IN Kansas City December 2025

- 816.453.1111

Family owned and operated since 1979.

Every Room Deserves to Sparkle

The spaces you live in should feel as bright and beautiful as the moments you create in them.

As your holidays and new year unfold, let’s refresh your favorite retreats with a splash of sparkle and refined style.

At your local, family-owned, Seville Home Fine Furniture and Design, our expansive collection of unique, in-stock creations from America’s finest makers is available for your immediate consideration.

And if completely custom is your desire, we are here to help. Seville Home is your trusted, Kansas City partner in fine home furnishings.

“Seville Home makes luxury personal, approachable, lasting, and deeply connected to how Kansas Citians live.”

Chastin & Phil Reynolds Owners of Seville Home

December Savings Include:

• 45% OFF Huntiongton House

• 45% OFF Artistica by Lexington

• 40% OFF Bernhardt Interiors

• 25% OFF All Framed Art, Lamps & Accessories

• In-stock and Custom Orders through Jan. 5th

Your Seville Home Designers

Kimberly Karen Becky Carrie Meredith Kelly

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.

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

Photo by Roy Inman

__BRANDS

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

AERON

AEYDE

AGOLDE

A.L.C

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

DEHANCHÈ

DOEN

ELIOU

ELODIE

ENZA COSTA

EMERSON FRY

ÉTOILE BY ISABEL 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

On the Line

Damian Lair isn’t the only car owner taking advantage of riding Kansas City’s new extended streetcar line. (See his report on page 29.) A week or so after it opened, a friend and I decided to make an afternoon of it. The plan was to ride it from one end to the other and back, with stops along the way. (Well, almost the entire length. We did hop on at the Art Museums stop, rather than the UMKC end of the line.)

We walked up to the stop just as the streetcar rolled up. No wait at all. And even though we were on and off several times, the wait for the next tram was never more than a few minutes. It was Saturday afternoon and the cars were packed, but people were friendly and courteous. I could discern from overhearing the conversations (one of my favorite reasons to ride public transit) that quite a few folks were out-of-towners riding to get a taste of the city.

It was a quick trip to the City Market, where we planned to have lunch and wander awhile. There are plenty of eateries to choose from in the neighborhood, but we settled on a classic dive bar, Harry’s Country Club, for a classic dive-bar lunch. My friend and I have a running taste-test for the best onion rings, and Harry’s were right up there. (So far, the very best have been at J Bruners in Clarinda, Iowa. But that’s another story.)

After lunch, a must-stop was Planters Seed Co. As soon as we entered, the heady fragrance of fresh spices and teas enveloped us and wafted through the rooms filled with every imaginable practical, and not so practical, tool, implement, and product. We could’ve spent hours there.

Even though it was November, the market itself was as bustling as a Saturday morning in June, with late season produce and plants on display. We debated a stop at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, especially since they’re closing next year, but decided to save that for another trip.

Back on the streetcar, our next jumping-off point was the Central Library. My friend is a library aficionado and knows every nook and cranny of this grand building. We toured four exhibits—including both photography and contemporary art—and spent some time leafing through books in the Missouri Valley Room, a treasure house of Kansas City history. We missed the start time for the movie showing in the library’s Durwood Film Vault, a former bank vault converted into a 28-seat theater, so we can save that for another time, too.

On the ride back to our starting point, we planned future possible excursions. There’s plenty to choose from—the Power & Light District, Westport, the Plaza, and of course, The Arterie, the newly designated arts district centered on the Kemper Museum, the Nelson, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

We’re making our plans—hope we’ve inspired you.

Vol. 8 | No. 12 DECEMBER 2025

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Evan Pagano

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Susan Cannon, Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Damian Lair, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

Allie Coyle, Kimberly Easter, Roy Inman, Aaron Leimkuehler, Tom Morse-Brown

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

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

Exclusive bath & body direct from Sicily

Jellycat London

INKANSASCITY.COM

ENTER TO WIN

The best deal in Town . This month, one lucky IN Kansas City reader will win a $250 gift card to any shop or restaurant in Leawood’s Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing. It could be you—just enter to win by December 31 at inkansascity.com/the-magazine/enter-to-win. Best of luck!

Sweeten up.

In a barbecue city like ours, it’s easy to overlook the sweets KC’s best culinary minds are cranking out. We list the metro’s most underrated desserts in the Restaurants section of inkansascity.com.

An ode to the Arabia.

The City Market’s Arabia Steamboat Museum will close next November. The museum tells the story— and displays the spoils—of a sunken 1856 steamboat uncovered by Kansas Citians in 1988. You need to see it inkansascity.com

Get your cheer here!

Everywhere you look, Kansas City bistros, bars, and restaurants are getting festive facelifts. With them come new drinks and classic vibes. Ah, we love a holiday pop-up bar—and we keep a running list in the Bars section of inkansascity.com

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR LUXURY.

NUMEROUS MODELS | ENDLESS OPTIONS | ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

by Merrily Jackson mjackson@inkansascity.com

The Thought Really Does Count (but

cashmere never hurts)

Ilike to think I’m not a materialistic person when it comes to receiving gifts. Truly. I treasure heartfelt gestures far more than expensive trinkets. That said, if someone happened to hand me a two-ply cashmere sweater—crewneck, turtleneck, V-neck, hoodie, or cardigan—I’d manage to find room in my heart for it. But as we enter the season of giving and getting, it’s worth remembering that the real spirit of a gift is the thought behind it, not the price tag attached. Here is some additional holiday gift-giving guidance.

When wallets aren’t equal. Gift exchanges among family, friends or colleagues can get awkward when incomes vary. No one wants to feel embarrassed by giving or receiving something out of scale. The key is setting expectations early. Suggest drawing names and setting a spending limit. Even the British royal family, with all their opulence, keeps their family exchange capped at five pounds. The challenge, they say, is to be

imaginative and a little cheeky. It’s a reminder that cleverness and humor often make for the best gifts.

When you’re caught empty-handed. We’ve all been there: a friend presents you with a beautifully wrapped surprise, and you have … nothing. The worst thing you can do is blurt out, “I didn’t get you anything!” Accept the gift graciously, express delight, and follow up later with a heartfelt text (good), email (better), or handwritten note (best). Gratitude, not guilt, is the right response.

Saying thank you to your hands, your team, your vibes.* From your house cleaner to your hairstylist, dog walker, lawn guy, manicurist, or masseuse, the most appreciated holiday gift is nearly always cash. Pay self-employed helpers an extra session’s wage if they assist you on a regular basis. If someone helps you daily, like a dog walker, consider giving them a full week’s pay. For your regular hair stylist or manicurist who works for a salon, tip them at least double what you normally do. Always add a note of appreciation to make it personal; the sentiment will last longer than the cash. If you have a favorite waiter or bartender, tip them double your usual amount and write “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” on the receipt for an extra festive touch.

For the person who has everything. The wealthiest recipients often value thoughtfulness over extravagance. A framed photo from a shared occasion, a copy of your favorite book with a warm inscription, or tickets to a concert you can attend together can mean far more than another bauble. And while no one’s burning mix CDs anymore, a thoughtfully curated playlist emailed or texted still has charm.

When gifts aren’t between equals. I have always thought a boss’s appreciation is best expressed with a lovely cash bonus, but if instead you get a gift, you should not feel obligated to reciprocate in kind. A simple homemade offering, such as cookies, jam, or a small plant, conveys warmth without crossing into awkward territory.

Cue the delighted face. Not every present will be a home run, but the ability to feign sincere delight is an underrated life skill, and one worth teaching your children. You can fight me on this, but sometimes it’s better to be phony. Protecting the giver’s feelings is the gracious thing to do, and grace, after all, is the whole point of good manners. And with that, we’ll call this one neatly wrapped.

*Phrasing attribution: Taylor Alison Swift

Entertaining IN KC DIY HOLIDAY PREZZIES

PROMISE IN A POT

Even if it’s not blooming by Christmas, an amaryllis bulb in a simple terracotta pot is a cheerful gift; its first green shoots look graceful and full of hope. Choose a pot with drainage holes, tie it with satin ribbon, and keep it out of reach of curious pets. Planters Seed and Spice Company at 513 Walnut Street has everything you need to assemble, except the ribbon.

SNAP, CRACKLE, YUM!

A batch of homemade Rice Krispies treats, made with the Special Holiday Edition cereal will disappear faster than anything from a fancy bakery. The recipe’s right there on the box. Cut into squares—or get fancy with a cookie cutter— wrap in wax paper, and stack in a clear cellophane bag tied with pretty ribbon.

LOAF, ACTUALLY

definitely feel the love with a homemade loaf of orange bread Grand Marnier and a heapin’ helpin’ of cranberry butter (see recipes on page 23). Wrap the loaf in parchment, tie it with kitchen twine, and pack the butter into a lidded

Gather a year’s worth of joy into a mini scrapbook or “Year-in-Review” booklet. Use ticket stubs, photos, funny texts, inside jokes, and tiny keepsakes that tell your shared story. Add washi tape borders and handwritten notes for personality. Wrap it in tissue, seal it with wax, and you’ve turned memories into a gift far more meaningful than anything store-bought.

Both of these recipes come from Beyond Parsley, the beloved cookbook from the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, and they’re as elegant and foolproof today as when they debuted. The Orange Bread Grand Marnier is a fragrant quick bread brightened with fresh orange juice and zest, while the cranberry butter delivers that perfect sweet-tart finish. Together, they make a gift-worthy pair; separately, they’ll elevate any brunch table. If you prefer to skip the Grand Marnier, you can easily substitute triple sec, Cointreau, or an alcohol-free orange syrup such as Monin Candied Orange. The cranberry butter is divine on pancakes, waffles, muffins, croissants— really, anything that’s lucky enough to meet it.

ORANGE BREAD GRAND MARNIER

2/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoons grated orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon almond extract

1 cup chopped raisins (optional)

GLAZE

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

¼ cup Grand Marnier

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine milk and vinegar and set aside for five minutes. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Sift flour, salt, and soda together. Add flour mixture, alternately with milk, to creamed mixture. Beat in zest, vanilla, almond extract, and raisins, if desired. Pour into a buttered 5 x 9-inch pan or six 5 x 3-inch pans. Bake for one hour for a large pan and about 25 minutes for smaller pans. Do not overbake. Mix glaze ingredients together. Pierce hot bread all over with fork or toothpick and spoon glaze over bread. Let cool in pan.

CRANBERRY BUTTER

1 pound cranberries, room temperature

1 pound confectioners sugar, sifted

3/4 pound butter, room temperature

¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice or 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Place cranberries in food processor. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until well blended.

‘TIS THE

SEASONING!

SIGNATURE BBQ SAUCES & RUBS

SHOP GIFTS IN-STORE OR ONLINE

Entertaining IN KC

ASK MERRILY

Find answers to all your entertaining questions.

The Holiday Edition

Q: I was invited to three holiday parties on the same night. Is it rude to “pop by” all of them for 20 minutes each?

A: Hosts put heart, time, and often significant expense into creating a festive evening, so your presence truly matters. Choose one or two gatherings and stay long enough to add to the spirit, not just the guest count. And if you’ve RSVP’d yes, honor it. A no-show, especially at a seated dinner, is social sabotage unless you’re genuinely ill. A quick text to bow out is infinitely better than an empty chair.

Q: Someone brought a bottle of wine to my party and then took it home when they left. Is that … allowed?

A: Once a gift crosses the threshold, it belongs to the host. But don’t let it ruin your spirit. Some people just never got the memo. Pour yourself what’s left and toast to better manners next year.

Q: A friend posted a very unflattering photo of me from her holiday party and tagged me. Can I ask her to take it down?

A: Yes, and sooner rather than later, before it becomes everyone’s holiday memory of you. A quick, polite message works well: “Would you mind taking that one down? It’s not my best look.” A real friend will understand immediately, and probably agree.

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

MCI has 50+ nonstop flights throughout North America.

Fill out this crossword to see where you can skip stops on your next adventure.

ACROSS

2. This city is the leading producer of avocados in the U.S.

5. The hometown of Beyonce, Simone Biles and Howard Hughes.

7. This city’s nickname is also the title of a 2016 Best Picture nominee.

9. Home to the world’s largest bat colony — and the Alamo.

DOWN

1. This city is known for being wonderfully weird.

3. Surprisingly, not the state’s capital.

4. Known as “The Smithsonian of the South.”

6. Levi’s jeans were invented here, for Gold Rush miners.

8. This city’s airport is larger than the entirety of Manhattan, NYC.

SCAN TO VIEW 50+ NONSTOP ROUTES

Our Man IN KC

by Damian Lair dlair@inkansascity.com

Cross Dissolve

I’ve jokingly referred to this autumn as my Midwest tour. Chicago, Oklahoma City, Omaha… and I was recently in St. Louis, for an entirely Kansas City reason. Cross Dissolve, an exhibition curated by Kansas City–based artist Mark Allen, opened at Dragon Crab Turtle, the St. Louis exhibition space belonging to acclaimed painter Katherine Bernhardt. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because her effervescent and playful paintings were paired with Jeremy Scott’s couture fashions at the landmark exhibit A Match Made in Heaven: Katherine Bernhardt x Jeremy Scott, which just closed (I chronicled it ahead of its February opening) at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

Before even stepping inside Katherine’s gallery, the vibe was set. Philo Northrup’s art car was parked street side at the front door. It was a spaceage, silvery contraption adorned with mechanical gears, vibrant lights, and an artful array of shiny metal objects. It was nearly impossible for me to imagine him and his wife, JoAnne, driving this from Kansas City.

The gallery setting was extraordinary: high vaulted ceilings, geometric fluorescent lighting, and Bernhardt’s signature hand-painted ceramic tile floor she crafted in Mexico. The tiles burst with her iconic motifs of cigarettes, Xanax pills, and Scotch tape, all in her loose but vibrant watercolor style.

Seeing more than 50 artists (nearly all from Kansas City) fill the dynamic space with such a range of work was outstanding. The exhibition was a visual conversation across mediums: painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, video, and even live music intertwined in a kaleidoscope of experimentation. Works were hung high and low, creating an organic rhythm rather than a linear display. Some artists expanded fan art into large-scale drawings; others pushed the boundaries of sculpture using found materials or kiln-fired glass. A standout moment came from Sally Paul’s woven acrylic paintings, suspended against the pink and white awning-striped hallway walls, glowing like soft beacons of color and texture. It was as if they were designed to be there.

exchange with their St. Louis counterparts. One other highlight of the weekend’s programming was a tour of Bernhardt’s iconic, postmodern Memphis Milano–furnished home—recently featured in The New York Times (I urge you to check it out online)—and an engaging artist talk the following morning. The entire weekend radiated with creativity, collaboration, and the joyful reminder of how expansive and interconnected the Midwest art community truly is.

OVERHEARD

“You are the spill-iest of all the teas.”

What couple was independently hooking up with the same kickball teammate? HOT GOSSIP:

Local musicians and a DJ also traveled from Kansas City to share their music with the opening event’s visitors. Jason Comotto spun a collection of groovy records, Jackson Daughety and Annie Diemer performed some of their ethereal original works, and Jasper Adkins performed songs with an electric guitar that he fashioned himself. It was moving to witness the energy of so many Kansas City artists traveling together—a mass caravan crossing I-70—to celebrate this cultural

SPOTTED: JoAnne Northrup, Raechell Smith, Elizabeth Aron, Jasper Adkins, Craig Deppen Auge, Steph Becker, Hadley Clark, Elaine Buss, Caranne Camarena, Jason Comotto, Jackson Daughety, Annie Diemer, Ason DeOrnery, Kim Foster, Kathryn Hogan, Austin Taylor Hall, Tanith K, Quinn Kavanaugh, Eve Krahn, Sean Nash, Christie Nelson, Elinore Noyes, Sally Paul, Shelly Pinto, and Emily Blair Quinn

TRUTH BE TOLD

IT WAS AN EVENING one year in the making. A full-circle moment. Astute readers might recall a column I wrote last year where I played a small role in organizing an arts trip to New York City. The trip was a partnership between the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. The primary occasion for our visit was the forthcoming opening of Edges of Ailey—an exhibition with close Kansas City ties—at the Whitney Museum of American Art. While in New York, we spent an afternoon at the Brooklyn studio of artist Hank Willis Thomas. I wrote at the time, “This entails a story I want to tell so

photo

Damian Lair at Dragon Crab Turtle gallery for the Cross Dissolve exhibit.

BLUEPRINT

OF EXCELLENCE IN KANSAS CITY REAL ES TAT E THE

You’re Like Family

Three decades in real estate have turned many of Aly’s clients into lifelong friends. Now, even their kids trust her to guide them through their own moves. She’s helped families through every chapter of life, from first homes to aging parents. “People look at it as just wheeling and dealing or closing houses, and it’s so much bigger than that.”

In Good Counsel

With ReeceNichols’ in-house legal team, she has immediate access to expert guidance that protects both her and her clients when the unexpected happens. That peace of mind isn’t something she takes for granted. “Other companies don’t have that.”

Aly has never been afraid of hard work. From the days of paper ads to the rise of social media, she always finds new ways to get results. That experience pays off for her clients, like a buyer who followed her advice to get a second opinion on a loan. “He called me and he said, ‘You saved me $30,000.’”

When life threw her curveballs, ReeceNichols became a lifeline. “They were incredible to me.” Surrounded by people who truly cared, Aly found the support to keep going and the strength to grow her business. The mix of a family atmosphere and bigbrokerage resources has kept her here for decades.

Aly Plunkett Real Estate Agent

Our Man IN KC

badly, but I must wait.” A year later, the wait is over.

We recently gathered at the Nelson-Atkins for an evening with Thomas. He was there to discuss the museum’s newest acquisition, a work acquired by various community leaders—many of whom were inspired by seeing the work in progress at his studio while on our trip.

Thomas is one of the most celebrated artists of our time, tackling themes of social justice, identity, commodity, civic engagement, and ethnicity. Renowned for his conceptual, sculptural, and multimedia work, Thomas challenges observers to examine assumptions and biases.

The new work, Until Ex parte Endo (Part 1), is inkjet print-applied media on retroreflective vinyl, paired with a decommissioned U.S. flag. The primary photograph (only revealed by using flash photography) is by Dorothea Lange. It was the result of a commission by the U.S. Government to photograph the relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II. The photographs were ultimately seized by the U.S. military because they were deemed too critical of the government’s actions (later ruled unconstitutional in Korematsu v. United States and Ex parte Endo). They were withheld from the public during the war and remained largely unseen in the National Archives until the 1970s.

The particular photo in Thomas’s piece is a portrait of boys, pledging allegiance to the American flag. Not long after, they were moved to internment camps where their rights were stripped away. Some of the same internment sites are being used again today to segregate a new set of people from our society.

For Thomas, the photograph’s tension between patriotism and our understanding of subsequent events reinforces his not-obvious belief: we are the luckiest generation that has ever lived. The post-WWII generation (particularly Americans) is the most fortunate generation of people to ever walk this planet. And it is something he hopes people can similarly say in the future. He summarized this in a passing thought, buried in his conversation, that has been etched on my heart and I’ve silently repeated hundreds of times since that evening.

“I am living my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”

Say that out loud and feel its power.

Thomas, a humble observer of history, noted the importance of art as a tool for looking at the past—providing context for progress and courage for shaping a better future. He’s openly grateful for his ability to use storytelling through creative civic engagement in institutions, like the Nelson-Atkins, that safeguard the information and knowledge attached to historical artifacts. After all, much of what we know about history is the result of thoughtful art preservation across millennia. At the Nelson-Atkins alone, this spans more than 5,000 years of human history.

Following Thomas’s lecture and fireside conversation with Stephanie Fox Knapp, the senior curator of global modern/contemporary and American art at the Nelson-Atkins, funders of the acquisition were invited to a private dinner with Thomas.

And because I love a full-circle moment—here’s another. At our dinner, Sharon Hoffman, the ringleader of all this, spoke about this acquisition’s personal significance to her. It was the culmination of roughly nine years of her and her husband, John’s, work in creating a collectors’ fund. The fund’s purpose would be acquiring contemporary artworks of people delayed in their ascent to the rarified echelons of the art world, whose diverse backgrounds remain disproportionately represented at most historic art institutions, like the Nelson-Atkins. Through intentional acts like this, progress is being made.

Her reflection ignited an incredible memory of the first time I met

Sharon. It was roughly a decade ago. We were introduced by Jim Blair at one of the countless, legendary parties at his Frank Lloyd Wright home. I knew who Sharon was, and I can vividly remember kicking off our conversation the only way I could fathom—with a heartfelt thank you. She and John had recently gifted their Kehinde Wiley painting, Saint Adrian, to the Nelson-Atkins. I shared with Sharon how, without fail, I visit the work every time I’m at the museum, and how grateful I was that they had made it permanently available for everyone to experience. If it were me, I offered, I’d selfishly want to keep it hanging in my living room. But Sharon and John had a grander vision—for Saint Adrian to take his rightful place in the museum’s trafficked, storied corridors alongside the likes of Caravaggio’s Saint John. Now, 500,000 visitors annually can be moved by his presence, just as I continue to be upon every visit.

Today, I not only consider Sharon one of my dearest friends, but also an important art mentor. Were it not for her close relationship with Thomas, I’d almost certainly never have spent an afternoon at his studio a year ago. Moreover, I’d have not been presented the opportunity to participate in such an acquisition. There are countless more examples of her generosity with time, connection, and expertise. I can’t imagine a better way to honor a friendship—born of my appreciation for her and John’s generosity—than to modestly follow in their giant footsteps. Yes, somewhere on that museum plaque is my tiny name. And because of where all this began for me, I can’t help but think that someone will see that collection of names and be moved—years or decades from now—to make a similar contribution. I hope so.

In her remarks to the donors, Sharon offered: “There is no greater feeling than somebody coming up to you and saying: ‘I saw the artwork that you gave the Nelson, and it has changed my life.’ And I hope

Until Ex parte Endo (Part 1) by Hank Willis Thomas.

all of you feel that way.”

As you read this, the holidays are in full swing. Your mailbox and inbox are likely full of end-of-year contribution requests. In this vein, I’d encourage you to conjure a person or institution that brings you unbridled joy, and send something their way— be it time, talent, or treasure. Generosity inspires generosity, and there’s no shortage of worthy recipients.

OVERHEARD

“Ugh. I haven’t had time to change my fall for winter clothes yet, and I’m wearing brown shoes in November. A real sartorial savage.”

SPOTTED: Julian Zugazagoitia, Ann Baum, Maurice Watson, Sandra & Willie Lawrence, Gary & Debby Ballard, Irvin & Pamela Bishop, Valerie Chow & Jon Gray, Gaye & Mark Cohen, Bunni & Paul Copaken, Erica Crenshaw, Kristan & Dan Fromm, Eboni Gates, Christy & Bill Gautreaux, Donna & Ward Katz, Kim Klein, Mary Anne & Stephen McDowell, Sheryll Myers, Kim & Nikki Newton, Barb Nicely, Jon Porter, Doris & Rob Rogers, Heather & Clint Slusher, Eleanor & David Lisbon Mandy & Matt Strange, Ratana & Oscar Tshibanda, Jamila & Michael Weaver, Debbie & Jerry Williams, Toma & Andy Wolff, Lynn & Lance Carlton, Matt Hoffman, Sara Hale, Nicole Ratliff

RING

RING RING GOES THE TROLLEY

ROUGHLY A WEEK APART, I was thrilled to not only be invited to join the ribbon-cutting for the KC Streetcar’s extension line (and a very first ride!) but also for the official grand opening of The Arterie

The Arterie is an early-stage experiential pathway connecting our city’s landmark creative institutions—namely, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City Art Institute, and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Its intention is to bring people together in a living canvas, constantly changing with interactive and visual arts experiences. It will be a place where artists perform, friends gather, and creativity thrives, inviting exploration and connection within our art museum district. With phase one officially kicked off, there is so much more ahead.

How else would I arrive to such an opening? By streetcar, of course. A block from my downtown condo, I grabbed a coffee and croissant (très chic!) and hopped on the streetcar. Exactly eight stops and 18 minutes later, I was at the Kemper Museum. I unscientifically deduced this was quicker than retrieving my car from the parking garage, driving, and parking again. I must also admit—it felt so cosmopolitan.

While my streetcar adventures are not new, I was struck by two things. First, the tram was packed to the gills—with every age and shade of human. There were strollers next to folks that could have been great grandparents; the well-heeled clung to poles alongside those perhaps less so. By all appearances, the riders were a reflective cross-section of the diverse city the tram traverses. Second, everyone was smiling. It didn’t occur to me until mid-journey, but after noticing, it became a fact I couldn’t shake or ignore. Maybe it was the glorious autumn weather, the color-drenched leaves dazzling us with their final splendor, or the joy of an effortless ride. Whatever the reason, people were happy to be there, and that spoke volumes. For the record, I was smiling, too.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

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

1900 Building

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas

by Judith Fertig

Shon Ruffin

PERFORMER/ENTERTAINER ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

photo by Kimberly Easter

She sings. She dances. She acts, hosts, “and everything in between,” says Shon Ruffin. Kansas City critics have raved about her “knock-out voice” and how she makes each role her own, such as the carnivorous plant Audrey II in KCRep’s Little Shop of Horrors and Motown chanteuse Effie in Dreamgirls at the New Theatre.

“I have always been a bit of a show pony,” Ruffin admits. “My grandmother said that my older sister used to ‘pull my strings,’ so I did whatever to make people laugh, especially with encouragement from my sister. My mother was a singer in a gospel group, so she taught me early on how to appreciate music and how to harmonize. We sang a lot during our car rides. My mother introduced me to classic films, movie musicals, and sketch comedy.”

With that family background, combined with acting and voice lessons and a “why not?” attitude, Ruffin enthusiastically wows with her electrifying vocals and ability to connect with audiences.

Early this month, she embodies Mrs. Claus, spreading holiday cheer during a three-night gig with her WinterWonder Band, partnered with KCRep at Nighthawk (must be over 21). shonruffin.com

INKC: What led you to acting?

Shon Ruffin: I was always drawn to all types of entertainment. Feeling discouraged that a career in the arts was not possible, I went to college with the hopes of becoming a psychologist because I was fascinated with human behavior. I took a year off because I started to lose the desire to pursue that career. During that time off, I dragged my roommate to see a play, and I remember crying and telling her, “I want to do that.” I enrolled back in college as a theater major and learned everything that I could to make it a career. I wasn’t sure what the path would look like, but I knew as long as I had my passion and I was always willing to improve, this career would shape itself. Now I feel that performing is my form of psychology and the study of human behavior.

INKC: And how about singing and forming not one, but two bands— The WinterWonder Band and The Freedom Affair?

SR: Because I grew up singing with my mother and singing in church choirs all the time, it always stayed with me. When I was in college, I knew a colleague who had to give singing lessons, and I needed one more elective. I took his class and that was my first time learning the

Arts & Culture IN KC

basics of singing. I didn’t think I would sing as a career because I always focused on acting.

After I graduated, my older sister took me to a drag show at Missie B’s. The host of that show was Jessica Dressler as Dirty Dorothy. I remember how amazing she was and how she commanded the stage. She heard me singing in the crowd, paused the show, gave me the mic, then asked the audience if they wanted to hear me sing more. Several gorgeous drag queens took me backstage to doll me up a bit to sing a song. I got on stage and sang Beyonce’s Love on Top . After that night, Jessica invited me to be a part of the drag shows on the weekend as a paid performer.

In 2014, I joined a corporate and wedding band and performed all over Kansas City. In 2022, I had the opportunity to join The Freedom Affair, the funkiest band in KC. This was a huge milestone for me because I worked so hard to learn and improve that I now get to share the stage with the most amazing singers and musicians around.

INKC: If you could dream in Technicolor, how would you see your career unfold in the future?

SR: I believe that a lot of my career opportunities have come about because I was open and accepting of new things and people. Thirteen years ago, I couldn’t predict where I am now. That being said, if I could dream in technicolor about anything, I would be the Mrs. Claus of KC taking over the holidays. I would be synonymous with Christmas! I never care about fame and money; however, I see myself consistently bringing joy and presenting spectacular shows so that

is all that I do. I would love to travel, tour and continue to meet and share the stage with other creative artists. I want to also use the stage as a platform to help and give a voice to other communities. The most rewarding thing for me as an artist is knowing that my performance moved someone. I love when people have a sense of escape and can dive into a world that was created on stage. They can put away their phones for a few hours and take a ride. I love to see little black girls looking back at me from the audience and being validated and seen.

INKC: How has our community nurtured you and your talents?

SR: I will always be grateful to the KC queer community for accepting me and sharing their hearts, talents, and the stage with me. Especially, forever grateful to Jessica. I booked so many auditions and gigs because of how I started out at Missie B’s. Being in the corporate and wedding bands taught me a lot about how I’d like to be present on stage. I have met and shared the stage with so many people from all walks of life. I have dealt with the challenges of being treated differently because I don’t fit the standard beauty types.

I am so grateful to The Freedom Affair, who have encouraged me to bring all my experience to the group. I toured with them and recorded our second album at the historic Royal Studios in Memphis. Most importantly, I am so, so grateful to my friends and family who buy tickets, promote, and support everything that I have done. Deeply grateful to the people who have hired me, want to work with me, and speak highly of me. I love you, KC!

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

CHRISTMAS IN SONG AT THE QUALITY HILL PLAYHOUSE

IF YOU’VE NEVER been to a cabaret-style performance at the Quality Hill Playhouse, you’re in for a treat. It’s small, intimate, and interactive, sometimes, with a lot of good-natured back-andforth with season ticketholders. The set is bare, but the voices are good, all under the direction of J. Kent Barnhart, the ringleader/ cabaret master/impresario at the piano.

Barnhart, a Kansas City native and graduate of the UMKC Conservatory, teamed with Deborah Ausemus to put on Simply Cole Porter at Quality Hill Playhouse, which ran to a sold-out crowd for six months in 1991. “When I first started out,” he recalls, “I thought we would do a drama and a comedy and a musical and a cabaret. I discovered that what people really wanted and that our niche was the cabaret performance—professional singers in an intimate space, with me talking and introducing the songs and giving a little bit of the history and telling funny stories about the history of the songs.”

From now through December 21, you can get a front-row seat (every seat feels like it’s front row) to enjoy all the festive fun with this year’s rendition of Christmas in Song. From sacred to secular, traditional to popular, this celebration of the season has something for the whole family. qualityhillplayhouse.com

TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS A VERY IRISH CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLLY THEATER

IF THE ENERGETIC MUSIC of Mannheim Steamroller gets you in the holiday mood—or at least gets you going—then this salute to the Emerald Isle should be on your list. On Friday evening, December 12, Trinity Dance Company debuts with the Harriman-Jewell Series at the Folly Theater.

Founded in 1990, the Irish American Trinity Irish Dance Company has re-energized and rejuvenated traditional Irish step dance into the progressive Irish dance phenomenon it is today. The Chicago-based repertory company celebrates the pioneering work of the founding artistic director, Mark Howard.

A Very Irish Christmas blends traditional Irish dance with contemporary elements, featuring dynamic choreography, visually stunning theatrics, energetic music, and dramatic stories. For more information and tickets, visit hjseries.org.

Arts & Culture

by Judith Fertig

PRAIRIE PROPHECY FILM SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION AT LINDA HALL LIBRARY

ON DECEMBER 13, Linda Hall Library will screen Prairie Prophecy, a tribute to the work of visionary Wes Jackson, cofounder of The Land Institute, and a call to action for the next generation of farmers, scientists, and environmental stewards. Jackson, now retired, has spent his life pioneering a bold new approach to agriculture that challenges humanity to rethink its relationship with the Earth. Jackson is a 1992 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow, renowned author, plant geneticist, and emeritus professor of biology. He is widely recognized as one of the foremost figures in the international sustainable agriculture movement inspired by the Kansas prairie.

This film takes viewers on an intimate journey through Jackson’s life, from his humble beginnings in rural Kansas to his transformative vision of “natural systems agriculture.” The story weaves together personal passion, scientific innovation, humor, and the urgency of preserving Earth’s fragile ecosphere.

After the film, there will be a panel discussion with filmmaker Kevin McKinney; Brandon Schlautman, Ph.D., a lead scientist with The Land Institute; and Jacob A. Miller-Klugesherz, a Ph.D candidate in sociology at Kansas State University.

For more information and tickets, visit lindahall.org

Create Where You Belong

Locally owned with showrooms in Overland Park and Briarcliff Village

BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S A CEREMONY OF CAROLS BY THE KANSAS CITY CHORALE

ON TUESDAY EVENING, December 16, the Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale performs A Ceremony of Carols at the 1900 Building. Led by the internationally renowned Charles Bruffy and joined by harpist Tabitha Reist Steiner, the Chorale celebrates the joy and mystery of Christmas with one of the most beloved choral works of the last century.

A Ceremony of Carols is a 1942 choral work by British composer Benjamin Britten for choir and harp, consisting of 11 movements based on medieval texts. Written during a sea voyage from New York to England, it depicts a religious ceremony with a procession of unaccompanied voices, followed by carols accompanied by the harp. The songs are sung in Latin, Middle English, and Early Modern English. The piece is, at once, ethereal and earthly, ancient and modern, melancholy and spirited.

A major force in 20th-century British music, Britten was a composer, pianist, and conductor, perhaps best known for his contemporary opera Peter Grimes

For tickets, visit kcchorale.org theworldwar.org

NOW OPEN

Step into the streets of Paris during WWI and connect with those who called it home - and those who passed through on their way to battle.

by Judith Fertig

Treating Seizures and Epilepsy: Medications, Neurostimulators, Surgery, and Special Diets

A CONVERSATION WITH NEUROLOGIST JOHN CROOM

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain that can cause various symptoms, including loss of consciousness, convulsing, and altered sensations. Anyone at any age can have a seizure, and possible causes include genetics, an underlying medical condition, or an injury or illness. When unprovoked seizures keep occurring, the diagnosis might be epilepsy or a chronic brain disorder. The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but it can be triggered by brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, infections, certain medications, or genetic factors. Treatments for seizures and epilepsy aim to keep these electrical discharges under control.

John Croom, MD, PhD, a board-certified neurologist, certified in Neurology and Epilepsy, with AdventHealth Medical Group, explains more.

What are some of the causes of epilepsy?

There are many causes of epilepsy. In infants, common causes for epilepsy include lack of oxygen to the brain or bleeding in the brain, congenital developmental brain malformations, genetic causes, infections that affect the brain, and severe metabolic disturbances.

In adults, common causes for epilepsy include stroke, brain injury, abuse of certain drugs, infections that affect the brain, genetic causes, and brain tumors. In elderly adults, stroke is the most common cause of epilepsy. It should be noted that an underlying cause cannot

be identified in up to half of people living with epilepsy.

What are some of the treatments available for these conditions?

The mainstay for treatment of epilepsy is medication. There are now over 30 medications from which to choose, and most of these medications have become available only in the last 20 to 30 years. So, there are many more options available today than there have ever been in the past. Around two-thirds of people with epilepsy will achieve seizure freedom with one or more anti-seizure medications. Unfortunately, anti-seizure medications alone will not effectively control seizures for about one third of people with epilepsy. In these patients, options can include removing the part of the brain causing seizures, provided that their seizures are coming from only a part of the brain rather than the whole brain. In addition, surgery is possible if that part of the brain causing seizures can be identified, and it would be safe to remove that part. Other options include neurostimulators, which are implantable electrical devices that can help reduce the number of seizures. Neurostimulator options include vagal nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and responsive neurostimulation. Lastly, there are some special diets like the ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet, that can be helpful in reducing the number of seizures when the effectiveness of medications is not satisfactory.

Are there any preventive or lifestyle measures a person can take to reduce the risk of uncontrolled seizures?

The most important thing that a person with epilepsy can completely control to help manage their seizures is to take their anti-seizure medications exactly as prescribed by their neurologist. It is worth mentioning that missing even a single dose of many of the anti-seizure medications will result in the person only having half of the needed amount of medication in their body. Once the person starts taking their medication consistently again, it can take up to one week for the proper amount of medication to be restored in their body. Therefore, missing one dose of medication will increase the chances of having a breakthrough seizure for up to one week after missing that single dose! Other than taking medications completely consistently, people with epilepsy and seizures should try to get adequate sleep, minimize stress, and avoid illicit drugs and excessive or regular alcohol use. Doing these things will give someone the best chances of controlling their seizures, which is possible for most people living with epilepsy. AdventHealthKC.com/neurology

John Croom, MD

by

Unique Holiday Gifting

GOOD WEATHER IS JUST THE SHOP FOR THOSE VERY SPECIAL GIFTS

Melanie Clouser, owner of Good Weather, caught the vintage bug as a kid and has been collecting ever since. Her own retailing foray selling found items at Urban Mining led to her opening her storefront in Midtown. She recently relocated to East Brookside’s Morningside Plaza, which the owners have revived as a popular shopping and dining destination.

Clouser’s affinity for the unique and curious leans to crafted pieces, ceramics, collectible art, rich woods, folk and tramp art, textiles, brutalist pieces, and industrial finds, all displayed with a skilled eye honed from

her years as a visual merchandiser. She is constantly sourcing all over the U.S. and reimagining her displays with fresh finds. Additionally, special gift items, such as Kynge, a line of candles and incense with a divine fragrance, are handcrafted right in her shop by local artisan Tyler King.

Clouser will have extended holiday shop hours, and on Saturday, December 20, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., she’ll host Cold Weather Night Market, a cocktail slinger with a DJ and several local creators popping up for a festive soiree, with some giftable pieces exclusive to Good Weather. Check out @for.goodweather on Instagram.

Melanie Clouser

Susan Cannon

melanie clouser and chair with painting photos by

tyler king

FARROW & BALL

THE WILDLY POPULAR ENGLISH PAINT BRAND IS NOW AVAILABLE IN KC

FARROW & BALL’S story began in Dorset, England, in 1946 when John Farrow (a chemist) and Richard Ball (an engineer) met at a local clay pit. The two men shared their desire to make new lives for themselves and their families after the war and discovered each had a passion for color that would cheer up life at the time. They envisioned creating beautifully colored walls for their homes, developing original formulations and quality ingredients for a paint line that’s now an international brand. Designers and homeowners love the paint’s bespoke colors and eco-friendly formulation.

UrbAna owner Ana Wells describes her home-goods shop, located in the Shops of Prairie Village, as a “one-stop shop” for all things entertaining. But beyond that is a wide range of kitchen and other household furnishings, children’s toys, and, exclusive to Kansas City, the entire line of the much-beloved Farrow & Ball paints. Sample tins are available, and the staff can assist with color choices and place orders for you. urbanashop.com

The walls of this cozy attic bedroom are clad in Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray.

An Heirloom Season

THERE’S BEAUTY IN THE AESTHETIC OF SIMPLER TIMES

IN A COMPLICATED WORLD, surrounding oneself with furnishings that reflect a humbler sensibility can feel comforting. I get that feeling at Homesong Market in the Crestwood Shops, where the vibe of early Americana feels fresh, and the selection of quality-crafted objects for the home is impressive. Antique and vintage shopping, such as Urban Mining (this month, December 4–7), is more popular than ever and is sure to offer just the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. Hoping these items will speak to you.

American desk, circa 1790, $1,400, and an antique basket from Maine, $325, both at George, a Lifestyle Store (Crestwood

Upstate: Living Spaces with Space to Live, $45, at Homesong Market

Brass salt and pepper grinders; 9” is $122, 8” is $118, at LaMira (Hawthorne Plaza).

Handmade paper snowflake ornament set, $48, at Homesong Market (Crestwood Shops).

Ancient Lion soap by Bridie Hall, $28, at reedsmythe.com

18th-century Delft charger plate wall display, $750, at Pear Tree Design & Antiques (Crestwood Shops).

Traditional Welsh woven blankets by Melin Tregwynt, $415, at us.toa.st/collections.

Iron double-arm wall sconce, $68, at Homesong Market.

Early

Shops).

CLASSIC RUGS WITH A TWIST

COMMUNE DESIGN’S “PSYCHEDELIC” COLLECTION

SEEING A TRIPPY FOREST through the trees may be one way to describe Commune Design’s new collection of hand-knotted rugs for Christopher Farr. They’ve taken inspiration from classic floral patterns seen through the lens of California counterculture. “Poppies, Weed and Mushroom patterns provide a nuanced punk alternative to the traditional prettiness of Persian and European botanical motifs. A cannabis garland takes the place of a romantic William Morris ivy border. Technicolor poppies evoke a Jean-Michel Frank French Modernist rug. A mushroom filled forest floor takes a kaleidoscopic trip,” according to the designers.

For those not familiar with Commune Design, the LA-based studio articulates a holistic approach across architectural, interior, graphic, and product design. The Psychedelic collection follows suit in a rich color and pattern sensibility that has long been the studio’s hallmark, even before the maximalist nature of interiors came back around. But theirs is singular, seen through a deep connection to Northern California and its arts and crafts traditions, mixed with a studied appreciation for various movements, such as the Bauhaus, as well as organic midcentury craftsmanship using reclaimed wood inspired by Isamu Noguchi and their California favorite, the late artist J.B. Blunk.

“This collection is for the free thinkers, the artists, the poets, and the lovers,” they conclude. christopherfarr.com/designer/commune

Liz Craft IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel photo by Allie Coyle

Prolific Hollywood TV writer, producer and showrunner Liz Craft was born and raised in Kansas City. She attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School through 3rd grade then switched to Pembroke Hill School for 4th through 12th grades. Craft earned a BA in English at Columbia University in 1993 and in 1998 moved to Los Angeles with her writing partner and fellow Pembroke Hill alum, Sarah Fain.

Craft and Fain wrote for Angel, co-created Women’s Murder Club and The Fix and contributed to many successful shows, including The Shield, Lie to Me, and The Vampire Diaries. Craft co-hosts the podcasts Happier in Hollywood (with Fain) and Happier with Gretchen Rubin (her sister). She’s on Instagram @lizcraft and writes a Substack newsletter about writing for TV.

Craft lives in Encino, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, with her husband, producer Adam Fierro, their son Jack, 15, and two corgis, Nacho and Daisy. Craft spoke with IN Kansas City by phone recently when she was stuck in traffic driving home. She shared thoughts about AI, the secret to her writing success and tips for making Christmas happier.

Hollywood has been in the news recently with the layoffs at Paramount Skydance. What themes for your podcast are emerging from the upheavals?

We’ve been talking about that a lot. I like to call it an evolution in Hollywood, because that sounds more hopeful than an implosion. [Laughs] But it does feel like an implosion. It’s definitely a very different time from when I moved here.

On the podcast, we talk about how to pivot. We’re talking about how to make yourself stand out because it is harder to get work now. We’re talking about how to see yourself as a brand and how to diversify. We’re trying to roll with it. Sarah, my writing partner, and I are trying to look at this time as if we are restarting our career. In our minds, we are going back to when we moved here, and we just had to do whatever it takes. Because it is so stark now, what’s going on.

The studio heads aren’t talking about AI as a reason for the

layoffs, but what are people in the industry saying about how much AI is driving the current changes?

That’s a huge topic of conversation. Obviously, writers are worried about AI. It was an issue in our last contract negotiation. I don’t know how it will all pan out, but I do know that AI is not going away. I am a believer in figuring it out and trying to incorporate it, but not creatively. AI will impact us, whether that’s this year or in 10 years, I don’t know.

In 2023, David Simon, creator of The Wire, told NPR’s Ari Shapiro that he didn’t think that “AI can remotely challenge what writers do at a fundamentally creative level.” Do you share Simon’s optimism?

The good news is, the more AI exists in the world, the more people are going to appreciate things that are not AI. It can enhance the status of writers who aren’t using AI. Because in your gut, you know the difference, if you are watching a show written by people or written by AI.

In about ten seconds.

Yes. I think that’s why podcasts are going to be more and more relevant. You like to know you are listening to real people talk.

You mentioned earlier that you want to figure out how to incorporate AI, but not creatively. What do you mean?

Like scheduling and keeping track of my notes. Practical things. Not creative things.

You’ve written for so many popular, critically acclaimed TV shows. Which one for you was the biggest “I’ve really made it now” moment?

Angel. That was a Joss Whedon show. That was our big break. Once we were on that show, we knew we were locked into a career.

What did you do to make that happen?

We had an agent—well, funny story about that. When we first moved to LA, we had an agent we got through a friend from Pembroke Hill. We had a friend named Todd Schulkin, a film agent, whose parents both continued on page 72

Metals Mixed

INSPIRING GIFTS FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

by Aaron Leimkuehler

LINK UP

photos

David Yurman necklace, $2,900, from Meierotto Jewelers (North Kansas City).

Hammered white and yellow-gold cuff, $9,450, from Mazzarese (Parkway Plaza).

SILVER LINING

John Hardy curved-bar necklace, $1,295, from Meierotto Jewelers. Todd Reed Enternity Criss-Cross ring, $8,480, from Mazzarese. John Hardy dragon bracelet, $2,200, from Halls (Crown Center). Links Maximo bracelet, $199, from DelBrenna (Crestwood Shops).

SPARKLE PLENTY

John Hardy necklace, $1,795, from Halls. Diamond doublehooped earrings, $3,250, from Lilliane’s Jewelry (Ranchmart). Doves diamond cigar-band ring, $2,495, from Meierotto Jewelers. Lika Behar yellow-gold and sterling-silver cuff, $5,770, from TIVOL (Country Club Plaza and Hawthorne Plaza).

GOOD AS GOLD

Hulchi Belluni yellow gold with diamonds bracelet, $28,923, from Meierotto Jewelers. Penny Preville Celestial medallion, $6,990, Penny Preville gold and diamond medallion, $5,680, Penny Preville link necklace, $7,995, all from TIVOL. White and yellow-gold bangle with diamonds, $2,400, from Mazzarese White and yellow-gold ring, $725, from Lilliane’s Jewelry

SHIMMER AND SHINE

Diamond and tourmaline gold cuff, $8,500, from Lilliane’s Jewelry. Cortona coin pendant necklace, $199, from DelBrenna. Silver and gold pendant necklace, $7,800, from Mazzarese. John Hardy ring, $995, from Halls. Three ring silver, gold, and diamond hoop earrings, $2,650, from TIVOL

FULL CIRCLE

Gold and diamond necklace, $15,000, from Lilliane’s Jewelry

words

Read Local, Eat Local

KANSAS CITY COOKBOOKS TO GIVE EVERY FOOD ENTHUSIAST

Right: In German Home Kitchen: Traditional Recipes That Capture the Flavors of Germany, Sophie Sadler shares recipes structured around a German day, beginning with Frühstück (breakfast).

Chefs

and Megan

share their fried chicken recipe in Made in America: A Modern Collection of Classic Recipes.

For anyone who loves to shop at farmers markets, follows local chefs on Instagram, or makes a point to dine at Kansas City restaurants, there’s one more way to savor the city’s flavor: you can also read local. Our local food writers and chefs have been quietly documenting the tastes, traditions, and kitchen wisdom that make Kansas City one of the most delicious places to eat in the country. From barbecue and beer to butter cakes and Indian-inspired comfort food, the stories of who we are and what we eat are right here on our bookshelves.

If you’d like a copy of Todd Schulte’s (co-owner of Earl’s Premier, Bacaro Primo, and Sea Capitán Cocina Costera with his business partner Cory Dannehl) fantastic bone-broth recipe, you can find it in Jonathan Bender’s Stock, Broth & Bowl. Or if you’ve fallen for the lush romance of Judith Fertig’s The Cake Therapist and The Memory of Lemon, reading local feels a lot like eating local—it’s a way to connect with the people behind the plate. These books don’t just share recipes; they tell the stories of Kansas City kitchens past and present, of families and restaurants built through love, risk, and community.

by Jenny Vergara

Left:

Colby

Garrelts

Andrea Broomfield has long been our city’s unofficial culinary historian, capturing our edible past through Kansas City: A Food Biography and Iconic Restaurants of Kansas City, where she honors the legacy of neighborhood favorites and long-gone dining rooms that defined our city’s palate. Meanwhile, Pete Dulin’s many books on where to wet your whistle, like Expedition of Thirst, which explores the region’s craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, remind us that Midwestern terroir runs deeper than soil—it’s a culture of makers, storytellers, and explorers.

Some of Kansas City’s most celebrated chefs have also put pen to paper. Colby and Megan Garrelts (with help from food writer Bonjwing Lee) wrote Bluestem: The Cookbook and then turned around and penned Made in America: A Modern Collection of Classic Recipes themselves, inviting readers into the heart of their award-winning kitchen at Rye. Michael Smith’s Farina distills decades of fine-dining experience into elegant, approachable recipes rooted in Italian tradition. And, of course, Jasper Mirabile Jr. has written two cookbooks, The Jasper’s Cookbook and Jasper’s Kitchen Cookbook , which are love letters to family and the timeless appeal of Italian cooking—the kind that fills a room, and a heart, with warmth. He is currently working on his third book, On the Cannoli Trail , a highly anticipated book about this favorite Italian dessert.

Then there’s the soulful side of Kansas City’s home cooks. Jyoti Mukharji and her son, Auyon Mukharji, have brought her years of teaching Indian cooking classes in her home to life, documenting them with gorgeous illustrations in Heartland Masala , which celebrates Indian flavors through a Midwestern lens, while Sophie Sadler’s German Home Kitchen preserves recipes passed down through generations that she happily shares. Both serve as reminders that Kansas City’s culinary identity is not one flavor but a blend—the same mix you’ll find at the city’s festivals, family tables, and food halls.

And we can’t talk about Kansas City cookbooks without mentioning barbecue. There is the Kansas City Barbecue Society Cookbook written by barbecue experts and founding members Ardie Davis, Paul Kirk, and Carolyn Wells to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the KCBS. Doug Worgul’s book, The Grand Barbecue: A Celebration of the History, Places, Personalities and Techniques of Kansas City Barbecue, offers a well-researched look back at the things that have put Kansas City barbecue in a class by itself. Mitch Benjamin, pitmaster and owner of Meat Mitch Barbecue and successful line of rubs and sauces, wrote BBQ Revolution , which gives his tips, tricks, and recipes. Jonathan Bender’s A Little Book of KC BBQ is a tribute to our city’s smoky soul—proof that the written word can be just as mouthwatering as the meal itself.

So as you prepare to do some holiday shopping for the food lover in your life, consider giving them a book written by someone who shares their love of Kansas City flavor. Please remember to support your favorite local bookshop with your purchase, too. Because while eating local is delicious—reading local just might be the next best thing.

Kansas City: A Food Biography

by Andrea Broomfield

A Kansas City culinary historian, chef, and English professor at Johnson County Community College, Andrea Broomfield captures the region’s edible past in Kansas City: A Food Biography (2016), tracing how geography, immigration, and innovation built our distinct Midwestern palate. Her deep research connects social, cultural, and economic forces to what we eat—from early riverfront taverns to modern steakhouse legends. Its companion, Iconic Restaurants of Kansas City (2022), celebrates neighborhood favorites and long-gone dining rooms that defined the city’s flavor. Together they’re essential reading for anyone who loves local restaurant history or wants to understand how Kansas City came to taste the way it does.

A Little Book of KC BBQ: A Story of Smoke

by Jonathan Bender

Journalist and author Jonathan Bender, founder of the Museum of BBQ, explores Kansas City’s smoky soul in A Little Book of KC BBQ: A Story of Smoke (2024). Bender introduces the pitmasters who shaped the city’s barbecue identity and traces the legacy of Henry Perry, Kansas City’s original “Barbecue King.” The compact guide is filled with recipes from beloved local joints and insights on how our style differs from Memphis, Carolina, or Texas ’cue. Also check out his earlier titles Cookies & Beer (2015) and Stock, Broth & Bowl: Recipes for Cooking, Drinking and Nourishing (2019), both brimming with clever pairings and approachable kitchen inspiration.

German Home Kitchen: Traditional Recipes That Capture the Flavors of Germany

by Sophie Sadler

Another dazzling new book for our Kansas City cookbook section comes from blogger turned author Sophie Sadler, who shares comforting recipes inspired by her childhood in Germany in German Home Kitchen (2025). Structured around the rhythms of a German day from Frühstück (breakfast) to Kaffee und Kuchen (afternoon cake), her

recipes make traditional dishes like Jägerschnitzel, Bratkartoffeln, and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte easy to recreate at home. Since moving to the United States in 2009, Sadler has built a devoted following through her blog Dirndl Kitchen, where she continues to blend German nostalgia with modern Midwestern living. Her book feels like an invitation to sit down, pour coffee, and share a slice of home.

Kansas City Beer: A History of Brewing in the Heartland by

Pete Dulin

Longtime food and drink writer Pete Dulin has chronicled the region’s brewing culture for more than two decades.

In Kansas City Beer: A History of Brewing in the Heartland (2016), he tracks nearly 170 years of local brewing—from 1850s German immigrants to today’s craft-beer boom. Dulin’s Expedition of Thirst (2017) widens the map, spotlighting more than 150 breweries, wineries, and distilleries across Kansas and Missouri. His forthcoming Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers promises even more insight into Missouri’s spirited past. For anyone who’s ever ordered a flight at a KC taproom, Dulin is your ultimate guide.

The Cake Therapist & The Memory of Lemon by

Judith Fertig

Known for her cookbooks on everything from baking bread to grilling and for her voice as IN Kansas City magazine’s arts and culture columnist, Judith Fertig blends her culinary background with fiction that’s pure sensory pleasure. In The Cake Therapist (2015) and its sequel The Memory of Lemon (2016), she introduces Claire “Neely” Davis, a pastry chef who can “taste” people’s emotions. Set in a reimagined Midwestern town, Fertig’s novels layer food, memory, and emotion into a tale as lush as buttercream. Saveur once called her a “heartland cookbook icon,” and here she proves she’s as masterful with storytelling as she is with recipes.

The V-Code: A Goddess Guide to Vibrant Health by Gigi Jones

Certified raw-food chef and wellness advocate Gigi Jones, known around town as “Gigi the Vegan”, brings flavor-first plant-based cooking to the forefront in The V-Code: A Goddess Guide to Vibrant Health (2022). After a colon cancer diagnosis, Jones became a passionate educator and speaker on food as medicine. Her 50 vegan recipes are colorful, quick, and family-friendly, designed to nourish body and spirit without compromise. Equal parts motivational guide and cookbook, The V-Code shows that plant-based eating can be joyful, abundant, and deeply rooted in community. If you are trying to get more plants in your body in the new year, this one is for you.

The Best Cast Iron Baking Book

by

Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss

Kitchen veterans Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss, also known as the Electrified Cooks, prove in The Best Cast Iron Baking Book (2021) that your skillet can do far more than fry. From crusty bread to cobbler and pizza, this book is packed with smart techniques and foolproof recipes. The duo’s careers began testing recipes for Kansas City’s own Rival Crock-Pot, and they’ve since become go-to authorities on modern appliance cooking. Their practical, well-tested recipes make cast-iron baking accessible for beginners and nostalgic for pros.

Kansas City Barbecue Society Cookbook

by Ardie Davis, Paul Kirk, and Carolyn Wells

To celebrating 25 years of smoke and competition back in 2010, the Kansas City Barbecue Society wrote the Kansas City Barbecue Society Cookbook: 25th Anniversary Edition by collecting 200 recipes from members of the world’s largest barbecue organization. Local legends Ardie Davis, Paul Kirk, and Carolyn Wells share pro tips for perfect ribs, award-winning sauces, and secrets from the competitive circuit. Filled with mouthwatering photos and Kansas City pride, it’s a must-have for any pitmaster or backyard griller who believes Kansas City barbecue reigns supreme.

Casserole Crazy: Hot Stuff for Your Oven

by Emily Ferris

Kansas City author, designer, and podcaster Emily Farris set out to reclaim the humble casserole with her 2008 debut, Casserole Crazy. The book celebrates gooey, comforting, sometimes kitschy bakes like tuna noodle or zucchini and corn casserole, alongside vegan and gluten-free versions. Equal parts practical and tongue-incheek, it’s a reminder that not all comfort food needs reinvention— sometimes it just needs Funyuns. For more from Farris, her memoir I’ll Just Be Five More Minutes (2024) is a sharp, funny look into her ADHD brain and life.

by Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji

One of the newest additions to Kansas City’s cookbook shelf, Heartland Masala (2025) bridges Indian tradition and Midwestern hospitality and is sure to be a classic. Retired physician and longtime cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji shares the recipes she’s taught from her Prairie Village kitchen, while her son, musician and writer Auyon Mukharji, weaves in cultural essays that give each dish depth and context. Illustrated with warmth and whimsy, the book celebrates immigrant identity and home cooking with equal joy. It’s both a love letter to family and a guide to filling your kitchen with spice and story. A marvelous new resource for delicious and easy Indian dishes for anyone who has had the pleasure of learning from Jyoti in her kitchen, and even for those who haven’t, this book is the next best thing to being there.

The Cook's Book of Intense Flavors

by Robert and Molly Krause

When tasting menus became a thing in Kansas City, Robert and Molly Krause were creating them in their glass-walled restaurant in their backyard in East Lawrence. Based on techniques Robert learned at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and their years spent running Krause Dining together, the couple’s book The Cook’s Book of Intense Flavors (2010) distills that experimental spirit into lessons on flavor pairing—how tomato, brown sugar, and coffee make a complex barbecue sauce, or how egg, caviar, and chervil make a savory sabayon. Their follow-up, The Flavorful Kitchen Cookbook (2013), continues the exploration with new ingredients that inspire creative home cooks to think like chefs.

Oishii: The History of Sushi by

Eric C. Rath

University of Kansas historian Eric C. Rath dives deep into sushi’s global story in Oishii: The History of Sushi (2021). Far from a simple history lesson, Rath traces how sushi evolved from a preserved-fish technique to one of the world’s most elegant cuisines. With two dozen historical and modern recipes, Oishii connects food anthropology and everyday dining, showing how sushi became a bridge between East and West—and why its Kansas connection matters more than you might think.

Oldest Kansas City: A Guide to Historic Treasures by Katy Schamberger

In Oldest Kansas City (2025), writer and explorer Katy Schamberger uncovers the city’s fascinating “firsts”—from the world’s oldest operating movie theater to the birthplace of the Happy Meal and the first barbecue museum. Her storytelling makes history feel immediate, tying Kansas City’s evolution to its food, drink, and cultural icons. Part guidebook, part love letter, Oldest Kansas City invites locals to rediscover the layers of history that flavor the city we know today. This one is for the Kansas City history buff in your home.

Made in America: A Modern Collection of Classic Recipes by Chefs Colby and Megan Garrelts

James Beard Award–winning chef Colby Garrelts and his wife, Megan, a semifinalist for Best Pastry Chef, bring heart and heritage to Made in America (2015), a celebration of timeless comfort food elevated by thoughtful technique and local pride. The couple, best known as the chef-owners of Kansas City’s acclaimed Bluestem and now Rye, shares 50 handcrafted recipes that reimagine American classics through a Midwestern lens. Organized by cooking method, the book moves from breakfast to the bakeshop, weaving in personal stories connecting each dish to family traditions and formative kitchen memories. Check out their first cookbook, Bluestem: The Cookbook (2011), for a walk down memory lane and a group of seasonal recipes with a modern, Midwestern flair.

Heartland Masala

All Aglow

A KANSAS CITY COUPLE GETS INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

words by Judith Fertig

In June of this year, business owners Dan Meiners and David Brinkerhoff made a major lifestyle decision. It was time for a change. The couple embarked on a well-earned chapter of travel and relaxation. Their Union Hill residence anticipated this lock-and-leave lifestyle. “We love to travel, and this home works great for us,” says Meiners. “It has a large yard, so we still feel like we live in a house, but it is also very low maintenance compared to our last house.”

Some features, however, remain the same. Gathering spots, conversational groupings, and seating areas attest to their active social life when they’re home. “We love to entertain our friends and family,” says Meiners. “We had many fond memories of super

In

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

the living area, an evergreen garland plump with gilded accents and pinecones frames one side of the contemporary fireplace.

fun parties from the last house, and we will continue to throw more parties in this one.” They repurposed much of the furniture from their previous home, as well as the silk rugs from India and Turkey.

Reflective surfaces—glass, mirror, and metal—bounce daylight and the evening’s firelight throughout the space. Chunky glass obelisks shine on the glass-topped coffee table in the main seating area, while votives flicker on a stand in the nearby kitchen. The mirrored fireplace surround in the primary bedroom reflects the outdoors and adds that touch of the dramatic that appeals to the couple.

A moody, masculine vibe with pops of teal and persimmon also enhances the couple’s art, found in Kansas City and on their trips abroad. “We buy art wherever we travel,” says Meiners. In the dining room, a vivid painting of “a fallen child of repression in the Amazon” comes from a trip to Peru. “The detail is amazing, and we both love the story,” Meiners explains.

On either side of the Christmas tree in the main living area, a sculptural blue slide by artist Jorge Calvo is one of several pieces the couple owns by

Above: Near the foyer and the wine room, Brinkerhoff’s wide-ranging collection of nutcrackers is flanked by two lush poinsettias. Opposite, top: The heavily laden Christmas tree almost touches the ten-foot ceiling. Opposite, bottom: Just off the kitchen, a secondary seating area is a comfy spot for TV watching. Mulitple pots of orchids add a punch of color.

this artist, who lived and worked for a time in Kansas City. Nearby is a large orange painting by Kansas City artist Rich Bowman. “We love his big, bold interpretation of a landscape,” says Meiners. In the primary bedroom, the large brass plate above the bed is from Marrakech, Morocco. “We hope it doesn’t fall off some night and kill us,” quips Meiners.

All of this goes into the mix when the couple gets ready for the holidays. “When we decorate our home for Christmas, we like to start with a ten-foot tree,” says Meiners. “We fill it with ornaments from our travels, from our friends, and from our past. We don’t have a theme, but they are all glass.”

Carefully edited and considered holiday florals—never too much—pop up here and there: an arrangement of red blooms on a coffee table, a pair of red poinsettias in tubs flanking Brinkerhoff’s

Above: A massive vase of red tulips atop the mink-hued quartzite counters adds a splash of holiday cheer. Left: Near the bar area, a column of backlighted glass highlights the liquor collection. Barware seemingly floats in the air on glass shelves.

The

round

large,

Arteriors chandelier centered over the dining table and slender tall glass vases spouting anthurium add an aura of drama to the dining room.

A pair of wreaths in metal with blue glass ornaments hang diagonally above the mirrored fireplace surround in the primary bedroom. .

parade of “way too many” nutcrackers (Meiner’s opinion) in the wine-room area, and a profusion of red tulips on the kitchen counter.

The kitchen was the main room they changed when they moved in. “We kept the same floor plan, but we replaced all the finishes,” says Meiners. “The ceiling wraparound is wenge wood, like part of the countertop. The stone is quartzite in a mink tone, and the wood is American walnut. Ryan Comment, of Bootlace Design and Build, did the wood working in the kitchen as well as the primary bedroom closet, with design from myself and Joel Clark.” The his-and-his primary bath also shows off more custom cabinetry and sleek, minimalist design.

With a newer, easier spirit thanks to the absence of events to plan or meetings to hold, Meiners and Brinkerhoff can enjoy time off, not just on the holidays, but all day, every day. And their home offers plenty of ways to do that. “We love cocktail parties and late-night gatherings with close friends,” says Meiners. “Coffee in the morning on the terrace is amazing, and drinks are perfect at night.”

Fresh flowers even bloom from metallic vases that dot the counters in the primary bath and closet area.

taught at Pembroke Hill. Todd introduced us to a TV agent, which led to another agent, and he had a client who was working on Angel, so he got that client to read us. So they read an Alias that we wrote.

What do you mean, they read an Alias?

Back in the day, you would write sample scripts of existing shows, and they would be read by (producers of) shows you were trying to get

a job on. Alias was a big J.J. Abrams show starring Jennifer Garner, so we had written a sample Alias script.

Interesting, I never knew that. Yeah. Now people just read original pilots, the whole spec-scripting is gone. So we met with Joss Whedon—he would have potential writers pitch, and we had a pitch for the show that he really liked.

What made your pitch better than all the others?

Umm, boy. I have to think about that. I think we really studied structure, so it had good structure. The funny thing is, we always credit our English teachers at Pembroke Hill with our writing career. There is such an emphasis on writing at Pembroke Hill. Sarah and I have a segment on the podcast called The Craft (& Fain) because we say writing is an art but it’s also a craft. We learned the craft of writing at Pembroke Hill.

Ernest Hemingway worked at The Kansas City Star for a short time and said the admonition to write short, clear sentences shaped his fiction. What specifically did you learn about writ-

On the Happier in Hollywood podcast, veteran TV writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain offer advice, share stories, and provide practical tips on navigating life and work with a focus on happiness.

ing at Pembroke that stuck with you?

I think it was the emphasis on the importance of writing and spending time on it at a formative age when a lot of people aren’t writing 20-page papers in high school.

That’s true. You can’t get good without just doing it and doing it and doing it.

And our teachers had such a love of literature, and they infused that in us.

You’ve been living in Los Angeles for over 25 years. How are you still connected to Kansas City?

I’m lucky. My parents still live in Kansas City at The Walnuts, by the Plaza. It’s really beautiful. I try to come home at least four times a year, once every season. I have many friends in Kansas City. My best friend, Mindy, lives there. I’m tight with high school people. They say there’s no friends like old friends, and it’s the absolute truth. I love being in Kansas City.

Do you have any must-do rituals when you come home?

Yes. I have to go to Winstead’s, usually the day that I land. Have to go to Q39. Walking to Kauffman Memorial Garden is a must. We often go to Union Station.

Do you spend Christmas in Los Angeles or Kansas City?

I go to Kansas City every other year for Christmas. My mom has an incredible collection of beautiful Christmas decorations. Her apartment is like a winter wonderland. It’s really the most fun just to come

home and look at the decorations.

What is Christmas like in Los Angeles?

Oh, gosh. [Laughs] Eighty degrees. What’s fun about my Christmas in LA is my husband is Mexican-American, and the Mexican tradition is to have tamales on Christmas, so that is delicious.

Since happiness is a theme in your podcasts, what is your best advice for people who find the holidays stressful to help them have the happiest Christmas?

Oh, wow. A couple of things. One is a piece of advice from my mom, which is: remember, the things that go wrong often make the best memories. And two, I would say, lower the bar.

How so?

Don’t expect so much from yourself. Don’t expect every gift to be the perfect gift. Don’t feel like you have to bake every single cookie. If people have any argument, it’s OK, you know? Just not wanting things to have to be so perfect.

As a writer, what kind of a future are you writing for yourself in your head?

I’m writing a future where I get another show on the air. Because even though I’m what one might say far along in my career, I always feel like I’m just starting out. I always feel like the best is ahead.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

At BG Wealth Advisory, the first thing we do is listen. As a locally-owned, independent advisory firm, we create individualized plans to help you achieve your financial goals. We specialize in:

• Tax-efficient retirement strategies & wealth transfer

• Guiding women & families through unforeseen life changes

• Federal employee benefits & retirement

Don’t let uncertainty keep you from moving forward! You owe it to yourself to get a complimentary evaluation of your current financial plans.

Photo:

by Jenny Vergara

Reservation for One THE PARKER HOLLOW

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

To understand the excitement around the noted chef

Jonathan Justus and his wife and business partner, Camille Eklof, opening their new French-inspired seafood restaurant in downtown Parkville, you have to know the story behind their culinary journey—and how it shapes, but doesn’t define, their latest venture, The Parker Hollow. Justus and Eklof first made their mark in 2007 when they returned from cooking in France to open Justus Drugstore in downtown Smithville, just 30 minutes north of Kansas City. The restaurant’s hyper-local focus, refined cooking techniques, and Justus’s signature table touches drew diners from across the region. It felt as if a bit of France or California had been dropped into small-town Missouri, quickly becoming

one of the area’s most celebrated dining destinations.

Awards soon followed: Justus Drugstore earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant in 2007, and Justus himself received Best Chef: Midwest nominations in 2011 and 2016.

A decade later, the couple opened Black Dirt in Kansas City’s South Plaza neighborhood. More casual and conveniently located for their city fans, it struggled to escape the long shadow of Justus Drugstore. The Smithville spot had become legend—cozy, intimate, a little quirky—and though Black Dirt offered solid, approachable cooking, diners couldn’t help but compare the two. After two years, the restaurant closed, following the sale of the Drugstore building itself for a tidy sum.

For several years, the couple stepped away from ownership, host-

With the tile floors, vintage mirrors, and cheery blue and yellow walls, The Parker Hollow has the feel of a small cafe in rural France.

ing private dinners at home and consulting for others while searching for a space that fit the next phase of their story. That opportunity came when a Parkville developer approached them about a historic building on Main Street—a narrow, 17-foot-wide former Italian restaurant called Frank’s that dated back to 1931.

They saw potential not to recreate their past, but to redefine their future. The Parker Hollow, which quietly opened in October, isn’t meant to be Justus Drugstore 2.0. It’s more relaxed, come-as-you-are casual, and built around their shared passion for French culture, cuisine, and seafood—particularly oysters and shellfish sourced directly from Hog Island Oyster Co. on the West Coast. Where the Drugstore was rooted in rural sophistication and foraged ingredients, The Parker Hollow feels worldly, urbane, and quietly confident—a reflection of two seasoned professionals who simply want to invite you in for a drink, feed you with care, and send you back into the night satisfied.

Outside, the restaurant still occupies its narrow footprint but now gleams with butter-yellow paint and smoky black trim. A gold-etched window announces, “seafood restaurant, oysters and raw bar.” From your car on Main Street, you can see straight into the warm glow of the bar, where low lights glint off exposed red brick walls, antique paintings, and a crystal chandelier that beckons you inside.

At the front window, a sous chef shucks briny, plump West Coast

to let in the crisp night air and the hum of passing trains—a romantic, almost cinematic touch.

The opening menu is short and sure-footed, with new dishes promised as the team finds its rhythm. I started with an Old Coast Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace, then moved to a crisp Picpoul de Pinet from France’s Languedoc region. The bright white paired perfectly with seafood, though I might have switched to a red for my two entrée courses.

After a half dozen oysters, Justus sent out a small square of salmon belly, its skin crisped on one side and the flesh meltingly soft on

From concept to splash-down, we design, install, and maintain water features that truly flow. Ready to dip your toe in? Just add water — we’ll handle the rest. Call today and we’ll take care of everything so you can make a big splash next spring.

From concept to splash-down, we design, install, and maintain water features that truly flow. Ready to dip your toe in? Just add water — we’ll handle the rest. Call today and we’ll take care of everything so you can make a big splash next spring.

the other, paired with his house ponzu made from citrus and soy. It was a simple, delicious amuse-bouche—a tease of what was to come.

Next came a plate of salmon crudo dressed with Szechuan-spiced cucumbers, halved pickled red grapes, fresh herbs, and bits of crispy salmon skin—a pretty dish that tasted as clean and fresh as it looked. A bubbling seafood dip followed, a creamy blend of tuna and mascarpone baked until molten and served with herbed crostini. It tasted nostalgic, like an elevated tuna casserole—comforting and irresistible.

The classic French-style mussels in white wine and cream and the grilled octopus with gigante beans and green goddess salad both tempted me for next time. Instead, I opted for the fisherman’s stew, the priciest dish on the menu at $38 (most others are under $20). The bouillabaisse-style soup brimmed with plump mussels, tender shrimp, chunks of poached salmon, zucchini, celery, and fennel, all swimming in a heady tomato broth spiked with saffron strands and anise-scented Pernod, then finished with parsley and scallions. It was richly scented and seasoned, and I ate what I could and took the rest home. It was even better the next morning with a fried egg and toast.

To balance all the seafood, I couldn’t resist the burger. Made from wagyu sourced from Paradise Locker Meats in Trimble, Missouri, it was thick, juicy, and cooked to order, served on a square focaccia bun with hearty mushroom sauce, melty Gruyère, and fries. With smash burgers dominating menus right now, this one was a juicy two-hander with mushroom gravy soaking into the bread to create its own rich condiment.

Dessert was a pecan-coconut tart topped with a scoop of white chocolate ice cream—a sweet, buttery finish that had me scraping the plate clean as the dining room emptied for the night.

The Parker Hollow is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11. Reservations via Tock are essential for the chef’s counter or upstairs tables, while the downstairs bar, seating about ten, is first come, first served.

For Justus and Eklof, The Parker Hollow feels like the culmination of their love affair with French cooking and café culture—a new beginning for the pair, and a delicious next chapter for Kansas City diners. theparkerhollow.com

Top left: Classic French rattan seating pulls up to the cozy bar. Top right: Poached potatoes and Italian gigante beans accompany the grilled octopus. Bottom left: On warm days, Justus opens the window to the street. Bottom right: The bluefin tuna crudo.

HEART OF KANSAS CITY AWARD WINNERS

Ambassador of the Year:

Charlene Bledsoe – Truman Library

Special Achievement Award:

Stacy & Jim Bartlett – Planet Comicon

Individual Achievement Award: Cindy McLain – Independence Square

Attraction of the Year: Crown Center

El Chango

by Jenny Vergara photo by Alex Rhoades

In Your Cocktail JADE JAGUAR

After opening Bar Medici, the intimate Italian aperitivo bar and restaurant, two years ago on the ground floor of the Reverb apartment building in the Crossroads, hospitality group Exit Strategy (which also owns The Mercury Room upstairs) is taking a spicier approach to the space with a new, subtly sexy Mexico City-themed bar—Jade Jaguar. The concept comes to life with new operating partners Manny Gomez and Seth Goldwasser.

Gomez, a talented bartender turned beverage consultant, has crafted cocktail menus for Kohinoor, a new Latin bar downtown, and Le Lounge at Hotel No Vacancy. There, he and Goldwasser, the bar manager of The Town Company, had been hosting Jade Jaguar pop-ups. Now, the duo has found a permanent home for their concept, backed by Exit Strategy’s polish and resources.

Owner David Manica was looking for a casual new concept to replace Bar Medici and differentiate it from The Mercury Room’s formal style. Jade Jaguar fits the bill, blending Gomez's and Goldwasser’s creative cocktail sensibilities with the operational expertise of Bennett Hofer, Exit Strategy’s director of operations, and a new food menu by Mitch Fetterling, the culinary director, and Josiah Nielsen, the chef de cuisine.

The inspiration for the bar draws from the jade-inlaid jaguar throne discovered deep in Mexico’s Yucatán, at the mystical Mayan site of El Castillo in Chichén Itzá. The jaguar, an enduring emblem of artistry, ritual, and nature, became the muse for this cocktail bar, which channels Mexico City’s energy, creativity, and warmth into Kansas City’s Crossroads.

The transformation of the space is striking. Gone are Bar Medici’s formal bronze and silver tables and chairs. In their place, a single row of bench seating hugs the windows, forming a long banquette lined with colorful pillows and paired with low circular cocktail tables and plush jade-green velvet chairs, creating intimate pods for groups of four or more. Drink rails behind the banquette and high-top chairs along the bar add flow to the room.

The entire space now glows in a soft mint green. Behind the bar, curated Mexican artwork and vintage jaguar figurines anchor the room’s Mexico City inspiration. A large painting of a jaguar gazes out from one wall, while cascading faux vines, blooming flowers, and tropical plants fill the space with lush energy. Latin beats and international rhythms pulse through the air, giving the room a palpable vibe.

The menu is rooted in Mexican flavors, playful but grounded. A late-night snack selection features chips and salsa, guacamole, chicharrónes, and Oaxacan bar nuts made with spicy peanuts and hominy. But before 10 p.m., diners can order from the full food menu—an array of deceptively simple dishes that can easily become a meal.

The Sonoran smash burger, originally from Arizona, is a standout: beef smash burgers topped with refried beans, bacon, grilled onions, and jalapeños meld into a smoky, spicy bite. The potato, onion, and cheese quesadilla surprises with its perfect balance of texture and flavor, served

with smoky salsa and pickled onions. For dessert, the pineapple sorbet topped with caramelized pineapple bits and a sprinkle of lime zest ends things on a bright note.

The cocktail menu is equally thoughtful. Each drink corresponds to a card from Lotería, Mexico’s beloved board game of chance. The signature Jade Jaguar cocktail, a vivid green blend of tequila, cilantro, ancho chile, and melon, sets the tone. Classics like the margarita, paloma, and mojito also make appearances, each elevated with housemade ingredients and Mexican flair.

For those looking for a nightcap, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a slow-sipping standout made with corn whiskey, mezcal, piloncillo bitters, and served with two small squares of dark chocolate to nibble as you sip slow.

Gomez says one of his favorite cocktails on the menu is the El Chango because it’s one that he has been working on for the last eight years. It has come to represent his growth as a bartender.

“El Chango is the drink that taught me how to clarify cocktails, and since then, not only have I gotten better at what I do, but I’ve always made sure that this cocktail progressed with me,” says Gomez. “This is a riff on a mezcal Last Word cocktail mixed with some tiki influence. It’s intended for the mezcal lover—and at the same time intended for those not a fan of mezcal—to fall in love with her.” jadejaguarkc.com

El Chango

1.5 ounces Jade Jaguar mezcal blend (Moonshift, Bozal, and Banhez)

.75 ounce Dolin Genepy

.75 ounce John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum

.75 ounce lime juice

.94 ounce Thai coconut milk*

Combine the mezcal blend, Dolin Genepy, Velvet Falernum, and lime juice in a container. Stir or shake briefly to integrate flavors of the liquors. Pour the calculated amount of coconut milk into a separate bowl or container. (See calculation below.) Slowly add the cocktail mixture into the coconut milk, and not the other way around. This ensures proper curdling. Stir gently until the mixture visibly curdles (you’ll see fine white solids forming). Allow the curdled mixture to sit undisturbed for 30–45 minutes in the fridge. This helps the curds bind and settle. Line a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter or multiple layers of cheesecloth, then carefully pour the curdled mixture through the filter. The first few ounces will be cloudy; pour the mixture back through the filter until the liquid runs clear. Continue filtering slowly. Do not stir or squeeze the curds. Once fully clarified, bottle the clear liquid and refrigerate. The clarified cocktail will be shelf-stable for several days when kept cold. Serve in a rocks glass on a clear ice cube with a lime coin.

* To calculate the amount of coconut milk needed, simply add up the total liquid volume of the cocktail (in this case, 3.75 ounces) then add 25 percent of that volume (0.94 ounce)

by Jenny Vergara

VERTICE ITALIAN

THE FIRST LOCALLY OWNED restaurant to debut on the Country Club Plaza under its new ownership has been announced, marking the start of a new culinary chapter for Kansas City’s 102-year-old shopping district. Summit Hospitality Group, the team behind Summit Grill, Third Street Social, Boru Asian Eatery, Pearl Tavern, and Neighborhood Café, will open Vertice Italian (pronounced ver-tee-chay) next year at 616 Ward Parkway, the former home of Parkway Social Kitchen. The name Vertice, meaning “peak” or “summit” in Italian, nods to both the restaurant group’s name and its aspirations. Guests can expect a relaxed, yet refined, Italian menu built around handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, complemented by a full cocktail lounge and a global wine list with an emphasis on Italian varietals. Led by owner Domhnall Molloy, Summit Hospitality says Vertice will feel “timeless and fresh,” pairing elevated food and warm service in a beautifully designed space that reflects the group’s signature approachable sophistication.

by Jenny Vergara

Flavor IN KC In Culinary

LILICO’S TAVERNA

WHEN THE FORMER OWNER of One Block South in Overland Park and Hogshead on the Country Club Plaza, Shawn McClenny, was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in 2023, doctors gave him six months to live. Two years later, cancer-free and grateful, he’s opened Lilico’s Taverna with his wife, Carolina. It’s a Spanish-inspired café at 1615 Oak Street in the Crossroads. Its name honors Carolina’s late father, Orlando “Lilico” Cortes, a Spaniard who fled Cuba during Fidel Castro’s revolution and resettled in Kansas. Carolina has shaped the décor around Salvador Dalí’s surrealism, bringing a playful, artistic edge to the space. The menu celebrates the Spanish conservas tradition—high-quality tinned seafood, such as sardines, tuna, mussels, and squid, served simply with bread, olives, and a glass of wine. Snacks and sangria will headline, alongside charcuterie boards, pinchos (bite-sized skewers), and classic cocktails, such as mojitos and Cuba Libres. There are no reservations here; the place is designed for casual, come-as-you-are dining. lilicoskc.com

Tuesday, December 2 • 10AM – 1PM Tuesday, December 9 • 1PM – 4PM Tuesday, December 16 • 4PM – 7PM

Power Through Your Gift List

ACE HAS THE BEST BRANDS AT THE TOP OF EVERYONE’S GIFT LIST

• Grills and accessories for backyard chefs

• Power tools for your favorite handyman

• Gadgets and gear for gardeners

• Yeti tumblers and coolers for adventurous types

It’s easy to shop when it’s in stock at Ace!

by Jenny Vergara

CAFE 333

A FAMILIAR corner on Southwest Boulevard is getting a new groove. The former Cafe Gratitude, Kansas City’s longtime vegan restaurant, is being reimagined as Cafe 333, a moody, music-driven supper club that blends dinner, drinks, and live jazz under one roof. Set to open before the end of the year, the reinvented space at 333 Southwest Boulevard is the latest concept from Social Cabaret, the local entertainment company behind Waldo Supper Club and C.A.S.T. (Cabaret Arts and Social Theater) in Overland Park. Coralyn Martin, Social Cabaret’s CEO, wants to make Cafe 333 a one-stop shop for people looking for a night on the town. Cafe 333 will have a jazz-first focus, with intimate performances filling the room most nights and “big showcase evenings” occasionally requiring tickets. G.A. Murdock, the chef who helmed the kitchen at Waldo Supper Club and once cooked at Cafe Gratitude, will craft an artful fusion menu that riffs on global flavors. The bar program will feature a mix of both cocktails and spirit-free drinks. For Martin, who once worked at Cafe Gratitude before founding Social Cabaret with her brother, Cas Minniear, this project feels like it was meant to be, and for that she is grateful.

The most delicious days of the year are back in January, offering endless ways to sample and savor Kansas City’s culinary landscape.

Plus, a portion of all proceeds benefit reStart.

January 9-18

KCRestaurantWeek.com #KCRW2026

Spotlight KC ATTRACTIONS NOT TO

Music Theater Heritage

Delivering innovative and bold theatrical experiences that ignite KC with imagination, heart, and unmistakable style.

Experience the Plaza lights with KC Carriages Make your reservations with Kansas City Carriages—limited availability. For more information visit kccarriages.com.

Book Your 2026 Event on the Rock Island Bridge Whether it’s a wedding, corporate party, or fundraiser, this oneof-a-kind event space is the place to impress any guest!

Winter Magic, KC’s Favorite Holiday Light Party! Bigger, brighter, and still KC’s favorite drive-thru where the lights dance to the music! Tickets at wintermagickc.com.

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

My Essentials IN KC

Stephen’s essentials...

AWESOME APP: We always get toasted ravioli at Anthony’s Restaurant & Lounge, one of Kansas City’s legit longstanding local Italian restaurants.

HAPPIEST HOUR: Going on 54 months, Tim Whitmer has been hosting Kansas City’s finest jazz artists at Happy Hour at the Piano Shop

STEPHEN WILSON

TECHNICIAN.

CRAFTSMAN. JAZZ LOVER.

Sby Evan Pagano

tephen Wilson describes pianos like a pianist exploring the keys.

“A lot of people don’t know what a piano has the ability to do,” he says. “They just think a piano’s a piano, but a piano is a fine instrument that allows you to be very, very expressive—it almost feels your nerve endings when you play.”

“While there’s no perfect piano, a great piano allows the pianist, a musician, to express from the lightest of notes and most delicate of melodies to the most powerful. It should whisper and roar. It must not be shallow, or too bright. It must project sound without effort and sound like an orchestra, not a soloist.”

As the owner of Midtown’s Upcycle Piano Craft, Wilson—with skills from his previous career as an aviation mechanic—restores pianos to this ideal. He replaces heavy synthetic materials with real wood that better projects sound; he tunes the tactile connection between hammer and key; he tunes and voices the notes they produce. Then the pianos go to the showroom floor to be sold.

To hear the results, you can go to the Black Dolphin in the Crossroads, where Tim Whitmer plays a Wilson-restored Steinway. Or the Uptown Lounge, where Michael Rorah plays a Wilson-restored Yamaha. Or, on the first Tuesday of every month, Upcycle Piano Club itself, where top jazz acts perform free concerts during Happy Hour at the Piano Shop.

“It’s a highlight every month,” says Wilson. “It’s a real joy to be able to host that event, have that venue, and enjoy the music.” upcyclepianocraft.com

NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE: In Midtown, there’s fine food and drink, theater productions, artists, and our local community radio, KKFI. They’re all locally owned and produce the most carefully crafted programs and products found anywhere.

CAN’T-MISS ACT: At KC Bier Co, you can hear Bram Wijnands in his element. He’s one of Kansas City’s most influential and longstanding jazz pianists.

The seafood lasagna at Cafe Trio is a go-to. At Anthony’s, I get the chicken parmesan.

HIDDEN GEM:

I’m a maker, a fabricator. If you’re into metal working, Metal by the Foot is your store.

A KC WELCOME:

If somebody’s coming to Kansas City, I definitely would have them stop in during the afternoon at Green Lady Lounge or to see Tim Whitmer’s Good Time Quartet at the Black Dolphin Lounge

JAMES

7221 W 80th St.

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

Custom Tailoring Available