KC Sipps: New Mexican sushi, Japanese bartending, and an Argentinian brunch party highlight the culinary diversity of Kansas City

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: Burger Week is back! Now through May 24, seven area eateries have half-price burgers for you. They range from Blue Bird Bistro’s bison burger, Gaels’ Wagyu beef burger, Tin Roof’s truffle burger, and more. It’s a great way to try a new-to-you restaurant. We recommend checking each restaurant’s hours before visiting, and tipping on the full amount. Food writer Alex is attempting to try all of them… follow along to see if he accomplishes it!

Gilda’s Bar de Tapas in downtown Shawnee has just opened a patio space and extended its weekend hours to include Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. And further north, Beverly’s in Strawberry Hill has launched happy hour on Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 – 6 p.m., featuring a $10 charcuterie board, $6 wine pours, and $3.50 domestic beers. 

Barely a day after I publish a story on girl dinners across the metro, Tap Ins KC announces that they’re also joining in on the trend. So here’s an update: Each Wednesday at the E9 Grille restaurant on site, $25 can get you a charcuterie sampling, truffle fries, a choice of soup or salad, and a choice of wine or cocktail. You’ll have to ask your server about it–for now, it’s an off-menu special.

Opening

Moon Bar: The creative cocktail pop-up, Moon Bar, is officially opening in a permanent space on May 27, but is holding a reservation-based soft opening this weekend. The Tian Tea House space in Columbus Park transforms into Moon Bar after hours. This marks the first Japanese bartending style establishment in Kansas City, bringing the art of omotenashi, or thoughtful and anticipatory hospitality, to patrons eager for a unique cocktail. 

Pho Solar: New to Overland Park is Pho Solar. This Vietnamese restaurant features banh mis on fresh-baked bread, pho, vermicelli bowls, and more. It is open now, Tuesdays through Sundays, for lunch and dinner. 

KCulichi Sushi: Kansas City’s Sinaloa-style Mexican sushi food truck has set roots on Southwest Boulevard. Now, KCulichi Sushi is open every day except Tuesdays, for lunch through late night (9 or 10 p.m.) with a large menu of baked and fried sushi rolls. For example, the ranchero roll ($16) is a large, fully-cooked roll featuring beef, bacon, avocado, and cream cheese, topped with melted cheese, more bacon, serrano peppers, and eel sauce.

May 22 

Downtown Olathe: Every fourth Friday, Johnson County Square gets lively with food trucks, live music, and family activities. This week, from 6 – 9 p.m., there will be 14 food trucks and a KISS tribute band, Almost KISS. No tickets or admission are required.

May 23

Café Corazón: From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Café Corazón’s Crossroads location, there will be a special El Boliche Argentino brunch party, open to anyone. No tickets or admission are required, and there will be a live tango performance, a DJ, Fernet y Coca drink specials, and more. If you haven’t yet, try the traditional Argentinian yerba mate.