IN Kansas City August 2025

Q+A WITH ANTHONY HILL

GREY’S ANATOMY ACTOR

PORCH POTENTIAL SCREENED-IN PORCHES FOR SUMMERTIME LIVING

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

GUIDE TO KC'S 2025-2026 ARTS SEASON

A full-service, in-house construction and design team: Ross offers both construction and design services under her supervision which significantl impacts the client experience for the better.

Impeccable attention to detail: Like the show-stopping interiors she creates, Ross understands the art of details and will bring the smallest of project elements to new heights.

The embodiment of luxury: When infusing luxury into a home remodeling project, Ross looks beyond price tags and instead embraces not only what luxury is, but how it makes a client feel.

You’ve likely spent more time than ever in your home during the last few weeks. Perhaps now you have valuable insight into what your home might be lacking or how you can make your interior space better. Now is the time for beauty and functionality.

Invest where it counts: When you work with a kitchen and bath designer it can save you time—and money, not to mention stress.

The art of trend-setting: Ross isn’t shy about crediting her Western European heritage for helping her cultivate a keen eye for interior trends. “I set the trends; I don’t follow them,” she says

An EARLY FALL REFRESH makes way for joyful new spaces and memorable new chapters . . .

Plus, up to 50% OFF thru Sept. 1st

Your Seville Home Designers

Kimberly Karen Becky Carrie Meredith Kelly

Take advantage of Seville Home’s August savings and refresh your living spaces for what lies aheadfall, football, and festive holiday moments with family and friends.

While you prepare for the seasons to come, you’ll also elevate the everyday – creating a retreat that provides a personal oasis.

Lasting luxury. Complete comfort. That’s what Seville Home has delivered for 26 years as your trusted, local, family-owned destination –and we’re just getting started.

August Savings Include:

• 50% OFF Bernhardt Interiors

• 50% OFF Wesley Hall

• In-Stock & Custom Orders Included

• Plus, In-Home Consultations at No Extra Charge

BRANDS

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

AERON

AEYDE

AGOLDE

A.LC

ALEMAIS

ALEX MILL

ALIX OF BOHEMIA

ALLUDE

ALOHAS

AMERICAN VINTAGE

ANINE BING

APPARIS

ASKK NY

ATP ATELIER

AUTRY

BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN

BOUGUESSA

BY MALENE BIRGER

CIAO LUCIA

CLAIRVAUX

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

CLARE V

DAMSON MADDER

DEHANCHE

DOEN

ELIOU

ELODIE

ENZA COSTA

EMERSON FRY

ETOILE BY !SABEL MARANT

FARM RIO

FAVORITE DAUGHTER

FLATTERED

FREDA SALVADOR

GANNI

GUEST IN RESIDENCE

HERSKIND

HOLST AND LEE

JACQUEMUS

JANESSA LEONE

JENNI KAYNE

LIFFNER

LESET

LIZZIE FORTUNATO

LOEFFLER RANDALL

LOREN STEWART

LOVAAN

LOVEBIRDS

MAIAMI BERLIN

MOTHER

MOUSSY

NUDE LUCY

NANUSHKA

PROENZA SCHOULER

RAG &BONE

RAGBAG

RAILS

RE/DONE

ROTATE

RUE SOPHIE

SAINT ART

SAMSOE SAMSOE

SEA NY

SIMON MILLER

SIMKHAI

SLVRLAKE

STAUD

STILL HERE

TELA

THE GREAT

TIBI

TWP

ULLA JOHNSON

XIRENA &MORE

YAU

Endless Summer

Summer Concert Series

EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST (7PM - 9PM)

Bring your friends and family to the hottest concerts of the summer!

Aug 2 : Joshua Tree

Aug 9 : Suburbans

Aug 16 : Thunder Road

Aug 23 : Elton Dan & The Rocket Band

Aug 30 : Soca Jukebox

Second Saturdays for Kids!

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY (10AM - NOON)

Free entertainment for mornings filled with play, laughter, and meaningful moments together.

Aug 9 : The Fairway with Friends (mini-golf)

Sept 20 : Build-Up Day

Wednesday Date Night

EVERY WEDNESDAY (6PM - 8PM)

Live music for a mid-week date night! Connect over a great line-up of pop/rock, country, and even reggae!

Guitars & Games

EVERY FRIDAY (6PM - 8PM)

Free live acoustic music and lawn games.

A Taste of Leawood

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (7PM - 10PM)

Tickets on sale now for a private evening of dining under the stars with food and drinks from over 20 area restaurants, VIP experiences, and a concert in the center of it all. Link to purchase tickets at ATasteOfLeawood.com

Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.

Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.

56 IN CONVERSATION WITH ANTHONY HILL

The Grey’s Anatomy actor and Overland Park native shares what it was like growing up in Johnson County in the 90s, why he has a backup business degree, and the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

60 FALL ARTS PREVIEW

The 2025-2026 arts season offers a wealth of choices for everyone from connoisseurs to casual concert-goers. Consider this your handy guide.

68 PASTA FROM SCRATCH

Handmade pasta has earned its place on Kansas City menus.

74 ON THE PORCH

Two summertime living rooms, one contemporary, one traditional.

On the cover Collage Dance Collective’s Lauren Philson and Leonard Perez perform Their Eyes Were Watching God. Photo courtesy of Collage Dance Collective, appearing at the Midwest Trust Center this fall.

Screen Time Worth Having

As befits the dog days of summer, there’s lots to read in this issue about porches. In her Living column on page 48, Patricia O’Dell dreams of adding a screened-in porch to her family’s home, and suggests both practical and pie-in-the-sky products if you’re thinking the same.

The home feature about porches that begins on page 74 visits the screened-in porch of Leigh and Lorraine Elmore, a delightfully cool-on-the-hottest days porch that’s shielded from the sun by mature trees where the air languidly moves stirred by the ceiling fan. Lorraine relates the origin of her vintage wicker furniture, mentioning she bought the wicker sofa and chair from a friend. A confession, dear reader: I am that friend.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to use that wicker on a screened porch. In the four homes the furniture occupied, it sat in a living room (sadly neglected), an entry hall (never used), and two sunrooms in a row, one dinky with a seriously sloped floor, the other a bit more grand. When we moved to the Sunset Hill home, I had nowhere to use it, so Lorraine snapped it up.

I relate this because until I read Patricia’s column and scouted for the screenedin porches for the feature story, I hadn’t realized I’ve never lived in a home with a screened-in porch, or much of a porch at all, for that matter. Concrete slabs sufficed in a couple of the early houses. A small deck jutted off the back of one, and a larger multi-level deck off another. Two houses had what I termed, fancily, “loggias.” And other than at the home with the loggia that faced a perfectly sized “martini pool,” we just didn’t spend much time outside. Kansas City’s weather and bug proclivities call out for the shade and protection of a screened-in porch. It has all the benefits of the outdoors, with none of the drawbacks.

More than a few years ago, I was helping a friend who had decided it was time for her and her husband to find a bit bigger house. Every weekend we toured open houses in her favorite neighborhoods. She had only one must-have—a screened-in porch. At the time, I thought that was a little foolish. I thought decks and patios were good enough. As I reflect on all the time I’ve spent summers indoors looking out, I wonder if my life has been a bit poorer for it.

Vol. 8 | No. 8 AUGUST 2025

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Evan Pagano

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Damian Lair, Patricia O’Dell, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

Amante Domingo, Sergio Garcia, Cassandra Joy, Aaron Leimkuehler

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Intern Janie Eckles

Newsstand Consultant

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

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Magazine Subscriptions:

Mail: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429 Phone: 888-881-5861

Email: SUBS@inkansascity.com

Subscribe Online: inkansascity.com/subscribe

Zim

Two-day vacays. School’s back in session, and Labor Day weekend isn’t far away. Want to get away—and be back by Monday? We’re listing some great weekend getaways for Kansas Citians on inkansascity.com

Bites on a budget. Making IN Kansas City sends our team all over the metro, and our list of favorite eateries is always growing. This month, we’re sharing those quick, cost-effective meals in KC we just know will hit the spot. Search “KC cheap eats” on inkansascity.com to lengthen your list.

ENTER TO WIN

A fun fall—for free! This month, the ultimate Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park Giveaway Package is on the line. One lucky reader will win 12 tickets to events at the Overland Park Arboretum: four to Terra Luna, four to Botanical Brewfest, and four to Luminary Walk. Just enter to win by Aug. 31 at inkansascity.com/the-magazine/enter-to-win. Best of luck!

Make your day special. Need help planning the perfect birthday? We’ve got you. We dropped the best birthday activities in KC for the foodie, the adventurer, the night owl, and more on inkansascity.com

This Month IN KC

August

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Evan Pagano

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT

KC Sunflower Festival

Weekends Aug. 8–24 KC Wine Co kcpumpkinpatch.com

A bright sight. If you need rejuvenating, head to a sunflower field when the sun is high and bright. It’s a simple visual delight. During the KC Sunflower Festival, the field is ablaze with yellow for your viewing pleasure—and you’ll also get the benefits of the pumpkin patch, with 60-plus farm activities and lawn games. A paid admission ticket is required for entry. Plus there’s a wine, beer, and cider bar at an additional cost, so parents can settle in with a drink while their kids enjoy it all.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

Aug. 15–17

Swope Park eeckc.org

One place for everyone. For three days in mid-August, Swope Park becomes a sea of flags and a symbol of unity. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival is Kansas City’s biggest multicultural gathering, bringing together food, entertainment, and handicrafts from almost 70 countries—all represented within city limits. Shop, dance, eat, and find your people, whoever they are.

Kansas City Irish Fest

Aug. 29-31

Crown Center Square and Washington Square Park kcirishfest.com

May your heart be light and happy. Kansas City Irish Fest, held in Crown Center and Washington Square Park every Labor Day weekend, is a massive celebration. The fountain flows green from Friday to Sunday, with multiple stages for Irish performances—from young dancers to The Elders—and dozens of vendors throughout the property. Expect whiskey tastings, artisan showcases, and, of course, mass on Sunday morning.

SantaCaliGon Days Festival

August 29–31

Independence Square santacaligon.com

A destination all its own. Independence was just the starting point for folks taking the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails, but you’ll want to stay put during the SantaCaliGon Days Festival. A carnival, two stages, two beer gardens, and a frenzy of vendors fill ten blocks of Independence Square. Both stages have jam-packed entertainment schedules that include concerts, dances, and even an ice cream-eating contest. Twenty-two musical acts will perform, headlined by country artist Phil Vassar on Saturday night.

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

Phil Vassar

by Merrily Jackson mjackson@inkansascity.com

Many years ago, I made an ambitious, authentic chicken mole for my dinner club. Having grossly underestimated how long it would take to shop and cook, I arrived very late—I missed the whole cocktail hour!—and hadn’t even had time to change out of my frightful-looking cooking outfit. My kitchen looked like a tornado had spun through it. I must admit, though, the mole was delicious. These days, I aim for delicious and calm. I love that quiet moment just before I start to cook: the recipe printed out, ingredients lined up, playlist going, apron tied. There’s something deeply satisfying about being prepared. A little planning goes a long way toward making the cooking part of entertaining actually enjoyable.

Keeping a Calm Kitchen

Practice mise en place. This French phrase means “everything in its place,” and it’s the key to kitchen serenity. Chop your herbs, measure your spices, cube your butter, and line everything up like you’re on a cooking show. It may feel fussy at first, but getting everything “meezed” saves you from mid-recipe chaos when the heat is on.

Read the recipe all the way through before you cook. It sounds obvious, but skimming leads to surprises, and not the good kind. A full read-through lets you spot long marinating times, unfamiliar techniques, or last-minute garnishes that might require a quick grocery run or a YouTube refresher.

Make a smart shopping list. Group ingredients by store section. Start with produce, then move to dairy, meat/seafood, dry goods and canned items, spices and baking supplies, and finish with frozen foods or anything that needs to stay cold. This avoids backtracking and keeps your trip quick and focused. Before you leave, remember to check what you already have at home so you don’t end up with five jars of Dijon.

Choose a menu with one “ta-da” dish. You don’t need every course to be a showstopper. Pick one centerpiece recipe and build around it with simple, delicious sides—roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, store-bought dessert with dressed-up berries. Guests remember how you made them feel, not whether you made your own puff pastry.

Clean counters, clear head. Wipe up spills as they happen, and try to put ingredients back in place once you’ve used them. It helps keep chaos at bay. Fill a sink with hot soapy water before you start and drop utensils and mixing bowls in as you go. That way, you can transfer everything into the dishwasher before guests arrive and, if you’re really on top of things, unload it so it’s empty and ready for the post-party cleanup. Nothing breaks the charm of a dinner party afterglow faster than a mountain of dirty dishes. Cleaning as you go keeps your space and your mind clear.

Plan a buffer hour. Give yourself a quiet hour before guests arrive. Not for cooking, but for resetting the room, getting dolled up, or sitting down with a glass of wine. A composed host sets the tone, and you deserve a moment to exhale before the doorbell rings.

THE PATH TO ELEGANCE STARTS WITH US.

NUMEROUS MODELS | ENDLESS OPTIONS | ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Entertaining IN KC COOK SMART

COUNTER CULTURE

Transform food scraps into nutrient-rich compost in hours with an odor-free electric countertop composter. The latest models are compact and actually chic enough to live on your counter.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

The immersion blender is still the unsung hero of weeknight soups and fancy sauces. Newer versions come with whisks, choppers, and frothers.

EVEN EVERY TIME

GOODBYE, GOO HANDS

Sanitary and streamlined, a touchless soap dispenser is especially helpful when hands are covered in flour or raw chicken.

An adjustable rolling pin with thickness rings on either end lets you roll dough to precise thicknesses.

NEXT-LEVEL MEASURING

A digital measuring cup and scale combo weighs ingredients and shows volume, great for bakers and those watching precise portions.

SEAL THE DEAL

Eco-friendly silicone stretch lids replace plastic wrap and fit over bowls, jars, and freshly cut produce like magic.

Entertaining IN KC

THE PERFECT FIRST COURSE

THIS CHILLED SOUP is summer elegance in a bowl; it’s cool, creamy, and just rich enough to feel a little scandalous. Yes, you could make it with all yogurt, but the real magic happens when you invite sour cream to the party. Topped with a scattering of bright condiments, it’s as beautiful as it is refreshing.

GAZPACHO BLANCA

Adapted from Beyond Parsley, cookbook from The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri. Serves 8 as a first course.

3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups plain yogurt and 1 cup sour cream, or 3 cups plain yogurt

3 tablespoons white vinegar

2 teaspoons salt or to taste

2 cloves garlic, crushed

CONDIMENTS

3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped

3/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted

1/2 cup sliced scallions

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

FOR AUGUST DINNER PARTIES

Whirl cucumber chunks in a food processor a very short time with a little chicken broth. Pour into mixing bowl; add remaining broth, sour cream, vinegar, salt and garlic. Stir just enough to mix. Chill thoroughly, at least 2 to 3 hours. Before serving, stir again. Pour into chilled bowls— or into chilled teacups and serve as an appetizer before you sit down. Sprinkle condiments on top.

Entertaining IN KC

ASK MERRILY

Find answers to all your entertaining questions.

Q: I’m hosting a casual dinner, and one of my guests is bringing their kids. I don’t have children, and my home isn’t exactly “kidready.” Any tips for making things feel more welcoming?

A: First, good on you for wanting to make everyone feel welcome, adults and kids alike. Hosting children doesn’t mean you need to redecorate, childproof, or learn to make dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets. A few small adjustments go a long way. Start by putting anything fragile or precious up and out of reach.

Next, create a tiny zone that says “you’re welcome here.” For toddlers, that could be a blanket with a few blocks, board games—my nieces and nephews loved Candy Land—or a container of Play-Doh, if you don’t mind a little cleanup. For school-aged kids, set out crayons and paper, puzzles, or a stack of comic books. A random drawer full of old

holiday cards and stickers can also become thrilling DIY entertainment. When it comes to food, you don’t need a separate menu, but a few easy snacks go a long way. Think string cheese, cut fruit, crackers, baby carrots, pretzel sticks, and squeezable applesauce pouches. For dessert, a plate of cookies, homemade or store-bought, will make you a hero. Bonus points for having icing and sprinkles on hand so the kids can help decorate them before serving.

Check with the parents to see whether you might be able to have the kids watch a movie together in another room while the grown-ups have a leisurely meal. I recommend Deadpool 2. Kidding.

Most important: relinquish control. Kids are delightful, unpredictable guests. Something may spill. Something may stick. Someone may loudly declare they don’t like “green things.” It’s all part of the charm. You’re creating a welcoming space to create forever memories.

Do you have a question about entertaining? Email it to mjackson@inkansascity.com

by Damian Lair dlair@inkansascity.com

The Birds Don’t Care

In conjunction with the ongoing exhibit, Survival of the Fittest: Picturing Wildlife and Wilderness, and recognizing Pride month, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invited author and birder Christian Cooper for a thoughtful conversation about the intersections of the natural world, art, and life.

Framed by the exhibit—the first at the museum to feature wildlife art—and Cooper’s New York Times bestselling book, Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World, Cooper explored the power of observation and the unexpected lessons we can learn from a life spent looking up and out.

In comparing art and birding, Cooper highlighted an interesting distinction. Art invites you in; birding invites you out. Art invites you in, urging you to discover the stories behind a painting, a photograph, or a sculpture. It draws you deeper into your own thoughts to examine your interpretations of the artwork and its story, based on your own experiences. The wildlife paintings, for instance, were created before the mass proliferation of photographs and well before easy and affordable international travel. Seeing Wilhelm Kuhnert’s painting of giraffes in Tanzania pulled early viewers in to discover something rare that they’d almost certainly never get to experience in real life.

Birding, conversely, invites you out. It draws you out into the natural environment. It’s an escape from society, work, and life indoors, as well as from the thoughts swirling in our crowded heads. Birding requires you to be outside—looking and listening.

Five years ago, Cooper became unexpectedly entangled in a racially charged incident involving a dog walker, falsely claiming assault, in New York’s Central Park. A video of the incident was viewed in horror by millions and featured in most major news outlets. Both their lives were changed forever.

Scarcely mentioning the occasion that brought him to the national spotlight, Cooper shared with the sold-out auditorium audience various insights gleaned from his broader journey through life as a gay, Black birder.

Following a solo talk, The Nelson-Atkins deputy director of curator affairs,

William Keyse Rudolph, interviewed Cooper in a fireside-style conversation. The highlights of that conversation were three key takeaways.

OVERHEARD

“Well, your name’s not Joe, and you’re not hairy.”

First, the person who stays calm wins. A career in crisis communications has taught me that no truer words have been spoken. With cameras and recording devices in everyone’s hands, keeping one’s inner calm and stability is paramount. Act rationally, not emotionally, and you will most likely come out on top.

Second, you do you. As Cooper can attest, you’re going to be figuring out who you are for your entire life. So, if it’s not hurting anyone, allow yourself space to do what feels right for you. Don’t let other people prescribe who you’re supposed to be. As a Black, closeted queer kid living on conservative Long Island, romping around in the woods looking for birds, it would have been easier for him to hang up his nerdy binoculars. But doing so would have robbed him of that which has given him so much passion in life. He advised that you may not be fortunate enough to turn your passion into a full-time career but leave plenty of space for it.

Finally—if you see something happening in the world that

photo by dana anderson

Damian Lair with birder and author Christian Cooper at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Who has discovered outsourced spell casting, via Etsy? HOT GOSSIP:

STUNNING VENUES.

Unity Village offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for up to 1,000 guests, surrounded by fountains, gardens, and wooded trails. Guests enjoy boutique hotel rooms or spacious Airbnbs, a 9-hole golf course, and easy highway access with free parking— an inclusive setting for unforgettable events.

Unity Village offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for up to 1,000 guests, surrounded by fountains, gardens, and wooded trails. Guests enjoy boutique hotel rooms or spacious Airbnbs, a 9-hole golf course, and easy highway access with free parking— an inclusive setting for unforgettable events.

Unity Village offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for up to 1,000 guests, surrounded by fountains, gardens, and wooded trails. Guests enjoy boutique hotel rooms or spacious Airbnbs, a 9-hole golf course, and easy highway access with free parking— an inclusive setting for unforgettable events.

Unity Village offers beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for up to 1,000 guests, surrounded by fountains, gardens, and wooded trails. Guests enjoy boutique hotel rooms or spacious Airbnbs, a 9-hole golf course, and easy highway access with free parking— an inclusive setting for unforgettable events.

unityvillage.org | 816-251-3511

unityvillage.org | 816-251-3511

| 816-251-3511

unityvillage.org | 816-251-3511

Our Man IN KC

is wrong, it is your obligation to do something to fix it. There’s no pushing it off on someone else. It’s on all of us to protest, vote, persuade, and shine a light on injustices. Little acts can collectively add up to a big difference.

It was a joy and privilege to hear (and later meet) Cooper at our treasured museum, which pulls in so many voices relating to art in ways you might not expect. An observation that he led with spurred my thinking afterward. He began his talk by declaring that birds belong to everyone. They are here for all of us to enjoy because, as he put it, the birds don’t care. They don’t care if you’re Black, gay, foreign, disabled, or weighted with any other perceived outsider status. They are here for every person. But taking that a step further, so are mountains for hiking, beaches for meandering, wild animals for observing, and dusty country roads for contemplative walking. While institutions like the Nelson-Atkins draw us in—both for transportive paintings and poignant lectures—they subsequently shove us back into the natural world with an invitation to further explore and put to good use what we may have learned inside.

Prior to this experience, I read Cooper’s book. To my surprise, it’s not really about birding. Instead, it’s an autobiographical take on a complicated life, using birding as a clever literary tool for telling his story. In doing so, though, the book becomes an inadvertent primer on birding—a practice that offers a simple way to become more aware of your surroundings and the natural world. Since his talk and reading, I’ve noticed a subtle shift in the way I see the world. The way I move through it has changed as I give more conscious attention to the sights and sounds around me. It’s like I’ve gained another sense—and with it, a greater sense of peace. The book is a beautiful read. And the Survival of the Fittest exhibition remains on view at the Nelson-Atkins through August 24.

STRINGS ON THE GREEN

FOR YEARS, I’ve aimed to visit The Raphael Hotel to experience Strings on the Green, now in its 15th season. But like so many ambitious summer plans, this one seems to perpetually fall victim to the season’s narrower-than-desired window that closes far too soon. No more!

On a summery, early evening, I was joined by friends on the hotel’s front patio for alfresco jazz, cocktails, and nibbles. The annual outdoor concert series—every Wednesday (weather permitting), May through September—showcases local jazz artists at the Raphael. On this occasion, we were treated to melodies from Baby J Quartet—one of roughly a half-dozen rotating ensembles throughout the summer. It was an idyllic evening, experiencing these musicians against the dreamiest backdrop of the Country Club Plaza

OVERHEARD

“I think the waiter took our order on an Etch-A-Sketch.”

Though full food service is available outside, we elected to head inside for dinner as the concert was ending. It had been many years since I last visited Chaz Restaurant & Lounge, and what I found was a refreshed and cozy atmo-

sphere, perfect for sinking into for a glass of wine or two. And on that note, Wine Spectator would agree. Just prior to my visit, Chaz was awarded the magazine’s Award of Excellence for the 13th consecutive year. But why stop at wine? After all, we came for dinner. We sampled an embarrassing number of menu items—a favorite practice I often employ. Parmesan-crusted calamari, lump crab cakes, mac and cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, grilled broccolini, and Boursin whipped potatoes were all a delight. For my entrée, however, I was unwilling to share. There is absolutely no menu item that gets me more excited than the seldom-present beef Wellington. In this case, chef David Spiven delicately reimagined the classic dish with braised Kobe beef short ribs (vs. the classic filet), charred red pepper, caramelized onion, Brie, and spinach, all wrapped inside a puff pastry like a precious gift. The dish made my week, and I would return for it again and again. Our enchanting dinner was the perfect cap on an altogether lovely evening. Fortunately for you, there’s still time to catch the August and September weekly Strings on the Green performances before that summertime window slides shut.

FOUND IN THE PARK

I HATE TO BRAG, but every year, I have the uncanny ability to schedule the most perfect early-summer evening for full enjoyment of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival . This year, fortunately, was no exception. With a breezy linen blazer in tow, I joined friends at Southmoreland Park for a glorious evening of Shakespeare under the stars.

Who is banned from donating to a certain philanthropic organization?

For the first time in recent memory, I was unfamiliar with the summer’s production—this year, Love’s Labour’s Lost. No matter, though; this one was especially easy to follow. It’s a comedy, and true to form, the executive artistic director, Sidonie Garrett, served up exactly what we didn’t know we needed. Oh, how we need to laugh! The production also came with an interesting twist. The 1590s Shakespearian romcom was plunked into a 1950s setting. What struck me throughout was how this 400-year-old play so nimbly translated to a modern context. And even more surprising—line after line, what was apparently funny in 1590 had me positively rollicking. I was stabbed with laughter. The especially vibrant cast helped on this front. JT Nagle and Justin Barron put me in stitches with practically every utterance. Admittedly, the entire cast was strong. For a story I did not know, this may have been my favorite year yet.

There’s something magical about summertime theater in the park. I eagerly look forward every year to lawn chairs on the tree-canopied hillside, savory crepes from Ragusa’s Italian Café , wine poured in the Good Will Society patrons’ tent, Butterfluff Popcorn , and flickering fireflies (particularly abundant this year). Next year, get thee to the park.

HOT GOSSIP:

WHERE IT’S ALWAYS FIVE O’CLOCK

ON ROAD TRIPS crisscrossing the country and plenty of boat days weaving through the Florida Keys, I can credibly state that I’ve listened to Jimmy Buffett’s Fruitcakes album at least a thousand times. In those years, it was my dad’s irrevocable favorite. Saddled with this bizarre, encyclopedic lyrical grasp of the Jimmy Buffett universe, it was obvious that I should be present for the ribbon cutting at Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City. Also, I needed an Instagram selfie with the iconic, 14-foot electric-blue (busted out) flip-flop sculpture. Pop top not pictured, but also present.

Located a stone’s throw from Legends Outlets Kansas City, in Kansas City, Kansas, Margaritaville offers an island respite—no plane ticket required. The $150 million property features 228 guest rooms, including 11 suites, dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, and over 14,000-square-feet of event space.

The hotel cradles an expansive pool that’s the epicenter of action. There’s a waterslide, fire pits, hammocks, lawn games, and private cabanas with dedicated service. The year-round indoor pool has its own set of youth-centric options, including basketball hoops, a climbing wall, and a suspended ninja obstacle course. For the water-averse, there’s a giant arcade facility that would keep any kid occupied for hours.

Pool day passes are available for non-hotel guests, or you can rent a private cabana for up to six guests. Days following the opening, I returned with friends for a proper visit to the primary on-site restaurant, LandShark Bar & Grill. As a giant thunderstorm rolled in, we had a perfect view from the restaurant’s second-story covered patio. It was a quirky way to close out the week, with the obvious margaritas, cheeseburgers, and Key lime pie.

Consider it your license to chill. And while not a change in latitude, it may perhaps change your attitude.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

The pool at Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City.

MORE THAN A MILLION

ReeceNichols is thrilled to embark on the fifth year of the Gold Key Project, continuing our commitment to support families with hospitalized children in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The idea is simple. Gold Key agents pledge to cover the cost of a one-night stay for a family at RMHC ($100) for every home they help buy or sell from April through October. RMHC offers families a nurturing environment—free lodging, warm meals, and laundry facilities—while their child undergoes hospital treatment.

From its modest beginnings with a pilot program that saw agents donate $31,000, the Gold Key Project has

flourished, raising over $1.2 million for RMHC to date. That money has provided over 12,500 free nights of comfort for families to stay close to their critically ill child.

In addition to the nightly stays, funds raised have also enhanced RMHC facilities, including the creation of a new Family Room at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and the renovation of four rooms at RMHC-KC’s Longfellow House.

Over 200 Gold Key agents are ready to push for our goal of donating at least $200,000 for a fifth straight year, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that defines ReeceNichols.

EMERSYN’S FIGHT

The Milton family’s journey with their daughter Emersyn’s battle against Wilms Tumor is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the incredible support of the Ronald McDonald House community.

When Emersyn was just three months old, she was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a rare kidney cancer, prompting her family to seek treatment at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City after her initial surgery in Wichita.

The first round of treatments was grueling—weeklong stays filled with chemotherapy and radiation, and Emersyn spent days in the hospital between sessions. But during these trying moments, Ronald McDonald House became their refuge. Brianna recalls, “It was such a relief and gave us peace of mind to be so close to the hospital. When Emersyn wasn’t in treatment, we had spaces where she could play, so we weren’t just confined to a room.”

Emersyn’s initial scans showed clear results, but at her one-year follow-up, they learned that she had relapsed. So, the Milton family once again turned to Ronald McDonald House, this time with their baby boy, Will, in tow. As Emersyn battled frequent sickness and hospital stays, having family come to stay at Ronald McDonald House to help care for Will made all the difference. Brianna and Billy could stay focused on Emersyn, while their extended family supported them during the toughest moments.

“When you are going through something like this, to be able to have the support you need with your own family, but also with the community you make with other families at the Ronald McDonald House is so important,” said Brianna.

Every year, in celebration of Emersyn’s “scaniversary,” the Milton family gathers pop tabs from their community in Hudson, Kansas, to donate to Ronald McDonald House. This year marked their third donation, and Emersyn, now four years old, joyfully played on the playground, her laughter filling the air. The entire Milton family is beyond grateful to have another year of clear scans and no cancer, a testament to their strength, the healing power of love, and the kindness of a community that has supported them every step of the way.

A FULL CIRCLE OF CARE: KATHLEEN BISHOP’S STORY

ReeceNichols Gold Key agent Kathleen Bishop knows exactly how much of a lifesaver Ronald McDonald House can be.

Ten years ago, her then six-year-old daughter became critically ill after going septic from an infection. Kathleen and her family spent six tense nights at Children’s Mercy, unsure of what the next day might bring. With three other children to care for, the Ronald McDonald House facilities at Children’s Mercy became a lifeline. RMHC offered more than just practical support; it gave Kathleen’s family peace of mind. They didn’t have to worry about meals or laundry. And the RMHC staff was always there with a kind, helping hand.

“It’s quite emotional having a child septic and seeing all of the things hooked up to her. It was very scary,” Kathleen said. “To have five minutes of kindness and some normalcy around the most critical, horrible time in your life…I just can’t ever repay that.”

The Family Room, located just across the hall from her daughter’s hospital room, allowed the family to stay close without feeling like they were leaving her side. It gave them a small sense of normalcy in the middle of a crisis. “It was just amazing,” Kathleen said. “I’ll never forget it. I will never forget it.”

Thankfully, her daughter made a full recovery and is now a healthy 16-year-old. But Kathleen has never forgotten the comfort and care her family received during that difficult time.

That’s why she’s proud to give back through the Gold Key Project. “I immediately signed up when I was told about the program because (RMHC) changed our lives,” Kathleen said. “I’m just thankful to be able to give back to it a little bit.”

Now, through her work, Kathleen is helping other families find the same support and compassion she once received when she needed it most.

Emersyn and her parents Billy and Brianna

by Judith Fertig

Bryn Greenwood

WRITER ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

In her own words, Bryn Greenwood characterizes herself as a “writer, redhead, Kansan, and New York Times bestseller.”

Critics of her NYT and USA Today bestselling debut novel, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (2016), described the work as dangerous, provocative, shocking, and unexpectedly touching. She has also written The Reckless Oath We Made (2019), two more novels, and several short stories.

While some people might think Kansas and envision Little House on the Prairie, Greenwood’s work shows another side of Kansas rural life, closer to Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places or Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood

Greenwood grew up in a small town in southwestern Kansas and received her M.F.A. degree in creative writing from Kansas State. After working as a college administrator, today she lives with her sister and two dogs in Lawrence, Kansas, where a typical day might include a visit to Tous Les Jours bakery for a breakfast pastry or the Habitat ReStore to buy something she didn’t really need but couldn’t resist.

When Greenwood’s new novel Nobody Knows You’re Here comes out on September 16, she will be at The Raven Book Store in Lawrence that day, and at the Kansas Book Festival on September 20. bryngreenwood.wordpress.com

INKC: As a “fourth generation Kansan, one of seven sisters, and the daughter of a mostly reformed drug dealer,” how has living in this wide-sky place helped to inspire your work? Bryn Greenwood: When I think about my upbringing in rural Kansas, I find myself categorizing

the people I knew into two categories: people who stayed and people who left. This dichotomy fascinates me, because people with the same backgrounds have radically different reactions to events in their lives. Two people may have the same history, may even come from the same family. While one of them holds fast to this place, the other flees it.

Kansas is frequently the butt of jokes. Outsiders view it as flat or boring or lacking sophistication. If this were true, though, there wouldn’t be any stayers. Everyone would leave. Of course, they don’t, and the people who stay have internal lives of joy and suffering, just as much as the people who leave. In small towns all across the state, you’ll find people deeply connected to the land. Some of them are farmers, but some are artists, poets, and musicians. They all have stories worth telling, although we don’t often hear them. For the record, I left Kansas, fleeing sorrow that was unbearable. Then I came back, like a lot of us do, because I needed to be able to look out over the plains with nothing in the way. As Walt Whitman opined, the prairies “fill the esthetic sense fuller” than many of America’s more famous landscapes, like Yosemite or Yellowstone.

INKC: Tell us about your new book, Nobody Knows You’re Here, coming out in September?

BG: This is my first foray into the suspense/ thriller genre. I wasn’t sure I was up to the task, but while I was writing, I regularly woke up in the night feeling anxious about what would happen to my characters. If that’s not the hallmark of suspense, I don’t know what is. Beatrice is living in Olathe, unemployed and on the verge of losing everything, when she meets a kindly stranger. That stranger turns out to be a “recruiter” for an international criminal organization and, against her will, Beatrice is their newest recruit. Held in an isolated house, she’s forced to work as a

Arts & Culture IN KC

nanny to a series of children who’ve been kidnapped for ransom. Her captors are themselves former captives, and even as she tries to befriend them, she fears turning into one of them. Knowing that nobody is coming to help, she accepts that she’s the only one who can save herself and the children in her care.

INKC: What starts a novel for you? A person, a place, a scrap of dialogue? And then do you research, make a list, write a “shitty rough draft” à la Anne Lamott?

BG: My novels are born out of the most random things, sometimes a small thing I see, or a nagging thought that won’t let me go. For example, Nobody Knows You’re Here all started when I realized I didn’t have any phone numbers memorized, with one odd exception. From there I imagined being in a dire situation, where I desperately need to call someone—anyone—and what I would say to the employees of Pizza Shuttle in Manhattan. Thirty years after I graduated from K-State, that was the only phone number I, a grown adult, knew off the top of my head. (I’ve since memorized a few important ones.) I played out that idea a dozen different ways until suddenly I was writing about a kidnapped woman trying to make contact with the outside world by calling the only phone number she knows.

After the initial idea, I write something worse than a “shitty rough draft.” Without planning or plotting, I write everything I can think of related to the idea. Every single thing. Dialogue that won’t make it into the story. Scenes that will have to be reworked a dozen times. Tangents. Alternate endings. My first drafts often run into the hundreds of thou-

sands of words, and they are hot messes. Once I’ve written everything, I reread it all and begin carving out an actual book. It’s not the most efficient process, but it seems to work for me. As for how I get my ideas, they’re all around. Everywhere I go, I leave a trail of ideas I’ll never have the time to write. I get them while driving, watching the news, walking my dogs, taking a shower. Some of them are so powerful I have to sit down immediately and write. Other ideas require years of thinking before I can produce a single sentence.

INKC: If a documentary filmmaker followed you around for a “Day in the Life” segment, what would a day in your life as a writer look like?

BG: I fear that would be a boring documentary. My dogs are adorable and my sister is very funny, so the day would be pleasant. However, the vast majority of my typical “workday” is just me reading other people’s books or sitting around staring off into space. There are plenty of days that involve me furiously typing or blocking out scenes in my living room, but a lot of the work is simply thinking, imagining characters, mumbling dialogue to myself, and rewriting the same sentence 50 different ways before deleting it entirely. I’ve finished most of my major house projects, but I still enjoy side quests like refinishing furniture or building things to make life easier. One of my obscure hobbies is going to estate sales, but not to buy things. I just like spying on people and seeing how strangers live their lives. Creeping down into someone’s basement to see where they built hundreds of scale-model tall ships or stored their embroidered hanky collection in photo frames is much more interesting to me than building model ships or collecting hankies.

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

2025 KANSAS CITY FLATFILE + DIGITALFILE AT THE KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE

FROM NOW until September 27, you can check out the work of 271 emerging and established regional designers and visual artists at the Emily & Todd Voth Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute.

If you love flipping through antique prints or vinyl records to find just the one, you can take a more contemporary spin by exploring Flatfile cabinets filled with custom-made portfolios containing a range of flat works. You can also view time-based media in the Digitalfile.

This interactive invitational exhibit features drawings, paintings, prints, collages, photography, textiles, ceramics, glass, digital media, video, animation, and sound. Guest curators—artists, educators, art historians, regional curators, arts entrepreneurs, and community organizers who have affiliations with artist-run exhibition spaces and other independent, creative endeavors— will offer special Salon topics and Wall installations to highlight works and artists who pique their interest.

For more information and a list of the artists participating, visit kcai.edu/artspace/artspace-exhibitions/2025-kcaiflatfile-digitalfile

THE ELDERS AT JCCC

IT’S A WARM SUMMER NIGHT. The stars are out. Wouldn’t it be great to just enjoy the evening with a little live music? And even better, no tickets, no charge, just bring your own chair or a blanket to sit on, and a picnic basket if you wish.

On Friday evening, August 15, you can do just that on the Johnson County Community College campus. Light Up the Lawn features the exuberant music of The Elders, a six-piece touring American folk-rock band. They’re also a Kansas City musical original. Formed in 1998, the band features a blend of Americana and Celtic rock in their nine studio and four live albums.

The Elders are fronted by Ian Byrne, a native of County Wicklow in Ireland; co-founder Norm Dahlor, on bass; Kian Byrne, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, born in Dublin; Diana Ladio, fiddler; Liam Latas, guitar; and Dan Loftus on keyboards.

With a deep respect for the powerful storytelling traditions found in both American and Celtic music, their sound is an unmistakable mix of banjo, fiddle, electric and acoustic guitars, and pounding drums, driven by the infectious rhythms of both genres.

For more information on the concert, visit jccc.edu/mtc.

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

TIMELESS: A SALUTE TO JAZZ GREAT CHARLIE PARKER WITH LONNIE MCFADDEN

THE KANSAS CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA begins its 20252026 Signature Series on August 23 with the first of five “Timeless” salutes to jazz greats in the first of five different venues—the Folly Theater. “One of the trending buzzwords in contemporary culture has been the word ‘Timeless,’” says Clint Ashlock, artistic director of the KCJO. “Our world is obsessed with the idea of anything that stands the test of time. I would humbly argue that there is nothing more timeless than America’s art form: jazz.”

Ashlock continues, “Who better to represent something that stands the test of time than KC’s native son, Charlie Parker. With the help of master storyteller and performer Lonnie McFadden, we are showcasing our native swing with Bird’s forays into the frantic and fantastical style he helped create: bebop.”

Charlie Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1920 and left this life way too soon in 1955. Along the way, he became a jazz saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and cultural influencer, changing the idea of the jazz musician from simple entertainer to artist and intellectual. Jazz trumpeter Lonnie McFadden was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the year after Parker died, and became a jazz great in his own right, known for his multi-genre performance style. The multi-talented McFadden also tap dances, arranges music, and sings.

For more information, visit kcjo.org

JOHN SMART: VIRTUOSO IN MINIATURE

WHEN PEOPLE CATCH THE COLLECTING BUG, it can open fascinating new doors for them. If they—and we—are lucky, their passion project can enlighten and enthrall others as well.

That’s the case with an exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Bloch galleries. A wedding present given to Martha Jane and John W. Starr in 1929 sparked a passion for portrait miniatures. By the late 1930s, they had become serious collectors, dedicated to acquiring a well-rounded group of exceptional American, European, and, especially, British portraits.

Their gift to the museum in 1958 and 1965 of nearly 300 portrait miniatures, forms the nucleus of the museum’s collection today.

One of the amazing portrait artists in their collection was Englishman John Smart. John Smart: Virtuoso in Miniature features a signed and dated example from nearly every year the artist worked, making it the largest, most comprehensive collection of his portraits in the world.

This visually striking array of portraits spans Smart’s entire career from 1760 to 1811. Presented chronologically, visitors will have the opportunity to see Smart’s progression of style and technique, explore themes of self-presentation, British colonialism, gender roles, and changing fashions of the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Timed to coincide with the final launch of the digital Starr Catalogue of Portrait Miniatures last spring, this exhibition offers a preview of the detailed scholarly revelations to come, shedding new light on John Smart’s life, techniques, and more.

For more information and tickets, visit nelson-atkins.org

Portrait of Andrew Majendie (1 3/8” by 1 1/8”) by John Smart.

FENCING PAINTING DRYWALL CARPENTRY FLOORING

THE DEFINITIVE

BLUEPRINT

OF EXCELLENCE IN KANSAS CITY REAL ES TAT E

From Boardroom to Living Room

Sherry’s corporate career shaped her into the organized, efficient agent she is today. The corporate world honed her communication skills, ability to juggle multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines—all crucial when guiding clients through real estate transactions. No matter what comes up, she’s always one step ahead.

Guided by Empathy

Sherry never forgets that buying or selling a home can be overwhelming. She’s passionate about clear communication, always taking the time to explain the process thoroughly and answer questions thoughtfully. She believes clients deserve empathy at every step: “It’s like a doctor with bedside manner. I don’t ever want to lose that.”

Sherry jump-started her career with 33 training classes before ever taking on a client, but she didn’t stop there. After she was established, she tripled her business by using ReeceNichols training to expand her expertise into acreage, commercial, and new construction. “It changed everything.”

Support and mentorship make all the difference, and Sherry gets both in spades at ReeceNichols. Whether it’s guidance from brokers on complex questions or brainstorming sessions with fellow top producers, she’s always surrounded by people eager to help.

Sherry Lynn Westhues Real Estate Agent

by Judith Fertig

Common Gastrointestinal Issues: How to Protect Your Digestive Health

A CONVERSATION WITH HIROMI MARUYAMA, MD, BOARD-CERTIFIED FAMILY PHYSICIAN

Our gastrointestinal (GI) systems include a group of organs that work together to digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. When a disruption occurs in any part, it can cause discomfort and pain as well as slowing the absorption of what we eat and drink. With GI issues, it’s important to consult a physician to get that system back on track.

Hiromi Maruyama, MD, board-certified family physician, AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Lenexa City Center, explains.

What are the most common gastrointestinal problems you see?

Patients come to our primary care office with various gastrointestinal issues.

ADULT PATIENTS:

1. GERD (gastroesophageal reflex disease) is caused by stomach acid coming up into the esophagus. Patients often complain of heartburn, chronic cough, throat irritation, and regurgitation.

2. Constipation is one of the most common GI problems and is characterized by difficulty in

Hiromi Maruyama, MD

passing stools and/or infrequent bowel movements. It is caused by factors including low-fiber diet, dehydration, medication, various GI diseases, etc.

3. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder with common complaints of abdominal pain, often alleviated after having bowel movements.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:

1. Infectious gastroenteritis is often called “stomach flu,” very common in young children, usually caused by a viral infection.

2. Constipation is also very common. Some children have constipation when they avoid having bowel movements at school.

3. Abdominal colic, particularly in infants, typically presents with abdominal pain and excessive, inconsolable crying. The cause of colic is unknown; it goes away on its own.

4. Less common but more serious, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten in foods. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract.

What lifestyle changes can people make to support their digestive health?

To maintain good gastrointestinal conditions, I emphasize a healthy high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, avoiding triggering or overly processed foods, including fermented foods like yogurt in your diet, avoiding stress and sugary drinks, maintaining a normal weight, getting regular exercise, and keeping up with colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. We recommend average-risk patients start colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

How does AdventHealth help you care for patients and manage chronic conditions?

As primary care physicians, we work hard to keep patients healthy. We educate them about healthy lifestyles and work to coordinate care with dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and gastroenterologists, as needed. Again, I strongly recommend keeping up to date with colorectal cancer screening. Please make sure you schedule an annual physical exam. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss with your primary care physician. AdventHealthKC.com/PrimaryCare

THERE’S MORE BENEATH THE SURFACE

We’ve transformed how we tell the story of WWI while preserving the Memorial you cherish. This summer, from June 1-Sept. 1, locals save on admission and discover all that has changed – and what never will.

Come see the all-new, refreshed National WWI Museum and Memorial with a special $10 combo ticket.*

*Platte, Clay and Jackson in MO and Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson in KS

Sweet dreams

by Patricia O’Dell

Make the Most of the Outdoors

Afew weeks ago, my husband and I were sitting on our deck, which is on the southwest corner of our house.

The dogs use our deck far more than we do, lying on their sides and sunning in the spring and fall, finding any available shade in the summer and having big fun gallivanting in snow in the winter. As we enjoyed a pleasant evening, I thought it would be nice if we were enjoying being outside as much as they were.

“I wish we were out here more,” I said with no plan in mind. Then I had a blindingly brilliant, yet obvious, idea.

“We should screen this in,” I said. “The front porch is open, so that will still be a good spot to sit when it’s pleasant. If we screen this, we’d have livable outdoor space for at least three seasons.”

Ideas like this can be challenging for my husband. His number one priority for disposable income is travel. He doesn’t resent my proposed improvements, which, honestly, arise quite often; he simply doesn’t always agree that they are necessary. (Similarly, I don’t find his travel sug-

gestions annoying, but I can always think of something I’d rather paint, fix, or add.)

He took a slow breath. It wasn’t an exaggerated sigh. He was processing and probably figuring out a way to explain why we couldn’t or shouldn’t do that right now. But what he said instead was, “You’re right.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it makes great sense.”

“You know what else?” I asked.

“What’s that?”

“We could put a TV out here to watch the Chiefs games.”

I don’t know if you’ve ever given a boy a puppy, or a sports jersey with their favorite player’s number, or an old guitar, or the keys to the first car they will drive, but if you have, a look passes over his over face as if the sky has opened and rained gold coins. My husband’s face had that look, but his voice was as even as if he were talking to our banker.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll look into it.”

WASH AND WEAR AND PILE AND WRAP

THREE SEASONS OUTDOORS? YES, YOU CAN

I’M WRITING TO THE SOUND OF HAMMERS AND SAWS NOW. Meanwhile, I’m making sure we have everything else we need as the weather gets chilly. Washable throws will be a godsend. Colder still? An outdoor heater may be the answer. These days, with performance fabric, outdoor furniture can be as comfortable and attractive as your living room sofa.

While I don’t like the idea of having a television in every living space, watching a game or movie outdoors adds something to the experience. Still, some accommodations may need to be made for the weather.

My husband does fast work. If everything goes as planned, we should be ready for the Chiefs season opener.

Tommy Bahama’s Palm Desert Poolside collection is available from Seville Home

Living IN KC

by Patricia O’Dell

Make it Rain

OUTDOOR SHOWERS ARE GREAT FOR QUICK CLEAN UPS

Par t of the dream of adding a pool to our backyard is an outdoor shower. It started as an idea about an arched faucet and two handles—or even one—but as I’ve been clicking around it’s grown to include a wood surround, teak floor, and a shower with hot and cold running water. If there were a removable spout with which to wash the dogs, I’d be in heaven.

The Signature Hardware products shown are available through Ferguson Home. fergusonhome.com

Top left: The sleek Stainless Steel Exposed Outdoor Shower features a brushed finish for a modern look. Bottom left: The Deluxe Outdoor Shower’s showerhead and foot shower allow you to adjust the direction of the water spray. Right: The Alvin Outdoor Stainless Steel Shower Panel features an integrated shower head, bamboo tray, and a hand shower.

I’M A BIG FAN

A GENTLE BREEZE DETERS HEAT AND BUGS

I THINK ANYONE would agree that outdoor spaces can benefit from fans. Overhead, standing, or tabletop fans keep things moving—namely hot air and bugs, two of the worst deterrents to outside fun. Just as you wouldn’t have just any old chair or table on your porch, the look of the fan matters, too. While some tout function over form, I fear this is never a good idea. Eyesores grab attention and do not let go. Fortunately, there are great designs, from utilitarian to extravagant.

Basic-Max outdoor ceiling fan, $268, from Wilson Lighting.

TriAire Custom by Fanimation outdoor ceiling fan, $490, from Wilson Lighting

Minka Aire Gauguin outdoor ceiling fan, $575, from House of Lights

Anthony Hill IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel

by Sergio Garcia

In a time when network TV shows seem to be a nostalgic relic of the past, Grey’s Anatomy just keeps going. The prime-time medical drama, now in its 22nd season, features a character played by a Kansas City native. Anthony Hill grew up in Overland Park, attending Rosehill Elementary and Indian Woods Middle School before graduating from Shawnee Mission South.

Hill graduated from Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship/business management and minored in theater. He returned home the summer after college to earn enough money to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He’s been there ever since. Hill is in his sixth season on Grey’s Anatomy, playing Dr. Winston Ndugu. He shares photos, including of visits to Kansas City to see family, participate in Big Slick, and to see a Kansas City Current game, on Instagram @anthilll.

IN Kansas City caught up with Hill by phone at his home in the Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles, where he chose to live because “It’s the closest thing I could find to a Kansas City neighborhood with dogs running around and people talking to each other.”

What was it like growing up in Johnson County in the 1990s?

It was a beautiful neighborhood. It was an incredible place to grow up. It was peaceful, it was communal. It felt like family. It was a dream neighborhood.

You went to the same elementary school as Paul Rudd. Did you know him growing up?

I did not know Paul at the time. I knew of Paul. He was a superstar. Clueless came out right before I moved to Kansas in 1995, so everybody

photo

knew about Paul Rudd and people were like, “Hey, he’s from here.”

Did you have doubts whether you would be able to make it in Hollywood straight out of college?

Kansas City is not close to Hollywood, so it can be tough to see the avenue of how to make that happen. But watching and seeing people like Paul [Rudd] and Jason Sudeikis when he was popping up on Saturday Night Live, and Rob Riggle and [Eric] Stonestreet—seeing those guys on TV helped me realize it was a possibility. They came from the same neighborhoods that I did, literally.

Why did you get a degree in business entrepreneurship?

Because as an actor you are kind of like your own business. And, I have to tell you, I have loads of ideas for businesses outside of acting that I’m sitting on.

Well now you have to throw one out.

I can’t tell you because then somebody else could take it. But one of them is a clothing line—I can say that because everybody has one.

But yours will be better?

Way better! Just wait, one day you’ll see. [Laughs]

Winston Ndugu, your character on Grey’s Anatomy, is a man of quiet strength. Did you draw from personal experience to portray him, or are there significant differences between you and Winston?

I draw from personal experiences, absolutely. When you’re dealing with a character who is a world-class cardiothoracic surgeon, that comes with a lot of professionalism and expertise and knowledge. I think about the hardships I’ve faced, with sports and injuries. There’s been a lot of... what’s the word for stick-to-it-iveness?

That’s a great word.

Throughout the years, just having to persevere—I draw a lot from that because I think that’s what a doctor would have to experience. There

would be a lot of celebrations and a lot of hard sadness.

As far as differences between us, yes, there’s quite a few. I mean, man, Winston does not communicate very well. I often will read a script and I’ll be like, “OK, this is how not to do things.” He is like a cautionary tale of how, when you don’t communicate properly, issues can arise in your personal relationships.

Still, Winston and Maggie’s love story felt like a refuge from the usual chaos. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about love from them?

Honestly, as a rule of thumb, I try to not take my love cues from Grey’s Anatomy, only because it is so chaotic. It’s relentlessly insane. I have to keep telling myself, “This is purely entertainment.” If you’re taking cues from them, you’re going to have some problems. [Laughs.]

In acting, you have to deal with a lot of rejection. Is there a time when a “No” ended up redirecting you to something better? Absolutely. One was my sports career. I played collegiate NCAA football and I had my eye on the professional athlete path, and it was in dealing with injuries and the hardship of being on the bench that I found acting classes and theater. The first time I did a stand-up monologue in class, I felt like acting was the path I needed to be on.

‘‘It sounds like a cliché, but it genuinely is a dream to be part of something that is that popular worldwide and still loved by a large group of people. I was naïve when I got on the show, thinking not very many people watched it. I could not have been more wrong.”

What’s it like being part of Grey’s Anatomy , which is in its 22nd season at a time when a lot of people say network TV is dead?

It sounds like a cliché, but it genuinely is a dream to be part of something that is that popular worldwide and still loved by a large group of people. I was naïve when I got on the show, thinking not very many people watched it. I could not have been more wrong. Everywhere I go, someone watches the show and wants to let me know what the show means to them. That’s why I chose this profession. We are storytellers, and it’s not lost on me that we are telling stories that matter to some people.

Have you ever done theater outside of college? Not outside of college. I am dying to. I would love to.

Why? What is it appealing to you about being on stage compared to on TV?

It’s terrifying, first of all, and I kind of like that. I don’t know what

Anthony Hill at the 2025 Big Slick Celebrity Softball Game.

the deal is with artists, but we like the scary uncomfortableness of not knowing how something is going to go. I love the instant gratification of the feeling in the room if you have a scene with a partner or just by yourself in a theater—it’s the closest thing to magic I can think of. There is a group feeling that you share with an audience in the room in real time. That just isn’t true for camera acting.

You’ve been in a couple of feature films. Would you like to do something bigger on the big screen?

Yes. I’m always thinking about that. Films have been so important to me, and I think we all have that in common. Films play a pivotal part in our lives. The way films can impact people and culture is unmatched. That seems to be changing more and more these days with the landscape of the industry.

How so?

With streaming and with the quality of television shows just skyrocketing. The level of storytelling is so high you can’t really differentiate the way you used to between TV and film. It’s all kind of mashed up in this incredible art form. It’s not as separate and as frowned upon to do TV, because TV is at the highest level it’s ever been at. The best actors in the world are jumping to TV.

What kind of roles interest you the most, whether you are thinking about theater or feature films or television?

I love the idea of playing a role that has some duality—layered roles that are true to life. Somebody that might appear to be a nice guy who has an underbelly of being a villain. That’s always interesting to me.

‘‘I

just took some friends from the Grey’s Anatomy cast to a Kansas City Current game a couple months ago, and they still talk to me weekly about how much Kansas City felt like a home away from home to them.”

Kansas City seems to leave a strong mark on people that spend very much time here. How does being from Kansas City play out in your daily life in California?

Oh! I think about Kansas City all the time. First of all, I miss weather. I miss the leaves changing. I miss the rain. The smell of rain in Kansas City is nostalgic to me. I don’t get that here. It’s sunny all the time.

But the people of Kansas City are the main thing. That’s why people feel the way they feel when they leave the city, and they want to go back. I just took some friends from the Grey’s Anatomy cast to a Kansas City Current game a couple months ago, and they still talk to me weekly about how much Kansas City felt like a home away from home to them. They felt welcomed immediately, and everybody was so warm and genuine to them. That’s what Kansas City is. It exudes this friendliness that I don’t think people are aware of until they go.

I try my best to carry that same energy in LA and wherever I go, because that’s home to me and it’s important to have that all over.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

A scene from the 21st season of Grey’s Anatomy with (from left to right) Harry Shum Jr., Anthony Hill, Kim Raver, and Jason Winston George.

words by Evan Pagano

2025 Fall Arts Preview MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS

IN KANSAS CITY, IT SEEMS EVERYTHING SPEEDS UP A BIT IN THE FALL—AND, TRIED AND TRUE, THE ARTS EMERGE AS AN ESCAPE FROM IT ALL. THE 2025-2026 ARTS SEASON OFFERS A WEALTH OF CHOICES FOR EVERYONE FROM CONNOISSEURS TO CASUAL CONCERT-GOERS. CONSIDER THIS YOUR HANDY GUIDE.

The Arts Council of Johnson County

The Arts Council of Johnson County awards scholarships, plans inclusive programs, and advocates for a strong arts scene in JoCo. In collaboration with the Lenexa Arts Council, it organizes Place of Peace (Oct. 28-Nov. 30), an exhibition of work by local veterans. (Applications for the exhibition at Lenexa City Hall Art Gallery are open until Aug. 31.) The council is also planning the fall 2025 return of Canvas Collective, a series of art therapy workshops at the Olathe Community Center. Stay in the loop at artsjoco.org

Charlotte Street

Since 1997, Charlotte Street has fueled Kansas City’s arts scene with grants, residencies, and platforms—and keeps on pumping. The multi-artist exhibition Parade, which includes visual and performance art on the subject, runs until Aug. 16. Later this fall, the organization will host two artist markets (Sept. 27 and Nov. 29)and experimental showcases by time-based artists (Aug. 28 and Oct. 30) and the Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society (Nov. 19). Its Crossroads Artboards are set for another makeover, too. Try to keep up at charlottestreet.org.

Float (Cloud Atlas) by Marissa Shell.

Kansas City Artists Coalition

KCAC is an engine for innovation and amplification in the Kansas City visual arts scene. Every year, its galleries host artists from a variety of disciplines. Some of its featured exhibitions for fall include The Origin of Vaqueros by sculptor Melissa Guadalupe Wolf (Sept. 5-26, Snap Space Gallery) and the poppy mixedmedia art of Robert Dohrmann (Dec. 5-25 in the Main Gallery). From Nov. 7-28, the members-only exhibition Art For All will take over both galleries. Visit kansascityartistscoalition.org for a full calendar of events.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

With its fall exhibitions, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is spotlighting two Indigenous artists with unmistakable styles. In the first named exhibition of the season, Shimmer on Horizons (Aug. 29-Feb.15), mixed-media artist Andrea Carlson will reflect on land and the memories it carries. From Nov. 19 to April 19, Raven Halfmoon will bring her grand style of sculpture to the Kemper in an exhibition yet to be named. For more information, head to kemperart.org/exhibitions.

Kansas City Public Library

Beyond the books, Kansas City’s libraries are stacked—pun intended—with tech resources, meeting spaces, and art. At the downtown Central Library, two exhibitions will be on display through Sept. 21 and 28, respectively: Cadejo, a collaboration between twin mixed-media artists Francisco and Fredy Gabuardy; and Time and Place, a collection of figurative drawings and paintings by Melanie Johnson. Later this fall, an exhibit will showcase art by African American Artists Collective members Remy Wharry and Stasi Bobo-Ligon (Oct. 4-Jan. 3). Warming | Warning (Oct. 18-Jan. 10) will collect climate-change focused photography by B.A. Van Sise. Get updates at kclibrary.org/exhibits.

The Museum of Kansas City

This Beaux-Arts beauty in Northeast Kansas City houses a massive collection of artifacts, and the curators put them to use in displays all through Corinthian Hall. Until Feb. 14, you can also enjoy the special exhibition Arrive As A Star. Leave As A Star It chronicles the 50year (and counting!) career of KC drag legend Bruce Winter, aka Melinda Ryder. Items from the museum’s collection, UMKC’s Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America, and Winter’s personal collection tell the story. Get the full rundown at museumofkansascity.org

Cadejo-Todo Vale 1 (Anything Goes 1) a collaborative work by Fredy and Francisco Gabuardy.

Melinda Ryder

TV House Guide by Robert Dohrmann.

Andrea Carlson’s Shimmer on Horizons exhibit.

The National WWI Museum & Memorial

So far in 2025, this Kansas City icon has added two new exhibitions: Encounters, an immersive audiovisual depiction of firsthand accounts of the war, and Iron Harvest, a free exhibit focused on the unexploded artillery that remains on the Western Front. Come Nov. 6, they’ll be joined by Paris at War, which will tell the story of the City of Lights at the turn of the 20th century—and the war that burned through it. Night at the Tower, the museum’s annual fundraising gala, is set for Sept. 27. Learn more at theworldwar.org

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

For certain eyes, there’s no place more mesmerizing than the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. On the first floor, you’ll see everyday items and places miniaturized and rendered in near one-to-one detail; on the second, you’ll find pristine historic toys from a collection of over 65,000. Through Jan. 26, you can experience The Nostalgia Awakens, which features every Star Wars action figure made by Kenner Toys during the toymaker’s 1978-1985 run. Read more at toyandminiaturemuseum.org

Codex Laud (Codex Mictlan)

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

In April, the Nelson selected architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi to design a multi-million-dollar expansion. Construction is a ways off— but Kansas City’s seat of visual art isn’t slowing down in the meantime. The free exhibition More is More (Aug. 2-Jan. 18) will show photography finding its footing in the fine art space in the 1970s. The paid exhibition Painted Worlds (Nov. 1-Feb. 8) will display Indigenous Mesoamerican artists’ skilled use of color and natural materials. See all that’s on view at nelson-atkins.org/art/exhibitions.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nerman turns 18 this fall. Its eye-catching minimalist architecture and dazzling year-round galleries are enough to draw 100,000 visitors every year, but the special exhibitions on view now—Basil Kinkaid’s Positive Obsession (until Oct. 26) and Amy Kligman’s The Salon for Possible Futures (until Dec. 21)—make a 2025 visit essential. Kinkaid’s drawings are at once playful and unnerving, and Kligman’s built environment invites guests to enter and engage with the work. Come December 13, Love & War, a 50-year survey of the work of ceramist Linda Lighton will be on exhibit until May 3. Find more information at nermanmuseum.org/exhibitions.

A photo of unexploded shells by Michael St Maur Sheil is part of the Iron Harvest exhibit.

A Trail of Choices by Basil Kincaid.

PERFORMING ARTS

1900 Building

The stunning 1900 Building in Mission Woods will host events centered on the musical, literary, and culinary arts this fall. First up is the return of singer and flatpicking guitarist Beppe Gambetta (with the multi-talented Hayes Griffin) for a performance of his new album, Terra Madre, on Oct. 15.Jyoti and Auyon Mukharji, authors of the Indian cookbook Heartland Masala, will speak at the 1900 on Nov. 5, and the Literary Series at 1900 (Nov. 14-15) will focus on writing with place at the center. Get the details at 1900bldg.com/all-events.

City in Motion

For 40 years, City in Motion has made contemporary dance more accessible in Kansas City. They do it through education, through public innovation, and through the free Dance in the Park event each year. Attend the 26th annual showcase in Roanoke Park on Sept. 6, and learn more about City in Motion at cityinmotion.org

Bach Aria Soloists

The Bach Aria Soloists—who specialize in classical compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, his contemporaries, and his torchbearers—have stirred Kansas City audiences with powerful vocals and musical accompaniment for 25 seasons. Their 26th season begins on Sept. 13 with a free performance in the Loose Park Rose Garden and ends on April 11 with Our Favorite Things, a collaboration with Kansas City Actors Theater. Get details on these performances, and each one in between, at bachariasoloists.com/upcoming-events

The Coterie Theatre

The Coterie Theatre, a resident of Crown Center, has served young au diences and families for just over 45 years. Its 2025-2026 season launches with A Wrinkle in Time (Sept. 16Oct. 12) before heading outdoors for Electric Poe (Oct. 15-Nov. 2) at Union Cemetery. Elf – The Musical will run from Nov. 11 to Dec. 31 and is geared specifically for young audiences. For the full eight-show schedule, head to thecoterie.org/2025-2026-season

Folly Theater

The Folly’s neon marquee beckons for another season of premium performances in downtown KC. Percussionist Pete Escovedo’s orchestra kicks off the 2025-2026 Folly Jazz Series on Oct. 4, and two Grammy winners—saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (Nov. 1) and vocalist Samara Joy (Nov. 22)—finish out the series’s 2025 lineup. Dramatic offerings include The Mask (Sept. 27) and Dog Man: The Musical (Oct. 25-26). Find the full schedule at follytheater.org/event

Beppe Gambetta and Hayes Griffin.

Dance in the Park

Lakecia Benjamin

Violinist Benjamin Beilman will perform for the Friends of Chamber Music’s Golden Jubilee.

The Friends of Chamber Music

What started in 1975 as a series of concerts in private homes is now a mainstay at Kansas City’s most revered musical venues. This year marks The Friends of Chamber Music’s 50th anniversary, and after a Beethovencentric season preamble on Sept. 14 at the Folly, the company’s Golden Jubilee (Sept. 27 at the Kauffman Center) will feature compositions by Haydn, Schumann, and Mendelssohn. The final performance of 2025 will be a collaborative performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Dec. 9. Dig into the full season at chambermusic.org/concerts-events

Harriman-Jewell Series

Since 1965, the Harriman-Jewell Series has brought the world’s best musicians to Kansas City. In 1973, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti made his American recital debut with the organization, and legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma has performed 11 times under its banner. On Dec. 2 at the Helzberg Hall, make that 12. Other early shows include Terrance Blanchard’s opera Fire in My Bones (Oct. 12) and Trinity Irish Dance Company’s A Very Irish Christmas (Dec. 12). Find the complete series at hjseries.org/2526season

Yo-Yo Ma

Kansas City Actors Theatre

KCAT is celebrating its 21st season as a vital outlet for dramatic arts professionals in Kansas City. The remaining plays, all on Union Station’s City Stage, are rife with tension and invention. Uncle Vanya (Aug. 6-24) is a new translation of Anton Chekhov’s 1899 play; Deathtrap (Sept. 10-28) is a complex thriller that dominated Broadway; and Everybody (March 4-22) is a critically acclaimed modernization of a centuries-old morality play. Learn more at kcactors.org/season-21

Heartland Men’s Chorus

The beloved Heartland Men’s Chorus is entering its 40th season promoting pride, community, and expression in Kansas City. It all starts the first weekend of December with the holiday concert, Our Favorite Things, at Folly Theater. Stay tuned for the rest of the schedule at hmckc.org

Kansas City Ballet

Kansas City Ballet, delighting fans of the art form since 1957, starts its 2025-2026 season dancing to two classic Tchaikovsky compositions, Swan Lake (Oct. 17-26) and The Nutcracker (Nov. 29-Dec. 24), played by the Kansas City Symphony. The season continues with New Moves, a contemporary ballet showcase at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, and concludes May 8-17 with a production of The Great Gatsby. For the full schedule, head to kcballet.org.

Kansas City Ballet dancers Whitney Huell and Elliott Rogers in New Moves Deathtrap

Kansas City Chorale

The Kansas City Chorale is an auditory marvel, with nearly 30 voices creating vibrant soundscapes at venues across KC.

The 2025-2026 season begins with the moving War & Remembrance, first on Oct. 11 in the Nelson-Atkins’s Rozzelle Court, then on Oct. 16 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Then it’s off to a busy December, with five unique holiday performances between Dec. 4 to 16. Keep your eyes out for the full season at kcchorale.org.

Kansas City Symphony

Matthias Pintscher’s sophomore season as music director of the Kansas City Symphony is flush with his signature intimate, modern touches. Seven of the Classical Series concerts begin with a Symphonic Piazza experience, where guests mingle over cocktails and live music. Special events include The Orchestra Games (Sept. 28), a lighthearted showdown of different instruments, and Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience (Sept. 2-3), which features an appearance by the actor himself. Learn more at kcsymphony.org/season.

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

KCJO’s 2025-2026 Signature Series, Timeless, is dedicated to its late co-founder, Eugene C. Hall. The lineup has as much swing as the art form itself, starting with Spotlight: Charlie Parker featuring Lonnie McFadden (Aug. 23) and continuing with a jazzy tribute to the British Invasion (Oct. 11), Lee Langston paying homage to Luther Vandross (March 20), and more through its six-show season. Get the full schedule a kcjo.org

Kansas City Repertory Theatre

KCRep is a heavy hitter in the city’s theater scene, and its upcoming season starts strong with The Color Purple (Sept. 2-21) and a Halloween time run of Dracula (Oct. 14-Nov. 2) before a major event at the midpoint: Gary Neal Johnson’s 25th and final run as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Nov. 22-Dec. 27). See the full schedule—and get season tickets—at kcrep.org/2025-26-season

Kauffman Center Presents

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts hosts Kansas City’s art powerhouses, but through its Kauffman Center Presents series, it brings in artists from across the world. Just this fall, you can enjoy the vocal stylings of Tony-winning singer Sutton Foster (Sept. 11), laugh with the improv legends of Whose Live Anyway? (Oct. 29), and experience scores from the biggest games in Playstation history with Playstation | The Concert (Oct. 30). Visit kauffmancenter.org/kcpresents for the full series lineup.

Gary Neal Johnson as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

photo by nicole bissey

Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B.Davis, and Joel Murray in Whose Live Anyway?

Lee Langston

Pianist George Li will perform Oct. 31 –Nov. 2 as part of the Classical Series.

KC Melting Pot Theatre

KCMPT has been a bastion of Black theater in Kansas City for ten years and counting. Its four-show 11th season commences with ‘Night Mother (Sept. 18-27), a heart-rending examination of family and mental illness. Second up is Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (Dec. 4-13) reinterpreted with the Black struggle at the center. For the full slate, head to kcmeltingpot.com

The Living Room Theatre

After a multi-year hiatus, The Living Room Theatre is returning to Kansas City’s dramatic arts scene with a show it premiered in 2017: Milking Christmas. The musical comedy will run Dec. 3-28 at Music Theater Heritage in Crown Center. Stay tuned to thelivingroomkc.com to learn what’s next for the returning theater company.

Lyric Opera KC

Before the Lyric’s 2025-2026 season officially begins on Sept. 27 with Cinderella, you can hear the opera’s four resident artists sing the national anthem before the Royals game on Sept. 21. Other performances include the Italian opera Madame Butterfly (Nov. 14-16), the trailblazing Porgy and Bess, and Carlisle Floyd’s operatic adaptation of Of Mice and Men (May 1-3). Get all the details at kcopera.org.

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

The resilient MET returns home to the Warwick Theatre after the February 2024 fire dispersed their shows to other venues—but never fully stopped the show. The company’s 21st season starts off with two gripping royal dramas: Mother’s Daughter (Sept. 12-21) and A Man for All Seasons (Jan. 16-25). It finishes out with Silent Sky (Feb. 27-March 8) and The Shawshank Redemption (April 17-26), both tales of collaboration and determination. Learn more at metkc.org.

Midwest Trust Center

Johnson County Community College’s Mid west Trust Center has earned its reputation for a wide-ranging entertainment schedule. High lights of its 2025-2026 season include Witcher in Concert (Sept. 11), Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular (Oct. 10), Col lage Dance Collective’s mixed repertory featuring Their Eyes Were Watching God and Rise (Nov. 14), and Cirque Mechanics’ Tilt! (Nov. 7). Read the full 30-plus-show lineup at jccc.edu/mtc

Music Theater Heritage

Music Theater Heritage, one of Crown Center’s two in-house performing arts companies, packs its schedule with musical showcases. Two hot-ticket musicals remain this fall—Cats (Aug. 7-31) and Rent (Oct. 2-26)—and then MTH resumes in 2026 with a seven-musical lineup that includes a locally produced world premiere, Moby Dick: a Sea Shanty (March 26-April 19). The Ruby Room concert series runs year round, with tributes to Dione Warwick and Lionel Richie (Sept. 11-15), James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett (Nov. 6-10), and Christmas (Dec. 1423)left in ’25. Get the details at musictheaterheritage.com

Owen/Cox Dance Group

The only thing predictable about the Owen/ Cox Dance Group is its schedule. Its 20252026 includes two old-favorite showcases— the free Creative Intersections in the Hyde Park Butterfly Garden Aug. 8-9 and the multi-company New Dance Partners at the Midwest Trust Center Sept. 19-20—but also at least six world premieres. For information on this contemporary dance group’s full season, head to owencoxdance.org

Milking Christmas

Porgy and Bess

photo by kenny johnson

Collage Dance Collective

Park University International Center for Music

With its faculty, alumni, students, and special guests, Park ICM brings worldclass classical music to Kansas City. The 2025-2026 season has 11 concerts on the schedule, including five this fall. It starts with the passionate playing of Molly Carr (viola) and Anna Petrova (piano) on Sept. 5, then continues with performances by the Park ICM Chamber Orchestra (Oct. 3), Israeli violinist Shmuel Ashkenasi (Oct. 23), Stanislav Ioudenitch’s ICM Piano Studio (Nov. 13), and the Park ICM Orchestra (Dec. 5) before a year-end break. Stay tuned for the full schedule at icm.park.edu/events-performances

PNC Broadway in Kansas City

Of the nine touring shows that make up PNC Broadway in Kansas City’s 20252026 season, five are KC premieres. After The Book of Mormon (Sept. 1621)and Beauty and the Beast (Oct. 28Nov. 2) kick off fall, KC gets its first taste of the pop-filled & Juliet (Nov. 18-23), which follows Shakespeare’s tragic leading lady in a world where she didn’t end it all. The season resumes Jan. 20-25 with Kimberly Akimbo, a quintuple Tony winner. See the full schedule at americantheatreguild. com/kansascity.

Theatre in the Park

After its summer run in Shawnee Mission Park, Theatre in the Park will close out its 2025 season in Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center’s black box theater. The Mel Brooks musical comedy Young Frankenstein (suited for ages 16 and up) runs Oct. 3-19, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (suited for all) runs from Dec. 6-23.

Starlight Theatre

Everything feels bigger under the stars at Swope Park. Kansas City’s premier outdoor theater is set to conclude its 75th season with two spectacles fitting of the milestone: Disney’s Frozen (Aug. 5-10) and Life of Pi (Sept. 16-21). Appropriate for childeren ages 5-9 but enjoyed by everyone, Sugar Skull! A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure plays Oct. 25. Get the details at kcstarlight.com.

UMKC Conservatory

Fall at the UMKC Conservatory—which teaches music, dance, and theater—is as packed as, well, a college curriculum. A handful of highlights: the KC Sinfonietta Showcase on Aug. 12; oboist Alyssa Morris’s recital and master class on Sept. 9; a fall dance concert from Oct. 24 to 26; and a multi-day music event we’re especially excited about, Octubafest, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. Theater performances will be announced as the semester advances. See the growing calendar at calendar.umkc.edu/conservatory.

Unicorn Theatre

In 2024, the Unicorn passed a half-century of performances in Kansas City, and it’s not stopping to rest. The 2025-2026 season includes three world premieres, including the tantalizingly meta Magic Valley Community Theatre’s Little Women (Nov. 12-Dec. 7), which follows the cast of a small-town play on a chaotic closing night. Other highlights include The JonBenét Game, a thriller set for the heart of Halloween season (Oct. 15-Nov. 2), and Casey & Diana (Jan. 28-Feb. 15), directed by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Sidonie Garrett. To learn more, head to unicorntheatre.org

Anna Petrova and Molly Carr

Beauty and the Beast

Life of Pi

Pasta from Scratch

HANDMADE PASTA HAS EARNED ITS PLACE ON KANSAS CITY MENUS

words by Jenny Vergara

Over the last decade, handmade pasta has gone from rustic rarity to restaurant staple. In the past few years, chefs across the country and here in Kansas City have embraced pasta-making as a form of craftsmanship, giving fresh, house-made noodles a place on their modern menus. While diners might marvel at a silky pappardelle or a delicately stuffed agnolotti, chefs know the labor and intention behind these plates. For some, it’s a way to show off their technique; for others, pasta is a comforting dish to enhance with seasonal ingredients. Three main pasta-making techniques—hand-rolled, filled, and extruded—tell a unique story about how professional kitchens are blending Italian tradition with innovation.

HAND-ROLLED PASTA: THE ART OF THE SHEET

Perhaps the most romanticized of all techniques, hand-rolled pasta connects chefs to centuries-old Italian tradition. Using wooden dowels or pasta rollers, chefs stretch sheets of dough until they’re paper thin, ready to be sliced into tagliatelle, pappardelle, or delicate fettuccine. The return of hand-rolled pasta has

signaled a renewed appreciation for touch, texture, and time.

Here in Kansas City, chefs at restaurants like Farina and Acre have elevated hand-rolled ribbons and larger kerchief-like floppy squares of pasta into works of edible art. These pastas are often made from egg-rich doughs, kneaded and rested before being rolled into shape or coaxed into sheets and then cut. It’s labor intensive, and it takes a practiced eye, but the result is a silky texture with just the right chew, nothing a box of dried pasta could ever replicate.

“Fresh pasta is so satisfying to make. We roll it every day at the restaurant. It looks easy until you do it,” says Andrew Longres, the chef and owner of Acre in Parkville. “For a chef, it’s also a blank canvas, a vessel for many different flavors. There are over 600 different pasta shapes in the world, and thousands of combinations of sauces to pair it with.”

FILLED PASTA: THE CHEF’S PLAYGROUND

Filled pastas, like ravioli, agnolotti, and tortellini, represent the most expressive form of pasta making, where the creativity of a chef meets the precision of a craftsman. These bite-sized parcels have exploded in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of tasting menus and small-plate formats. They’re also a vehicle for hyper-seasonal ingredients—for instance, spring peas and ricotta, sweet corn and mascarpone, or braised short rib and brown butter.

Restaurants like Lazia helped define this moment in Kansas City’s pasta scene. Their chefs often treat filled pasta as a canvas, using it to showcase house-cured meats, farmers-market finds, or deeply personal flavor combinations. The process—rolling dough, piping fillings, sealing by hand—requires finesse and speed, often done by a dedicated pasta cook who’s more sculptor than line cook.

“At Lazia, we serve culurgiones, a handmade Sardinian braidedand-filled pasta shape. I have always loved this shape, as it is fairly technical to do, and not often seen in restaurants due the time it takes to make and the repetitive folding skills that are required,” says the executive chef, Aaron Wells-Morgan. “It’s also a great vessel for other ingredients, because you can fill it with whatever you want.”

EXTRUDED PASTA: TRADITION MEETS TECH

Extrusion, the process of forcing dough through bronze dies to shape it into noodles like rigatoni, bucatini, or fusilli, once belonged to industrial pasta factories. But recently, high-end pasta extruders have become a coveted kitchen tool, allowing chefs to create house-made versions of shapes previously left to boxed brands.

At spots like Zero Zero Handmade Pasta, extruded pasta has been embraced for its consistency and versatility. Unlike egg doughs, extruded pasta often uses just semolina and water, yielding a sturdier noodle ideal for heartier dishes.

“Fresh pasta is the foundation of our menu at Zero Zero Pasta,” says the owner and executive chef, Mitch Fagan. “It’s not just something we serve with a sauce, it’s the main event. We think pasta should have flavor and texture of its own, so we start with really high-quality

flour from Marion Milling here in Kansas City. All of our pasta is fresh extruded, not dried, and we use bronze dies to shape it, which gives the pasta a rougher surface that holds onto sauce better. It also lets us achieve the exact texture we want while keeping more of the grain’s natural flavor. It’s more delicate and perishable than dried pasta, but that’s part of its beauty.”

Together, these three pasta techniques have redefined what it means to serve fresh pasta in a restaurant setting. No longer an afterthought, handmade pasta in Kansas City today is a declaration—of skill, of creativity, and of respect for the craft. From three humble ingredients—flour, water, and perhaps eggs—it creates a meal that diners have come to delight in.

Acre | acrekc.com

Andrew Longres has a brand-new pasta dish at Acre that simply screams summertime. The goat cheese agnolotti is filled with Gold Bar squash and topped with marinated cherry and Sungold tomatoes, garden herbs, and edible flowers. The dish is vegetarian, and Acre will offer some iteration of this filled, fresh pasta throughout the summer months for guests to enjoy.

Acre

The

Antler Room | theantlerroomkc.com

Even with their Japanese concept, Anjin, now open, the chef Nick Goellner and his wife and partner, Leslie, have not skipped a beat at their original restaurant, The Antler Room. Fresh to the menu is the texturally interesting radiatore, an extruded pasta that’s tossed with sweet crab meat, rich lardo, corn dashi, chopped green tomato, breadcrumbs, and finished with shio koji butter.

Bacaro Primo | bacaroprimo.com

The place for pasta in the Crestwood Shops is Bacaro Primo, owned by Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl. The culinary team spends extra time making fresh, green-hued dough from scratch for their mandilli pasta, which resemble draped silk handkerchiefs. The delicate pasta is tossed with a basil pesto sauce, fresh sheep’s-milk cheese from Green Dirt Farm, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachio nuts for their Madilli Verde.

Bar Medici | barmedici.com

An intimate dining and drinking experience awaits at Bar Medici, so make reservations to ensure your seat is saved at this luxe little spot in

the Crossroads Arts District. The culinary director, Mitch Fetterling, leads a team of chefs in preparing some truly delicious pasta dishes, none more so than the handmade crab spaghetti, which is tossed with a creamy crab bisque and topped with chopped scallion and Aleppo pepper, then dusted with pecorino Romano cheese.

Bella Napoli | kcbellanapoli.com

A popular Brookside spot for pasta, Jake Imperiale’s Bella Napoli has a loyal fan base that flocks in for good wine, great Italian food, and Italian pantry staples. With a casual and cozy dining room and a nice outdoor patio, this is the spot to dig into the tagliatelle Bolognese, made with fresh, extruded tagliatelle pasta and topped with a rich meat sauce of ground beef, ground pork, tomato sauce, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Café Provence | cafeprovencekc.com

For more than 20 years, the Quillec family has been dazzling guests with a fantastic array of French dishes and desserts. Handmade pasta often plays an important seasonal role on their menu, and right now the gnocchi petit pois, a French dish featuring fresh peas, is the dish

The Antler Room

Bacaro Primo

Bar Medici

Bella Napoli

to order. Handmade gnocchi are swirled in a pan with a tarragon pea velouté, asparagus, Comté cheese, and a handful of oyster mushrooms.

Corvino Supper Club | corvino.com

The distinctive square shape of the handmade corn agnolotti pasta from Michael and Christina Corvino’s modern American restaurant, Corvino Supper Club, located in the Crossroads, looks too perfect to be true. The petite squares are filled with creamy ricotta cheese, then topped with a sauce of local morel mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, and a dollop of briny lobster butter for the win.

Cupini’s | cupinis.com

A pasta institution in Midtown for 22 years, Cupini’s is famous for the handmade pastas that they spin into tasty dishes and serve at their pasta shop and restaurant located on Westport Road. Consistently ranked among Kansas City’s top pasta spots, look to them for everything from large sheet pasta to ribbons of fettucine to filled pastas and everything in between. Dining in? Get their house-made lasagna, crafted from layers of fresh pasta sheets, lean ground beef, Parmesan

cheese, and white cream and marinara sauces.

Farina | farinakc.com

Michael and Nancy Smith’s Crossroads restaurant for modern Italian cuisine, Farina, which translates to “flour,” clearly has a strong focus on their fresh pasta program. Look to them to savor a wide variety of handmade fresh pasta dishes that change seasonally. Right now, the spinach handkerchief pasta should be calling your name. The dish features large, green pasta squares tossed with basil pesto, topped with a dollop of fresh tomato pomodoro sauce, and grated grana Pandano cheese.

Fox and Pearl | foxandpearlkc.com

As the owner and chef of Fox and Pearl, Vaughn Good has found pasta to be an invaluable part of his and his partner, Kristine Hull’s, farm-to-table ethos at Fox and Pearl. It allows him to present the season on the plate with a combination of the farm-fresh ingredients available now, while also highlighting the ingredients he has preserved or pickled. His spinach tagliatelle is cut in long, flat ribbons and tossed with butter, asparagus, and pickled garlic scape, all dusted with Spanish Manchego cheese.

Corvino Supper Club

Cupini’s

Café Provence

Fox and Pearl Farina

Lazia | crossroadshotelkc.com/lazia-restaurant

It has taken three years, but Lazia is ready for its close-up, thanks to the talented and guiding hand of the chef, Aaron Wells-Morgan, and his team. They’re responsible not only for the food served at Lazia, located inside the Crossroads Hotel, but its rooftop bar Percheron and lobby bar XR.

With a menu filled with creative primi pasta courses, try the radiatori, an extruded pasta with ridges designed to collect the sweet corn cacio e pepe crema topped with stracciatella cheese from Liuzzi creamery in Hamden, Connecticut, and just a touch of 15-year-aged balsamic vinegar.

Lidia’s Kansas City | lidias-kc.com

With its soaring ceilings, hand-blown glass chandelier, and sassy cocktail bar, Lidia’s Kansas City doesn’t show its 27 years as an Italian staple in Kansas City. The executive chef, Cody Hogan, is still doing things Lidia’s way. That includes making fresh pasta for their popular Bolognese dish, made with house-made fettuccine noodles tossed in a Bolognese ragu sauce—chopped onions, carrots, and celery simmered for hours with ground beef and pork, red wine, and San Marzano tomatoes.

Novel | novelkc.com

There are so many creative and interesting handmade pasta dishes on the menu at chef Ryan Brazeal and his wife and pastry chef partner, Jessica Armstrong’s, Crossroads restaurant, Novel, that it can be hard to choose

just one. So, go for two. Get the lobster ravioli with Maine lobster, saffron, and compressed celery, and also order the ramen noodles with rock shrimp, yuzu-miso broth, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and hijiki seaweed.

Osteria Bianchi | osteriabianchi.com

Osteria Bianchi’s hand-rolled and filled pasta, veal casoncelli, looks like a folded envelope with an indention made on either side of the filling. The owner and chef, Josh Bianchi, has come to rely on the pasta skills he honed at restaurants in Las Vegas before applying them to the restaurant he now co-owns in Liberty with his wife and fellow chef, Kelly. The pasta is filled with a well-seasoned veal and vegetable mixture that’s tossed with pieces of salt-cured pork, or guanciale, in brown butter and thyme.

Pasta Per Favore | pastaperfavore.com

When the chef Joe Birch closed Avenues Bistro in Brookside, he opened his remote catering kitchen, Pasta Per Favore, which means “Pasta, please!” Fans can order online and pick up a rotating variety of handmade pasta entrees, salads, and desserts at his kitchen location. Located at the Lamar Avenue exit off I-35, Pasta Per Favore is the perfect way to feed your family fresh pasta in a flash. Order the bestseller, spaghetti and meat sauce, made from a Bolognese of ground beef, pork, sausage, and a San Marzano tomato sauce with herbs, butter, and cream that is slow-cooked for four hours.

Lidia’s Kansas City

Lazia

Pasta Per Favore Novel

Osteria Bianchi

Room 39 | rm39.com

Celebrating 21 years in business on West 39th Street’s restaurant row, the chef and owner, Ted Habiger’s, original Room 39 location has always offered a handmade pasta or two, if only to highlight the seasonal produce from local farmers. Their goat-cheese gnocchi has been on the menu since almost day one. Light and pillowy, made with local goat cheese, it’s served with mushrooms, shallots, and nettles in a whitecream sauce and pecorino Romano cheese.

Simon’s Pasta | simonspastaks.com

After moving to Kansas City about eight years ago, the chef Simon Soeun, who trained as a chef in Paris and most recently worked as the head chef at Aioxis in Leawood, has opened his very own pasta place in Shawnee. Simon’s Pasta is tucked away in the middle of a strip center, but his drive-through location allows for handmade pasta to be picked up quickly, and on the table even faster. Along with comforting favorites like Bolognese and stroganoff, the bestseller is the homemade chicken alfredo, tossed with fettuccine noodles that are made fresh daily.

The Town Company | hotelkc.com/dine/the-town-company

As the menu at the Town Company—led by the executive chef, Johnny Leach, and his wife and pastry chef, Helen Jo—continue to

evolve, so too does their fresh pasta program. Try the cappellacci, or nun’s hats pasta, named for its distinctive shape. Currently, the pasta is stuffed with fresh peas, nettle, and mint. Don’t forget to order the hot rolls along with your pasta for a true carb-lovers meal you won’t soon forget.

Trezo Mare | trezomare.com

It’s hard not to crave the comforting simplicity of a carbonara, and at Trezo Mare, the executive chef, Robert Padilla, makes his with an extruded bucatini pasta. His version of the dish starts with his housemade bucatini, which is then combined with tender pieces of woodfired chicken, smoky bacon, fresh peas, and creamy chicken jus. The dish is topped with egg yolk and black pepper. Simply stir to combine all of the ingredients, and enjoy.

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta | zerozeropastakc.com

While pasta is all they do at Zero Zero Handmade Pasta, when you do it as well as Mitch Fagan and his culinary team, it’s all you need to do. Mitch and his partner, Leah Steinberg, have opened their pasta shop for lunch and dinner, and with room for only 24 seats inside and out, reservations are a must. The pasta dishes change weekly, so get whatever they’re serving, because it’s all made from local Marion Milling flour, which has a nutty flavor and great al dente texture.

Room 39

Simon’s Pasta

The Town Company

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta

Trazo Mare

On the Porch

OUR SUMMERTIME LIVING ROOMS

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Sadie, the couple’s newly adopted beagle, smiles from her perch on the porch. Shells Elmore has collected are displayed on a tray and in the framed art above. “But not on a beach, they’ve been collected at estate sales,” she confesses.

TRADITIONAL

Lorraine Elmore took one look at the screened-in side porch when she and her husband, Leigh, toured the house for possible purchase almost 30 years ago and said “Sold.” The traditional Colonial home’s porch is framed by classic columns and simple fretwork, with a view toward the garden the couple has lovingly created and maintained over the years.

The pale, haint blue-hued ceiling is a traditional Southern design element, rumored to prevent wasps from nesting on a porch because it’s the color of the sky. Of the vintage wicker that populates the porch, Elmore says she “purchased the couch and a chair from a friend, and found the other at an estate sale. It came together over time.”

“We like to spend as much time there as possible,” she says. It’s served many purposes, entertaining friends and neighbors, and even for a couple of years—when fuzzy caterpillars were numerous—as a Monarch butterfly hatchery. “Kids in the neighborhood went nuts for that,” she says with a laugh.

“But the absolutely best thing about the porch is sitting out there when it’s raining,” Elmore says.

Antique birdcages float above the seating area. A pair of vintage green painted-metal lawn chairs flank a wicker basket that doubles as a table and storage.

The view toward the garden.

CONTEMPORARY

When Ellen and Phil Algrim built their Prairie Village home six years ago, they knew a screened-in porch was a requirement. “We’ve always had screened-in porches in every house we’ve owned,” says Ellen Algrim. “I grew up in homes with screened-in porches; it’s a must have.”

As long as the weather is good, it’s the main gathering place for the family. It’s a cozy hangout for the Algrims’ three kids, and they entertain there frequently. “The wood-burning fireplace is important to us,” Algrim says. With the fireplace, it’s a room that can be used in all but the coldest days of winter. The porch takes full advantage of the views toward the shady back-

yard and garden. A comfy, low-profile sectional that wraps around the room makes sure the views are front and center, while still a great place to curl up with a good book.

“We’re a screened-in porch family,” Algrim says. And what a delightful space for the family to come home to.

Above: The view toward the backyard. Below: What at first glance appears to be a modern painting is actually a section of former basketball-court floor from the Allen Fieldhouse. Phil Algrim built the frame.

Above: A pair of vintage wicker stools and a Restoration Hardware all-weather wicker sectional upholstered in Perennials performance fabric wrap around a rustic wood coffee table. Junior, the family’s Aussiedoodle, sits on a vintage Moroccan rug. His best friend and next-door neighbor, Blue, poses on the sectional.

Spotlight KC ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Don’t miss the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s 2025 Heart of America Hotdog Festival!

Tour Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site

See what work was like for mill owners & textile workers in the late 1800s at the last fully equipped mill in the U.S. from that century.

Follow

Disney’s Frozen at Starlight — August 5–10

Disney’s Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, & finding the real meaning of true love. Tickets at kcstarlight.com.

Art Westport

Kansas City’s longest-running art show featuring exclusively local artists in the historic Westport district!

Helplocal families!

Sunday October 5, 2025 | KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District

Together with Honorary Chairs

Roberta Dierks & Jeffrey Gelvin and Event Chairs Meghan & Brian Gatoff and Molly & Daniel Reardon, we invite you to enjoy an unforgettable evening.

All attendees will enjoy:

The best of KC’s downtown dining

Open bars

Interactive games

Complimentary parking

And MUCH MORE!

Presented by

Thank you to our top Glow Getters!

$20,000

The Jeffrey Gelvin Family & Roberta Dierks Family

$15,000

Herb & Bonnie Buchbinder | The Mallin Family

$10,000

Roderick J. and JoAnne Cyr Foundation

Sue Bernstein & Paul Denzer

$5,000

Carol & Tom Barnett | Dr. Janis M. Steinbrecher

Teresa & Tom Walsh

(Auction/Raffle Sponsor)

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Jr. Donor Advisory Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City

$2,500

AdventHealth

Arvest Bank Bank of America

BOK Financial

David Brown & Donna Sperry

Commerce Bank

Country Club Bank

Anne Darke

Diane Davidner

Enterprise Bank & Trust

Jay & Janet Frankenberg

Dr. Pam & Tom Harris

Husch Blackwell LLP

Insurance Pros, Inc.

Kansas City Structural Steel Knapstein Design

Pamela Puppe

Karla and Tom Raupp

Reese Family

Schorgl Charitable Fund

SEGRA

Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Summit CPA

Walker Medical Linen Service

David Wiley

Steve & Wanda Wilkinson

As of 7/10/2025

From left to right: Brian & Meghan Gatoff, Daniel & Molly Reardon, Jeffrey Gelvin & Roberta Dierks. Photograph by Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio.

by Jenny Vergara

Reservation for One THE UPPER CUT KC

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Although she was raised in Kansas City, Mariah Kinkade spent every weekend in the country on her family’s farm in Kearney, Missouri. The 30-year-old owner of The Upper Cut KC comes from a long line of cattle ranchers—she represents the sixth generation. You can hear the pride in her voice when she talks about the family business as the sole owner of a butcher shop and sandwich stop in Liberty. There, she sells beef from her family’s farm, along with pork, chicken, lamb, bison, turkey, and seafood, plus house-made jerky, meat sticks, sausages, and hot dogs.

Growing up around animals and agriculture, Kinkade was active in Future Farmers of America in high school, which is when she first remembers hearing her family dream out loud about one day opening a retail shop to sell their beef directly to the community. At the time, she

didn’t think much of it—it was just dinner table talk. She went on to attend Kansas State University, earning a degree in business and agriculture. Initially, she thought she might become a veterinarian, but after graduating and weighing the prospect of four more years of vet school, she returned home with something else in mind: a business plan to open that very butcher shop her family once dreamed about.

On their farm, Kinkade raises premium Akaushi (pronounced ahka-OO-shee) cattle, a Japanese breed known as one of the four Wagyu beef varieties. Often called Japanese Red or the Emperor’s Breed, Akaushi didn’t exist in the U.S. until the 1990s. It's prized for its high marbling, buttery texture, and rich, meaty flavor. Because her family controls the full life cycle of each animal from birth to butcher, she’s able to offer this high-quality beef at prices lower than most. The beef is all-natural, raised on green pasture, and finished on non-GMO silage

The Million Dollar Burger has two Akaushi patties, cheese, and caramelized onions on a toasted brioche bun and is served with two onion rings. The Upper Cut KC has a variety of sides available, including Smoky Bacon Potato Salad, sugar vinegar coleslaw, and Cheesy Corn.

with no antibiotics, hormones, or enhancing products of any kind. She dry-ages her beef for at least 21 days, often longer, to intensify its flavor.

It’s just one of the reasons she encourages customers to preorder from the Upper Cut KC website. With many cuts planned up to three years in advance, preordering guarantees availability. Of course, walkins are welcome—you’ll simply shop from what’s fresh that day or stocked in the freezer. “If you know what you want,” she says, “just order it ahead, and we’ll have it ready when you get here.”

Kinkade opened The Upper Cut KC in 2015 at just 21 years old with two employees. Today, nearly a decade later, she has 25 team members and recently moved into a brand-new, 4,500-square-foot space in Liberty that includes indoor seating, perfect for enjoying the towering, Instagram-famous sandwiches she began offering during the pandemic. “I wanted people to taste the meat before they committed to taking it home,” she explains.

I first discovered Kinkade through Instagram. Curious to support a woman-owned butcher shop, I made the drive to Liberty and kept going back. What started as a one-time visit quickly turned into a monthly ritual. The quality of the meat, the exceptional customer service, and the mission behind her business make it well worth the drive.

One visit, we went in for steaks and walked out

BBQ Fries

Flavor IN KC

with thick-cut Akaushi rib eyes that practically melted on the grill. Another time, I asked for St. Louis-style pork steaks, which are usually pre-cut in Kansas City. The butcher asked, “How thick do you want them?” and wrapped them exactly how I liked, two per package. That’s when I became a lifelong fan.

As Kinkade began posting her gravity-defying sandwich creations, I knew I had to try one. Built with cuts from her butcher case, each sandwich is stacked high on fresh, locally baked bread and topped with produce and condiments from area farms. They’re hearty, indulgent, and engineered for serious appetites. On my most recent visit, I stayed for lunch after restocking our freezer. Seating in the new space is plentiful, and the menu is impressive.

Each week brings a new sandwich special. Week one: tradition-

al East Coast-style lobster rolls. Week two: a massive, breaded pork tenderloin. Week three: tacos. Week four: sliders or a steak sandwich. Alongside these specials is a regular menu of about 20 sandwiches, burgers, and brats, all available to enjoy in-house or replicate at home with meat from the butcher counter.

Fan favorites include the Smoky Turkey, featuring oven-roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese, Akaushi prime brisket, smoked jalapeños, red onions, and house white sauce on a grilled hoagie. Then there’s the KC Chiefsteak, Kinkade's take on the classic Philly cheesesteak, that’s loaded with grilled Akaushi beef, provolone, or beer cheese—or both—and smothered in sautéed peppers and onions.

On my last visit, I ordered the Prime Time, a jaw-dropping sandwich made with thin-shaved, slow-smoked Akaushi prime rib, provolo-

Top left: The Upper Cut KC sells a variety of rubs and seasonings. Top right: Crispy waffle fries are the perfect side. Bottom left: The Smoky Turkey sandwich features oven-roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese, and Akaushi prime brisket on a grilled hoagie. Bottom right: The new location in Liberty includes indoor seating.

ne, and garlic aioli, served with beefy rosemary au jus. It came nestled in a to-go box, even for dine-in, because trust me, you’ll need one.

To further connect with her customers, Kinkade now hosts quarterly farm-to-table dinners on her family’s property in Kearney. Guests gather in an air-conditioned outbuilding for a six-course feast prepared by guest chefs and served family-style. The Upper Cut team works alongside the chef, and even provides valet service for the evening. The events are a celebration of her customers and a showcase for lesser-known butcher’s cuts. The only way to snag a ticket is by following The Upper Cut KC on social media or subscribing to the email list; seats typically sell out within hours.

At a recent dinner I attended, the chef Craig Carter, a Chopped alum and world-champion pitmaster, wowed the crowd with a menu centered on live-fire cooking. That night’s menu included lemon-blueberry bread, a wedge salad with beef bacon, and shrimp ceviche with wonton chips. A brown sugar bourbon-glazed bone-in pork chop followed, served with charred pineapple rice. The main event: a tomahawk Akaushi rib eye, served with chimichurri, potatoes au gratin, and green beans in a warm bacon vinaigrette. For dessert, Kinkade herself served grilled peach pound cake with bourbon mascarpone and caramel drizzle.

Gathered around the table with the regulars, you could feel the admiration and love they have for Kinkade and her team. In a male-dominated industry, she’s carved out something rare and special, not just a butcher shop, but a full-bodied experience rooted in family, heritage, hospitality, and darn good beef. theuppercutkc.com

Hearty layers of thin-shaved, slow-smoked Akaushi prime rib, provolone, and garlic aioli comprise the Prime Time sandwich, which is accompanied with a beefy rosemary au jus.

In the past, restaurants typically focused on serving food and drink for one particular part of the day, or maybe two, unless they were open 24 hours. Now, with the advent of spots that serve coffee by day and cocktails by night, there’s a new way to play the hospitality game.

Amante Domingo, owner of The Russell and Noka, has opened Le Champion in the heart of Westport. It’s a space that is ready to play day or night, with nothing more than a menu, a music change, and a dimmer switch on the lights.

But that’s an oversimplification of the small changes that made a big difference to the former Çava champagne bar location. Inside, the walls have been painted a cool crisp white, contrasted by goldenrod-hued velvet curtains and two large paintings of boxers who appear to be ready to go a few rounds.

There are vintage pennants, sports memorabilia, lockers, and trophies on display and vintage lamps overhead. The repositioning of a structural beam now gives those working behind the bar some much needed room to move, and it adds to the airy feel. The red brick outdoor patio has been outfitted with black-and-white, French-inspired café tables and chairs. It feels familiar and yet brand new.

by Jenny Vergara photo by Amante Domingo

In Your Cocktail LE CHAMPION

In the morning, guests are greeted at the door, where they can order and pay at the host stand for their preferred caffeinated beverage crafted with an organic coffee blend from the nearby Broadway Roasting Co. Guests can choose from a slice of the quiche of the day, a breakfast burrito, or a fresh pastry made by restaurateur Heather White’s bakery team at Tailleur and Cheval. You can sit anywhere you like, and your order will be brought to your table.

As happy hour rolls around at about 5 p.m., the lights lower and the music picks up the pace. It’s now time to put the laptop away and party. The restaurant moves to table service in the evenings, and the food menu leans on a mix of French and American snacks and sandwiches, including mini lobster rolls, charcuterie platters, beef bourguignon-filled cro-

Trophy Wife

quettes and steak sliders with frites on the side.

The drink menu flips over, too, offering a fine list of cocktails, beer, and wine with an emphasis on champagne. In fact, Domingo considered naming his space Le Champs, short for champagne, but decided to lean into the sports theme to give the coffee and cocktail bar a sporty personality all of its own.

He and his team clearly had fun putting both the food and drink menus together that takes one from sunup to sundown, but they do have a favorite cocktail to recommend. The Trophy Wife is a loose riff on a classic Corpse Revive No. 2 cocktail that typically consists of gin, an aperitif, triple sec, lemon, and absinthe.

“I wanted to imagine a lighter, more feminine take on a classic cocktail that I could see people enjoying in the heat of summer. It’s lovingly named Trophy Wife, and I think it's the most playful cocktail on the menu, perfect for enjoying on the patio,” says the creator, Jolene Foster, a member of Domingo’s restaurant team.

From Le Champion’s patio to yours this summer. Cheers! lechampionkc.com

Trophy Wife

1.5 ounces Tom’s Town Garden Party gin

.5 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur

.25 ounce Lillet Blanc

.5 ounce fresh lemon juice

.25 ounce simple syrup (1 to 1 ratio water to sugar)

Raw coconut water king cube* and limoncello foam**

Pour Tom’s Town Garden Party gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and simple syrup into an iced shaker tin and shake for several minutes. Place a single coconut water king cube into rocks glass, strain the cocktail over the cube, and top with spoonful of limoncello foam.

*COCONUT WATER KING CUBE

You can use regular ice, but the hint of salinity offered from coconut ice, as well as the beautiful pink hue, is what makes it worth doing. Just pour raw coconut water into ice mold of your choice, and freeze for at least 6 hours prior.

**LIMONCELLO FOAM

1.5 ounces limoncello liqueur

1.5 ounces aquafaba or egg white

Combine in a shaker and shake until stabilized (about 3 mins).

You will no longer hear liquid "sloshing" noise when it’s done. Le Champion uses a ratio of 2:1 liqueur and aquafaba or garbanzo bean juice with a pinch of stabilizer to make the foams vegan friendly. The same can be achieved with an egg-white shake if you prefer.

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905

Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900

Building

by Jenny Vergara

BRIT BOY STREET FOOD

CHRIS THOMAS is a former college footballer (or soccer player) who hails from Yorkshire, England. He first started cooking for himself when he moved to the United States from the United Kingdom for a soccer scholarship in 2007. Missing food from home, he learned how to make a proper shepherd’s pie, with its meaty fillings and creamy mashed-potato topping, and juicy sausage rolls wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. After meeting his now wife, Lizzie, the two married and launched their corporate careers. They moved to Kansas City to be closer to Lizzie’s family and decided to launch Brit Boy Street Food, making and selling online a selection of traditional British sausage rolls and shepherd’s pies with a variety of fillings. Their pies and rolls are frozen to allow customers to heat and eat these delicacies at home. You can get their shepherd’s pies with popular fillings, including their best-selling steak, ale, and mushroom; lamb; beef and vegetables; or cheddar, ale, and chicken; along with a couple of seasonal pies. Since beer is a frequent ingredient, they’re hosting monthly pop-ups at local breweries. This month they will be popping up in Shawnee at Friction Beer Company and Transport Brewery. britboystreetfood.com

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

NOUR’S

YOU MAY REMEMBER Marwan Chebaro. More than 12 years ago, the Kansas City chef operated several restaurants, including Cafe Rumi, on West 39th Street’s restaurant row. Aladdin Cafe still operates in that space today. He went on to found Culinary Innovations, LLC, where he created corporate dining concepts built to feed hungry executives at companies such as Mutual of Omaha, Walmart, Sprint, and KU Medical Center. When the pandemic slowed and employees returned to the office, it was time for Chebaro to return to his restaurateur roots and open Nour’s, a fantastic new Lebanese restaurant. The beautiful space has been expertly reimaged by restaurant designer John O’Brien of Hammer Out Design. Nour’s showcases Chebaro’s own culture and cuisine while building a space for community to come together. The menu offers exciting mezze, including hummus, gazpacho, and falafel, in addition to fresh salad bowls, handheld pita wraps, and satisfyingly sophisticated entrée plates and grilled meats. The restaurant is located in the former Plexpod Westport Commons space on 39th Street, just two blocks from Main Street and the KC Streetcar line. The 3,800-square-foot space is part of the Park 39 mixed-used concept. nourskc.com

by Jenny Vergara

YOU SAY TOMATO

WHEN THE CHEF AND OWNER of You Say Tomato, Anne Clark, announced she would be closing her dining room to the public in 2023 to focus on her private catering business, the cries from the Longfellow neighborhood were audible. Clark and her husband, George Rousis, had owned and operated the quirky brunch spot since 2018. Since the building that You Say Tomato operated in was for sale, Clark made the difficult decision to close the restaurant and cater from the space as long as possible. But with the new owner giving Clark the green light to stay, You Say Tomato has reopened to the public, serving breakfast and lunch Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On the menu, customers will find Clark’s famous breakfast casseroles, pecan rolls, and cinnamon rolls, in addition to some new lunch items that she developed for her catering business. She plans to keep the menu short and sweet, adding specials and new items based on the feedback from customers who are thrilled to see her doors open once again in Longfellow. yousaytomatokc.com

• 51V / 105Ah ECO Lithium Battery

• 6.3kW AC Motor w/Onboard Charger

• 450A Controller

• Carbon Fiber Style Dash

• State-of-the-art EcoXGear Marine-grade Sound System w/4 Built-in Speakers

• 10” Multimdia Display w/Back-up Camera

• 14” Aluminum Street Tires

• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

• Accent Lighting, Build-in Roof Lighting, Decorative Lit Trim Cover

• Manual EMB Release

• Self-canceling Turn Signals, Hazards & Horn

• Wireless Cell Phone Charging Pad

• Removable & Lockable Trunk & Lit “Frunk” for Flexible Storage Options

• DOT Compliant

Faces IN KC

Comida KC

GUESTS GATHERED at Union Station’s Grand Plaza for this premier culinary‑arts celebration spotlighting Indigenous, Latin American, Caribbean, Brazilian, and Spanish cuisines. Attendees sampled unlimited chef created small plates and specialty cocktails, enjoyed live entertainment—including a hoop dancing performance by Eric Michael Hernandez and music by the Pablo Sanhueza Latin Jazz Band—and had access to interactive photo booths and a silent auction. VIP ticket holders were granted early access and enjoyed a meet‑and‑greet with guest chef Pyet DeSpain, winner of Next Level Chef. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by allison bush-kingsley

Fleur-ette

POWELL GARDENS hosted its second annual Fleur‑ette fundraiser at The Hobbs in Kansas City. Designed as an elegant “Garden Chic” affair, the event began with a lively Garden Party social hour where attendees enjoyed signature cocktails and mocktails crafted by Tom’s Town Distillery, accompanied by soulful jazz from Eboni Fondren on the patio. Guests wandered through a thoughtfully curated marketplace featuring artisan and botanically inspired vendors and enjoyed a captivating lecture by acclaimed designer Marshall Watson and a summer fashion show presented by Hall’s. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by annie tuttle

Faces IN KC

Lyric Opera Benefactor Party

GUESTS GATHERED at the home of Becky Minion to honor the Lyric Opera Circle’s annual ball patrons. Hors d’oeuvres by Evan Williams Catering, as well as opera duets from La Boheme and Madame Butterfly, were enjoyed by the guests. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by david riffle

Lyric Opera Ball

ON APRIL 5, the annual Lyric Opera Ball was hosted by the Lyric Opera Circle, with leadership from Ball Chairman Lisa F. Pruch, Honorary Chairman Edward P. Milbank, and Circle President Pam Bruce.This elegant evening took place at the Loews Hotel in Kansas City. Themed “Classically Opera – A Black and White Ball,” the event featured an exclusive silent auction, an exquisite dinner, a performance by the Lyric Opera’s Resident Artists, and dancing to the Lost Wax Band. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.

photos by david riffle

My Essentials IN KC

BEST BITE:

by Evan Pagano

KRISSY TRIPP

ENTREPRENEUR.

Krissy Tripp launched Luna & Lark Apothecary in June. It’s an online boutique where she curates and sells clean beauty and skincare products “tested on best friends, not bunnies.”

In August, Luna & Lark will start a two-month weekend residency at the Outreach International headquarters in the Crossroads. Tripp knows she’ll need a little luck running a physical store—she’s already had some since launching the business—but she’s trying not to leave things to chance.

“I think you always need to be at least a little bit lucky,” she says, “but I do also buy into that idea that to some extent, we make our own luck, right? So I’m not just opening a pop-up randomly and in any random neighborhood in Kansas City—I’m doing as much market research as I can to understand household income, traffic patterns, demand for my products, and what those different niches might be.”

It’s the kind of thing she helps others with in her day job as senior director of decision science at Concord, a Minneapolis-based company she works for from her South Kansas City home. Even so, she has to admit:

“There’s only so much research you can do before you leap.”

When we spoke in mid-July, Tripp was searching KC antique stores for in-store furniture, considering ways to display her products, and reflecting on lessons she learned at Luna & Lark’s first pop-up.

“I think the physical space is going to be important,” she says. “I know I’m never going to compete with Amazon’s online delivery times or price, right? But I can compete on having a physical space, on having curation of goods, on trying to make it an experience.” lunaandlarkapothecary.com

I love a good brunch! My friends and I try to rotate and find new spots, but Succotash (vegan biscuits and gravy) and Homesteader (sweet potato hash) are solid favorites we keep going back to.

CAFFEINE FIX: I like a simple black coffee. I have a subscription to The Roasterie for my at-home brewing and frequent Parkville Coffee when I’m at the office. Something about the vintage furniture upstairs in Parkville Coffee makes it feel extra cozy.

HIDDEN GEM:

It’s impossible to leave West Bottoms Plant Co. unhappy. First of all, plants. Then there’s the ADHDIY Craft Cafe, which reminds me of elementary school Girl Scout meetings in the best way possible.

SIGNATURE SCENT:

I recently tried For Strange Women perfume. I told them about my vetiver obsession, and they recommended London Fog, which is what I’ve been wearing lately.

LOCAL MAKERS:

Everything Shelti Farms makes smells amazing! Their soaps and candles tend to be more earthy than floral. The Ashleigh candle is my favorite. It’s a mix of grapefruit, lavender, mint, and vetiver.

BEST BOOKSTORES:

Kansas City has the best local bookstores! Under the Cover is my favorite, but I cannot go to Monstera’s Books without needing both a book and a plant. You could make an entire afternoon of finding the perfect thing in Prospero’s Books. And I don’t drink, but I’ve asked my friends if we can get together at Afterword Tavern & Shelves just for the vibes.

photo by cassandra joy

Sid Mashburn | Greyson Clothiers | Saint James | Drake’s | Seaward & Stearn | Ralph Lauren | Jack Donnelly | Sunspel

Edwin | Chrysalis | Original Madras Trading Co. | Bennett Winch | Joseph Cheaney & Sons | Sanders Shoes | Pastori

MICHAEL B. JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHED IN NEW YORK CITY

CHEVRON COLLECTION