KC Sipps: Restaurants SNAPping into action, a new deli in OP, and a Carb Crawl 10k

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: Restaurants and cafes are stepping up as the government fails people. For example, Café Cà Phê is collecting non-perishable goods for Harvesters through November, and offering a small discount in exchange. Taps on Main is doing a donation drive for Harvesters that culminates in a live performance on October 31. Here’s a list of the most-needed items at Harvesters. Nours is running an ongoing donation program throughout the month of November. They’ve connected with local food pantries for weekly pickup, so keep the items coming. 

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 70% of nationwide adult SNAP recipients work full-time, and most of those workers are employed in restaurants, department stores, and grocery stores. If you find yourself in need of food or supplies, no matter what may or may not “qualify” you, The Kansas City Defender has put together an impressive list of resources on social media. 

If you’re a restaurant, cafe, or catering operation that doesn’t already send surplus food to employees, Too Good To Go, Pete’s Garden, etc, Harvesters accepts large-scale food and supply donations.

Opening 

La Fetta Delicatessen: Overland Park has a new deli, and it features both local and imported Italian ingredients. La Fetta celebrated a grand opening on October 20. It is now open for lunch and dinner each day of the week except Sunday with a menu of sandwiches, antipasti, and special-order charcuterie trays. My first pick would be the Pearl Jam from the band-inspired sammie names… I was sold on “fig & walnut chutney.”

Closing

Rakar Dumpling House: The Leawood dumpling restaurant and housewares shop has announced closure. However, the dumplings keep flowing through December 21. I first mentioned the opening in 2023, and I plan on visiting one last time before the final chopsticks are cracked.

Rakar Dumpling House // Photo by Sarah Sipple

André’s Confiserie Suisse: Andre’s has announced that they will be shuttering the Overland Park Rivaz store at the end of this year. The South Plaza location will remain open. The fan-favorite Q39 BBQ Quiche will be available at both locations through November, so use it as your excuse for one last visit to the OP shop.

October 30

Lonnie’s Reno Club: Few movies make me as hungry as the 2014 Jon Favreau film Chef. If you’ve found yourself drooling and wishing you could taste the flavors on the screen, this is for you. The Ambassador kitchen has crafted a menu that I imagine would make Carl and his son proud, all to be served while watching the film in the dark and moody Lonnie’s Reno Club. Tickets are $95, including alcohol and dessert.

October 31

Halloween: Bars, restaurants, community centers, and music venues around the metro have spirited events or deals tonight. This holiday is always earmarked for family dinner and trick or treating with my niece and nephew, then a house party with friends, but here’s what I’d do otherwise: 

I’d get dinner at the special Addams Family party at Barbacoa or keep it casual with the creepy sandwich at Bay Boy. Then again, the $45 prefix menu at Osteria Bianchi looks killer. I’d hit up Frost for some playful drinks and stroll around Westport, then head downtown to enter the costume contest at Something Good. If there were enough millennial women there, I’m sure I could win. I’d end the night in the ball pit (you read that correctly) in my Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell) costume at Varsity Club.

November 1

Grand Coffee: Starting at Grand Coffee near Crown Center, the Carb Crawl 10k offers a unique run experience. This run stops at area cafes and bakeries after each 2k. There is no cost to join the pack, but headphones aren’t allowed, and black & white attire is encouraged. 

November 2

Panther’s Place: If you’re not at Arrowhead Stadium for the game, Panther’s Place will be serving up tailgating-inspired eats from none other than Chef Roman Raya of Barbacoa–hustling on a precious day off from the restaurant. From 2 p.m. through game time or sellout, Raya will have a menu of $14 or less smoked nachos, Sonoran dogs, guacamole, and more.