KC Sipps: Food & supply drives, half-price salads, and Boulevard launches a THC seltzer

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: Salad Week is here! As with all of our annual food weeks, we have partnered with area restaurants to offer half-price deals. This time, salads! …a nice contrast to a season of Crock Pot dips, candy, and pie (I’ve already had pie twice in the last week). No coupons or codes are required, but we do recommend checking each place’s hours before visiting and tipping well. 

Half-price salad at Lark’s // Photo by Jason Dockery

Boulevard is going green. No, not a new sustainability announcement–they’ve added a THC bevvie to their lineup! The new canned product, Berry Jane, is part of the Quirk line. Berry Jane is a THC seltzer, meaning that there is no alcohol, but 5 or 10mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. That’s the federally legal stuff, not dispensary-type cannabis. I haven’t tried it yet but you can bet it’s on my list as the self-proclaimed Fun Bevvie Queen. It’s slated to roll out in Kansas and Missouri retailers in November.

Freight House Fitness, Wellness Warehouse, Rochester (Crossroads location), and Good Karma Coffee are banding together to collect food, snacks in particular, for KCPS students. Examples of new, unopened products to donate include bottled water, Goldfish, popcorn, fruit snacks, etc. Individually portioned products are the most convenient for teachers. Donations dropped off at Good Karma by October 30 will earn you 50% off a coffee order that day!

Similarly, Boots on the Ground is coordinating efforts to feed furloughed and laid-off federal workers. Donations of items like peanut butter, boxed meals, pasta and sauces, proteins, toiletries, diapers, and pet food can be dropped off at Fetch, Lulu’s Boutique, Junque Drawer, and 80 Santa Fe Gallery. (See flyer below.)

Opening 

The Laos House: Chef Kay Pee has expanded his house–The Laos House, that is. A second location opens October 24 at 11 a.m. inside Parlor. The downtown food hall offers a vibrant indoor setting that can be quite bustling at night, which is a smart contrast to the existing location at Iron District. It’s known for burritos, but I recommend adding a side of the fried crab rangoon rice balls.

October 24

KC Streetcar: The Mainstreet Streetcar extension officially opens today! In addition to taking riders further south, the day is full of festivities with local businesses celebrating. For example, Blanc Champagne Bar will have a sidewalk pop-up near the 39th St stop, and if you snap a selfie on the new route, Blanc will give you 15% off your bill this first day! Russell Stover brand ambassadors will be dispensing free chocolates to riders arriving at the UMKC Streetcar stop from 1:30 – 4:30pm. Ragazza is making the most of the new ride and throwing a creative progressive-dinner style party between itself and sister restaurant, Enzo, on the City Market streetcar stop.

Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee: Congrats on seven years of the chillest vibes and stellar cafe offerings, Sister Anne’s. This is one of those shops that I’m inclined to gatekeep, but if I love it, why wouldn’t I want to share it with others and see the cafe thrive? Clearly, it’s already thriving in the sense that it’s stuck around. The Shy Boys and 2W33DY kick off for a free (or donation-based) special performance at 8 p.m. at the combination record store/coffee shop. 

October 25

Kinship Cafe: Congrats on four years, Kinship! We know it’s not been without struggles. To celebrate four years of tenacity and community-mindedness, the Indpendence cafe has set up vendors, raffles, live music, and more from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Vine Street Brewing: Vine Street Brewing is truly the place to be tonight. Not only is it a costumed Halloween party, but a celebration with Brass and Boujee–the world’s only 20-piece hip-hop brass band and a release of Vine Street’s new Black is Beautiful brew. Tickets are $10 for this party that kicks off at 5 p.m.

The American: Tickets are still available for this who’s who dinner of KC chefs in a fittingly iconic setting. The 24th Annual Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner is held at The American, and features a collaborative five-course menu with the theme “Rising Stars: The Future of Kansas City’s Culinary Scene.” Featured chefs include Jacob Moeller, Katie Liu-Sung, Jeff Workman, Andrew Longres, and Tia Throckmorton. Tickets are $313.03 after taxes and fees, and proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation.

October 26

Scratch Gourmet Kitchen: Remember Sage Monet and her Good Spirits Club pop-ups? Here’s your next chance to attend. Snag a reservation at Scratch between 5 – 10 p.m. to soak up Good Spirits, with proceeds benefiting Hope House KC and the American Cancer Society. Based on your nominations, Monet was a finalist for Best Bartender in KC! Results will be published online November 4 and in our November magazine.

October 27

1587 Prime: The buzzy new steakhouse from Mahomes and Kelce (and an actual restaurant partner, Noble 33) is bringing the party to the people. Well, the people attending the Chiefs vs. Commanders game. 1587 will be set up and available to all (who have a ticket to the game) at the Ford Tailgate District from 3:30 p.m. until kickoff. There will be signature dishes, free merch, and a live musical performance. 

Panther’s Place: If you’re not at the stadium, like the majority of us, Panther’s Place will be serving up tailgating-inspired eats from none other than Chef Roman Raya of Barbacoa–hustling on a precious day off from the restaurant. From 2 p.m. through game time or sellout, Raya will have a menu of $14 or under smoked nachos, Sonoran dogs, guacamole, and more. 

Courtesy Boots on the Ground