KC Sipps: First Fridays heat up, plus a local artist goes full foodie for Neiman Marcus

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: Besos y Abrazos in Power and Light now offers Baile y Brunch, and in Overland Park, Of Course launches Sunday brunch this weekend.

If you’re reading The Pitch, odds are that your interests go beyond food. Perhaps art, too? Local artist Tayler Cook (I have two of her prints hanging in my home!) was hired by Neiman Marcus to illustrate A Pocket Guide to Great Taste. The food-meets-fashion guide is only available online for now.

The brand new Ruby Jean’s community garden at 2906 Wabash is hosting a ribbon cutting and volunteer day this Saturday. The garden opening commences at 11:11 a.m., with volunteer opportunities through 2 p.m. 

Opening

Patios: While this specific weekend may not offer sunshine and warm weather, a few more patios have been declared open for the season. Plate’s patios in Leawood and Brookside feature shade and cushiony seating, while Blanc Champagne Bar’s rooftop offers full sun and views of midtown. And for an active evening, City Barrel Pizza + Patio kicked off Tuesday evening bike rides with Cycling KC. The ride is geared toward beginners and meets outside the patio at 6:30 p.m.

Go Chicken Go: The KCK-based fast-food chain Go Chicken Go opened its sixth location. The latest, celebrating its grand opening today, is in the Northland at 380 NE Vivion Road. 

Closing

Big Mood Natural Wines: The Crossroads’ natural wine shop has announced closure. The Pitch covered Big Mood in-depth in 2022, but it has since hosted many food pop-up events mentioned in KC Sipps. In fact, one such event was when I first tried Jhy Couler’s pizza in the time before she opened Orange by Devoured. I’d still recommend following Big Mood on their most-used platform, Instagram, to learn about future tastings and pop-up events.

April 4

First Fridays: While some businesses host events to honor first Fridays year round, spring is when venues and neighborhoods go full-send. Wear comfortable shoes, park wherever you can (though nowadays you’ll likely have to pay), and enjoy the best of KC’s small and even smaller businesses! Fullproof filled sourdough donuts will be at Post Coffee starting at 7 p.m. Tacos Valentina is celebrating all things Michelada at Crossroad’s Torn Label Brewing. Made Mobb on Southwest Boulevard is hosting dozens of vendors and five food trucks. Similarly, in East Crossroads, HiTides hosts a variety of vendors from 6 – 10 p.m. The Crossroads location of Café Corazón will host a launch party for their caramel collab with From The Earth Dispensary from 6 – 10 p.m.

April 5 

The Roasterie: The Roasterie factory location invites coffee and yoga lovers to a special class. Between noon – 2 p.m., Emily Cox will lead an all-levels yoga class followed by snacks and drinks from The Roasterie. The perfect blend for a Saturday, indeed. Tickets are $25 and yoga mats are not provided.

Gaels Public House and Sports: Gaels will play host to the future KC women’s sports bar, The Dub, on Saturday evening. The Dub will bring extra spirit and energy to watch parties for the USWNT vs Brazil friendly at 4 p.m. and to cheer while KC Glory takes on the Mississippi Panthers at 7 p.m. 

Plan ahead

The Giving Grove: Dine for a cause on April 10. The Giving Grove is hosting a fundraising luncheon at Rumely Tractor Historic Event Space in West Bottoms. On the theme of “fostering equality and building community health,” The Giving Grove’s event features lunch and a presentation by chef and author Amber Williams.