KC Sipps: A sad Town Topic update, and a salty weekend of pickle and oyster festivals

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: Area businesses are getting in the sporty spirit ahead of the big summer event. J. Rieger & Co., Russell Stover, Cookie Bliss KC, and André’s Confiserie Suisse are among the many local makers who have limited-edition goodies to honor our soccer-centered summer. The J. Rieger whiskey bottle designed by local artist Jadie Arnett is one you may want to keep on your bar cart as a memento, but I doubt the Russell Stover chocolates will last long. The crispy, crunchy caramels made in partnership with Sporting KC are delish. Along the same lines, French Custard is offering concoctions based on flavors from some of the teams that KC is hosting, and the Netherlands-inspired stroopwafel has me drooling. 

Courtesy Cookie Bliss KC

Town Topic announced that it will temporarily suspend its 24-hour service at the popular Broadway location. As of now, it will close at 8 a.m. each evening. It cites ongoing safety concerns around the restaurant that have not been addressed by local authorities. In the meantime, the iconic KC restaurant says it is working on implementing online ordering and all-night delivery. 

Closing

District Fish and Pasta House: The Brookside location of District Fish and Pasta House has announced its permanent closure. It opened in 2020 but has been closed since February. The Northland location is still open. 

Jalisco Restaurant: After more than 60 years, Jalisco announced that its final day of service will be May 30. The family-owned KCK Mexican restaurant cited retirement and aging family members as the reason for closure, according to Fox4. 

May 15

KC Wine Co: Today kicks off a big dill of a weekend… Pickle Palooza at KC Wine Co in Olathe. It’s an adults-only event with free admission. Pickle cocktails and snacks, plus yard games and bingo, help make this the event of your salty dreams.  

PH Coffee: The Public House space at PH Coffee is hosting an open chat to learn and discuss what is going on in the Latine community, here in the KC Metro, and nationally. All are welcome, and there is no cost but an RSVP is required. The event is an effort between PH Coffee, the Kansas City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and RiTZ.

Origin Cội Nguồn: Pitch writer Nancy Le is hosting a paint-your-own-mug night at Origin on North Oak Trafficway. The $25 ticket includes a ceramic mug and painting supplies, as well as an Origin drink. The event starts at 6 p.m., so if you’re caffeine-sensitive, ask for drink recs that won’t keep you up later than you want. This summer marks the one-year anniversary of Nhung Hoang opening Origin Cội Nguồn as a Vietnamese coffee shop and cultural hub.  

May 16

Two Sugars Coffee: KC-based Lucky 13 dog rescue will be on site at Two Sugars Coffee’s Westport location from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you were searching for a sign or permission to adopt a dog, here’s a stranger blindly giving it to you!

May 17

Kansas City Oyster Festival: That’s right, an oyster festival here in the heart of the Midwest. Starting at 1 p.m., J. Rieger & Co.’s Electric Park will be the site for all things oysters (including an oyster luge), live music, and Rieger drinks. Tickets start at $70.