KC Sipps: Mother’s Day deals, new KC-collab ice cream, and a note on composting

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: Two KC mainstays, Jasper’s Italian Restaurant and Betty Rae’s have partnered for a special edition ice cream. Cannoli, now available at all Betty Rae’s locations, blends a mascarpone and ricotta ice cream base with cinnamon, orange zest, mini chips, and dried cherries, then is topped with a cannoli shell crumble. Pitchside Coffee is now available in select Hy-Vee grocery stores. The KC Current player-owned product is actually roasted by Kinship Coffee (mentioned below), and can be purchased at HyVee locations, directly from the website, or at KC Current games. 

KC’s own J. Rieger & Co. Kansas City Whiskey was served in cocktails at the annual Met Gala in NYC. Swanky! Donutology has revived its Care-to-Share program to “treat” workers at Children’s Mercy. Through May 31, each $49.99 box will be delivered free of charge to a Children’s Mercy campus in Kansas City or Overland Park, and $10 will be donated to the hospital network. The boxes hold two dozen of Donutology’s signature donuts, with space for a personalized message. 

International Compost Awareness Week: As I shared in a recent letter from the editor, food waste weighs on the minds of many chefs around Kansas City. Composting is a strategy for converting food waste into soil that can be used to grow even more food. If you’re looking to support a spot that makes composting efforts, think of Billie’s Grocery, Cafe Cà Phê, Anchor Island Coffee, McLain’s Market, Carne Diem, and most farmers’ markets. They work with KC Can Compost or Compost Collective KC, which are two area organizations to learn from, participate in, and volunteer for. 

Opening

Kinship Cafe: After closing the Strawberry Hill cafe due to landlord conflicts, Kinship Cafe is opening in Independence this Friday at 8 a.m. The first four customers will receive a bag of Kinship-roasted coffee beans, and drip coffee will be free all day! Well, until close at 3 p.m. Due to permitting delays, coffee will be served outside, but the building will be open for you to check out.

Closing

Chingu: The modern Korean restaurant in Westport from Chef Keeyoung Kim has announced that May 24 will be its final day of service. The menu featured shareable plates, a house soju, cocktails, and more, with the fried chicken being a standout dish. Chingu Coffee in West Plaza will remain open, and Chingu fans can still find familiar flavors through sauces at Sura Eats, the bottled soju, and future pop-ups.

May 11

Mother’s Day: For those celebrating Mother’s Day, there is no shortage of food-related options. If I didn’t already have plans to attend a family cookout with my mom, here are some of the places I would take her. 

Barbacoa. This is already a favorite in our family. In fact, I may or may not have some loved ones with reservations for this very event… The team at Barbacoa is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and at the time of publishing, reservations are still available.

Tiki Taco. Moms eat free at Tiki Taco on Sunday when dining with the rest of the fam–just mention the Mother’s Day promo at the register. 

KC Wine Co. The south JoCo spot is a favorite of both of ours for a nice afternoon outdoors, and it has packed the weekend full of $5 specials, live music, 80s bingo (which my mom would slay), and a ticketed brunch.

Rye. Tea and pie are two of my mom’s favorite little life pleasures. The Plaza location has a ticketed tea service, but any Rye brunch or lunch would be a treat.

Plate. This one would be new to her, but I think she’d appreciate the variety of the special brunch menu. Specifically, the shrimp cocktail, salad choices, and custom omelets. 

Plan ahead

Third Place Lounge: The Crossroads bar is hosting a zero-proof event in partnership with The Great Curious Cocktail Party. On May 14, select from your choice of two seatings and enjoy non-alcoholic cocktails and free tastings while you’re entertained by live jazz. Tickets are $10.