Simpsons writer Bill Oakley to share rare dishes at Kansas City Bier Co—and you’re invited

Courtesy Bill Oakley

Former Simpsons showrunner and current “Culinary Explorer” Bill Oakley is coming to Kansas City with one-of-a-kind delicacies in tow.

The visit is part of his nationwide American Culinary Curiosity dinner series, with a stop at Kansas City Bier Company on April 20 and 21. 

Oakley’s series introduces guests to lesser-known regional dishes from around the country—recipes that guests likely haven’t tried before and would be hard-pressed to find in their own cities. Past menus have included Altoona-style pizza and Cincinnati chili. As host, Oakley will take guests through a slideshow of the night’s foods with his own comedic spin. 

“It’s dinner and a show. There are five interesting or funny minutes about almost every item with Simpsons anecdotes thrown in, so that’s part of the fun,” says Oakley.

Courtesy Bill Oakley

This time around, KC Bier Co. will bring its own twist. Kitchen Manager Carla Arcano and Catering Manager Matt Harmon designed the seven-course menu with Oakley, which includes bier pairings for every course. They’re making everything in-house, too. 

“What Bill likes about these dinners is that it feels like it comes from our kitchen, so it’s not like he’s dictating the menu. It’s a 50-50 amalgamation of his ideas and our team’s research,” says General Manager James Arcano. “We looked at cities in the United States with high German immigrant populations and seeing what unique foods they brought to these regions.” 

The exact menu is a surprise. But, KC Bier Co. claims that none of its items are found at restaurants within 500 miles of Kansas City. 

“The point is to introduce them,” Oakley explains. “That’s why the menu’s secret, because the element of surprise is part of the fun.” 

Guess you’ll have to see for yourself. 

Tickets are available for purchase here.