KC Sipps: New Cuban cafe opens, half-price tacos, and a Korean-inspired Friendsgiving

Art by Cassondra Jones

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

The Pitch Taco & Nacho Week: One of our most popular food weeks is underway! We’ve partnered with 12 eateries (some with multiple locations) to offer a half-price nacho or taco feature. From the alligator tacos at Captain’s to the variety trio at Scott’s Kitchen and Catering to the beautifully plated nachos at T’ähä, it’s easy to make your whole week delicious.

KC Wine Co: The first of many–so, so many–holiday pop-ups has already been bringing cheer to the metro. KC Wine Co’s Jingle Bar opened last weekend at the Olathe winery. This festive pop-up does not require reservations, so sleigh your way south if you’re ready for jingle juice, Kansas beer, and even a hard cider Advent pack.

The C Word Cakery: One of my favorite local bakers, Sav Brady of The C Word, has released a Thanksgiving preorder menu. I’ve ordered a “thankful for you fuckers” pumpkin pie for a past Friendsgiving, plus I happily vouch for her cakes and other baked goods. This year’s menu is now available, and the clever desserts can be picked up in Independence or delivered locally within KC. The pie options are fascinating, with flavors like maple pumpkin, smoked apple, and more, but the Midwest Breakfast pie really shakes things up…

Q39: Not only did Q39 win some reader-voted BBQ categories in this year’s Best of KC, but they’re also being recognized by peers in their industry. Yesterday, the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association awarded the 2024 Restaurateur of the Year to Kelly Magee of Q39. The GKCRA recognizes Q39 for making “a remarkable impact on our community and the local dining landscape,” says Trey Meyers, Director of Marketing and Communications. 

Today’s Tip

Thanksgiving hosts and home chefs may feel a great deal of pressure (and excitement, à la Bob Belcher) if they choose to prepare food themselves. However, there is truly no shame in purchasing dishes as your budget allows. In fact, I’d highly recommend a mix-and-match approach. 

Love making side dishes but not the main protein? Order a turkey, ham, or rack of ribs from your go-to spot. Were you asked to bring pies? Preorder some from Rye, Third Street Social, or Tippins. Do whatever you can to reduce your stress and increase the fun, flavor, and festivity. You deserve it.

Opening

Cortadito Cuban Cafe: KCK’s newest cafe, Cortadito Cuban Cafe, is celebrating a grand opening on November 16. Cordadito will serve authentic Cuban coffee including cortaditos and café Cubano, as well as pastelitos (Cuban pastries). At noon there will be a ribbon cutting by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, followed by free live music from Andy D’Cuba and the Cuban Fever Band.

November 15

Zero Zero Pasta: Zero Zero Pasta–a restaurant and pasta shop in Westside–is partnering with The Prospect KC for the weekend. Each lunch special purchased between this Friday and Sunday will be matched with a pasta donation to The Prospect KC. Lunch specials are available between 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for delivery, dine-in, and carry-out, and include fresh pasta dishes like bolognese Bianca with bucatini and butternut squash ravioli with sage cream sauce.

November 17

Strange Days Brewing Company: The Dub is popping up at Strange Days in River Market–aka the hub of all things KC Current for those who aren’t actually in the stands. The Dub is co-hosting a watch party to see KC Current take on Orlando at the NWSL semifinal. In addition to Strange Days beer, cider, and n/a beverages, Burn Theory–the new kitchen partner of Strange Days–will offer a full lunch and dinner menu. KC Current starts at 2 p.m., and the Chiefs 3:25 game will also be shown.

Chingu: Chef Keeyoung Kim has put together a stunning Friendsgiving to-go package. Preorders are open for this one-day only feast for four. The $120 Friendsgiving kit (or, perhaps, ball out for the Chiefs game) includes pork, chicken, and shrimp dishes, plus drool-worthy sides and sweets. The catering kit must be picked up between 1 – 3 p.m.

Plan Ahead

XO: Get your free reservations for this high-fidelity pop-up! For one night only, Moon Bar will be behind the bar at XO in Westside. Plus, Helen Jo Leach, pastry chef from The Town Co, will serve a menu of meticulously crafted sweets. This is happening on November 18 from 5 – 11 p.m.