Dish & Drink KC: Core Coffee & Eatery and Bamboo Penny’s
Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen
While I’m a creature of habit, I do appreciate a first visit. Walking into a place for the first time removes loyalty and routine from the equation. All you have are first impressions and vibes, which makes it easier to tell what works and what doesn’t without any feeling of obligation.
So when I walked into Core Coffee & Eatery for the first time, what worked immediately was first the space. I’m obsessed with coffee shops that have tons of natural light, plenty of plants, and enough seating that you don’t feel like you’re taking up space by sitting down. So, whether you’re visiting to work, meet a friend, or just grab a bite, the layout supports your flow without force.
Core Coffee & Eatery // Photo by Tiffany Watts
What worked next was the drink. I ordered an iced sugar-free caramel matcha latte ($8) with oat milk. Yes, even sugar-free can be delicious! Now, I can’t tell you why, even with snow on the ground, I’m leaning towards iced drinks lately, but I am. And this one was solid.
If matcha is your thing, too, Core has a robust matcha menu. If it isn’t, there are traditional coffee options and specialty drinks that cover a wide range of preferences without being overwhelming.
Core Coffee & Eatery // Photo by Tiffany Watts
And the last thing I’ll mention that worked well for me during my visit was my brief chat with one of the owners, who was working the register when I arrived. That interaction made it clear that this isn’t a hands-off operation. She and her husband are actively involved, and it shows. The space feels intentional and clearly reflects the time, thought, and care put into how people will gather here.
Core Coffee & Eatery is located at 546 Olive St, Kansas City, MO 64124.
Bamboo Penny’s // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Let me start off by saying: the Penny’s family is doing something right. Aqua Penny’s and Bamboo Penny’s all seem to be operating at a consistently high level.
That said, today’s focus is on Bamboo Penny’s, though they each deserve a visit if you haven’t already made the rounds.
My mom and I went right when they opened, which I now consider a low-effort life hack. It wasn’t busy, the service was smooth, and the food came out fast without feeling rushed. If you’re someone who doesn’t like large crowds, this is the move.
Bamboo Penny’s // Photo by Tiffany Watts
We started with the egg rolls ($12), which are made with chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, sweet onion, and bean thread noodles, all hand-rolled in thin wonton wrappers and flash-fried. They’re served with Penny’s sweet and sour sauce, and no, they’re not the greasy egg rolls you might have been turned off from at other places, and they’re packed with flavor. There’s also a subtle sweetness that might sound odd on paper, but in practice it works. It adds another layer without overpowering anything. These were grade A. Highly recommend.
As for an entree, I went with the Salmon Panang Curry ($32): an 8 oz. salmon filet, pan-roasted and finished with panang curry made with roasted peanuts, Thai spices, herbs, and coconut milk, served with sautéed bell peppers and steamed white rice. I ordered mine Thai hot cause I love my savory food spicy. I will say, there are levels to Thai heat, so feel free to go hotter or simply leave the heat out if you’re not a spice lover.
This dish was excellent. The salmon was cooked well, the curry was rich and flavorful, and the heat was well-balanced. Spicy enough to make you notice it, but not so intense that it ruins the dish. After the first bite, I was fully committed to finishing the entire plate. No breaks. Just focus.
Bamboo Penny’s is located at 5270 W 116th Pl, Leawood, KS 66211.
