KC Sipps: James Beard Award semifinalist chef’s restaurant to close, three new spots open

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: There are a few local goodies I want to remind you of as we enter a season of more hosting, potlucks, parties, and gifting. My foodie gift guide from last year still holds up, but a few new products have entered the scene. Fern Bar has bottled cocktails and a signature rum that would be great additions to a local-focused bar cart. A local registered dietician, Moran Murdock, has a line of gut-friendly crackers, called Unbothered Foods, that are available at Hemma Hemma and Whole Foods (I’m serving them at a card game night this weekend). And last but not least, I must put you on to local artist Shannon Shechter of Shyhop Studio, who makes darling illustrations of foods at local restaurants. Her collection is just getting started!

We have more good news to share in regards to community efforts for addressing hunger. Slow Food Kansas City partnered with Kanbe’s Markets to secure 300 turkeys for families facing food insecurity in the wake of government funding delays. The Kansas City Defender teamed up with the Urban League of Kansas City to provide 100 boxes of food for families. KC Tenants has provided grocery boxes for over 2,030 people, and is fundraising to provide more. The Crossroads location of Grinders is collecting food donations for Harvesters and Feeding America, and each item donated through November 24 gets you a chance to win a pair of tickets for a show next season.

Opening

Sammie’s Kitchen and Bar: The team behind Tanner’s is trying something new. Sammie’s Kitchen and Bar opened earlier this week in Overland Park, near 69 Hwy and 151st St. The new venture will still have plenty of TVs showing sports, but the expected Tanner’s sports bar menu has been swapped for a focus on sandwiches. 

Crossroads Cantina: A new Mexican restaurant and bar opens November 20 in Crossroads. From the same team as The Wise Guy and Rockhill Grille, the new spot has a full kitchen and a succinct cocktail menu. It’s set in a lean corner building behind The Wise Guy, and the kitchen is open Tuesday – Saturday from 5 – 10 p.m.

Moonstone: A new cocktail bar joins the Berkley Riverfront near the Two Birds One Stone bar and beer garden. Moonstone is set to open November 21. The bar has dark vibes with deep colors and moon-themed cocktail names. Reservations are encouraged for the first few opening weekends.

Closing

Corvino: Corvino, the Crossroads restaurant whose namesake was voted Best Chef in 2023 and has received multiple James Beard Award nods, will close at the end of the year. A grand New Year’s Eve party will be the final hurrah for the upscale spot. In a newsletter, co-owner Christina Corvino says they are “happy to close the doors to Corvino on our own accord, as a thoughtful decision on the completion of a beautiful chapter.”

November 21

The Book Club: I just visited this relatively new spot on Johnson Drive for a late-afternoon sammie, but they’re throwing an official grand opening celebration tonight from 5 – 9 p.m. The party features games, prizes, a DJ, free bites, and a special dessert menu. I suggest snagging a gift card for the cozy, bookish pal in your life, and even better if you pair it with a cute bookmark or new pen. But since you’re there, you might as well pick up a sweet treat for yourself for being such a good friend.

Mitch e Amaro // Photo by Sarah SIpple

November 23

Mitch e Amaro: The North KC craft cocktail bar and supply store is known for their variety of unique events. Each week, Sapphic Sundays are celebrated from 12 – 6 p.m., with a film screening at 4 p.m. This is for ages 21+, and if you need a drink rec, I very much enjoyed this fall-y sipper on my recent visit. 

Plan Ahead

Café Ollama: Did you grow up with piñata smashing as part of your holiday festivities? I did. The Southwest Boulevard cafe and Fer are providing you with an opportunity to craft a custom one for yourself. A piñata workshop will be held on November 29 at 4 p.m. The cost is $35 and it is open to all ages. Café Ollama offers a few things that most cafes don’t, such as buckets of iced lattes (yes, for real) and flights to try a variety of bevvies… mentioned in case you want a lil pep in your step for this workshop!