Dish & Drink KC: A speakeasy-style experience at The Belfry and West African wings at Mr. Wingz

Ground Control by Belfry Lounge // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Ground Control by Belfry Lounge

Hidden in the cozy downstairs of The Belfry, Ground Control by Belfry Lounge offers a sophisticated retreat from the ordinary. This speakeasy-style lounge embraces the art of craft cocktails and carefully-curated tasting menus. 

On a recent visit with my daughter, we explored the August tasting menu and enjoyed the intimate ambiance. 

The experience started with the Rainha Vadia cocktail, a perfectly balanced blend of boathouse gin, Combier rose liqueur, Italicus bergamot liqueur, lemon, rosemary, and a touch of saline. The flavors danced on my palate, with the bergamot adding a citrusy brightness that was both refreshing and complex.

For our meal, I opted for the crab cake–a delightful dish that married the sweetness of the crab with the earthiness of roasted pepper puree. The zucchini, yellow squash, and fried herbs provided a medley of textures that made each bite intriguing and satisfying.

My daughter chose the Smash Burger, made with premium Kansas City wagyu from Zach Wellness Ranch. 

The burger was a triumph of flavors, with the richness of the aged English cheddar and the freshness of shredded lettuce, tomato, and red onion perfectly complementing the beef. The house sauce added just the right amount of tang and creaminess, making it a truly memorable dish.

Ground Control by Belfry Lounge // Photo by Tiffany Watts

The highlight of the evening, however, was the bartender. Their expertise and passion for the craft were evident in every drink they served. Attentive and knowledgeable, they elevated the entire experience, ensuring that each cocktail was not just a drink but a work of art.

Next month, their tasting menu, inspired by Asain culture, offers dishes that include fluke sashimi, “agedashi” tea-smoked salmon, and matcha mochi gyoza.

Ground Control is located inside Belfry Lounge at 1532 Grand Boulevard (16th Street entrance) Kansas City, MO, 64108.

Mr. Wingz // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Mr. Wingz

Mr. Wingz is a new gem in the culinary scene—a Black- and family-owned and operated restaurant that’s making waves with its fresh, soul-satisfying chicken wings. This spot has quickly become a go-to for anyone craving moist, juicy wings.

On a recent visit with my family, we each decided to explore different menu items, eager to see what this new spot had to offer. My daughter went for the 10-piece Yo! Chicken Dunkers with Yo! Sauce.

These boneless wings, or as I like to call them, real chicken nuggets, were a hit. On one side of her bowl, five wings were tossed in Thai chili, and on the other side, five wings were tossed in mango habanero. The dunkers delivered a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

I couldn’t resist trying the Mr. Wingz Simple Wings, opting for an 8-piece order with a few tossed in jerk and a few tossed in their Thai chili sauce. The wings were succulent, with the jerk adding a smoky, spicy depth that paired beautifully with the tangy Thai chili. 

My girlfriend chose the Chef’s favorite—Suya Wings, a delightful take on a popular West African street food. The wings, smothered in suya seasoning (a flavorful blend of peanuts and spices) and topped with fresh red onions, were nothing short of spectacular. Each bite of the suya chicken, with a bit of purple onion and a slick of hot pickle, was an explosion of flavors that left me craving more.

…So I left mine alone and ate all of hers. 

While Mr. Wingz doesn’t have servers in the traditional sense, ordering is a breeze with touchscreen computers at the front desk. The staff is always nearby to assist, ensuring you get exactly what you want. 

When you visit, keep in mind that food orders take a bit to come out as everything is made fresh to order, but it’s well worth the wait. 

Mr Wingz is located at 9532 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66212.