KC Sipps: This weekend is packed with restaurant events, bookish baked goods, and $2 burgers

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: Dolce Bakery has gone bookish. The Prairie Village bakery has brought back its popular book-themed menu, but only through August 29. Swing by to snag your favorite edible (and drinkable) nods to Off Campus, Heated Rivalry, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, and more.

Opening

The Daiquiri District: The former Barrio Taqueria in Martini Corner is vacant no longer. On August 29, The Daiquiri District begins a soft opening phase. Starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, the new spot will serve daiquiris, of course, but also hot chicken dishes from the hands behind Howlin Fowls at District Biskuits. The team is treating this like a pop-up, so be patient and expect changes as it formulates its offerings over the coming months, and follow along on Instagram for hours. 

Closing

Session Taco: You may still know it as Mission Taco, but after Session Taco closed its Park Place location last year, it has now decided to close the Crossroads location. The St. Louis-based Cali-Mex casual restaurant will close after service on August 30, after a nine-year run. If you’re seeking tacos in the East Crossroads, try Tacos Valentina at Torn Label Brewing Co.

August 27

Varsity Club: The River Market bar is paying homage to the recently departed Dolly Parton tonight. In addition to Dolly’s music and film lighting up the space, 15% of sales will be donated to her Imagination Library book gifting organization. My current fave at the bar: the grilled martini for something a lil salty but easy to drink, or the rotating frozen drink for something sweeter.

August 28

Boulevard Brewing Co.: Lei Away returns this September, but Boulevard is hosting a preparty to get you in the mood. Boulevard is matching Lei Away’s boozy, tropical energy with a special cocktail menu, live music from The Kaw Tikis, and chances to win VIP Lei Away passes. No tickets or RSVP is required for this free-to-attend event, and it will be held in the new Yard space.

August 29

Carne Diem: To celebrate two years of whole-animal butchery in Briarcliff, Carne Diem is featuring tempting deals for new and existing customers. All hot sandwiches are $10 through the end of the month (takeout only, and no coupons or codes required), and on August 29, single cheeseburgers are just $2 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., with $1 from each going toward the Meals that Heal fundraiser for Children’s Mercy.

August 30

Apparition Coffee: As a fundraiser for the Flowstate Coffee brick-and-mortar location, Jacob Kingsley will be at Apparition from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The bar takeover will feature pour-overs, espresso, and mocktails as a teaser for what Flowstate has in store, as well as small bites from The Baker’s Allowance. 

Slow Roll Subs: Barbacoa may be closed, but they’re lending their space to a new fresh sub pop-up by Christian Castillo and Robin Harvey, Slow Roll Subs. Starting at 6 p.m., they’ll be serving four types of sandwiches in full or half size. The signature “Slow Roll” sub has my attention: mortadella, pepperoni, hot peppers, fresh mozzarella, chimichurri, and their standard dress of arugula, shallots, and cucumber.

August 31

Cliff’s Taphouse: The well-rounded Martini Corner restaurant is hosting another vegan wine dinner. Tickets are $75 (before tax and gratuity) for a five-course meal with wine pairings. Chef Marlin Walls has designed a plant-based menu featuring summer produce, such as a peach and arugula salad, lion’s mane steak, and more. 

Plan Ahead

Vivilore: If you’ve never visited the unique oasis that Vivilore offers in Independence, here’s your chance. Vivilore is hosting a “One last sunset” themed wine dinner in their romantic garden patio space on September 3. Tickets are $85 and include a four-course dinner with wine pairings, featuring summer-centered dishes such as blue crab mafladine and peach and honey panna cotta from Executive Chef Hannah Winnett. 

Ricochet: Call a buddy and register for Ricochet’s Bar Olympics, to be held September 5 and hosted by Sammy Sanchez. Pairs will compete in shuffleboard, darts, and skee-ball for prizes up to a $400 value. Registration is $20, and the competition takes place at Ricochet’s relatively new Crossroads game bar.