Dish & Drink KC: Warming up at Blue Bird Bistro and KC Craft Ramen

Blue Bird Bistro // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Blue Bird Bistro

In Kansas City’s eclectic food scene, Blue Bird Bistro stands out as a neighborhood gem dedicated to local and organic fare. It’s the kind of place where wholesome ingredients meet creative flavors, and recently, it served as the perfect spot for a little team bonding with the Pitch team.

We kicked things off with a trio of appetizers that highlighted the bistro’s commitment to farm-to-table goodness well. 

First up were the deviled eggs, crafted with Campo Lindo Farm eggs—hard-boiled, spiced, and gone quickly. Next came the catfish bites, made with South Carolina farm-raised catfish, pan-fried in an organic cornmeal mix. The bites were paired with a tangy lemon caper aioli and a spicy honey sauce that added a sweet kick. Though everything was tasty, I found myself partial to these catfish bites—the perfect blend of crispy, tender, and zesty.

Rounding out the starters were the cheese curds, featuring pan-fried Hemme Brothers creamery cheddar. The creamy curds were paired with two dipping sauces: a rich organic stone-ground mustard aioli and a zippy sriracha lime sauce.

Blue Bird Bistro // Photo By Tiffany Watts

For my entrée, I opted for their take on green curry, a comforting bowl of house-made curry packed with farm-fresh vegetables, onions, mushrooms, and carrots, all simmered in organic coconut milk. I added roasted chicken from Campo Lindo Farm for a protein boost. Served over rice, it was hearty, aromatic, and exactly the kind of dish you’d enjoy as the cooler weather continued to settle in and get comfortable.

The service is worth mentioning, too. Even as we sipped our teas, coffees, and mocktails, and chatted about holiday plans, our server was attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. From start to finish, we felt well taken care of, which only added to the overall experience. It turned out to be the perfect spot to reconnect with the team and savor a little time together.

Blue Bird Bistro is located at 1700 Summit, Kansas City, Missouri.

Photo Courtesy of KC Craft Ramen

KC Craft Ramen

In our family, missing the start of a Chiefs game is practically unheard of, but this past weekend my daughter and I made an exception for Sunday lunch at KC Craft Ramen—a handcrafted Japanese ramen spot that everyone around me has been raving about. Since it was our first visit, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but as soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a well-oiled hustle and flow. 

A line of hungry customers moved steadily toward the counter to order food, while the kitchen staff kept a visible rhythm, crafting bowls of fresh ramen with precision.

Thankfully, despite the busy lunch rush, their staff was able to take care of customers without losing their warm, welcoming energy. Customers were in and out, and tables turned quickly, but there was no sense of chaos. Instead, we found ourselves immersed in the anticipation of good food—and we were not disappointed.

One of the things I immediately loved about KC Craft Ramen was its setup. As you move through the line, you’re surrounded by an array of Japanese treats, desserts, and drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—which add an extra element of fun to the experience. 

First up was the Fried Brussels Sprouts, and let me tell you—these were not your basic Brussels sprouts. They were crispy, saucy, and seasoned to perfection. They were an instant favorite. We also tried the Handmade Pork Gyoza, pan-fried dumplings filled with a delicious mix of minced pork, cabbage, chives, garlic, and ginger. Each bite was packed with flavor and showcased the care KC Craft Ramen puts into its handmade dishes.

The standout starter for us, though, was the KC Pepper Chicken. Tender, flavorful, and addictive. If we hadn’t ordered other appetizers, we would’ve likely ordered another round of these. 

Photo Courtesy of KC Craft Ramen

For our main course, I ordered the Spicy Creamy Chicken Ramen, while my daughter opted for the same bowl, just without the spice. It was a delicious balance of bold, creamy richness and comforting warmth. Even without the kick of spice, the flavors held their own, and the portions were generous and filling. I especially appreciated the fact that KC Craft Ramen makes its ramen noodles by hand. That level of care and dedication translates directly to the plate—or in this case, the bowl.

Beyond the food, the experience itself felt special. We got to watch the kitchen staff prepare fresh bowls of ramen, a process that felt both meticulous and mesmerizing. It’s not every day you get to see your meal made, and it added an extra layer of appreciation for what KC Craft Ramen is doing. Their dishes blend traditional techniques with modern flavors, and everything—from the appetizers to the ramen—comes out hot, fresh, and delicious.

KC Craft Ramen is located at 6830 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66209.