Dish & Drink KC: Fannie’s West African Cuisine and Waterbird Coffee Company

Dish & Drink KC logo by Theodore Rosen

Kansas City Restaurant Week always pushes me out of my usual rotation, and this year it led me straight to Fannie’s West African Cuisine.

I went with my editor, we’re obviously both foodies, and we had no agenda aside from just catching up and eating good food. It was her first time, too, which made it even better. Just two curious eaters.

I ordered the whole red snapper ($36.99), and when they say whole, they mean whole. Eyes, head, tail, everything. The fish came crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and was very well seasoned. It was served with a generous scoop of jollof rice, sweet fried plantains, tender veggies, and a bold pepper sauce that brought just the right amount of heat.

Fannie’s West African Cuisine // Photo by Tiffany Watts

To top it off, my plate was loaded. Like, we could’ve both shared one meal, loaded. We both looked at our plates and laughed because there was no way anyone was leaving hungry. And yes, leftovers were secured, which is honestly one of life’s small joys.

Everything on the plate worked together too: the savory rice, the sweetness of the plantains, the richness of the fish, and that spicy, fatty sauce tying it all together. It was absolutely delicious. 

Again, this is why I love Restaurant Week. It gives me a reason to step outside my comfort zone, try new flavors, and try places like Fannie’s that instantly earn a spot on my “go back soon” list. 

Fannie’s West African Cuisine is located at 4105 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110.

Waterbird Coffee Company // Photo by Tiffany Watts

It had been a minute since I last stopped into Waterbird Coffee Company, and honestly, I forgot how much of a gem it is. I didn’t even know it existed until I decided to be a tourist in my own city for a day and booked a downtown walking tour with Urban Hikes KC a while back. 

If you love coffee, go ahead and add Waterbird to your “sip here ASAP” list.

This time around, I ordered a cortado with oat milk. Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, but still letting the espresso lead. Smooth yet bold, just the way I like it. 

I also ordered a vanilla latte with an extra shot… for a friend who never showed. So naturally, I drank that too. Was it too much caffeine? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not even a little. The vanilla was subtle, not overly sweet, and the extra shot gave it that extra kick that keeps you buzzing through the rest of the day.

I’m also just a fan of the vibes. It’s low-key, welcoming; plus they’re doing really good coffee in a subtly cool way. The art and decor along the walls really amps up the energy, too. Again, vibes. They matter. 

Waterbird Coffee Company is located at 1200 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64106.