KC Sipps: What to do if ICE enters a restaurant, a cool First Friday, and fresh new menus

KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: HAMU Bakery in Overland Park is shutting down for a family emergency starting August 4. The Taiwanese and Asian bakery plans to reopen on August 23. 

New menus are launching at some KC-favorites, like the Camp Sucra Vista menu at Fern Bar that pits agave against sugarcane in a playful competition. Sagebrush in Rosedale introduced a happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $4 Caramelo totopos and salsa are a must. And last but not least in this specific round-up, Pot Pie introduced lunch service! Now you can enjoy Pot Pie from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. 

Torn Label Brewing Co. and Tacos Valentina announced a merger. The two Crossroads businesses are joining forces under the new name, Cervecería Oro, and a signature product will be the new namesake beer brand: Oro Especial. Your Torn Label favorites (Alpha Pale Ale is a go-to for our house) will continue to be produced, but don’t be surprised if you eventually see new designs or branding. The restaurant space will also remain, but likely undergo some visual changes and menu additions.

Another two area restaurants were raided by ICE this week. As a refresher, here is a collection of resources from ACLU Kansas and Missouri and Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR). Here are free downloadable phone backgrounds to keep some guidelines in the palm of your hand. As a bystander, like when dining in a restaurant, one way to help is through documentation and verifying information. AKA, pull out your phone to record, and ask questions if you feel safe doing so. An excerpt from the story by Sophia Lail: 

“If you do witness an ICE arrest or just an interaction, verify and take video, because people have rights under the First Amendment to record the police,” Kayla Juarez, a representative from AIRR, says.  

It is on us to do our part to stop the spread of misinformation and distribute resources to help our neighbors and our community. Whether you’re an ally, an immigrant, or still working to get your visa, the best form of defense at the moment is education. 

Opening

Sea Capitán: From the team behind Earl’s Premier and Bacaro Primo, Sea Capitán Cocina Costera quietly opened this week in the South Plaza area. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and coastal Mexican fare. It is open daily for lunch and dinner service.

Closing

BarK: BarK, the dog playplace and human bar at Berkley Riverfront, has announced immediate closure. The closure statement cited parking concerns from construction projects and economic challenges. 

Donutology: The trolley location of Donutology in River Market closed over the weekend. No plans have been announced for the unique spot. This leaves a donut hole in the neighborhood, though Bloom Bakery in City Market offers a variety of other fresh-baked goods. The Westport location of Donutology remains open. 

Big Rip Brewing: Big Rip in North Kansas City has closed and has stated it will reopen in a few weeks under new management and a new concept. 

August 1

First Friday: The weather is looking promising for a cool but dry August first Friday. If you haven’t made it out yet this summer, this is the time! Triune is pulling out all the stops for a party with La Maison, complete with a fire show and a champagne toast to Triune’s one year anniversary. HiTides on the other side of Crossroads will host their free tropical-themed lot party from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

August 2

Kansas City Taco Festival: An all-ages taco celebration is taking over Power & Light starting at 2 p.m. The event features 25+ taco and food vendors bringing over 75 varieties of tacos, multiple margarita bars, tequila flights, kids’ activities, live music, and more. Tickets start at $9.99, but food and drink are not included in the ticket price. 

Plan Ahead

Lazia: Appetite for Art returns on August 7. This is a one-night-only event, where the Lazia dining room and adjoining gallery transform into one fluid space, all celebrating the overlap of visual and culinary arts. The menu at this event is inspired by the Italian film, Il Postino, and just like the last Appetite for Art event I attended, the gallery is curated by Heidmann Art Salon. Tickets are $85 and attendance is capped at a small amount to encourage breathing room and true connection–both with shared company and the arts itself. The last event, held in March, was full of surprises. It felt like an underground art collective, where food was elevated to the same level of appreciation as the mixed media donning the walls.