KC Sipps: Festive family events and local restaurant news

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!

Something New

Filling Station: Filling Station Coffee Garage has launched its own bagged coffee and canned cold brew in partnership with its wholesale partner Messenger Coffee. It is available now at all three locations in Overland Park, Union Hill, and Westport. Snag a pack for a much-appreciated host gift this season!

Zero Zero Handmade Pasta: Zero Zero in KC’s Westside has opened pre-orders for holiday foods like their fresh, handmade pork and apple cappelletti, plain pasta, and sauces. When you go pick up your order, I highly recommend picking up some of the gorgeous focaccia if it’s available. P.S., today Zero Zero announced that they made a cookbook! It is available only through Amazon and features photos by the ever-talented Pilsen Photo Coop.

Mattie’s Foods: Mattie’s is bringing vegan foods to you. They have introduced meal delivery up to 40 miles outside of the KC metro! Meals are also available for pickup in Brookside with no minimum order. I don’t think you can go wrong with their breakfast sandwiches, but check out the full menu for healthier options.

Craft Cocktail Week: It’s here! It may be my favorite of our annual “food” weeks that The Pitch puts on. Yesterday I tried the Mischief Managed at Afterword Tavern and Shelves. Even if it weren’t half-price, I’d still happily recommend it. The mezcal cocktail has thyme and peppercorn syrup, egg foam, and other fab ingredients that remove the hot and smoky kick that mezcal sometimes brings, and keeps it smooth, slightly sweet, and full of fragrances to dwell on.

Opening

Modern Market Eatery: New to Corinth Square in Prairie Village is Modern Market Eatery. The franchise focuses on whole foods that are ideal for carryout and catering. I tried the marinated chicken bowl with spinach salad and mac and cheese, and it was a smart choice for lunch before shopping–I felt full, but light and nourished. It is not the most intricate or interesting food, but serves a purpose well for a nutritious meal on the go.

December 14

Zephyr Kitchen & Bourbon Bar: Head to the Overland Park Marriott for Cocktails with Kris Kringle at Zephyr from 5 – 8 p.m. No tickets or reservations are required, and all ages are welcome. The festive evening includes cookie decorating, spirit tastings, ornament and wreath making, live music, and more.

December 15

Betty Rae’s: As a benefit for a Betty Rae’s staffer who is away from work battling cancer, all profits made at the River Market location on December 15 will go back to this staff member. Pop in for a scoop or two–the natural mint chocolate chip is a favorite of mine.

Blip Roasters: Blip Roasters in West Bottoms are celebrating Blipmas with a donation drive for warm gear and toys. Donations will be accepted through December 17, but the fun kicks off today. Starting at 3 p.m., specialty cocktails and a DJ starts the celebration, leading up to a poetry show at 6:30 p.m. with a $15 admission. 

Cauldron Collective: At their new spot near the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, plant-based comfort food experts, Cauldron Collective, are hosting a dressy and music-centered Winter Formal. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door, with opportunities to purchase art, food, and non-alcoholic drinks inside. 

December 16

Kinship Cafe: Strawberry Hill’s Kinship Cafe has invited Epic Arts over for a morning of clay activities. From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. save your spot with a ticket in advance or try your luck at a walk-in to make your own clay ornament. The coffee shop will remain open to anyone.

Grand Coffee Company: Near Crown Center, Grand Coffee Company invites the whole family for a morning of Christmas cheer. Enter a gingerbread house competition for $10, sip hot chocolate or seasonal lattes, and enjoy Christmas movies on their big screen from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cinder Block Brewery: Starting at 3 p.m., North KC’s Cinder Block Brewery is celebrating Winter Wonderland Cider Fest. The event does not require a ticket or reservation and features cider flights, festive photo ops, ornament decorating for kids, and an apple press station.

Holiday Black Business Market: From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kansas City G.I.F.T. is decking the halls and lighting up Prospect Ave with a holiday market. Shop Black-owned businesses, including food products to gift and food trucks to fuel your shopping. 

Plan Ahead

Boulevard Tours & Recreation: “Have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny-fucking-Kaye.” Reserve your team’s spot now for Boulevard’s Christmas Vacation trivia night on December 21! Trivia starts at 6 p.m. but arrive early for maximum merriment. Registration is $8 and includes your first pour. 

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