KC Sipps: A new paella spot, two restaurant closures, and KC Black Feast Week returns

KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen

Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.

That’s where I come in. 

I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!

Something New

News Bites: Now that it’s officially fall, I’m ready to chat about autumnal flavors. (Hopefully the weather will catch up soon.) Good Karma Coffee has a cardamom and black pepper espresso drink that I already rushed in for. You should, too. Bisou has a pumpkin latte with pumpkin in it–not just the spices that we associate with pumpkin–as well as a rosemary maple latte that sounds intriguing. MackCanvas & Cookie has a build your own cookie pack with flavors like brown butter pecan and pumpkin scotcherdoddle that look so satisfying. Spicy Moon Foods is offering a plant-based and gluten-free maple coconut bacon donut among others for preorder. And last but certainly not least among my list of comforting shoutouts is Café Cà Phê, which is introducing a brand new menu item: congee. This customizable cup of hot Vietnamese rice porridge may be the ultimate comfort (when paired with a Mr. D’s blueberry cake donut). 

Opening 

The Paella Mix: A new Spanish restaurant is open now in City Market! The Paella Mix is open for lunch daily, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., offering a menu of paella, tapas, sandwiches, and sweets. A small sangria selection is available to complement the vibrant namesake dish.

Thai Orchid: The northland location of Thai Orchid has been open for a while, but this week it is holding a grand opening celebration. Guests who dine between now and October 4 are eligible for pretty major giveaways, discounts, and vouchers as detailed here. They have a few fall menu items, such as braised beef ga prao and a fried apple wonton, available for a limited time. 

Closing

Waldo Thai: After a major shakeup in May of this year, with notable chef and owner Pam Liberda departing from Waldo Thai, the restaurant has now announced that its final day of operation will be Friday, October 3. A social media post from the restaurant’s account claims it will be closed for an “unknown amount of time.”

Bon Bon: East Lawrence eatery, Bon Bon, announced on social media that it will be closing restaurant service and transforming into a private dining space. The final day of public service is October 25, before shifting gears to partner with the event space next door, Cider Gallery. The restaurant and the event space are owned by the same couple, who also own The Burger Stand.

October 4

Red Kitchen: Today is National Cinnamon Roll Day! What better way to honor it than with my personal favorite… Tin Pan Cinnamon Rolls. Dan from Tin Pan will pop up at Red Kitchen in Overland Park from 8 a.m. through sell-out, offering single rolls and full pans of his classic recipe. Apple struesel cinnamon rolls and brand-new pull-apart loaves will also be available. 

Plan Ahead

KC Black Feast Week: KC Black Feast Week is back for 2025 with even more restaurants than last year. From October 6 – 12, Black-owned eateries and cafes are celebrated, and some may offer special deals. From Nigerian fare in Midtown at TeeTasty Foods, to hearty cafe finds at Kinship in Independence, there’s something for everyone on this stellar list!

Jasper’s Restaurant: On October 15, Jasper’s is hosting an Italian Wine Supper Club with Indigenous Wines and Bommarito Wine & Spirits. This six-course dinner includes Italian wine pairings, and tickets are $125 per person. Dishes include flounder, duck ragù, pistachio gelato, and more at this special dinner.