How Yoli Tortilleria went from at-home experiments to a James Beard Award
The walk of champions. | Photo via James Beard Award Foundation
The James Beard Award is one of the most prestigious recognition in the American food industry — and this year, Kansas City’s very own Yoli Tortilleria brought the “Outstanding Bakery” title home to the 816.
City Editor Bella stopped by the Westside spot (1668 Jefferson St.) to chat with owner Marissa Gencarelli about the bakery’s journey to a James Beard.
Q: Let’s lay a foundation... where did Yoli Tortilleria begin?
A: “I moved here from Mexico and I was doing a corporate job, and it wasn’t until I had my son that I realized how much I miss my food. One of my aunts gave me a binder and I started cooking those recipes after work.”
“One of the things that I was missing was good tortillas. I didn’t know how to make tortillas at all. Little by little, this hobby kind of overtook our brains of how to make it better. And before you know it, we were buying equipment. We thought this was going to be a side gig.”
Q: Let’s talk about the James Beard Awards. What was that process like?
A: “We do not know how we even got in the running to begin with. Our category is a national category, so that means it was 20 businesses to get elected across the country. We were perfectly happy with that.”
Q: Then you won. What went through your heads when your name was called?
A: “We went to our seats way up high and we thought there’s no way that we won, we’re so far away. We decided to just get comfortable and really enjoy it because this is awesome and we can’t even believe we’re here. So when they did call, we just looked at each other like ‘Did we hear that right?’ and then we looked at the screen and saw our names.”
Garden Thyme Marketplace Trade Show | Monday, June 19-Wednesday, June 21 | Times vary | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | Free entry | Shop 90+ local and regional artists’ garden-inspired creations including jewelry, pottery, art, and plants.
Juneteenth Book Discussion | Monday, June 19 | 3-4 p.m. | Olathe Public Library, 16100 W. 135th St., Olathe, KS | Free | Read and discuss “How the Word is Passed,” a contemporary portrait of America as a slave owning nation through a tour of monuments and landmarks, as told by Clint Smith.
Tuesday, June 20
Annie Dirusso | Tuesday, June 20 | 8 p.m. | recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $15 | Jam out to songs like “Coming Soon” and “Don’t Swerve” with this alternative artist.
Wednesday, June 21
Strings on the Green: Chloe McFadden Quartet | Wednesday, June 21 | 5-8 p.m. | The Raphael Hotel, 325 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Sit back and enjoy a live jazz performance overlooking the Country Club Plaza.
Sprained ankle? Skip the hospital and head here instead.
The Orthopedic Same-Day Care Clinic is open six days a week. | Photo via Unsplash
So, you tripped and sprained an ankle. Or, you injured your wrist playing basketball. Instead of heading to the emergency room, consider walking in to The University of Kansas Health System’s Orthopedic Same-Day Care Clinic (10730 Nall Ave., Ste. 200, Overland Park). Read: No appointment necessary.
Treatment is available for any acute orthopedic injury, including sports-related injuries, for those ages five and up. Injuries treated include:
Juneteenth, the federal holiday which marks the end of institutional slavery in the US. Commemorate the day with these local events + happenings.
Watch
The Chiefs put a ring on it. Watch Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes open their Super Bowl LVII rings. The private ceremony was held at Union Station for the players + team staff. See the explanation behind the intricate ring details.
Open
Bijou, a European style eatery, is now open in Westport. The spot is located at 301 Westport Rd., KCMO and features craft cocktails and small bites like grilled jerk pork.
Kansas Citian
Former Chiefs offensive lineman Jordan Devey is cooking up a third Cookie Co. location in Kansas City. The gourmet cookie shop offers staples like chocolate chip as well as a weekly rotating menu. Doors will open in July at 13123 State Line Rd. (Kansas City Star)
Show
So fun, it should be illegal, your honor. “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is coming to Starlight Theatre Friday, July 7- Thursday, July 13. Follow Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, scandal + law school in pursuit of her dreams. Buy tickets.*
Finance
News flash: Your “high-yield savings” account may not actually be very high-yield at all. This account can grow your money at 11x the national rate without all the hassle. Learn more.*
The Buy
Bring the scoop shop to you with the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker. Use it to make everything from ice creams, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, and sorbets.*
KCtoday June book club: “Crownchasers” by Kansan Rebecca Coffindaffer
Who is ready to unwind with this sci-fi fantasy novel? | Photo by Janine Kluckhohn
‘Tis the season for a beach read. Thankfully, we have a new book club recommendation from Janine Kluckhohn — also known as @downtogetthefictionon.
“June’s pick is the page turning sci-fi fantasy young adult novel ‘Crownchasers’ by Kansan Rebecca Coffindaffer.
Alyssa Farshot is the free-spirited niece of the reigning emperor. When her beloved uncle dies, the next ruler will be decided by a long standing ritual — a crownchase — and Alyssa is thrust into the high-stakes race as her uncle’s dying wish. Alyssa has always loved her independence and galaxy exploration and has no desire to rule the kingdom... but when the crownchase ends, will she be the empire’s next ruler or return to her life of exploring?
Packed with lots of action, well developed characters, and LGBTQ+ representation, this book is a perfect story to read during Pride Month or to add to your summer reading list!”
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