Earlier this year, we told you about some of the best fries in KC — but maybe the best development in the local french fry scene happened about a month ago.
The Fry Lane ghost kitchen is the only restaurant in Kansas City that specializes in french fries as the main dish. What we tasted may upset the sensibilities of those who have lived their whole lives eating fries as a side. We all deserve more than a side of fries.
The perfect fry
It starts with the perfect fry. Everything about the Fry Lane’s signature dish has been curated through more than five years of research. Think:
One fry oil for flavor, another “non-penetrating” oil to keep the fries crispy
A secret seasoning blend — we can tell you that The Fry Lane is the only restaurant in KC allowed to use it
Straight cut fries so savory toppings + sauces reach every fry, steak cut to stand up to heavier fixings, and waffle cut fries to hold dessert toppings
House-made ingredients and local suppliers — we had the TC Fryway poutine, and its KC Bier Co. Dunkel brown gravy came through
The result is spectacular. As the chef told us: the fries might get soft, but never soggy.
Why fries?
“Every restaurant, french fries are an afterthought,” Mike, the Fry Lane’s head chef, told us. “They’re our main thought [...] If you can put it on pasta, if you can put it on bread, if you can put it on a hoagie or a bun, [we’ll] put it on fries and make it better.”
We were convinced. You will be, too.
And in case you think we’re exaggerating: while writing this story, we ordered the TX 281 Fryway, with smoked pulled chicken, salsa fresca, and crema drizzle. We got two full meals from one “Heavy Haul” order — equal to four McDonald’s large french fries by weight — and despite being delivered steaming in the rain, we could still hear the crunch when we bit down.
Community Coffee at Heartstrings Community Foundation | Tuesday, Nov. 15, Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 10-11:15 a.m. | 11599 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS | Free | Network over coffee + pastries, then tour the facility before celebrating employee achievements. ☕️
Mat Kearney | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $35-$69 | Jam out to hits like “Wanted Man” and “Nothing Left to Lose.” 🎶
Wednesday, Nov. 16
JCPRD’s Holiday Tree Lighting | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS | Free | Watch as the switch flips on the light display at John Barkley Plaza, plus enjoy carolers and holiday refreshments. 💡
Fall Yoga Series | Wednesday, Nov. 16-Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Channel your zen with this guided class detailing the foundations and essential elements of yoga.
Thursday, Nov. 17
Trade Essentials: Learn How to Expand Your Business Globally | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Restless Spirits Distilling Company, 109 E. 18th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | Free | Learn how your business can leverage local resources to improve global opportunities, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. 🌐
Christkindl at Moonlight Market | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 4-8 p.m. | City Hall, 11110 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | $0+ | Say hi to Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop local vendors, and enjoy a bite to eat at this holiday market. 🎄
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Masterworks’ easy-to-use app lets you invest in fractionalized blue-chip art. | Photo via Masterworks
With personal investment portfolios declining a whopping 44% this year, according to JPMorgan, you’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious about your retirement fund.
Masterworks may help pad out your nest egg by investing in multi-million dollar art by artists like Picasso andMonet, without breaking the bank. Why? According to new research from Goldman Sachs, diversified portfolios with real assets like art (read: less likely to depreciate with changes in the market) have outperformed traditional 60/40 portfolios for decades.
The Country Club Plaza is awarding $100,000 across four local nonprofits, and organizers need your help picking from the final eight. Cast your vote to help direct each $25,000 grant before Friday, Nov. 18. 🗳
Development
Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City bought a building in the Crossroads, cementing its near future in downtown. The organization has doubled in employees since 2015. The new location — at 1701 Walnut St. — provides 24,900 sqft of space. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Open
There’s another Freddy’s in town, churning up frozen custard and steakburgers in Martin City. This south KC location — at 13628 Washington Ave. — is open today from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. DYK? This vintage burger joint chain was founded in Wichita. 🍔
Try This
The Johnson County Library is hosting its first-ever open mic night this Saturday, Nov. 19, 6-7 p.m. at Bear Necessities Coffee Bar — 9609 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS — as a part of its annual Writers Conference.Writers will read for read 3-4 minutes, from poetry to part of their steamy romance novel.
Biz
Fabric to finish. That’s what a new KC apparel shop touts, sourcing everything from the US (down to cotton grown in Arkansas). Olathe-based Southwind Press is scheduled to first appear in Made In KC stores later this month, made from in-house designs, cutting, and sewing. 🧵 (Startland News)
Show
Chicago, the self-described as a “rock and roll band with horns,” is coming to Starlight Theatre next year, bringing songs like “25 or 6 to 4.” The concert takes place on Friday, May 26, 2023, but tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. 🎺
Award
Park University pianist Michael Davidmanwon third place in a competition against 112 musicians from across the globe. The Paris-based International Long-Thibaud Competition is extremely prestigious, a-chord-ing to the Park International Center for Music. Watch his final performance. 🎹
Outdoors
To date, the Greenline (remember this 10-mile loop around downtown?) has received ~$1.5 million — including $479,000 from the city + $1 million in federal funds. The downtown council says there’s momentum behind the project, which will cost $80 million total. 🚲 (CityScene KC)
Sports
Bobby Witt Jr. is the Royals Player of the Year, alongside Brady Singer (Pitcher of the Year), and Salvador Perez (Special Achievement). Also, the team unveiled dates for its Spring Break schedule for 2023. KC will play their first game on Friday, Feb. 24 at Surprise Stadium. (Sports Illustrated)
Patrick Mahomes had the No. 2-selling jersey at the NFL game in Munich, Germany yesterday — despite the fact it was Seattle vs. Tampa Bay. Tom Brady took the spot for No. 1 (for obvious reasons). Don’t worry Patrick, you’re still No. 1 to us. 🏈
K-State vs. KU football is coming to primetime television — the first time since 2010. The Sunflower Showdown will take place in Manhattan on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. (KSHB 41)
Try This
Daunted by a long holiday shopping list? Quick cash idea: List your extra storage spaces on Neighbor. You can rent out anything from closets and sheds todriveways and parking spots.Bonus: Listing your space is free. 💸*
Stat
56% of current + prospective homeowners think about their finances for at least 30 minutes every day. Dig into the study.*
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Pie is an “important part of Midwest cuisine.” — Rye proprietor and chef Megan Garrelts. We couldn’t agree more.
Any way you slice it, pie is a classic feast treat. From September apples to October pumpkins and November cranberries, these classic flavors pair perfectly with the changing seasons (and a dollop of ice cream).
Here are three top-notch spots around town to snag a slice — or a whole tin.
Rye, Leawood + The Plaza | Its MoKan pie is a variation of pecan, using local pecans and walnuts baked in butter, sugar, and bourbon.
The Upper Crust, 7943 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | Rated the best pie in Kansas — twice.
Editor’s pick: Shoutout to National Editor Dayten for the lead story today. I went with him to The Fry Lane, and I can vouch. Don’t ask me how blackberry coulis works with garlic aioli and grilled onions. It just does.
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