KC Sipps: A Diwali pop-up in Lenexa, a Mad Hatter’s tea party on W. 39th, and half-price merlot in North Kansas City

KC Sipps logo by Teddy 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: Neat Bar in Lenexa City Center has transformed its space into “Bombay Social Club: A Diwali Lounge Experience” now through November 14. This festive setup features rich decor and themed cocktails, such as the New Bollywood Fashioned, with ghee-washed Rittenhouse Rye, chai liqueur, masala syrup, Angostura bitters, and a Gulab Jamun garnish. No reservations or admission are required for this Diwali pop-up. 

Goat & Rabbit is celebrating a very merry 6th unbirthday this month. With a Mad Hatter’s tea party theme, special drinks will be available through November 22. This is the place to expect the unexpected, like an edible playing card to accompany a carbonated vodka citrus tea, or an Earl Grey Tom’s Town Botanical Gin drink with butter cookies. No reservation or admission required. 

Jasper’s Restaurant has introduced a $20 pre-fixe lunch menu for a hearty weekday meal. Starters include soup, salad, or meatballs with ricotta, while the featured mains are rigatoni vodka, Tuscan focaccia sandwich, or chicken parmigiana.

Opening

Pho & Boil: After a soft-opening phase, Pho & Boil is now officially open in Overland Park. The restaurant is open every day except Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., serving authentic Vietnamese pho, Louisiana-style seafood boils, and more.

Closing

Taco Republic: The Prairie Village location of Taco Republic has closed. Now, the restaurant concept, owned by W. VinZant Restaurants, will shift to catering only, using the food truck. 

Jody’s Market: The downtown Lawrence bodega, Jody’s Market, will permanently close on November 6. Leaving a grocery and convenience gap in the area, Jody’s Market has remaining items on sale until closure.

November 5

XO Hifi: If you’ve tried to nab a reservation at Zero Zero Handmade Pasta lately, you’ve probably learned that it’s really having a moment in KC culture. Tonight, however, no reservations are needed to try Mitch Fagan and Leah Steinberg’s creations (like miso carbonara and hamachi crudo). Tonight, the Zero Zero team will be popping up at XO in Crossroads, from 5 p.m. to sellout. See what the buzz is about while trying two places at once, with wine pairings and international disco from XO.

November 7

Sail Away Wine: On North Kansas City’s Amour Road, Sail Away Wine has even more of a reason to entice you into their cozy wine shop. Today is National Merlot Day, and they’re offering half-price bottles to purchase (limit of three). This does not include self-serve pours from their extensive wine wall, but that’s a great place to start and find your perfect match. 

Plan Ahead

Broadmoor Bistro: When planning your Thanksgiving meal, there’s a way to skip some of the stress and support local students at the same time. Part of Shawnee Mission School District’s culinary program, Broadmoor Bistro, is holding an “Everything but the Turkey” fundraiser, where locals can order all the sides and desserts one may want for their spread, and just handle the turkey at home. Funds raised from this annual event cover the costs of sending Shawnee Mission culinary students to competitions, which have earned over a dozen national titles since 2001.