Lawrence, KS October 2023

FOOD + BEVERAGE

ENJOY SOME AUTUMN SIPS THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHEFS

JUST FOOD IS MORE THAN A PANTRY

Feel the Vibe

TRAVEL THE CULINARY WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING LAWRENCE OCTOBER 2023

Welcome Fall!

With the changing seasons comes a change in what we crave, and with fall's arrival, that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the chefs at Sunflower Bike, Limestone Pizza, the Eldridge Hotel, Latchkey Deli, Mass St. Fish House, Sunflower Café, and Dempsey's Burger Pub. We learned about what their fall menus will be boasting. So, get your tastebuds ready; you are in for a treat. We also included a few new recipes to try at home, whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests.

The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my mom's kitchen. The aromas of pasta sauce with meatballs, roast beef, and soups of any kind bring me right back to her table. We ate specialty Italian dishes like eggplant parmesan, homemade pizza, stuffed squid, polenta with mushrooms, and specialty desserts like rice pie and pizzelle cookies.

There is an art to creating a flavorful dish that satisfies our taste buds and evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can transport us back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, whether sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out.

The photo above was taken at one of our favorite burger pubs, Dempseys. I admit to spending many moments at the bar munching a slider and sipping a beer. Linda Ditch, our fantastic writer and editor, and I had the opportunity to participate in the photo shoot and taste the wonderful food.

We hope you will get inspiration from this issue and visit some of our favorite haunts. Let us know where your go-to dining spot is in Lawrence.

DENISE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Denise DeTommaso denise.detommaso@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Linda Ditch | linda.ditch@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Jamie Jamison | jamie.jamison@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Amanda Brubaker amanda.brubaker@citylifestyle.com

Joseph Elliott | joseph.elliott@citylifestyle.com

Meredithe McCormick meredithe.mccormick@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Nathan Hutchcraft | nathan@fabuluxmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shanna Sloyer, Melinda Briscoe, Linda Ditch, Hollie Blakeney

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anthony Fergola, Kristol Kumar, Morgan Long, Shannon Warner

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

DETOMMASO, PUBLISHER @LAWRENCEKSCITYLIFESTYLE

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LAWRENCE WORLD CUISINES

Span the Culinary Globe without the Airfare

ARTICLE BY SHANNA SLOYER

When international travel isn’t on the schedule or in the budget, enjoy the flavors of the continents here at home. Lawrence offers an array of international cuisines to please any palate. Dine in, carry out, or pick up traditional accouterments to try your hand at multicultural cooking.

NAGOYA JAPANESE CUISINE

711 W. 23rd Street

Light, fresh flavors are the hallmark of Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on maintaining the original quality of food, using just a few seasonings like soy sauce, sugar, salt and vinegar. Owner Eva Chen recommends the Avocado Bomb, which blends sweet and spicy notes. For the main course, order a Nagoya roll prepared with a variety of fish, avocado and flavorful sauces.

CAFÉ THE MANI

7 E. 7th Street

In English, the Korean word mani translates to “much more,” and that’s what diners can expect from Café the Mani. Korean barbecue with rice, kimchi and Korean-style mashed potatoes are the signature menu items. Customers can also try gimbap, dried seaweed rolled with a choice of vegetables, beef or tuna and rice. Owner Brian Park says Korean dishes incorporate traditional flavors like garlic, ginger, citron, Korean pear and Korean red pepper powder, which are used in marinades.

ENCORE ASIAN BISTRO

1007 Massachusetts Street

Let the red and white paper lanterns, bamboo accents, and scent of aromatic spices whisk you away to the Far East at Encore Asian Bistro. Owner Wanna Zhao is behind this Asian Fusion restaurant in the heart of Lawrence. She combines Chinese, Thai, Korean, Malaysian and Vietnamese cooking styles as inspiration for her food.

LITTLE SAIGON CAFÉ

1524 W. 23rd Street

With open-kitchen seating, foodies at Little Saigon Café can watch pho being prepared before their very eyes. Pho is a Vietnamese soup made from broth, rice noodles, herbs and protein. Order seafood pho with shrimp and crab meat, or for a kick of flavor, try the spicy pad Thai noodle dish with a choice of beef, chicken, tofu or vegetables.

Pho

COSMOS INDIAN STORE & CAFÉ

3115 W. 6th Street

Amid colorful racks of sarees, fragrant incense, and fresh produce at Cosmos Indian Store and Cafe are all ingredients to prepare all your favorite Indian dishes. Not in the mood to cook? No problem. The café offers homemade South Indian dishes.

AFRICAN CARIBBEAN GROCERY STORE

1530 W. 6th Street

The continent of Africa is known for its diverse array of ethnic groups, languages and customs. That diversity extends to food traditions, and Lawrence’s African Caribbean Grocery Store stocks hard-to-find staples such as bread bases, seasonings, smoked and dried fish and goat meat.

Owner Soji Babalola says his grocery has everything required to prepare Egusi, a customary African soup made from the seed of the Egusi melon. The store also carries beans, rice and palm oil, along with ginger juice, a West African beverage.

ALADDIN CAFÉ

1021 Massachusetts Street

Mediterranean cooking blends heartfriendly proteins and fats with legumes, vegetables, and spices. At Aladdin Café, try a gyro with roasted meat in a warm pita topped with tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce. Or order a Tabouli salad of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cracked wheat, olive oil, lemon juice and herbs.

AU MARCHE

931 Massachusetts Street

A European market in the middle of Lawrence, Au Marche brings a taste of the continent to the Midwest. Buy provisions from France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and beyond. Au Marche offers dinner mixes for dishes like authentic wiener schnitzel and sauerbraten, as well as European chocolates, macarons, cheese, salami, pate and pickled herring.

BRITS

929 Massachusetts Street

Celebrate the Union Jack with a selection of items from the British Isles, including tea and biscuits. Find candy from English chocolate makers Cadbury and Galaxy, marmalade and crisps. For heartier fare, pick up a Colman’s dinner mix. Shepherd’s pie with beef or lamb, mashed potatoes and onions is a customer favorite. Brits also stocks baking items only found in the United Kingdom.

EL MATADOR CAFÉ

446 Locust Street

El Matador has been serving authentic Mexican food since 1958. Owner Raquel McLean is a third-generation restauranteur. Her traditional Mexican recipes incorporate chili pepper, corn and beans, which are indigenous to the region. House specials at El Matador are named after regulars from her grandparents’ generation, including the Dr. Branson, which is four tacos and a large chili.

Traditional Mexican recipes incorporate chili pepper, corn and beans, which are indigenous to the region.

Chef's Table: Dempsey's Burger Pub

ARTICLE BY DEMPSEY'S BAILEY HARRELL, PETE SORRENTINO, MICHAEL DEL CAMPO AND NICK NORMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR

Spiced Orange Old Fashioned

ingredients

• 2 oz Una Familia Reposado Tequila (can also substitute any bourbon of choice)

• 1 oz Spiced Orange simple syrup

• 3 dashes orange bitters

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

• Place the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well, and then strain into a highball glass with ice.

To make the Spiced Orange syrup:

• 32 oz water

• 32 oz light brown sugar

• 3 whole star anise

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• Peel from one whole orange

• 1 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, peeled

• ¼ cup honey

directions

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring occasionally, then reduce to low-medium heat for 8-10 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let sit until cooled. (You can jar this as is and let it infuse in the refrigerator for maximum flavor, but this is not required.) If you do not want to wait, use a fine mesh strainer to strain your simple syrup and keep it in a sealed container for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.

Recipe by: Bailey Harrell

A

Lawrence Favorite Shares Recipes for Cocktails and a Popular Burger and Fries

Jalapeno Popper Burger: Easy Chocolate Bourbon Milkshake:

ingredients

• 1.5 oz Maker’s Mark (or bourbon of choice)

• 1.5 oz chocolate syrup

• 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream

• 4 oz dairy (half & half or milk can be used)

• Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for extra flair!

Recipe by: Bailey Harrell

Eltoe Fries:

ingredients

To make Elote Topping:

To make Cream Cheese:

• 1 cup cotija cheese

• 2 cups sweet corn (drained)

• ½ cup cilantro

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 lime zest

• 1 lime juiced

• 1 tsp chili powder

directions

Use your own favorite method to make fries. Then mix together all the ingredients and smother your fries with the topping. If you want to add some extra spice, mix together equal parts sriracha and mayo to make a sriracha aioli to drizzle on top of your dish.

Recipe by: Pete Sorrentino & Bailey Harrell

ingredients

For topping:

• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup bacon bits

• 4-5 minced jalapenos

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp sriracha

• 2 8oz packets of cream cheese

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• Pinch minced green onion

For Burger:

• 4 7-8oz Angus beef burger patties

• 8 strips of bacon

• 3 jalapenos sliced

• 4 burger buns (we use brioche)

directions

Mix together all ingredients for the cream cheese topping and set aside. Cook your burgers and bacon to the required temp. Lightly butter and toast your burger buns. Assemble your burger, buns, bacon, sliced jalapenos, and cream cheese mixture, in your preferred order.

Recipe by: Michael Del Campo & Nick Norman

Autumn Sips

Beverages that Complement the Season

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA DITCH

With the weather’s transition from the heat and humidity of summer to the cool crispness of autumn is also when wine, beer and cocktail choices begin to reflect the flavors and spirit of the season. The changeover occurs from fruity, light, cool drinks to heartier, richer, and often spicier options.

“The primary objective of refreshment changes to a little more flavor, a little more intensity, a little more body when it gets cooler,” says Steve Wilson, owner of City Wine Market. “Wines become a little fuller bodied, beers become a little fuller bodied, and cocktails move towards the brown liquors.”

From the Brewery

The beverage most often associated with fall is beer, thanks partly to football season, tailgating, and Oktoberfest.

“As it starts to cool off, people start migrating to beers that are a little darker, a little heavier, and kind of higher in alcoholic content,” says On the Rocks beer manager Paul Falk. “The Oktoberfest beers are a great example because they are still lagers but a little more amber in color. They’re like a transitional beer, which is why they work so well in fall.”

He adds, “We’ve got some fun pumpkin beers in. Schlafly always has a good pumpkin beer, and we just got a new bourbon-barrel-aged pumpkin beer, which is an interesting idea. We’ve even got a gluten-free pumpkin beer, too, so a little pumpkin for everybody.”

From the Cellar

Big reds and full-bodied whites are the bottles selected from wine cellars in the fall. Bold Pinot Noirs,

Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux, rich Chardonnays, slightly sweet Rieslings, and daring Sauvignon Blancs are a few choices that will match up well with many autumn dishes.

Wilson notes, “There are some wines that I really like in the fall because they reflect the season. Some wines from southern France, the Rhone Valley, have almost a dried leaf component to them. You can kind of smell the season in the glass.”

Wine can also be a tailgating beverage. Steven Berger, sommelier and wine manager at On the Rocks, says, “Try to pair the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the food being served. For a late afternoon game, I’d probably do a rose. Just something with a little chill on. If it’s in the morning, bring a great Prosecco and make mimosas.”

Cocktail Hour

Cocktails for fall focus on warmth and the flavors of the season. Burger says, “Once you hit the autumn time, you see more dark rums, bourbons and whiskeys. Negronis, Moscow mules, rum and Coke. Actually, a lot of people just enjoy liquor straight-up.”

Falk agrees, “Especially once it starts to get cold. Say you just got done shoveling your driveway. You sit down inside, take a sip of high-proof bourbon, and boom! You’re warm.”

For football tailgating or at-home home watch parties, try mixing up a batch of Bloody Marys with a selection of garnishes. A hot hard cider spiked with dark rum, ginger, and cinnamon can fight off the autumn chill, or spike some coffee or hot chocolate with Irish cream or peppermint schnapps.

Julie Dunlap & Sara Stotts

LCL Dining Spotlight: Mass Street

Restaurant Suggestions from the Staff

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY FERGOLA, MORGAN LONG AND SHANNON WARREN

Lawrence is packed with great restaurants. So many that we couldn’t fit them all into this one Food and Beverage issue. So, the Lawrence City Lifestyle staff decided to start a spotlight feature highlighting some of our favorite places.

This month, the focus is on Massachusetts Street. This area of Lawrence offers restaurants in just about any style, from pastries and burgers to fine dining. We decided to stick with some of our favorite sit-down dining spots.

The Eldridge House Grille

701 Massachusetts Street

There is something magical about entering the Eldridge Hotel. It’s like taking a step back in time. We like to start our visit with a cocktail in the Jayhawker Bar. Monte Parish, the bar and restaurant manager, is dedicated to perfecting the art of drink making and hospitality, making every pour magic. Some days, we choose a classic, like a gin and tonic. On others, we’ll pick something fun from the seasonal cocktail menu.

The Grille serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, breakfast on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. New chef Mark Jones brings almost two decades of experience in the Los Angeles area to

the kitchen, including training at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and creating food for the Oscars. His menu includes seasonal dishes highlighting everything from pasta and seafood to steaks, lamb chops, and porterhouse pork chops.

Here’s a secret: Word on the street says a new restaurant is coming soon to the Eldridge. Stay tuned. EldridgeHotel.com

Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar

814 Massachusetts Street

Our staff is full of pizza enthusiasts and Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar is one of our top picks. The atmosphere is rustic and friendly, with the wood-fired stone pizza oven being the center of attention. We love their Neapolitan-style pizzas. Try a Margherita pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce, house mozzarella and basil oil, or choose from a wide selection of specialty pizzas. The Mean Greens is a favorite, with local winter greens, shishito peppers, goat cheese and gruyere. The restaurant’s snack menu offers satisfying nibbles such as Arancini (deep-fried risotto balls) and Goat Cheese Croquettes. Oh, and don’t forget some gelato for dessert! Limestonepkb.com

TOP: The Eldridge House Grille

RIGHT: The Eldridge House Grille

LEFT: The Eldridge House Grille

Latchkey Deli

1035 Massachusetts Street

Sometimes, you just want a good sandwich, and the Latchkey Deli is an excellent place for one. You can pick what you want on your sandwich or just order one of their menu staples. The Hot Beef Louise is a favorite, with a rosemary and garlic rub on the beef, provolone cheese, and giardiniera pickles on the hoagie roll. They also offer egg, chicken and smoked trout salad sandwiches and the classic grilled cheese with tomato soup. We like to pair up our sandwich with one of their Italian Sodas, made with carbonated water, cream and flavored syrup, like blueberry, strawberry, cherry, peach, and many more. LatchkeyDeli.com

Sunflower Café and Pub

804 Massachusetts Street

Did you know the Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop has a café and pub inside? They serve breakfast all day and a full lunch and dinner menu. There is everything from smoothies and biscuits and gravy to burgers and curry chicken salad sandwiches. Plus, they have a full-service bar. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, so customers are comfortable wearing suits or sweats.

SunflowerOutdoorandBike.com

TOP: Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar

BOTTOM: Mass St. Fish House and Raw Bar

Mass St. Fish House and Raw Bar

719 Massachusetts Street

It’s not easy to find good seafood in the middle of the United States. Lucky for Lawrence, we have the Fish House. The restaurant focuses on a sustainable ocean-to-table experience featuring quality seafood paired with seasonal local ingredients. The raw bar offerings include snow crab, lobster tail, cocktail shrimp and oysters. Or you can choose an entrée like the pan-fried black cod, grilled scallops with Napa cabbage, spicy lobster pasta or traditional Mass fish and chips. For non-seafood diners, there is a mushroom-rubbed Angus ribeye. The atmosphere is relaxing and as fresh as the seafood. MassFishHouse.com

See more photos at Citylifestyle.com/lawrenceks.

TOP: Mass St. Fish House and Raw Bar

RIGHT: Sunflower Café and Pub

BOTTOM: Latchkey Deli

The Next Generation of Chefs

ARTICLE BY MELINDA BRISCOE

BY KRISTOL KUMAR

CULINARY CLASSES AT LAWRENCE COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER PREPARE TEENS FOR THE FUTURE

Step into David Weakly’s culinary classes at Lawrence College and Career Center (2910 Haskell Ave), and you will see a relaxed atmosphere with both desks and living room furniture. Two glass garage doors separate the classroom from the commons area. On one, you see stenciled in large black letters “Imagine.”

Most of the eight students in this class attend one of the public high schools in Lawrence, yet take some of their courses at the LCCC. The center is part of Lawrence Public Schools and was created for students in grades 11 and 12 to give them hands-on learning experiences in preparation for their futures. A couple of the culinary students attend classes full-time at Lawrence College and Career Academy at the center.

This Advanced Culinary class is part of the Hospitality and Tourism area of study, which also includes courses in Baking and Pastry, Food Science, and Event Planning and Management. Weakly is teaching them the importance of food temperatures, shooting out questions like, “What is the proper temp for cooked chicken?” and “Tell me the temperature danger zone when it comes to food.” Eventually, one student answered the first question correctly: 165 degrees Fahrenheit. But everyone seems to struggle with the second.

“The answer, class, is between 41 and 140 degrees. And you will need to know that for the test,” Weakly says.

Pens scribble the newfound knowledge in notebooks.

Like most teachers, Weakly has to be an instructor, coach, motivational speaker, and disciplinarian. But he relishes the challenge because he knows a

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chef David Weakly teaches the Advanced Culinary class at Lawrence College and Career Center

little of each goes a long way. His Culinary 1 (Food Science) class learns the basics and prepares them to become certified food handlers. This Culinary 2 class is more advanced. Their work is less classroom and more test kitchen. They learn everything from how to properly steel a knife to utilizing a tilt-top skillet. After successfully completing Culinary 2, they will know how to cook with specialized equipment like a Convetherm Oven.

“Students who work in this kitchen have to wear hairnets, plastic gloves, and aprons, just as they would in a commercial kitchen,” Weakly explains. “We want them to be prepared no matter if they go on to work in a fast-food environment or if they choose to go onto the culinary program at a college like Johnson County Community College.”

Some of his students are interested in pursuing the chef route. Others just want to learn more about food preparation because they enjoy cooking.

“I like to cook and serve food,” says Breanna Blevins, a Free State High School senior. “My favorite dishes to cook are pastas, like chicken alfredo. Also, I like cooking a potato pasta called gnocchi. It’s kind of doughy and good.”

Weakly comes from a long background of working in kitchens on all levels, from being a prep cook to head chef in commercial and institutional settings. However, it is obvious that using his wealth of knowledge to teach the next generation is a true passion.

At the end of the day on a Friday, he firmly reminds his charges, “I know you don’t want to flunk this class. I’m going to give you everything you need to succeed, but you have to want it. Apply yourself.”

“I’m going to give you everything you need to succeed, but you have to want it. Apply yourself.”

DIGNITY PRESERVED

ARTICLE BY MELINDA BRISCOE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY FERGOLA

The Programs Offered by Just Food give Clients Choices while Diminishing Food Waste

Let it never be said that Just Food is a one-trick pony.

Yes, they run a food pantry at 1000 E. 11th Street. However, they also have plenty of community outreach. Their Cruising Cupboard is a mobile pantry that visits outlying areas in Douglas County, such as Baldwin City and Eudora. They have a new commercial kitchen called the Chop Shop, which turns blemished food into ready-to-go meals. And they have a scaled-down version of their pantry called the Care Cupboard. Located at 1312 W. 6th Street, it shares space in the same building as Heartland Health and runs in conjunction with that organization.

Back at the 11th Street location, plenty is going on. Over the past couple of years, the pantry space has expanded four times the size of pre-pandemic.

“That was actually a positive side effect of Covid, was that we qualified for government funding that otherwise wouldn’t have existed,” explains Just Food manager Aundrea Walker. “We were able to make the area much more spacious, so our clients’ experience is much better.”

And that is one of the wonderful things about Just Food: Instead of handing out a box of random items, as food pantries in some other towns do, they want folks to go shopping at their facility to select the items they need

and place them in their basket, as they peruse the shelves and cabinets. There are several advantages to this business model. It cuts down on the potential for food waste when someone selects people’s groceries with no input as to what they need. It allows people not to feel that a handout is being given but acknowledges their personhood. Dignity is preserved.

“And we don’t feel like we should tell people what to eat. They can make those decisions for themselves,” Walker adds.

The ready-to-eat meals created by the staff at their Chop Shop are available at the pantries. Sometimes, people don’t have time to prepare a meal, so these pre-made options are an easy way to get a nutritious meal. Recipes are also available to those interested in new dishes to cook.

Just Food simply wants to continue its mission to assist the community using dignified policies and procedures that make the whole experience of visiting a food pantry a positive one. Jackie Becker, board president, elaborates, “We’re not about giving people a box of food. People can shop in the pantry or have one of our volunteers shop for them. We’ll drop off your food at your doorstep. We bring food to schools. All the programs are about giving people a choice.”

How to Support Just Food

1 |

Volunteer: Help fill the pantry shelves. Be a part of the repack team by helping with the ready-to-eat meals at the Chop Shop. Work on the Cruising Cupboard mobile pantry. Gather friends and family and hit the streets distributing door hangers to spread the word about Just Food services.

2 |

Donate: Every dollar given to Just Food provides the equivalent of five meals for families in need. Donations are tax-deductible.

3 |

Donate food and cooking tools.

4 |

Host a food or fund drive.

5 | Attend Just Food fundraising events throughout the year.

For more details, go to JustFoodKS.org

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A SHOW TO SUPPORT KANSAS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KBBBS

FASHION FOR A CAUSE

Local celebrities will once again hit the fashion runway this month to not only show off the latest clothing styles but also to raise money for an important cause. The Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Fashion Show will take place this year at the Jayhawk Club on October 20th. The funds raised will help support the organization’s mission to ignite the power and promise of youth through mentorship.

“We get local Lawrence celebrities to model the clothing,” says Jeffry Jack, KSBBBS Northeast Area Director. “And they’re wearing clothes from small, locally owned businesses. We’re not reaching out to the big-box retailers or to big designers. We’re not hiring professional models. We’re using local people that are known in the community.”

This year, ten retailers will present four outfits each on the catwalk. Also, Rightfully Sewn, a non-profit out of Kansas City that empowers individuals through seamstress training, will present two outfits. Some of the local personalities already signed on to model include

four Kansas University athletes from the football, basketball and volleyball programs, City Commissioner Amber Sellers, and BBBS board member Kristi Keefer with Farmers Insurance, who brought the idea of a fashion show fundraiser to the organization from her own nonprofit, Cooper’s Cause. Kevin Romary and Audra Fussell will serve as masters of ceremony.

When the doors open at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy food, drinks, and conversations while perusing the silent auction items. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

“You know, real fashion shows don’t last more than about ten minutes,” notes Jack. “Ours last longer than that because we have 42 outfits. About a third of the way through there will be an intermission. During the intermission, will have one or two live auction items just for fun. We’re also going to have a raffle. And there will be some other entertainment-type things going on to give people a chance to take a break.”

Taylor LaRue of McGrew Real Estate is organizing this year’s event, which looks to be a sellout. However, the silent auction is open to the public online. It will begin one week before the fashion show on October 13th, and anyone can bid. Just go to https://handbid.app.link/ BigShow23 .

Jack says, “In the past, we’ve tried to have different events, and it’s really hard to differentiate yourself.  There are so many good nonprofits in Lawrence. The beauty of this event is it is different than anything else. So, our goal is for people to have fun and support a good cause, That’s really what it’s about.”

Daryl Bell at the 2022 Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Fashion Show.

Joni Alexander walks the runway at last year's fashion show.

Sophie Lamb shows off a casual look at last year’s event.

A Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Check Out These Local Halloween Events-And Win a Prize!

Life is about to get eerie in Lawrence. Throughout October, there are numerous Halloween-themed activities going on for a whole family of ghouls and goblins, and Lawrence City Lifestyle wants to make the season even more fun! We’re hosting a Spooky Scavenger Hunt this month, with a prize drawing for one lucky reader!

Just go to one of the events on this list to pick up your scavenger hunt card. Then visit the others and get your card stamped. Once you get at least six stamps, send your card to the address listed on the card. Then, on November 5th, we’ll draw one winner for a special prize package of goodies.

Here are the places where you can get your screams and stamps!

HALLOWEEN AT THE WATKINS

Watkins Museum of History

1047 Massachusetts St.

October 31st from 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Halloween, the ghost of J. B. Watkins haunts the museum, and kids must track him throughout the building using a sheet with clues! When they hand the sheet in, they get a prize.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LOCATIONS (ZOMBIE WALK-HALEY FLEISNER)

THE ELDRIDGE HOTEL

701 Massachusetts Street

Known as the most haunted building in Lawrence, The Eldridge Hotel has a notebook full of ghostly sightings by employees and guests. Elevators open and close on their own, perhaps thanks to the original owner, Col. Eldridge, roaming the halls. The fifth floor is said to have the most paranormal activity, and people have seen four ladies in 1800s clothing playing cards in room 506. This Halloween, stop in for a Halloweenthemed cocktail at the Jayhawker Bar and let the kids add to their candy haul while trick-or-treating downtown.

16TH ANNUAL LAWRENCE ZOMBIE WALK

South Park Gazebo

October 19th at 6 p.m.

Join the walking dead at this free longtime city tradition presented by The Granada and 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Activities this year include make-up and blood bath stations, professional photo opportunities, and a costume contest. Donations and proceeds will benefit the Lawrence Humane Society. The walk will start at sundown. https://www.facebook.com/ events/672747554735691

GHOSTING LAWRENCE: A THEATRICAL TOUR OF DOWNTOWN HAUNTS

October 25th-30th, 7 and 9 p.m.

Lawrence Arts Center

940 New Hampshire Street

Join Ric Averill on a tour of haunted Downtown Lawrence locations, assisted by spirits dancing, playing and singing their way through the city’s eerie history. Both walking ($40) and trolley ($50) tours are available. For more details, visit lawrenceartscenter.org/event/ghosting-lawrence-a-theatrical-tour-of-downtown-haunts-4/

PENDLETON’S PUMPKIN PATCH

Open all of October

1446 E. 1850 Road

Go on a family pumpkin hunt at Pendleton’s. They grow several varieties of specialty pumpkins to go with their jacko-lantern pumpkins. To learn more, visit Pendletons.com

GARRETT’S HAUNTED FARM

1387 E. 1650 Road

September 28th through O16ctober 31st

Garrett’s Haunted Farm offers the full autumn experience for all ages. Youngsters can pick out a pumpkin from the patch, jump in the bounce house, get their faces painted, explore mazes, and swim in a huge corn pool. Everyone else can go on a zombie paintball hunt at night, trying to shoot the walking dead before they get you! More information and ticket sales can be found at GarrettsHauntedFarm.com

HALLOWEEN PAINT-IN

Downtown Lawrence

October 14th, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation and the Lawrence Breakfast Optimists Club will host the 50th annual Halloween Paint-In, when anyone in third grade and older can decorate Downtown Lawrence with their original artwork. You will need to register and submit your design ahead of time. Go to lawrenceks.org for more details.

LAWRENCE HUMANE SOCIETY DOGTOBERFEST

Venue 1235

1235 N. Third Street

October 21st

Dress your dog in their best costume for Dogtoberfest—you might win a prize! The dog-friendly evening will feature tasty drinks, food trucks, raffle prizes and more. Lawrencehumane.org

LIBRARY TRICK-OR-TREATING

Lawrence Public Library

October 31st, 4-6 p.m.

Bring your costumed youngsters to the library, where they’ll follow the friendly ghosts to find special treats. Lplks.org

Kitchen Trends

Local Construction Company Answers Questions About What’s Popular in Kitchen Designs

Home design trends come and go. That also applies to kitchens. We asked A-Team Custom Construction project manager D.J. Jacobsen what’s trending here in Lawrence kitchens.

Q: AS YOU RENOVATED KITCHENS FOR CLIENTS IN THE PAST YEAR OR SO, WHAT OVERALL TRENDS HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE LAYOUT OF KITCHENS?

A: Open floor plans are still very popular. Open kitchens with multiple islands.

Q: WHAT'S POPULAR IN FLOORING?

A: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring is by far the most popular.

Q: ARE THEY PUTTING THE SAME FLOORING THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE OR USING SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THE KITCHEN?

A: Since most newer homes are open layouts, the flooring goes throughout.

Even when a home is not an open layout, homeowners are converting to the same flooring throughout the home.

Q: CABINET COLOR AND STYLES: ARE WE FINALLY GETTING AWAY FROM WHITE CABINETS?

A: Gray is becoming the most popular color, but we are still seeing a lot of white cabinets.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE TWO-COLOR CABINETS, WITH THE LOWER ONES A DIFFERENT COLOR THAN THE UPPERS?

A: Two-tone has also become very popular recently.

Q: ARE KITCHEN ISLANDS BEING DESIGNED TO STAND OUT FROM THE REST OF THE CABINETS OR BLEND IN?

A: Islands are being designed to stand out.

Q: WHAT'S THE POPULAR COUNTERTOP?

A: White Calacatta quartz. (Looks like marble but stronger and easier to maintain.)

Q: ARE YOU SEEING ANY NEW BUILT-IN KITCHEN APPLIANCES?

A: We have had built-ins in the last four kitchens we have done. Built-in ice makers, beverage refrigerators, and dishwashers to name a few. Espresso machines and coffee bars are wildly popular. We are seeing a trend of specific sections designed for specific purposes as well. Those sections vary widely depending on what the homeowners’ tastes and likes are.

Q: ARE THERE ANY OTHER TRENDS IN KITCHENS THAT YOU'RE SEEING?

A: Pot fillers, open sinks, shaker doors, flat trim, and more canned lighting so there are fewer fixtures.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY A-TEAM CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION

MEET THE MAKERS

GET TO KNOW ARTISTS FROM ART LOVE COLLECTIVE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLIE BLAKENEY

LAURA ROBERSON

Roberson, the owner and designer at •muse clay designs•, skillfully merges abstract art and whimsical design to craft unique polymer clay creations. •muse• hosts earring design events, providing an ideal platform for individuals to nurture their creative potential. Her work is available locally at Art Love Collective.

MONIQUE MERCURIO

Urban bead artist, Monique Mercurio (Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation) has been taught many techniques by the Matriarchs of their family. They currently have a studio downtown where they offer workshops to the public and community space for other reconnecting Natives. You can find their work on IG/FB @MercTribe_Designs or in person at Art Love Collective.

MORGAN LONG

Originally from Topeka, Morgan spends her time cultivating a successful art and photography career. She loves creating largescale commissions and murals, and her colorful, graphic paintings add joy to any room. See her art at Art Love Collective and on FB/IG @Morgan Celeste Art, and her photography on FB @MCPhotography and IG @MorganCelestePhotos.

HOLLIE BLAKENEY

Mixed media artist Hollie Blakeney creates colorful, layered 2D and 3D mixed media statement pieces for homes, hospitality, and commercial spaces. She loves working with clients to create the perfect piece for their environment. You can see her work at Art Love Lawrence, at  HollieBArtAndDesign.com , and on FB/IG @HollieBlakeneyArt.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 7TH

Kaw Valley Farm Tour

VARIOUS LOCATIONS | 9:00 AM

Visit 30-plus family farms, wineries and vineyards on the self-guided Kaw Valley tour. It takes place on October 7th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October 8th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be opportunities to see how your food and fiber are produced firsthand. Tickets are $10 per carload. KawValleyFarmTour.org

OCTOBER 7TH

River Bottoms Fall Fest

SHIRK’S HISTORICAL BARN |

10:00 AM

This annual arts and crafts festival takes place just outside of North Lawrence in the river bottoms. (1359 N 1900 Rd.) Come shop a wide variety of artisans, crafters and homemade goods. This is a rain or shine event and admission is free.

OCTOBER 13TH

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”

LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER | 6:00 PM

Get ready for a musical experience, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is a perfect way to introduce young people to the theatre. October 13 @ 6:00 pm - October 22 @ 4:00 pm. LawrenceArtsCenter.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LawrenceKS

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH

BY KRISTOL KUMAR

Uplift at The Booth

LOCAL COFFEE SHOP BRINGS WARM DRINKS TO KU FOOTBALL FANS

Uplift Coffee Shop has served customers coffee drinks and hot chocolate since 2020, first at their Second Street location and then at their shop on Sixth Street. Now, fans cheering on the KU football team at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium can enjoy their favorite drinks at the game.

On game days, the Uplift coffee truck will be on The Hill, and the shop also has a concessions stand at Section 11 inside the stadium. Along with the beverages, they will serve desserts at night games and pastries for daytime kickoffs. UpliftCoffeeShop.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Lawrence, Kansas.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from August 2023. Source: Lawrence MLS.