KC Sipps: Mother’s Day events in Crossroads, and proclaiming it a coconut summer

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: At Saturday’s Art of Being AANHPI Festival, I enjoyed a lot of good food and drinks, with my favorite overall plate coming from Uce Kitchen–a Hawaiian and Samoan food truck based out of Independence. 

But a surprise hit was the fresh coconut water from Cowgirls and Coconuts. This new, KC-based truck offers nothing but coconuts, but it just might be the it (cow)girl of the summer. Shaved and branded coconuts are punctured just seconds before being handed to you, ready with a straw. I’ve had a few coconuts in different parts of the world, but this was by far the best–enough so that I had to return and inquire. Their coconuts come from a specific spot in Thailand, where the soil nutrients help produce the mildest, barely sweet, smoothest coconut water. If you see this at the next festival or event you attend, try it! It’s not a lot of quantity for $10, but if you have the means, it’s a fun and interesting thing to share with your group.

Speaking of AANHPI month, Goat & Rabbit has a special menu that benefits Hella Good Deeds. The menu runs through the month of May, and there is a pho-inspired cocktail that I am enormously intrigued by. It’s made with five-spice sake and Haku vodka, pho broth, and topped with cilantro, Thai basil, lime, and sriracha.

Opening

Flowstate Coffee: I first wrote about Jacob Kingsley in early 2024 when they were crafting unique gourmet-level syrups at the brand-new cafe, Bisou. Now, Kingsley is in the soft opening phase of their own coffee shop in East Crossroads. Found in Suite 934 of Sola Salons Arte KC, Flowstate will be serving coffee from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. now through May 10 to build interest before officially opening this summer. There is a range of options, such as house-roasted coffee best as a pour-over, ube lattes, and decaf espresso. Follow along on social media for additional days and hours. 

May 7

Mean Mule Distilling Co.: I’m not a mom, but if I were, this is what I’d want to attend. Mean Mule is hosting Embers Candle Bar for a candle-making party! $38 tickets include a custom candle and a cocktail. I’ve got Mean Mule spirits on my bar cart (which is leaning more and more alcohol-free these days, so the fact that Mean Mule has maintained its spot should tell you something), and a few Embers candles scattered throughout the home. 

May 8

Turath Coffee: A new must-try in Overland Park, Turath Coffee, is throwing a Knafeh Night from 7 p.m. until sell-out. Knafeh is a sweet and savory, cheesy and crunchy, traditional Arab dessert, and will be available for $6.99 per slice. On a recent visit, I fell in love with their simple but impactful halloumi flatbread, in case you feel like adding a full-on salty and savory dish alongside. 

May 10

Lifted Spirits: Emilie’s French Teas will be at Lifted Spirits from 2 – 5 p.m., selling teas and tea accessories while the Crossroads distillery serves tea-inspired cocktails and a mocktail. This is a Mother’s Day-themed event, and if the mother in your life is more into tea than gin, I recommend checking out the variety of classes offered by Emilie’s French Teas in Waldo.