Meet KC’s James Beard semifinalists 👋

Kansas City’s 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists

This is how the magic happens. | Photo via The Town Company

Kansas City is entering the new year with big stomachs and even bigger award nominations. Seven local food + drink spots have been nominated for the 2023 James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards.

These awards — established in 1990 — are one of five separate recognition programs. The 2023 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, and KC found itself in five of them.

Outstanding Chef 🧑‍🍳

Johnny Leach, The Town Company, 1228 Baltimore Ave., KCMO | Leach’s mission to foster an environment that doubles as a creative meeting place is enhanced the local focus of the restaurant. Fun fact: the menu is based around a Missouri white oak burning hearth.

Outstanding Bakery 🥧

Yoli Tortilleria, 1668 Jefferson St., KCMO | When the owners noticed a tortilla void in KC, they decided to step up to the plate and take matters into their own hands — and it’s paying off.

Best Chef: Midwest 🏆

Michael Corvino, Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, 1830 Walnut St., KCMO | This Washington native has been immersed in the culinary world since his teen years, with years of restaurant experience leading to the creation of Corvino in 2018.

Nick Goellner, The Antler Room, 2506 Holmes St., KCMO | This is Goellner’s third nomination for the award thanks to his seasonal recipes + delicious dishes.

Pam Liberda, Waldo Thai, 8431 Wornall Rd., KCMO | Born and raised in Lampang, Northern Thailand, Liberda gathered her knowledge of Northern Thai cuisine while cooking homestyle dishes alongside her mother. Now, she brings that skill set + authentic Thai food to Kansas City.

Drastic Measures photo kCtoday — Is the nomination for Outstanding Bar or Outstanding Vibes?

Outstanding Bar 🍸

Drastic Measures, 5817 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS | This cocktail-only bar offers a one-of-a-kind sipping experience in downtown Shawnee — boasting a frequently changing menu + stellar service.

Outstanding Hospitality 💙

The Restaurant at 1900, 1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Mission Woods, KS | From the modern interior design to the stacked team behind the scenes, this spot lives up to its nomination.

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Thursday, Jan. 26

Mission Community Food Pantry | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 4-6 p.m. | Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, KS | Free | This drive-through event is welcome to all every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Friday, Jan. 27

Paleo Cooking Class | Friday, Jan. 27 | 6-7 p.m. | Premier Integrative Health, 101 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | $5-$10 | This hands-on class will show you ways to cook with vegetables and fruits, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, eggs, herbs, and minimally processed oils and fats.
Family Movie Night | Friday, Jan. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St., Merriam, KS | $2 | Register to bring the whole family for this local screening of “Disenchanted.”
This is What Dreams Are Made Of: Disney + 2000s Throwbacks Dance Party | Friday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | The Truman, 601 E. Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO | $17-$42 | If you’ve always dreamed of singing your favorite Disney + 2000s throwbacks hits in the club (think: Hannah Montana and NYSYNC), then don’t miss this party.*

Saturday, Jan. 28

Weston Community Seed Swap and Social | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Weston Garden Center, 18275 State Rt. 45 N., Weston, MO | Free | Share seeds, bulbs, and other unwanted varieties with your neighbors and friends at this swap.
Willcott Brewing Company Leavenworth Grand Opening | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 11 a.m. | 600 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $0+ | Say hello to the newest brewery in town.

Sunday, Jan. 29

Opus 76 Quartet: Amadeus | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. | Midwest Trust Center, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | $25 | These artists in residence will perform Mozart’s String Quartet No. 22 in B-flat major followed by a film screening of “Amadeus.”
Folly Kids Series: Warriors Don’t Cry | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO | $10 | Inspired by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals’s Little Rock Nine memoir, “Warriors Don’t Cry,” this production is designed to spark discussion around social justice, activism + freedom.*

Monday, Jan. 30

Make a Difference Mondays: Litter Clean-Ups | Monday, Jan. 30 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 57th Street + The Paseo, Kansas City, MO | Free | Register to join your community in cleaning up the litter along the street.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

32º | Mostly sunny | 4% chance of rain

Coming Soon

Of Course Kitchen and Company (7753 W. 159th St., Overland Park, KS) is making its way to the local restaurant scene. The menu will feature New American cuisine with an Asian fusion flare. The spot is projected to open in late May or early June. 🍽️ (Kansas City Magazine)

Development

A new Aloft hotel is now open in the Plaza — at 393 W. 46th St., KCMO. The building is part of a $100 million project that includes an adjoining 180-room Cascade hotel. The Cascade, which will feature a two-story food hall by Strang Chef Collective, is expected to open later this year. 🏨 (CityScene KC)
Shawnee leaders approved a preliminary agreement to renovate the 16,000-sqft Merigold Plaza — at 5919 Nieman Rd. Owners also plan to rebrand the Liquor and Cigarette Outlet to make it more upscale. Developers plan for a Spring 2024 opening. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Award

We’ll cheers to this. Uptown Lounge Piano Bar brought home the Horizon Award at the Midtown KC Now Annual Meeting & Awards Reception. The piano bar opened last June — at 3400 Main St., KCMO. 🎹

Eat

Ever wonder where Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco eats before a big playoff game? Last weekend it was Pegah’s Family Restaurant. The food fuel must have helped No. 10 put up 101 offensive yards during the Divisional Round game. 🙌

Community

Happy birthday to you. Flagship Books is celebrating one year in Strawberry Hill on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Commemorate the year with coffee from Kinship Cafe + donuts from Hana’s Donuts. 📚

Job

Compost Collective KC is looking for two new team members — a Compost Driver and a Bin Washer. Perks include flexible hours, free composting, and access to a composting facility. Find more information on how to apply here.

Finance

Erase credit card interest until nearly 2025? Sounds good to us. This balance transfer card can do just that, providing you up to 21 months for the important stuff: travel, education, good food, time with family, or paying off debt. Apply today in minutes.*

Shop

Have you heard? Amazon now offers subscription boxes. Best of all — there’s a huge selection. Love trying out top rated beauty products? Subscribe to the Allure Beauty Box. Music aficionado? Join the Vinyl of the Month Club. Pet parent? Your cat will love the KitNipBox. 📦 *

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The pop-ups keep popping up 🥂

Kansas City’s first pop-up bars of 2023

Three cheers to three new pop-ups. | Photo via Vignettes

Remember when we said KC loves pop-ups? Yeah, we meant it. Whether you’re ringing in the season of love or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, these spots are ready to welcome you with open arms and full cocktail menus.

LOVE CYCLES, Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St., KCMO | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | Watch the lights dim + the vibes transform with moody tunes and groovy cocktails.

Apres Ski, Julep, 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO | Wednesday, Feb. 1-Tuesday, Feb. 28 | Get whisked away to the winter ski lodge of your dreams while sipping on an equally dreamy cocktail.

When We Were Youngish Emo Tribute Bar, 9th & State, 1717 W. 9th St., KCMO | Opens Tuesday, Feb.14 | It was never a phase mom. We’re dying (not just our hair) to try out the music bingo on Thursday nights.

4 MORE POP-UPS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bella.

Editor’s pick: Keep your eyes on the @kansascityfashion account (and our socials, of course) tonight for the KC Fashion Show for Charity — Editor Travis and I might be more than just audience members. 👀

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Berkley Riverfront is welcoming its first boutique hotel.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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