Dish and Drink KC: Experiencing Kin Seltzer and smash burgers at The Fix

Kin Seltzer // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Kin Seltzer

I like to say I’ll try almost anything at least once, but I’ve never been one to drink a seltzer.

In the way of cocktails or canned drinks, I usually go for something tequila-based that either arrives in—or can be poured into—a cute little glass complete with a garnish. But no beer and no fizzy drinks. So when I was first introduced to Kin Seltzer, I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy it, but like I said, I’ll try almost anything at least once. 

Not to mention, Kin Seltzer is the first black-owned seltzer on the market, and seeing it and hearing about it all over the city made me feel like I had to taste it for myself.

So I did. 

My first experience with Kin Seltzer was at Border Brewing Company located in the Crossroads district. There I met up with Joshua Lewis, one of the proud owners of Kin Seltzer. After a tour and some education on how Kin is brewed and packaged, we sat at the bar to taste their two current flavors: Pressure, a strawberry lemonade blend, and Top Tier, a pineapple and peach blend. 

The Pressure was truly pressure!

I was surprised by how well-balanced it was. The taste of sweet strawberries mingled with the tangy lemonade flavor hooked me and the lightness of the drink reeled me in. The Top Tier flavor was good, but not nearly as tasty. 

Now, that I’m a fan, I grab my Kin Seltzer can from The Black Pantry. They’re $4 each and they stay stocked, so you can grab as many as you want. You can also find them on the menu at tons of bars and restaurants around the city. You can find a list of local places that offer them on the Kin website. 

In case you’re curious as to what’s next for Kin Seltzer, I’m told that we can expect a new flavor to hit the market very soon. It’s a Mango Lemonade flavor that they’re hoping to release around October. I’ll be keeping my ear to the ground so that we can all get our hands on their newest flavor as soon as it’s available! Stay tuned. 

Kin Seltzer is sold at locations all over Kansas City and brewed at Border Brewing Company.

The Fix // Photo by Tiffany Watts

The Fix

Can you believe that this is my first year eating meat again after being vegan for 12 years? At 34 I’m finally dipping my toe back into carnivore waters, but I started my vegan journey in my early twenties to help aid me as I endured the ups and downs of a chronic illness. 

Back then, there weren’t many options for those of us who chose this health path. Especially not at restaurants. 

If you went to a restaurant, they likely had no menu options for you, so they’d offer a salad or a plate of veggies. I like to eat a lot, so being offered a plate of oily veggies or a naked salad was like a slap in the face. 

For years, my diet impacted where I could join family and friends for meals, or even take myself for lovely little solo dates.

Then, 2020 rolled in, and along came The Fix. A vegan eatery serving plant-based comfort foods. Finally, a restaurant with mouthwatering dishes that I could eat without the chaos of having to send food back to the kitchen because it had dairy or the frustration of leaving with a high tab and an empty stomach.

While I’m no longer vegan, I still prefer The Fix for most things, especially a thick juicy burger. So last week, I stopped in for lunch and ordered a double cheeseburger with the house burger toppings ($15). 

Don’t get me wrong, the double cheeseburger is a 10/10 the way it’s made. 

Originally It comes with two smashed impossible patties, chopped onions, mustard, and their house-made cashew queso on a brioche bun. But I wanted to mix it up a bit so I ordered the double cheeseburger with the smashed patties, lettuce, grilled onion, and paprika mayo instead. 

Before the sandwich even arrived at my table, I smelled it coming. The scent of the grilled onions floated throughout the restaurant and made its way to me, inviting me to dig in and enjoy as soon as the stacked sandwich landed on my table!

After one big bite, my mouth was filled with the sweet, buttery taste of the bun, the rich savory flavors of the grilled onion, and the bold flavors of the paprika mayo. My favorite part was the thin but juicy Impossible patties with their crispy edges. The extra little crunch is way too satisfying. 

Whether you’re vegan or not, The Fix likely has a meal that you’ll fall in love with, too. 

If you’re in the mood for brunch, I’m also a huge fan of their smothered biscuits and gravy with sausage ($13) and their buffalo chicken maple biscuit ($12). To top it off, they offer daily deals. One of them is Lil’ Tyke Tuesdays, when kids 10 and under can eat from the kid’s menu for only $5. You can’t beat a $5 meal.

The Fix is located at 600 E 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64109.