cook with, but it’s a mild flavor.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get much else out of Maurin. While the internet has turned many of the techniques used to make great ’cue into common knowledge, the secret to great pellets is still closely held. Maurin says the pelletizing process his partner uses includes some secrets “that he won’t give out to anybody.” The “he” is also a secret, as Maurin won’t disclose the name of the log broker he works with.
“It really comes down to the type of wood and trying to get your hands on that much post oak and red oak,” he says. “Post oak is a very pungent wood and it’s very hard to come by. I had not run across anything like these pellets in the marketplace.”
Parks with big sky views may not seem very Dallas . But that’s what you’ll find just west of downtown. Head east for sunset views over White Rock Lake. Or enjoy concerts on the lawn in Klyde Warren Park, skylineviews from Pacific Plaza and splash pads at Main Street Garden. With nearly 400 parks across Dallas, there are plenty of green spaces made for throwing your walking shoes on or kicking them off.
To plan your trip, go to VisitDallas.com
Red Oak Trail, Cedar Ridge Preserve
JULY 17-21 ★
It’s time to pop Champagne and stock up on some award-winning tortillas. KC’s popular Yoli Tortilleria (1668 Jefferson St., KCMO) took home the James Beard award for Outstanding Bakery.
When Yoli Tortilleria owner Marissa Gencarelli took the stage in Chicago to accept the award from chef and TV personality Carla Hall, she thanked the James Beard organization and Kansas City community for “helping [her and her husband] honor the very humble tortilla.”
The stoneground non-GMO corn tortillas and Sonoran-style flour tortillas are products
inspired by Gencarelli’s roots in Sonora, Mexico. She and her husband started selling their tortillas at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market in 2018. A few years later, in 2020, they opened their brick-and-mortar shop.
While you can still find their tortillas at the farmers market, restaurants and grocery stores across the metro, it’s not the only product the Gencarellis excel at. Their quaint shop constantly rotates with seasonal delights like horchatas, breakfast burritos, paletas, blue corn tamales and salsas.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop has been a KC staple, serving hungry crowds for the past twenty years. With two locations already in Westwood and the Crossroads, the beloved restaurant officially opened a third spot in Overland Park (7921 Sante Fe Drive, Overland Park) next to the city’s nationally recognized farmers market.
The new restaurant features a full-service bar and shaded outdoor patio. It’s fashioned similarly to its flagship Crossroads restaurant with fountains, murals and art from Thailand.
“Our intent when designing our restaurants
is to provide guests with a special feeling at each space, as if they are walking through different streets in Thailand at every restaurant,” owner Malisa Monyakula says.
The Overland Park restaurant will serve the same Thai street food classics as the other Lulu’s outposts, including Thai hot wings, Thai cashew chicken, massaman curry and khun ma pad thai. However, unlike the other two restaurants, this one will offer a revamped Thai-inspired cocktail menu like a noir sour and Thai tini.
Even though it’s only been a few years since Alec Rodgers scooped up the wildly popular Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop, he is officially handing the reins over to Shatto Milk Company vice president Matt Shatto.
The sale to Shatto includes Betty Rae’s two KC locations in Waldo and The River Market, along with the ice cream truck. Shatto doesn’t plan to change Betty Rae’s signature ice cream lineup but does have plans to expand the brand’s physical locations, along with making the ice cream available at some grocers and getting the much-loved ice cream truck out at more corporate, family and neighborhood events.
Rodgers took over after previous owner David Friesen left the company under a cloud of controversy. According to the recent press release, Rodgers always “planned for a sale after realigning and recommitting the Betty Rae’s brand to its core of high-quality ice cream and a respected local brand.”
If you order the steak flight, you’ll see the option to add a Highland Scotch Whiskey to your meal. Gregg was inspired by his Scottish heritage, which he has traced back to 840 AD. The McGregor clan were cattlemen and a “rowdy bunch,” according to Gregg. Around the year 1600, it was punishable by death to bear the McGregor name. The McGregors fled their country and “that’s how my bloodline got to the states,” Gregg says. “They changed their name and that’s why my name is Gregg. In some small silly way, I’m giving the name back.”
Husband and wife team chef Penny and Doug Mufuka have created a name for themselves with their beloved Thai restaurant Bamboo Penny’s. Backed by that success, the duo now has set their sights on a new seafood restaurant, Aqua Penny’s.
Aqua Penny’s is expected to open in October at the old Gordon Biersch location on the corner of Ash and 117th streets in Leawood. According to the press release, the seafood house will “be committed to impeccably sourced, sustainability-conscious, creatively prepared seafood and much more.”
The menu will change seasonally and offer shareable items along with seafood classics. A large full-service raw and oyster bar will sling seafood towers, fresh oysters on the half shell, lobster deviled eggs, steamed king crab legs, lobster po’ boys, steaks and more.
An extensive drink menu will include wine and champagne flights, house-made infused spirits and craft cocktails.
The Mufukas are opening Aqua Penny’s with development specialist Michael Werner. The restaurant will undergo a one million dollar transformation, with the inclusion of a wraparound outdoor lounge seating more than one hundred guests.
Kansas City native Mike Gregg and wife Phyllis Gregg have taken their first step into the restaurant world with McGregor’s Butcher and Bistro (11300 W. 135th St., Overland Park). The establishment has a butcher shop on one side and a fine dining bistro and bar on the other.
Chef Erik Fernandez, who has helped open restaurants for Yard House all over the country, created a French-inspired menu reminiscent of a traditional steakhouse. Starters include Scotch eggs, oysters and roasted bone marrow while classic entrees of seared scallops, fresh pastas and grilled king salmon are also available.
Along with an extensive selection of fine steak entrees, a steak flight is offered that includes a four-ounce house filet, four-ounce strip and a fourounce Akaushi (Wagyu) ribeye.
The dining room seats up to seventy-five and the bar seats thirty.
The butcher shop gets its goods from Fortune Fish and Arrowhead Specialty Meats. There’s also a small market with imported and local goods.
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW reminders left of Prairie Village’s equestrian past. We’ve got a few noble-looking horse heads marking the Town and Country subdivision entry, and there’s the Paddock Court neighborhood. Oh, and then, of course, there’s a horse gravesite smack in the middle of a very quiet cul-de-sac.
It turns out that the two large tombstones mark the spot of Lawrin, the only Kentucky Derby winner to have been bred and raised in Kansas, and his sire, Insco. The very well-maintained graveyard and memorial are circled by a wrought iron fence and sit on a little island in the middle of a cul-desac in Prairie Village’s Corinth Downs subdivision (downs is also an English reference to horse racing).
Lawrin made Derby and Kansas history in 1938 when he became Kansas’ only thoroughbred to win America’s most celebrated horse race. It was Herbert M. Woolf, a well-to-do Kansas Citian, who brought horse racing fame to the area, according to information set forth in a substantial display case at the memorial.
Woolf, who was president of the Kansas City-based department store chain Woolf Brothers, owned a rambling two hundred-acre spread called Woolford Farms. Woolf did not come from a horse racing family; it became a passion that he cultivated on his own. He eventually turned the farm into an active facility where he bred and trained horses for the racing circuit.
Looking to bolster his stable of racing horses, Woolf headed to a Kentucky auction. He arrived early, before other bidders, and was able to purchase Insco for only $500. It was considered a steal at the time. Despite Insco having suffered serious training injuries, he was still a highly coveted horse due to his bloodlines, according to reporting by the Kansas City Star.
Insco was brought back to the farm, where he sired several horses, including Lawrin. The jockey that won the Derby on Lawrin’s back was legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro, who was not Lawrin’s regular rider. His normal jockey had recently suffered a serious racing injury and was unable to race.
The 1938 Derby win with Lawrin would be the first of five wins, albeit on other horses, for Arcaro. Arcaro is in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and is the only jockey in history to have won the U.S. Triple Crown twice, according to the museum.
Insco’s racing years were not long. He spent his final days on the Woolford Farm and was buried there shortly before the land was sold and became what is now known as Prairie Village, according to the memorial literature.
—DAWNYA BARTSCHAll aboard the notable 62-foot yacht, Lady Liberty. With beautiful brass lighting and varnished cherry wood flooring, you’ll cruise Table Rock Lake on a vessel designed based on the iconic Great Gatsby era. Originally built in 2004, Lady Liberty sailed the New York Harbor as a Statue of Liberty tour boat. Now it calls Long Creek Marina home and you can enjoy its beauty with intimate fine dining experiences and casual lake tours all while taking in the beauty of the Ozarks.
Elevated Nissan 2023 Nissan Murano