IN Kansas City December 2019

KC-CENTRIC PODCASTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

DECEMBER 2019 | INKANSASCITY.COM

GLORIOUS GIFTABLE GEMS

Holiday issue the

TASTY GIFTS (LITERALLY!) A HISTORIC MANSION’S REVIVAL

4500 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 312-1660 www.diamondsdirect.com

Family & Friends in Town? Bring them to see Queen Nefertari’s tomb.

Come explore her tomb and the richness of everyday life from 3,000 years ago.

nelson-atkins.org/inkc

#NefertariKC

Mural painting from the tomb of Nefertari, Queen reciting mortuary formula (detail). Photo: De Agostini Picture Library / S. Vannini / Bridgeman Images.

Drive off then Write off

SAVE BIG - BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT NOW when you do your taxes with the end-ofthe-year 100-percent depreciation offered by section 179 deductions.* Save now when you buy at end-of-the-year prices on qualifying vehicles. *Individual tax situations may vary. The information presented was accurate at time of publishing. Federal rules and tax guidelines are subject to change. Consult your tax advisor for complete details on rules applicable to your business. The information in this ad does not constitute tax advice. Offer ends December 31, 2019.

9400 WEST 65TH ST | MERRIAM, KANSAS | 913.677.3300 | ARISTOCRATMOTORS.COM | Member of the Soave Automotive Group

‘Tis The Season to 20-40% OFF Entire Gallery

Sparkle

including custom orders* thru Dec. 23rd

Let your home sparkle this holiday season and year round with dramatic style. There’s never been a more beautiful time to shop our family-owned furniture gallery . . . preferred by KC’s top designers and open to everyone!

5205 W. 135th Street Leawood, KS SevilleHome.com | 913-663-4663

Sale Valid Thru Dec. 23rd. Not valid on prior purchases or with other discounts.

Excludes American Leather. See store for complete details.

Enjoy These Sparkling Savings: • 20-40% OFF All Custom Orders

• 30% OFF ALL in-stock Accessories • 12-Month Interest-Free Financing thru Dec. 15

Your Seville Home Designers

Preferred By Designers and Open To Everyone!

A CENTU RY OF L OC A L . A C EN T URY OF B R OOKSI D E. ‘Tis the season for beloved traditions. Every holiday season there’s a reason to bring friends and family to Brookside to celebrate with the ones we love.

For a hundred years, Kansas Citians have strolled through Brookside, stuffing bags full of treats and treasures from local shops that feel like home.

Here’s to family dinners at your favorite restaurant, to peppermint mochas with friends, to the perfect gift, to neighbors that become family, and to a century of local.

Come home for the holidays in BrooksideKC.

WWW. B R O O K S I D E K C . O R G

BROOKSIDE BARKERY AND BATH A local favorite for over 15 years, the Barkery provides expert wellness advice, all-natural pet foods, treats, and supplements, plus full and self-service bathing & grooming.

BARKERYBATH.COM

DESIGN IN THE CITY Your neighborhood fashion destination for the modern girl!

A STORE NAMED STUFF

@DESIGNINTHECITYKC

ASTORENAMEDSTUFF.COM

An artistic lifestyle store.

WORLDS WINDOW Art to Wear.

Nobody can define you like you.

Clothing. Folk Art. Home Decor.

WORLDSWINDOWKC.COM

LEOPOLD GALLERY

THE BROOKSIDE DENTIST HOLLIE FLACK, DDS

Leopold Gallery carries and creates world-class art by acclaimed regional artists. Our clients include Arrowhead Stadium, KU Medical Center, Disney World, and private collectors worldwide.

A different kind of practice.

Patient-centered and compassionate for over 85 years. The best dental care in KC isn’t just out commitment, it’s our legacy. See for yourself.

LEOPOLDGALLERY.COM

816-523-1444

TOP

1

10

HOLIDAY PICKS

2

ETHO MARIA Blue Topaz Earrings in 18k Rose Gold Price – $2,050

ROBERTO DEMEGLIO Stretchable Bracelets with Diamonds in 18k White Gold and Black Ceramic Starting at $1,860

135TH & ROE Parkway Plaza 4850 W. 135th Street Leawood, KS 66224 913.491.4111 800.735.5112 mazzarese.com

3 A.LINK Diamond Lariat Necklace in 18k White Gold Price – $4,000

4

ETHO MARIA Red Ceramic and Pave’ Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold Price – $20,300

5 MAZZARESE Cushion Aqua Marine Diamond Halo Ring in 18k White Gold Price – $5,295

6

Shop Local

TODD REED Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold Price – $20,000

7

8 MAZZARESE Diamond and Emerald Ring in 18k White Gold Price – $25,000

TODD REED Diamond Cuffs in Silver with Patina Finish Price – $4840-$6265

Your purchase could be free if it snows December 25th. *See store for details

9

JOHN HARDY Lahar Diamond Cuff in Silver Price – $4,900

10 MAZZARESE Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Price – $16,220

YOU NEVER NEED TO LEAVE With bars, services, specialty retail and KC’s best restaurants on practically every corner, what’s the point in going anywhere else? Waldo has all the best brews, lattes, neighborhood hangs, and food cravings. So even if you don’t live here, come make yourself at home. waldokc.org

YOU NEVER NEED TO LEAVE...

Lew’s Grill and Bar

Family Bicycles

Waldo’s flagship tavern and home of the 84 oz Das Boot, Lew’s is a casual and friendly neighborhood favorite and a great place to watch the game.

Open daily until 3 a.m., with food available until 2 a.m.

Give the gift of adventure. Family Bicycles has bicycles and accessories for every member of your family.

Whether you ride to find ice cream or that remote camping spot, we have the perfect bike for your adventure.

lewsgrillandbar.com

FamilyBicycles-KC.com

Turnkey Property Group Turnkey Property Group is an experienced team of professionals providing cash flowing rental property in Kansas City to investors.

If you are ready to start supplementing or replacing your income, call TPG, Your Passive Income Partner. turnkey-pg.com

The Well Bar Grill Rooftop The place to be for cocktails, dining and holiday celebrations, The Well offers party space for up to 130 guests, a chef-prepared menu and ample parking. Book your private Holiday event or large party table reservations today! waldowell.com

Crows Coffee Stop into Crows Coffee seven days a week for coffee, tea, beer, and wine, as well as housemade pastries and breakfast burritos.

Visit our website to learn more about happy hour, trivia, and live music.

The Hot Spot Tanning and Airbrush Salon Don’t be cold this winter, stay warm at The Hot Spot in Waldo. Try our new tanning beds. Don’t tan? No problem, we also offer customized spray tans by Josephine. thehotspottanningkc.com

crowscoffee.com

Vermilion Velvet

Of the Season

Peppermint Spice

Chestnuts Roasting

Snowdrift

Christmas Fun

Bud Vase with Candle

Clementine & Clove

Woodland Wonder

HOLIDAY COLLECTION PURCHASE YOUR ARRANGEMENT AND SCHEDULE DELIVERY TODAY AT TRAPPFLOWERS.COM

—

delivery available to kc metro area

—

TRAPPANDCOMPANY.COM | 4110 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111 | 816.931.6940

Let the Party Begin

In Your New Kitchen!

Portfolio K i t c h e n

&

h o m e

215 W. Pershing Road Kansas City ▪ Missouri ▪ 64108 816.363.5300

www. por tfoli o - ho me. co m Monday - Friday 9 to 5 Saturday 11 to 3

HOME for the HOLIDAYS HOLI DAYS WITH TAMARA DAY DECEMBER 7 TH AT LOVESAC FROM NOON-2 PM

Meet your favorite Kansas City-based HGTV star of Bargain Mansions, Tamara Day at Town Center Plaza • Crossing.

Tamara will present the latest in holiday decor trends. Plus, receive a special swag bag, enjoy a DJ, beverages, light snacks and more! For more info, visit towncenterplaza.com

8 510 M a r s h a l l D r i v e | L e n e x a , K S | k d r s h o w r o o m s . c o m

Contents DECEMBER 2019

102 Features 76

92

IN CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE CAMERON The author who became “the dog book guy” with the publication of A Dog’s Purpose talks about growing up in Kansas City and his newest book, A Dog’s Promise.

ON AIR Five local podcasts you should be listening to.

80 SEASON’S EATINGS Tasty local gift ideas for each of the 12 days of Christmas.

84 ALL THE TRIMMINGS We have gift giving for that special someone all wrapped up.

DECEMBER 2019

98 LET IT SNOW! Kristopher Dabner of The Greensman creates a winter wonderland in Overland Park.

102 SAVING GRACE The 150-year-old Blosser home tells a tale of survival and revival, revealing details about those who first built it and those who recently saved it.

| 18 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this holiday season

websterhousekc.com 1644 Wyandotte St Kansas City, MO 64108 Northland CAPS Digital Media and Design Strand

816.221.4713

Contents DECEMBER 2019

80

84

76 92

Departments IN EVERY ISSUE

38

ENTERTAINING IN KC

44

OUR MAN IN KC

28

EDITOR’S NOTE

50

ARTS & CULTURE IN KC

30

INKANSASCITY.COM

58

BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC

32

THIS MONTH IN KC

64

LOOK IN KC

130

FACES IN KC

70

LIVING IN KC

74

MY ESSENTIALS

116

FLAVOR IN KC

144

FOUND

On the cover Lorraine Colbert Elmore’s Christmas tree swathed in antique ornaments. Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler.

DECEMBER 2019

| 20 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Lights, gifts and ornaments make the season beautiful.

Your style makes it unforgettable.

Imagine your holidays with Halls.

CROWN CENTER, LEVEL 3 • 816.274.3222 MON – SAT: 10 AM – 7 PM • SUN: 12 – 6 PM

Sonnet Collection

B E S T. D E C I S I O N . E V E R .

For projects of any size, perfection often requires making difficult decisions. Allow the experts at Ferguson to make things easy by introducing you to an extensive collection of stylish products from

KANSAS CITY | LENEXA | LEE’S SUMMIT F E RGUSON S H OWROOM S .COM

©2019 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 1119 1533133

prominent brands, all designed to bring your vision to life. Learn more at fergusonshowrooms.com

YOUR NEW HOME REMODEL STARTS HERE

Bringing European Tradition & Design to Your Home Specializing in kitchen and bathrooms design and remodeling.

We offer both full-service remodeling and an a la carte installation menu. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry our work has been featured in local and national media including Dwell magazine and HGTV.

KarinRossDesigns.com 816-425-2815

Hope Rings This Holiday Season

During the holidays, the air is full of the sweet sound of ringing bells. But for cancer patients, the sound of a ringing bell means so much more.

It marks the end of treatment and the start of life without cancer. And with the ring of each bell, hope rings in us all.

Learn more at AdventHealth.com

Editor’s Note

Shut the Front Door

Vol. 2 | No. 12 December 2019

W

Editor In Chief Zim Loy Art Director Alice Govert Bryan Digital Editor Michael Mackie

photo by aaron leimkuhler

hen I was a kid in Iowa, at most every farmhouse (and probably most farmhouses, but Iowa is my experience), front doors were rarely used. Everyone, from the hired hand to the most honored guest, came through the back door, which invariably led straight into the kitchen.

Whether the humblest or the grandest farmhouse, the little-used front door was usually a fine wood and glass door that opened into the living room, or in the most imposing homes, into the center hall.

After all, on every farm the kitchen was the center of activity. Most meals (except Sunday dinners and holidays) were served there. It’s where coffee was offered to visiting neighbors, and where my parents played pinochle with friends on Saturday evenings.

So every year, the front door was where the Christmas tree stood. Neighbors driving by could enjoy the spectacle through the glass, and it was well out of the way of daily life.

Until my parents purchased our family farm, they rented farmland and moved every few years from farm to farm. Each time the acreage was bigger and the farmhouse a little bit nicer.

In each of those houses, the tree occupied that place of honor, whether it was a modest tree that Dad chopped down in the timber, or a fancier tree purchased in town.

The first tree I remember—I must have been about four or five—was a straggly cedar tree that Dad brought home. I was enthralled. There were probably some ornaments on it that resembled the vintage ones on the cover of this issue, given my German heritage. But most of all, I loved the lights—big, bulbous colorful lights that glowed with enough heat to spin the twirling fan ornaments hung carefully above them and magical, burbling bubble lights that I could watch for hours. The pièce de résistance though, were the icicles. Mom and I enveloped the tree with long strands of tinsel that were carefully picked off and saved for the next year come January.

One year, at a different farmhouse when I was a few years older—probably eight or nine—I convinced my dad to attach slender silver garlands across the ceiling of the living room from side to side making a giant X. Rather than hanging all the ornaments from the tree, I suspended some of them from the garland in varying lengths. I then draped masses of tinsel from the garland so the overall effect was not so much holiday as Marrakech souk.

The tree that year, a handsome live tree purchased from the hardware store in town, was almost hidden from sight.

From that Christmas on, our holiday décor was limited to the tree and nothing else.

Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Stacy Downs, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, Brooke McGrath, R. Murphy, Katy Schamberger Contributing Photographers Aaron Leimkuehler, Brian Rice, Ute Ville Design Intern Eva Tucker Copy Editor Craig Magnus Managing Director Michelle Jolles Publisher Chad Parkhurst Digital Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Daisy Chavez, Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions:

cparkhurst@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Subscription Questions:

Mail: In Kansas City, PO Box 92257 Long Beach CA 90809 Phone: 888-881-5861, M–F, 8–4 PST Email: inkansascity@psfmag.com

Subscribe Online:

inkansascity.com Find the subscribe link under The Magazine tab

IN Kansas City is published monthly by KC Media LLC

118 Southwest Blvd., 2nd Floor Kansas City, MO 64108

Zim

816-768-8300 | inkansascity.com Annual Subscriptions are $19.95

DECEMBER 2019

| 28 | INKANSASCITY.COM

GIFT LIKE AN MVP COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA • OAK PARK MALL • TOWN CENTER • ZONA ROSA SUMMIT WOODS CROSSING • INDEPENDENCE CENTER • THE LEGENDS AT VILLAGE WEST Visit us online at helzberg.com

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE AT

INKANSASCITY.COM ENTER TO WIN

In Your Room: Big, Bright, Brazen Colors!

We asked several of the metro’s most prolific interior designers to tell us the boldest color choice they’ve ever made—from neon purple to electric yellow and beyond. Find it at inkansascity.com.

Need a social roster refresh?

Discover the most comprehensive calendar in the metro—art galleries, dance, theater, social events, and music, music, music at inkansascity.com/events

Take your act on the road—on a tour, that is!

At the Crossroads. Enter to win a $500 gift card to Crossroads Hotel. Good for booking a cozy room, or for a night out at Lazia, XR, or Percheron—though you may want to wait until warmer temps before heading up to that rooftop. It’s the perfect excuse to act like a visitor in your own town. Enter by December 31 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enter-to-win. Good luck!

Before your kids complain there’s nothing to do over the holiday break, we’ve got a bevy of unique, interesting local tours the whole family can take.

Even better? Most of them are free to the public. Find it at inkansascity.com. inkansascity.com

Trying to decide where to eat? From happy hours to the local restaurant scene, we have the city’s most comprehensive dining guide. So many restaurants to please your palate. Check them out at inkansascity.com/eat-drink/dining-guide.

DECEMBER 2019

FOLLOW US

FACEBOOK @INKANSASCITYMAGAZINE

TWITTER @INKANSASCITYMAG

INSTAGRAM @INKANSASCITYMAG

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

| 30 | INKANSASCITY.COM

• • • •

Certified Interior Designers In-Home Consultation Personalized Service Premium Brands

A STYLE THAT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU Every space in your home should be a reflection of you. From comfort and convenience to style and sophistication. That’s why the creative interior designers at Nebraska Furniture Mart’s Design Gallery are here. We work with you every step of the way to bring your vision to life. Bringing you the latest styles and personalized service all at NFM’s Legendary Low Prices.

We’re here to help you create a style that can only be described as “you.”

DESIGN SERVICES AVAILABLE

1601 Village West Pkwy • Kansas City, KS • 800-407-5000

nfm.com/design-gallery ©2019 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

This Month IN KC

December

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

BY

Michael Mackie

Ten Excellent Ideas for Your Personal Best New Year’s Eve Tuesday, December 31

R

emember Y2K? Hard to imagine it’s been 20 years since the new millennial kerfuffle. Well, if you’re waxing nostalgic, we’ve got some timeless, traditional New Year’s Eve events for you to check out—and some fun new, KC-centric festivities too!

Noon Year’s Eve! Hosted by Kansas City Mom Collective 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. kansascity.momcollective.com/events FOR THE KIDDOS You can ring in the New Year with the whole family and be done before naptime.

Pinstripes is throwing a family-friendly shindig from 8 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on December 31st.

Kid-friendly activities include bowling, face painting, a dance party, pizza lunch buffet and more. (And don’t forget the balloon drop at— wait for it—noon!)

Zoo Year’s Eve at the Kansas City Zoo 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

New Year’s Swingin’ Eve at Union Station 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

kansascityzoo.org/events/ zoo-years-eve

unionstation.org

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVERS Starting at 10 a.m., it’s Zoo Year’s Eve at the Kansas City Zoo. From a wild Wings of Wonder bird show to a Sea Lion Splash and penguin feeding, it’s one big animal-tastic party.

Plus, lemurs and meerkats and bears, oh my!

FOR THE PURISTS Kansas City’s biggest New Year’s Eve Swing Party is back only at historic Union Station! It’s a party like no other in a venue like no other. Spend your New Year’s Eve celebrating with big-band swing and your favorite retro-dance originals. Your ticket gets you plenty—including admission, live music, party favors, drinks, hot appetizers, and a midnight champagne toast.

NEW YEAR’S EVE SPOTLIGHT New Year’s Eve at the Crossroads Hotel 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. crossroadshotelkc.com/ explore/events FOR THE SEE-AND-BE-SEEN CROWD Last year, Crossroads Hotel was the toast of the town after its inaugural New Years’ Eve party delighted and amazed 600 of Kansas City’s best dressed. This time around, you can expect it to be even better—with Quixotic, Molly Balloons, Calvin Arsenia, and two different DJ’s in the house. (Shout out, DJ Marvin Gardens and DJ House of Dante!)

Noon Year’s Eve at Science City Noon – 7:00 p.m. unionstation.org/sciencecity FOR THE TWEENS Science City at Union Station is having an all-day, hands-on science extravaganza featuring demos and workshops, interactive maker activities and a 6:00 p.m. balloon drop.

Mom and Dad, you have time to play with the kids and still make it to dinner.

For Kansas City’s most comprehensive calendar of events, go to inkansascity.com DECEMBER 2019

| 32 | INKANSASCITY.COM

New Year’s Eve at Jax 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. jaxfishhouse.com/kansas-city FOR THE FOODIES Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is ringing in the New Year with a four-course feast.

Guests can enjoy the best bounty of the sea—with sustainably sourced delicacies such as lobster, crab, shrimp, and scallops.

Reservations are going quickly.

NYE Live! at Power & Light District 8:00 p.m. – Midnight nye-live.com/kansas-city

FOR THE ROWDY CROWD For more than 11 years, NYE Live! At the Power & Light District has been the most raucous New Year’s Eve party in Kansas City, and this year is no exception. With 12 bars and nightclubs, all-inclusive packages, and great entertainment—this is one giant throwdown. (PS. Dress warm. And keep those hangover remedies handy.)

Every Option of Wood Flooring

Every Type of Carpet

New Year’s Eve at the Temple X 8:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. nyekc.com

FOR THE BOOZIE SUZIES NYE at the Temple X’s promotion boasts a whopping eight party areas and ten massive open bars. According to the website: “We have never run out of liquor, our bar lines are minimal, our coat check is flawless and our shuttles are run to perfection.” You heard it here first!

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Experience 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

thedinnerdetective.com/kansas-city FOR THE WHO-DONE-IT? CROWD Dinner and a murder mystery, anyone? The Dinner Detective is holding their “Hollywood Hit” who-done-it on New Year’s Eve. You can graze, solve a crime and still be home in time for Ryan Seacrest.

Winterfest at World’s of Fun 5:00 p.m. – Midnight worldsoffun.com/play/winterfest

FOR THE AMUSEMENT RIDE ENTHUSIAST This year, the holiday fun doesn’t stop when Christmas ends. Worlds of Fun is offering a way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly alternative: New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (which starts early at 5:00 p.m.). Cut a rug at a retro New Year’s Eve party and rock out to live local music. And finish the night at Snoopy’s Rockin’ Countdown— with fireworks at the stroke of midnight!

DECEMBER 2019

| 33 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Open to the Public Free Financing Full Service Installation -or- Carry Out 127th & Metcalf KCWholesaleCarpet.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

FROM EMPTY NESTERS TO MILLENNIALS

Photo by Nicole Bissey

THE APPEAL BEHIND TWO LIGHT LUXURY APARTMENTS

T

o say Megan Pryor is a fan of Two Light Luxury Apartments in the Kansas City Power & Light District would be an understatement. When we asked what it’s like being a resident there, Pryor quickly rattled off about a dozen amenities she cherishes at her downtown mecca. At the top of the list? “It’s home.”

Up until their move downtown, Pryor and her husband had always been big fans of the Crossroads area. A family friend had recently moved into Two Light’s sister building (the aptly named One Light). They raved about how nice it was to Pryor’s in-laws—who ended up moving into Two Light shortly thereafter.

When Pryor and her husband had a little girl, they were on the hunt for something a bit nicer and a bit more spacious. A lightbulb went on. “We actually decided to join our in-laws at Two Light just three floors up from us. They watched our daughter until she went to daycare,” says Pryor. “It made it super-convenient.”

Maintenance-Free Living It wasn’t long before Pryor found out just how accommodating the building is. “It truly is maintenance-free living. The customer service here is phenomenal. You don’t need to worry about anything—I mean, everything is taken care of—right down to changing the lightbulbs,” she says. “For us right now, in our time of life—I work fulltime, my husband is a small-business owner—to come home and spend time with our daughter and just relax? That’s the appeal that keeps us here—along with tons of other perks.”

Those perks run the gamut from a state-of-the-art gym for residents to a unique indoor spa to a litany of outdoor spaces—complete with cabanas, an infinity pool, and plenty of grills to barbecue. Pryor can’t get enough of Two Light’s roomy, exquisitely designed amenity space that practically takes over the eighth floor of the 25-floor building. “I work from home. In the amenity space there are little booths, and every day I go and sit in a booth to telecommute, and it

works out perfectly,” she says. “Plus, there’s a dedicated conference room if you need to host clients, a quiet area—and bonus!—outlets everywhere. You can recharge anywhere,” Pryor says with a laugh.

For many Two Light residents, the opulent amenity space is a huge draw to chill, commiserate with neighbors, or grab an adult beverage at the eighth-floor bar. “When I come home, we can just relax there.

Even though it’s one big open space—it’s still cozy,” says Pryor. And Thursday through Sunday there’s a bartender on staff, which is perfect for guests who may bop over for a glass of wine.

Photo by Chris Mullins

Convenience Meets Communal Given that the streetcar is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Two Light, Pryor and her husband have recently become a one-car family.

From their location, Pryor says everything is hyper-accessible—including the nearby Cosentino’s Market. “Two Light offers convenient parking if you own a car, but the walkability is amazing here,” she says. Pryor says she can see the streetcar from her window and has the app on her

The resort-like amenities make Two Light seem like a posh hotel. It was one of the reasons the entire cast from Queer Eye called the luxury apartments home for the five months they were in town shooting their show. A rentable guest suite allows residents to host friends and family in the building when they come to town. The kitchen and party room, meanwhile, make it easy to entertain.

Located at the intersection of the Crossroads Arts District and the Power & Light District, the high rise even displays a wide array of artworks that pay homage to the history of Kansas City—all created or installed by local artists.

Family First

The Pryor Family. Photo by Nicole Bissey

phone to check on its pending arrival. “Timing is everything,” she says.

A stunning demonstration kitchen is available for residents who want to entertain. Pryor is quick to point out all the events that residents have the opportunity to attend. “There’s something almost every week. You can experience local flavor and build connections at the same time,” she says. “So we really get to know our neighbors—there’s a communal aspect. From restaurant tastings to wine events to pop-up stores—it’s a great place to meet people.”

Thanks to the amenable team at Two Light, Pryor says she and her family couldn’t be happier. “I can’t stress enough—being able to live by my inlaws—we joke it’s our version of a family compound,” she says. “Think downtown living is not for you? Well, Kansas City is a fabulous city and here there’s plenty of accessibility. They make life so easy, whether you’re a retired empty nester, single and professional, or married with kids. This is my third apartment in three years, and it’s by far my best customer-service experience. Period.”

An on-site concierge is available 24/7 to help residents with a myriad of services—anything from booking restaurant reservations to securing car service. “I really enjoy having a front-desk person there,” says Pryor.

“While it’s nice to be part of the busyness and bustle of downtown, there’s still a perimeter when you get home. Security, for me, is paramount.”

And because of Two Light’s broad range of residents, the hands-on staff is quick to cater to everyone no matter what the whim. “It’s an all-inclusive lifestyle. There really are a range of ages here—from empty-nesters to millennials, Pryor says. “Some of our neighbors travel a lot or have really demanding jobs—and this place makes it very easy to just live.”

Photo by Alistair Tutton

Host With The Most

A THANK YOU

YEARS IN THE MAKING

As we mark the beginning of our 25th year, we want to express our deep gratitude to all our clients: the cottages and the estates, the pocket gardens and the outdoor kitchens, the birdbaths and the swimming pools, the folks we’ve known for decades and the ones we’ll meet tomorrow. Look for celebrations happening throughout the coming year. Cheers!

the

reensman (816) 523-1516 thegreensman.com

BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Get fit and trim for the New Year.

REDUCE FAT, BUILD MUSCLE AND SCULPT YOUR BODY WITH OUR NON-INVASIVE TREATMENTS. WITHOUT ENDLESS WORKOUTS.

Congrats! You’ve worked hard to get fit. Now take it to the next level with a personalized plan to target specific areas like abs, butt and thighs. We’re the first local medical spa to offer two groundbreaking, FDA-cleared procedures— truSculpt® fleX and truSculpt® iD—to give you the best body of your life. Choose one or both to achieve up to 24% fat reduction and 33% increase in muscle mass -- with no downtime.

Call our MedCosmetic team today to schedule a free consultation.

Mention this ad for special introductory pricing.

4550 W. 109th St

| OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211 | 913.270.5917 | MIRABILEMD.COM

Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness combines gynecology, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, MedCosmetic medical spa and Medi-Weightloss.

Entertaining

IN KC

Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com

photo by aaron leimkuehler

I The Ten Commandments of Holiday Party-giving MERRILY CAME DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN. SHE HAD A MARTINI IN ONE HAND, AND THIS LIST IN THE OTHER

by

Merrily Jackson

DECEMBER 2019

| 38 | INKANSASCITY.COM

am so prepared for the holidays this year. I have all of my gifts purchased and wrapped. Christmas cards: written, stamped, and ready to mail. And I can’t wait to get my hands on that tree!

Not. I am never ready for the holiday season when it hits, and I love to kvetch about all the obligations attached. But I do adore this time of year, don’t you? To me, the holidays are the best part of the year, and the parties are the best part of the holidays. I hope you are planning to have one this year, whether you invite me or not.

Whatever kind of party you are planning, just for you, I have boiled down all of my party-giving advice and condensed it into ten commandments.

THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR’S PARTY BUDGET You may have friends or neighbors who live in huge, gorgeous homes and entertain lavishly. They are the exception. Almost everybody has a limited budget. You don’t

GIFTS so unique as well as tres’chic!

Scandia Home exclusive bedding

Tis the season... for holiday cheer, complimentary gift wrapping & great savings!

We invite you to stop in and view our exciting collection of heavenly gifts!

Locally-owned and a Country Club Plaza icon for over 35 years | Corner of 501 Nichols Rd. & Pennsylvania 816.753.4144 | (toll free) 800.875.4144 | www.terrasi.com

Entertaining

IN KC

Create the Light Fantastic

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard.

1900bldg.com/venues (913) 730–1905

SOFT, flattering lighting is a key ingredient in the success of any party. The right lighting can transform a humble home into a soigné venue where everyone looks glamorous. I offer these tips for creating a romantically lit backdrop for your holiday party: Modern-American cuisine from awardwinning Chef Linda Duerr. From intimate dinners to exquisitely crafted receptions, Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com/private-events (913) 730–1900

• Turn off bright overheads or soften them with a dimmer.

• Put 15-watt bulbs in all of your lamps. Bar and buffet areas should have a little extra light so guests can serve themselves without spilling or breaking anything.

• Place votive candles in loose clusters on tables, buffets, mantels, and windowsills. Groupings of different-sized pillar candles also can be dramatic. As a rule, the more candles the better. Just don’t put them where they’re likely to be jostled or knocked over by guests.

• Place candles near reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and windows (without curtains) where their glow will be doubled.

1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas

DECEMBER 2019

| 40 | INKANSASCITY.COM

need a fancy backdrop to have friends truly enjoy themselves under your roof.

Your gathering should not be an imitation of anyone else’s. I’m not saying you need to be startlingly original, only that you have a party that is true to you and your home, however quirky or modest or grand. If you are having a crowd over, email me and I will send you my column about Feeding the Multitudes, with practical tips about serving a large group with style.

LET THERE BE MUSIC AT THY PARTY I know, I know, on this topic I am like a bulldog with a porkchop. But it mystifies me how many people omit music from their parties, even folks who have perfectly good sound systems. At any gathering, music adds joy, energy, soul. Get thee to Target, if you must, and buy $25 speakers to attach to your laptop, then go to Spotify or Pandora.com; you’ll find every kind of music you can dream of, including holiday music. Or email me and I will send you my list of top five CDs for holiday parties But if you have the means to arrange for live music, do so.

Having a live musician (or two or three) heightens the sense of festivity and shows great generosity of spirit on your part.

THOU SHALT MAKE THY HOME COZY AND INVITING It’s during the holidays when many of our homes look their best, all dolled up for the season. Create extra ambience indoors by following my lighting tips (opposite). Burn a good scented candle—my holiday favorite is Pickwick’s Mahomes for the Holidays—in your entrance area so it smells divine when people walk in the door. Amaryllis bulbs or paperwhites (Planters Seed Co. at 513 Walnut St. has some of the best bulbs in town) in a simple terracotta pot look elegant on a sideboard or coffee table, as does a bowl full of pomegranates or a basket of polished apples and spruce twigs.

When it comes to welcoming touches, a blazing fireplace trumps everything.

THOU SHALT REALLY TRY NOT TO SERVE HOLIDAY CHEER OUT OF PLASTIC Do your best to avoid using plastic glasses to serve beverages, especially wine. Plastic makes any wine taste cheap. Renting glassware is better for the planet, affordable (especially if you pick it up and drop it off yourself ), and easy—all you have to do is plop the glassware, unwashed, back into its rental carton.

Have twice as many glasses on hand as guests.

If you can’t manage to have real glassware, have the party anyway.

THOU SHALT NOT BE SEEN WORKING TOO HARD For any party, arrange as much as possible in advance, or if budget allows, hire staff, so you don’t have to work during the party. It is the buzzkill of all buzzkills to see the host toiling in

DECEMBER 2019

127th & Metcalf

Fabulous Selection & In Home Design www.AreaRugDimensions.com

| 41 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Entertaining

IN KC

front of his guests. On party day, manage your time carefully and avoid going down any little bunny trails unrelated to party prep.

For holiday dinner parties, I have some tried-and-true make-ahead main courses, such as smoked salmon lasagna, brisket with prunes, or King Ranch Chicken Casserole (food snobs beware: that last one calls for canned soup.) Email me and I will send them to you.

THOU SHALT LIMIT THY COCKTAIL PARTY TO TWO HOURS There’s a reason the quintessential cocktail party invitation is for two hours. Stretch it out longer and you won’t get that critical mass that makes a cocktail party fun. If you think your house is too small, it’s probably not—you want your cocktail party crowded. People like to walk into a party that looks oversold.

At a cocktail party (as distinct from a cocktail buffet or an open house) it’s best to serve finger food. Email me and I’ll send you a collection of recipes for fabulous, make-ahead cocktail party food.

THOU SHALT BE THOUGHTFUL OF THY THIRSTY GUESTS Place the bar(s) where you want guests to congregate but make it easy for them to get a drink the minute they arrive. Consider having someone greet them with a tray full of prepared drinks—prosecco or Champagne is lovely. Or mix a special drink in quantity. Here’s a very simple holiday crowd pleaser: one part cranberry juice, one part Fresca

and one part vodka served over ice with a lime wedge. Always have appealing options for the designated drivers. Buy plenty of ice, one pound per guest.

THOU SHALT NOT OBSESS ABOUT PERFECTION Voltaire’s observation that “the perfect is the enemy of the good” is certainly relevant to party-giving. Nobody expects your party to be perfect.

Give yourself permission to use a caterer, or serve takeout or something store bought, if pressed for time. Your guests won’t care if you didn’t make it yourself, as long as it looks and tastes good.

THOU SHALT GREET THY GUESTS WITH THE MIGHTIEST OF ENTHUSIASM The way you greet your guests sets the tone for the party. Greet each guest individually as though you have been counting the minutes until they arrive, and now that they’re here, the party can really begin.

AND FINALLY, THOU SHALT SUMMON AN UBER FOR OVERSERVED FRIENDS There’s nothing hospitable about letting a guest drive home drunk. Get an Uber, Lyft or Z-Trip—or call a cab service. I have some friends who hire a driver to take people home after their New Year’s Eve party. Now that’s the holiday spirit!

Grow Your Charitable Giving and Your Legacy A donor-advised fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is the fastest and easiest way to create your charitable legacy, benefit from tax advantages of giving, and make the world a better place.

Learn more about donor-advised funds at www.GrowYourGiving.org

growyourgiving.org | 816.842.0944

DECEMBER 2019

| 42 | INKANSASCITY.COM

JOY. May this festive season bring you and yours peace and joy.

Happy Holidays from The LOCATE Team.

Kevin Bryant

> 816.769.9564

Melinda Chalfant

> 913.278.8122

Katherine Meiners Gregg

> 816.679.8500

Kathy Scaglia Green

> 816.520.1281

Becky Loboda

> 913.481.8270

Sandy Palmer

> 816.419.9797

Heidi Peter

> 816.217.7100

Tom Suther

> 816.585.6144

Nancy Weeks

> 913.271.3610

114 West Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64114 | 816-554-5000

Our Man by

Damian Lair

IN KC

dlair@inkansascity.com

: @damianlair #OurManINKC

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Damian Lair with Mary Kemper Wolf.

CONSIDERING the vibrant local theater situation we have going on in our city, it’s not unusual that one would fly under the radar. That was my assessment after a visit to The Arts Asylum during its recent run of Jesus Christ Superstar. The venue consists of an impressive, all-new theater inside a downtown castle-like architectural gem that was once Calvary Baptist Church. The production itself was presented in connection with This Happy Breed and directed by the super-talented Kyle Hatley (former associate artistic director at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre). I was in for quite a show. Hatley’s vision of Superstar not only transcended the time and place of its original setting, but also introduced several female actors into prominent, traditionally male roles. For instance, Katie Gilchrist absolutely floored the audience in her role as Pontius Pilot. Loosely based on the last days of Jesus Christ, the iconic and controversial musical theater classic tells the story—via an emotional score of rock, gospel, folk, and funk—of Jesus’s struggles with Judas, the disciples, God, and himself. Other noteworthy performances included Chioma Anyanwu as Mary Magdalene, with her chilling rendition of I Don’t Know How to Love Him. And of course, the heart-wrenching—and often difficult to watch—emotional portrayal of Jesus, by Christopher Barksdale. Everything—from rigged flying effects to the piles of shredded sanguine velvet splashed across the stage amidst Christ’s lashings—was just as much dazzling as disturbing.

And isn’t that what the theater is all about? Feeling a little uncomfortable?

Having all your emotions poked and prodded? Thank you to everyone involved, for delivering on all that and more.

Intergalactic Voyage

S

ometimes you just know from an invitation that a party is going to be great. This was precisely the case when a glimmering, holographic mylar envelope arrived in my mailbox. It was a proclamation of this year’s big gala for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Big—because it was in celebration of the museum’s silver (25th) anniversary.

The theme, “Intergalactic Voyage”, was bold as well. Naturally, it involved all things silver, with a futuristic (but nostalgic) space-age twist, i.e., the future, as seen through the lens of the ’90s. Think Britney Spears heads to outer space, with a bit of Y2K paranoia sprinkled in.

With the very best gala food of the year (courtesy of Café Sebastienne chef Rick Mullins) and cabaret-style performances by Daisy Buckët, Tajma Stetson, Shon Ruffin, OVERHEARD and Stephonne Singleton, the mood was set. The Marcus Sorry I’m late. I Lewis Big Band boomed in the outdoor tent and perforlost my car again. mances by Widow Von’Du and Boi Boy rounded out the evening, along with late-night food trucks and beats from UN/TUCK Collective. This remains one of my absolute favorite annual events—so be sure to keep an eye out next year for tickets.

IT AIN’T EASY BEING CHEESY

SPOTTED: Co-chairs Katherine Fox, McClain Bryant Macklin, and Anne Scharf, Honorary Chairs Jane & Josh Sosland. Mayor Quinton Lucas, Sean O’Harrow, Christy & Bill Gautreaux, Karen & Jack Holland, Sharon & John Hoffman, Scott Francis & Susan Gordon, Linda & Brad Nicholson, Maurice Watson, Patrick Kappelmann, Carolyn Arnold, Sean Gallagher, Pam & Gary Gradinger, Lauren Merriman, Susannah & T.J. Sotos, Lisa Garney, Ellen & Jamie Copaken, Helen & Frank Wewers, Ada & Dr. Kevin Koch, Emily Fehsenfeld, Jessie & Alex Blazer, Kim Klein & Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Kim Weinberger, Jan Kyle & Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, Courtney & Cesar Gonzalez, Carnez Williams, Fred & Lucy Colson, Anna Marie Tutera, Betsy Lummis, Phoebe Lummis, Anna Petrow & Patrick Mulvihill, David Epstein & Wade Tajerian, Lynn & Lance Carlton, Anne Hickok, Phillip Charlton, Ron Megee & John Fulton Adams, Emily & Matt Baldwin, Erin & Aaron Burger, Paul Gutierrez, Gina Holmberg, Loretta & Tom Mentzer, Katie McGurk, Amy Dreyer, Josue Montes, Tom Styrkowicz, Dan Stewart, Austin Murphy DECEMBER 2019

GRILLED CHEESE—please! What was supposed to be an ooey-gooey,

cheesy day at the park, ended up being a sheltered-from-the-rain day inside Hy-Vee Arena. No bother. But, thank goodness for the backup plan.

This was only the second year for the Grilled Cheese Festival, but it seems to have quickly caught its stride. Aside from the obvious, there was lots going on—yard-game tournaments, bounce houses, live music, face painting, airbrush tattoos—you name it. But the cheese concoctions were the main attraction. The Wheel Barrel returned to defend its “people’s choice” title (each visitor received one voting token upon entry), along with: Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, TacoNaco KC, Black Dog Coffeehouse, Granite City Food & Brewery, and Longboards Wraps and Bowls. And… The Wheel Barrel was successful for another year. Tasting options ranged wildly, from a taco grilled-cheese melt to mac and cheese grilled cheese sliders to B.L.T. grilled cheese to blue cheese and sourdough smacked with roast beef, bacon, and onion jam. Whew! I’m not sure that I tried every single one, but I checked off most. Rest assured; I take this all very seriously. | 44 | INKANSASCITY.COM

BEST IN SHOW

Our Man

IN KC GUESS THE GRAPE

Indulge Your Senses

OK

,

I don’t rave about a lot of things. I’m reluctant to be the boy who cried wolf—or who repeatedly crowed “Amazing!” (the most overused word, according to Donatella Versace.) Generally, I write on these pages regarding roughly 25 percent of the happenings I pop up at every month (so you’re only getting the very best.) And when I choose to write, any enthusiasm is completely genuine. That said—I was completely in love with Quixotic’s takeover of an old, mothballed theater, hidden inside Crown Center, for its show Sensatia. Now, a bit of history: Quixotic created this show for a OVERHEARD two-month pop-up to celebrate the opening of “He was just at my the Faena Hotel South Beach (the most amazing place three days hotel in Miami, hands down). Two months turned ago. Why does into three years. So, that kind of says it all. Quixothe now look like ic recently wrapped that show, unveiled a brandLeslie Jones? Like, what light socket new show at Faena, and packed up Sensatia for did he stick his KC. Lucky us. The show is an interactive cabaret hand into?” experience, fusing live music, acrobatics, aerialist choreography, projection mapping, and even perfumery—satiating every sense along the way. It’s a tale of two uninspired artists—a mechanical ballerina and an overworked violinist—who follow a tempting muse and stumble upon the sumptuous backstage of a fantasy cabaret, where their passion for their respective arts are awakened. There are fiery candelabra headdresses, women knotted together in a spinning silk canopy, and even violinists with flaming bows. In the eleven years I’ve lived here, it is the sexiest, most boundary-pushing event—yeah, it’s an event—I’ve experienced. If you’ve missed it thus far, you’re in extra good luck. The show was recently extended two more months, through the end of December. 18 and over. Make it a hot date night. I have a feeling you’ll both thank me.

DECEMBER 2019

AFTER YEARS of last-minute work travel and other scheduling interjections, I was finally able to make it to the (now 6th) annual Guess the Grape event, benefitting the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic.

There were cork-tossing games, a spin-the-bottle wine pull (no kissing allowed!), live painting by artist Seth Jones, and food from tons of my favorites: Ragazza Food & Wine, Café Trio, Lidia’s and Seasons 52. Mike’s Wine & Spirits brought the booze, and Aquam Vinos hosted the namesake blind wine tasting (turns out, I’m pretty good). All this to raise funds for Vision 2020—Kansas City’s first mobile eye care clinic that can deliver sight-saving services to thousands across the metro. It’s worth noting that 80 percent of all blindness and visual impairment can be prevented or treated, which drastically increases the likelihood of completing high school and college, getting married, avoiding prison, and a myriad of other quality of life metrics.

All completely addressable—making this a worthy cause indeed.

SPOTTED: Birju Solanki, Matthew Nunemaker, Doug Adair, Tom Schad, Chris Hernandez & Paul Monteil, Derek & Jason LandrumVetter, Josh Dampf, Eric Thomas, Michael Hopkins, Jeff Brentano, Julian Harmon, Elliott Scott, James Maiden, Drew Elliott, Taylor Smith, Tyler Chapman

| 46 | INKANSASCITY.COM

HOT GOSSIP: What KC doyenne was recently tearing up NYC with her new bestie, Michael Douglas?

CELEBRATING THE UNITING OF THE NATIONS MAYOR QUINTON LUCAS spear-

headed the 48th Annual Mayor’s UN Day Dinner, held at Studio Dan Meiners. The yearly event celebrates the founding of the United Nations. UNICEF’s “Children Under Attack” global humanitarian campaign director, Toby Fricker, gave the keynote address on the work his UN program does advocating and fundraising for the protection of children affected by armed conflict. The campaign provides support and opportunities needed by children to better cope, recover, and to resume their childhood. Additionally, Christine Traner was presented the Model UN Student award, and Mariya Dostzadah Goodbrake accepted the KC World Citizen of the Year award. In Mariya’s address, she discussed founding the Global FC soccer teams and service program, which serves more than 300 refugee children from more than 26 nations.

A refugee herself, from Afghanistan, Mariya was especially moved following a trip to help Syrian refugees living in Jordan. She returned to KC, inspired to build a sports program that would provide support and a sense of belonging that refugee youth so often need.

SPOTTED: Honorary Consul of Croatia Dr. Judith Vogelsang, Honorary Consul of the French Republic Cyprienne Simchowitz, Honorary Vice Consul of Italy Gino Serra, Councilwoman Rayna ParksShaw, Carlota Halpern, Crissy Dastrup, Stacey Carrow

SEAFOOD DELIGHT I WAS POSITIVELY delighted to be included at a very special pop-up dinner inside Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar’s new private dining space. The occasion was hosting Ryan Prewitt, chef of New Orleans’s Pêche Seafood Grill. Ryan is not just any chef—he won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, and Pêche won another James Beard for Best New Restaurant in America. So kind of a big deal. The focus of the dinner was Ryan’s work with the Audubon Nature Institute to promote sustainable fisheries—a mission that naturally dovetails with the sustainable seafood advocacy work they do at Jax. Thus, the dinner was a multi-course family-style feast featuring sustainable Gulf seafood—including many Pêche signature dishes, such as smoked tuna dip and whole Gulf fish with salsa verde. We also enjoyed live NOLA jazz music, and of course Pêche-inspired cocktails. Be on the lookout for more of these special, intimate pop-ups, which are currently in the works. In the meantime, head to Jax any Sunday for their revived bottomless crab brunch, featuring their sustainably sourced Dungeness and snow crab. And may as well grab a Commodore Bloody Mary—complete with a king crab leg, shrimp, Emersum oyster, and golden caviar—while you’re at it. I mean, why not?

Left: Natural Lynx Hooded Poncho with White Fox Trim Right: Fawn & White Mink Reversible Jacket

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

LOOK HOT in the COLD

9029 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park 913.649.4000 Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm

DECEMBER 2019

| 47 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Invading Union Station

aily ces D ed: rman d u o l Inc e Perf Liv

• Enter the Tents, Battlegrounds and Marketplaces of a Vanished World • Marvel at Over 200 Priceless Artifacts • Seen by Over 2 Million People

Presented by: Supported by:

Tickets as low as $12.95*

UnionStation.org *Excludes Preservation Fee

n. w t ! es n ToOut t t I Hoket ell S c Ti ill W

RING IN THE DECADE IN STYLE!

featuring

Dave StephenS & KCJO 7

the KanSaS CitY JaZZ OrCheStra PLUS SUMMER BREEZE Presented by

ONE PRICE INCLUDES: Unlimited Drinks • Hot Appetizers • Two Dance Floors • & More!

On sale now at UnionStation.org

YOUR LOVE WILL CREATE MORE MOMENTS LIKE THIS.

Your donations fuel the advancements available at Children’s Mercy.

Like the laser surgery that gave Johnny and Sammy a second chance, and made these moments swinging at the park possible.

Learn how your LOVE WILL help more kids by giving today at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

Arts & Culture

IN KC

Amaya Rodriguez PRINCIPAL DANCER FOR THE KANSAS CITY BALLET ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS by

Judith Fertig

photo by

Brett Pruitt

DECEMBER 2019

W

ith its colorful costumes, dreamlike score, and memorable roles, The Nutcracker is a holiday classic. This fantastic tale of a toy soldier come to life, put to music

by Peter Tchaikovsky, has been delighting audiences for more than 125 years, and Kansas Citians for generations.

| 50 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Amaya Rodriguez will dance some of the many roles for ballerinas in this work. Born in Cuba, she joined the National Ballet of Cuba in 2006 under the artistic direction of Alicia Alonso. In 2011, she was promoted to principal dancer. Because of her technical talent and artistry, she was rapidly promoted to first dancer in 2013. With the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, she performed in Europe, the Americas, Egypt, and Australia. In 2012, she toured several Spanish cities with The Virtuosos Gala Ballet. In 2014, she was a guest artist at the International Gala of Augsburg, Germany. She has performed the leading roles in the romantic classics Giselle, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Cinderella, Le Corsaire, and in contemporary works. kcopera.org

Pedrito Martinez

February 22 STACEY KENT

What first drew you to ballet as a child in Cuba?

Amaya Rodriguez: The first ballet I saw was Swan Lake. From that moment I knew that ballet was going to be my future.

The magic of music together with the dancers imitating swans aroused a great interest that I had to realize. Although in Cuba there are not Christmas traditions like here, we saw The Nutcracker every year and I danced in it since I was very young.

Luciana Souza

What roles will you be dancing in The Nutcracker? What makes those roles challenging, something perhaps the audience wouldn’t immediately see?

AR: I will probably do The Snow Queen, the Flowers, the Spanish Dance, and more. And the most challenging is the Sugar Plum Fairy because it requires great technical control, which the audience cannot appreciate so easily since it has to be done delicately.

INKC: How does living and working in Kansas City nurture

you as a dancer? as adapting to cold weather, which is not easy for a Cuban.

After being part of the company for four seasons, I´ve realized that I´ve found my second home, where I´ve formed my own family since the arrival of my baby six months ago. I’m so thankful that the Kansas City Ballet has given me great support to return to dance like before.

DECEMBER 2019

March 7 LUCIANA SOUZA April 24 JOHN PIZZARELLI

How did you come to this country? When did you start dancing for the Kansas City Ballet?

AR: After 12 years of being part of the National Ballet of Cuba, I spent a season at the Monterrey Ballet in Mexico and then lived in Florida for eight months, where I began auditioning until I arrived in Kansas City in August 2015.

AR: Kansas City has represented challenges and changes, such

December 13 PEDRITO MARTINEZ

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Commerce Bank, Trustee

| 51 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Arts & Culture BY

IN KC

Judith Fertig

WYNTON MARSALIS BIG BAND HOLIDAYS

ON THURSDAY, December 5 at 7:30 p.m., the horn-blowing ensemble Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will swing into Kansas City. Under the direction of legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, the ensemble will perform Big Band Holidays, a jubilant concert of seasonal favorites that could banish your inner Scrooge.

The historic Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland plays host to the latest in the famed Harriman-Jewell series of concerts. Hear the glorious sounds of this ensemble of great jazz musicians with vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Alexis Morrast. Big Band Holidays will feature some of their most creative arrangements in a concert the whole family can enjoy. hjseries.org

Concerts are held in Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

(816) 471-0400 / kcsymphony.org

FUN + FESTIVE DECEMBER CONCERTS

A Beloved Holiday Tradition

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Isaac Stern@100 International Kickoff Event

BEETHOVEN for the GENERATIONS

Monday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

S PECIA L CO N C E R T E V E NT !

Julian Wachner, guest conductor Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director

Michael Stern, conductor Yo-Yo Ma, cello Pamela Frank, violin Emanuel Ax, piano

Experience Handel’s Messiah, brought to life by nearly 200 musicians onstage, including our Kansas City Symphony Chorus and very special guest vocalists. Tickets from $25.

BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in E-flat major BEETHOVEN Egmont Overture BEETHOVEN Triple Concerto

Supported by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

Sponsors include:

A concert not to be missed! Tickets start at $85. Benefits the Annette Bloch NextGen Venture

Fund to build future audiences.

DECEMBER 2019

| 52 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Yuletide Fun for Family and Friends

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director Rezound! Handbell Ensemble Michael Preacely, vocals

Enjoy the Symphony’s holiday celebration filled with carols, choirs and special guests.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $15 for children. Supported by the Neighborhood Tourist

Development Fund.

Sponsored by

HOLIDAY CLASSICS RETURN

WITH THE FLIP of a switch on Thanksgiving night, the Plaza lights transform the cityscape into something magical. These two Kansas City holiday classics also nurture that sense of wonder.

Come and see Amaya Rodriguez and the amazing Kansas City Ballet perform The Nutcracker from Thursday December 5, 2019 through Tuesday December 24, 2019 at the Kauffman Center. kauffmancenter.org Make sure that Ebenezer Scrooge really does see the light in A Christmas Carol, playing through December 29 at the KCRep on the UMKC campus. kcrep.org

DECEMBER 2019

| 53 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Arts & Culture by

IN KC

Judith Fertig

KC STREETCAR JAM

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW in a one-horse open sleigh, o’er the fields we go, laughing all the way. Ha ha ha.

Singin’ in the sleigh—that’s how people jammed in 1857 when Jingle Bells was written. This month in Kansas City, the best way to get around is on the streetcar with live music!

Starting before Thanksgiving and running until December 22, afternoons and early evenings on the streetcar will feature original songs, covers, and holiday music by talented performers. You can dash through any weather, snow or not, to City Market, the Crossroads, Crown Center, or wherever your shopping/dining/partying takes you, laughing all the way. kcstreetcar.org/kcholidayjam2019

DECEMBER 2019

| 54 | INKANSASCITY.COM

HOLIDAY POPS!

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you sang I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas? Thought so. Sometimes you want to go a little more lighthearted during the darkest time of the year, when you wish all really was merry and bright. The Kansas City Chorale gets it. Their concert of popular holiday music on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m., includes hits like Jingle Bells, White Christmas, and the poignant Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. These old familiar songs are sure to put a smile on your face, even if it might be a wistful one.

To ensure a jolly time, have dinner or drinks first at the Restaurant at 1900, then stay for the concert. Tickets are available at kansas-city-chorale.ticketbud.com.

ENJOY HOT COCOA

OUR BEAUTIFUL TREE

THE PERFECT GIFT

SAVE BIG WITH LOW OUTLET PRICING

Over 100 Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Options

DECEMBER 2019

| 55 | INKANSASCITY.COM

71ST AND MISSION ROAD | PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KANSAS W WW.SHOP SOFP RAIRIEVILL AGE.COM

Holiday Open House S AT U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 7T H

J I N G L E & M I N G L E YO U R WAY T H R O U G H T H E V I L L AG E W I T H O N ED AYO N LY D I S C O U N TS AT PA R T I C I PAT I N G M E R C H A N TS. F O R A L I ST O F A L L O F F E R S V I S I T: W W W.S H O P S O F P R A I R I E V I L L AG E.C O M/E V E N TS F R O M 10 A M TO 2 P M, J O I N U S F O R F E ST I V E FA M I LY F U N I N T H E C LO C K TOW E R C O U R T YA R D!

Join us for Holiday Fun!

✳MEET SANTA ✳COOKIE DECORATING ✳HOT CHOCOLATE BAR ✳LETTERS TO SANTA WORKSHOP

There’s no place like local for the Holidays!

SHOP + STYLE BAG & BAGGAGE • BROOKSIDE OPTICAL • CHICOS • CLIQUE BOUTIQUE • EUSTON HARDWARE • GOLDEN & PINE • JOS. A. BANK • PETPEOPLE • RSVP IN THE VILLAGE • SCOOBIE BOUTIQUE • VILLAGE FLOWER COMPANY SAVOR, SIPS + SWEETS BETTER CHEDDAR • BLUE MOOSE • C. FROGS • CAFÉ PROVENCE • CAFFETTERIA MODERN CAFE • DOLCE BAKERY • EINSTEIN BAGELS • THE FRENCH MARKET & CAFE • GOODCENTS DELI FRESH SUBS • HEN HOUSE MARKET & PHARMACY • MINSKY’S PIZZA • RIMANN LIQUORS • RISE BISCUITS • STORY. • TAVERN IN THE VILLAGE • TCBY AT YOUR SERVICE ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY • BIJIN SALON & SPA • MALFER & ASSOCIATES • MOBANK • ON THE BALL • VILLAGE HAIRSTYLING •PRAIRIE VILLAGE SHOE REPAIR • PRIDE CLEANERS • THE BODY LAB • THE LITTLE GYM • THE VILLAGE DENTIST • US BANK • VILLAGE MUSIC ACADEMY ENTERTAINMENT STANDEES THEATRES

Behind the Music

IN KC

2019:

The Year in Review

T

BY

Timothy Finn

he world of music these days is more expansive and full of potential than ever. It is also populated with more bands and artists than ever, so standing out amid a never-ending and ever-growing stream of traffic becomes increasingly more difficult. And frustrating.

Several artists from Kansas City managed to break through the noise and traffic and resonate far beyond the 816/913. Here are their accomplishments.

Danielle Nicole Schnebelen The Kansas City native and leader of the Danielle Nicole Band was a Grammy nominee for her contemporary blues album Cry No More.

(The winner was Fantastic Negrito.)

She also won two Blues Music Awards from the International Blues Foundation: for best contemporary blues female artist (nominees included Shemekia Copeland, Vanessa Collier, Beth Hart, and Samantha Fish) and for best instrumentalist/bass. She was also a nominee for best vocalist.

Other highlights: Playing for 10,000-plus fans in Grolloo, Holland, in June, and playing in the “northern-most inhabited city on the planet—Svalbard, inside the Arctic Circle(where) the Northern Lights are effectively the Southern Lights”—in October.

DECEMBER 2019

Making Movies Making Movies released their fourth full-length, ameri’kana, produced

by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. It includes the song No Te Calles, which featured Latin-music legend Rubén Blades. The band created an opensource website where fans were invited to add recordings of themselves singing along. That version of the song has been titled Making Movies and Rubén Blades ft. The World.

Guitarist/lead singer Enrique Chi told Rolling Stone the song was written to encourage “artists and the community to raise their voice in the face of political corruption. These individual recordings will be stitched together on the website to form a tapestry of people raising their voice—an infinite song.”

The album also includes the song Delilah, which Blades co-wrote with Lou Reed in the 1980s. Blades gave the band a demo of the song to record on their own, and they took it to dazzling heights.

The song, coincidentally, addresses immigration, the explicit theme of ameri’kana: brothers Enrique and Diego Chi are Panamanian; brothers Juan-Carlos and Andres Chaurand are Mexican.

In May, the week of the album’s release, NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday broadcast a feature on the band and the album.

In November, Making Movies launched their Panameri’kana Tour, which included a stop in Los Angeles, where the bill featured members of Gogol Bordello and Ozomatli. On Nov. 20, they performed in Mexico City on a bill headlined by Blades.

P.S.: Don’t miss their New Year’s Eve show at The Truman, in which they (and some guests) will pay tribute to the Clash album Combat Rock.

Last year’s NYE tribute to Talking Heads’ Remain in Light was en feugo.

Samantha Fish The big news for Samantha Fish was her move to Rounder Records, a stalwart independent label whose star-studded roster includes Ali-

| 58 | INKANSASCITY.COM

son Krauss, Bela Fleck, Indigo Girls, Irma Thomas, Jerry Douglas, and Bobby Rush.

Premier Guitar magazine raved about Kill or Be Kind, her Rounder debut (and sixth full-length): “Fish’s playing reaches a fresh creative peak … as a songwriter, vocalist, and player. She’s consistently inventive and dynamic, and many of her solos boldly leap outside the box with wild string-bending and ear-catching octave and delay effects.”

Variety called Bulletproof, the album’s lead single, “the best new rock song we’ve heard all year, and maybe for a few years,” and heralded Fish as “a bad-ass slide-guitar-wielding female from Kansas City” who lobs “blues-wailing rock and roll.”

From American Songwriter: “Fish’s talents as a convincing singer and especially a rousingly raw guitarist keep her firmly grounded in the grit and guts that have informed her music.”

At this year’s eight-day Jazz & Heritage Fest in her new hometown of New Orleans, Fish was listed among the six dozen headliners, a list that included Van Morrison, Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Kamasi Washington, and others.

NOLA.com listed Fish’s gig at the Orpheum Theater with JJ Grey & Mofro and the North Mississippi Allstars as one of the three best shows to see on April 27 after the fest shut down at 7 p.m.

Fish made big waves overseas as well.

From a review of a May 19 show in London: “Charismatic and oozing sex appeal with her sweet fallen-angel voice and heavy rocking-out guitar play, leavened by a well-balanced set list of subtler songs, Fish captivated and captured her devoted fans in the alluring net of her stagecraft and fiery hot licks.”

In December, Fish will perform at the Allman Family Revival concerts in San Francisco, Denver, and New York, The festival, in its third year, features Allman alum, including Devon Allman, plus a long roster of guests. This year’s list, in addition to Fish: Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), G. Love, Todd Park Mohr (Big Head Todd), Luther and Cody Dickinson, Robert Randolph, and Lilly Hiatt.

Not Enough Rugs to Go Around?

Ara’s Oriental Rug Gallery Has Plenty!

Gallery Hours: Mon by appt.

Tues - Fri 10-5 | Sat 10-4 210 West 75th Street Kansas City, Mo 64114 816-333-1467 | www.arasgallerykc.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 59 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Behind the Music

IN KC Arsenia recorded and released The L.A. Sessions, backed by a band of ringers: Tony Braunagel, Paul Brown, Mike Finnigan, and Freddie Washington. They re-created the album at a sold-out show at The Mint in L.A. His video for his reconstruction of Britney Spears’ Toxic was chosen to be featured in film festivals in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and Kansas City.

In October, billboard.com published a prominent story on his video for Back to You, which featured an array of scenes from Kansas City.

A video for his luscious cover of Billie Holliday’s Don’t Explain (from The L.A. Sessions) is expected to be released before year’s end.

Other Notables

Calvin Arsenia Arsenia ended 2018 on a high note—NPR’s World Café named his song Headlights “one of ten songs public radio can’t stop playing.”

He sustained the momentum through 2019, performing in 15 states and in Canada (Vancouver, Montreal). He was an especially big hit in Northern California, where he sold out shows in Oakland, Berkeley, and Healdsburg.

In addition to touring relentlessly through 2019, Kansas City’s most successful and popular hiphop artist, Tech9, released three—yes, three— albums: N9na, KIBOSH (with Krizz Kaliko) and Stranguelation Vol. III, the ninth album in his Collabo Series.

Danielle Nicole wasn’t the only Kansas Citian to receive Grammy attention. Music producer Anthony Jermaine White—aka J. White Did It—was a nominee in Record of The Year for his work on Cardi B’s single I Like It. White is a Leavenworth native and former Kansas City, Kan., resident.

HALLE

men’s gift shopping made simple support local this holiday season 4707 Rainbow Blvd. | Westwood, KS 66205 | UlahKC.com

DECEMBER 2019

UlahKC

| 60 | INKANSASCITY.COM

UlahKC

Ryan Jamaal Davis, the Kansas City resident (via Alabama) who performs as Kadesh Flow, played trombone on 85 to Africa, the latest album from rapper/producer Jidenna. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. He also played “pivotal organizational and performance roles” in a tribute to the Japanese composer/producer Nujabes at Otakon 2019, the largest anime convention on the East Coast. As Kadesh Flow, Davis joined J-pop star Minmi and other well-known MCs in the tribute, which sold out a 3,000-person theater.

Though she hasn’t lived here in a long while, we should mention that Kansas City, Kan., native and music/film superstar Janelle Monae received two Grammy nominations: Album of the Year for Dirty Computer; and Best Music Video for Pynk.

Shawnee native Amanda Fish won a Blues Music Award for best emerging artist album for her stellar Free album.

The Get Up Kids released Problems, their sixth full-length and a candidate for year’s best. And they toured North America and the world, stopping in Australia, Japan, and Malaysia, among other ports. Next year marks their 25th anniversary; the Kids still have it, on the road and in the studio.

Radkey, the trio of brothers from Kansas City (via St. Joe) sold out a headlining show in Rotterdam, supported the German punk band Wizo during a tour of Germany, and performed Surrender on stage with Cheap Trick at Starlight Theatre.

WANT MORE TIMOTHY FINN? Check out his weekly online-only content at inkansascity.com.

Every Wednesday the website publishes his list of Top 5 Notto-Miss Concerts in the metro.

Every week you’ll find his revered, rollicking, reasoned reviews and commentary.

Email Timothy Finn at tfinn@inkansascity.com

Pear Tree

Direct Importer of European Antiques, decorative furnishings and unique gifts.

303 E 55th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113 | 816-333-2100 | Open—Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 11-3 | PearTreeDesignAntiques.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 61 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Join Join Join the the the Harriman-Jewell Harriman-Jewell Harriman-Jewell Series Series Series for for for itsits fabulous itsfabulous fabulous 55th 55th 55th season season season ofofof performances performances performances held held held atat landmark at landmark landmark venues venues venues inin downtown in downtown downtown Kansas Kansas Kansas City!

City!

City!

MARK MARK MARK MORRIS MORRIS MORRIS DANCE DANCE DANCE GROUP GROUP GROUP PERFORMING PERFORMING PERFORMING THE THE THE BEATLES BEATLES BEATLES INSPIRED INSPIRED INSPIRED PEPPERLAND, PEPPERLAND, PEPPERLAND, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 8,8, 2020 8,2020 2020 Jazz Jazz Jazz at at Lincoln at Lincoln Lincoln Center Center Center Orchestra Orchestra Orchestra with with with Wynton Wynton Wynton Marsalis Marsalis Marsalis 12/05/19; 12/05/19; 12/05/19; Anne-Sophie Anne-Sophie Anne-Sophie Mutter, Mutter, Mutter, violinist violinist violinist 01/21/20; 01/21/20; 01/21/20; Mark Mark Mark Morris Morris Morris Dance Dance Dance Group Group Group 02/08/20; 02/08/20; 02/08/20; The The The Siberian Siberian Siberian State State State Symphony Symphony Symphony Orchestra Orchestra Orchestra 03/05/20; 03/05/20; 03/05/20; Daniil Daniil Daniil Trifonov, Trifonov, Trifonov, pianist pianist pianist 03/12/20; 03/12/20; 03/12/20; Pianist Pianist Pianist Mitsuko Mitsuko Mitsuko Uchida Uchida Uchida and and and Mahler Mahler Mahler Chamber Chamber Chamber Orchestra Orchestra Orchestra 03/22/20; 03/22/20; 03/22/20; Keith Keith Keith Lockhart Lockhart Lockhart and and and the the Boston the Boston Boston Pops Pops Pops OnOn Tour On Tour Tour 04/06/20; 04/06/20; 04/06/20; Angela Angela Angela Gheorghiu, Gheorghiu, Gheorghiu, soprano soprano soprano 04/26/20; 04/26/20; 04/26/20; Joyce Joyce Joyce DiDonato, DiDonato, DiDonato, mezzo-soprano, mezzo-soprano, mezzo-soprano, and and and Il Pomo Il Il Pomo Pomo d’Oro, d’Oro, d’Oro, chamber chamber chamber orchestra orchestra orchestra 05/29/20.

05/29/20.

05/29/20.

816.415.5025 816.415.5025 816.415.5025

HJSERIES.ORG HJSERIES.ORG HJSERIES.ORG

See See complete See complete complete details details details forfor season for season season performances, performances, performances, including including including free free free Discovery Discovery Discovery Concerts, Concerts, Concerts, at at HJSERIES.ORG. at HJSERIES.ORG. HJSERIES.ORG.

“Put Me On The

Knotty List” Appraisal Sell Trade Washing Restoration Again “THE KNOTTIER THE BETTER” Knotty Rug Co. Kansas City’s Largest and Most Reputable Showroom

4510 STATE LINE RD.



KANSAS CIT Y, KS 66103



(913) 677-1877



WWW.KNOT T YRUG.COM

Look

IN KC

Fashion

SOFT TOUCH

TIME FOR A SHIFT

Oversized sweater coat? Yes, please. Fringe? Of course. Made from baby alpaca and wool? Sounds divine. The Haori sweater coat has checks off everything on our wish list for cozy yet elegant Atelier Delphine Haori coat with fringe in charcoal, $407 at Finefolk (Crossroads).

A subtle sheen can make a big impact, especially when the cut is right.

This metallic linen shift dress is the perfect way to shine at the company holiday party without looking like a disco ball.

Emerson Fry Mod Dress in metallic linen, $238 at Market Assembly (Crossroads).

Cozy Chic

WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROP AND SNUGGLING IS THE NAME OF THE GAME, IT’S ALL ABOUT TEXTURE. FOR GLAM NIGHTS OUT OR COMFY NIGHTS IN, WE’VE FOUND THE PIECES THAT JUST BEG TO BE TOUCHED BY

R. Murphy

PATTERN PLAY

Flowy and light works when the fireplace is roaring. This boat-neck tee is a stunner with wide short kimono-style sleeves with an under slit and beautiful burnout pattern. Pair with a velvet cigarette pant for a classic look with a twist. Kimono Tee in nuno white polyester burnout, $795 at Asiatica (Westwood).

HOLD EVERYTHING

What’s winter without a bit of fuzz? Pack your essentials in this chic shearling saddle bag from Polo Ralph Lauren. Icelandic lamb shearling is prized for its tight curl, while Ralph Lauren’s signature equestrian hardware is prized for its durability and classic style. Shearling Hutton crossbody, $398 at Halls Kansas City (Crown Center).

DECEMBER 2019

| 64 | INKANSASCITY.COM

BEAUTIFUL TEETH... MY FAVORITE ACCESSORY “I cannot imagine having competed at Miss USA 2019, without the beautiful smile Dr. Headley designed for me.

The added confidence on the runway and in close-up camera shots was golden!

My smile will always be my favorite accessory.”

– Triana Browne

Miss Oklahoma USA 2019 2nd runner-up Miss USA 2019

Look

IN KC Beauty

Shine On AH, THE HOLIDAYS—WHEN THE EVERDISCERNING MAKEUP JUNKIE CAN GO HOG WILD WITH NEW PALETTES, GIFT SETS, AND PARTY-READY PRODUCTS. THERE ARE SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM, SO WE DID THE HARD WORK OF FINDING THE BRIGHTEST STARS IN THE LIP AND EYE GAME, ALL IN LUXE PACKAGING FIT FOR THE #YASSQUEENS. BY

R. Murphy

If the cold isn’t enough to make your cheeks flush, let Nars take over with the Free Lover Cheek Palette.. Choose from five cheek shades and one highlighter in this Sephora exclusive set. $59 at most Sephora locations.

Need to go from the boardroom to the holiday party, stat? Chanel is ready for your quick change. Their Ombre Première Top Coat does for eyes what top coat does for nails—gives them high-wattage shine. This shimmer top coat is intended to be layered on top of your daytime eye shadow look to create a festive aesthetic with little effort. Available in Carte Blanche or Penombre, $36 at chanel.com.

The name says it all—Obsessive Opulence. Cult makeup brand

Pat McGrath has leaned into the over-the-top vibe that fans have come to expect with her collections, channeling rococo excess in the Obsessive Opulence Kit. The kit includes the Mothership Blitze Astral eye quad featuring shimmering metallic shades and two shades of Matte Trance lipstick. Available in Nocturnal Nirvana, Ritualistic Rose, and Iconic Illumination, $115 at patmcgrath.com.

A person has to have options, especially with a full holiday dance card. Enter the Collector of the Stars Kit from MAC. What you get: 20 shades of lip color in lipstick, lipglass, retro matte lipcolor, and retro matte liquid lipcolor to complete any look you can dream up. $195, MAC Cosmetics (Country Club Plaza).

DECEMBER 2019

| 66 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Look

IN KC

Wellness

Smart Cheats by

R. Murphy

E

at the damn pie. That’s what the head fitness trainer for Born Fitness, B.J. Ward, recommends as his strategy for the holidays. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast, stretchy pants. Yes, enjoy the holidays but do it the smart way with two simple tactics.

Work out the day of your big celebratory meal.

Ward says that one of the keys to indulging is earning it.

“Do a hard workout the day of your big meal if you can. That way you’re shuttling those extra calories to a more useful place, like building muscle or recovery. Aim for strength training, whether you’re using weights or body weight. The key is to push yourself—lots of sets and reps, whatever you can handle,” says Ward.

Enjoy your meal. Ward says to treat your meal like a cheat day. Eat whatever you want for your holiday party or meal, enjoy your time with friends and family. But when you’re full, push away from the table.

‘The trouble we get into is thinking that because you indulged at one meal, you should do that for the next few weeks. Pretty soon eating a full Thanksgiving meal turns into a free-for-all until New Year’s. Enjoy your grandma’s pie but the next day, get back on track with your normal routine,” says Ward.

Ward says that holiday weight maintenance is all about seeing the big picture. “You never know how many meals or holidays you’ll have with your loved ones. Enjoy those times. Your healthy template will be there the next day.”

Now that’s a holiday eating plan we can get behind.

Pass the eggnog!

B.J. Ward from Born Fitness.

DECEMBER 2019

| 68 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Living

IN KC

Making Magic Each Year BY

Stacy Downs

A

PHOTO BY AARON LEIMKUEHLER

dmittedly, photo stylists can grow a bit fatigued about decorating for the holidays due to the slog of year-round prop and location scouting and photoshoot setup and cleanup.

That certainly had been the experience of Lorraine Colbert Elmore of Kansas City, a recently retired designer at Hallmark. But while on a photoshoot, a shopping trip to an antiques store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, changed all of that.

That’s when Elmore discovered pre-1940s German Christmas ornaments. She especially gravitates to the figural hand-blown glass ones, but also to those that are paper and foil.

“I love the combination of materials,” she says. “They’re whimsical, Old World and delicate. They appeal to me in that they’ve survived for so long.”

Her appreciation has led to a collection of hundreds. There are many faded red ornaments that look pink, harder-to-find blue-green ones as well as gold, silver and multi-color. Her favorites include Joan of Arc and Little Red Riding Hood heads.

Elmore crams lots of ornaments on live trees and a soft silver, vintage-style metallic tree she found several seasons ago at Stuff in Brookside.

“Each year, the ornaments re-ignite my excitement for the holidays,” she says.

DECEMBER 2019

| 70 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECKING THE HALLS Plaza postcard ornament, $35

HALLS KANSAS CITY,

located in Crown Center, has an ornament game that has been going strong for decades. Buyers travel to Europe and work with craftspeople to have them specially designed for the store.

Each year, there are themed trees. There’s a fur-baby tree featuring paws, pups and boneshaped treats. A college sports tree includes black-and-gold, blue-and-red and purple ornaments. The travel tree displays suitcase ornaments and postcards from popular spots around the globe and across the country, including national parks.

These ornaments make great gifts and stocking stuffers—party hosts, friends, and family would all find them memorable tokens.

Halls shopping bag ornament, $18

Chinese blue and white ornament, $30

The ornaments also make wonderful décor. Using silk cord or velvet ribbon, try tying them around dinner napkins or hang them from chandeliers.

They can be fun place-card holders or displayed in a glass trifle dish centerpiece. And of course, in your Christmas tree to be cherished year after year. halls.com

WILSONLIGHTING.COM

ITEM #93715

CROWD-PLEASER.

This 84" driftwood sideboard goes a long way when you're entertaining for the holidays. Elevate your space with this statement piece and more, all available at Wilson Lighting.

OVERLAND PARK 10530 Marty 913.642.1500 Mon-Thurs 9-8 Fri 9-6 Sat 10-5

DECEMBER 2019

| 71 | INKANSASCITY.COM

SINCE 1975

L I G H T I N G

Living

IN KC

The Wonder of Winter — WITHOUT THE WORKOUT BY

Stacy Downs

O

ne of the most magical memories of the holidays is the decor. Trees, ornaments, and lights gleam throughout the house.

However, then the new year arrives and with it is the letdown of schlepping boxes and boxes of all the shiny, happy things back to their 11-months-of-the-year storage space.

But there is another way to keep the party going longer. The strategy is to think seasonal vs. holiday. At Nell Hill’s in The Village at Briarcliff, much of the décor festively sparkles but is devoted to winter.

“I love looks that can transition with minimal work,” says owner Katie Laughridge. “I work full time—and then some—and have a 3-year-old, so when I invest my time into decorating our home for the holidays, I want to make it count.”

Laughridge focuses on layering extra elements that will make the home cozier during the colder months that aren’t necessarily holiday-specific including wintery plants, natural fiber table accents and velvet ribbons. Here are other items:

DECEMBER 2019

Greenery. Laughride’s favorite go-tos are natural-looking garlands and swags for mantels, doorways, and tabletops. They bring the outdoors into your home for an extra, organic layer. Simply switch out the accents as the holidays change. Start with pinecones before Thanksgiving, add ornaments when you’re ready for Christmas decor and then swap both out for simple berry picks after the holidays to take you through the rest of winter. “This way, you only have to do the hard part of getting your garland positioned and anchored just right once,” she says. There are plenty of garlands to choose from, but her favorites include pine, spruce, juniper, fir, cedar, and magnolia.

Color. Accents in silver, gold, champagne, and clear glass instead of red and green.

Boxwoods. In every shape and size, they are simple and versatile.

Preserved boxwood topiaries and wreaths are great year round, and can be dressed up for each holiday by simply swapping out a bow.

All this to say you can easily keep décor you adore out for a few weeks longer to enjoy well into 2020. nellhills.com

| 72 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Local Linens Made By Hand IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL GIFT OR A WAY TO ELEVATE YOUR DÉCOR DURING THE HOLIDAYS, KANSAS CITY BOASTS TWO ENTREPRENEURS WHO CREATE LOVELY LINENS

happy holidays www .rdmarchitecture .com

HAND-EMBROIDERED

Sharyn Blond Linens in the Crestwood Shops specializes heirloom-quality, hand-embroidered cocktail napkins and fingertip and guest towels. There are dozens of patterns, everything from anchors to zoological motifs.

For nearly three decades in Kansas City, Blond has been carrying on the legacy of Constance Leiter’s internationally known designs and has added her own. Blond also frequently collaborates with celebrated interior designers and tastemakers around the globe.

Custom work including monograms are available.

The linens are hand-embroidered on the island of Madeira. Blond modifies designs and color ways to remain fashion forward.

This year, Blond has added new designs to her Christmas linen collection. sharynblondlinens.com

HAND-PRINTED

Green Bee Tea Towels is a Kansas City-based company that specializes in tea towels made from cotton flour-sack material, a textile originally used in the mid-1800s to transport and store grain, sugar and other food staples.

Owner Rena Krouse and her team handprint each towel from their production studio in Raytown. There are more than 200 designs, including Christmas and Hanukkah. The variety includes cheeky phrases (“Feeling Nauti” with an anchor) and motifs inspired by vintage Pyrex.

Green Bee Tea Towels are in more than 500 retail stores across the U.S., including all 50 states, and an online shop. greenbeeteatowels.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 73 | INKANSASCITY.COM

RDM ARCHITECTURE big ideas...fine detail design beyond the ordinary

My Essentials

IN KC

JEREMY BENNETT LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR AND FOODIE BY

Michael Mackie

A PHOTO BY AARON LEIMKUEHLER

native of KCK, Jeremy Bennett has led a charmed life since he graduated from KU— ping-ponging from coast to coast developing products for well-known fashion retailers, such as Old Navy. He even had the opportunity to take his act on the road to Tokyo where he ran the Mens/Boys division for Gap Japan. The self-proclaimed foodie is obsessed with trying new eateries and claims to have “torn the NYC food scene to pieces.

They’re still talking about us. I know they are.” Now, the fun-loving Bennett is back home living in a West Bottoms warehouse he and his wife renovated. You’ll also find him holding court as the director of lifestyle at the ubertrendy Crossroads Hotel—where he gets paid to hobnob with guests. Color us jealous. “Producing events here is probably the most fun I’ll ever have in a ‘real job,’” he says.

Jeremy’s essentials...

DINING OUT:

GUILTY PLEASURE:

I’m definitely having dinner at Antler Room. No question. I love getting to sit at the bar and peep the kitchen work their magic. It’s the most dynamic menu in Kansas City in my opinion and I’ve never had a bad bite here.

I am a big afternoon moviegoer. It really helps me recharge the creative batteries and turn off all those blinking/ buzzing/needy devices. (PS. Is there a way that you can block this from my boss’ browser???)

PLACE TO SHOP: COCKTAILS, ANYONE:

The Campground Campground. I have a wild appreciation for the amount of creativity that goes into each of the drinks they make. I don’t even look at the menu. I was just there this week and loved the Staghorn—a very boozy cognac/ rum/six-other-ingredient concoction.

FAVORITE LOCAL APPETIZER:

I actually dream about the Steak Tartare (with an egg) at Westport Café and Bar. I’ve had this as my dinner more times than not.

I spent 15 years working in fashion and it turned me into a finicky bitch with a pretty high bar when it comes to apparel. I have always tried to treat each piece I purchase as somewhat of a long-term investment. East & West carries a lot of those product lines that are made in places and made of a quality that I appreciate.

You can check my bank account—they get a lot of my money.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY ACCESSORY:

The only thing that saves me each winter? Really, really warm outerwear. I probably have ten coats in rotation at the moment but absolutely love this massive army green parka I picked up at Mickey’s Surplus a hundred years ago. I firmly believe it would keep me alive if I got caught in an avalanche or something.

DECEMBER 2019

| 74 | INKANSASCITY.COM

FAVORITE DATE NIGHT:

I love dipping into Ça Va early for a quick glass of bubbles to start off a night.

words by

Cindy Hoedel

photo by

Ute Ville

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Bruce Cameron

K

Kansas City native Bruce Cameron is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, but you wouldn’t know it from his demeanor. Like the dogs he chronicles in his novels, his gaze is steady and inquisitive, seeking connection with a stranger. His warm brown eyes pull you in, never glancing down at a phone or around the room. He speaks softly in long sentences that roll like small waves spilling onto the sand, connected by an endless stream of “ands.”

Cameron, who was born in Michigan, grew up in Prairie Village.

He graduated from Shawnee Mission East and attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Cameron moved to Los Angeles in 2002 when his book, Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter was turned into an ABC TV series. He shares his California home with wife and writing partner, Cathryn Michon, and their dog, Tucker.

Three of Cameron’s books—A Dog’s Purpose, A Dog’s Way Home, and A Dog’s Journey—have been made into major motion pictures. Cameron

DECEMBER 2019

recently returned home to speak at a sold-out launch event for his new novel, A Dog’s Promise.

During a leisurely conversation in the lobby of a hotel on the Country Club Plaza, Cameron shared how he accidentally became “the dogbook guy,” what he’s learned from closely observing dogs in groups, and a recent unexpected shift in what he views as his life’s work.

How do you like living in Los Angeles?

I’d move back to Kansas City in a second if my wife would come with me.

A problematic detail.

Yes, that gums things up.

Do you have a checklist of things to do when you come back?

I don’t have a list, but I’m disappointed that on this trip I didn’t eat any

| 76 | INKANSA SCITY.COM

Bruce Cameron and his dog, Tucker.

DECEMBER 2019

| 77 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Is the idea that a dog could be reincarnated something you had always believed, or were you just making it up in the moment?

I had an encounter once, riding my mountain bike in Colorado, with a dog that was behind a fence who reminded me so much of my very first dog, Cammie, and I think it stuck with me when I rode off on my bicycle that I may have indeed just interacted with my best friend.

I did have a fleeting thought about: What if what we think of as instinct in dogs is actually some sort of memory, and what if dogs do come back? And what would that look like from the dog’s perspective?

That was probably in the ’90s. It was a long time ago, and the thought went away, and it never resurfaced until that car ride, which was probably around 2010.

A short time later, I sat down and wrote the whole book and sent it to my agent. He said, “I can sell this in a heartbeat.”

But several heartbeats went by, two years’ worth. So Cathryn [Michon, his wife and writing partner] and I decided to self-publish it. It was just too good.

We were in the process of assembling a plan—the self-publishing part is not expensive, it’s the marketing and so on—when my agent called out of the blue and started asking really weird questions.

Like what?

“Were you really on Oprah?” Well, yeah. “Were you really on Good Morning America?” Yeah, I can send you tape. Who would make that up?

Then he called back and said, “We’ve got money for this. It’s not as much money as you’re accustomed to but it’s money.” And that was like rain after a long drought.

Cameron’s newest book, A Dog’s Promise, was released last month.

barbecue at all, because that would be way up high on the list. I love walking around the Plaza. That gives me such joy because it has changed a lot and yet it is very much the same as it was when I lived here.

In your dog novels, you are able to slip into the mind of a dog and narrate from a dog’s perspective. When did you come up with that format idea and how did you convince a publisher and an editor that it could work?

That is almost 100 percent not how it happened [laughs].

Please set me straight.

I came up with the idea of a reincarnated dog who returns to his boy at the end of his life because I wanted to convince a friend that she should get another dog, and as I was driving with her up the coast of California, I concocted a story about this dog, Bailey, who does just that, and I wanted her to believe that her real friend was out there somewhere looking for her, if she was just receptive to the idea.

And as I told her the story, all these details were unfolding in my mind, as if I was reading them from a script. That has never happened to me before or since.

She liked the story so much she married me [laughs].

DECEMBER 2019

You did a lot of research into dog behavior. How much of your “dog voice” in your novels came from research, and how much came from your emotional understanding or intuition?

I would say that my research was not particularly helpful. A lot of what we know about dogs comes from observing wolves, and a lot of what we know about observing wolves comes from observing wolves in captivity, and it just isn’t applicable to dogs. In my opinion, you can get more information going to the dog park.

Why? You watch dogs interact in the dog park, and you realize our whole concept of the alpha male and the alpha female is based on how we humans do things. We humans say, “OK, that person’s the boss and they are always the boss.” Well, I’ve watched dog societies form and break apart and re-form for no apparent reason. One dog will be the alpha for a while and then suddenly it seems very apparent that a different dog who had been there the whole time has now become the alpha.

What other key observations did you make from watching dogs in groups?

These creatures are optimistic, joyful. They are absolutely the most

| 78 | INKANSASCITY.COM

kind, wonderful creatures. I needed to put myself in that mindset to write: What is it like to be that happy? In A Dog’s Purpose, a dog starts out belonging to a hoarder. But Toby—the dog’s name— doesn’t know he’s living in miserable conditions.

him. That’s his way of saying, “Stay out. I’m a fierce dog and you don’t want to come in here and deal with me. But I don’t want you to know I’m in here in case you are a bad person.”

You’ve got a gift for writing and a passion for dogs, particularly rescue dogs. Do you view your dog novels as your life’s work because they support your passion?

I feel that my life’s work is evolving in ways I cannot anticipate. I did not know that I was going to become “the dog-book guy.” I wrote one dog book, and my second novel, Emory’s Gift, [about a boy who is saved from a mountain lion by a grizzly What was special about Cammie? bear] didn’t have a dog on the cover, it had a grizzly bear on the The weird thing was, in the neighborhood as I remember it, cover. It didn’t sell as well because no one told me that in Amernobody had dogs. Everybody had little kids, and when you have ica more people own dogs than own grizzly kids, a dog is like one burden too much. But bears [laughs]. it seemed like as soon as I had Cammie, Then I wrote another dog book, and other dogs started popping up. So one spenow I think if I wrote a motorcycle manual, cial thing about Cammie was, she reminded they’d put a dog on the cover. They want to everybody in the neighborhood that you’re make sure everybody knows, “This is the guy supposed to have a dog. Like, “We’re an I was about eight years that writes the dog books.”

American family, where’s our dog?” Cammie So I thought: my mission in life is to try to led me to a series of Labradors. And then I old when this Labrador get people to understand that these creatures adopted a malamute. puppy came into the are dependent upon us, that we seized control of their destinies in the Paleolithic [era] when What was the malamute’s name? backyard and just we started teaming with them to go hunt. And Chinook. She was very strong-willed and very jumped into my life we immediately started breeding them in the disinterested in being trained to do anything, direction we wanted to take them. especially come when called. Chinook would and my heart, and I That’s why we have Labradors and dachsjust take off running and I wound up having to chase this dog all over the place. was—from that moment hunds and sheepdogs; we wanted dogs to do specific tasks for us. We have bred out of them on—a dog lover. the ability to fend for themselves. So we owe What lesson did you learn from Chinook it to them as a species—because they have that was different than what Cammie done so much for us—to take care of them. taught you?

They are complex emotional creatures and we need to be That not all dogs are like Labradors. They don’t all want to cognizant of that. To be cruel to a dog is to be cruel to a child. jump in the water and fetch a stick. They are not all swimmers.

Anyone who has that in their soul probably needs a dog more than anybody but shouldn’t have one because there is something How did you get your current dog, Tucker? broken in them as a human being. I looked at [spreading that Tucker came to us because someone left a box full of newborn message] as my life’s work. puppies outside a city shelter in Denver. They called my daughter, And then I started writing these children’s books based on Georgia Lee Cameron, because she was running a rescue in DenA Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey: Ellie’s Story and Bailey’s ver that specializes in saving death-row animals.

Story and Molly’s Story. They’ve become a huge part of what I She said, “I don’t have time to bottle feed a box full of puppies all do as an author. I have been approached by teachers and parents day long, but I do have a German shepherd who just weaned her pupthat say, “I have a kid that’s a reluctant reader, but they’ll read pies.” So they brought the box of puppies in to the German shepherd. your books” because there’s something about the way in through Even though they weren’t her puppies, her instincts kicked in, and she the dog’s point of view that really helps the child fall in love nursed the whole litter, and that’s how Tucker survived. with reading.

Then my daughter called us and said, “I’ve got the perfect So that might be the whole purpose of all of this, is to get dog for you.” me to a point where I am writing books for kids that even reluctant readers are willing to open up and read. I can’t imagine What are Tucker’s special gifts? a more important job than that.

He only weighs 24 pounds, and he considers himself to be a fierce watchdog. But he’s afraid of what might happen if people actually knew there was a dog in the apartment, so he’ll make this tiny little Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity. barking sound. It’s inaudible unless you are sitting right next to When did you get your first dog, Cammie?

I was about 8 years old when this Labrador puppy came into the backyard and just jumped into my life and my heart, and I was— from that moment on—a dog lover.

“

DECEMBER 2019

| 79 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Season’s Eatings

W

ith all due respect to a partridge in a pear tree, there are a lot of holiday gifts we’re more inclined to sing about in 2019, particularly those that fill our stomachs and make celebrating food and drink experiences feel a little more special year-round.

We’re highlighting 12 of our favorite local options at every price point, whether your list includes coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, or classic restaurant devotees—just try to resist getting everything for yourself.

TASTY LOCAL GIFT IDEAS FOR EACH OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

words by

1 KC Coffee Subscription Keeping up with Kansas City’s coffee scene can feel like a full-time job, with new roasteries popping up faster than you can finish a flat white. Fortunately, those curators of local cool at Made in KC have taken the legwork out of finding some of the city’s best beans with this coffee subscription. Available for three, six, or 12 months, it delivers a 12-ounce bag of beans from one of the company’s local partner roasters to your door each month. It’s also a unique way to introduce your favorite out-of-town coffee lover to what KC has to offer. madeinkc.com

Kelsey Cipolla

4

2

Town Topic Tee

Da’Bomb Beyond Insanity Hot Sauce Turn up the heat this holiday season with this extra-hot hot sauce, which boasts 135,000 Scoville Units. Curious just how intense it really is? The sauce is regularly featured on the YouTube series Hot Ones, where celebs try to eat their way through increasingly spicy wings. Da’Bomb has laid low the likes of Shaq, Tyra Banks, and Idris Elba, but the habanero and chipotle-based sauce can be mellowed out when it’s used sparingly. Or you can really push the limits with Da’Bomb’s Ground Zero Hot Sauce, which packs in nearly twice as much heat.

On second thought, maybe save that one for an enemy. spicinfoods.com

3

Thanks to Charlie Hustle, it’s now possible to wear your love for Town Topic right on your sleeve—and no, we’re not talking about the ketchup stain on your shirt from your last midnight visit. KC’s beloved T-shirt company makes a line of unisex designs celebrating classic hometown spots like Fritz’s, Stroud’s, and Minsky’s. But our favorite has to be this design, which feels as deliciously retro as the original Broadway diner and features the brand’s signature ultra-soft fabric. charliehustle.com

5

Kansas City Canning Co. Hoppy Pickles If you don’t think pickles are worthy of gift wrap, we’re guessing you’ve never tried these babies.

Made using Boulevard Brewing Company’s Unfiltered Wheat Beer, they’re slightly sweet, just the right amount of hoppy and instantly addictive, whether you’re using them atop a burger to give it extra oomph or eating them straight out the jar with the refrigerator door hanging open (no judgement—they really are that good). At $12 a jar, they’re an ideal present for the hosts and hostesses of the slew of parties that come around this time of year. kansascitycanningco.com

Private Cocktail Class at Lifted Spirits Live out that dream of being Tom Cruise in Cocktail at last with a private class at Lifted Spirits, which offers two different instructional options. For $40 per person, attendees get a session with one of the distillery’s bartenders, who will walk them through the recipes and techniques to make a stirred whiskey cocktail and a shaken gin or vodka cocktail, as well as how to make syrups for use in cocktails at home. Alternatively, you can pick one of your favorites from the Lifted Spirits menu to master for $30 per person, tasting the ingredients as you go before sipping the cocktail you craft yourself. Both hands-on classes also make great group gifts, as up to 12 people can attend. liftedspiritskc.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 81 | INKANSASCITY.COM

6 This is My KC Tote Your friend living their best local life can never have too many tote bags. The uses are endless, from carrying their farmersmarket haul to making their next grocery store run a little more eco-friendly or transporting a fresh batch of books from Central Library. This cute, affordable design is here to help, with simple drawings paying tribute to KC’s many recognizable landmarks, including Union Station, Liberty Memorial, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, as well as our city’s devotion to coffee, grilling, and cocktails. madeinkc.co

8

Local Pig Sausage-Making Class Let that beautiful, curious soul in your life who actually would very much like to know how the sausage gets made learn from the best—Alex Pope and the Local Pig crew. The minds behind some of the most delectable meats in town share their skills during hands-on Sunday classes—other options include an introduction to charcuterie and breaking down a whole pig. The recipient will leave with a new talent, and your odds of getting invited to dinner to see what they learned couldn’t be better. thelocalpig.com

7

Andre’s Hot Chocolate Mix

There’s hot chocolate and then there’s Andre’s Confiserie Suisse hot chocolate, so incredibly decadent, you’ll question what that other stuff you’ve been drinking for years even is. Made with a blend of rich, dark Swiss chocolate, Andre’s signature mix envelops your taste buds in flavor. Available in a decorative 4-ounce bag or 8-ounce jar, it’s pretty enough to leave out on the counter but delicious enough that it won’t be there for very long.

Pair it with a locally made mug (like No. 11 on our list) for a cozy one-two punch. andreschocolates.com DECEMBER 2019

| 82 | INKANSASCITY.COM

9

Thēz Nuts Cinnamon Candied Pecans

One handful of these candied pecans and you feel like you’ve been transported to a crackling fireside where you’re lounging in a pair of pajamas and listening to holiday tunes. Made with organic cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla and dark-brown cane sugar, the award-winning snack feels old school, even though the artisan nut company’s name is all modern cheek.

(Consider putting them in a decorative tin for the more easily offended.) The company also makes Smokey Sweet KC BBQ almonds and peanuts tossed in a picante salt mix that includes ghost pepper, for those who prefer spicy to sweet. theznuts.com

10

11

Ampersand Campfire Mug

Amigoni Urban Winery Membership

Treat the vino lover in your life to a membership in Amigoni Urban Winery’s wine club.

Members are the first to receive new wines and small-batch blends and can enjoy four, six or 12 bottles per seasonal releases in June and November, depending on the package selected.

Membership also includes access to the West Bottoms’ winery’s wine library and a discount on all purchases, including wine tastings and tours. Beyond the tangible perks, it’s also a golden opportunity to get to know the winemakers at Amigoni and learn about what goes into producing each release. amigoni.com/wine-club

Hot cider, anyone? Or maybe you’re more of an Irish coffee person. Whatever your beverage of choice, you can guarantee it will look and taste a little better in this simple yet chic hand-lettered campfire mug crafted by the design mavens at Missionbased Ampersand Design Studio. Brew a cup of tea and snuggle up with your warmest blanket and the book on top of your tobe-read pile, then take it outside to imbibe caffeine alfresco when temperatures warm up. ampersanddesignstudio.com

12

Meat Mitch Whomp! Sauce and Rub Gift Box

You didn’t really think we could put together this list without recommending a few barbecue products, did you? Naturally, KC companies produce loads of great options to choose from, but we’re partial to this set of sauces and a rub from world championshipwinning competition barbecue team Meat Mitch. The rub imparts layered flavor to whatever you toss it on, and the Competition Whomp! BBQ Sauce is similarly versatile (and gluten-free!), while its sister sauce, Whomp! Naked BBQ Sauce, is all natural with no high-fructose corn syrup. Nothing says “I love you” like helping someone step up their grilling game. meatmitch.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 83 | INKANSASCITY.COM

All the

Trimmings WE HAVE GIFT GIVING FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE ALL WRAPPED UP photos by

Aaron Leimkuehler

GREEN WITH ENVY Adam Foster 18K yellow-gold, malachite, and diamond necklace, $8,200; Halls Kansas City (Crown Center).

DECEMBER 2019

| 84 | INKANSASCITY.COM

GOLD RUSH From top to bottom: Elizabeth Garvin 18K blackened sterling and diamond earrings, $2,090; and Elizabeth Garvin 18K blackened sterling and diamond ring, $1,265.

Both from Halls Kansas City. Todd Reed 18K gold and sterling silver cuff, price upon request; Meierotto Jewelers (North Kansas City). David Yurman three-row pavĂŠ diamond flex bracelet, $32,000; TIVOL (Country Club Plaza and Hawthorne Plaza).

SILVER LINING From left to right: Diamond and ruby necklace, $5,790; TIVOL. Stephen Webster 18K white-gold and diamond earrings, $9,000; Mazzarese Jewelry (Parkway Plaza). Curb link 14K whitegold and diamond bracelet, $6,875; Toner Jewelers (Prairiefire). Stephen Webster 18K white-gold and diamond bracelet, $19,000; Mazzarese Jewelry.

BLUE CRUSH From top to bottom: 18K white-gold, blue topaz, and diamond ring, $6,000; Diamonds Direct (Camelot Court).

David Yurman Stax blue topaz and diamond cuff, price upon request; Meierotto Jewelers. Stephen Webster 18K white-gold and pavé diamond ring, $9,500; Stephen Webster “Wing” 18Kwhite-gold and pavé diamond ring, $12,000; Stephen Webster 18K white-gold and blue topaz ring, $2,400. All from Mazzarese Jewelry.

DECEMBER 2019

| 87 | INKANSASCITY.COM

IN THE NAVY From left to right: 14K white-gold and yellow-gold, sapphire, and diamond bracelet, $6,950; Toner Jewelers. 14K white-gold, sapphire, and diamond drop earrings, $4,900; Diamonds Direct. Whitegold, blue sapphire, and diamond crossover band; White-gold, oval blue sapphire and pear-cut diamond ring; White-gold, oval blue sapphire and diamond ring; prices upon request. All from Meierotto Jewelers. Robert Procop blue sapphire and diamond bracelet, $112,500; TIVOL.

RAINBOW CONNECTION From left to right: Assael Tahitian pearl and white sapphire earrings, $53,900; TIVOL. 18K white-gold with 44 multi-colored sapphires necklace, $19,000; Diamonds Direct. Ippolita 18k gold and multicolored semiprecious stone necklace, $2,495; Halls Kansas City. Marco Bicego 18K gold and amethyst stackable ring, $1,200; TIVOL.

DECEMBER 2019

| 89 | INKANSASCITY.COM

EMERALD ISLE From left to right:18K white-gold, emerald and diamond necklace, $4,920; Diamonds Direct. White-gold and emerald pendant, price upon request; Meierotto Jewelers. 14K whitegold, green tourmaline and diamond ring, $2,295; Toner Jewelers.

Adam Foster 18K gold, tourmaline and diamond ring, $19,300; Halls Kansas City. 18K gold, vitreous enamel. and diamond locket necklace, $9,980; TIVOL.

BLUE ICE From top to bottom: White-gold, aquamarine, and diamond dangle earrings; David Yurman blue topaz and diamond drop pendant; prices upon request.

Both Meierotto Jewelers. Diamond and aquamarine ring, $6,665; Mazzarese Jewelry. Elizabeth Locke aquamarine pendant, $6,250; Halls Kansas City.

DECEMBER 2019

| 91 | INKANSASCITY.COM

On Air

FIVE LOCAL PODCASTS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO words by

Katy Schamberger

photos by

Aaron Leimkuehler

M

ore than half of Americans have listened to a podcast, according to The Podcast Consumer 2019, a report by Edison Research.

In fact, research by Nielsen estimates that there are now more than 700,000 active podcasts. Although many podcasts focus on national or even international topics, there’s a growing niche of local podcasts that showcase people, places, trends and travel, all through a decidedly local viewpoint.

Meet some of Kansas City’s local podcast creators to find out more about why they turned to this medium, the guests that have inspired them and what they’ve learned about successful podcasting.

DECEMBER 2019

| 92 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Boyce Richardson

C

Coastless

oastless is a podcast for Midwesterners who love travel. And in a case of perfect timing, podcast cocreator and co-host Boyce Richardson talked to IN Kansas City just hours before departing to South Africa—his 35th country.

“I didn’t leave the U.S. until I was 21 in 2004 and didn’t start traveling large-scale until 2008, when I did my last semester of law school in Tokyo and traveled to South Korea, Thailand, and China,” he says.

Richardson met Melissa Yeager, Coastless co-creator and co-host, while vice chair of the Nelson-Atkins Museum’s Summer White Party. Yeager, a former broadcast reporter who’s now a consumer travel reporter for the Phoenix-based Arizona Republic, had a similarly late start to her travel but has definitely made up for lost time!

“Like many Midwesterners, I didn’t travel abroad until I was in college,” she says. “My best friend at the time and I planned to head overseas and backpack through Europe together.”

The demanding schedule of television news kept Yeager from traveling for a few years. Yet after she left the broadcast industry for graduate school, she pursued a number of fellowships that enabled travel to places like Honduras, Russia, and a year in Germany.

Now, when Yeager isn’t reporting, writing, podcasting or of course, traveling, you can likely find her watching for flight deals, information that she and Richardson regularly share on Twitter @coastlesskc.

“I have a running list of places I’d like to go,” she says. “When I see a deal on one of those places, then I jump!”

At the top of her list? Peru, which Richardson says is among his favorites.

“Machu Picchu is still probably the most impressive thing I’ve seen,” he says.

Whether you’re an impromptu traveler or a planner, the Coastless podcast can give you the inspiration and insight to return to a favorite spot or try something new.

“Our overarching purpose is to try and influence people’s travel behavior in a positive way,” Richardson says. “We want them to open

DECEMBER 2019

| 93 | INKANSASCITY.COM

themselves up to new travel experiences.”

And although Richardson and Yeager are both seasoned travelers, they bring different perspectives to the show that will resonate with a variety of listeners—and make for lively conversations!

“We have very different viewpoints of travel,” Yeager says. “One of the scary things for women is you want to travel and see the world but maybe you haven’t found the right partner yet, or your friends have different schedules—what do you do? I’ve traveled many times by myself and it’s about making sure you’re using the same skills that you’d use in your hometown—be aware of your surroundings, make sure you’re staying in a place where you feel safe.”

Then, there’s the great packing debate.

Richardson is adamant about following the Spaceballs motto: “take only what you need to survive!” In fact, he had just finished packing for South Africa and took only a 60-liter hiking backpack for a two-and-a-half week trip!

The Coastless podcast also features guest interviews with people near and far who have a connection to Midwest travel. Richardson and Yeager agree that one of their favorite interviews so far was with Justin Meyer, Deputy Director of Aviation, Kansas City International Airport.

“Justin is such an incredible advocate for travel in general, but also Kansas City specifically,” Richardson says.

Another episode highlight? A chat with Jayme Monacelli, midday host on KMBZ, who put her belongings in a storage facility and left life as she knew it to travel throughout the U.S. by car for a year.

“I thought it was insightful in terms of how you deal with being alone,” Richardson says. “Also, that’s a big hurdle. Not everyone has someone to travel with, and for some people, the idea of traveling alone and the loneliness that might entail is enough to stop them from traveling at all.”

And that’s when Coastless introduces another perspective: traveling closer to home.

“You don’t always have to get on a flight to go exploring,” Yeager says. “You can have the attitude to seek new opportunities—try a new restaurant, visit a new neighborhood, attend a local festival. Look for ways to be an explorer in your own city.”

Listen to Coastless at coastlesskc.com.

Mitch Weber and Kat Boutwell (on screen).

S

A Gal and A Gay

ometimes, a big idea happens in an unexpected place.

Kat Boutwell and Mitch Weber had already discussed starting a podcast, but during a poolside chat, Boutwell and Weber agreed to bring their idea to fruition.

“We had always talked about doing some sort of entertainment show,” Boutwell says. “We bonded over our love of pop culture. When we were sitting by the pool, the idea got really serious—why don’t we start a podcast?”

Adds Weber, “Our friends were like, ‘That’s all you guys talk about!’”

That was the summer of 2014. By the time the temperatures started dropping later that year, something else dropped— the first episode of A Gal and A Gay. At this point, it’s hard to think of a media landscape without podcasts. Yet when A Gal and A Gay launched in late 2014, Boutwell and Weber were facing an unfamiliar new frontier.

“Back then, it was like, ‘How do you

podcast? What do you do? What do you edit your show on? What do you record it on? This was before Serial really launched podcasts into the pop culture atmosphere,” Weber says. “It was trial and error, trying to figure out what to do while listening to other podcasts and figuring out our own unique brand.”

Even now, five years later, Boutwell says they’re still learning.

“It’s just trial and error,” she says.

They experiment with themed shows, which Weber says are perennially popular. The subject matter demands a flexible approach, too, since, as Weber notes, “pop culture is always evolving. It’s not just covering or reading stuff on TV or film or podcasts. Now, it’s paying attention to the news.

Something can happen like ‘OK Boomer’— these moments are seeping in and becoming these huge sensations.”

Boutwell and Weber have not only kept pace with a changing industry, but also life changes. Like the Coastless team, Boutwell and Weber now podcast across the miles

DECEMBER 2019

| 94 | INKANSASCITY.COM

after Boutwell moved home to work at her family business in Texas. If you believe Weber, however, that’s just a clever story to disguise the real reason for her move!

“She moved to Texas to stalk the Supernatural boys,” he says, laughing. “The truth is coming out!”

As for Weber? Well, good luck if you can somehow dodge a mention of Star Wars!

“I can work Star Wars into almost any conversation,” Weber says.

Given the pop culture focus of A Gal and A Gay, most episodes provide a fun and entertaining escape. Yet the podcast has also given Weber and Boutwell a place to explore issues and keep tabs on exciting developments, like the emergence of Kansas City’s film scene.

“We’re able to focus on local topics now, especially with the local film scene growing so much,” Weber says. “We’ve talked to aspiring filmmakers like Sav Rodgers, and it’s amazing to hear these stories that inspire our listeners to realize what they didn’t know about film. They might even be inspired to produce their own idea. Those are the important things that we didn’t realize when we started the podcast—we’re going to have fun and talk about stuff we watch and read and listen to, but there’s another element that we never expected.”

The name itself also set an important tone for the episodes.

“It’s a different perspective, talking about representation and how important it is,” Weber says.

Adds Boutwell, “especially in film and entertainment.”

“Who knows who will be inspired by seeing something that represents them?”

Weber says. “I think it’s important to start that conversation. There are films and shows and shorts out there that represent different aspects and we want to give them a platform.

I think that’s our responsibility.”

Listen to A Gal and A Gay at agalandagaypodcast.com.

Kevin Ritz, left, and Danny Ritz

I

State Your Line

s there anything more Kansas City than deciding to start a local podcast while sharing beers on St. Patrick’s Day? Kevin Ritz had been considering a podcast for a few months. He had broken his ankle early this year, which took him away from favorite hobbies like golf, basketball, and tennis. Instead, he started searching for local podcasts and realized an opportunity existed to fill a niche.

“I looked to see if there was an all-encompassing podcast about Kansas City—the food, culture, bars, and people,” he says.

While at a family St. Patrick’s Day party with his brother, Danny Ritz, the two pulled out their phones and began brainstorming, jotting down their ideas on the Notes app.

Before launching State Your Line on May 7, the Ritz brothers made sure they had plenty of ideas for guests and show segments so that they could lessen the risk of one of the biggest hurdles to podcasting: inconsistency.

“We didn’t want to do two episodes and run out of ideas,” Kevin says.

Like other podcasters, Kevin and Danny have taken an experimental approach to see what works best in everything from show equipment and software to the podcast’s format and guests. They don’t necessarily have a long list of guest criteria; instead, it’s about finding—and telling—stories.

“We want someone with an interesting story, a Kansas Citian who loves Kansas City as much as we do,” Danny says. “One of my favorite podcasts is How I Built This with Guy Raz. I love the entrepreneurial story that he gets out of people. We love to talk to people who started their businesses in Kansas City—what about Kansas City makes their business successful?”

The Ritz brothers agree that one of their favorite guests so far is Colleen Kelly, owner of the iconic Kelly’s Westport Inn. “She was our first guest, and it was so awesome of her to give her time to our show and help us build some credibility,” Kevin says.

Danny says Kathy Nelson of the Kansas City Sports Commission is another interview highlight. Because the KC Sports Com-

DECEMBER 2019

| 95 | INKANSASCITY.COM

mission oversees so many big annual events, including the Big 12 basketball tournament and the Kansas City Marathon, Danny says that Kathy “basically starts a new business in Kansas City every year.”

Although Danny maintains a podcast recording set-up in his Crossroads apartment, he and Kevin prefer to interview their guests on-site whenever possible. Not only does it make the appearance more convenient for the guests; but the brothers also agree that it helps make the conversation more natural.

“And we can always grab a good photo at their place of business!” Danny says.

Both brothers juggle full-time jobs along with podcasting—Danny is an employee benefits consultant and Kevin works in HR. They typically schedule interviews at the end of the workday and have equitably split the labor involved with recording and producing each show.

Danny finds content for the pre- and post-interview segments and also books guests. Kevin handles the podcast editing, skills he’s amassed through self-teaching.

“I took a video production class in high school that’s served me well,” he says. “I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to reduce background noise and improve sound quality.”

And when time gets tight, the brothers still find a way to make episodes happen.

“I was traveling for work and I had 20 minutes between the end of the conference and the team dinner,” Danny says. “I was like, ‘All right, Kev, we’ve gotta crank this out!’ And it ended up being a great episode.”

Although Danny and Kevin are newer to podcasting, they’ve been surprised by their audience growth and attribute it to a shared passion.

“We had this idea and thought, ‘As long as 100 people are listening and we’re having fun, we’ll keep doing it,’” Danny says. “The audience has grown way past what we imagined. Kansas Citians are hungry for this kind of show. My favorite thing to hear is that we have a lot of friends who live out of town.

They tell me they listen every week because it’s their connection back to Kansas City.”

Adds Kevin, “When we started State Your Line, one thing we knew for sure is how much people from Kansas City love Kansas City.”

Listen to State Your Line at anchor.fm/stateyourline.

Lindsay Shively, left, and Jill Silva

F

Chew Diligence

ood brings people together.

And so does Chew Diligence, the Kansas City food-focused podcast co-hosted by longtime food writer and PR, communications, and events specialist, Jill Silva, and 41 Action News morning anchor Lindsay Shively.

“I love the podcast format so much because it’s long-form, which is what I loved when I did print journalism,” Silva says. “It’s not scripted, we don’t prompt anyone, we don’t give them questions before. We’ll provide a general outline, but it’s just a conversation among friends.”

Those friends include notable figures in the Kansas City food scene, as well as nationally renowned chefs and industry figures that are stopping through the city.

Silva and Shively launched Chew Diligence in late August 2018. Fun side note: on the day they launched, they didn’t yet have a name! In fact, it was Shively’s co-host, Taylor Hemness, who had gone to an online pun generator to come up with Chew Diligence.

“We were about to walk in the studio

when Taylor told us the name, and I thought it was great,” Silva says.

Thanks to Shively’s role with 41 Action News, Silva and Shively have a fully equipped studio at their disposal when they record podcast episodes on Wednesday morning. The set-up not only makes it easier to produce high-quality shows; it’s also a hit with guests!

“One of the best interviews we’ve had is with the Jones’ sisters [Deborah and Mary Jones, co-owners of Jones Bar-B-Q],” Silva says. “I’ve been following them for a couple of years before they became famous on Queer Eye. It’s so exciting to see that even though Queer Eye discovered them, they came into that studio like little kids. They don’t take their fame for granted! They even wanted to sit in Lindsay’s chair while they were here.”

Chew Diligence covers the spectrum of Kansas City food, but you might notice more than one episode focused on one of Silva’s favorite subjects: local barbecue.

“One of my passions is barbecue history, and I’ve been trying to figure out ways to

DECEMBER 2019

| 96 | INKANSASCITY.COM

incorporate that topic into our episodes,” Silva says. “We just did a history of barbecue episode—we had three people who had never met squished into the studio with us.

That was a really fun moment and one of our longer podcasts.”

If you asked Silva a few years ago, she likely wouldn’t have even considered the idea of co-hosting a podcast. Yet she’s found herself thriving in the medium, especially since the process shares the same attributes that she loves in writing.

“I love the finished product of writing, but the actual process is difficult, both physically and mentally,” she says. “There’s something about podcasting that’s freeing. I feel like I’m my best self and I don’t get nervous about seeing things in print. Lindsay and I are both perfectionists and podcasting gets us out of that mode.”

Almost a year-and-a-half into podcasting, Silva has no shortage of contenders on her guest list. Among her hopeful gets are several chefs including Joe West and, in light of his new steakhouse opening at Harrah’s North Kansas City, Gordon Ramsay. Future episodes will also feature Pamela LaBarda of the wildly popular Waldo Thai, who’s story resonated with Silva.

“She’s been around for a long time, just not in the restaurant owner role,” she says.

“She’s worked for different corporate offices and decided when her husband’s family asked her to take on this role, it was going to be food her way.”

And as the show progresses, Silva says the ever-evolving local food scene gives her and Shively an opportunity to catch up with past guests.

“We love talking to different people,” she says. “The scene keeps changing, the people keep changing what they’re doing, but that gives the podcast a life of its own. Lindsay and I are both surprised and happy that it’s been so fun and easy to do. So much of what you do in life doesn’t always work that way.”

Listen to Chew Diligence at art19.com/shows/chew-diligence.

Shay Moore

W

People, Places & Things

hen Shay Moore, co-host of the “Morning Grind” on Hot 103 Jamz, started her podcast, People, Places & Things, she wanted to share more about the cool people, places, and things to do in Kansas City.

Yet as the interviews progressed, she saw a new purpose emerge from each conversation.

“I start by finding out where my guests are from and then the conversation can go anywhere,” she says. “So many things that come out are lessons and how to deal with adversity. The interviews start out light and fun, but then you learn more about the people and that they’re all people who truly overcame something. That’s the enduring story in Kansas City.”

Moore knows a thing or two about confronting—and beating—adversity. She’s in the midst of a successful 20-year career that included roles with multiple radio stations and voiceover work in video games and commercials. Yet she’s also encountered unexpected setbacks that tested not only her resolve, but her commitment to her career.

“I was fired from a radio station in Atlanta and it totally rocked my world,” she says. “I

wound up going back to school and getting a master’s degree. I was ready to leave radio, but I also started to see a therapist and it reawakened my curiosity. That’s how I’m able to interview and pull stories out of people, and that’s what opened me up to be able to do radio again.”

Moore relocated to Kansas City in 2015 to take the helm at the Hot 103 Jamz morning show along with co-host Bryan B. Shynin’. Two years ago, she attended an industry seminar where one of the presenters touted the art of podcasting.

“They said there’s a huge number of national podcasts but not as many local podcasts,” Moore says. “That was one of their suggestions—to go back to our respective cities and start a podcast about things happening locally.”

After Moore hit a significant milestone at Hot 103 Jamz—helping the morning show earn ratings as the top morning show in the country—she turned her attention to starting a podcast.

“Once we hit number one in the ratings, I felt like I could branch off and do some of the things I wanted to do on my own,” she says. “And in the morning radio space, you just don’t have the time to go in-depth with

DECEMBER 2019

| 97 | INKANSASCITY.COM

people, to learn more about the cool people who live in Kansas City. I was astonished by the stories that have come from the podcast—the things people have been through, the pasts they’ve had.”

Moore’s interview with Shanita McAfee-Bryant, a metro-area chef, is a prime example. Chef Shanita, as she’s known in Kansas City and beyond, won Cutthroat Kitchen in 2014 and is now a personal chef. During her appearance on Moore’s podcast, McAfee-Bryant opened up about her past.

“I never realized she was a teen mother,” Moore says. “And just learning about her family—they’re devout Christians but her father didn’t turn her away when she became pregnant. They helped give her an opportunity to reach the success that she did. It’s an honor to tell these stories.”

People, Places & Things also gives Moore a chance to share her perspective as a relative Kansas City newcomer. The Queens native has lived in several large cities and is now a bona-fide Kansas City advocate.

“I love Kansas City—it’s a really cool place to live,” she says. “I’ve been in stadiums all over the country and there’s nothing like Arrowhead. The love that people have for barbecue and tailgating—you think these people must be insane! But the zeal for it is something I’ve never seen before in my life.

It’s very family-oriented here, too.”

It may seem daunting that Moore juggles her podcast with a demanding career that requires 3:30 a.m. wake-ups on weekdays! Yet as she continues with the show, it’s become a chance for her to share stories and to also emphasize important messages, especially for female guests and listeners.

“Women have been nurtured into putting ourselves last and I reject that,” she says. “Even on the airplane they tell you to put your mask on first because if you pass out, you can’t help anyone else. Sometimes you look at people and their filtered lives, and you can unfairly compare yourself to them. If we have an opportunity to have a conversation and be real with each other, that’s what this has become for me. You think I’ve been on the radio for 20 years and my life is perfect but let me tell you how I got here. Many of my guests say they’ve never shared these stories with anyone else. It gives us an opportunity to be braver, to share our failures with each other.”

Listen to People, Places & Things at soundcloud.com/shaymoore.

Above: Gigantic twinkling snowflakes up to 16 feet high adorn the facade of this Overland Park home. Right: Surrounding the house, an abundance of seasonal greens spill from the containers. Opposite: A fresh garland entwined with lights is draped around the front door.

Let It Snow!

CREATING A WINTER WONDERLAND IN OVERLAND PARK words by

Judith Fertig

photos by

Aaron Leimkuehler

S

anta’s sleigh doesn’t always bring a white Christmas down from the North Pole to Kansas City. So if you want snow, you have to get creative. When longtime Overland Park clients wanted a signature seasonal look, beyond the requisite white lights on everything, Kristopher Dabner of The Greensman knew just the thing—snowflakes. “I work with a custom metal company in Olathe, so I drew up snowflake patterns for them to fabricate,” says Dabner. Each one was different, of course. “We wanted nine in front and three in back so you could see them from the house. The largest one is 16 feet high.” Dabner had them painted white and wrapped them in twinkling white lights to create a winter wonderland, no matter what the weather. The largest snowflakes come apart for easy storage in the garage.

Dabner also filled containers arranged around the landscape, from planters in front to window boxes on railings to pots in the backyard.

“We change those out three times a year,” says Dabner, starting with pansies, kale, and snapdragons in spring; hibiscus and gardenias in summer; and evergreens in winter.

In a metal window box, Dabner centered a miniature pine tree, then

DECEMBER 2019

| 98 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 99 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Above: Smaller snowflakes surround the back patio. Right: Shades of blue in the berries, evergreens, and ornamental kale. Opposite: A trio of containers in a variety of heights fill one corner of the patio.

surrounded it with pinecones and evergreen boughs that can last into February. “That’s the great thing about doing a wintery base,” he says. “You can pull out the holiday bows and ornaments and leave the rest up all winter.”

When the large wreath and fresh greenery garland at the front door comes down, the two small evergreens, lit with white lights, can stay up to light the dark, cold nights.

For a winter theme, Dabner uses a mix of hardy materials—different kinds of pinecones and sprays of winter berries mixed with all the shapes and colors of evergreens from long-needled Scotch pine to blue-green Alberta spruce and fragrant cedar with its bluish berries. Sometimes he tucks in a purple winter kale, a spray of holly berries, or dried magnolia leaves.

Dabner created a whole look for the McAvoy landscape, but if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, he has one piece of great advice: Go big, not lots of little. “It’s more fun to do one big thing—maybe a wreath—and put all your emphasis on that rather than a few little things here and there,” he says. Take a large artificial wreath, wrap it in lights, and customize it with fresh greenery as well as ornaments and ribbon that can take the winter weather. At the end of the season, remove the dried evergreens and holiday décor, then keep the light-wrapped wreath to give you a head start for next year.

The Greensman | thegreensman.com DECEMBER 2019

| 100 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 101 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 102 | INKANSASCITY.COM

In 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon named the Blosser home the most endangered historic house in Missouri at that time. In April 2019, it won the Preserve Missouri Award, an honor that Katillac and the Elmans received in the Capitol rotunda.

Saving Grace THE 150-YEAR-OLD BLOSSER HOME TELLS A TALE OF SURVIVAL AND REVIVAL, REVEALING DETAILS ABOUT THOSE WHO FIRST BUILT IT AND THOSE WHO RECENTLY SAVED IT WORDS BY

Brooke McGrath

S

PHOTOS BY

Aaron Leimkuehler

ituated within a quaint, rural setting in Malta Bend, Missouri, this “little” piece of history—with more than 15,000 square feet of living and event space—has a big story to tell.

Built between 1874-78, the seven-bedroom American manor house of Swiss immigrants Henry and Sarah Blosser was a true representation of the couple’s love for eclectic design. Designed by Swiss architect John Daniel Walters, the Blossers’ three-story mansion was swathed in lively Swiss style, American Victorian elements, and Second Empire furnishings.

Inside and out, Henry’s love of color invigorated the

DECEMBER 2019

| 103 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Right: An early and rare set of engravings, which immediately grab attention in orange matting, features America’s first 25 presidents. This presidential display sets the tone as guests move into the Thomas Jefferson-inspired dining room. Right, bottom: Katillac created the vibrant Swiss Colonial folk art-patterned pillows. “The colors and mixed patterns in this room are really an homage to the Blosser’s love of the same,” she says. The orange and gold-leaf plates that flank the fireplace are extremely rare Minton bone china—Katillac also has curated a museum collection of colorful period china patterns throughout for use and display.

Opposite: A nod to the Colonial/Georgian gingham style, the orange buffalo check found in pillows and seat covers adds freshness and clarity. Katillac designed the custom-embroidered banding on the white linen curtains to correlate with the historical swag and tassel wallpaper border. Fun fact: Thomas Jefferson,s dining room in Monticello is yellow, too.

6,500-square-foot home—which, perhaps, is better characterized as a Swiss chalet. Even the mansard roof was striped in layers of red, blue, and green, as was the trim. But after many years, its vibrant story faded. Abandoned and broken, it was scheduled to be torn down in 2014.

That same year, the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation held a press conference to garner attention in one final effort to save this “little” piece of history. And it worked. Enamored with the property, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s, and with the aid of historic tax credits, well-known Kansas Citians Art Elman, a retired radiation oncologist, and his wife, Carolyn, who recently retired as the executive director of the American Business Women’s Association, went all in.

Day and night for the past four years, interior and architectural designer Kelee Katillac of Heartland Historic Homes/Flint Hall Interiors worked with the National Park Service to redesign and recreate a plan that would meet stringent historic preservation standards and guidelines as well as express the modern-day desires and lifestyle of the new owners.

“This house is really the story of America,” Katillac says, “with immigrant people bringing over their family heritage and traditions, then pairing them with their new American lifestyle. What the Elmans requested in the design was that when you come in the front door, you truly experience that story.”

Art, who Katillac calls “the most in-

DECEMBER 2019

| 104 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 105 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 106 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Opposite: The beautiful room proportions and 12-foot-ceilings throughout the home are the perfect backdrop for Katillac’s custom drapery. In the gentleman’s drawing room, Schumacher velvet frames the bay area, with elegant furnishings to match. The Second Empire-inspired sofa faces Art’s antique German microscope on the table, while a marble bust of Napoleon III—the father of Second Empire style—is on display by the bay window. Above: Featuring a rich indigo and blue palette with custom-recreated damask wallpaper, the gentleman’s bedroom is filled with American politics and Civil War artifacts, and a hint of pop culture. A stunning showpiece, Lincoln’s original Civil War cabinet engravings reside over the fireplace. Left: “You can say so much symbolically just with arrangement,” Katillac says. For instance, this table features a photograph of John F. Kennedy and General Curtis LeMay looking like rock stars alongside a posed Raquel Welch in red, white, and blue. Union army uniforms were the inspiration for Katillac’s custom-designed drapery.

Right: The fashion references in the ladies drawing room span centuries, with Karl Lagerfeld-inspired geometric pillows atop original Second Empire chairs in blue chintz. Trendy leopard print covers the Regency-style bench, which looks good next to a midcentury white vitrolite side table. Right, bottom: Delicately draped behind the lounge are custom-designed curtains that represent revolutionary era-style costumes. Each panel features an embroidered star border with bonnet pleats, which were hand-folded by Katillac’s design associate, Sherry Mirador. “It starts with my hand-sketching, then Sherry oversees the various artisans involved in couture construction.” Opposite: The Second Empire Carrara marble fireplace surround gracefully complements the graypainted floors. The framed pieces of art that decorate the wall space above include a young Gertrude Stein, a Maurice Stern figure drawing, and an English landscape, to name a few. On the mantel sits a French clock with bronze plaque, which employees presented to the company’s owner, a woman, in 1880.

teresting man in the world,” and Carolyn are lifelong collectors of fine antiques—American and European—and have a knack for and history of restoring historic properties.

Ironically, Art also shares Henry’s love of the very same vibrant color palette.

But it starts subtly. In the entryway, through big double doors with a Palladian-arched transom, guests are captivated by the 1790 Hamilton Urns wallpaper, recolored in gray and ecru, and eclectic furnishings.

The vibe in the Thomas Jefferson-inspired dining room, however, is a little more boisterous. The 1776 sunflower yellow wallpaper is “an allegory of the triumphant democracy over empire,” Katillac explains. If you look closely, you’ll see France handing a document labeled 1776 to Britain, a representation of the end of monarch rule. America is represented by a Native American woman.

“There are a lot of symbolic, tongueand-cheek references coupled with interactive art in this room,” Katillac says. “It’s not a naïve or overly sentimental view of America. We are acknowledging the contradiction that is everyone.”

Speaking of contradictions, the gentleman’s drawing room has space dedicated to both George Washington and Napoleon III. In what Art calls his haven, Katillac decorated the walls in a recolored Philadelphia Harlequin wallpaper by French émigré print master Anthony Chardon—from historic wallpaper company Adelphi Paper Hang-

DECEMBER 2019

| 108 | INKANSASCITY.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 109 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Opposite: The perimeter counters are made of a salvaged oak shop counter that Katillac had the panels cut out of and hinged to make drop-down front doors for storage. It also houses an antique porcelain farm sink. To make room for an elevator, a small stairway to the basement was removed, then replaced with a hidden door in the floor.

Approved by the National Park Service, this floor door grants access to the basement catering kitchen. Left: Above the Heartland Vintage Collection’s AGA range are apothecary drawers from an old pharmacy. On the wall next to the range, a beautiful Missouri painting by 19th-century painter Paul Harney features a bucolic scene with animals.

Left, bottom: Katillac designed the spice cabinet from salvaged oak and glass doors. The jars and labels are custom as well. This display goes to show that even historic kitchens with highly functional (and editable) details can be aesthetically pleasing.

“Carolyn and I felt that neutrality allowed the food, wood textures, aged porcelain, herbs and china— plus the amazing light—to all come together and shine,” Katillac says.

ings in New York—which traces back to the early 1800s. Below the wallpaper panels, she created a white linen wall upholstery, then finished it off with nailheads to simplify and modernize the approach to wallpaper.

Across the hall is the ladies’ drawing room. Decorated in Carolyn’s preferred palette, the softer, more neutral colors are portrayed in a French neoclassical style reminiscent of the First Empire. As usual, the wallpaper steals the show. An interesting fact about the stunning French-printed Locust Grove Arabesque paper is that it was discovered in Andrew Jackson’s home, in a different colorway.

A bust of Empress Eugénie de Montijo, Napoleon III’s wife, who was influential in women’s rights, also is prominently displayed, sitting elegantly in front of the bay window. It was sculpted by Eduard Muller.

The only room in the house void of color is the kitchen. Traditionally a place of service and practicality, this manor-house kitchen, though still full of historic charm, received a few modern conveniences. For example, a drawer refrigerator and drawer microwave are hidden under the counter skirt, which is embroidered with the French

THE ALL-NEW 2020 LINCOLN AVIATOR

saving grace continued

Elevating luxury to new heights.

NOW AVAILABLE ONLY AT OLATHE LINCOLN

WWW.OLATHELINCOLN.NET

THE IT LIST Architect and Interior Design Heartland Historic Homes/Flint Hall Interiors heartlandhistorichomes.com

Follow us on FACEBOOK @inkansascitymagazine

Architect Patrick Dolan Architect pdolan@indwellarchitecture.com Construction Hercon Construction herconconstructioninc.com Preservation Consultant Deb Sheals debsheals@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 112 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Dine often and dine well.

A few original pieces were salvaged from the Blosser era, including the hand-carved handrail on the main staircase and the front doors. To complement those prominent historic displays, Katillac incorporates modern lamps.

words “chaud-froid,” which fittingly translates to “hot-cold.”

As each room was methodically brought back to life, Henry and Sarah’s spirited, colorful, whimsical personalities continue to echo throughout this grand manor house.

“As I got to know the Elmans, I could see why Art related to what Henry had done. The Blosser home had so much presence and power to it. The Elman house exudes that same spirit and originality,” Katillac says.

250

OF THE BEST KC RESTAURANTS

DECEMBER 2019

| 113 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Dining Guide

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

Equally important to what you see, is the way you see it.

The choice is quite clear.

windows millwork cabinets hardware happiness...

7600 Wedd • Overland Park, KS • [913] 962-5227

www.kcbuilding.com

Flavor

IN KC

In the Kitchen PARSNIPS BY

Cody Hogan

PHOTOS BY

A

t the restaurant where I’m the executive chef, I’ve had this exchange with new cooks repeatedly over the years: “Please bring me some parsnips.” The cook walks away, and after a lengthy absence returns with a look of bafflement. Experience tells me exactly what to say. “The white carrots.” They return, mission accomplished, “white carrots” in hand.

Although popular in Europe—almost ubiquitous on the holiday table in England—this elegantly sweet and aromatic root vegetable is still overlooked in our country. I fell in love with it decades ago while living in Germany. They were served as a simple accompaniment to a venison roast, their sweetness and perfume a wonderful counterpoint to the game—comforting and delicious.

For those uninitiated to the parsnip, it indeed looks like a white carrot. It has the vegetal sweetness of the sugariest carrot, but even more so. In fact, it was used as a source of sweetener in Europe when honey was too expensive and sugar cane, a New-World ingredient, was still unheard of. Parsnips are closely related to both carrots and parsley and have a flavor profile that reflects both plants. Like other root vegetables, it is incredibly versatile. It can be thinly sliced or shaved like a carrot and served raw, dressed in a salad. It can be cooked whole or cut in chunks and roasted, or sautéed in butter or oil. Parsnips make a lovely purée, either alone or in combination with other root vegetables. Use their natural sweetness to the advantage of other root vegetables by combining them in a gratin or soup. If their sweetness seems too much, it can be balanced by the addition of potato, lemon juice or zest, the use of smoked meats, capers, or dark leafy bitter greens. If you’re not purchasing parsnips at a farmers market, they are often bagged in random sizes and/or coated in wax (as are

DECEMBER 2019

Aaron Leimkuehler

a number of root vegetables) to help maintain freshness. Just be sure to peel them thoroughly before using. The issue of random sizes can be corrected by cutting the peeled parsnips into chunks of similar size. The core of the parsnip isn’t usually troublesome, although it can, in extreme cases, be a bit woody.

If the cores of larger parsnips look especially fibrous, just cut out the cores before proceeding with the recipe (reserve them to use in broth where their aroma will be appreciated). Whatever your level of parsnip prowess, try the following recipe for your next holiday—or any—get together. It’s extremely simple and delicious.

Parsnip-Potato Mash Begin with equal weights of parsnips and potatoes, each peeled and cut into large chunks. Place them in a pot with just enough water to cover. Add a good dash of salt. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes and parsnips are tender when poked with a fork. Drain the pan, reserving the cooking water for another use, like soup—it is a little starchy, well-seasoned and deliciously aromatic.

Try a sip and you’ll understand why I recommend saving it. Next grate the zest of half of a lemon into the pan, add a tablespoon or two (or three) of butter and a generous splash of milk, cream or even sour cream. Mash coarsely or put the mixture through a food mill for a smooth-textured purée. You could even add back some of the reserved cooking liquid (or more cream) if you would like to make the puree into a soup. For extra freshness and complexity, finish the mash by folding in some fresh herbs—scallions are my favorite, but dill or thyme could be equally delicious. Serve warm to accompany just about any main dish, everyday occasion, or holiday.

| 116 | INKANSASCITY.COM

In Your Pantry UNUSUAL ROOTS

Rutabaga

Celeriac

Parsley Root

AKA celery root, this intimidating knobby ball tastes intensely of celery and is wonderful both raw and cooked.

Shaved paper thin it is delicious combined with lemon, raw mushrooms, cheese and arugula in a salad, or try it dressed with mustard and mayo in the classic French remoulade. Also delicious as a roasted vegetable, mash, purée, or soup. If the root ball has any green stems or leaves attached, don’t discard them. Although fibrous and generally inedible, they make a wonderfully aromatic addition to stock or broth.

Not to be confused with parsnips (even grocers can make mistakes in labeling—and the teenager running the cash register will most certainly have no idea, nor care). It looks almost identical but is usually considerably smaller and maybe a bit more scraggly. Its flavor is similar to parsnip and parsley (they’re all related), but without the sweetness, and with a definite perfume that will keep diners guessing.

In soups, mashes and purees with other root vegetables, it adds earthiness and complexity. Try it as a baked French-fry substitute and you just might be a convert.

This yellowish, purplish turnipish-looking (and tasting) root can vary in size from golf ball to almost bowling ball.

Size seems to have little to do with texture and surprising sweetness. Peel and cut it in matchsticks and dress it raw with vinaigrette for a salad, or stir fry it for a quick side dish. Sliced and slowly baked with cream it makes a lovely gratin, and chunked and roasted makes a nice change from potatoes and carrots.

Happy Holidays!

Celebrating 25 years www.landofpaws.com

CORINTH SQUARE 83RD & MISSION ROAD 913-341-1011

DEER CREEK MARKETPLACE 135TH & METCALF AVENUE 913-402-1033

DECEMBER 2019

| 117 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Sunchoke AKA Jerusalem artichoke, topinambour, or Girasoles, this American native sunflower is a cool-weather favorite. These plump tubers are crisp and nutty when raw—especially delicious in salads. When cooked the texture can vary greatly, taking them anywhere from crunchy to potato-like to mush in a matter of minutes. An excellent root for soups and purées, and especially flavorful when roasted over wood coals. Don’t eat too much at one time—they have a reputation for causing vapors.

Flavor

IN KC

P

In Your Cocktail

THE MOCKINGBIRD LOUNGE by

Kelsey Cipolla

DECEMBER 2019

| 118 | INKANSASCITY.COM

erched on the Kansas side of the state line, The Mockingbird Lounge’s song has transfixed locals since it opened a few years ago. The Strawberry Hill destination, hidden away among family homes so that it almost sneaks up on you, offers a side of Kansas City you literally often don’t see. We’re talking about the topnotch view of downtown from across the border, of course, a perspective far enough to let you drink in the whole effect from the spacious patio.

Although the outdoor space is absolutely a selling point, there’s plenty to appreciate indoors during the chilly months.

The cozy interior is light, bright, and relaxed, with a variety of games available for patrons’ enjoyment, plus frequent live music, comedy, karaoke, and other events (check out the bar’s website or Facebook page for the latest details).

If the warm atmosphere is half the reason for Mockingbird’s following, its cocktails are the other half. We’ll start with the price: Rarely will you find anything over $10, with options to cover all your boozy bases. Offerings change seasonally, but the menu includes tried-and-true favorites like the Third Shift, made with Duffy’s Run Vodka, Rieger’s Caffé Amaro, and cold-brew coffee, as well as the Mockingbird Margarita, the house take on the classic cocktails featuring a blueberry and basil-infused simple syrup.

During summer and spring, the Mockingbird crew whips up a variety of boozy fruit pops and popsicles, while in the winter, it leans into cozier flavors à la creations like the apple cider Bellini and red wine hot cocoa. The bar also serves a solid selection of craft and local beers as well as Mexican brews and a handful of red and white wines.

Another feather in Mockingbird’s cap?

Its much-loved all-day brunch, which features biscuits and gravy, waffles with chorizo and pico de gallo, and a breakfast take on tamales filled with peppers and cheese and topped with an egg. The Mexican flavors carry through the menu, from the bar-friendly nachos and guacamole to the baja tequila chicken soup and pulled pork or chicken

‘‘

menu as well, helping bridge the gap between the seasons.

“I am Latino and like to incorporate refreshing cocktails that remind me of places a bit closer to the equator,” Castillo shares. “One of our most popular cocktails, the Watermelon Mojito, is a huge hit during the summer months, and I wanted to keep the spirit of that cocktail going through the cold season, so I

The Winter Mojito ¾ ounce of coconut rum

One of our most popular cocktails, the Watermelon Mojito, is a huge hit during the summer months, and I wanted to keep the spirit of that cocktail going through the

¾ ounce spiced rum

cold season, so I put together the Winter Mojito – Dan Castillo

½ ounce lime juice

tacos and burritos, offered in addition to a few salads and sandwiches. Then for dessert, there are fan-favorite dulce de leche waffles, made with a cinnamon batter and drizzled with the sweet sauce.

Those flavors are something of a touch point for owner Dan Castillo on the cocktail

½ ounce cinnamon simple syrup ½ ounce coconut cream

Combine all ingredients. Shake and strain over ice into a Collins glass.

Top it off with a press (soda and Sprite), slap on a sprig of mint for garnish, and you’re ready to roll.

put together the Winter Mojito.”

The cocktail tastes like Christmas Eve on a tropical beach thanks to the addition of cinnamon simple syrup, and the two types of spiced rum are sure to warm you up on a cold winter night. ‘Tis the season to drink up! themockingbirdkc.com

at t h e

TAV E R N S SANTA BRUNCH Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tavern at Mission Farms Join the Tavern family for photos with Santa and a special brunch buffet featuring a carving station, fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, delicious desserts, breakfast dishes and more.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER SPECIAL

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT BOTH TAVERNS

Available at both locations Tuesday, December 24

Live DJS from 10 pm – close with a Champagne toast at midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31

Now taking reservations.

Now taking reservations.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TAVERN *Complimentary gift card valid January 2, 2020 – March 31, 2020. Not redeemable for cash. Not applicable for tax or tip.

3901 Prairie Lane | Prairie Village, KS | 66208

DECEMBER 2019

10681 Mission Rd | Leawood, KS | 66206

Located in the Prairie Village Shopping Center

Located in Mission Farms

Phone: (913) 529-2229 www.taverninthevillage.com

Phone: (913) 213-6588 www.tavernatmissionfarms.com

| 119 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Flavor by

IN KC

Kelsey Cipolla

THE HEY! HEY! CLUB

In Culinary News

JUST WHEN YOU THINK J. Rieger & Co. can’t get any posher, the distillery goes and opens The Hey! Hey! Club, a standalone bar within the recently opened J. Rieger & Co. Distillery (2700 Guinotte Ave.). Named for the landmark Kansas City jazz and cocktail club that once hosted the likes of Count Basie, the new hot spot feels like a throwback with its dark wood bar, lush jewel tones and velvet and leather banquettes. Beverage Director Andrew Olsen, a veteran of the Kansas City cocktail scene, oversees The Hey! Hey! Club’s inclusive bar program, which includes spirits from a bevy of purveyors, as well as wines and Champagnes by the glass and Heim Beer, a traditional German-style Export Helles Lager specially brewed by KC Bier Co. jriegerco.com/ heyheyclub

Your Urban Oasis in the Heart of Westport

VOTED KC’S #1 CBD STORE

KC’S ONLY CBD SUPER STORE

Customizable Spa Packages | Tailored to Your Needs!

Open 7 Days a Week | Book Online 24/7

Come in for the perfect Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers!

A CBD certified staff, large selection of high quality products, integrity and affordability with every visit.

5 Area Locations 7932 W. 151st St. Overland Park, KS 913-257-5717 13342 College Blvd Overland Park, KS 913-7549-3032 9627 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS 913-730-8520 1519 S. Main St Ottawa, KS 785-229-0658 817 E. North Ave. Belton, MO 816-425-5875

(816) 531-8600 | spaonpenn.com 4143 Pennsylvania Ave Kansas City, MO 64111 DECEMBER 2019

www.phoenixnaturalwellness.com Present this ad for

20% Off Your Entire Purchase

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 12/31/19.

| 120 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship AT CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 At five Kansas City locations: Leawood, Downtown, Olathe, Blue Springs and Overland Park For times and locations, visit COR.ORG/CHRISTMAS

C H R I S T M A S AT R E S U R R E C T I O N L IGH TS! CA M ER A!

CHRISTMAS!

THE “REEL” MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Thursday, December 12 Friday, December 13 Saturday, December 14 Sunday, December 15

7:30 pm 7:30 pm 1 pm & 7:30 pm 1:30 pm

Tickets available at christmasatresurrection.org

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection December_InKC_Christmas.indd 1

11/15/19 9:56 AM

Flavor BY

IN KC

Kelsey Cipolla

THE WINE BAR AT AFFÄRE

In Culinary News

roads eatery. Affäre executive chef-owner Martin Heuser, along with his wife and the restaurant’s certified sommelier, Katrin Heuser, added The Wine Bar at Affäre (1911 Main St.) in front of the existing restaurant space this fall, where guests can enjoy a curated list incorporating smaller wine producers and natural, unique wines. In addition to vino, the bar will offer a selection of rotating small plates. Katrin called the addition “a delightful opportunity for wine and food lovers to experience hand-selected wines paired with Martin’s innovative seasonal cuisine, which often has a German flair. There will be something for every palate.” Both the wines and eats will also be offered in the restaurant’s main dining room. affarekc.com

The Most Exclusive Collections of European Luxury Eyewear

Chrome Hearts

Chrome Hearts

Romanelli Exclusive Design

romanellioptix.com

KANSAS CITY

LEAWOOD

DECEMBER 2019

OVERLAND PARK

| 122 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Tom Ford

PHOTO BY PATRICK ECCLESINE\FOX

A NEW WINE BAR has come to a familiar Cross-

TEA-BIOTICS TAPROOM KANSAS CITY has seen more than its fair share of tap-

PHOTO BY PATRICK ECCLESINE\FOX

rooms open, but none quite like Tea-Biotics in Olathe (677 N. Lindenwood Dr.). The new space serves as the homegrown company’s headquarters in addition to boasting a taproom. Instead of beer, you’ll find artisan kombuchas, made with live probiotics and locally brewed in small batches. With more than 30 flavors, it’s the largest selection of the beverage you’ll find at any taproom in the nation (you can sneak a peek at how the drink is produced on the production side of facility from behind a barrier.) From hibiscus watermelon to the ginger-filled mule mix, there are plenty of interesting offerings to choose from, plus an array of CBD-infused options. The taproom also does refills, so keep collecting those empties—discounts are given if you bring in clean bottles. tea-biotics.com

VIEW OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE AT BLOG.MONARCHPS.COM

HYDRAFACIAL | EMSCULPT® | BROAD BAND LIGHT TREATMENT LATISSE® | SKIN BETTER ALPHARET EXFOLIATING PEEL PADS SKIN MEDICA GLOW ON THE GO TRAVEL KIT | GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

LEAWOOD 4801 W. 135th St. | Leawood, KS 66224

monarchps.com

NORTH KC 9501 N Oak Tfwy, Suite 202 | KC MO 64155

DECEMBER 2019

| 123 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Kansas KansasCity’s City’s Top Top Producing Producing Flat-Fee, Realtors Flat-Fee, Full-Service Full-Service Realtors

YOUR FUTURE YOUR FUTURE

FOR FOR SALE SALE 913-220-3260 913-220 -3260 yourfutureaddress.com yourfutu readdress. com

SOLD! SOLD!

Experience the new way of selling your home. Your Future Address is Kansas City’s Full-Service, Flat-Fee brokerage. You will receive phenomenal service from a seasoned agent that believes you deserve to keep more of your equity!

YOUR FUTURE

We charge a fair, flat-fee once your home sells, without ever compromising service or exposure. Our average seller pays less than 4% total commission, including 3% to a buyer’s agent.

Call Your Future Address today.

YourFutureAddress.com

Flavor

IN KC

Reservation for One SAYACHI by

Kelsey Cipolla

photos by

T

here’s a quiet power to the dishes at Sayachi, the latest restaurant from chef Carlos Falcon and his wife, Sayaka.

While the couple’s two metro Jarocho Pescados y Mariscos locations pay tribute to Carlos’ roots—the chef grew up in the coastal city of Veracruz, Mexico—Sayachi nods to Sayaka’s Japanese heritage, bringing the stellar seafood from Jarocho to a concept where the quality of the fish can shine even more.

The Falcons smartly recruited sushi chef Miyoshi Yamada, who

DECEMBER 2019

Aaron Leimkuehler

brings decades of experience preparing sushi, and it shows. He seems to venerate fresh fish, treating it with a blend of love and surgical precision that comes through in each bite. When the raw ingredients are this good, you don’t have to do much with them but know when to take a step back. The Hamachi nigiri is buttery and luxurious, while the negitoro, a maki roll of fatty tuna and scallions, pairs its deceptively simple ingredients into a delight, the sharpness of the scallions cutting through the richness of the toro. The sophisticatedly presented spicy

| 126 | INKANSASCITY.COM

scallop hand roll celebrates the mollusks’ natural sweetness and texture with a heat that takes a few moments to hit your taste buds.

Sayachi serves up just a few signature rolls, including the Ensenada, which comes the closest to delivering a little of Carlos’ Mexican flair via sushi with Ensenada fish, shrimp tempura, jalapeño and avocado. The thin slices of pepper dotted with Srirachi deliver a kick of heat.

The restaurant’s other sushi offerings are extensive, and include classic maki rolls as well as white fish, salmon, blue fish, shellfish and roe nigiri and sashimi, plus takes made with cooked ingredients, like saltwater eel, steamed abalone, and foie gras.

As delicious as the sushi is, an entirely different item runs away with the limelight at Sayachi: the agedashi tofu is at once unlike anything you’ve ever tasted and comfortingly familiar. A sea of flavor is condensed into a single bowl. Poured tableside over a tower of lightly crusted tofu, the dashi broth is sweet with just the right amount of salt and a smokiness that builds as you return spoonful after spoonful.

Other appetizers include well-seasoned pork gyoza and fresh pacific oysters. In addition to sushi, Sayachi features entrees such as grilled fish, baked live lobster, and Japanese boneless fried chicken as well as a handful of noodle dishes.

Like its menu, Sayachi’s aesthetic is fairly minimalist—the space is small but not packed with tables and chairs. The walls are decorated with murals of a cherry tree and goldfish, but they blend into the restaurant rather than jumping out. A small bar with floating shelves full of liquor sits near the restaurants entrance while a counter seating nine is positioned toward the back. Here, diners can indulge in omakase, an almost meditative style of dining where the chef designs a menu for guests and can be observed preparing one course for each person before moving on to the next. The experience is available by reservation.

Despite its simple appearance, the bar produces a long list of surprising, flavorful cocktails. The Japanhattan puts a Japanese spin on the classic drink with Shiitake Nobushi Whisky and pickled shiitake mushrooms. The drink arrives in an elegant cut-glass dish filled with cherry smoke that swirls over the glass even when it’s been liberated from its container, infusing the cocktail with a subtle, smoky sweetness. The mushroom flavor stands out, but it’s more complementary to the other flavors than you might initially think. The bar program, headed up by Matsumoto Mari, is full of these compelling creations. Her Komorebi combines matcha with green-tea shochu, egg white, lemon, sato and cream, for a silky drink the celebrates the earthiness of the powdered tea while balancing it out with a touch of sweetness and citrus. A skewer of toasted mochi rests atop the coupe glass, a sugary surprise.

Mochi also pops up on the dessert menu, along with matcha cheesecake bites, but you almost don’t need it. With fish this good, it’s a shame to save even a centimeter of room for dessert. facebook.com/sayachikc

DECEMBER 2019

Something extra special.

Now, when you purchase select gift cards from Summit Grill and its sister restaurants, you’ll receive a little extra in return.

Free $10 Bonus Card with $50+ gift card purchase.

Free $25 Bonus Card with $100+ gift card purchase.

Receive 30% back in Bonus Cards with $500+ gift card purchase.

Gift card promotion valid 11.29.19 – 01.2.20 at any Summit Grill, Third Street Social, Pearl Tavern, Bōru Ramen Bar and South of Summit.

| 127 | INKANSASCITY.COM

There's no place like Kansas City for the holidays. Your local Roasterie Café is holiday ready with delicious seasonal drinks, festive mugs, cozy beanies and so much more.

Shop online or find a café near you at theroasterie.com

IC KC-CENTR

DECE

PODC AS TS

TO MISS ’T WANT YOU DON

GLORIOUS GIFTABLE GEMS

Holidissauey

| INKANSA MBER 2019

SCIT Y.CO

S TASTY GIFT Y!) (LITERALL

A HISTORIC S MANSION’ REVIVAL

M

the

IN Kansas City magazine is available at The Roasterie Cafe.

Purchase a copy at any of our eight area locations and The Roasterie will donate a portion of the sales to Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SUPPORTING UNINSURED CANCER PATIENTS IN KANSAS CITY! It’s not about the bra… it is about the coming together of a community of cancer survivors, volunteers, donors and local companies raising over $2 million in 9 years to support uninsured men, women and children in KC struggling with cancer.

Join this volunteer led organization. Here are the ways you can help: ■ Design a couture bra ensemble for the runway ■ Become a sponsor of the event ■ Volunteer before and at the event ■ Donate items for auction packages ■ Choose Bra Couture KC as your year-end charity donation

LEARN MORE AT BRACOUTUREKC.COM Funds go to programs for uninsured cancer patients at: the University of Kansas Health System, Truman Medical Center, Verda’s Place at Sarah Cannon, Cancer Action, and Cancer Services Center at North Kansas City Hospital, Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, and Imaging for Women Free Mammogram Screenings.

A P R I L 24 T H | 7: 0 0 P M S I G N AT U R E F L I G H T S U P P O RT D OW N TOW N A I R P O RT

B R A C O U T U R E KC It’s not about the bra

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA THE ULTIMATE WORKPLACE DESTINATION

• Flexible private offices • All-inclusive amenities • Move-in ready

BOOK YOUR TOUR @ industriousoffice.com/kc

DECEMBER 2019

| 129 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Faces

IN KC

Folly Frolic

THE HOT SARDINES, an American jazz band, was the featured performer at the 5th Annual Folly Frolic. The event benefited the Folly Theater’s Kids’ Series programming and contributed to the theater’s operating funds. Guests enjoyed a special prix fixe dinner at the Savoy at 21c restaurant before the show.

For more photos go to inkansascity. com/events.

photos by brian rice

913.906.7787 www.in2GREATKC.com

8717 West 110th St. Suite 270, Overland Park, KS, 66210

DECEMBER 2019

| 130 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Come curious

Leave inspired

HOLIDAY AND EVERYDAY HOME DECOR Town Center Plaza | 4840 W. 119th St. Leawood, KS 66211 (next to Athleta) 785.250.7720 | reddoorhomestore.com

DECEMBER 2019

| 131 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Faces

IN KC

UMKC Conservatory’s Crescendo ONE OF KANSAS CITY’S premier arts events, Crescendo, the fundraiser for the UMKC Conservatory, was held at the Kauffman Center. The event has raised millions for student scholorships with the support of generous donors and under the guidance of the Friends of the Conservatory. There were cocktails and dinner for the gala guests before a fast-paced performance by 250 of the Conservatory’s most talented students and faculty. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN RICE

DECEMBER 2019

| 132 | INKANSASCITY.COM

A Holiday Dinner Worth Its Own Ovation.

For reservations, menus, or more information, call (816) 994-7222 or visit kauffmancenter.org/dining The Kauffman Center’s Dining Experience is available for all guests and visitors prior to performances.

DECEMBER 2019

| 133 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Faces

IN KC

More Crescendo

DECEMBER 2019

| 134 | INKANSASCITY.COM

FEB. 9

FEB. 15–16

Bobby McFerrin and Gimme5: circlesongs Art music meets pop, jazz meets classical, lyrics meet pure sound, the avant-garde meets the traditional with this 10-time GRAMMY® winner’s sweeping, soulful vocal language.

MAR. 20–21

An American in Paris

DRUM TAO 2020

Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city features some of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved music.

Back by popular demand!

Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combine with explosive, large-scale Japanese drumming, precise choreography, and innovative visuals.

E N D L E S S V A R I E T Y , M AT C H L E S S T A L E N T !

Tickets start at $25! Build a season package of 5 SHOWS (or more) and save 10%.

Celebrate the holidays with Carlsen Center Presents Gift Cards!

jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469-4445 FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE | NO ONLINE FEES

Faces

IN KC

Willkommen: A Benefit for SAVE Inc. LEAVE YOUR TROUBLES OUTSIDE

was the theme for this year’s SAVE Inc. Homecoming benefit. Guests were welcomed to the outlandish and fantastical underground world of Cabaret.

Funds from the event support the SAVE Home drop-in center for young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and Alhaven, dedicated housing units set aside for this population. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by brian rice

45% Alc by Vol, Lifted Spirits, Kansas City, MO

DECEMBER 2019

| 136 | INKANSASCITY.COM

EXTENDED THRU DECEMBER

REMNANT SALE

Quartz & Granite Starting at $35/ sq ft

Get your measurements together and visit our showroom or browse from your own home at

premiersurfaces.com/inventory

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 816-767-2075

DECEMBER 2019

| 137 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Faces

IN KC

More SAVE Inc. Willkommen

CONTEMPORARY MADNESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS myhomepricekc.com

4800 Mercier St - Kansas City | $749,500 3 Sty | 3 BR | 2.2 BA Sophistication From Top-To-Bottom!

Walking Distance to The Plaza

DECEMBER 2019

|

costellorealestate.com

3012 W 91st St - Leawood | $850,000 1.5 Story | 4 BR | 3.1 BA Custom Built with Sleek Modern Designs Amazing Space, Excellent Location

| 138 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Treat Yourself & A Friend This Holiday Season!

BUY ONE SUBSCRIPTION, GET A SECOND FOR 80% OFF THE COVER PRICE

NOVEMBER 2018 | INKANSASCITY.COM

OCTOBER 2018 | INKANSASCITY.COM

▲

Live Like aLocal

12 ISSUES FOR $19.95

15 OF KC’S

MOST ICONIC EATERIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON SUDEIKIS

21 OF KC’S

Get a full year delivered to your door.

You save 66% off the cover price

BEST NEW RESTAURANTS

Holiday Fashion

all wrapped up

▲

AN INTERVIEW WITH KC NATIVE GILLIAN FLYNN OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF SHOPS & SERVICES

Treat a friend to the gift of IN Kansas City.

12 ISSUES FOR $12.00 Order by December 14 and we’ll send a holiday card announcing your gift.

Subscribe Today! Go to INKANSASCITY.COM (find the Subscribe link under The Magazine tab) Or call toll-free 888-881-5861

DECEMBER 2019

| 139 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Faces

IN KC

Home for the Holidays with Tamara Day CRATE & BARREL was the site of

the first of three special events for Home for the Holidays at Town Center. HGTV host of Bargain Mansions and Kansas City native Tamara Day spoke at the event.

Guests enjoyed live music, drinks, and Tamara’s expertise on the latest trends in decor and hosting for the holidays. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/events.

photos by brian rice

Online Boutique with Same Day Delivery Right to Your Doorstep!

Gift Certificates Available ...Always the Perfect Gift!

Trendy and Affordable Fashion for Women & Girls

3blondesboutique.com Delivery restrictions apply & some orders will be mailed.

SHOP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS AND THEN RELAX WITH FOOD & LIBATIONS + A GREAT BOOK 304 Delaware Street, Kansas City, MO 816.982.9230 | OURDAILYNADA.COM

DECEMBER 2019

| 140 | INKANSASCITY.COM

2019 Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour

A Very Special Thank You to...

2019 Owl Friends

• Jennifer Talley • Susie Luening • Carole Winter • Ellen and Mattie Merriman Margaux Merriman Blackwell Lauren Sotos • Dr. Betse M. Gage, M.D. • Ellen Harker • Mary Louise Gibson • Terry Lightstone • Roxann R. Holland • Cynthia Andrews • Mary Don Beachy • Susan Spaulding • Pat Meads • Elizabeth Hartley Winetroub • Kay Martin • Kay Lutjen Patterson • Barbara K. Nelson

• Linda McCauley Thompson • Suzanne Taschetta Cooper • Carol K. Clark • Jean Helmers • Dawn Olney • Maureen McGinty • Audrey Hansen Langworthy • Ann Hotchkiss • Laura Weber Lutz • Christy Wilson • Jean D. Wagner • Corliss Miller • Nan Vail • Ann Fairhurst Colston • Carolyn Langdon • Libby Gessley • Julie Larsen • Kay Johnson • Valerie M. Chaloud

DECEMBER 2019

| 141 | INKANSASCITY.COM

• Gina Thornton • Christina Frank • Jennifer Fales • Dianne Hogerty • Amy Hartman • Ellen Hockaday • Helen Ann Hatridge • Ellen Clymer • Peggy West • Mary Atterbury • Sandy Johnson

KAPPAHOMESTOUR.COM

Wednesday, December 4th | 1pm-8pm Thursday, December 5th | 10am-7pm

D E C E M B E R

NEW YEAR’S EVE

0 1 9  2 0

F E AT U R I N G QUIXOTIC

31

2

|

M O L LY B A L L O O N S

DJ MARVIN GARDENS | DJ HOUSE OF DANTE C A LV I N A R S E N I A | L I G H T B I T E S | O P E N B A R

FOR TICKETS VISIT C R O S S R O A D S H O T E L K C. C O M / N Y E 2 0 1 9

2 0

Found

IN KC

HANG IN THERE DECEMBER 2019

WHO DO YOU KNOW who would love to receive these lovely, handmade glazed-porcelain earrings? Reminiscent of vintage European dinnerware, the earrings are designed by Melanie Sherman, a native of Germany and now a Kansas City-based artist.

Porcelain Ear Dangles, $69, available at Cerbera Gallery in the Crossroads or at melaniesherman.com. | 144 | INKANSASCITY.COM

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S