KC Sipps: Two openings, impressive milestones, and restaurants after hours

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: Enjoy Pure Food + Drink’s Leawood location is celebrating 10 years of serving up fresh and wholesome dishes. You’re invited in on the fun this week with special menu items, discounts, BOGO dinner entrées on Thursday, and more. 

As if they don’t already do enough for our daily life and overall culture, some KC restaurants are offering even more with new classes and how-to events, often outside of their regular hours. Take Care, the Crossroads coffee shop, is welcoming Work in Process for an apron-making class to cover some sewing basics on April 19. King G, catty-corner from Take Care in the East Crossroads, has introduced cocktail classes with flexible dates. Tian Tea House in Columbus Park has invited Taiwanese chef Tiffany Alexandria for a couple made-from-scratch dumpling classes and tea pairings in May. 

Common Tiger, the speakeasy on Johnson Drive and sister bar of The Primrose, just got a makeover. Additional seating and an aesthetic swap transformed the space into a chic and moody new look, and now offers seated service. 

If April were a pastry, it would be the beautiful blueberry cream cheese concha at Aurora Cafe & Bakery. But to sweeten the deal, $4 from every pastry sold this month will be donated to Child Protection Center KC in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Opening

Te Amo Café: Stanley Square has a new boba shop. Te Amo Café opened over the weekend and now serves boba tea, lattes, waffle dishes, and more. It is open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Casita de lil Chingu: Chingu fans, rejoice. After a few days of trial runs, popping up at Garden House Cafe, Chingu has a longer-term plan for serving the Rosedale community with a new twist. Starting this weekend, a new menu of Korean/Mexican dishes can be enjoyed at Garden House Cafe and Sagebrush. The hours are limited, so check the respective establishment’s social media for specifics. 

April 11

Museum of BBQ: It’s been one year of barbecue schoolin’ and ball pit beanin’. The Museum of BBQ in Crown Center is celebrating with events all day with samples and giveaways. Boulevard Brewing Co. is offering samples from 12 – 2 p.m.; and to stay completely on theme, Burnt Finger BBQ will pop up with samples from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Q39 from 1 – 3 p.m.; and Rufus Teague from 3 – 5 p.m. Regular admission tickets are required, which are $10.

Underdog Wine Co.: The founder of KC’s own Bronson’s Punch will be at Underdog in the Crestwood shops at 3 p.m., providing an educational seminar and tasting. Tickets are $50 for this event, which also includes snacks from nearby Vita’s Place. 

Rock Island Bridge: The new bridge, complete with restaurants and a bar, just opened and is already being taken over. Well, a one-night-only Queer Bar Takeover. From 9 p.m. – 12 a.m., the bridge will become a haven for queer joy. A few tickets remain at the $20 level. Drinks are not included, but tickets cover the DJs and entry to Q Kansas City afterwards.

April 12

Beverly’s: The new Strawberry Hill bar and restaurant is throwing a yacht rock-themed oyster party! KC Oyster Festival will pop up from 12 – 5 p.m. to provide oysters, and Beverly’s full menu will be available. If this is your jam, go ahead and grab tickets for the KC Oyster Festival, happening at J. Rieger & Co. on May 17.

Plan Ahead

Bella Napoli: Bella Napoli in Brookside is celebrating 25 years! A quarter of a century is an impressive milestone for any restaurant. On April 18, they will host an open house from 1 – 4 p.m. with wine, light bites, and opportunities to share special Bella Napoli memories in person and online.

In the Lowest Ferns: On April 24, In the Lowest Ferns is the place to be. The West Bottoms multi-purpose club is hosting Amante Domingo, chef and owner of Le Champion, Noka, and The Russell, for a festive fundraiser. Domingo is celebrating his birthday with food, naturally, and raising money for Kanbe’s Markets. Expect yakitari, island-themed drinks, and a little flame here and there. Tickets are free but require advance registration.