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OCTOBER 2026 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Contents OCTOBER 2026

62 Features

IN CONVERSATION WITH TIM KAINE The junior U.S. senator from Virginia was raised in Overland Park and credits his Midwest upbringing with his practical, centrist approach to government.

MOON AGE DREAMSCAPE Get inspired for this fall’s ArtSmash Gala at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Departments 16

ENTERTAINING IN KC

OUR MAN IN KC

Favorite local restaurants launch second locations.

ARTS & CULTURE IN KC

LOOK IN KC

HEALTH IN KC

LIVING IN KC

FLAVOR IN KC

100

FACES IN KC

104

MY ESSENTIALS IN KC

SEEING DOUBLE

MAKERS’ MARK A midcentury-modern home in Fairway gets a new lease on life for interior designer Leslie Mark and her family.

IN EVERY ISSUE On the cover Dress from Clairvaux photographed at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Kenny Johnson OCTOBER 2026| 8 | INKANSASCITY.COM

EDITOR’S NOTE

INKANSASCITY.COM

THIS MONTH IN KC

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Editor’s Note

Vol. 9 | No. 10 OCTOBER 2026

Closet Case photo by jenny wheat

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

n my home, I’ve converted a small third bedroom into a large walk-in closet, and it’s a good thing I did. Not because I have an amazing wardrobe. Far from it. But because I can’t bear to throw anything out, no matter how out of style or fit a particular piece of clothing is. Do you read those reoccurring articles in fashion magazines that offer sound advice on how to edit and organize your closet? I do, and I dream of what it would be like to walk into that room every morning to choose from a selection of stylish clothes that fit. Oh, I follow most of the recommendations. At first glance it looks so organized. Everything is arranged according to season. Blouses, skirts, sweaters, pants, and jackets go from light to dark, shortsleeved to long-sleeved, etcetera, etcetera. And I even use matching hangers. But the culling of the herd is something I just cannot do. I am haunted by an out-of-style Armani jacket I gave away years ago that would now be the epitome of chic. What goes around comes around, especially in fashion. At my age, anything that’s trendy now has been trendy at least once before. Pay no mind to the (probably very sound) advice that if you wore it the first time you shouldn’t wear it the second time around. These same fashion authorities also say that it’s never quite the same that second or third time. Designers love to tweak said look to make it “fresh.” That might be true, but I’m hanging on to it anyway, just in case. I have a similar problem with shoes. In the closet, I had floor-to-ceiling shelves built to hold all my boots and shoes. Overflow goes into the guest room closet. It, too, is filled with sandals, loafers, heels, and boots that aren’t in style right now but will be again, I’m sure. True story: Last winter I frequently wore a pair of boots that often drew compliments as to how cute they were. I bought those boots 25 years ago. I consider that validation. It’s crossed my mind that I may have a problem, and I may need an intervention. You know—a professional authority who will come in and clear out the detritus. But then I remember that Armani jacket. Maybe the real reason I move so often is because I need a bigger closet.

Digital Editor Evan Pagano Art Director Alice Govert Bryan Contributing Writers Susan Cannon, Judith Fertig, Cindy Hoedel, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, Jenny Vergara Contributing Photographers Kenny Johnson, Aaron Leimkuehler, Brandon McKinley, Rosa Pineda 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

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Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

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OCTOBER 2026 | 10 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Every leaf is a flower. The Kansas City metro is flush with woods—some short trips from the city, others within city limits. As the leaves turn, we’ll help you make the most of it. Search “Fall Colors in Kansas City” on inkansascity.com for a list of the top viewing spots.

ENTER TO WIN Secure a night of light. Our friends at the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park are giving one lucky IN Kansas City reader four free tickets to Luminary Walk, the walkthrough holiday wonderland inhabiting the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens November 27–December 26. Enter to win at inkansascity.com/the-magazine/enterto-win by October 31. Best of luck! FOLLOW US

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It was a graveyard smash. With the big day

looming, venues across the metro are transforming into Halloween pop-up bars. Cobwebs hang, cauldrons bubble, and the spaces crawl with costumed Kansas Citians. Check the Bars section of inkansascity.com for a list of the top spots.

You just have to be there. At our audience’s insistence, we finally went to a concert at Mike Kelly’s Westsider, a westof-Westport hotspot for live music. Relive our experience in the Contemporary Music section of inkansascity.com.

OCTOBER 2026 | 12 | INKANSASCITY.COM

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER subscribe at INKANSASCITY.COM (under The Magazine tab)

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This Month IN KC

October

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE by Evan Pagano

OCTOBER is a big month for beer aficionados. If you imbibe, you’ ll have plenty of opportunities to settle into fall with some cold ones and friends alongside. Just get a sober ride home!

Brew at the Zoo October 10 Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo A wild party. On the second Saturday of the month, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium will stay open late and fill its walkways with dozens of local and out-of-town breweries. DJ Joe and the band Retroactive will keep things lively, and a stable of food trucks will keep everyone fed. With your $65 admission to Brew at the Zoo, explore GloWild, the trail of silk-and-steel lantern displays flowing through the property.

Taps & Tastes October 17 Current Landing boulevard.com/tapsandtastes

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT You can feel it, can’t you? A little something spooky in those leafy fall gusts. Before long, jack-o’-lanterns will light porches, black cats will peer from windows, and Kansas Citians will be about town engaging in all things Halloween.

Dark Forest October 16/17, 22–24, and 30/31 Powell Gardens powellgardens.org/dark-forest

Sips near the stadium. The next weekend, head to Taps & Tastes at Current Landing, the entertainment space just outside CPKC Stadium. Boulevard Brewing Co. is wrangling up 19 breweries and two distilleries for an afternoon of tastings, entertainment, and local cuisine. Stay in the evening for a big-screen viewing of the KC Current’s road matchup. General admission is $75.

There’s something in the woods. For three weekends, Kansas City’s expansive botanical garden will come alive with intense light, music, and creepy-crawly performance art via Quixotic. No jump scares or butchery here, but eerie enough that kids under 13 should think twice. General admission is $38.

Botanical Brewfest October 17 Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens artsandrec-op.org/arboretum/botanical-brewfest I’m getting floral notes. That same day, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will bring 40-plus breweries, three distilleries, six food vendors (with sweet and savory bites), and two bands (3 Guys & 3 Guitars and Jolly Dutchmen) to its fresh, natural setting far from the urban bustle. General admission for Botanical Brewfest is just under $70.

Dark Forest

Haunted Huzzah October 17/18 Kansas City Renaissance Festival kcrenfest.com/haunted-huzzah One last huzzah. On the final days of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, the knights—and a few paranormal friends—will rise for a weekend of family-friendly frights. Costume up, trick or treat, witness “the death parade,” and explore the spook-ified grounds during Haunted Huzzah. General admission is $27.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids, and free for kindergarten through college students with proof of good grades. College kids, bring your student ID, too.

OCTOBER 2026 | 14 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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A New Studio A New Studio The Same Extraordinary Design The Same Extraordinary Design

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Entertaining IN KC

Good Parties Make Good Neighbors

by Merrily Jackson

mjackson@inkansascity.com

BEAUTIFUL HOUSES GIVE A NEIGHBORHOOD CURB APPEAL. SIMPLE GATHERINGS ON PORCHES, DRIVEWAYS, AND CLOSED STREETS GIVE IT SOMETHING EVEN MORE VALUABLE: NEIGHBORS WHO KNOW ONE ANOTHER

live in beautiful Hyde Park, one of Kansas City’s most historic neighborhoods. When I moved into our house as a new bride, it was the era of the urban pioneer, when energetic young couples were buying and restoring old houses in the urban core. My husband and I were lucky enough to join a group that called themselves the Hyde Park Yacht Club. The name was tongue in cheek; the club had nothing whatever to do with yachting. In the beginning, a Yacht Club gathering might consist of homeowners sitting together on paint cans, drinking adult beverages, eating Fritos, and talking about plasterwork, plumbing, the wider world, and, inevitably, the neighborhood.

Then, being human, we began to level up. I think it started with a Cinco de Mayo party. Soon hosts felt compelled to choose themes and carry them through the food and drinks. I was as guilty as anyone. I seem to remember hiring a piano player for a Yacht Club party chez nous. The parties were great fun, but eventually they became so elaborate that no one wanted to host them anymore. That was a shame. The Yacht Club had been a wonderful way to meet our neighbors, and I still have dear friends I met through the HPYC. Lower the bar. Neighborhood parties turn the woman three doors down into Beth, whose daughter is at KU and who knows an excellent

OCTOBER 2026 | 16 | INKANSASCITY.COM

tree trimmer. They make it easier to ask someone to collect a package or watch your house. They remind us that we live among people rather than merely beside them. The fate of the Yacht Club taught me an important lesson: if you want neighborhood gatherings to continue, keep them simple enough that someone will volunteer to host the next one. Fun for almost everyone. Jerry Seinfeld famously observed, “There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.” But a good old-fashioned block party may come close. It is an American tradition for neighbors to close their street to traffic (KCMO residents can apply for a permit at kcmo.gov/compass) and reclaim the pavement for an annual communal gathering. Grownups settle into lawn chairs with a beverage, catch up with neighbors, and savor a potluck meal. Even the most cynical teenager can usually find someone worth talking to. Block parties may be most deeply thrilling for children, who suddenly see the street transformed into a playground. Set up kickball at one end and add sidewalk chalk, bubbles, lawn games. You could even consider a talent show, scavenger hunt, or an outdoor movie after dark. Rock the block. My friend Joan Dean’s annual Mother’s Day block party proves that one great idea can carry an entire gathering. Her generously sized front porch sits where two streets meet, creating a natural amphitheater for Mooncrow, a rock band featuring several local legends. Joan gets a permit to close the street, neighbors and friends help pay the

band, and everyone brings lawn chairs and beverages. The enthusiastic, multigenerational crowd grows every year. Start small. A block party is not the only way to gather the neighbors. If children are scarce, try porch cocktails, Saturday morning coffee and doughnuts, or “Drinks in the Driveway.” A progressive party can include drinks at one house, supper at another, and dessert at a third. Put a face to the house. For a neighborhood cocktail buffet, my friend Guy Townsend replaced ordinary name tags with lanyards featuring a photograph of each guest’s house and the names of the people who lived there. Guests could instantly connect familiar houses with the people inside them. It sounds labor intensive, but Guy used ChatGPT to design the template, and he easily pasted the photos from the Jackson County website. If that still sounds like too much production, use ordinary name tags and ask guests to add their house number. Make the first move. Perhaps this is the fall to text a couple of neighbors and suggest a block party. The few necessary jobs can be shared, and a big pot of chili or a platter of grilled brats can do most of the work. If that feels too ambitious, one of the smaller ideas in this column might be just right. Every neighborhood tradition begins somewhere, often with one friendly text. Or just put out the Fritos, darling. The neighborhood will be better for it.

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Entertaining IN KC

BLOCK PARTY BASICS COOL COMPANY A rolling cooler keeps beverages cold and moves easily from driveway to street. Label it clearly if one section contains drinks intended only for the grownups. YETI Roadie roller cooler available at Westlake Ace Hardware, $375.

PUNCH LINE A large acrylic beverage dispenser makes self-service simple and survives outdoor entertaining better than glass. Fill it with punch and place the vodka discreetly alongside. Three-gallon acrylic drink dispenser available at Crate & Barrel, $49.95.

CHALK IT UP A handsome bucket of oversized sidewalk chalk lets children turn a closed street into a temporary art gallery. Encourage adults to contribute. Their drawings may require more generous judging.

HOUSE CALL Clear lanyard badge holders become clever introductions when each insert pairs a guest’s name with a photograph of the house. Suddenly everyone knows who belongs to that wonderful porch three doors down.

GAME ON An attractive cornhole set gives children, teenagers and grownups something to do together. Choose one handsome enough to leave out after the block party has ended. Kansas City cornhole board available at slickwoodys.com, $269.

TAKE A SEAT A lightweight folding lawn chair is the unofficial uniform of the block party. Look for one with a shoulder strap, cup holder, and enough comfort for serious neighborhood conversation. Available at Dick's Sporting Goods, $24.99.

OCTOBER 2026 | 18 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Entertaining IN KC

The Best Treat on the Block Rice Krispies treats are ideal block-party fare: easy to carry and irresistible to every generation. Pretzels, semisweet chocolate, and flaky salt keep this version from becoming overly sweet. Browning the butter adds a marvelous nutty depth and takes the treats to another level, but simply melting it will still yield delicious results.

RICE KRISPIES TREATS WITH CHOCOLATE AND PRETZELS Nonstick cooking spray 6 tablespoons salted butter (¾ stick) 1 (10-ounce) bag mini-marshmallows 3 cups Rice Krispies, or other crisp rice cereal 3 cups butter-flavored or regular mini-pretzels, broken into ½- to 1-inch pieces, or an 8-ounce package Pepperidge Farm Pretzel Goldfish 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch-square baking pan with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides, then coat with nonstick cooking spray. Melt the butter in a large, light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan or stir constantly with a sturdy silicone spatula. The butter will melt, then bubble, and eventually begin to foam and sizzle. Keep stirring continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely as the foam subsides. You will

start to see tiny, golden-brown flecks forming at the bottom of the pan, and it will smell intensely nutty. Immediately turn the heat down to low (or pull the pan off the heat briefly) so the trapped heat doesn't burn the butter. Add the marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir constantly over low heat until smooth, gooey, and fully melted, 2 to 3 minutes. The brown flecks will mix right into the marshmallows. Remove from the heat, add the cereal and pretzels, and stir until evenly coated. Immediately scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Using the spatula, press the mixture to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Working quickly (you want the cereal mixture to still be quite warm so the chocolate will melt a bit and adhere to the surface), sprinkle the chopped chocolate on top. Press the mixture with the chocolate into a flat, even layer in the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool to room temperature in the pan on a rack. Lift out of the pan using the foil and cut into squares. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Yield: 12 to 36 treats

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Entertaining IN KC

ASK MERRILY

Find answers to all your entertaining questions.

ly. Choose a backup date, move to a sheltered location, or cancel. “We’ll see what happens” guarantees 30 separate text messages.

Q: Should renters be invited to a neighborhood gathering, or only homeowners?

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

A: Invite everyone who lives there. Renters receive packages, notice sus-

Q: No one is particularly fond of one of our neighbors. May we

Q: Is it rude to attend a neighborhood gathering for only half

A: No. A block party is one occasion when the guest list should be

A: Not at all. Stop by, talk to a few neighbors, and thank whoever organized it before leaving. Brief neighborliness is infinitely better than staying home because you cannot attend for long.

leave him off the block party invitation list?

determined by geography, not popularity. Invite him. He may decline, behave beautifully, or turn out to be more enjoyable than expected. Deliberately excluding him will create ill will long after the event is over. A private gathering in your home is another matter. By all means, leave him off the list. Neighborliness has its limits.

Q: What is the best way to handle bad weather?

picious activity, and make excellent friends just like everyone else.

an hour?

Q: Is it acceptable to ask neighbors to contribute money toward entertainment or other party expenses?

A: Yes, provided the amount and purpose are clear from the beginning.

A: Decide on a rain plan before sending the invitation, and state it clear-

Ask before making commitments, not after the bounce house arrives. A surprise Venmo request should never be the party favor.

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Island Dreaming

n the evening preceding the Committee of 100 annual luncheon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, I joined patrons and benefactors for a more intimate gathering. The event was held at the exquisite home of Janet Curran. The 11-year-old mossy-shingled limestone residence, outfitted by George Terbovich, felt as though it had been comfortably nestled in the hillside for a century. Outside, a band played amidst the enchanted woods. I was instantly transported back to bucolic rural England, where I spent a bit of time this summer. It was here, under a lush canopy soon to lose its leaves to cooler days ahead, that I met the acclaimed designer and author Amanda Lindroth. Festooned in ivory dupioni silk, her aura immediately gave—decorator. It’s a title she uses endearingly. With restraint, I sidestepped the topic of my love for all things rattan, and we chatted instead about how she found herself in Kansas City (friends with the Currans and several other KC families who frequent Lyford Cay in the Bahamas). I asked Amanda if someone with an affinity for island style could or should consider adopting it in a place like Kansas City, which enjoys the full force of four seasons. Put another way—would a home sheathed in her signature sherbet color palette and filled with caned furniture seem out of place when there’s a foot of snow blanketing the lawn? Her response: No. She’d trade sisal for Oriental rugs and warm it up with thicker drapes, slipcovers, and more plants. So there you have it. If you have island fever, this is your permission to go for it. When in doubt—as she told me—cover everything in pink and green. The following afternoon, I—among the most dazzling troop, awash in florals—attended the annual C100 luncheon. [In continuing a new column feature, my Best Dressed nod goes to Phyliss Bernstein. Wearing the most delicious bubblegum-pink tweed jacket and coordinating quilted handbag (both Chanel), she elevated the occasion—perhaps aided by her soaring metallic-gold heels.] In the Bloch Lobby, we nibbled on guava scones and sipped mimosas. Err… let’s be clear, I was the only one even looking at a scone (and

Damian Lair with designer Amanda Lindroth at the C100 patrons’ party.

they were delicious, by the way). We later OVERHEARD made our way into the auditorium for the “She had a program. In its 14th year, the C100 event tanning bed in continues to attract a rockstar roster of her living room.” featured design industry icons. Amanda walked us through a composite of her design inspirations. Smartly interwoven were personal stories, many of which were quite riotous. In traveling to Kansas City, she was struck by the similarities with our own J.C. Nichols and the likes of Addison Mizner and George Merrick in Palm Beach and Miami, all of whom shared the same passion for the Andalusian Mediterranean style, particularly including the Giralda tower. Amanda’s traipse through design history (Slim Aarons! Babe Paley! Oscar de la Renta!), while peppering in her own projects, was as inspiring as it was enjoyable. Her work offers proof that tropical style can still be very sophisticated. I could have listened to her all day. (P.S.—her latest book, Island Dreaming, is full of inspiration and worth picking up.) Following the program, we gathered in Kirkwood Hall, which had been transformed by—who else—Kenneth Sherman and the talented team at Trapp and Company. The tablescapes embodied Lindroth’s

OCTOBER 2026| 24 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Our Man IN KC tropical aesthetic, with ikat and floral-themed cotton tablecloths in joyous blues, greens, pinks, and corals. Rattan vases filled with tropical florals centered the tables. As a dashing touch, the chargers mimicked the intricate mosaic shell-craft creations (sailor’s valentines) discussed during the program. What began with a forward-thinking group of women—self-tasked with gathering 100 of their friends to create a new signature fundraising event for the museum—has become one of the hottest event tickets of the year. C100 exists to advance the mission of the Nelson-Atkins, enhance its programs and collections, and maintain free admission for all. If you did any traveling this summer, you surely encountered the fact that free museum admission has become essentially extinct. Our entire community benefits from the energy and spirit of auxiliary groups, like C100, who work to maintain this invaluable access. Congratulations to chairs Gaye Cohen and Amy Volini and honorary chair Mary Ann Powell on the most fun and beautiful event. SPOTTED: Julián Zugazagoitia, Kim Aliber, Janet Curran, Shirley Helzberg, Ann Baum, Lisa Schellhorn, Ellen Merriman, Margaux Blackwell, Tess Merriman, Susannah Sotos, Liz Uhlmann, Emily Fehsenfeld, Lauren Blazer, Barbara Bloch, Mina Steen, Heather Pluard, Mary Carol Garrity, Karen Yungmeyer, Wendy Burcham, Ellen Copaken, Linda Watson, Darcy Stewart, Zulema Bassham, Kelly Anders, Susan Bubb, Megan Bubb, Rachel Sabates, Olivia Sabates, Amy Embry, Susan Bernstein, Missy Love, Ariana Weindling, Kathy Scaglia, Jo Marie Scaglia, Siobhan McLaughlin-Lesley, Georgina Herrera Luckie, Jamila Weaver, Jessica May, Jessica Hong, JoAnne Northrup, Peggy Shannon, Amy Klingman, Natalie Kirk Welch, Nahal Niknam, Mary Malabanan, Janelle Haverty, Laura Baker, Sara Noble, Lisa Hardy, Kathryn Bannister, Ilyssa Block, Bianca Mulloy, Shannon O’Brien, Sara Stein, Annie Anderson, Nicolle Ratliff, Sara Hale, Allison Muller

BRUNCH TIME!

AS I ENTER THE 9TH YEAR (!) of authoring this column, one of the coolest opportunities I’ve been fortunate to experience was attending the pre-opening festivities at 1587 Prime. Thousands viewed my Instagram reel for a peek inside. A full year later, barely a week goes by that I’m not asked about the experience. Ask me! I’ve returned many times since, and I’m happy to share all my favorites. On that note, I have news. By the time this issue lands in mailboxes, 1587 will have just opened for Sunday brunch. A few weeks HOT prior, I had the supreme blessing of an GOSSIP: Who had a summer early first taste. What arts breakup and finally told My experience began—as it organization their parents at the should—with the Bloody Mary really ticked off holiday airport pickup? cart. Options unfold with an inisome prominent tial choice: classic (tomato base) or supporters? verde (avocado, tomatillo, cucumber,

and cilantro base). For serious sampling purposes, I obviously had one of each. OVERHEARD Spirits options include top-shelf vodka “Those are called or tequila (tequila pairs nicely with the rich crumbs. The verde). From there, the sky is the limbest kind.” it. Stuffed olives, celery, carrots, lemon, lime, and dill pickles are all optional accoutrements. Multiple salt options are available for the rim, and premium add-ons include shrimp, mini crab cake, wagyu bacon, or soft-boiled quail egg. I had a thrilling time concocting two very different Bloody Marys and watching the process, which packs a nice production value. There’s also a mimosa kit with orange or peach purée and prosecco. The food menu is driven by three categories: sweet, savory, and eggs. I ordered something from each. The signature soufflé pancakes were nonnegotiable. The fat double stack of cakes was drizzled with condensed milk, dusted with powdered sugar, dolloped with a whipped vanilla Chantilly, and blanketed in pure maple syrup. I’m not typically a pancakes guy, but these were quite good (even as leftovers). For savory—my go-to—I could not resist the spicy fried chicken sandwich. The chicken was very crispy and accompanied by chili oil, horseradish aioli, pickles, shredded lettuce, and 1587’s addicting duck-fat fries. A game day winner for sure. In the eggs category, the wagyu beef bacon omelet comes complete with mushrooms, caramelized onions, smoked Gouda, and crispy shallots. In retrospect, however, I really wish I’d tried the caprese frittata. Alas, I must return. 1587’s new à la carte brunch brings its signature dining experience to Sunday mornings, just in time for football season. Along with the incredible live music—yes, even at brunch—it offers an elevated way to kick off game day. Go Chiefs!

OCTOBER 2026| 26 | INKANSASCITY.COM

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY I WAS ONCE AGAIN delighted to attend the annual Symphony Ball, benefiting the Kansas City Symphony. Hosted by the Symphony League and its president, Mary Leonida, this year’s event was chaired by Melanie Merrill Thompson, with Beth & Pat McCown serving as honorary chairs. Guests were invited all aboard for a “Sentimental Journey” inspired by the rhythm and romance of the 1940s. In a nod to the historical theme, the event returned to Union Station this year. During the turbulent decade of the ’40s, music boosted morale and connected people in ballrooms, jazz clubs, and concert halls. The Kansas City Philharmonic (the predecessor to the Kansas City Symphony) performed before sold-out audiences, featuring top soloists such as clarinetist Benny Goodman. Union Station was in its heyday with dining, shopping, standing-room-only trains passing through, and music pulsating throughout the structure. We were transported to this historic scene. The black-tie evening began with a cocktail reception at the entry to the Grand Plaza. Attendees mingled and bid on silent auction items, including numerous Helzberg jewelry pieces, private dinners, a trip to New York, and designer handbags. Many of us had gathered two nights prior for the patrons’ party, and people were still remarking on what a lovely time we had at Linda Beal’s beautiful home. The sky-high curtains pulled back to reveal a beautiful dining space on the other side. Following opening remarks, we enjoyed a robust performance by the symphony, led by music director Matthias Pintscher. In keeping with the theme, it was a mix of Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin (An American in Paris), and of course, Sentimental Journey. For a soaring space with challenging acoustics, I was impressed by Matthias’s ability to deftly adjust. Musicians have never sounded better in this space. We were ultimately served a late-night dinner with a potpie appetizer, wedge salad, braised short rib, roasted carrots, and sweet-pea risotto. Following dinner, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra performed as patrons wound down the evening and began their journeys home.

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Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

David Pelino TENOR ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS photo by Brandon McKinley

life—and through the public school system and have been singing in concerts and musicals since I was a kid.” Pelino received his bachelor of music in both education and music performance at the University of Florida, and his master of music in vocal performance from the University of Missouri. Equally at home on the concert stage, in opera, recitals, and with professional ensembles, Pelino’s mesmerizing voice stands out. With the Lyric, he recently made his role debuts as The Ballad Singer in Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men and Nelson in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. This season, he will sing the mainstage roles of Don Basilio and Don Curzio in The Marriage of Figaro, and The Messenger in Aida. davidpelino.com

avid Pelino, a tenor and resident artist with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, was led by his big voice to opera. “I did not grow up in Haiti, but I am a first-generation American on my mother’s side,” he says. “She immigrated here in the 1980s. I feel it’s one of the greatest privileges of my life to have grown up in a Haitian household, specifically because of the people who continue to inspire and support me to this day.” “People will ask me when I started singing,” Pelino recounts, “and my honest answer is since I’ve been able to speak. I grew up singing in the church—my faith in God is as important to me as anything in my

INKC: How and when did you discover that you had a “powerful tenor” voice for opera? David Pelino: I’ve always known I had a loud voice. At almost every choir concert, I would get this remark, in the most loving way, “We could hear you out of everyone!” Which, if you’re singing in a choir, often means you’re too loud. But as I came to be acquainted with solo singing, specifically with operatic technique, it became clear it wasn’t just pure sound that folks were hearing but that quality that opera singers have to “cut” through overall loud sonic environments. As I got older and my voice continued to get bigger and more refined, my voice teachers and professors would encourage me to try more and more repertoire suited to larger-voiced tenors. I was 24 when I sang my first Verdi aria. That trend continued, and it became apparent that the place where my voice was being used at its fullest was either as a concert soloist or on the opera stage. Working with Lyric Opera of Kansas City has continued to foster my growth in a way I’ve needed for a long time, and I wouldn’t have been able to navigate the more demanding music without the foundations that my voice professors have equipped me with. INKC: As a resident artist with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, what are

some of the things you enjoy doing here in your free time? DP: Having never been to Kansas City before moving here, I really didn’t

know what to expect outside of sports and barbecue. However, I think

OCTOBER 2026 | 30 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Arts & Culture IN KC I have tried every notable barbecue joint in the city, and I’ve been to a Royals game. What I didn’t know about the city was just how important the arts and community were to the locals. I have been to the Nelson numerous times now, and every time I go there’s something new to discover. I’m a big fan of live music, so whether it’s going to jazz lounges like the Green Lady Lounge or The Black Dolphin, or soul and R&B joints like The Uptown Lounge or the Phoenix, there’s always some incredible live music happening in the city. Through the Lyric Opera, I’ve met a few folks that are active in the theater community here, and because of them I’ve been able to see shows at Musical Theater Heritage and the Kansas City Actors Theatre. I would recommend to anybody to check out all the things theater happening in the city—there’s a massive amount of talent here. Outside of that, I’m sort of a gym rat and a huge nerd, so you’ll find me either lifting weights or gaming. INKC: How do you keep your voice, your “instrument,” in top form? DP: Daily singing is imperative to maintaining it. I have to warm up

every day and stretch out my voice in the places it needs to be to keep it flexible and ready to use. Singing is a full body activity, so making sure I’m taking care of my entire body is really important to me. My time in the gym helps with that, but I also have to eat well, take my vitamins, stretch, and drink plenty of water (I try to get in a gallon a day) and electrolyte drinks. I try to avoid alcohol on days I work out, and completely avoid it one to two days before serious singing

for a rehearsal or a performance. Sleep is a huge part of this as well, because it doesn’t matter how much I practice, work out, or consume if I don’t give my body the chance to properly recover. As a professional voice user, I am cognizant of the time I use my voice and how I’m using it. So, on show days, I really try to keep the talking to a minimum, especially two hours before a show. When singing with a professional ensemble, I end up singing five to six hours on rehearsal days, so I really have to be a good steward of how I sing, speak, and, in all honesty, when it’s time to shut up. INKC: You have degrees in music, music education, and music per-

formance. If you could snap your fingers and have a career highlight of your dreams, what would it be? DP: Being the tenor soloist in Verdi’s Requiem, Carnegie Hall, singing with my great friends, with family in the audience. I’ve been fortunate to meet some truly incredible musicians who have become close friends, and my career goals include being able to work with them regularly. The Requiem was the first work I was a part of as an undergraduate student that made me say, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” So, to me, there couldn’t be anything better than singing that monumental work with the people who matter to me the most in the audience. Then making that highlight a regular part of the work I do over and over. And I say Carnegie because every singer in this specific medium wants to sing there, but what’s more important is the people I get to do it with.

OCTOBER 2026 | 32 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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UnionStation.org

Arts & Culture IN KC by Judith Fertig

A section of The Epic Return of the Sandhill Crane by Lisa A. Frank

A SCULPTOR AND A FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER EXHIBIT AT SHERRY LEEDY GALLERY FROM NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 24, two new exhibits at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art put the colorful spotlight on ceramic artist Judy Onofrio in Big Fun and fine-art photographer Lisa A. Frank in Set Pieces. Frank’s background in theatrical set painting and professional scenic design helps her create digital dioramas that have been described as “oddly decorative” and “darkly mysterious.” Says Frank, “To form complex compositions, I position and pose—a warbler here, a liatris there—dozens of bits and pieces cut out from the originals. I add abstractions, textures, patterns, and lighting effects to further illuminate the depth of my reverence for nature onto the 2-D surface. The final Photoshop document may easily have over 100 layers.” The whimsical, wacky, spangled, and bejeweled works in Onofrio’s Big Fun suggest a carnival atmosphere, a trip to the funhouse, or taking a chance at the fortune-teller. For the past twenty years, Onofrio has told optimistic and sometimes joyful stories about strong women, lush gardens, childhood memories, and the circus through her elaborately embellished figurative clay sculptures. For more information, visit sherryleedy.com.

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OCTOBER 2026 | 34 | INKANSASCITY.COM

KC Symphony guest conductor Vimbayi Kaziboni

photo by astrid ackerman

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY PRESENTS THE PLANETS LOOKING FOR AN “out of this world” experience? Buckle your seatbelts and put on your space suits for the music of the planets. From October 9 through 11, guest conductor Vimbayi Kaziboni, along with violist MingYu Hsu (KC Symphony principal) and sopranos and altos from the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, blast off with this program: Selections from avant-garde composer Giacinto Scelsi’s 1959 masterpiece Quattro pezzi su una nota sola, which sounds very much like “space music” to the modern ear. Ludwig van Beethoven’s orchestral Overture to Egmont, written during the Napoleonic Wars. This piece later became the unofficial anthem of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Modern composer Bohuslav Maritinů wrote Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra for Ukrainian-American viola player Jascha Veissi. Gustav Holst takes us on a musical space adventure, from militant Mars (which inspired the music for the film Gladiator) to majestic Jupiter and otherworldly Neptune. This orchestral piece heavily influenced the music for Star Wars. For more information and tickets, visit kcsymphony.org.

OCTOBER 2026 | 35 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Arts &Culture IN KC by Judith Fertig

Kansas City Ballet dancer Mei McArtor

WE’RE OFF to see the Wizard from October 15 through 25 at Kauffman Center when the Kansas City Ballet performs this vibrant and colorful ballet choreographed by Septime Webre. Says Webre, “Over the years I had toyed with working on a ballet adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz but had resisted—both the book and the film are such perfect works of art, and I wasn’t quite sure I could illuminate anything about the story that hadn’t been said by the source material. But over time I realized the marvelous characters invented by L. Frank Baum beg to be danced, and that so much could still be discovered using our metaphorical language of ballet. I’ve been living with this magical tale for so long, working on this ballet has been like coming home. And there’s no place like it…” Bursting with inventive design, spectacular effects, and an original score, this award-winning production is a spellbinding treat for the whole family. It features music by Matthew Pierce, set design by Michael Raiford, costume design by Liz Vandal, and puppetry design by Nicholas Mahon. For more information and tickets, visit kcballet.org.

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THE WIZARD OF OZ

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photo by kenny johnson

THE NATURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT LINDA HALL LIBRARY WHAT IS artificial intelligence (AI) exactly? Is it helpful in sorting through information quickly? Yes. Can it be useful? But AI also has a darker dimension. We are bombarded with fears of get-rich-quick schemes, deepfakes, worries about our national security, threats to people’s livelihoods, and other slippery-slope concerns about how AI will affect our future. Sign up early for this in-person or virtual program at Linda Hall Library on October 20 and find out more. Melanie Mitchell, a complexity scientist at the Santa Fe Institute and a highly regarded expert in artificial intelligence, will describe how contemporary AI works, how “intelligent” it really is, and what our expectations—and concerns—about its near-term and longterm prospects should be. For more information and to register, visit lindahall.org.

OCTOBER 2026 | 37 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Secure your legacy As the path to first-time homeownership grows more difficult for younger generations, or when your adult child’s family reaches a point where their lifestyle calls for the purchase of a larger home, many high-net-worth parents may step in to support their children in buying the home that is right for them. Doing so calls for foresight and alignment with your family’s broader wealth strategy. Your Commerce Trust team can work with you to evaluate funding approaches including gifting, an intrafamily loan, trust ownership, or shared equity, each considered within the context of taxes, cash flow, and long-term family goals. Your dedicated private wealth team integrates financial planning, investment management, private banking, tax strategy, and trust administration to support decisions that help preserve family wealth and secure your legacy. Learn more at commercetrustcompany.com

Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice to customers unless engaged to do so. Commerce Trust does not provide legal advice to its customers. Consult an attorney for legal advice, including drafting and execution of estate planning documents. The Private Bank at Commerce Trust is a business unit of Commerce Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, Member FDIC. Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank. Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee

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As the path to first-time homeownership grows more difficult for younger generations, or when children reach a point where their lifestyle calls for the purchase of a larger home or a move to a new location, many high-net-worth parents are stepping in to support their children in buying the home that is right for them. Giving cash to help with a home purchase Funding a down payment could reduce your child’s monthly mortgage expenses by reducing the home loan amount or eliminating the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you gift enough for your child to make a cash offer, it may strengthen their position in a competitive housing market and remove the need for financing. Keep in mind that gifts above the annual gift tax exclusion are considered taxable gifts. The exclusion amount is $19,000 per individual, or $38,000 for married couples, in 2026. Taxable gifts count against your lifetime estate and gift tax exemption, which is $15 million per individual, or effectively double that amount for married couples, in 2026. Assisting with your child’s mortgage Having your child take out a mortgage in their name, even if you plan to provide support, can have benefits for both of you. If you intend to liquidate investments, helping with a down payment rather than providing the full purchase amount may involve selling fewer assets and potentially incurring less capital gains tax. With your child as the borrower on the mortgage, this arrangement can help build or bolster their credit history. If you intend to provide ongoing assistance for your child’s mortgage payments, you might consider using a trust to make monthly distributions. Such distributions could bridge the gap between prior housing expenses and a new mortgage payment. Making an intrafamily loan to your child An intrafamily loan may provide your child with a lower interest rate than a traditional mortgage and can eliminate the need to meet standard credit requirements. To ensure the IRS does not view the loan as a taxable gift, the IRS generally requires a written loan agreement that includes the loan terms, a fixed repayment schedule, and a minimum interest rate. Communication about agreed-upon payment terms is essential to preserving positive family dynamics throughout this type of financial arrangement. Purchasing a home in trust for the benefit of a child Establishing a trust to acquire and hold property for your child’s benefit would allow you to provide direction for the property’s use

and eventual sale or transfer. Using an irrevocable trust may promote federal estate tax efficiency, help shield the property from future creditors, or provide protection against divorce claims. Purchasing a home in trust for the benefit of your child involves administrative complexities for the trustee, so engaging a corporate trustee can help ensure oversight and compliance with applicable laws and fiduciary standards. Co-owning a home with your child Co-owning a home, where both the parent and child are listed on the title, is another way to assist with a home purchase that allows parents to retain partial ownership over the property. This approach can introduce complexities, such as your personal liability and aligning on decisions regarding shared expenses and the eventual sale of the home. It is important to weigh these potential drawbacks and evaluate how co-ownership could impact your family. ENGAGE A TEAM WHERE BANKING IS INTEGRAL TO A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Helping your child finance a home purchase may be one of the most impactful ways to share your generosity with family today. Contact Commerce Trust at commercetrustcompany.com/estateplanning to learn how we can help you pursue home purchase strategies that support the lifestyle you envision for your children and their family. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of May 27, 2026. This summary is intended to provide general information only and may be of value to the reader and audience. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such. Commerce Trust does not provide legal advice to its customers. Consult an attorney for legal advice, including drafting and execution of estate planning documents. Commerce Trust does not provide advice related to rolling over retirement accounts. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against all risk. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee

Look IN KC

Asiatica at 50 ELIZABETH WILSON’S UNIQUE FASHION AND HOMEWARES BUSINESS BASED ON JAPANESE AESTHETICS GARNERED A LOYAL NATIONAL FOLLOWING. THOUGH THE CLOTHING PRODUCTION WILL END IN DECEMBER, THE ASIATICA SHOP WILL CONTINUE ON

hen something is truly good, it doesn’t need to be loud, and Asiatica has remained a quiet yet influential institution of one-of-a-kind fashion and lifestyle wares led by Elizabeth Wilson, thriving for five decades. Guided by her scholarly knowledge of Asian culture, art, and design, plus an independent point of view and a healthy dose of pragmatism and humor, Wilson took a spontaneous path into the fashion arena early on. “Japanese textiles, including vintage kimono cloth and contemporary Nuno fabrics, became the pinnacle of Asiatica’s story,” Wilson explains. “My intent was to bring modern Japanese objects and textile innovation to

by Susan Cannon

America and to introduce a Western perspective of Japan to Kansas City.” Originally opened in 1976 selling Asian antiques, Asiatica began to evolve when, in 1980, Wilson found her collected kimonos from buying trips to Japan begging to be utilized. She began recycling kimono cloth into contemporary shirts that quickly sold out. It seems Wilson was ahead of her time, practicing sustainability several decades before it became an important trend within the fashion industry. At that time, Fifi White, a designer with textile expertise, joined Wilson in a partnership lasting 20 years. Together they annually travelled to Japan seeking rare and unique finds, quickly expanding the collection of one-of-a-kind garments crafted to stand the test of time. The

OCTOBER 2026 | 40 | INKANSASCITY.COM

same shirt or jacket could take on a completely different life depending on which type of kimono textile or Nuno fabric was used. Many of the styles were evergreen, with a few new styles being introduced into each collection. Wilson and White began national trunk shows, with the first held in New York City. “A friend working at Sotheby’s helped spread the word of our first trunk show,” Wilson recalls. “News traveled, and a few years in, The New Yorker magazine became a source of editorial support.” The appeal was not only in the clothing. Asiatica offered something increasingly rare: an intimate, highly personal shopping experience in hotel suites. The clientele that developed around the business included women in major cities who valued individuality, artisanship, and a distinctive point of view over the familiarity of big labels. A second shop opened on the Country Club Plaza, and for a short time in the early ’90s, Asiatica was carried by Bergdorf Goodman and featured in its Fifth Avenue windows—a notable footprint for a business that remained rooted in Kansas City.

Q FOR THE

HOLIDAYS Celebrate with chef-driven holiday classics

Elizabeth Wilson (left) and Carmen Dell’Orefice

In 1996 the Asiatica operation moved to its current location at 4824 Rainbow Boulevard, where a large design studio and workshop could operate under the same roof as its storefront. After each trip to Japan, vintage kimonos were carefully disassembled and catalogued for the extensive textile library to be recycled into modern clothing. Rare, antique kimonos were arranged into the studio’s carefully organized 30-footwide display closet. “Because of the remarkable textiles we collected, Asiatica has been a magnet for a workforce of women to offer their individual talents,” Wilson says. Most have stayed with the company for decades. Expert seamstresses Lane Souvannalith and Do Le started at the beginning. Skilled pattern maker Angela Candela, formally of Esprit, joined in 1990, and Kate McDonnell, who earned her BFA in textile design, joined as designer in 1996. In recent years, the creative process has become more experimental with the textiles being used in myriad ways, including unique patch-working and appliqué processes, and even emulating kintsugi with black-and-gold textiles. “While the studio will end its clothing production at the end of December, we’re full-speed ahead making unique clothing until then,” Wilson says, assuring that Asiatica’s home decor, including gift items, tableware, textiles, books, antiques and art, along with scarves, jewelry, and the clothing, will be available in the shop after the new year. That’s good news for fans. asiaticakc.com

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OCTOBER 2026 | 41 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Health IN KC

presented by AdventHealth

by Judith Fertig

Preventive Cardiology A CONVERSATION WITH BANGALORE (BEN) DEEPAK, MD, A BOARD-CERTIFIED INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST WITH ADVENTHEALTH MEDICAL GROUP CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

Bangalore Deepak, MD

PREVENT,™ an online calculator that incorporates cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health to estimate a person’s ten- to 30-year total cardiovascular disease risk. For selected high-risk patients, additional testing may include lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), which is largely genetically determined, and a coronary calcium scan, which detects calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. If they have active symptoms, additional testing will include an ECG, stress testing, echocardiography, or coronary CT angiography if it is recommended.

n ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes, and that is especially true for heart health. After assessing a person’s risk of heart problems, a preventive cardiologist has many tools to keep the heart pumping and the patient thriving—hopefully stopping heart disease before it starts. The key is prevention rather than intervention. Bangalore (Ben) Deepak, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, shares new information. What screenings are currently available to assess a person’s risk for cardiac issues? Screening starts with understanding individual risk. The latest American Heart Association recommended screening tool is called

What is the first stage of preventing heart problems later for those with low risk? What lifestyle modifications should a person consider? Simple but effective intervention includes regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Dietary recommendations include increased intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and other lean proteins and limiting highly processed food, excess sugar, and saturated fat. American Heart Association recommendations for exercise include 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, along with strength training. Consistency is the key. For a person at a higher risk, along with lifestyle changes, what medications or procedures might you prescribe to prevent further difficulties? Most commonly used interventions include cholesterol-lowering therapy such as statins and other lipid-lowering medications. Medications to control blood pressure and diabetes might also be prescribed. Although aspirin is now used for patients with established cardiovascular disease, it is not routinely recommended because of bleeding risk. Invasive procedures such as coronary angiography and stenting are generally reserved for patients at a very high risk for major cardiovascular complications. These procedures are not a substitute for prevention. As an interventional cardiologist, I always tell my patients that prevention is better than intervention. HeartCareKC.com

OCTOBER 2026 | 44 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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Living IN KC

Double Vision by Susan Cannon

Clockwise from above: Brent Thompson. A French Louis XV secretary holds photographer Jeanloup Sieff’s book on Yves Saint Laurent and a Versace porcelain pitcher while the bust next to it is cloaked in a Moschino sleep mask and a Versace scarf. A leather Karl Lagerfeld doll that Thompson purchased during the Met Gala’s Lagerfeld exhibition in 2023 sits atop a marble neoclassical pedestal with a Prada basketball perched in front of it. A Versace ashtray sits on top of fashion photographer Steven Klein’s coffee-table book with his Killer Heels image. Thompson’s dining room table is stacked with major fashion tomes and objects of desire, and behind it is an old dollhouse cabinet and a partition that he hand-painted in trompe l’oeil, a classic style of the French 1930s era.

What does your position at Noble Designs entail? I’ve been at Noble Designs for just over four years, and within the full-service design firm I’m involved in so much. I have a huge passion for new builds and designing cabinetry, trim work, and hardscapes, but I also love the finishing, styling, and art. I am really lucky that I get to do it all!

What is your official role at Fashion Group International KC? I’ve been involved with FGI for years but joined the board two-and-ahalf years ago. My direct role is programming. The board really works as a team. I plan the content, events, budget, promotion, and I host the party. I also design and set up the events. It’s such a great team on the board. and I have an amazing programming partner in Quincy Crutchfield.

OCTOBER 2026 | 46 | INKANSASCITY.COM

thompson photo by fallon o’connor

BRENT THOMPSON, SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER AT NOBLE DESIGNS AND DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING FOR FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL KC, REVEALS HIS PASSION FOR DESIGN, AS WELL AS THE PROFESSIONAL CAMARADERIE BETWEEN THE TWO CREATIVE FIELDS

In April 2026, when The Devil Wears Prada 2 film debuted, Thompson arranged a private screening for an FGI event. The artist Edmund Dresden created papier mache Prada pins for each guest.

What does the merging of fashion and interior design mean to you both for your clients and in your own home? Bridging fashion and interiors is a huge passion of mine, and one of my personal missions with FGI Kansas City. If you are interested in one, you’re generally interested in the other. Throw in art and architecture as well. It means that all those creative communities should support and engage with each other. Fashion is a huge part of my design process. I will include runway shots in our presentations. And there is no better way to get to know a client than to look through their wardrobe! By the same token, my home is fashion. The colors. The pieces. The books. It’s all grounded in a fashion reference. I live with my wardrobe all around me. Shoes on the stairs. An LV piece of luggage serves as a side table. A framed Karl Lagerfeld photo sits on my stove. It is everywhere. Which fashion designer or fashion-involved person gets your praise these days? Likewise, which interior designer or interior-adjacent person do you admire? For fashion, I love Nick Wooster. Such an inspiration for me. I own his personal Prada backpack that has his initials on it. Prized possession! I love Steven Klein and Terry Richardson. They are photography gods to me. I also love the milliner Stephen Jones. I feel very connected to him and the way his headpieces elevate a runway show. Regarding interiors, Miles Redd’s The Big Book of Chic is my bible! I love Vicente Wolf and Roman and Williams! Also Douglas Friedman. He’s the best interior photographer! Finally, what are your expectations for FGI KC going into the future? I want to bridge the interior and fashion communities. Support and promote our members significantly. Create content that everyone wants to be a part of. Make events brilliant and inspiring networking opportunities. We should inspire each other and refer our clients to one another. We should not be siloed. Ultimately, I want to give our city events that are elevated, sophisticated, and fun! I love when we all get to be together! OCTOBER 2026 | 47 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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IN CONVERSATION WITH

Tim Kaine words by Cindy Hoedel

Kansas City native, avid sportsman, and accomplished harmonica player is one of only a handful of Americans to serve as mayor, governor, and U.S. Senator. Tim Kaine, who represents Virginia in the U.S. Senate, also came within a hair’s breadth of the vice presidency as Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016. Kaine was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, but grew up in Overland Park. He’s the oldest of three boys born to home economics teacher Kathleen Kaine and Al Kaine, who owned a small ironworking shop. Kaine’s parents and brothers, Steve and Patrick, still live in the Kansas City area. Kaine attended Trailwood Elementary School and Indian Creek Junior High. After graduating from Rockhurst, Kaine earned a BA in economics in three years from University of Missouri–Columbia. In 1983, Kaine completed his JD at Harvard Law School, where he met his future wife, Anne Holton of Roanoke, Virginia, daughter of Linwood Holton Jr., governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974. The couple married in 1984 in Richmond in the church they still attend today. Kaine practiced civil rights law for 17 years in Richmond before beginning his political career by getting elected to the city council. The Kaines have three children: Nat, 36, Linwood (Woody), 34, and Annella, 31. Kaine spoke with IN Kansas City by phone from his home in Richmond about his childhood, an extraordinary adventure he undertook in 2019 to celebrate turning 60, and what it feels like to be a centrist in a time when radical populism is all the rage.

photo by Rosa Pineda

You were two when your family left St. Paul for Overland Park. How did growing up in that Kansas City suburb shape the person you still are today? I am absolutely a Kansas City kid. I had this delightful upbringing in Overland Park, went to Trailwood Elementary School and Indian Creek Junior High before I went to Rockhurst, and I think I picked up what I would say are traditional Midwestern values, like: Let your deeds speak louder than your words. Don’t make it all about you. And that Harry Truman kind of plain speaking—I very much absorbed that as a kid. And my Catholic upbringing at Curé of Ars Parish and the formation I got at Rockhurst High School taught me humility, as did growing up with Al and Kathy Kaine as my role models. What’s one trait you got from your mom and one from your dad that helped you succeed in politics at the highest level? The one from my mom is: Try to be an optimist, because optimism is more a choice than an evidence-based thing. I remember my mom telling me when I said something snarky as a teenager, “If you’d rather be right than do right, be a pessimist, because bad things sometimes happen and you can feel good about yourself because you were right. But if you want to do right, be an optimist, because optimism is a force that can shape events in a positive direction.” I think I’ve done a very good job living up to that trait from my mom. My dad was a perfectionist: If you’re going to do a job, do it the right way, and no shortcuts.

OCTOBER 2026 | 51 | INKANSASCITY.COM

I remember once working at Iron Crafters, his iron shop in the Stockyards District, and they had welded together this metal table form and it had a lip around the edge that a glass top would slide into. When I was maneuvering the glass top, it slipped and I was able to get my foot under it. It almost took my toe off, but I was able to keep it from hitting the floor, so it didn’t break, but it nicked the glass in one place. But I realized when you slid the top in the frame, it would hide the nick. My dad saw what happened through the window from his office into the shop, and he came out and said, “What happened?” I told him, “I lost control and dropped it, but don’t worry I saved it. There’s a nick but no one will see it.” And he said, “Yeah, but I’ll know it’s there.” He explained that if you’re going to do a job for a customer, they need to know that it is 100 percent right, and so we ordered a new top. I think I don’t have that trait as strongly as he does, but it shaped me.

So the summer after 7th grade, I thought, “Is there an instrument I can teach myself?” And I thought, why not teach myself to play a harmonica? So I would walk up to Trailwood Elementary School—which was about four blocks from my house—after dinner that summer, and I’d sit on the swing set and try to teach myself When the Saints Go Marching In. Took me two weeks to learn it. Then I taught myself Yankee Doodle Dandy. That took a week. By the end of summer, I knew like six songs, and I just jammed with bands and my church choir. I can’t read music. I play by ear, but I have a pretty good ear. So usually about five seconds into a song, I can figure out how to fit in. Playing harmonica gives me a lot of pleasure and while I’m doing it, I’m not ever thinking about work. Having had a lot of pressure jobs, it’s important to have things that when you’re doing them, you’re not thinking about work.

Rockhurst and the Jesuits sent you to Honduras for a year to work in a one-room schoolhouse and also to Harvard Law. When you look at young men now, do you think we are doing enough to give them a well-rounded foundation? That’s an important question. Anne and I have three kids, our sons are 36 and 34 and our daughter is 31. And I do think the problem of lack of confidence or security in young men is a very real one. The book The Anxiety Generation by Jonathan Haidt describes how social media has a different effect on young boys than on young girls. It tends to make girls worry whether they match up to someone else’s perspective of what they should look like, so they use it in an unhealthy way to compare, but boys use it to turn inward and spend more time online than with others, and the danger is isolation. After junior high school, I liked coeducation just fine, and I did not want to go to Rockhurst, but I’m so glad my parents insisted. I’m going to Kansas City next week for my 50th high school class reunion, and I read their publications. I think Rockhurst these days is spending even more time now on educating the whole person than they did when I was there.

You live in Richmond and are also a member of Congress. In 2023 a Virginia factory worker named Oliver Anthony had a No. 1 song called Rich Men North of Richmond. When a working-class song treats Washington DC as the problem and Richmond as a dividing line, how did that hit you? I mean, look. An overnight sensation by somebody who was obscure, that’s always kind of cool. There’re also some things about the song that I didn’t like. I felt like it punched down a little. It’s one thing to punch up, that’s always an OK thing to do. But I also felt the lyrics were making fun of some people who might be overweight and that sort of thing. Those aspects of the song troubled me.

The highest honor you’ve probably achieved so far was being a vice-presidential nominee. But I admit when I heard that you taught yourself harmonica in 7th grade and have jammed with Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band and with bluegrass players, I was tempted to lead off with that. Where does your passion for music come from and what does it add to your life? In fact, in two nights I’m playing a show with Tommy Stinson, who founded The Replacements, in Richmond. He asked if I’d join him in the middle of the set to do a 9/11 tribute. We’re going to play a song of his called Bad News and a kind of obscure Neil Young song I picked called World on a String. I play music a lot with a lot of folks. In the 7th grade I was sort of jealous of my friends who were taking music lessons. That was just not something that we did. But my parents did love music. They’d have KCUR on, listening to classical music. Dad had a lot of jazz albums; he really liked jazz. The first Christmas gift I really loved was when my parents gave me a record player with two albums: Blood, Sweat & Tears’ first album and Simon and Garfunkel’s Bookends album. I loved listening to music.

Did it give you a sense that there might be a rising populism that the consultants were missing? Yeah, I think so. There were other things happening at that time that made me understand that. Let me say, virtually every senator from Virginia over the last 70 years moves to northern Virginia so they can just drive across the Potomac and be at work. As far as I know I’m the first senator in the past 40 or more years that didn’t do that. I don’t live in DC. I am up there during the week, but as soon as I can, I come home to Richmond. What I find is even being just 100 miles south, the milieu and attitude really grounds me in a reality that is not just all politics. DC is like a company town. Politics is all anybody talks about. In Richmond, it’s a minor part of people’s lives and they talk about other things. Like when I was a kid in Kansas City, you never talked about politics, you talked about the Chiefs and the Royals. The cool thing about living in Richmond is, it’s the same way. My friends, who were my friends before I got on the city council and got into politics, aren’t into politics. The people I hang out with, camp with, the people we invite over for dinner, aren’t into politics. When you go home to Kansas City, are the concerns you hear from your parents and brothers and their families about their lives different from the issues people talk about inside the halls of Congress? Yes, very different. And the things I hear from my parents, and my brothers and their families, are very similar to the things I hear in Richmond.

OCTOBER 2026 | 52 | INKANSASCITY.COM

When I was growing up my parents were Republicans, the Bob Dole and Nancy Kassebaum kind of Republicans. And I think they would not describe themselves that way now. The Republican Party that they were comfortably part of, they don’t feel that really exists anymore. Even later in the Kathleen Sebelius era, although she was a Democrat, she was pretty pragmatic. People used to complain about boring bipartisan centrists. Now centrists seem to occupy the political wilderness. Do you see any future for pragmatic centrism, or do you think that’s just nostalgia and it’s gone? I think it’s much harder to be that person (a centrist) today in the Republican Party than in the Democratic Party. I think the Democratic Party today accepts a wider ideological breadth in the party. I would put myself in the centrist category. If you’re a centrist, some call you a corporate Democrat. I don’t know what to make of that. Corporations aren’t big backers of me. But I do believe in institutions. Living in Honduras when it was a military dictatorship taught me that institutions matter. If you allow authoritarians or anybody to destroy institutions, you don’t realize how much you’ve lost until you’ve lost it. And it’s hard to get them back. And while I think our institutions are imperfect and some are in need of improvement or reform, I lived in a society where institutions had been destroyed, and that made me a believer in the institutions that we have. And that does put me in the centrist camp that is not very in vogue now. In Virginia, it’s interesting. We don’t register by party. So everybody, legally, is an independent. I call myself a Democrat and somebody else calls themselves a Republican, but that tradition in Virginia has probably leaned more toward working across the aisle: Stand up for your principles, but find common cause when you can. To mark your 60th birthday in 2019, you set a goal of completing a “ Virginia nature triathlon” of your own design. Over the next two years, on weekends and Senate recesses, you walked the entire Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, 559 miles, cycled 321 miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and paddled the length of the James River, 348 miles, for a total of 1,228 miles. Looking back five years later, what moments left the most indelible memories? In my book, Walk, Ride, Paddle, about that adventure, you’ll find a lot about how my upbringing in Kansas City and my experiences in Boy Scouts fed my passion for the outdoors. I had a wood-shop teacher at Indian Creek Junior High named DJ McKenzie who would say, “Does anybody want to go camping this weekend?” And it might be five kids or 25. I really got into the outdoors stuff that way. And Virginia is absolutely gorgeous. There are so many great places. There were so many memories from that trip—random interactions with people along the way. Probably the most indelible and spectacular one was the last day. To do these three journeys took about 76 days total over the course of about 30 months during recesses and on weekends. The last leg was the canoe trip, and on the last day, I had my canoe down in Newport News. The James River is now about five miles wide and is about to en-

Senator Tim Kaine’s memoir of his travels on the Virginia Nature Triathlon blends adventure, reflection, and political insight.

ter into the Chesapeake Bay, and I have about a 12-mile stretch where I have to finish the James River and then take a left turn into what they call Hampton Roads, which is a bay that goes to Fort Monroe. I get down to the dock, and my son is going to be with me in the front of the boat, and there is a Southeaster—no rain but fierce wind. A Marine police officer lets us get in the canoe and says, “You guys are going to be swamped within 30 seconds when you get that boat out in the water.” Some friends who were with me had a sea kayak, and we said, “OK, we’ll switch to the sea kayak.” The officer said, “That’s not going to be much better.” But I had come all that way. And it’s my last day, and so even though I was a little nervous about it, my son is a superb boatsman. He’s a Marine and a great white-water kayaker. So we went out on the sea kayak to do the last 12 miles. We were paddling by aircraft carriers and nuclear subs. The size of those boats and the size of the waves compared to our little kayak was just astounding. So when we paddled up to a little beach at Fort Monroe, a place of immense history, I had people there to meet me, and my sense of balance was so knocked out by the large waves that I took one step out of the boat and collapsed backwards into the water. I tried to stand up again and fell backwards again. And then I thought, “I just finished this amazing journey, I don’t need to get out of the water soon.” So I just lay there in the water in my life jacket, looking up at the blue sky. Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

OCTOBER 2026 | 53 | INKANSASCITY.COM

TAKING SHAPE Missoni dress, $4,130; Riva New York pavé bracelet, $280; 74 Harley Street earrings, $62. All from Halls (Crown Center).

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THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH Newton James suit, $1,250; Joseph Cheaney & Sons shoes, $475; Sid Mashburn shirt, $195; Seaward & Stearn tie, $176. All from Newton James (Downtown Overland Park).

OCTOBER 2026 | 55 | INKANSASCITY.COM

COLOR STORY Sartorio jacket, $3,295; Canali shirt, $495; Canali pant, $695; Magnanni loafers, $595. All from J.H. & Sons (Country Club Plaza).

OCTOBER 2026 | 56 | INKANSASCITY.COM

VIEWPOINT Joseph Ribkoff blouse, $240; Joseph Ribkoff slacks, $154; La Chic bag, $75; Julie Vos earrings, $75. All from Trapp and Company (Midtown).

STATE OF THE ART Taller Marmo handembroidered dress, $4,500, from Blackbird Collection (Crossroads).

OCTOBER 2026 | 58 | INKANSASCITY.COM

SILVER LININGS Acler dress, $655; Staud sandals, $375; Jenny Bird earrings, $135. All from Clairvaux (Hawthorne Plaza and The Shops of Priarie Village).

OCTOBER 2026 | 59 | INKANSASCITY.COM

LINE ART Peruvian Connection Tango Stripe dress, $399; Peruvian Connection earrings, $119. All from Peruvian Connection (Crestwood Shops). Malone Souliers pumps, $895, from Halls.

FRESH COAT Joseph Abboud upcycled jacket, $375, from Do Good Co. (Country Club Plaza and East Crossroads).

OCTOBER 2026 | 61 | INKANSASCITY.COM

words by Jenny Vergara

SEEING DOUBLE FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS LAUNCH SECOND LOCATIONS

Vietnam Cafe

here is a particular thrill when a locally owned restaurant announces a second location. It’s more than another dining room, barstool, or place to order a favorite dish. It’s evidence that something created here has worked well enough to grow. Opening the first restaurant is an act of faith; opening the second is a vote of confidence. For independent operators, expansion is typically earned through years of refining recipes, training employees, managing rising costs, and learning what guests value most. A second address signals that a promising newcomer has become a proven local brand, one ready to extend its relationship with Kansas City. The most exciting expansions are often the ones that cross the metro. When an urban favorite heads to Johnson County or a suburban success story moves downtown, regulars gain an additional option while new diners finally discover what generated the original buzz. The restaurant reaches a broader audience, benefits from different traf-

fic patterns, and creates opportunities for trusted employees to step into leadership roles. Growth only works, however, if the qualities that made the first restaurant special survive the expansion. Guests want the same warm welcome, careful cooking, and sense of personality, not a polished copy stripped of its soul. The strongest operators understand that consistency does not require sameness. Each location should feel connected to the original while still responding to its new neighborhood. That balance makes thoughtful expansion good for Kansas City’s food scene. It keeps dining dollars in the community, creates jobs, develops hospitality talent, and helps independent businesses compete with national chains. In the end, the celebration belongs not only to the owners but also to the cooks, servers, bartenders, regulars, and neighbors who helped turn an idea into a local institution. What follows are homegrown restaurants that have opened a second location this year or hope to do so before the calendar runs out, fingers crossed.

OCTOBER 2026 | 62 | INKANSASCITY.COM

District Biskuits

VIETNAM CAFE NOW OPEN IN: Columbus Park & South Overland Park For more than 30 years, Vietnam Cafe has drawn diners to Columbus Park for steaming bowls of pho, generous portions, and affordable, home-style Vietnamese cooking. Ngoc Le and Minh Hoang, whose family became the restaurant’s third owners in 2015, have now brought that warmth and flavor to 9500 West 135th St. in Overland Park, closer to Johnson County customers who once drove 45 minutes for a meal. The opening weekend confirmed the demand. The new restaurant also introduces banh mi—served on bread that Le and Hoang traveled to Vietnam to learn to make—with fillings including pork belly, tofu, and grilled pork. vietnamcafeks.com

DISTRICT BISKUITS NOW OPEN IN: North Kansas City & East 63rd Street Almost ten years ago, Guroux Khalifah, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, built District Biskuits around a simple conviction—that everyone can connect over a warm, buttery biscuit. What began as a 2017 pop-up inside his uncle’s Lutfi’s Fried Fish restaurant eventually found a permanent home in North Kansas City, where crowds line up for oversized sandwiches like the fried-chicken, fried egg, beef bacon, and cheese sandwich known as The Wonder and the double smashburger called The Crown. Khalifah has now opened a second location at 1664 East 63rd Street, returning the brand to its birthplace and his family’s East Side roots. In addition to the biscuits, the expanded menu introduces Howlin’ Fowls fried chicken, Cajun pasta, hot-honey shrimp, and other dinner-friendly dishes designed for his fans to enjoy. districtbiskuits.com

Danny’s Burger Shack

DANNY’S BURGER SHACK NOW OPEN IN: Northland & Shawnee Danny’s Burger Shack began as Daniel and Niki Kidwell’s food truck in 2022 before gaining a permanent Northland home in 2023. Now owned by Joe Sessel and Mark Denton, who also own the Brass Monkey in downtown Kansas City, the Northland favorite has earned a following for good reason. Danny’s is known for their hand-pressed, never-frozen burgers that are made to order and come with a single, double, triple, or pounder patty. Fans rave about the “Classic” burger (beef patty, American cheese, shredded romaine lettuce, caramelized onions, tomato, sweet pickle, and their house DBS sauce on a toasted bun), which remains a top seller, joined by hand-breaded fried chicken sandwiches and sides, including fries, tater tots, and onion rings. Danny’s second location has now opened at 7174 Renner Road in Shawnee, taking over the former Bar West space. The larger restaurant keeps the flagship’s red, white, and blue look while introducing their scratch-made burgers to a new Johnson County audience. dannysburgershack.com

The Italian Sausage Co.

THE ITALIAN SAUSAGE CO.

NOW OPEN IN: Gladstone & River Market Owners Michelle and Joe Brancato Jr. represent three generations of sausage-making tradition at The Italian Sausage Co., which opened in Gladstone in 2022. Its Italian sausage, made without fillers, gluten, preservatives, or MSG, anchors a menu of wildly craveable, generously stacked deli sandwiches, including their viral Chicken Caesar sandwich OCTOBER 2026 | 63 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Hemma Hemma

Disco Burger

with its breaded chicken cutlet; the spicy #22 sandwich packed with pastrami, salami, and burrata cheese drizzled with James Chang’s own chili oil; and the #7, a classic Italian sub, piled high with Italian meats, provolone cheese, and a host of fresh vegetables all on the house-made seeded Italian loaf. The family business has now expanded to 518 Grand Boulevard in the River Market, transforming a former delivery kitchen into a casual walk-up sandwich shop. Customers order through a window (or via delivery apps) and take it back to their office, car, or nearby bench to enjoy, giving the urban core a new destination for lunch, dinner and, eventually, breakfast downtown. theitaliansausageco.com

Le Fetta Delicatessen

HEMMA HEMMA AND HEMMA HEMMA DINETTE NOW OPEN IN: Waldo & Downtown KC Kansas City chef Ashley Bare made Hemma Hemma feel true to its Swedish name “at home” when she opened the colorful Waldo café in 2023. The daytime favorite built its following with oversized pastries, excellent coffee, smoked salmon toast, herby chicken salad, and comforting breakfast dishes served in a cheerful, grandma-chic room. Bare’s second restaurant, Hemma Hemma Dinette, opened last spring inside downtown’s Lightwell building at 1100 Main Street. The retro-inspired offshoot pairs familiar favorites with a Hemma N-Out burger, togarashi tuna melts, and a pastrami burrito, giving downtown workers a playful new breakfast and lunch destination steps from a nearby streetcar stop. hemmahemma.com and hemmadinette.com

space has indoor seating, a patio, and a takeout window, plus a much broader menu that includes steak, shrimp cocktail, pickle Caesar salad with a dilly point of view, and easy-breezy cocktails to match. The signature smashburgers remain central on the menu, ensuring the original spirit lives on in East Brookside, even as the menu expands in width and breadth.

DISCO BURGER

LA FETTA DELICATESSEN

NOW OPEN IN: River Market & East Brookside Matt Chapman and Darren Carter turned Disco Burger’s food truck outside the River Market’s Varsity Club into a cult favorite with lean, “West Coast-style” smashburgers made with beef, cheese, onion, and pickles and their famous Disco sauce; plus hot dogs, crinkle cut fries, and soft-serve sundaes. Launched in 2024, the nostalgia-meets-modern concept quickly attracted loyal Brookside customers willing to travel downtown. Now Disco Burger has come to them, opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 600 East 63rd Street. The bright new

NOW OPEN: Overland Park & COMING SOON: Prairie Village For Adam and Kelly Bracco, the owners of La Fetta deli, fame came quickly. After only a year, people are waiting in line at their original location at 143rd Street and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park with every table packed. The neighborhood deli is known for huge Italian sandwiches layered with Boar’s Head meats and house-made sauces on soft Italian rolls, like the turkey, bacon, and walnut-pesto sandwich, named after the rock band, Queen; and the Blue Oyster Cult, a sandwich piled high with thinly sliced roast beef, a gorgonzo-

OCTOBER 2026 | 64 | INKANSASCITY.COM

la horseradish spread, balsamic glaze, red onion, tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cannoli, charcuterie, Italian sodas, and pantry goods round out the shopping experience. This fall, the couple plans to open a second La Fetta at Corinth Quarter, near 83rd Street and Mission Road in Prairie Village, where they once lived. The new shop will mirror the original menu while possibly introducing several new sandwiches to both locations. lafettadeli.com

CHEF J BBQ NOW OPEN: West Bottoms COMING SOON: North Kansas City Justin “Chef J” Easterwood and co-owner Terra Whipple have spent six years building Chef J BBQ into a West Bottoms destination, smoking brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork inside a former haunted-house concession stand. Despite operating without a full kitchen, the restaurant earned devoted fans for patiently smoked meats and favorites like the jalapeño-laced Boss brisket sandwich. Before the end of the year, they will expand into the former Calibration Brewery at 1900 Clay Street in North Kansas City. The larger restaurant will feature five 1,000-gallon smokers, seating for 278, local beer, house-made breads and pastries, desserts, and a full kitchen giving Easterwood the opportunity to expand not only his culinary creativity but also his business model. chefjbbq.com

Chef J BBQ

Kata Nori

KATA NORI NOW OPEN: East Crossroads & COMING SOON: Overland Park Owners Kyung Kim and Nam Phan, along with the chef Anh “Bass” Pham, introduced Kansas City to the pleasures of temaki, or hand rolls, when Kata Nori opened in the Crossroads Arts District in 2024. Seated around its U-shaped counter, guests are served hand rolls filled with warm rice and pristine fish wrapped in crisp nori moments before serving. Seasonal crudos that are stunning on the plate, polished, fast service, and a full bar menu further distinguish the experience. Before year’s end, Kata Nori will open a second, larger restaurant at Hawthorne Plaza in Overland Park. The 2,800-square-foot location will preserve the signature sushi bar while adding table service, lunch, new cocktails, and several new dishes for its Johnson County audience. katanorikc.com

THAI ORCHID NOW OPEN: Northland & COMING SOON: Shawnee Thai Orchid has served Mission since 1991, with Rojjanasrirat family ownership beginning in 1998. Jonathan Rojjanasrirat and his wife, Nuttaphat “Aom” Stonnisgul, built its following on curries, pad Thai, fried rice, and warm hospitality. In March 2025, they opened a second location at Metro North Crossing in the Northland, where a larger kitchen adds Thai street food, small plates, and creative desserts to the menu alongside Mission favorites. This fall, they will close the Martway Street location in Mission and move to a new 4,000-squarefoot space at Marigold Plaza in downtown Shawnee. Opening in October, the new restaurant will technically become their second location and will include a patio, new Thai-sourced décor, and a variety of new dishes. thaiorchidkc.com

Thai Orchid

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Makers’ Mark A MIDCENTURY-MODERN HOME IN FAIRWAY GETS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE FOR INTERIOR DESIGNER LESLIE MARK AND HER FAMILY

words by Judith Fertig photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Abov: Leslie Mark with the couple’s Pomeranian, Maple. Right: Can you find Clover the cat in this photo? Two sofas from RH flank a midcentury chrome-and-glass coffee table centered on a vintage Moroccan kilim rug. The brick fireplace, which was originally painted white, is now a soft charcoalblack hue, Benjamin Moore’s Tricorn. The flower arrangement is from The Little Flower Shop. OCTOBER 2026 | 66 | INKANSASCITY.COM

OCTOBER 2026 | 67 | INKANSASCITY.COM

n 2017, a young couple kept driving along one of Fairway’s most hidden and scenic streets, where eclectic homes overlook a leafy wildwood where owls, deer, foxes, and even bobcats roam. One day they found a walk-out ranch, circa 1965, for sale. “It was like a treehouse,” interior designer Leslie Mark of Lunnir Studio recalls. She and her husband, Darren, a principal of Scenic Road, a video production and content agency, were immediately smitten. “The house had an easygoing, casual charm, perfect for a family,” she says. When they met the teary-eyed daughters who had loved growing up in the house, they felt their own family could be happy there, too. The first phase of remodeling addressed the leaky skylights and roof and updated the HVAC system. They stopped for a while after their son,

Elliot, now 8, made his appearance. After Elliot turned 2, they moved in with Leslie’s mother, Miriam Garvey, while they took on a more major renovation. They changed the layout of the main floor, creating what is now the sunroom, extending the deck across the back of the house, adding windows to the front, and redesigning the kitchen. Today, it still feels like a treehouse. The soaring ficus and fiddly fig plants benefit from the skylights but also the grow lights, professional advice from Trevor at Family Tree Nursery, and Darren’s chats—“How are you doing today?”—before he waters or feeds them. Mark admits she has been “the alpha with design decisions,” opting for a white-walled gallery look where art, objects, and furniture add the

OCTOBER 2026 | 68 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Above, left: The large, framed Peregrine Honig mixed-media piece holds pride-of-place in the sunroom. Above right: In the living room, the sinuous curves of the wrought-iron lamp highlight the Eames lounge chair. Right: The powder room’s tricorn mirror hangs above a customized vanity with caned panels modeled after a vintage credenza. Opposite: Mark discovered the pair of bamboo chairs at the curb, scooped them up, and painted them black. Cozy sheepskins soften the look. The long Ikea base cabinet was reconfigured with custom white-oak fronts.

color. “The style of this home is what I would call organic modern with infusions of vintage—dynamic rather than static,” she says. “I like to change things out every so often.” She kept true to signature midcentury materials, such as Daltile in the bathrooms, cherry wood for the cabinetry, terrazzo tile, and woven textures. Here and there are framed posters that Darren collects. Today, it’s a house where everyone can do their thing. Clover the cat and Maple the puppy chase each other around the house. Darren grills on the Big Green Egg or whips up a fabulous cocktail in the lower-level tiki bar (featured in our April 2025 issue). Leslie follows a complicated recipe step-by-step in the kitchen. Elliot creates little Lego worlds in his favorite space, “the playroom!” he says. They watch OCTOBER 2026 | 69 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Top, left: A trio of midcentury-inspired pendants from Lumens hang over the island that’s wrapped in a one-inch tambour-wood treatment. Mark found the vintage rattan stools on Facebook Marketplace. Lower left: To brighten up the kitchen, Mark added the double windows above the sink and displays clear glassware and objects that sparkle in the sunlight. Opposite: In the dining area, the black-stained table is surrounded by whiteoak chairs upholstered in performance linen. The chandelier is from Regina Andrews. A vintage Danish modern lamp found at the River Market Antiques sits atop the Milo Baughman buffet. To add definition to the dining area, Mark designed a floor-toceiling sheer linen curtain to hang behind the buffet. Flower arrangement is from The Little Flower Shop.

movies in the living room. Sit out on the deck at night listening for the hoot of an owl. When you walk in, you can go straight back to the sunroom, where a low and long console displays Leslie’s “cabinet of curiosities,” from bird nests gathered by her grandfather to a lamp base painted with poppies to remember a relative killed in World War I, African masks, and vintage paintings found at antique malls or estate sales. On one wall, a large, framed mixed-media piece by Kansas City artist Peregrine Honig references The Little Prince with a nod to the wild things in their own backyard. A curvy sofa and round table make a perfect spot to work or just sit and enjoy the view. In the open concept dining room, a pale lacquer buffet by midcentury designer Milo Baughman gets better with age. In the living room, Leslie loves the trail of fingermarks on the black-painted brick of the fireplace. The vintage Eames chair in rosewood, a Father’s Day gift for Darren, was reupholstered in a comfy mohair. A TV masquerades as a painting. Sofa pillows in a folk design from a trip to Mexico add a little note of family history. The kitchen was completely reconfigured to make way for an island, double ovens, and plenty of storage. Custom cherry cabinetry with reeded glass have a warmth matched in the Blue Roma quartzite countertop and backsplash with a pattern “that looks like branches to me,” says Mark. In the primary bath, all eyes are drawn to the freestanding tub and the half-curtain in a fabulous Pierre Frey Shaman fabric—sewn by Garvey. The primary bedroom exudes peace and nature with an expansive corner view. Velvet draperies hush closed. An upholstered headboard in leafy greens and a rounded chaise longue offer places to sink into after a busy day. When the morning light filters into their bedroom to gently wake them up, or when they watch the birds swoop from tree to tree from the sunroom, they know they’ve landed in just the right spot, where creatives like them can make their mark.

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OCTOBER 2026 | 71 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Top: In the primary bedroom, the custom headboard is upholstered in color-blocked shades of green and gray linen. The bed is dressed in linens from Terrasi Living. Left: Mark reconfigured a second bedroom and small bath into a spacious primary bathroom, walk-in closet, and laundry room. The tub is from Kohler; the floor is largeformat terrazzo tile. Above: A vintage Heywood-Wakefield dresser inspired the custom solid-cherry vanity in the primary bath.

OCTOBER 2026 | 72 | INKANSASCITY.COM

In the guest bedroom, floral wallpaper from Schoolhouse makes a statement. The grid-stitched orange throw pillows are also from Schoolhouse. Floral arrangement is from The Little Flower Shop.

THE IT LIST Bed Linens Terrasi Living & Scandia Home terrasi.com

Contractor

Interior Design

Floral Arrangements

RM Contracting 913-208-6928

Lunnir Studio lunnirstudio.com

The Little Flower Shop thelittleflowershop.com

OCTOBER 2026 | 73 | INKANSASCITY.COM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

KC Originals

THE MAKERS. THE CREATORS. THE ENTREPRENEURS.

KC Originals FOUNDED 1908 by the Ruback family CURRENT OWNERS Hal Pollack & Alissa Eisemann LOCATION 7317 W. 79th Street Overland Park, KS 66204 HOURS By appointment WEBSITE ruback.co PHONE 913-649-8811 INSTAGRAM @RubackFineJewelryKC FACEBOOK @RubackFineJewelry

Ruback Fine Jewelry You Deserve the Best

uback is one of the oldest fine jewelers in the city, a family-owned business rooted in more than a century of craftsmanship, trust, and personal service. Since 1908, Ruback has helped generations of families mark their most meaningful moments with the perfect piece of jewelry. Specializing in custom design, engagement rings, fine jewelry, and both mined and lab-grown diamonds, Ruback brings old-world attention to detail to a modern, highly personal experience. Working by appointment in its showroom, every piece begins with a meeting to get to know the client and build their piece—with no sales pitch. By working by appointment only, Ruback creates a relaxed, thoughtful process focused on exceptional design, lasting quality, and relationships that span generations.

From Concept to Creation: Custom Jewelry, Made for You Ruback brings your vision to life from start to finish, guiding you through every step of the custom jewelry process. With expert craftsmanship and endless possibilities, they create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your style and story—all while working thoughtfully within your budget.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

Hal Pollack: The Ruback family and my family go back many generations. After decades of experience in the industry and years of serving as a trusted supplier to the Rubacks and numerous other high-end jewelers across the country, it felt like a natural fit for me to take over the business. Today, I’m proud to have my daughter, Alissa, working closely alongside me and carrying on the family tradition.

We’re not your typical jewelry retailer. We manufacture nearly everything in our showroom, giving you a unique opportunity to discover the world of jewelry, learn about the craft, and the endless possibilities to create whether it be for an engagement or special gift.

For many years, we were located downtown, connected to the Muehlebach Hotel—an iconic Kansas City landmark where Presidents, celebrities, professional athletes, and countless other notable guests stayed whenever they came to town. Being connected to such a renowned destination helped establish Ruback as a premier jeweler, not only for Kansas Citians, but for clients from across the country.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 76 | INKANSASCITY.COM

KC Originals FOUNDED 2011 OWNER Tom Stumpff LOCATION 735 Southwest Boulevard Suite C-101 Kansas City, KS 66103 HOURS Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm WEBSITE stumpffhomeworks.com INSTAGRAM @stumpff_homeworks FACEBOOK @StumpffHomeworks

Stumpf f HomeWorks

Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail

om Stumpff is a carpenter by trade and owner of Stumpff HomeWorks, a design/remodel company. Stumpff HomeWorks has been in business for over 15 years, focusing on high-end remodeling in the Kansas City area. The company’s main goal is to develop their clients’ desires. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, addition, or any custom space, Stumpff HomeWorks designs and builds each project with a high level of finish and attention to detail. Good design starts with understanding how things are built. Stumpff ’s background in carpentry brings that practical knowledge into the design process, allowing for more accurate planning and execution. As a small business, Stumpff HomeWorks adapts to each client’s preferred style and lifestyle, and customizes all aspects of the design and buildout.

In-House Design In-house design allows Stumpff HomeWorks full control of the project from start to finish with a firm grasp on budget, material selections, and project buildout. There are no delays in communication and problem solving with in-house design and decision making.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

During the recession era, I saw changes being made in the remodeling market and decided it was time to go on my own and have control over the entire process.

I started off as a laborer at 23 years of age and worked up the rankings to lead carpentry before starting my own business. Total industry experience of 25 plus years.

My career started in the older areas of Kansas City in 2001. I immediately fell in love with the architecture of the homes in Kansas City. I enjoy all ages of homes and styles, especially the older homes. As a company we can easily identify the design details of the home and use those details to blend in new design aesthetics.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 77 | INKANSASCITY.COM

KC Originals FOUNDED 1981 by Mary Carol Garrity OWNER SINCE 2019 Katie Laughridge LOCATION 4101 N. Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, MO 64116 HOURS Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm WEBSITE nellhills.com PHONE 816-746-4320 INSTAGRAM @nellhills FACEBOOK @NellHillsKC

Nell Hill’s

Unparalleled Elegance and Quality

s the owner of Nell Hill’s, Katie Laughridge is passionate about helping people create homes that are beautiful, layered, and uniquely their own. Nell Hill’s is a destination for thoughtfully curated furnishings, décor, textiles, and accessories, complemented by expert design services and a knowledgeable team that guides customers every step of the way. Laughridge believes great design should be personal, inspiring, and reflective of how people live. What makes Nell Hill’s special is their distinctive blend of exceptional products, creative expertise, and warm hospitality, creating an experience that draws customers and clients from near and far.

Custom Upholstery and Textiles At Nell Hill’s, custom upholstery and textiles allow customers to create something truly their own. From luxurious fabrics and bespoke bedding to custom pillows and upholstered furnishings, our team provides expert guidance every step of the way, transforming individual ideas into beautifully layered spaces that reflect each client’s personal style.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

Nell Hill’s was founded by a woman with retail in her blood, having grown up working in her family’s businesses. My own path to ownership began with a passion for textiles and home furnishings, which first drew me to Nell Hill’s as a customer. I was captivated by the store’s distinctive point of view and inspiring approach to design, and my love of small business ultimately led me from customer to owner.

Many people are surprised to learn that Nell Hill’s employs more than 60 people. Behind the showroom is a talented team spanning customer service, buying, receiving, warehousing, deliveries, and our workroom. Their expertise and dedication help bring the Nell Hill’s experience to life every day.

While we welcome customers from across the country, the spirit of Nell Hill’s is rooted in Kansas City. We combine timeless, livable design with exceptional service and genuine Midwestern hospitality, creating a warm, welcoming experience that keeps customers and clients returning from near and far.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 78 | INKANSASCITY.COM

KC Originals FOUNDED 2023 OWNERS Matthew Matsch & Kathryn McCormick LOCATION 1400 W 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64102 HOURS Friday – Monday 8:30 am – 8 pm Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 am – 3 pm WEBSITE klasanctuary.com PHONE 816-849-6167 INSTAGRAM @klasanctuary FACEBOOK @KlāSanctuary

Klā Sanctuary

Intuitive Massage + Sanctuary Pass

A Retreat in the City

lā Sanctuary began with a shared dream between owners Matthew Matsch and Kathryn McCormick: to create the kind of retreat in Kansas City that they had traveled elsewhere to find. As a Kansas City native, Matsch saw a need for spaces that support wellbeing not as an occasional escape, but as part of everyday life. Inspired by bathhouse traditions Matsch and McCormick experienced around the world, they combined his background in entrepreneurship with her work in somatics to create Klā. At its heart is the practice of Selah: a present pause. Through water, heat, touch, tea, and rest, Klā offers space to reconnect with oneself.

Guided by your goals and your provider’s expertise, this intuitive massage responds to what you share and what your body reveals in the moment. Thoughtfully blended techniques, from flowing Swedish to focused deep tissue, create a treatment that listens closely, meets you where you are, and supports where you’re going.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

We wanted to create something that could genuinely support the wellbeing of our community. Kansas Citians often travel to find places that offer a true sense of retreat. We wanted to bring that experience closer to home and create a space people could return to as part of everyday life.

Our philosophy extends beyond the guest experience to the products we choose. From our treatment products to the way we care for and clean the space, we prioritize non-toxic, thoughtful choices wherever possible, because we believe a space designed to support wellbeing should consider what you’re surrounded by, too.

Kansas Citians have an adventurous spirit: we love to travel, explore, and discover new experiences. Klā brings a little of that sense of discovery home, creating a retreat in our own backyard that feels transportive while still deeply rooted in the community we love.

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KC Originals FOUNDED 2005 OWNER Lindsay Schulze LOCATION 5000 W 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224 WEBSITE lindsayshomes.com PHONE 913-485-7211 INSTAGRAM @lindsay_schulze

Schulze Real Estate Inc

Top producer for the #1 Koehler Bortnick Team

indsay Schulze of Schulze Real Estate Inc is a Senior Sales Associate and top-producing agent with the #1 Koehler Bortnick Team at Reece Nichols. With 21+ years of experience and more than $550 million in career sales, Schulze ranks among the top 1% of Kansas City Realtors. Her philosophy is simple: exceptional real

estate is built on relationships, trust, communication, market expertise, and strong negotiation. With 99% of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals, Schulze’s success speaks to the experience she delivers. Licensed in Kansas and Missouri, she is committed to being her clients trusted real estate resource for life.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

I was drawn to real estate because it combined so many things I naturally love—people, relationships, homes, negotiating, and helping others through some of life’s biggest decisions. I loved the idea of building a career where success wasn’t just measured by sales, but by the trust I earned and the relationships I created along the way. More than 21 years later, that is still what motivates me. The fact that 99% of my business now comes from referrals and repeat clients is incredibly meaningful because it reflects exactly the kind of business I set out to build.

One thing people may not know about my business is how important giving back is to me. Real estate has never been just about what I can achieve—it’s about what I can do for my clients and my community along the way. I love finding ways to give back, support local businesses, connect clients with people and resources they need, and be there long after the transaction is over. That carries into my personal life, too. I’m a devoted mom of three and have a huge heart for saving and rescuing dogs. Whether it’s my family, my clients, my community, or an animal that needs a home, taking care of others is at the heart of how I live and run my business.

My business is uniquely Kansas City because this isn’t just where I sell real estate—it’s my community. After more than 21 years in the business, I’ve built relationships across both sides of the state line and have an incredible network of local businesses, contractors, vendors, neighborhoods, and resources that I’m able to share with my clients. Kansas City has that special big-city, small-town feel where relationships and reputation still matter, and that’s exactly how I’ve built my business. I love supporting local, connecting people, giving back to the community, and helping my clients truly feel at home in KC.

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KC Originals FOUNDED 2019 OWNERS Sarah Nelson & Louis Guerrieri LOCATION 4179 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, MO 64116 HOURS Thursday – Sunday 11 am – 7 pm WEBSITE carnediembutcher.com PHONE 816-603-1151 INSTAGRAM @carnediembutcher FACEBOOK @carnediembutcher

Carne Diem Fine Meats & Pantry

More than a Butcher Shop

arne Diem brings the neighborhood butcher shop into the modern day with whole-animal butchery, locally sourced ingredients, and plenty of options for the home cook. The shop sources Angus, Wagyu, pork, bison, lamb, poultry, and duck from local Missouri farms, alongside sustainably sourced seafood. Beyond the butcher counter, housemade deli meats, hot food takeout, and convenient grab-and-go meals provide countless options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A thoughtfully curated selection of charcuterie, artisan cheeses, tinned fish, wines, and specialty pantry items makes Carne Diem a one-stop destination for everyday meals and entertaining.

In addition to selling meat and seafood, Carne Diem has a curated cheese counter, a rotating selection of fresh and dried pastas, meal kits and grab-andgo items, and pantry items, such as tinned fish, oils, and spices.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

We wanted to connect people to local farms and provide an alternative to factory-farms and big-box-store steaks.

In addition to butchery, we make our own deli meats, hot sandwiches, and bronze-cut pastas!

No one loves meat like a Midwesterner! All local meats are from Missouri farms and we carry a variety of local products as well!

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KC Originals FOUNDED 1972 OWNER Blair Tanner LOCATION 2000 W 47th Pl. Westwood, KS 66205 HOURS Monday – Friday 5 am – 10 pm Saturday – Sunday 6 am – 8 pm WEBSITE clubwoodside.com PHONE 913-831-0034 INSTAGRAM @woodsidekc FACEBOOK @woodsidekc

Woodside Health Club

Kansas City’s Premier Luxury Health Club

or more than five decades, Woodside has evolved from a racquet club to a luxury health and social club that serves the daily fitness, wellness, and community needs of their members in a retreat experience. They offer comprehensive amenities for their members to enjoy including group fitness, personal training, Pilates, fitness floors, a complete bath house experience (currently undergoing renovation), outdoor pools for adults and children, tennis for adults and youth, and a full-service food and drink experience with a kitchen and indoor and outdoor bars.

A New Standard Woodside is dedicated to continually evolving their bestin-class luxury amenities. Renovations to their hydrotherapy space, locker rooms, and yoga studio are underway. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to engage the senses and deliver a new standard of wellness.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

Woodside has always placed importance on creating a space where members could invest in their health and build meaningful connections. As we’ve evolved to meet members’ needs, we’ve added various offerings and programming, but that original goal has remained the same.

We often hear that people don’t realize how much of the Woodside experience extends beyond fitness. Our expansive campus and best-in-class facilities bring recovery, wellness, dining, social events, and community together in one retreat-like setting.

For more than 50 years, we’ve grown alongside Kansas City while remaining a place where people come together, feel at home and build lasting connections. Our central location brings together members from across the metro who bring a wealth of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds to the Club.

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KC Originals FOUNDED 2006 LOCATION 106th Street (Indian Creek Parkway) & Mission Road Leawood, KS 66206 WEBSITE mission-farms.com INSTAGRAM @missionfarms FACEBOOK @missionfarmskc

Mission Farms

Local Love Lives at Mission Farms

he horse sculpture at Mission Farms is a nod to the land’s past, when prized horses roamed these gently rolling hills. Today, it greets a different kind of Kansas City original. Chef-owned restaurants share the sidewalk with boutiques, a fine art gallery, spas and neighborhood services, many of them locally owned. A morning cinnamon roll turns into a lunch meeting, a gallery stop, a patio dinner with friends. Spend an afternoon here and you’re supporting the local makers and entrepreneurs who give this corner of Leawood its personality.

Cornflower Baked Goods Mission Farms’ newest neighbor comes from chef-proprietors Colby and Megan Garrelts of Rye. Megan, a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, fills the case with Rye favorites like cinnamon rolls, pies and cakes, plus seasonal scratch-made bakes, savory sandwiches, and a Christopher Elbow Chocolates collaboration.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

We’re inspired every time a new business opens its doors at Mission Farms. There’s something special about watching local entrepreneurs bring their passion to life and become part of a vibrant community. The pride, connections and longtime customer relationships they experience here are what make Mission Farms so special.

The person who greets you is often the owner. Many of our shops and restaurants are run by the people who built them, which is why a quick errand here can turn into a conversation, a recommendation and, more often than not, a return visit.

Our businesses keep it local, and they show up for one another. VanBrock serves delicious bites from Rye and Tavern at its open houses, Sweat Lab hosts team meetings at Enjoy Food + Drink, and Gallery V showcases Kansas City artists. It’s Kansas City supporting Kansas City—and Mission Farms businesses supporting each other.

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KC Originals FOUNDED 2021 OWNER Trent Gallagher LOCATION ReeceNichols Leawood 5000 W. 135th Street Leawood, KS 66224 HOURS By appointment WEBSITE trent-gallagher.com PHONE 913-439-7846 INSTAGRAM @tgallagherhomes FACEBOOK @trentgallagherhomes

Trent Gallagher Kansas City Real Estate Expert

ost Realtors can tell you what a house is worth. Trent Gallagher can also tell you what would make it worth more because he renovates homes through his own company, Gallagher Development Group. From the ReeceNichols Leawood office, he walks every seller’s home with a buyer’s and a renovator’s eye: what to update, what to skip and how to price it. Then he builds a full marketing campaign around it. In 2025, his sales averaged a 99 percent list-to-sale ratio and fewer than 10 days on the market. And from the first call to closing, sellers work with Gallagher himself. When you call, Trent Gallagher answers.

Pre-Listing Home Consultation Before you spend a dollar on prep, Trent walks your home with a renovator’s eye and gives you an honest read: which updates buyers will pay for, which to skip, and where to price for your neighborhood. Then he builds a full marketing plan around it.

What inspired you to start your business?

What’s one thing customers might not know about your business?

What makes your business uniquely Kansas City?

I started with a simple mission: help people make really smart decisions about their largest asset and make the process feel as seamless as possible. Real estate is personal, so my clients work with me directly, from the first walkthrough to the closing table.

I also renovate and resell homes through my own company, Gallagher Development Group, from kitchen and bath remodels to full-home renovations. It’s why I can tell sellers which updates buyers will actually pay for—and which to skip—before they list.

Johnson County is where I work and give back. I focus on neighborhoods like Hallbrook, Mills Farm and Meadowbrook Park, support Harvesters, Habitat for Humanity and the ReeceNichols Gold Key Project, and spend my time off golfing, at the lake or cheering on the Chiefs and Royals.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | 84 | INKANSASCITY.COM

A BENEFIT FOR THE UMKC CONSERVATORY NOVEMBER 14, 2026 NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART SPONSORSHIPS: UMKC.EDU/CRESCENDO

Crescendo 2026 is sure to sell out. Register today to be a part of one of Kansas City’s premier annual social events. To register, make a gift or for more details visit umkc.edu/crescendo or call 816-235-1247.

From cozy evenings by the fire pit to connecting with neighbors and friends, our communities are built around experiences that bring people together. Thoughtfully designed amenities, inviting gathering spaces, and comfortable homes create the perfect backdrop for making memories in every season.

BLAKE B LLA AKE & ASSOCIATES A SSOCIA TES AS AT Kansas K ansas C City itty yP Premier rre emier R Real eal E Estate ssttta atte e Ka Re

KYLA CAUTHON 913.481.5395

TRICIA GILL 816.507.0655

BLAKE NELSON 913.406.1406

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

Reservation for One PANINO DIVINO photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

ansas City, meet your latest bread obsession: Italian schiacciata, baked in-house throughout the day courtesy of Panino Divino, the Florence-inspired sandwich shop and wine bar that has opened at 1721 West 39th Street. It’s served straight from the oven, ready to hold layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and house-made spreads in craveable sandwiches you won’t soon forget. Joe Amigoni, winemaker and co-owner of Amigoni Urban Winery with his mother, Kerry Amigoni, found inspiration for Panino Divino

during frequent trips his family made to Florence, where simple food, quality wine, and fresh-from-the-oven bread are baked into daily life. Located in the former Gilhouly’s space near the University of Kansas Medical Center, the shop brings a taste of Tuscany to one of Midtown’s beloved restaurant corridors. Inside, the restaurant is a wide departure from the dark dive bar that preceded it. Some surprisingly beautiful bones were revealed beneath its tired, old trappings. Original terrazzo floors were there all along and give the room a polished, timeworn character, while the red

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Panino Divino’s compact dining room keeps seating intimate, with tables tucked around the perimeter of the bustling kitchen.

brick walls uncovered behind the former bar add warmth and texture. The kitchen now occupies most of the compact interior, leaving only a handful of tables scattered around the perimeter. Fortunately, the outdoor patio provides much-needed additional seating, along with direct access to Panino Divino’s charming walk-up wine window. Ring the bell and order a glass of Amigoni wine (a glass of still, not sparkling, rosé made from cabernet franc grapes is a favorite of mine) or a spritz made with Amigoni bubbly. The drink is passed through the small opening, an experience that brings one of Florence’s most delightful traditions to West 39th Street. Schiacciata is the foundation of every sandwich here. It resembles focaccia, but it’s lighter and thinner. Baked fresh in-house, the olive oilrich bread has a crisp, golden top and a soft, airy center. It should crackle slightly with each bite before giving way to a pillowy crumb sturdy enough to contain generous layers of Italian meats, cheeses, vegetables, and creamy spreads. It scratches that itch for bread that holds up to its fillings yet still yields when you bite into it. Sandwiches at Panino Divino are available in two sizes—classico and grande. To eliminate guesswork, the employee working the register pointed to two wooden blocks on the counter representing each size. The finished sandwiches arrived looking remarkably close to those models.

PLANT NOW, GLOW LATER From twinkling lights to tantalizing tulips, we’ll help you get ALL your bulbs in a row. We offer tree and shrub lighting, seasonal container plantings and natural evergreen entryways. Just call us today at 816-523-1516, scan the QR or see thegreensman.com

to view our work.

the

reensman

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Flavor IN KC

Clockwise from top left: The La Pistacchiosa sandwich pairs ribbons of mortadella with whipped ricotta and pistachio creams, crushed pistachios, hot honey, and fresh arugula. The Big Bing lives up to its name with layers of salami, capocollo, provolone, tomato, and spicy Calabrian chile mayo. Guests can settle in at the intimate bar with a sandwich and a glass of Amigoni wine.

The classico makes a substantial lunch, while the massive grande could easily feed two people, or provide dinner followed by a very satisfying lunch the next day. I ordered the That’s Amore sandwich in the classico size, and it delivered exactly the kind of savory excess its name promises. Salty pink ribbons of prosciutto were folded over a generous schmear of burrata. Truffle cream added a punch to the delicate creaminess of the cheese, resulting in an earthy, woodsy richness without overwhelming the sandwich. A handful of fresh arugula supplied a peppery, grassy snap. Together, the ingredients hit all the right notes. It was crisp and creamy, salty and earthy, indulgent yet balanced. The La Rustica is Panino Divino’s version of a classic Italian combination, layering prosciutto with juicy tomato slices, milky fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze threads sweetness

and acidity through every bite, sharpening the umami of the tomatoes and cutting through the richness of the cheese. It tastes like a caprese salad tucked inside warm, olive oil-slicked bread, with prosciutto adding a pleasantly salty backbone. For those who prefer more heat, Il Piccante is a full-throttle Italian meat bomb. Layers of spicy salumi and soppressata mingle with crunchy, tangy giardiniera, fresh mozzarella, pesto cream, and arugula. A final drizzle of hot honey rounds out the sharper edges. Hot honey has become an overused finishing touch on menus lately, appearing in places where it is neither needed nor wanted, but here it earns its place. Its floral sweetness tempers the chile heat and vinegar bite of the giardiniera while bringing out the warm spices in the cured meats. Sandwiches range from $13 for the classico to $20 for a grande, with discounts offered to nearby healthcare workers. Chips are current-

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Once hidden, the exposed red brick now provides a warm backdrop for Panino Divino’s compact dining space.

ly the primary side option, though the menu would benefit from one or two lighter additions to accompany such generously stuffed sandwiches. Guests order sandwiches at the kitchen counter, while wine and cocktails are available from the small indoor bar or through the wine window. This division keeps the operation moving during the lunch rush while allowing those who arrive later in the day to settle in with a drink and linger on the patio. Panino Divino taps into Kansas City’s current appetite for ambitious sandwich shops while giving the format a distinct point of view. With lines forming at lunch and the walk-up wine window bringing new energy in the evening, Amigoni appears to be finding his footing in the restaurant business. Panino Divino brings together fresh bread, bold Italian flavors, and locally made wine in a space that feels casual, convivial, and unmistakably inspired by Florence. It is a small bite of Italy right here on 39th Street. paninodivinokc.com

Picture Perfect Liberty

HISTORIC

“Stop and Smell the Roses” by Amie Jacobsen

CHARM in a new light in a new light

VisitLibertyMo.com VisitLibertyMo.com

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Flavor IN KC by Jenny Vergara

photo by Zach Bauman

In Your Cocktail NEAT

Gun for Hire

one are the days when Kansas City’s most compelling cocktail bars were concentrated between the Country Club Plaza and downtown. Today, a thoughtfully made drink is increasingly easy to find anywhere in the metro, meaning a weeknight happy hour or spontaneous date night doesn’t require a drive across town at the end of a busy day. Although the suburbs have an abundance of restaurant bars with respectable drink lists, it has been more difficult to find those intimate, atmospheric cocktail lounges that deliver the polish and personality of their downtown counterparts. Neat, located in the heart of Lenexa City Center, is built to satisfy that desire. The cocktail bar recently opened in the former Savoy Tea Co. space, where long curtains conceal the room from passersby. Step through the front door, however, and a suitably moody lounge comes into focus, with dark color-drenched walls, lush plants, cozy lounge furniture, and a handsome bar anchoring the room. It feels polished, intimate, and inviting. Even on a Tuesday night, Neat is packed with residents from the surrounding apartments, golfers fresh off the course, off-duty hospitality workers, and friends settling in for a proper cocktail and a long-overdue catch-up. Behind the concept are the husband-and-wife team of Samir Shura

and Dipti Bhakta along with the bartender Benjamin Davalos. It’s a trio whose complementary skills have shaped both the look and personality of the bar. Bhakta handles public relations and community outreach, Shura oversees inventory, operations, and the business side, and Davalos leads the cocktail program. The three partners spent years discussing the concept and scouting possible locations. Although the Kansas City area has no shortage of accomplished cocktail bars, they believed Lenexa was missing a dedicated lounge of its own, something its residents have long wanted. Davalos has spent roughly a decade working behind Kansas City bars at places like the Green Lady Lounge, J. Reiger & Co. distillery, and The Primrose. He says he’s influenced by his travels and people he met working behind the bar. Those influences can be seen in his drink menu. A guest favorite, the Dolce Vita, was inspired by his travels through Italy and France, where he became enamored with a flavor combination of citrus and almond. His version brings together Grand Marnier, Aperol, Italian amaretto, and citrus, finished with a touch of saline for balance and dimension. The Takeoff highlights more locally made spirits. It’s a spin on an Aviation cocktail that blends local Lifted Spirits Bright Gin, a botanical spice cordial, and lush crème de violette poured over a large block of ice with a pressed flower nestled inside. The presentation is simple, but stunning, and the result is a well-balanced crystal-clear lavender cocktail. Finally, an early standout is the Gun for Hire, an espresso martini-meets-old fashioned cocktail that takes Davalos back to his early days behind the bar at the distillery. It features J. Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey and Caffè Amaro along with local cold-brew coffee from Messenger and cold-brew liqueur for that boozy caffeinated punch that’s perfect for fall. neatbar.co

Gun for Hire 1.5

ounces J. Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey

ounce Messenger Cold Brew

.25

ounce J. Rieger Caffè Amaro

.25

ounce Mr Black cold-brew liqueur

.25

ounce vanilla lactic syrup

dashes orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube of ice. Garnish with flamed orange essence and a polished orange coin.

OCTOBER 2026 | 92 | INKANSASCITY.COM

RYAN & RYAN

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Flavor IN KC by Jenny Vergara

In Culinary News

PHO & BOIL PHO & BOIL IS BRINGING the marriage of Vietnamese and Cajun cooking normally found in New Orleans to 7702 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Overland Park. Owner Ken Pham draws on generations of family recipes, including a family pho recipe that simmers for up to ten hours. Look for pho, shaking beef, bun, fried rice, spring rolls, and boba tea alongside crawfish, shrimp, and crab boils served Louisiana style, or Viet-Cajun, with Asian aromatics and garlic butter. Diners can customize the heat and add corn, potatoes, and sausage, while fried catfish, shrimp, and chicken wings will round out the menu. Located in the former Smoke Town BBQ space, the counter-service restaurant is open for takeout and delivery Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays.

Create Where You Belong CALL , V IS IT A S H OWRO OM, OR FIN D US O NLINE TO S CH ED ULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY DESIG N C O NSULTATIO N 913.8 8 8.1199

Locally owned with showrooms in Overland Park and Briarcliff Village CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

©2025 California Closet Company, Inc. Each California Closets® franchised location is independently owned and operated. Local contractor licenses available at californiaclosets.com. Photo: Hayley Hudson @hayleyalicephoto

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12/19/25 3:09 PM

Find us in Ranch Mart, down the sidewalk from Dewey’s Pizza and Fry’s Car Care.

Everyone has a story. What will be yours? Visit Story Boutique for your next unique find. • Designer, vintage and gently pre-loved clothing • Fine jewelry and statement fashion pieces Shop for a cause! Each purchase, donation and volunteer hour makes a difference in our community. Learn more at StoryB.org Boutique Hours Monday from 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday – Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sunday Closed Ranch Mart Shopping Center 95th Street & Mission Road 913.642.2292 | Storyb@KCHospice.org @StoryKCH

@storyb4kch

Visit our sister store for home decor items!

12904 State Line Road Leawood, Kansas Tuesday from 12 to 8 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm

Flavor IN KC by Jenny Vergara

In Culinary News

MAHALO MORNINGS BAKERY AFTER BUILDING A LOYAL following at Kansas City-area farmers markets, the chef Madison Moore is giving Mahalo Mornings a permanent home in downtown Olathe. Expected to open by the end of 2026 at County Square Commons, the 1,900-square-foot bakery and eatery will showcase Moore’s signature malasadas, airy Portuguese-style doughnuts beloved in Hawaii, along with butter mochi, pineapple banana bread, mango-lime muffins, and guava Chantilly muffins. The expanded menu will add island-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes, including sandwiches, soups, and salads, plus specialty coffee sourced from Hawaii. Designed with a relaxed, beachy spirit, Mahalo Mornings will offer a welcoming place to gather from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moore also plans to remain at farmers markets, staying connected to the customers who helped turn her baking dream into reality. mahalomornings.com IN KC-Local Discount ad-Half-7.5x4.75.pdf

9/18/26

1:28 PM

CMY

*MO residents of Jackson, Clay, Cass and Platte counties; KS residents of Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties. Must show proof of residency with ID, one ID per ticket with the exception of minors. Offer available at the Ticketing Counter only.

OCTOBER 2026 | 96 | INKANSASCITY.COM

17010 Wallace Way Loch Lloyd, MO 64012 Photos by Jordan Wyatt Ashley

Modern Luxury Designed for the

collector’s lifestyle

Behind the gates of Loch Lloyd, this contemporary estate pairs bold architecture with a private resort setting and an extraordinary collector-grade garage experience. Nearly 11,900 square feet of finished space was created for elevated living, unforgettable entertaining, and showcasing a luxury automobile collection. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with natural light, while a floating steel staircase with solid stone treads creates a striking architectural centerpiece. Just beyond the glass, 5,617 square feet of finished garage space is designed to feel connected to the home and finished with the same level of care. Outdoors, 12-foot telescoping doors open to a screened lanai, covered kitchen, PebbleSheen pool, spa, and expansive porcelain-tiled deck. Every detail feels intentional, creating a statement property for those who want an extraordinary setting for intimate evenings or grand-scale celebrations.

A collector-grade garage is visible through glass walls and designed to showcase a luxury automobile collection.

A 20’ x 50’ PebbleSheen pool, spa, screened lanai, and covered outdoor kitchen create a private resort setting.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a floating steel staircase create a striking architectural centerpiece.

Set behind the gates of Loch Lloyd, the estate offers privacy within one of Kansas City’s most coveted luxury communities.

Find your luxury home at Signature.ReeceNichols.com

Flavor IN KC by Jenny Vergara

LOUIE’S RESERVE

In Culinary News

AFTER 17 YEARS overlooking the Country Club Plaza, Café Trio served its last dish and recently reopened as Louie’s Reserve, an evolution of Louie’s Wine Dive, by restaurateur Whitney VinZant. After purchasing the longtime restaurant last year, VinZant has refreshed the dining room with new finishes, furnishings, and leopard-print carpet while preserving the patio, piano, live music, and beloved holiday decorations. The chef Nash de Jesus’s wine-friendly menu takes a global approach, with dishes including rigatoni Bolognese, shrimp diablo, miso-butter salmon, and red wine-braised short ribs, mostly priced between $20 and $25. The restaurant will also retain Café Trio’s popular all-night Monday happy hour, along with daily specials from 3 to 6 p.m. louiesreserverestaurant.com

Dine often and dine well.

Social, Business, Community Gatherings Host your next event at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. arboretum.opkansas.gov

250

OF THE BEST KC RESTAURANTS

Dining Guide

For the city’s most extensive restaurant guide, head to inkansascity.com/ eat-drink/dining-guide

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Spotlight KC ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN OCTOBER SEE KANSAS CITY FROMA NEW ANGLE

WWW.KCWHEEL.COM

WHEEL KC Wheel

Fall Traditions Start at Carolyn’s in Liberty!

From sky-high views to family-friendly fun, discover a new favorite way to experience Kansas City.

Kansas City’s destination for fall fun, family memories, and traditions you’ll love coming back to year after year.

Shatto Milk Tours Tues. – Sat.

Main Event Kansas City North

See how milk is made from the cow to the bottle. Explore the Country Store. Enjoy the farm. Just north of Kansas City.

An all-in-one entertainment destination featuring bowling, an arcade, laser tag, gravity ropes, dining, and more!

@AttractionsKC @gkcaattractions

Faces IN KC Comida KC HELD ON AUGUST 6 at Union Station, Comida KC celebrated the cuisines and cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Indigenous peoples. Featured guest chefs Celia Florián and her son, Alam David Mendez, brought the flavors and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico, to Kansas City, marking their first professional collaboration. Florián, owner of Oaxaca City’s acclaimed Las Quince Letras, and Mendez, owner of Apapacho Taqueria in Washington, D.C., joined local chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists for an evening of food, drinks, and cultural celebration benefiting the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Collaborative. photos by allison bush-kingsley

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Committee of 100 Benefactor and Patron Reception ON SEPTEMBER 14, the Committee of 100 (C100) Benefactor and Patron Reception was held at the home of Janet Curran. Guests enjoyed cocktails and light bites while celebrating with special guest Amanda Lindroth an acclaimed designer and author. C100 is a volunteer committee that plans and implement signatures fundraising events, deepen engagement, and further the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s mission. photos by dana anderson

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Faces IN KC Renovation Sensation Patron Party ON SEPTEMBER 15, the SME Renovation Sensation homes tour patrons’ party was held at the home of Blythe and Chris Jones. Guests enjoyed delectable eats by Scratch Gourmet Kitchen. Renovation Sensation is the primary fundraising event for the Shawnee Mission East High School SHARE program, which is a student-led organization that encourages students to volunteer through student-led projects. For more photos, go to inkansascity.com/photos. photos by allison bush-kingsley

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My Essentials IN KC by Evan Pagano

CALEB WORCESTER ANIMATOR. ILLUSTRATOR. FILMMAKER.

I photo by liberty worcester

n 2020, Caleb Worcester’s artistic career sparked to life. The Peculiar native was fresh out of high school, studying mechanical engineering at Metropolitan Community College, when the pandemic hit. It gave him time and space to re-evaluate his path, and he decided to pursue illustration—then animation—full on. Worcester’s work is a smooth blend of styles. In a single frame of his 2024 animated short, Under the Thicket, a surrealist ghost floats over a photorealistic creek bed in an impressionistic forest. It then befriends a 2D cat using a 3D can of sardines. Each element shines but never outshines the next. His work struck a chord on social media, and today, it has appeared in video games, in Acadia National Park, and in The Washington Post. He’s worked with record labels, with Twitch streamers, with NASA and Blue Origin. He hopes to release an animated television pilot next year. Worcester says Kansas City is a difficult place for a young animator, but he sees potential in the scene. “A pattern I’ve noticed is that for people who want a career in animation specifically, it’s nearly impossible to find employment in any sort of animation in Kansas City,” he says. “Many of the animators I’ve met have had to move to cities that have a more developed industry to find work. I hope that this will change.” He looks to Detroit, whose animation scene has grown thanks to “strong community arts organizing present there.” “Kansas City has all the ingredients for a strong animation scene; it just needs a push and some coordination to spark it into life. I’d love to help with that eventually.” calebworcester.com

Caleb’s essentials... HIDDEN GEM:

Shoutout to Hammerspace Community Workshop. It’s a great spot to learn to weld, fabricate, and use their large library of tools for the cost of a gym membership. BEST BITE:

The braised spare ribs at Sama Zama are incredible!

MUST-VISIT MUSEUM:

I love the collection at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. They really excel at their rotating exhibition choices, but one of my favorite paintings in their permanent collection is Earth to Rest by Dale Nichols.

ART INSPO:

I love the forests all through KC, particularly in Swope Park and Lone Jack. I can walk through them for hours on the deer trails.

LOCAL MAKER:

I like Brice Farms! They are a local perfume maker in KC, and their scents are made in house. Very high-quality stuff. Their Georgia Peach fragrance oil is great!

CHEERS:

BELOVED LANDMARK:

Cafe Cà Phê is such a cool spot, and they have new drinks almost every time I go. The Paris by Night is great; they use sesame milk and have a great flavor profile on this one.

I love the Crossroads’ many murals! Many of them are created during the annual SpraySeeMo mural competition, where artists from all over come to create world-class art on KC’s walls.

OCTOBER 2026 | 104 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Barbara Takenaga: Awestruck October 9, 2026 - April 11, 2027

Edra Soto: the place of dwelling January 30, 2026 - March 7, 2027

Restaurant Savor artist-inspired food at Oil on Linen. Now serving brunch & dinner! Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO kemperart.org | (816) 753-5784

Lie. Sit. Stand. Be Still. August 28, 2026 - July 25, 2027

Museum Shop Shop the art of our time! From books and puzzles to one-of-akind scarves and jewelry, your purchase supports great art.

Visit Kemperart.org to learn more about exhibitions & programs. Wed. 10AM-4PM Thu. 10AM-9PM Fri.-Sun. 10AM -4PM Mon. & Tue. Closed

Paradise Collection

IN Kansas City October 2026