FOOD

an event and gathering space. They are not planning on re-opening until June or July at the earliest. They have decided to take the time to modify their kitchens to expand their food menus as well as conduct staff training.

But the Riegers have not stopped there.

“We are offering to-go cocktails. For a week in May, we donated proceeds from the sales to the Community Meals Project, an initiative that helps area restaurants keep staff employed while producing meals for Kansas City’s food insecure,” Lucy says. “From that one week, we were able to donate $15,000 to the organization!”

To the Riegers, their work ethic, business acumen, and dedication are all part of a bigger picture.

“We treat everyone like our own family,” Lucy says. “We think that’s why we were able to come through this together.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.

PAINTINGS | SCULPTURE | CERAMICS | GLASS | JEWELRY | HANDCRAFTED GIFTS

A Moment in Time Photography

ARTIST SHOWS AND WORKSHOPS | IN-HOME ART CONSULTATIONS SPECIAL COMMISSIONS | PET PORTRAITURE | CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN

Dining at Home.

Emily Lane: Going out to eat – remember that? Where we once used to congregate at tables while sharing bites of charcuterie, touching knees under the bar while sipping a cocktail, and then heading our separate ways for the night by hugging our friends and family, we now live in a different world. It would be the height of hubris to say we’ve not been significantly impacted by the pandemic, but the hospitality industry is one that has taken a more severe hit, and adaptation has been the key to survival. Curbside pickup is the new norm; takeout is no longer just pizza or tacos. Chefs across the country are now creating gourmet family meals, lunches, and dinners for people to enjoy in the social-distanced bubble of their own homes. And now, more than ever, it’s critical we support these small local businesses so they can survive and reopen their doors for dine-in service when the time is right.

Stewart Lane: Room 39, a Kansas City staple with its intimate dining room on 39th Street, is leaning into this new norm by offering to-go family meals for four, along with a full menu of breakfast and dinner favorites. One Friday evening, Emily and I opted for the family meal of surf and turf. The system for ordering online was simple, and the staff is taking every precaution, from wearing masks and single-use gloves, as well as creating a space to keep social distance when you pick up your order. We dined on Maryland crab cakes with a traditional remoulade, grilled flank steak with a chimichurri sauce, rounded out with a Caesar salad, coleslaw, and hand-cut fries. The sweet treat on the end was the homemade maple cinnamon ice cream, smooth and rich with a strong maple start that yielded to warm cinnamon. We had full bellies, but more than that, we knew our dollars were supporting people who need it most in these uncertain times.

EL: Another place that has adapted an impressive model during the pandemic is one of my favorites in KC Metro – Dolce Bakery in Prairie Village. With an extensive list of baked goods, such as their iconic cinnamon rolls, scones,

Room 39 (rm39.com) Dolce Bakery (dolcebakes.com) Underdog Wine Co. (underdogwinekc.com) Inspired Occasions (inspiredoccasionskc.com)

DOLCE BAKERY

cookies, cupcakes, and much more, you can satisfy your sweet tooth or take a special treat to someone who might need cheering up (and let’s face it – we all need that right now). Their online ordering system is simple and allows for day-of pickup for some items, or you can preorder for pickup or delivery. Stewart surprised me with their lemon blueberry cake for Mother’s Day, which we all enjoyed immensely.

SL: We know that you need a beverage to go with your curbside cuisine, and that’s where Ryan Sciara comes in. His boutique wine shop, Underdog Wine Co., has been keeping the city stocked with some amazing wines at all price-points, including the popular six bottles for $60. If you follow him on social media channels, he showcases a “Pick of the Week” and does a live tasting for viewers to learn more about his selection. Ryan is