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May 21

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Five Great BBQ Joints Loved By Locals

When visitors come to town in search of great barbecue, they usually know about Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q.  That’s history. Guest blogger Diana Lambdin Meyer (@mojotraveler) takes you off the barbecue beaten path with these five unique places.

Visitors are also often directed to Oklahoma Joe’s (that’s the one inside the gas station) and Jack Stack’s in the old Freight House District.  They are good – mighty, mighty good.

bbs1But Kansas City has dozens of good barbecue joints tucked away here and there in some of Kansas City’s most interesting neighborhoods. Not as well known as the Big Four, these spots create some wonderful barbecue day in and day out, win lots of awards and are a second home to many area residents.  Here are some of my favorites:

Little Danny Edwards’ Famous KC BBQ, 2900 Southwest Boulevard.  – Long time Kansas City residents remember downtown before the Power & Light District. There was a great little joint there called “Little Danny Edwards’ Eat it and Beat It Barbecue.”  There were only about 8 seats in the joint, so you were encouraged to eat and then beat it so other customers could have your seat. When the Sprint Center came to town, Danny Edwards moved to Southwest Boulevard. With lots more seating now, there’s no reason to beat it after enjoying what I personally think are the best burnt ends in Kansas City. I like the sweet potato fries too! Open only for lunch Monday through Saturday. Read more

May 15

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Tour de Brussels Sprout

The much-maligned Brussels sprout—the leafy green orb that looks suspiciously like a miniature cabbage—is the veggie kids love to hate.  Adults, too, for that matter. Guest blogger Kimberly Winter Stern (@kimdishes) just may change your mind.

As if the odd vegetable doesn’t have enough visual issues, it continues to plummet down the popularity scale from well-intentioned preparations gone awry. Remember when your mom purchased the frozen variety of Brussels sprouts and cooked them perilously close to the mush stage or used canned soup to camouflage their flavor?

Yep, it’s difficult to get psyched about eating Brussels sprouts with cuisine train-wreck memories lurking around in the shadows of your mind.

But Kansas City—known nationally as an arbiter of taste and a town that embraces food trends and even creates its own (heard of burnt ends or Kansas City barbecue?) adores the humble Brussels sprout.

In fact, some of the city’s hippest restaurants—along with a James Beard award-winning chef—have elevated the vegetable to rock star status. Read more

May 8

10 KC Barbecue Mash-Ups You Gotta Taste to Believe

Barbecue is a way of life in Kansas City. So much so that even non-barbecue establishments have gotten into the act, coming up with cool ways to serve our classic ‘cue. In the spirit of National Barbecue Month, here are our 10 picks for the best local barbecue “mash-ups,” from burnt-end mac-and-cheese to a certain smoky cocktail. Put your bib on … it’s time to dig in.

  • Faux-B-Que? Bar-B-Fake? Call it what you want, the vegan barbecue at FüD might make you think twice about whether meat’s actually necessary. Local and organic, the Jack Barbeque is a Panini-style Sourdough sandwich with oven-roasted Jack Fruit, slathered in barbecue sauce and a sweet pickle “thrillanaise.” ($8, burntendpizza813 W. 17th St.)
  • Beer Kitchen’s Mac & Cheese might be tasty enough all on its own, with 100% wheat elbow shells, three cheeses and buttered bread crumbs. Take it a step further, though, and add juicy burnt ends. We predict you’ll never return to the ‘ole blue box again. ($11, 435 Westport Rd.) Read more

Apr 25

Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day, Kansas City Style

This article originally appeared on KCParent.com as part of their 100 Days of Summer Blog (http://ow.ly/kojE8) by Kristina Light

momdayslide

Make a Gift for Mom

  • Mother’s Day Paint Me a Story at Paint, Glaze & Fire (12683 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS)
    May 1 from 6-7pm or May 3 from 10:30-11:30am. Read the book, “I Love You More” and make a project for mom! Come to Paint, Glaze and Fire to paint a special pottery project that goes along with a favorite children’s book.  A wonderful time for parents (grandparents or nanny) and children to listen to a story and paint together! $15.00 includes ceramic piece & snack.  $13 for additional siblings. Ages 2+. Spaced Limited 12 kids. Call 913.661.CLAY(2529) for reservations.
  • Mother’s Day Planters at Mill Creek Activity Center/ Natureplay Preschool (6518 Vista Drive Shawnee, KS)
    May 10, 2013 from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. For this class, please bring one small container—an old shoe! Any size will do. We’ll make a flowering gift for mom. Class will meet at the Mill Creek Activity Center.  $12 per child. Call 913.826.2958 to register. Read more

Apr 16

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Five Great Places to Enjoy the Outdoors in KC

Kansas City has finally kicked its winter habit and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors! VisitKC guest blogger Diana Lambdin Meyer (@mojotraveler) takes you around the city and where to enjoy some of our wonderful parks.

After the shellacking Kansas City received from Mother Nature this past winter, we’re all ready to get out and enjoy SPRING!  I am so tired of exercising indoors and fortunately Kansas City has the perfect cure for cabin fever and couch potato butt.  Here are my five favorites.  Hope to see you out there along the trail.

Berkley Riverfont Park

Berkley Riverfont Park

I live in Parkville, just north of downtown, and love the trail at English Landing Park right along the Missouri River.  With a heavy canopy of cottonwood trees and a view of beautiful McKay Hall at Park University, the energy here is contagious. The three-mile crushed limestone trail loops around the soccer and baseball fields, past the playground and band shelter, never with the powerful Missouri River more than a few feet away. Read more

Apr 11

Step Behind the Scenes of 7 Kansas City Movies

Whether based on actual events or pure make believe, several feature films have focused on Kansas City and the lives of people who have lived here. And much to the delight of moviegoers, there’s plenty to see after the credits roll. Go behind the scenes of these seven films by retracing the people and places in Kansas City that inspired them.

  1. “42”— Opening nationwide on April 12, this feature film tells the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in 1947 and was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Before he wore jersey no. 42 for the Dodgers, he was no. 5 for the Kansas City Monarchs. Learn more about Jackie and other legends at KC’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The day before the national release, film star Harrison Ford will present a special advance screening of “42” in Kansas City to benefit the museum and the Kansas City Sports Commission. (Tickets are sold out. For more information, visit 42KansasCity.com.)
  1. “Amelia” (2009)—This biopic stars Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the role of Atchison, Kan., native Amelia Earhart. Known as one of the world’s most celebrated aviators, Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison provides an insightful look at the pilot’s early life, from childhood mementos to family photos, plus information about her 1937 disappearance. The city’s Amelia Earhart Festival each July celebrates her legacy with aviation displays, aerobatic performances and live concerts. Read more

Apr 8

Opening Day at the K!

Ed Note: VisitKC is happy to welcome new guest blogger Jenny Vergara (@jvergara) as she  walks you through some game-day eats at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals vs Mariners
There is truly nothing like opening day at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. That’s when our boys in blue, the Kansas City Royals, take to the baseball field for the first home game of the season. It is simply impossible not to get caught up in the action. In the morning, as you make your coffee, you notice it’s all the local morning news programs can discuss. On every street corner, on your way to work, you will see people standing in the center median waving newspapers in the air and shouting. They are selling the local Kansas City Star newspaper, just like the old newspaper boys did.  Inside the paper, is a special section dedicated to the Kansas City Royals opening day. Of course, everyone is wearing royal blue and white, as folks dust off their Royals apparel and wear it with pride on opening day. Many people in Kansas City actually take the day off from work to head to the ballpark early to start tailgating. If you are one of the unfortunate souls headed in to work, you will notice as game time approaches the people in your office will begin to thin, as most will sneak off to catch the first pitch of the season either at the ballpark or at the local watering hole close to the office. There is an undeniable energy in Kansas City on opening day that fuels the city for the coming season. It is a day reserved for baseball . . .and it’s fans. But what about it’s food? Read more

Apr 2

April is International Jazz Appreciation Month

jazz_3.1

Designated by the United States Conference of Mayors and celebrated for the first time ever in 2013, April is International Jazz Appreciation Month! To honor Kansas City’s most treasured tradition, several attractions and jazz establishments offer exhibits and concerts in celebration of one of America’s most unique music form. Here’s a list of jumping joints and world-class events happening in April and all year long.

American Jazz Museum

  • April 4 – Conversation with Regina Carter, jazz violinist, 6 p.m.
  • April 5 – Jazz storytelling, introduces children to new music and cultures, American Jazz Museum Atrium, 10 a.m.jazz_1
  • April 18 – 20, 18th & Vine Jazz Festival, a non-competitive program for middle and high school and college level students, held in partnership with Penn Valley Metropolitan Community College.
  • All year long – Learn about jazz’s rich legacy through the museum’s permanent collections and interactive exhibitions, which include the history of the 18th & Vine area, jazz masters and jazz on film.

Full list of events can be found at www.americanjazzmusuem.org.

Read more

Mar 13

Big 12 Championship in Kansas City: Five Tips for Basketball Fans

Big 12 Festivities at Power & Light District

Big 12 Festivities at Power & Light District

1. Get your hands on some great seats

An additional block of all-session tickets has been made available for the general public. The purchasing opportunity is available at SprintCenter.com while supplies last. Upper-level tickets are $195 and lower-level are $330, with a maximum purchase of four all-session tickets per person.

2. Be a part of the game day atmosphere

The official fan fest, Big 12 GameDay presented by Phillips 66, will be located just outside Sprint Center on Grand Boulevard. The free, interactive experience will feature basketball challenges, music, mascots, autograph opportunities and promotional giveaways from the conference’s corporate partners. Go to VisitKC.com/Big12Basketball for a schedule.

3. Mix and mingle with other basketball fans

Pierre Jackson - Baylor

Pierre Jackson – Baylor

Just across the street from the Championship action at Sprint Center is the Kansas City Power & Light District—eight blocks of restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment venues. All week long, basketball fans can enjoy free live entertainment during the district’s Miller Lite Basketball Fan Fest. Cheer on your favorite teams at pep rallies inside KC Live!—the heated, open-air venue inside the district. Go to powerandlightdistrict.com for a complete list of live entertainment. 

 4. Take your spirit to the streets

Kansas City’s Inaugural Big 12 5K Fun Run & Family Stroll will take place on Saturday, March 16.  Set in the heart of Big 12 Country, the 5K course will wind around downtown Kansas City through the Power & Light District.  The overall male and female winners will receive $1,000 in free gas from Phillips 66 and be recognized at Championship final.  More info at kcbig12run.com.

5. Test your skills at a hoops hall of fame

Rev up your basketball weekend at The College Basketball Experience. Named one of the nation’s top five interactive museums by Wired magazine, this hands-on facility recreates the intensity of a college basketball game—from foul-line hecklers to last-second buzzer beaters. Show your Big 12 ticket to save $2 on admission. For a schedule of extended March hours, go to collegebasketballexperience.com.

Read more

Feb 19

Restaurants Reimagined: 7 Local Eateries with Charming Backstories

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

  • The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange is a former prohibition-era hotel now serving farm-to-table fare.

    The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange is a former prohibition-era hotel now serving farm-to-table fare.

    Then: Opened in 1915 by the son of whiskey distributor Jacob Rieger, the property was known as a “travelers’” hotel, welcoming railroad workers and traveling salesmen.

  • Now: There’s no longer room at the inn, but visitors will find a hopping restaurant serving farm-to-table fare in the Crossroads Arts District. It also houses Manifesto, a modern speakeasy, in the basement.
  • Taste: Chef Howard Hanna has a passion for the pig. Any pork dish is sure to be outstanding.
  • History Connection: Classic cocktails and the original black-and-white tile floor hark back to days gone by, as does the restored mural on the brick exterior. Just as the turn-of-the-century ad for Reiger whiskey suggests, everything inside is “O! So Good.” Read more
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