KC Sipps: A closer look at restaurant openings, plus a Negro Leagues Baseball Museum whiskey release

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Personal Note from Sarah Sipple

This week–expected to be full of love and celebration–has a tragic weight to it now. I was at the Chiefs victory rally and witnessed more than anyone ever should. My group is safe, and our thoughts are forever with the victims, the citizens and professionals who responded, and the hundreds of thousands also affected by this senseless tragedy. 

I’m working hard to remind myself of the good before the tragic events: the revelry, the joy, the unity. But alongside it now, burned in my memory, are images of the results of gun violence. 

We are thankful to be continuing on with life in KC–joyfully, hesitantly, reflectively–a fluid range of statuses and needs. You are not alone. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is offering free counseling services for community members. 

Something New

Bar Medici: Drawing inspiration from “the art of the aperitivo”, Bar Medici is an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant that opened in Crossroads in December. I briefly wrote about my first experience there and was recently invited back for a media preview after they announced that they now offer lunch as well as dinner. I could pretend to be chill here, but honestly, I was very impressed. 

I can speak to a few dishes on each of the four menu sections and happily recommend Bar Medici. It is difficult to highlight just a few items but the first to mind are Porcini Ciambella, aka savory mushroom donuts with taleggio sauce, and the Granchio Spaghetti alla Chitarra. This take on spaghetti includes snow crab in a crab bisque sauce with scallion, Aleppo pepper, and grana padano. I’m already too wordy here–perhaps I should do a standalone story on these. 

Whole Harvest Kitchen: Leawood has a new plant-based dining spot. Whole Harvest Kitchen opened a physical restaurant last month after proving itself in the nationwide meal delivery biz. Last week they hosted a media preview where Executive Chef Will Harris shared about how the downsides of his chef lifestyle lead to major life and dietary changes. Dishes like Roman Pasta, Dark Chocolate Truffle Bites, and Smokey Dashi Tofu were great reminders that nutritious foods can have plenty of wow factor.

Boulevard Brewing Company: In honor of the Chief’s big win, Boulevard has created a limited-release imperial seltzer called Cheers to the Champs! It is available now at the Boulevard Tours & Rec Center gift shop.

Opening

Tiki Taco: Tiki Taco, one of my reliable go-tos for casual Cal-Mex, has opened a third location! This newest spot is a short walking distance from Overland Park Farmers’ Market and is now open seven days a week. I’m not sure you’d believe me if I told you how often my husband and I order from Tiki Taco, but just trust me when I say that if you like some heat, the Thai Fried Chicken Taco is a must-try. For a non-meat option, the Mean Green Burrito is filling and unique with crispy green beans, black beans, curly fries, guac, cheese, and sour cream, on a spinach tortilla.

Cardboard Corner Cafe: The newest resident at Lenexa Public Market is Cardboard Corner Cafe. This is the second location of the game-friendly eatery.  A menu of waffle dishes, shareables like nachos and dips, build-your-own-boba, and cocktails will surely keep folks entertained if one of the 250 free games does not. The new spot opens Friday, February 16 and a celebratory ribbon cutting will be held at noon on February 22. 

Closing

Cozy’s Cafe: The American & Mediterranean breakfast and lunch spot in Overland Park, Cozy’s Cafe has closed. The sister restaurant, Paros Estiatorio in Mission Farms will remain open.

February 15

Voo Lounge: As V-Day is officially over, Voo Lounge in downtown KC is celebrating singles from 4 – 10 p.m. Book a reservation now and find a photo of your ex. The Single’s Night fun includes shredding of photos, drink specials, giveaways, and live music. Need a cocktail rec? The Rendezvous is my fave.

February 17

Garden House Cafe: In KCK, Garden House Cafe will carry Bread Friends sourdough bagels starting today. The cafe is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and this is great news for Bread Friends fans. Until now, bagels have been available only at pop-ups and were known to sell out quickly. 

Blip Roasters: From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Blip Roasters in West Bottoms is hosting its monthly vendor market. This free-to-attend market features a variety of makers, artists, and vendors. Grab a coffee, peruse the motorcycling merch and culture, and pick up a few locally-made goods. 

Afterword Tavern & Shelves: As a late nod to Galentine’s (as if there’s a wrong time to celebrate friendship!), Afterword in Crossroads is hosting author Lauren Peacock for a book signing and reading. From 1 – 3 p.m. the author of Female. Likes Cheese. Comes with Dog.: Stories About Divorce, Dating, and Saying “I Do” will be on location. Tickets and reservations are not required.

Plan Ahead

Rieger & Co. Distillery: On Wednesday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m., J. Rieger & Co. is releasing the much anticipated commemorative Fielder’s Choice Collection in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. These limited and collectible whiskey bottles honor the history of the Negro Leagues with unique designs highlighting the Kansas City Monarchs, St. Louis Stars, Homestead Grays, and Chicago Giants. The reception serves as a fundraiser and features baseball-inspired bites, cocktails, and memorabilia from the Negro Leagues Museum. An RSVP and $5 donation are required.

Q39: Technically, February 22 is National Chili Day, but Q39 is celebrating all month long. A warm and hearty Smoked Brisket Chili served with Jalapeno Cornbread is available for $15 all month, but being the good Midwesterner that I am, I had to give you a heads-up about the official day. 

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