KC Sipps: Checking in on JJ’s, three openings, and tasty fundraisers

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: Outta The Blue and Drastic Measures both happen to be closed this coming week. From June 1 – 4, Outta The Blue in Leawood will be working on some renovations, while Drastic Measures is busy setting up for their annual prehistoric pop-up: Drastic World.

Sway Coffee Roasters in Rosedale is host to a new bagel pop-up. Each Friday and Saturday, starting around 7:30 a.m., Ish Bagels & Deli will be on site slinging goodies until sell-out. That hot tip happened to be suggested to me by a few locals in my TikTok comment section—thanks!

JJ’s Restaurant: Last night I visited JJ’s on the Plaza for the very first time. I started with a cocktail on the patio–both were lovely–and tried a majority of the new spring and summer menu. My favorites included the intense lobster bisque, the JJ’s iconic Paco Shrimp, super-crabby crab cakes, Carajillo cocktail, and chocolate ganache dessert. Clearly the seafood side of things spoke to me, which I did not expect to report.

It’s been a few months since a passionate Kevin Frantze took over from his uncle as Managing Partner of JJ’s Restaurant. Original visitors may be happy to see that the menu has not drastically changed in the many decades of service, but first-timers like me may appreciate the patio, a fab wine list, and contemporary steakhouse favorites. The real changes have occurred behind the scenes, with kitchen equipment being upgraded and highly requested menu additions being tweaked.

Opening

Tiki Taco: The fourth (but not final) location of Tiki Taco opened in Olathe this week. I stopped by on opening day to compare my go-to Thai Fried Chicken Taco to the two locations I frequent. Thankfully, it was as consistent as always. A crispy, cabbage-laden, sweet and spicy taco that really hits the spot. Especially when followed by a Tiki Choco Taco from High Hopes.

The Commons: In our March magazine, Jordan Baranowski shared a glimpse of what to expect when two KC joints come together. The Commons, featuring Cinder Block Brewery and Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, will celebrate a grand opening on May 29 with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12 – 2 p.m. 

1888 Coffee: Moving into the former Mother Earth Coffee building in Hyde Park is 1888 Coffee. The new cafe, named for the year Hyde Park neighborhood was established, opens May 31. The hours will be a wide 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, serving coffee and matcha drinks as well as breakfast and lunch items. After previewing it this morning, I recommend the iced banana bread latte (nutty and not too sweet) and a breakfast burrito for a satisfying meal. I also nabbed an orange roll, supplied by Prairie Village’s Dolce Bakery, for an afternoon treat.

May 30

Fetch: Have you visited Fetch’s new location in Westside? This Friday, the outspoken gift and vintage store is hosting a special fundraising event for the Missouri Abortion Fund. From 5 – 8 p.m., stop by to shop or pick up a treat from Sugarfold, Sugar Mama, Drastic Measures, or Sagebrush. Make a donation in advance for a chance to win prizes. 

Festa Italiana: For the 17th year, UNICO will celebrate Festa Italiana at Zona Rosa all weekend long. The festival features live music and performances, authentic Italian food booths, a kids’ play area, wine tastings, an Italian motorsports show on Sunday, and more. Admission is free, and additional proceeds benefit the UNICO Scholarship Program.

May 31

Cortadito: Cortadito is shutting down a KCK block for a La Gozadera Block Party and pig roast. The Cuban party festivities run all day from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Admission is free with options to purchase meal tickets and VIP experiences. In addition to food and drink specials, there will be live bands and DJs all day, plus a fresh cigar roller.

Café Cà Phê: The Vietnamese coffee shop and its non-profit arm, Hella Good Deeds, are putting on the fifth annual AANHPI festival: The Art of Being AANHPI. Held at the Zhou B Art Center, the festival celebrates Asian Americans, South Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through music, performances, vendors, kids’ activities, and food & drink. Tickets are $12 for adults, and the event is from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Force of Nature Brewing: Now here’s a combo that’s new to me: tea and beer. At De Soto’s Force of Nature Brewing, lean into the herbal side of brewing and learn about how it is used in beer. Tickets are $30 and include a beer flight, tea flight, and charcuterie plate, along with a guide to see how it all connects.

Gaels Public House and Sports: Gaels is hosting the Queer Narratives Festival Kickoff Party, starting at 7 p.m. The event includes a drag performance, a comedian, DJ, and raffle prizes. The event is put on by No Divide KC, and tickets are $25. 

June 1

Pitchside Coffee: The KC Current player-owned coffee pop-up will be posted at 18th and Grand from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition to coffee drinks, Pitchside has invited Sugar Skull taco truck, Quarantine Cookie, and West Bottoms Plant Co.