Dish & Drink KC: Cozy sips at Overflow Coffee and a crave-worthy new menu at Hemma Hemma

Overflow Coffee Photo // By Tiffany Watts

Fall has officially arrived. The season of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and, of course, pumpkin everything. To bring in the season with a cozy hint of ceremony, I pulled on my sweater and made my way to Overflow Coffee, crossing my fingers that I’d finally find a Kansas City coffee shop with a sugar-free pumpkin fix.

While I had no luck getting anything with sugar-free pumpkin flavors, I did stumble upon something even tastier. 

Noticing my slight disappointment, the barista suggested a hot tea latte. Specifically, one made with their Peach Apricot HoneyBush loose-leaf tea—a blend of green honeybush, orange peels, apricot, peach, pineapple bits, candied papaya, and rose blossom leaves. Intrigued, I added almond milk and honey and decided to trust her recommendation.

I must say, it was love at first sip. The peach flavor came through bold and bright, blending beautifully with the creaminess of the almond milk and the gentle sweetness of the honey. It was cozy, unexpected, and exactly what I needed to warm up that morning and gently satisfy my sweet tooth.

The frothy top gave it that latte-like richness I usually expect from coffee, but with a lighter, fruit-forward twist. Each sip felt silky and comforting, like a warm blanket in a cup. Proof that tea can deliver just as much indulgence as a seasonal latte, and I loved that for me. 

Not to mention, there’s something special about a barista who really knows their menu. When they can guide you toward a drink you didn’t even know you wanted, and nail it, that’s the kind of care that turns first-timers into regulars.

Overflow Coffee House has two locations. Gladstone: 100 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118, and Liberty: 1005 Middlebrook Dr., Suite E., Liberty, MO 64068.

Hemma Hemma // Photo By Tiffany Watts

I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news. The good news is that Hemma Hemma just launched dinner service, and it’s a hit. The bad news? You’ll crave it so often, you might as well put this Waldo eatery on your monthly budget.

Before last week, Hemma Hemma offered delicious options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Now, dinner service, available Tuesday – Saturday, could be feeding you, your kiddos, your friends, and anyone else you can fit around the dinner table. 

My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to pop in for a dinner preview. Having the chance to peek at almost every plate leaving the kitchen, everything looked amazing. But here’s what I can say for sure: when it comes to the starters, don’t skip over the Trio of House Dips or the Smashed ‘Dumpling’ Tacos.

The Trio of House Dips ($14) arrives with beet hummus, herby whipped feta, whipped ricotta, fresh carrot and radish, crisp cucumber slices, and warm pita bread. The beet hummus was the standout for me. It’s not your average hummus. Instead of the usual earthy sweetness, this version leaned more savory, keeping my taste buds excited. My daughter was obsessed with the whipped feta. 

Dare I say, we loved everything about this dish. 

Hemma Hemma // Photo By Tiffany Watts

We’re not really pork girlies, but we had to try Smashed Dumpling Tacos ($16). The plate is served with four tacos. Each one loaded with a smashed pork dumpling filling that felt both familiar and inventive. Crisp cabbage and shredded carrots added freshness and crunch, while the ponzu-style vinaigrette and a squirt of lime tied everything together with a tangy, slightly citrusy kick. 

For our entrées–because yes, even after all those starters, we still had room–we went in two very different directions. 

My daughter chose the H-Ville Hot Chicken Sando ($16), a powerhouse of flavor featuring pickle-brined fried chicken dipped in H Sauce (a fiery, locally made hot sauce by a woman-owned brand). Stacked high on a soft brioche bun with scallion aioli, white cheddar, crisp pickles, and a side of golden fries, it was indulgent in the best way. Every bite had that unmistakable crunch, and judging by her grin, she was savoring every second of it.

I opted for something lighter but no less satisfying: the Asian Orange Crunch salad ($15). A vibrant mix of greens, red and napa cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, scallion, fresh orange slices, almonds, sesame seeds, Thai basil, and cilantro, all tossed in a bright house orange vinaigrette. I topped mine with roasted salmon, which added a buttery richness that balanced the citrus and herbs beautifully. It was fresh, crisp, and the layered textures enhanced the flavor.

All in all, Hemma Hemma put their proverbial foot in these dishes and is entering the dinner scene swinging. I didn’t even get to their top-tier cocktails or their amazing desserts. You’ll just have to go try those yourself.   

Hemma Hemma is located at 7122 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.