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October is our food and drink issue, and as I prepared this issue for you, I was reminded of how food can hold such memories for so many of us. While it is meant for nourishment, the nostalgia of certain dishes prepared for holidays and with loved ones can evoke strong memories and connections to our past. The aromas and flavors coming from the kitchen can bring me right back to childhood days of sitting at my mother’s or grandmother’s table.
I also think it can be so beneficial to teach competency and even the love of cooking to our children. When my kids were little, one of my boys struggled with both fine and gross motor skills in his early elementary years. Both of his brothers excelled at everything while he had to work hard at basic things. HIs confidence started to decline as he watched his siblings master things easily while things were a little more difficult for him. I was given such great advice from a family friend to teach this child something unique that his brothers weren’t “experts” in so that it could start to build confidence. She suggested starting with something simple like making pancakes for breakfast for the family. I thought it was a great idea, so I began to teach my son the basics of making pancakes and while at the beginning it was messy, and the measurements and pancakes were not perfect, he was so proud of what he made. After getting praise from his family for a delicious breakfast, he wanted to make pancakes for everyone every weekend. As time went on, he started to take requests for add-in ingredients like chocolate chips, berries or cinnamon swirl, and the confidence he built from being the master of the pancake griddle was just what he needed. He moved on to other baked goods and then on to meals and loved getting the praise from his dad and siblings.
As simple as it was, giving him something that he could master that his siblings didn’t do built the confidence he needed as a young child that he could do things. It also instilled a lifelong love of cooking, and as he got older, his first choice electives in middle school and high school were baking and cooking classes and he still loves to cook to this day. He eventually caught up to his brothers and peers with fine and gross motor skills during those elementary years, and while he probably doesn’t even remember that he struggled with it so much when he was really young, I truly believe that teaching him how to do something unique that he could be an expert in helped him not to be so hard on himself.
Food has the power to bring people together as we gather for meals and share special times together. The kitchen table is often where conversations happen with family or friends. Whether you are preparing a meal at home or enjoying one of the many amazing restaurants in our city, I hope you are able to share it with someone you love.
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Jamie Segall, Lauren Powers, Jenny Vergara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Anna Petrow
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1-6: The unique collaboration between Quixotic and Friends of the Arboretum astounded guests at the Overland Park Arboretum n a wild visual journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance uniting live music, dance, aerial acrobatics and more.
Dress up in your favorite costume for a night of spooktacular fun at The Night at the Living Farm at Deanna Rose Farmstead.Festivities include scary and non-scary hayrides, stone Lion Puppet Theater, pirate ship races, spooky experiments with Mad Science, superhero obstacle course, dance with a princess in the Pavilion, scarecrow maze, skeleton petting zoo, pumpkin Walk to explore with flashlights, DJ Dance Party and fireside marshmallow roast. For more information visit https://artsandrec-op.org/
Take a horse-drawn hayride down to Pumpkin Hollow, all month long in October. Climb up our hay pyramid and go down the giant slide, make your way through the spider web maze, drive your pedal car down Orrin's Country Road, scare the crows away at Slingshot Alley, climb with a goat in our Kidz Corral, and enjoy other old-fashioned games and activities before picking your pumpkin to take home. For tickets visit https://artsandrec-op.org/ farmstead/pumpkin-hollow/
Photography by Bentley Mahakijkittichai
Gomer’s offers a wide range of spirits for you to choose from including bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and beyond. Whether you’re having friends over for a cocktail party, planning for a wedding reception, or simply looking for a new bottle to add to your collection, stop by Gomer’s.
Park Place in Leawood has four exciting new additions that are bringing fresh flavors and unique experiences to the community. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a romantic dinner or a wellness retreat, there’s something for everyone at Park Place.
A beloved name in Kansas City’s culinary scene, Aixois brings its classic French bistro experience to Park Place. Known for its beautiful outdoor patio and intimate dining room, Aixois is perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to elegant dinners. Chef Emmanuel Langlade, a native of Aixen-Provence, offers a menu inspired by the fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients of his homeland. His dedication to quality is evident in every dish, with local farmers, butchers and bakers contributing to the authentic French flavors that have made Aixois a favorite for over two decades.
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If you’re on the hunt for authentic Nashville hot chicken, look no further than Mother Clucker! From their signature fried chicken to crinkle fries, fried pickles and over-the-top shakes, they bring the heart of Nashville straight to Leawood. It’s the perfect place to indulge in some Southern comfort food with a fiery twist. Aqua Penny’s is a reimagined coastal seafood and raw oyster bar that is making waves with its upscale menu. Specializing in fresh fish flown in daily, they offer dishes like scallop and oyster tartare, miso-marinated sea bass and impressive seafood towers. The raw oyster bar is a highlight, featuring oysters sourced from the east and west coasts, as well as British Columbia. For those who crave more than seafood, hand-cut steaks are also on the menu for a well-rounded dining experience. Just in time for cooler temps, Perspire Sauna Studio recently opened its doors, offering a personalized wellness experience by combining the traditional practice of saunas with modern infrared and red light therapy. Whether you’re looking to detox, burn calories, recover faster or simply relax, Perspire’s customized sessions cater to individual needs. There are options for personalized sessions or memberships for ongoing holistic wellness.
As the fall season approaches, Park Place is preparing for a series of events that will lead you right into the heart of the winter holidays. The Holiday Season Premiere is November 23rd, marking the official start of the festive season at Park Place. This features shopping sales, ice skating and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa, who will make his grand entrance on the ice—plus, keep an eye out for the Grinch!
Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a romantic dinner or a wellness retreat, there’s something for everyone at Park Place.
Saturdays with Santa also start on November 23rd and continue every Saturday through December 21st. Bring the kids to visit Santa to get into the holiday spirit! Shop Small Saturday is November 30th. Support local businesses and enjoy a cozy day of shopping at Park Place. Lastly, the Santa Run 5K is on Sunday, December 15th. Get active with this festive event that combines fitness and fun for the whole family.
Park Place is located at the northeast corner of 117th and Nall in Leawood. For more information and directions, visit parkplaceleawood.com.
Apparel / Accessories / Shoes
Alysa Rene Boutique
Outta the Blue Panache Chocolatier Plate
Bella Bridesmaids
Geno’s Mens Clothiers
Moshiri Jewelry
Owen & Graham
Tom Tivol Jewels
Home / Flowers
Engel & Völkers
Flowers by Emily
Maison de Marnie
Pink Antlers
Restaurants / Food Specialty
801 Chophouse
Aixois Bistro
Aqua Penny’s
Bamboo Penny’s
Bru ú Café
Ice Cream Bae
Mother Clucker!
RA Sushi
Session Taco Verdigris
Entertainment
Barkley Square / The Ice
Breakout KC
Creative Culture
Health / Beauty
Bar Method
Bare Med Spa
Everyday Beaut
The Gents Place
MassageLuXe
Mon Cheri Nail Salon
Perspire Sauna Studio
The Smile Line Studio
Timothy Weber: A Hair Salon
Upgrade Fitness
Hotel
Aloft LeawoodOverland Park
ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, located in Mission Farms is a restaurant that centers its experience on quick, healthy options paired with thoughtful cuisine. We all know finding healthy menu items that are actually delicious can be hard to do. Enjoy Pure Food + Drink provides food, beverages, and atmosphere that tends to the whole self and provides health benefits along with flavors to savor - all with a brand promise to nourish customers’ minds bodies and spirits with every meal. Staci Cross, founder of Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, shared that upholding this mission is paramount in what they do every day and in the food they serve. “Every bite should provide sound nutrition. Our staff culture exudes a joy and kindness that seeks to serve from the heart,” said Staci.
“EVERY BITE SHOULD PROVIDE SOUND nutrition.
A joy AND kindness THAT SEEKS TO SERVE FROM THE heart.”
With organic produce, high quality protein – either wild-caught, sustainably farmed, or humanely raised, the freshness of the food is apparent and tasted in every bite. And with the fall and winter season upon us, Enjoy Food Drink’s menu offering of warm bowls is a unique option in the fast-casual health dining scene and something Staci noticed was lacking in most casual restaurants. “When people think of healthy food, some may think of boring salads, or cold veggies. And frankly, it is not easy to find nutritious warm meals at restaurants that are considered healthy. Especially when people are on the go, a warm bowl with lots of healthy ingredients like wild-caught salmon, brown rice, sauteed organic vegetables in a culinary-based sauce is so much more satisfying than a sandwich or salad,” Staci said.
And boy was Staci right, customers were searching for this option. They love the bowls and order them more than any other item on the menu. There is so much variety with eight warm bowls on the menu. With vegan, vegetarian, and keto-options available the variety is endless and all include healthy, organic vegetables, which are always a fan-favorite. Beyond the fresh ingredients, Staci even gave us some intel on what makes these bowls so uniquely delicious – it is the homemade sauces crafted special for each individual bowl! “The sauces really make the bowls a culinary treat which you don’t always find at fast-casual restaurants; sauces like ginger-miso, citrus-vinaigrette, chipotle glaze, miso-mayo, and a lemony-garlic “mojo” sauce, just to name drop a few,” said Staci.
While you can find these warm bowls all year round, there is one seasonal bowl that deserves a nod, and that is the “Terra Bella” which is a layered vegan lasagna with marinara, homemade cashew cream cheese, grilled zucchini, and eggplant.
If your mouth is now watering, you are in luck because it is in season during the fall and winter months!
So next time you are looking for a local spot to eat that will leave you satisfied and fueled, think Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. The thoughtful culinary approach ensures that even with a busy schedule, you can effortlessly maintain a wellrounded and health-conscious lifestyle. Stop in and nourish both the body and mind with wholesome meals that fit seamlessly into your on-the-go life.
Learn more at: enjoypurefood.com or see what the team is cooking up on Instagram @enjoypurefood
ARTICLE BY HOLLY TWADDELL
The Horsefeather is sweet 'with a little heat' cocktail that is perfect for anyone! The Horsefeather is a midwestern whiskey-based twist on the classic moscow mule. Let’s talk about this KC favorite, how it became what it is today, and how to easily mix up your own. So where does this Kansas City cocktail story start? Most mixologists agree it is from a combination of three origin stories:
There was a recipe published in The Kansas City Journal in 1898, that called for the refresher mix of “cracked ice, a peel of lemon, a jig of whiskey, and a dash of orange bitters.” Then in 1991 a book by Gary Regan’s “The Bartender’s Bible” has details of a blended whiskey-based “Horse Feathers” but not the modern-day recipe we have all come to love. Out of all the stories, the most mentioned is the one based out of Lawrence, Kansas from the Paradise Café, a small meetup spot of
the 90's. They say that the bar decided to add Old Overholt Rye whiskey to Regan’s Horse Feathers, which was then the recipe that followed its bartenders to new scenes all over the metro, and it quickly became a local favorite.
The Horsefeather is a perfect balance of fun flavors. You get the warmth and richness of whiskey, the spice heat from ginger beer, and a hint of citrus from a squeeze of lemon. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and refreshing for any occasion. The dashes of bitters add a layer of complexity and ties everything together. It’s a drink that keeps you coming back for more. Take a trip downtown to visit the West Bottoms Distillery Co. to enjoy a Horsefeather cocktail. They make some of the best award-winning Kansas City-style whiskey around.
Ingredients
• 2 oz of Rye whiskey (bourbon for sweeter)
• Ginger beer (to top off)
• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• A squeeze of lemon (about a quarter of a lemon)
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice.
3. Add Angostura bitters.
4. Squeeze in the lemon, then drop it into the glass.
5. Top off with ginger beer.
6. Stir and serve
Tips
• Use a high-quality ginger beer for the best flavor. The spicier, the better.
• Experiment with the amounts of lemon to find your perfect balance of citrus. A highball glass is traditional, but feel free to use whatever glass you have.
• Head downtown and order your next Horsefeather at the West Bottoms Distillery. They always mix up great pours.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS
As the temperatures drop and the festive spirit fills the air, Chicken N Pickle invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season at their North Kansas City and South Johnson County locations. This year, visitors can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with unique holiday-themed activities, cozy igloos, and more, making it the perfect destination for family gatherings, date nights, and holiday celebrations.
Both Chicken N Pickle locations will feature their popular Holiday Hideaway, a pop-up holiday bar designed to transport you to a cozy lodge with summit views and outdoor fire pits. This 21+ experience offers a selection of ten festive cocktails, alongside beer, wine, and liquor, creating the perfect atmosphere for adults to sip and savor the season.
For those seeking a more intimate setting, the Igloo Experience is a must-try. These private, lightly heated igloos can be reserved online for a two-hour session, providing seating for up to eight guests. Each igloo is decked out in holiday cheer, complete with nostalgic games, warm blankets, and the option to play your favorite holiday tunes. North Kansas City offers two unique igloo themes—The Rustic Retreat and Snowflake Lounge—while Overland Park dazzles with the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Glam igloos.
Exclusively at the Overland Park location, visitors can enjoy the thrill of ice skating. The ice rink is set to open in mid-November and will be available through January, weather permitting. The rink will host various events throughout the season, so be sure to follow Chicken N Pickle on social media to stay updated on all the festive happenings. The best part? No reservations are needed for ice skating—just lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit.
Chicken N Pickle’s culinary team has crafted a special holiday menu that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Indulge in the Pear Necessities, a new fall/winter cocktail featuring Espolon Reposado, PAMA, lime, orange juice, and Fresh Victor Cactus Pear & Pomegranate. For something with a bit more spice, try the Yippie Chai Yay, a blend of Horse Soldier Bourbon, Amaro, Maple Chai Tea, and lemonade. And for those enjoying the Holiday Hideaway, don’t miss out on the build-your-own hot chocolate bar, which can be spiked for an extra festive touch.
At Chicken N Pickle, the holiday season is all about bringing people together, whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or colleagues. On December 15th, families can enjoy a special Brunch with Santa, where kids can meet the man in red while parents savor a delicious meal. For those with a competitive spirit, don your ugliest sweater and join in the Ugly Sweater Pickleball Tournament in December, or gather your friends for the Friendsgiving Pickleball Tournament in November.
In addition to these festive events, Chicken N Pickle is dedicated to giving back to the community. Throughout the winter season, they will host numerous giveback nights and charity events, with 10% of purchases benefiting local nonprofit groups. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season of giving while enjoying all that Chicken N Pickle has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large holiday party, Chicken N Pickle has you covered. Their spacious venues, equipped with both indoor and outdoor areas, are perfect for groups of all sizes. With a dedicated event staff ready to handle all the details, you can focus on enjoying the festivities without the stress of planning.
Transforming their venues into a winter wonderland is no small feat, but the Chicken N Pickle team is up to the task. From carefully curated igloo themes to handcrafted specialty cocktails, every detail is designed to enhance your holiday experience.
Chicken N Pickle is more than just a place to play pickleball—it's a destination where holiday memories are made. Whether you’re skating under the stars, sipping hot chocolate in a cozy igloo, or enjoying a holiday-themed cocktail at the Holiday Hideaway, there’s something for everyone at this unique entertainment complex.
To learn more about the holiday events or to make reservations, visit chickennpickle.com. Follow them on social media for the latest updates: @chickennpickleNKC for the North Kansas City location and @chickennpickleSOP for the Overland Park location. Reservations for the Holiday Hideaway go live on November 8th, so be sure to book your spot early.
This holiday season, gather your loved ones and head to Chicken N Pickle, where the joy of the season comes to life in the most delightful ways.
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
Scratch Gourmet Kitchen has undergone a remarkable transformation since the restaurant's grand opening. What began as a pandemic-era project has rapidly grown into one of Kansas City’s premier dining and catering experiences.
“As we have continued to grow and develop out of an initial Covid opening, Scratch has begun to imprint itself as a best-in-class restaurant and premier catering company in the Kansas City area.”
Tyler Morrison is the owner and founder.
“In July of 2023, Scratch evolved into a destination casual fine dining restaurant focused on creating memorable moments for our guests with a service-forward, small dining approach,” says Morrison. “As we have continued to grow and develop out of an initial Covid opening, Scratch has begun to imprint itself as a best-in-class restaurant and premier catering company in the Kansas City area. Fifteen months later, we now find ourselves fully booked on weekends for both the catering side of our business and the restaurant dining experience. We now have our eyes set on finding a new location to expand the business so that we can continue to grow and serve our loyal customers, as well as the new ones we meet daily.”
As autumn sets in, Scratch’s menu is embracing the season with a creative and ever-changing lineup. The fall offerings will highlight ingredients inspired by local harvests.
“Our menu is constantly changing, which makes working at Scratch so much fun. We get to be creative and inventive while providing new and unique tastes for our guests. This fall will feature a lot of ingredients based on local harvests such as local squashes and gourds, fresh fall corn, and honeycomb from our family-owned farm in central Kansas. The menu will be centered around the idea of providing our guests with elevated comfort food for a fun transition into Kansas City's colorful, cool fall. Each week, Chef Taylor will debut a new weekly chef special that allows him to play with so many fun colors and ingredients.
“Our new fall cocktail program is a culmination of our mixologists' deep love of bourbon, excitement for the upcoming holiday season, and rooted history within speakeasies on the West Coast over the last 15 years. We will debut a curated collection of bourbons from unique, hidden gems to highly allocated, sought-after collector's items. The cocktails will feature new playful techniques, such as the use of smoking bubble guns, seasonal fall infusions made in-house, and riffs off of classic holiday desserts that might just rival your grandma’s best baked goods! We’re really excited to showcase our new menu to appeal not only to the seasoned cocktail aficionado but also to introduce newcomers to an array of interesting spirits and cocktails in an imaginative way that’ll entice you to keep coming back to experience each new release.”
2024 has been an extraordinary year for Scratch, marked by a 175% growth in business and recognition from prestigious institutions. Scratch was honored with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a global accolade that places it among just seven local restaurants to receive this distinction. Additionally, the restaurant earned OpenTable’s 2024 Diner’s Choice Award for outstanding food and service.
“Each week we sit down with our wine distributor reps (hint—stop by on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. if you want to taste some wine) to go through different wine allocations in the state and taste new vintages. We carry over 55 wines by the glass and 160 unique labels on our wine menu. Each week, after tasting the wines, we select a few and try them out through different avenues. I have a 'Tyler's pick of the week,' where we put out a new wine each week at a special glass and bottle price to gauge our guests' interest in the wine. We also host two five-course wine pairing dinners a month, where we invite the winemaker or national representative of the winery to fly to Kansas City to co-host the dinners with us. Both of these are great ways for us to learn about more wines and create a unique selection to offer on our wine list.”
“We now have our eyes set on finding a new location to expand the business so that we can continue to grow and serve our loyal customers, as well as the new ones we meet daily.”
This year, Scratch is more prepared than ever for the season, having started planning its holiday menu back in March to ensure an exceptional experience for all guests.
“Fall is the best time of the year for dining al fresco at Scratch. We have a beautiful view from our patio that allows guests to enjoy the changing colors outdoors. Our patio is covered with heaters and custom blankets that provide great warmth to our guests while they dine. We are even more excited to be gearing up for the
holiday season. From large galas to corporate and social holiday parties, it's really a fun and busy time of the year for our team. This year, we are the most prepared we've ever been for the holiday season. We started planning the holiday season menu in March to create an exceptional product for our guests.”
Scratch Gourmet Kitchen is located at 3939 W 69th Terrace in Prairie Village. For more information, visit scratchgourmet.com
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread.
LEE'S SUMMIT (816) 434-5103
LENEXA (913) 735-3778
OVERLAND PARK (913) 766-1638
PARKVILLE (816) 621-3333
PRAIRIE VILLAGE (913) 232-7237
BROOKSIDE (816) 298-6992
Kara Kersten Design Renovations | Furnishings New Construction Design
karakerstendesign.com V @karakerstendesign infokarakerstendesign@gmail.com
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Chef Celina Tio is going back to her fine dining roots with the opening of Ground Control, her 20-seat tasting room, created to highlight a wide variety of cocktails made from her new spirits label, ANNX Spirits Co. and located in the newly remodeled lower level of the building where Tio also operates The Belfry and Gerard’s Pool Hall at 15th and Grand Boulevard.
The bar is intimate and just quiet enough to hold a conversation. It features white and deep blue painted walls with framed pictures of the artwork found on the ANNX Spirits Co. labels. A gorgeous live edge wood table floats in the middle of the room with high top tables with mid-century modern dark wood chairs scattered throughout. An elegant bar frames a colorful picture of David Bowie, who hangs in a place of honor directly behind it.
At Ground Control, named after David Bowie’s song Space Oddity, guests can enjoy a curated collection of cocktails made by bartender, John Phelps, with Tio’s own Moon Age bourbon whiskey, Boat House gin, 600 Acre vodka and Collection blended straight whiskey along with a menu featuring a handful of luxe small plates. There is also some mezcal and rum drinks on the menu, and a small list of quality wines by the bottle also available.
The current menu has a handful of dishes created by Tio personally, designed to complement the selection of cocktails. The $140 caviar plate features 30 grams of Osetra Molossal caviar, served with blinis and traditional garnishes. She is also serving her famous crab cakes, a roasted cauliflower with an English pea purée and white bean ragu, thick and tasty clam chowder and a wagyu smash burger.
“I wanted to get back to creating menus that come from a specific event. Sometimes it’s a trip, sometimes an ingredient I see, or a single wine,” explains Tio.
Additionally, she has also been quietly offering on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, a 5-course tasting menu for $120 per person (not including tax or tip) with drink pairings, that Tio is hosting and cooking herself with help from her pastry chef and general manager, Darius Thompson.
“For those who have missed the “finer side” of my food, these limited and intimate evenings are just what you’ve been looking for,” says Tio.
Those that only know Tio for The Belfry, might be surprised to learn that fine dining is where her career in Kansas City started. After winning a James Beard award for Best Chef Midwest in 2007 and serving as the executive chef for The American for 6 years, Tio made the bold choice to leave her enviable post at one of Kansas City’s finest dining establishments, to strike out on her own.
The following year she opened Julian, her first restaurant, and much to the surprise of those who had eaten her fabulous fine food at The American, here she decided to specialize in what she termed “feel-good food,” with a menu that was more casual and approachable than fine or fussy, and a killer patio that everyone wanted to be seen on.
During her Julian years, she built a national following by appearing on television cooking shows like “Top Chef Masters” and “Iron Chef America,” and she also invested in her future by purchasing a handsome red brick building in the Crossroads at 1532 Grand Boulevard, where she would open The Belfry in 2014, her cozy bourbon, beer and burger bar.
“I wanted to get back to creating menus that come from a specific event. Sometimes it’s a trip, sometimes an ingredient I see, or a single wine.”
“For those who have missed the “finer side” of my food, these limited and intimate evenings are just what you’ve been looking for.”
Later, during the pandemic, she would sell the building to Denver developer, Ken Wolf, and together the two of them opened Gerard’s Pool Hall in the front of that space with Tio managing it.
Now, they are focused on activating every inch of space in the building with another room in the works that can be rented for private parties soon.
Ground Control is open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 pm, and reservations are suggested (especially for her first Friday and Saturday night coursed dinners) and can be made by emailing events@thebelfrylounge.com or by texting 816-471-7111.
Ground Control, 1532 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64108
ENJOY A SIP AND A STROLL WHILE SUPPORTING THE FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM
The event truly offers something for everyone—from corporate sponsors to beer enthusiasts, date-night couples, and large groups of friends.
The 9th annual Botanical Brewfest takes place on October 19th from 7 to 10 pm. Guests will enjoy a crisp Autumn evening filled with beer tasting, live music, delicious morsels and fun times at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The proceeds go to Friends of the Arboretum, a part of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The group supports, promotes and develops programs offered by the Arboretum and gardens for the community.
City Lifestyle spoke with Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager for the Foundation, about this year's event.
Q:
Waye: Last year, we welcomed nearly 1,000 guests to the Botanical Brewfest. The event truly offers something for everyone—from corporate sponsors to beer enthusiasts, date-night couples, and large groups of friends.
Q: WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT THIS YEAR?
Waye: The garden grounds will be buzzing with dozens of vendor tents offering hundreds of varieties of beer, ciders, hard seltzers, cocktails, spirits, and even non-alcoholic hop-waters from nearly 40 top local and regional breweries.
We're also excited to welcome a selection of our favorite food trucks and restaurant vendors, serving delicious eats for an additional cost. From savory bites to sweet treats, there will be plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
There will be two live bands stationed in the gardens for entertainment: Taylor & Tye, a talented musical duo from Kansas City known for their captivating mix of original songs and crowd-favorite covers, and The Alpen Spielers, a lively German polka band that promises to bring high energy and fun.
Waye: Botanical Brewfest is one of the seven key fundraising events for Friends of the Arboretum, a division of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. This event plays a crucial role in enabling the Friends of the Arboretum to support significant improvement projects, such as constructing a new greenhouse, creating beautiful new garden spaces like the recent Emily Dickinson Garden, and major capital improvements like the LongHouse Visitor Center.
The mission of Friends of the Arboretum is to preserve, enhance, and promote the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. These initiatives are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, membership dues, and special community events like Botanical Brewfest. This seasonal celebration not only invites people to enjoy the gardens and discover local breweries and eateries, but also to contribute to the future growth and beauty of the Arboretum through their participation.
Tickets can be purchased online at botanicalbrewfest. org, which costs $55 for general admission and $75 for VIP admission. Friends of the Arboretum Members receive a $5 discount on ticket purchases. VIP ticket holders receive early admittance to the event at 6 pm and receive a complimentary Botanical Brewfest t-shirt and beer koozie lanyard to hold their tasting glass for a hands-free experience. All ticket holders receive a souvenir tasting glass to take home.
The event is strictly for 21+ and up. No children or pets will be admitted. Guests are welcome to leave their cars at the garden overnight without fear of towing if they prefer to use a ride-share service to get home afterward.
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Grand Coffee Company has quickly become a beloved staple for locals seeking a taste of Italy mixed with Midwestern charm. With its two locations, one downtown near Crown Center and off Shawnee Mission Parkway, this family-owned business offers more than just a caffeine fix—it's a testament to a rich culinary legacy that spans generations. Grand Coffee Company’s roots run deep in Kansas City's food scene, thanks to the enduring influence of the founder's grandfather, who opened the city's first pizzeria, Antonio's, on Main Street. "My Grandpa had the first pizzeria in Kansas City," said Salvatore Silvio, owner of Grand Coffee Company. This legacy didn't stop at pizza; it extended through the generations, with his uncles opening successful ventures like Hawg Jaw Que & Brew and Em Chamas Brazilian Grill. "They've helped and taught me a lot along the way. Any time I have questions on what I should do or how I should do it, they are there to assist in any way they can."
Drawing from this deep well of family tradition, Grand Coffee Company infuses elements of a traditional Italian café into its offerings, setting it apart from other coffee shops in the area. "We incorporate Italian aspects in our space with our Italian sausage breakfast panini and grilled cheese with house-made roasted red pepper garlic sauce, which my dad created," the owner explains. This emphasis on unique, homemade flavors reflects the culinary innovation that has been passed down through the family. "My dad learned and grew up cooking at my grandpa's pizza. He has now created many recipes," he adds, highlighting the continuous thread of creativity that defines their menu. At the heart of Grand Coffee Company’s success is its commitment to quality coffee. The company roasts its own beans at a facility in North Kansas City, sourcing from a local importer, Anthem Coffee Importers, which supplies beans from Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica. This dedication to quality and local sourcing resonates with their customers, who have shown unwavering support since the café's doors first opened. "We are grateful for how the customers have supported us. I feel they enjoy our space and our take on the coffee scene," the owner says.
With a diverse menu, there’s something for every palate at Grand Coffee Company. The owner’s personal favorite? The Italian sausage breakfast panini. "I feel it is a very unique item. Not many places offer Italian sausage for breakfast," he notes, emphasizing how this dish encapsulates the café’s blend of Italian tradition and modern taste. While the paninis and grilled cheeses are popular, the café also offers an array of coffee drinks, protein shakes, pastries, and more.
Beyond the delicious food and coffee, Grand Coffee Company serves as a hub for local community events. Every Saturday, the Grand Boulevard location hosts the 816 Run Club, where around 60 athletes gather to run and then cool down with refreshments in the welcoming café environment. The Shawnee location, meanwhile, becomes a haven for cyclists from Team Local Cycling on weekends. These events highlight the café’s
commitment to fostering a sense of community and providing a space for locals to connect.
While there are no immediate plans for expansion, the future of Grand Coffee Company seems bright. "We would love to grow as the right opportunity comes up," the owner says. In the meantime, the focus remains on maintaining the high standards and personal touch that have earned the café its loyal following. "We just stick true to what we believe in and try to treat each customer with great respect," he adds.
With its deep roots in Kansas City’s culinary history and a passion for quality and community, Grand Coffee Company is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a reflection of a family's enduring love for food, tradition, and the people they serve. Whether you're starting your day with a unique Italian sausage panini or joining a run club, Grand Coffee Company is a destination where tradition meets taste in the heart of Kansas City.
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