KC Sipps: Lei Away, rum punch parties, and a new coffee patio
This week's Kansas City restaurant news.
Art by Cassondra Jones
Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local.
Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!
Something New
Taco Republic: Taco Battle is back. If you’re willing to share your genius taco idea, you could see your recipe on the menu and win gift cards. At the very least, all who submit a recipe will receive a free order of queso. Submissions are due September 30.
Café Cà Phê: New to the Columbus Park coffee shop is some outdoor seating! Now, after grabbing an iced Electric Latte (my top rec), you can step outside to relax on the brand-new patio behind the cafe.
September 19
Mean Mule: Congrats on five years of fine agave spirits, Mean Mule! To celebrate, they’re throwing a So Long Summer party from 5 – 11 p.m. Tickets start at $10 in advance, which include entry, one of their fabulous canned Palomas, and DJ Boatsss who will bring the dance party vibes. The party also features fun vendors, flash tattoos, ice cream, hot dogs, and more, with three bars set up throughout the Crossroads distillery.
September 20
HiTides Coffee: For the second year, HiTides Coffee in Crossroads will play host as headquarters for Lei Away–a weekend-long celebration of the tropics and Polynesian community in KC and beyond. With events and specials spread throughout local businesses, you can sip on themed cocktails and food, enjoy themed music, dance, seminars, vendors, and more. Some events are ticketed, and a portion of the proceeds support the Polynesian community and events in Kansas City, plus Maui causes such as The Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, Kolua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund, Maui Agriculture, and The Maui Humane Society.
Happy Gillis: This month’s Third Friday Art Crawl has a special theme, at least at Columbus Park’s Happy Gillis. Bid farewell to Brat Summer with all things green and 365 party girl from DJ Type816 and local artists. Happy Gillis will feature a special menu of spicy margaritas, coconut green curry, baklava pop tarts, and pandan waffle pistachio ice cream sandwiches to lean into the brat motif.
Transport Brewery: In Shawnee, Transport Brewery is hosting a weekend full of Oktoberfest activities. Friday and Saturday feature a free outdoor beer festival with live music, games, and food trucks, while Sunday offers BYOStein filling for $7.
September 21
Kanbe’s Markets: The food redistribution non-profit Kanbe’s Markets is hosting a Community Carnival from 1 – 4 p.m. The event features activities for all ages, free produce, a puppet show, and food from Junkyard Dogs, Ruby Jean’s, FairWave Coffee, Palacana, KC Pretzel Boy’s, and more. The event is free to attend, and held at the Linwood YMCA.
Park Place: Earth, Wind, and Fire gave us a memorable date, and the Leawood Chamber of Commerce is offering a memorable event. A Taste of Leawood will be held at Park Place starting at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $100 for unlimited samplings of food from area restaurants like Silo Modern Farmhouse, Aqua Penny’s, Rye, Bruu Cafe, Duck Donuts, Mother Clucker, 801 Chophouse, and many more. There will be a live band, photobus, and areas to take a load off and relax.
September 22
Fox & Pearl: As if a Sunday brunch at Fox & Pearl couldn’t get better, this Sunday they are hosting an Autumn Equinox Outdoor Market. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., peruse local makers and vendors like Groupie Candles, Boys Grow, Oxbow Studio, and many more. The market is open to anyone–no dining reservations required.
Fern Bar: Fern Bar is generally focused on agave spirits, but the beloved sugarcane concoction, rum, is taking center stage this weekend. Fern Bar is hosting La Maison & Velier and John Brown Underground for a rum punch party. Starting at 5 p.m., make reservations or pop in for a special rum menu and a chance to learn from bartenders and rum experts. Note that the normal menu from Tacos Valentina is not available on Sundays.
September 23
John Brown Underground: Continue the rum fun started at Fern Bar with La Maison & Velier and head to John Brown Underground in Lawrence. $30 tickets grant access to a rum tasting and education from experts from 6 – 8 p.m., then stay afterward to order from the special rum-focused menu.
Plan Ahead
Urban: At 7 p.m. on September 26, Urban is hosting a South African wine dinner. The menu will be designed around wine pairings and will feature a guest speaker, Byron Kimmerling. A reservation fee of $125 covers your six-course meal and wine pairings.
Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen: Crossroads’ Tannin has invited Chef Brian’s Jewish Deli pop-up for Rosh Hashanah. For one day only, October 1, Tannin and Chef Brian will offer a special lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for dine-in or carry-out. Free tickets are available now to reserve your seat. Tannin will also be offering family-style portions for pre-order through Friday, September 26.
