Dish & Drink KC: So good we wanted seconds at Le Champion and Billie’s Grocery
Le Champion // Photo by Tiffany Watts
So here’s what happened. I’m in Westport during my wax appointment at Trifecta Studios (shout out to Erin, the GOAT), and mid-convo, she goes, “You know Le Champion just opened today, right? You have to go.”
Despite my being a content creator and food writer, I don’t always know what new spots are on the horizon. Because of that, I rarely ignore a solid recommendation, especially when it comes from someone who’s never steered me wrong (and also just knows my whole soul).
So after I finish my appointment, I walk downstairs and boom—vibes.
Le Champion is beautiful in that “I could stay here all day and pretend to be productive” kind of way. Vintage trophies on the shelves, warm wood accents, soft lighting. It’s giving elevated coffee shop meets chic neighborhood clubhouse. Somehow both polished and comfortable.
I ordered an iced latte with honey, oat milk, and a dash of cinnamon ($5). Nothing too wild, but I kid you not, I finished that drink in record time and immediately wished I had gone for the large. Or at the very least, opted for light ice. But it was smooth, perfectly balanced, and the cinnamon really made it shine.
Oh, and let’s talk about that patio. Sun-drenched, tucked-away, perfect for people-watching or pretending you’re somewhere in Europe while sipping something chilled. I’m already planning to spend my summer workdays out there like it’s my part-time job.
And while it’s already got me in a chokehold in its café form, here’s the twist: by night, it transforms into a full-service wine bar with curated pours, cocktails, and a whole new energy. They’re not doing late nights just yet, but get ready. Midnight hours on select nights are coming soon.
Basically, Erin was right. Again. Le Champion is that spot—café by day, wine bar by night, and patio dreams all summer long. Go now, go often, and definitely order the large.
Le Champion is located at 4149 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City, MO 64111.
Billie’s Grocery // Photo by Tiffany Watts
If there’s one thing Billie’s Grocery is going to do, it’s serve up bold, feel-good flavors that catch your nose first and have your taste buds thanking you after the first bite.
I pulled up with my mom for a casual lunch, but casual doesn’t mean forgettable, not here. I ordered the Beet Root Veggie Burger ($15), which you shouldn’t knock til you try it. It’s a stacked sandwich made with a house-made lentil and beet patty topped with caramelized onion, crisp lettuce, pickle, garlic aioli, all held together by a toasted brioche bun that knew how to handle its business. Flavor? On ten. Texture? Locked in. Regrets? Zero.
My mom went all-in on the Citrus Salmon Salad ($15), which honestly looked like it could’ve been on the cover of a magazine. Grilled salmon, roasted fennel, pearl farro, orange slices, green onion, olives, feta, almonds, dates, cabbage, carrots, and a sweet sesame vinaigrette that brought the whole thing home. No boring lettuce bowls here, and it smelled delicious.
And the service? Always solid. Friendly without being fake, and they know how to keep it moving without making you feel rushed.
The best part about Billie’s is that we try something new almost every time we go, and somehow it’s always a win. Whether you’re just popping in for a fresh juice, starving and need a full-on feast, or chasing something sweet to satisfy a craving, they’ve got options for every kind of mood you’re in.
Billie’s Grocery has two locations. This location is at 3216 Gillham Plaza Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64109.
