KC Sipps: Restaurant news and openings, a pickle party, and planning ahead for fall dinners

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Something New

Green Dirt Farm: Not only does Weston’s Green Dirt Farm specialize in sheep’s milk cheese, but now the milk itself is available. In both 12-ounce and half-gallon containers at the Green Dirt stores in Crossroads and Weston, they tout sheep milk as a rich alternative to cow and goat milk with twice as much protein. 

Triune: Triune, the latest restaurant in the downtown area and the subject of our September magazine cover, is moving fast! Triune just announced the addition of brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. When I first had the fresh biscuit and house-made smoked peach jam from the bread plate, I knew brunch would be a food fit. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Ruby Jean’s Juicery: A new partnership has been made between Café Corazón and Ruby Jeans Juicery! Coffee from Café Corazón is now served at Ruby Jean’s, and Café Corazón is now serving Ruby Jean’s juices! I can already picture a lunch of a tamale or two, sitting on the small patio space on Southwest Boulevard, sipping fresh juice! Fabulous. 

Opening

Carne Diem: Carne Diem, the Briarcliff fine butcher and pantry, has officially opened! Stop by between Wednesdays and Sundays for housemade sausage, local beef, seafood, pantry staples like pasta and sauces, and even grab-and-go items that are ready to eat.

Kon Tiki & Conchita: Crossroads has two new eye-catching spots. Kon Tiki is a new tiki bar connected to Conchita, a new taqueria. Both are open now, and you can stop by between 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. daily. When you see Conchita, you’ll immediately know what I mean by eye-catching! It offers fully customizable tacos–around 3 for $12, while Kon Tiki is decked out with bamboo and bright colors. Many of the playful tiki glasses are available for purchase, and I’ve got my eye on one that is right out of The Rainbow Fish children’s storybook!

Larks: Larks KC, the second location in a large franchise plan, will open on September 6. This shuffleboard, restaurant, and bar combo spot is a new development in West Bottoms. The menu features quesadillas, pizzas, salads, dips, and even a kid’s menu. This Saturday, the first eight teams to register can play in a free shuffleboard tournament for prizes.

Closing

The Krave KC: Raytown’s The Krave KC has closed. The closure is due to a fire at the restaurant. The restaurant may reopen in another location in the future, but no plans have been announced at this time.

Messenger Coffee: Messenger Coffee has closed one of its Plaza locations to focus on the other. The cafe at 318 W. 47th St has closed, and the one at 4771 Jefferson St remains open. 

September 6

Kansas City Greek Festival: At Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church near Red Bridge in south KCMO, the Kansas City Greek Festival will kick off at 6 p.m. for three days of food, music, dancing, and more. This festival is free and open to the public. Take a peek at the menu in advance here. 

September 7

Servaes Brewing Company: The Servaes pickle party is back! Starting at 11:30, the salty fun kicks off with Point & Flat BBQ posted up outside, free samples, a pickle bar, and multiple pickle beers from Shawnee’s Servaes and other local brewers. This brewery is family-friendly, with soda, juice, and kids activities.

Vine Street Brewing Co: From 6 – 9 p.m., Vine Street Brewing is hosting another Hip Hop & Hot Wings night at the brewery. While enjoying your local brews and Wing Stand wings, three local DJs and performers will be showing off their skills. No tickets or reservations are required. Though I was focused on BBQ pairings with this specific story, check out my recommendations here.

Lenexa Spinach Festival: At Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, the City of Lenexa Parks & Recreation is putting on the beloved Spinach Festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The free and family-oriented features food, music, entertainment, activities, local makers, and even the World’s Largest Spinach Salad. If this is your jam, it may be a great time to plug our upcoming Salad Week! More announcements are coming, but save the date for October 21-27 for half-price salads!

KC Wine Co: KC Wine Co and KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe are opening the gates (and taps) for adults only this weekend. From 12 – 8 p.m., Oktoberfest is a time to sample beers and bring out your inner child with dozens of games and activities included in your visit. Tickets are required and start at $20. P.S. I can’t recommend the apple cider wine slush enough, but they also just announced boozy caramel apple slushes… immediate yes.

Plan Ahead

King G: The Crossroads bar and deli is celebrating its three-year anniversary with a party for all (well, 21+) on September 12, starting at 5 p.m. Expect drink and sammie specials, a raffle to benefit the Shaun Brady Memorial Fund, new fall cocktail menu, and a whiskey smash competition.

Vivilore: Independence’s hidden gem, Vivilore, is hosting a Moon Fest on September 21. To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival like many Asian cultures, Vivilore (& The Mandarin next door) will host Asian-owned vendors, GoChew food truck, plus Chef James Chang will take over the Vivilore kitchen. Reservations are suggested for the James Chang dinner featuring Taiwanese inspiration.

Green Dirt on Oak: Prepare for an evening of autumn magic in Crossroads. The Fall Equinox Dinner at Green Dirt on Oak will be September 22, and the overall restaurant will shut down for this ticketed event. Starting with a rooftop cocktail party, a five-course meal with cocktail and wine pairings will be presented and narrated by Chef Oskar Arévalo, focusing on the transition from summer’s bounty to fall harvest. Tickets are $205.