IN Kansas City February 2026

SMALL SPACE LIVING DOWNSIZING WITH STYLE Q+A WITH WINNER OF NEXT LEVEL CHEF PYET DESPAIN

A full-service, in-house construction and design team: Ross offers both construction and design services under her supervision which significantl impacts the client experience for the better.

Impeccable attention to detail: Like the show-stopping interiors she creates, Ross understands the art of details and will bring the smallest of project elements to new heights.

The embodiment of luxury: When infusing luxury into a home remodeling project, Ross looks beyond price tags and instead embraces not only what luxury is, but how it makes a client feel.

Invest where it counts: When you work with a kitchen and bath designer it can save you time—and money, not to mention stress.

The art of trend-setting: Ross isn’t shy about crediting her Western European heritage for helping her cultivate a keen eye for interior trends. “I set the trends; I don’t follow them,” she says.

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Stepping into a beautifully furnished home brings an immediate sense of calm and belonging. Every room feels intentional -- quietly confident, effortlessly refined.

Whether you’re refreshing your favorite retreats or creating spaces you love for the first time, Seville Home is the fine furniture destination Kansas Citians have trusted for more than 25 years.

Local and family-owned, we’re committed to delivering a seamless, end-to-end furnishing experience that feels as thoughtful as the spaces we create.

During our February Fine Furniture Event, enjoy up to 55% OFF from America’s finest makers:

• Up to 55% OFF American Leather Motion Sale – thru Feb. 24

• 50% OFF Lexington Furniture

• 50% OFF Bernhardt Interiors Boutique

• 50% OFF Bradington Young – thru Feb. 17

• 30% OFF Hooker Furniture – thru Feb. 17

• Up to 50% OFF Luxury Outdoor – Pre-Season Pricing

Romancing the Home

It’s February, the month of Saint Valentine, and we’re celebrating love. I’ve been in love a few times in my life. With men, and with houses. It’s a bit similar.

With houses, first you must find the house. You’ll have to look at lots of them, in all probability. If you’re really, really lucky, it’s one that has been beckoning you before you even knew you wanted it. You’ll know it as soon as you walk inside. It’s love at first sight. It’s kismet. It’s rare, but it’s a thrill you never forget.

We serial renovators often talk about good bones, as though the house was a little bit human. No matter its present state, you’ll see the possibilities. There’s enough to charm you. You’ll see past the worn carpeting, bad wallpaper, or layers of chipped paint to what could be. Maybe it’s a tall, vaulted beamed ceiling, a massive stone fireplace, marble floors, or leaded glass doors.

Does it sound like I’m describing something very specific? I am. Those are all the details that made me swoon when I first walked into any of the several homes I’ve renovated. You need to fall a little bit in love with what’s there to dream about what you can make of it.

I’ve never considered myself a house flipper. I’m a house lover. Falling in love with houses is an entirely different matter. It feels as though you’re saving the house, and sometimes you, literally, are.

I remember my Sunset Hill house. We were happy in our Hyde Park home and not thinking about moving. I discovered it one day on a street I never traveled, but then would find myself rearranging my route and driving by it almost every day. It was in pretty bad shape and had obviously been empty for some time. It had a For Sale By Owner sign in the yard. I gave into my curiosity and called the number. A nephew had inherited it and had tried to sell it for a while. He had just received an offer to buy it as a teardown. I begged him to let me see it before he made any commitments.

When I first walked inside, I could see it as it would become. I was in love. When friends saw it, they were aghast. How could I consider leaving our wonderful home for this? But those beautiful original details shined against the obvious wear. And so we moved.

Just like any burgeoning relationship, first you fall in love.

Vol. 9 | No. 2

FEBRUARY 2026

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Evan Pagano

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Susan Cannon, Shawn Edwards, Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Damian Lair, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

Bridget Chang, Aaron Leimkuehler

Publisher Michelle Jolles

Media Director Brittany Coale

Senior Media Consultants

Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings

Newsstand Consultant

Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Magazine Subscriptions:

Mail: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429

Phone: 888-881-5861

Email: SUBS@inkansascity.com

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Venture beyond the expected at Appliances

Our specialists' extensive knowledge provides a curated selection of appliances that you might not have discovered on your own, but now you can't imagine living without. Begin your journey to the kitchen of your dreams at Warners’ Stellian Appliance. And with fair and fast service, our team is ready 7 days a week, catering to your schedule, not the other way around.

Me, you, and a view. You don’t have to plan an expensive date to connect. Sometimes, all you need is a shared sightline. The view southeast from Kaw Point, north from Liberty Memorial Tower, in every direction from City Hall—just search “best views” on inkansascity.com to find our list.

Find the one. There’s nothing like it: after a lifetime just browsing, you find an artwork that stops you in your tracks. Should you shell out the cash? In the Arts section of inkansascity.com, Kansas City art collectors explain their criteria for making purchases.

ENTER TO WIN

oui oui. For our money, few things bring two together like a shared plate of French fries. So we scoured the metro for the best of them. Our list of Kansas City’s top fries is in the Restaurants section of inkansascity.com

Self care takes many forms… and this month, you can have two. AesthetiCare Medspa is giving one lucky IN Kansas City reader a free Hydrafacial worth $199, and Clementine’s Ice Cream is sweetening the deal with a $50 gift card to its Prairie Village shop. Just enter to win by February 28 at inkansascity.com/themagazine/enter-to-win. Best of luck!

ALWAYS THE LEADER IN KANSAS AND MISSOURI.

THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING US TO HELP YOU FIND HOME.

CURIOUS WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CHECK HERE

This Month IN KC February

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Evan Pagano

Romantic Revels

February 14

InterContinental Hotel kcshakes.org/donate/gala

Summer shall come, with all her delights. Celebrate this Valentine’s Day by taking your sweetie to the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s black-tie gala, Romantic Revels. Get creative with a vintage Valentine flair for your attire. The event helps fund the nonprofit’s 2026 production of Macbeth this summer, as well as its summer camps and in-school programs. Individual tickets are $300.

Kansas City Brew Fest

kansascitybrewfest.com

More than 40 breweries, 120 beers, and a convoy of food trucks will roll into Union Station for the 2026 Kansas City Brew Fest. City Barrel Brewing Company, Transport Brewery, and Fringe Beerworks are just a few of the local participants; notable out-of-towners include 4 Hands Brewing Co. (St. Louis), Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids), and Delirium (Belgium—yes, the country). Bao WowZ Food Truck, Wing Stand by Jeffersons, and Smoke ‘n’ Seoul join five other food trucks. General admission is $50.

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT

Black History Month Events

Various dates and locations

An education in Black excellence. Throughout February, Kansas City institutions are celebrating Black contributions to the city’s art, culture, and history.

On Saturday, February 7, Zhou B Art Center Kansas City is hosting Reclaiming the Canvas: A Tribute to 100 Years of Black History Month, which will showcase local Black artists past and present. Expect poetry, song, dance, and visual art across a two-part program.

February 20–21, Kansas City PBS’s Reel Black Film Festiva l at the Gem Theater and the American Jazz Museum will spotlight KC’s current lot of Black filmmakers.

Kansas Citians can see Black history on stage, as well. The first three full weekends of February, Five Guys Named Moe —a musical tribute to famed jump blues saxophonist Louis Jordan—will take the stage at The Black Box.

On February 26 , the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey will present Setting the Stage: A Journey Through African American Dance at the Gem Theater.

The Kansas City Public Library system, meanwhile, is hosting a slew of educational events that includes an evening with author and scholar Imani Perry (February 23) and a presentation about Black Union soldiers (February 18). See the full program at kclibrary.org/series/black-history

Love At First Sight

Love At First Sight

Love At First Sight

As

The

The

by Merrily Jackson mjackson@inkansascity.com

When Valentine’s Falls on a Saturday

Valentine’s Day has a way of narrowing love into a single lane. Jewelry. Prix-fixe dinners. Oversized boxes of candy. All of it perfectly lovely, especially for courting couples. But this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, which feels like a small but welcome nudge: an opportunity to gather friends and celebrate the quieter, steadier loves that sustain us. Here are three easy, unfussy ways to do just that.

Ladle up the love. A soup party is hospitality at its most cozy. There is nothing so inviting on a cold winter day as a bowl of soup, and the smell of it simmering on the stove makes your house a wonderful place to be. Make one or two soups in advance and you’re free to enjoy your guests

instead of hovering over the stove.

If you’re inviting a smaller group, this is an opportunity to have fun setting your table (soup bowls on dinner plates, cloth napkins, warehouse club roses in a simple glass vase). For a larger crowd, let go of the idea that everyone needs to sit together. Turn your stove and countertops into a serving station, set out bowls, silverware/napkin roll-ups, soup toppings and bread, and invite people to sit wherever they land. Email me for my favorite soup, stew, and chowder recipes, recommendations for improving canned stock, and my zingy cornbread recipe. For instant recipe gratification, you’ll find Lon Lane’s excellent black bean soup on page 20.

Ask everyone to bring one great appie. If you want to keep things casual and communal, invite friends for cocktails and ask each person to bring one excellent snack. Emphasis on one and excellent. You might suggest broad categories, such as something salty, something crunchy, something sinful, but resist micro-managing.

As the host, set the stage. Clear and claim whatever surface will become your appie buffet. Put out dinner plates rather than cocktail plates, since this will likely be enough food to constitute a nice supper.

For a simple Valentine cocktail, consider making a pitcher of Madras Vodka Punch—two parts cranberry juice to one part vodka and one part orange juice—then serving it over ice with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds for garnish. Plan to open some wine, as there will always be guests who prefer it. This kind of gathering works best when people can circulate, graze, and leave having discovered something new to love.

Dessert is enough. If dinner feels like too much, skip straight to dessert. Invite friends over after supper for sweets and champagne, with coffee on hand for anyone who wants it. Two or three desserts is plenty, and serving something beautiful from a favorite bakery or restaurant works just as well. (If you’re in the mood to bake, I’m happy to share my recipes for a flourless chocolate torte, fresh pear cake, carrot-walnut Bundt cake, or warm toffee pie. Just email me.)

Before anyone rings the bell, set out forks, plates, and pretty napkins, chill the champagne, and light the candles, so the evening feels settled from the start. From there, the night can unfold at its own pace. Dessert parties have a way of running a little later, the conversation lingering over last bites and second pours, which feels exactly right for February, and makes a very good ending.

Entertaining IN KC

MERRILY'S PICKS

IN THE BEST LIGHT

Nothing makes a table feel more inviting than candlelight. Pretty glass votive holders deepen the glow, pull the table together visually, and protect surfaces at the same time. Diebolt’s at Gilham House Antiques has a beautiful selection at very reasonable prices.

napkin, made in Lithuania—long prized for exceptionally durable, beautifully laundering linen—feels fresh and chic, so good even Miranda Priestly would approve. Two for $42 at Pear Tree Design & Antiques.

A CLEAN CANVAS

When everyone brings one great appie, presentation matters. The soft white surface of the Skyros Cantaria Dinner Plate makes colors pop and food look irresistible, while its durable ceramic stoneware stands up to a night of happy grazing. $51 at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home.

DOUBLE DUTY

Ideal for a soup party, this divided bowl gives each guest two tastes in one place, saves you from washing every soup/cereal bowl you own, and works just as nicely for chips and salsa in front of the telly. Available on Amazon.

CURVE APPEAL

THE CASE FOR COUPES

Nothing against flutes, but Champagne coupes bring a little 1930s Hollywood glamour to the pouring of your bubbly. They’re also ideal for the serving of sidecars, Manhattans, and other classic cocktails. It’s easy to hunt down vintage glassware at Bella Patina, Urban Mining, and Swanky! Home Furnishings.

With its soft curve and wooden handle, the Nambé Curvo Ladle reflects the brand’s functional, minimalist design and looks right at home at a soup station, where guests can help themselves while the host steps away. $30 at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities

Worn Close. Cherished Forever.

Always Pit to Plate

I got this recipe from my dear friend Lon Lane, legendary Kansas City caterer and bon vivant, whose recipe files are as rich as his stories. Lon, now retired, received it years ago from a Cuban woman in Tampa, Florida, who knew her way around a pot of beans. Her husband, Lon told me, was a tobacco broker who famously brought the very last shipment of Cuban cigar wrappers out of Cuba before the embargos imposed when Castro came to power.

The soup is exactly what you’d expect from a recipe with that kind of provenance: deep, smoky, and soulful. Don’t forget to start a day ahead so you can soak those beans overnight.

2 large, meaty ham hocks or 1 whole smoked pork shank

2 quarts water for cooking ham hocks

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium yellow onions, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, chopped

3 bay leaves

1 large green pepper, diced Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound dried black beans

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar (to taste)

1. Soak the beans overnight or boil for one minute, then remove from heat and cover for two hours.

2. Cook ham hocks or a meaty ham bone or smoked pork shank until the meat falls off the bone. Remove meat and bones from the stock. Discard the fat and bones, reserve the meat. Chill the stock, skim the fat off the top, and use it for cooking beans—season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Reduce stock or increase stock volume to measure 6 cups. (To increase the stock, use a good chicken stock.) The stock should be perfectly seasoned and flavorful. Add one pound of dried black beans that have been soaked overnight.

4. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, and green pepper in good olive oil on medium heat until soft. Do not brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add vegetables to the stock and beans and simmer until the beans are very tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.

6. Add the reserved pork meat to the beans three-quarters of the way through cooking.

7. When beans are tender and thick, add the distilled white vinegar to taste. The vinegar brings out the flavor of the beans.

Serve over rice. Pass chopped white onion and chopped fresh tomato. Serve with a vinegar-based hot pepper sauce if desired.

WHEREVER YOU ARE

Entertaining IN KC

ASK MERRILY

Find answers to all your entertaining questions.

Q: Suppose I take a notion to invite my fun single friends over for cocktails on Valentine’s night. How would I execute this without it feeling last-minute or, worse, sad?

A: First, let go of the idea that this needs explaining. It doesn’t. Singles don’t need consolation prizes; they need good lighting, a decent drink, and people they enjoy. A simple text does the trick: “Valentine’s is on Saturday. I’m thinking cocktails at my place for the unattached and fabulous. No pressure, but text me yes or no so I know how many olives to buy.”

Keep the food easy but thoughtful. Good olives, Marcona almonds, a wedge of Cambozola cheese with crackers, plus one warm thing: a baked Brie, store-bought flatbread warmed in the oven, or cocktail sausages dressed up with a good mustard. Open wine, mix one simple cocktail (see Madras Vodka Punch, page 16), light candles, and put your favorite playlist on before the first guest arrives. The goal isn’t a theme; it’s a mood. When people feel relaxed and included, the party takes care of itself.

Do you have a question about entertaining? Email it to mjackson@inkansascity.com

Our Man IN KC

by Damian Lair dlair@inkansascity.com

Monster Jam

As many longtime readers know, I frequently employ this space as a forcing mechanism to try new things.

Partially, it’s a personal pursuit, but I hope it also 1.) exposes readers to different experiences in the city, and 2.) inspires others to try new things.

When I learned a few months ago that Monster Jam would be returning to the T-Mobile Center, I had an idea. Tickets for the event would make the perfect gift for my recently-turned-4 nephew and godson, Lair.

Tucked in a box, underneath a remote-controlled monster truck (his favorite, Megalodon) was a card. And inside the card was a QR code. Grabbing his mom’s phone, he scanned it, and it opened a video promoting the upcoming event in Kansas City. “We’re all going to Monster Jam!” I shouted. He was pumped. Sister Lucy—not so much.

Just a few weeks later, we arrived early at T-Mobile Center for an extra-special Pit Party ahead of the main event. Feet in the dirt (they hauled in more than 50 trucks worth), we snapped selfies with the trucks, met drivers for more photos and autographs, and picked up arms full of Monster Jam merch. It was cool to see these 12,000-pound beasts up close and talk with their drivers.

Since Christmas, Lucy had done her own YouTube research and discovered (as I did) that Monster Jam isn’t just for boys. Sparkle Smash—a glittery unicorn truck—caught her attention, as did its driver, Loghan Ashline. We got to meet and talk with Loghan, and she was as bubbly and sparkly as her truck suggested. We also got to chat with Krysten Anderson, the driver of Grave Digger. Interestingly, she got into driving monster trucks because her father, Dennis Anderson, was the legendary creator and original driver of Grave Digger. Later, when meeting others behind the Monster Jam production team, I commented that my biggest surprise was how many girls were there cheering on their favorite lady drivers, often in bedazzled truck tees or branded tulle tutus. This was not the monster-truck culture of my childhood.

In essence, the show is a competition. Drivers contend for points in three categories, awarded by the audience via online scorecards accessible by phone. There’s the two-wheel skills challenge, racing, and freestyle. The outcomes are unexpected and unscripted. In fact, in each of the four weekend shows at T-Mobile, there were no repeat event winners. During our show, several trucks broke down and had to be hauled away. One caught on fire. The suspense was electrifying.

Kansas City was the first stop on the Arena Championship Series East, with the World Finals taking place in Salt Lake City this July. The

OVERHEARD

“I’ve always wanted to go to a NASCAR game.”

month prior, Monster Jam drivers were competing in Argentina, Chile, and the United Arab Emirates. It’s a global sensation. We cheered, and we screamed. More than a few times, I had to look away, worrying—will the driver be OK? It was an afternoon of insane backflips, two-wheel tricks, gravity-defying stunts, and intense racing. As it was wrapping up and MJ Solorio, driving El Toro Loco, was awarded the event’s trophy, Lair was sad that the end was near. He said, “Can I ask you something?” Of course. “Can we please come again next year?” It was the highest endorsement. And for the record, Lucy is extra jazzed, still snuggling with her plush Sparkle Smash truck, and already thinking about what she’ll wear next year.

AN IMMERSIVE VOYAGE

ROUGHLY A DECADE AGO, I had the great pleasure of celebrating a 50th birthday for my good friend Terry Anderson aboard the Queen Mary 2. We (plus my steamer trunks bursting with black-tie attire) had embarked upon the crossing—an eight-day sail from New York City to Southampton, U.K. It was the exact reverse trip the Titanic intended to complete in 1912. And because of this fact, we had the incredible but somber opportunity to sail directly over the sunken wreckage and grave site. Bells were rung. Heads were bowed

This memory doesn’t rise to the surface frequently, but it did repeatedly as I visited the recently opened Titanic exhibit at Union Sta-

Our Man IN KC

tion. This brand-new exhibition (with its U.S. debut here in KC) brings to life the ship’s history and its fateful crash.

The experience unfolds by exploring the ship’s opulent corridors and historical room recreations. Yes, there’s the iconic staircase, and it’s the perfect photo op. You can also climb the ship’s bow railing, creating your very own Jack Dawson “I’m the king of the world!” moment. While at the bow, cradled by video projection, you’re able to relive the iceberg’s gradual approach and impact—complete with historical, minute-by-minute instructions given by the captain. While aboard, you feel the ship gradually turning but grasp the impossibility of quickly redirecting the behemoth of more than 50,000 tons. Brushing alongside a chunk of brittle ice feels like nothing. And the worst seems to have been averted.

As the exhibit nears its conclusion, video walls recreate hallways flooding with water, and guests enter an immense, dark room, sheathed in soaring video displays. I sat in one of the lifeboats, floating in a sea of black. You’ve gone from experiencing the iceberg impact to looking up at an unsinkable ship about to do just that. SOS telegrams, with increasing desperation, scroll overhead as the ship takes on water and begins to tilt. It’s an ominous sign that the vessel will ultimately not survive.

You hear nervous partying on the deck as those aboard remain oblivious to the ship’s fate. As the ship sinks further, and the end is near, the orchestra dutifully plays Nearer, My God, to Thee. As the final minutes tick by, the lights flicker, and the bow sinks further. There’s creaking and cracking noises as the stern lifts out of the water. The massive steel ship dramatically breaks in two, and an entire floating city unceremoniously disappears into the throes of the sea.

final room, where the names of those who survived and perished are recognized. A violin and sheet music were remarkably recovered from the body of the orchestra leader, Wallace Hartley, who famously led the final salvation hymn.

OVERHEARD

“Get me to the Four Seasons. I’ll even settle for a Three Seasons.”

Finally, I opted for the supplemental virtual-reality experience, available at the formal exhibition’s conclusion. For those considering, it was well worth the modest extra fee. By the wonders of VR, I was able to explore, via submarine, the haunting wreck site lying 2.5 miles beneath the ocean surface. Fewer than 300 people have been able to explore the site in person—and some have died in the pursuit. This is the closest I hope to ever get, and it was extremely cool.

Advance ticket reservations are encouraged (particularly for the VR experience). The exhibition is open through April 19.

SCOPE OF WONDER

WHILE THE WEATHER is (mostly) too cold for outdoor activities, and my sisters grapple with how to entertain their stir-crazy kids during the never-ending holiday break, the focus turns indoors. I recently met up with one of my sisters and her three boys to check out Wonderscope The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City is the region’s only accessible, nonprofit children’s museum dedicated to providing STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—educational experiences for young children and their families.

Wonderscope features 30,000 square feet of indoor exploration (and a half acre of outdoor adventure, better suited for warmer days), all with a unique Kansas City theme. The exhibits and programming are designed to spark learning through the power of play. As I came to realize, you’re never too old for some make-believe and playtime with your favorite little ones.

Who had a summer breakup and finally told their parents at the holiday airport pickup? Whose NYE party had everyone requesting a +1? HOT GOSSIP:

For all this, guests have a front-row seat from the water. While floating, the sounds of shivering and desperation are inescapable. The fully immersive experience incredibly translates the vastness of the dark freezing ocean into something impressively life-like. It’s equal parts harrowing and heartbreaking, but remarkably authentic. Across this journey, visitors will catch a glimpse of more than 200 artifacts from the Titanic and her sister ships. The items that struck me most were in the

There’s a soaring treehouse-like structure that’s a cyclone of adventure involving caves, ramps, and rope bridges (even a floating school bus). WonderMart is a pretend grocery store with shelves full of plastic food. I shopped (naturally) while my companions filled in as checkout cashiers and shelf stockers. Sushi rolls and T-bones seemed like a winning combination for dinner. But I was nearly stuffed after our visit to the neighboring café, where we served up imaginary diner cuisine. At the Creation Station, there’s every craft supply imaginable. You can paint on walls and spray them off with water or experiment with real power tools. Perhaps my favorite activity was engineering the course of water at the WaterWorks exhibit. It’s a nod to Kansas City’s fountain fame, and splashing is mandatory.

I was so impressed with the variety of activities and the creativity each sparked. At Wonderscope, hours dashed by in a blink. Though warmer days lie ahead, it’s the perfect spot for hunkering down as the cold weather endures.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

by Judith Fertig

Christopher Warren

CHIEF CURATOR, NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

You could not ask for a more perfect constellation of talents and experiences for the chief curator of a war museum than what Christopher Warren, PhD., brings to the table.

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Warren has extensive experience in large, complex museums and public history and academic institutions, including most recently as the director of curatorial affairs for the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum. His prior experience includes senior roles at Arlington National Cemetery, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Air Force History and Museum Program, and the Naval History and Heritage Command. An Air Force veteran, Warren also served for seven years as an intelligence officer. Whew!

Since taking up his post at theNational WWI Museum and Memorial in 2022, Warren and his family have been happily settling into Kansas City life. Says Warren, “My wife, Jennifer, is a native New Yorker who’s always on the hunt in Kansas City for the perfect New York–style pizza slice. She serves as a deputy branch chief with the Kansas Department of Transportation, specializing in roadway safety. Our sons, Donovan and

Dempsey, attend Blue Valley West High School.”

They’re passionate soccer fans and Sporting KC supporters and, of course, always cheer on the Jayhawks. theworldwar.org

INKC: Growing up in Wichita, how can you trace the paths toward history, collecting, and service in the Air Force that combine to form your career today?

Christopher Warren: I grew up in a history-minded family, so reading about the past and visiting historic sites felt completely natural. While other kids spent vacations at amusement parks, my family explored battlefields, historic homes, and museums—and I loved every minute. My father’s extensive library inspired me to build my own, starting with comic books and eventually expanding into political, military, cultural, and social history.

That mix of constant reading and frequent site visits drove my desire to study the past. After college, I served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked as an FBI Special Agent, but my passion for history ultimately led me into the museum field and to completing a PhD. With more

Arts & Culture IN KC

than two decades of experience at places like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress, joining the National WWI Museum and Memorial truly felt like a dream come true.

INKC: What is the best part about your job?

CB: The best part of my job is researching, writing, and using historic artifacts to create exhibitions that illuminate the experiences of those who lived through the Great War. From soldiers on the front lines to families on the home front, individuals and communities worldwide endured an unprecedented conflict that shaped the 20th century. Working with the world’s most comprehensive WWI collection allows us to tell their stories through their diaries, letters, and the objects they wore, carried, or used. These personal accounts help us remember their sacrifices, understand their experiences, and recognize the common humanity that connects us across time.

Another wonderful part of my job is working alongside my colleagues. From our dedicated staff to our committed volunteers, their enthusiasm, support, and passion for the institution and its mission are truly remarkable. The pride we all share in having a national-level museum here in Kansas City shines through to every guest and supporter.

INKC: How does the Great War still send ripples through the currents of our lives?

CB: World War I still shapes our world in ways that extend far beyond the trenches. The conflict introduced industrialized warfare—machine

guns, long-range artillery, chemical weapons, aircraft, and tanks—establishing patterns that define modern military strategy and mass mobilization. Its political settlement redrew borders across Europe and the Middle East, creating new states and long-lasting tensions that continue to influence global affairs.

The war sped up major social changes, reshaping labor, expanding government power, and opening new roles for women, Indigenous peoples, and colonial subjects. These shifts helped fuel later civil rights, independence, and suffrage movements. The trauma experienced by veterans also contributed to today’s understanding of psychological injury and PTSD.

Culturally, the Great War transformed how societies remember conflict. Its cemeteries, memorials, poetry, and rituals—including Veterans Day—still guide how nations honor service and interpret sacrifice. More than a century later, the war’s technologies, political legacies, and memory practices continue to influence national identity, diplomacy, and how we respond to war and loss.

INKC: Tell us about the new exhibit planned for the FIFA World Cup.

CB In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—and the Kansas City’s FIFA World Cup Fan Festival taking place on the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial—The Beautiful Game will illuminate the deep connections between the world’s most popular sport and the First World War. The exhibition explores soccer’s rapid growth before 1914, its powerful influence during the conflict, and the poignant ways the sport shaped everyday life in wartime. stumpffhomeworks.com

Arts & Culture

by Judith Fertig

SHE’S GOT SOUL WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

IF YOU HAVE NEVER experienced a Capathia Jenkins performance, now’s your chance.

From February 13 through 15, Jenkins brings her powerhouse voice and electric presence to the Kauffman Center.

Fresh from her successful run of Aretha: A Tribute, Jenkins channels many leading ladies, including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Adele and many others in She’s Got Soul, featuring the greatest hits of soul and R&B.

With a trio of backup singers, and the musical energy of our Kansas City Symphony, these classic hits will rock your world all over again.

You will feel their power from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Prepare to be electrified.

Visit kauffmancenter.org for more information and tickets.

JOYCE DIDONATO RETURNS WITH TIME FOR THREE: EMILY—NO PRISONER BE

KANSAS CITY’S OWN Joyce DiDonato returns to her hometown on February 14 at the Folly Theater as part of the Harriman -Jewell Series. Along with string trio Time for Three, DiDonato brings the work of poet Emily Dickinson to musical life in the Kansas City premiere of Emily–No Prisoner Be Dickinson’s bold, mysterious, sometimes provocative and funny lines are now the starting point for an extraordinary artistic collaboration.

This semi-staged song cycle based on (and featuring) the poetry of Emily Dickinson is the latest collaboration between Kevin Puts—a Pulitzer Prize winner and Musical America’s 2024 Composer of the Year; mezzo-soprano DiDonato, who was called “a stunning triumph” (Variety) as Virginia Woolf in Puts’s The Hours; and the classically trained, genre-crossing Time for Three trio, whose recording of Puts’s Triple Concerto won multiple Grammy Awards in 2023. Hear the next chapter in this special collaboration between uniquely daring artists.

For more information and tickets, visit hjseries.org

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

FROM FEBRUARY 25 through September, the National WWI Museum and Memorial debuts a new exhibit about yet another way that the Great War influenced our lives today.

Soccer.

“Before the war began, most belligerent nations—including the United States—already played and enjoyed soccer,” Christopher Warren, the chief curator of the museum, explains. “This exhibition explores how those nations used the sport during the conflict: as a rallying cry, when governments and clubs promoted football to encourage enlistment; as a morale booster, since militaries had long adopted the game for training, fitness, and esprit de corps; and as an escape, offering soldiers and civilians alike a brief mental refuge from the hardships of war.”

The Beautiful Game was developed over the past two years and features artifacts on loan from museums, soccer clubs, and institutions around the world.

For more information, visit theworldwar.org

KANSAS CITY BALLET PERFORMS SNOW WHITE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

MIRROR, MIRROR on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

When you think of all the fairy tales that have inspired ballets—Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella—why has Snow White been left out?

Well, that was then, this is now, and Snow White is pasde-deux-ing with Kansas City Ballet on stage from February 27 through March 1 at the Folly Theater. This would be a great way to introduce children and grandchildren to ballet and theater, with a familiar story and a performance time that keeps a child’s attention.

With choreography by Bruce Wells, music by Jules Massenet, and performances by Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company, Snow White celebrates the power of friendship and love. The hour-long, narrated fairy tale, Kansas City Ballet’s second installment of their Family Series, takes the audience on a journey with Snow White, the seven dwarves, the evil queen, and all the forest animals. We are reminded that real beauty comes from within, and that belonging can be found in surprising places.

For more information and tickets, visit kcballet.org

by Judith Fertig

Ultrasound Guided Joint and Tendon Injections Deliver Faster Relief and Healing

A CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW JOHNSON, MD, FAMILY MEDICINE AND SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or a couch potato, joint and soft tissue pain from conditions like arthritis and tendinitis can certainly cramp your style—and linger for far longer than you would wish. The good news is that specialized, targeted treatments can get you back to doing what you love, faster, and with minimal recovery time. Andrew Johnson, MD, Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Physician at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at South Overland Park, shares new information.

What types of conditions might require joint and/or tendon injections?

The types of conditions that typically respond best to corticosteroid injection are ones where the body is creating an inflammatory response manifesting as pain and swelling. Typically, we use injections to turn down this inflammation. Common conditions that benefit from injections include osteoarthritis, overuse tendon injuries, trigger finger, inflamed tendons due to injury, or tendon tears. There are three main groups of injections that we use. These include steroid injections, which are typically combined with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine; orthobiologic injections, such as platelet-rich plasma, which have some degree of regenerative capacity; and hyaluronic acid injection, which is mostly for lubrication of the joint.

What is the benefit of ultrasound guidance for these injections?

Studies have shown that ultrasound-guided injections are much more accurate due to real-time localization of where the medicine is placed. Ultrasound-guided injections also have fewer side effects due to precise delivery of the medication to the target structure. Ultrasound does not use any radiation to obtain images, is painless, and is easily set up in the clinic in less than five minutes. Patients really enjoy being able to look at the images in real time to better understand their pathology. The alternative to ultrasound-guided injections is landmark-guided injections, which use surface anatomy to guide the course of the needle to the target structure. Finally, the ultrasound images obtained can be stored securely and available for review at a later date.

What is the process? How long does it take? Is it painful?

The process typically starts when I explain the patient’s diagnosis and review treatment options ranging from least invasive to most invasive. I explain the role of injection and how this can help the patient and make sure they understand what they are signing up for. We obtain informed consent where we discuss risks and benefits of the procedure. The patient is then positioned next to me and the ultrasound machine with the exposed body part visible. I use the ultrasound to plan the needle path and determine the safest and least painful way to deliver the medicine to the target structure. We then spray the external skin with a cold spray that distracts the patient from the sharp needle sensation. The needle is visualized on the ultrasound screen and slowly advanced safely to the target structure where the medicine is delivered and images are recorded and saved. It takes about ten minutes to get everything set up, but the actual injection typically takes less than one minute. Certain injections hurt worse than others, but more often than not, the patient will say “that wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.”

What are the ultimate benefits to the patient?

The ultimate benefits of the procedure are decreased pain and inflammation using precise delivery of medication around the structure that is generating their pain. Typically, I use injections to decrease pain so patients can actively participate in physical therapy to address the underlying strength deficits. In some conditions, steroid injection can be curative. The overall goal of the entire procedure is to decrease pain and increase function. For some patients who are not surgical candidates, repeat injections are required to control pain. AdventHealthKC.com/PrimaryCare

First Hellos

Kobel + Co

ELIZABETH BENNETT AND MALLORY ROBINS ANSWER FIVE QUESTIONS

Elizabeth Bennett and Mallory Robins, founding partners of Kobel + Co design studio, design chic interiors that stretch the traditional imagination while staying classic and elegant. Their work spans many historic homes across Kansas City. “We do really love restoration or renovation, but we have our fair share of new builds, too. The problem-solving involved with renovations will always have our hearts,” Bennett says. With the assistance of their design team, Kobel + Co has designed full-service projects in Texas and Florida and have one coming up in California. In addition, they offer online shoppable design services all over the country.

by Susan Cannon

INKC: Is there a particular style of architecture you are drawn to?

EB: I love the rhythm of Palladian architecture and the scale of neoclassical buildings, but I grew up with an architect father who adored Le Corbusier and the avant-garde minimalism and expression of material represented by the Brutalist movement.

MR: I’m a classicist! When it comes to homes, I love symmetry, a center hall plan, and traditional bones.

INKC: What object or piece of furniture makes you weak in the knees?

EB: Oh, it’s never just one thing, but when you find that last perfect

piece that finishes a space and brings tension to the room—it doesn’t get better than that feeling of locking it in.

MR: I can never get enough of chunky chairs, typically midcentury, and typically a little ugly! They bring so much character to a space.

INKC: Which contemporary or classic artist do you love?

EB: Huge fans of the Haw Contemporary here in Kansas City. Bill Haw has the most amazing eye and an extensive collection of Julie Blackmon photography, as well as Wilbur Niewald’s work.

MR: We’re great fans of Eric Stefanski’s work—his high graphic statements are often the perfect complement to keep our spaces feeling grounded and not overly precious.

INKC: What is your first memory that made you connect with interior design on a visceral level?

EB: My dad is a real creative and is an incredibly talented architect. I grew up with him always moving furniture around, balancing art on small pedestals, or creating interesting arrangements of branches for a dinner party. He and I spent weekends driving around and (arguably) trespassing on construction sites evaluating design decisions, layouts, scale, etc. I knew early on how to spot the rough-ins for a kitchen or bathroom during framing. I think it’s always been in my blood.

MR: I can’t pinpoint a specific moment but rather a perpetual calling. I love the way spaces can have such a defining impact on their inhabitants.

INKC: What is one thing, from anywhere, you would suggest as a Valentine gift?

EB: I’m a traditionalist—Sarah Sahli at Bergamot & Ivy is always my goto for stunning florals that stand out as unique works of art. They nail it every single time—and who doesn’t want flowers?

MR: Call me a romantic, but an inscribed book!

To read more of the interview, visit inkansascity.com/home-design/decor

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905

Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900 1900 Building

by Susan Cannon

Joie de Vivre

HEIDI CAILLIER’S DEBUT DESIGN BOOK IS FILLED WITH HER SIGNATURE WARMTH, NOSTALGIA, AND MASTERFULLY BLENDED PATTERNS

West Coast interior designer Heidi Caillier exhibits her nuanced eye for balancing uniquely mixed motifs, colors, textures, and styles in Memories of Home from Rizzoli, beautifully photographed by Haris Kenjar.

Callier possesses a sensibility for authentic, high end, heirloom-quality pieces, including antiques, vintage, and handcrafted furnishings. Among her cache of favorites are traditionally handmade horsehair-filled, custom-upholstered sofas and chairs by BDDW, charming custom-upholstered Nickey Kehoe Cove chairs, inspired by the Napoleon III slipper chair, and William Morris arts-and-crafts and Schumacher flora and fauna wall coverings. The veritable kaleidoscope of color- and pattern-play mixes with iconic gems, such as Czech Art Deco Halabala chairs and midcentury Danish and Brazilian seating, brilliantly mingled with chintz textiles, Welsh blankets, Moroccan Tuareg mats, Persian rugs, graphically tiled floors, and hand-painted hardwoods. It is a trademark style that’s wonderfully bold, unexpected, and sophisticated in its creative choices and execution, proving why the AD100 designer is called upon to reimagine homes from coast to coast. heidicaillierdesign.com

VERDANT BLOOMS FOR YOUR VALENTINE

THERE IS SOMETHING inherently romantic within the Verdant flower and botanical gift shops located in the Crossroads, Morningside Plaza, and in Lawrence. The natural charm and grounded sensibility make finding the right Valentine’s gifts enjoyable. Verdant’s owner, Chentell Shannon, is passionate about working with local growers for seasonal, fresh-cut flowers and arrangements. She seeks muted tones and sweet floral blooms, such as quicksand roses, lisianthuses, ranunculus, chrysanthemums, nigella, and orlaya, to name a few. The shops offer much greenery along with the full line of Convivial, Shannon’s collection of ethically handmade ceramics for the home, kitchen, table, and garden. Hit Verdant for your flowers and have a romantic V-day, lovely people. shopverdant.com

Make an

ELEVATED STATEMENT

Welcome spring with new lighting from Rensen House of Lights. Elevated design and organic floral shapes are both trendy and timeless. A perfect pick for elevating any room in your home. New designs arriving daily in our showroom for you to SEE, TOUCH and TAKE HOME TODAY!

Exceptional Strategies for Exceptional Homes

Trent Gallagher, a top luxury real-estate agent in the Kansas City metro, knows that exceptional homes deserve exceptional strategy.

Gallagher’s proven approach is rooted in topnotch presentation, personalized storytelling, and targeted exposure. It’s at once boutique and supercharged, with one-on-one service backed by an elite team and unparalleled resource base at ReeseNichols in Leawood.

We spoke with Gallagher about how he maximizes the client experience—and their return— when selling luxury homes.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

It’s hard to overstate Gallagher’s prominence in Kansas City’s luxury real estate space. His reputation for bringing a boutique, white-glove experience to an increasingly “one-size-fits-all” market precedes him, and the stats back it up: of more than 35,000 real estate agents in Kansas and Missouri, Gallagher ranks in the top one percent.

Gallagher is a top producer at the ReeceNichols Leawood office—and this means sellers receive single-agent attention with team-level support.

“I’m the one you meet at the consultation, the one advising your pricing, negotiating your offers, and walking you through each milestone,” says Gallagher. “I’ve also built a team that includes a full-time marketing rep and staff and a full-time client care coordinator, so you get team-level horsepower but never get passed off from person to person. You just feel it in our polished marketing, communication, and systems.”

This backing allows Gallagher to stay where he’s most valuable: with his clients.

“This means I’m in the field every single day working with clients, pricing homes, negotiating complex offers, managing timelines, and constantly refining marketing based on what we know is working.”

A STRATEGY THAT RISES TO THE OCCASION

When Gallagher started selling high-end homes, he quickly saw that the market—the sellers, the buyers, the homes themselves—needed something more.

“I started with a simple mission: help people make really smart decisions about their largest asset and make the process feel as seamless as

possible,” he says. “Over time, I found myself working with more design-forward, architecturally unique, and higher-end homes— and I realized that the luxury space desperately needed more intentional strategy. I leaned into it.

“Luxury properties can’t be marketed like an average listing. Sellers and buyers expect something more. I invested heavily in marketing, presentation, and global networks, and built my business around delivering a high-end, personalized experience. I like to think of it as a full campaign, not just a listing.”

Gallagher has a bevy of sales strategies and resources, from cutting-edge photography and videography to private global networks reaching the most discerning buyers. He groups the sales process into three parts: positioning, presentation, and visibility.

“We start with a detailed property analysis and a strategy session—who the likely buyer is, how they live, and what story the home should tell,” he says. “Then we build out the visuals: architectural photography and film, including drone, lifestyle, and twilight shots where appropriate—it’s truly cutting edge. Then we create premium print and digital pieces, a branded property website, and a targeted digital ad campaign across social media and Google to get the home in front of qualified, often out-of-area buyers.”

Then, the cherry on top: the home gets global exposure through platforms like Luxury Portfolio, REALM Global, and Mansion Global.

“These are invitation-only gatherings of top luxury agents and

advisors from around the world,” Gallagher says. “They combine a private global network with powerful data and technology. For my sellers, that means their listings can be introduced to a curated community of high-performing luxury agents globally—not just whoever happens to be browsing an MLS feed. It also allows us to match the lifestyle and profile of your ideal buyer with real, known buyers in other markets.”

What do you get in the end? A marketing plan that’s more like a launch than a listing.

SELLING A HOME HAND-IN-HAND

Gallagher knows that selling a home is a business decision with a lot of emotion underneath it.

“My job is to handle the complexity and stress so my clients don’t have to,” he says. “That means setting clear expectations from the day we meet. Anticipating clients’ concerns and providing regular, proactive updates. Keeping things simple and presenting data in a way that’s easy to understand. And being available—not just for logistics, but to talk through decisions and what they mean long-term.”

Through it all, Gallagher and his team fight for your home.

“Small details compound into big numbers. The right narrative, the right channels, and the right representation can be the difference between ‘sitting on the market’ and setting a record.”

To start the process, go to trent-gallagher.com

Pyet DeSpain IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel

The first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef television show on Fox was a Wyandotte County girl, and her new cookbook, Rooted in Fire (2025), blends the Native American and Mexican food traditions of her ancestors. Pyet DeSpain, 35, was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and lived on the Osage Indian Reservation before moving to Kansas City, Kansas, at age 6. DeSpain, whose first name is Stephanie (Pyet is an abbreviation of her Native American name, Pyetwetmokwe), is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. She owns a critically acclaimed private chef and catering company in Los Angeles, Pyet’s Plate, pyetsplate.com, and she posts her culinary adventures on Instagram @chefpyet

Growing up, DeSpain lived near 43rd Street and Parallel Parkway. She graduated from J.C. Harmon High School and attended Kansas State University and Johnson County Community College before completing the associate’s program at L’Ecole Culinaire.

DeSpain moved to Los Angeles eight years ago and lives in Alhambra in Los Angeles County with her fiancé, Eric Hernandez, and a cat named Merlot. She spoke by phone with IN Kansas City from her home about her wedding plans, her childhood in Kansas City, and her signature fusion of Mexican and Indigenous cuisines.

How did your fiancé propose?

It was August 11th the summer before last. We had gone to Bartlesville to visit my grandmother, and he proposed while she was giving us some family jewelry and ribbons and passing down some Pendleton blankets. She had Parkinson’s, and I think she had a knowing that she should start preparing the family and herself.

She was meeting Eric for the first time, and we’d spent a couple of days with her. We were in her bedroom, and she gave me the opportunity to pick between two blankets. I said, “OK, I’ll pick this one.”

In our family, and in Indigenous culture in general, when you give someone a blanket it’s a big deal. So she gave me one, and the one I didn’t choose she said, “I’ll give this one to Eric.” My mom and I looked at each other like, Whoa, she must really like him

What kind of wedding are you planning?

Something really quaint and somewhat small. We want to do a mixture of Native American traditions and formalities with a blanket. The blanket that he proposed on will be wrapped around us [to symbolize] joining two homes. We will also have a Christian pastor, because Eric is Christian and I was raised Christian. Our reception is going to be in our backyard.

I love that. Weddings have gotten so over the top. Oh my gosh—it just feels so performative these days. I don’t want to give in to that whole industry.

Is your husband a good cook?

He has his specialty things. He’s really good at cooking breakfast. He is the guac master in our house. He makes all the guacamole. He takes a lot of pride in it. But I do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to the kitchen, obviously.

What is a perfect Valentine’s Day for you?

Because we live in California, it would be taking a stroll on the beach, grabbing a coffee beforehand. Maybe go to Santa Monica and have a nice lunch. I’m pretty simple. For me it’s about quality time together. That is always preferred over spending a bunch of money and showboating—time well spent and reminiscing about fun things that we’ve been able to do as a couple.

And then Eric put the blanket down on the ground and kneeled down and pulled the ring out of his pocket and proposed to me right then and there, in my grandmother’s bedroom. It was an amazing choice on his part because my grandmother ended up passing the following spring, and it is so special that she was there to see that incredible moment.

Was your grandmother in on it?

She was. Everyone was in on it except me. He had shown my mother and my brother the ring that morning and asked for their blessing, and they told my grandmother.

When are you getting married? In April.

What are your earliest food memories of Kansas City?

Oh, yes! Still to this day one of my favorite places to eat is El Pollo Rey.

I love that place, just the smell of it is amazing.

I remember the first time I had it, I think I was in high school, and my uncle took me there and, oh my gosh, it was so good. They have the wood-fired grill they cook the chickens on, and they serve the chicken with beans and tortillas and pickled onions. I have to go there whenever I’m back.

There was a place that’s called WolfeEs that we used to go to for breakfast with my dad. It was just a little diner. It’s not open anymore. It used to be right off Southwest Boulevard across from E. Edwards Workwear where you could buy construction boots and stuff. I used to work there with my brother when I was in high school.

What did you eat at Wolfe-Es?

Biscuits and gravy! It’s funny, when I moved to the West Coast, no one knew what biscuits and gravy was. I was like, what? So I would have to make it for folks.

I made Braised Bison Colorado from your cookbook, and the

words by Jenny Vergara

PASS THE PLATE

KANSAS CITIANS’ LOVE AFFAIR WITH APPETIZERS

If you’ve felt a little less committed to entrées lately, you’re not imagining things. Across the country, appetizers, snacks, shareables, beginnings, or bites are making a full-on power move and often represent the most exciting part of a meal. For February, that feels especially fitting. After all, few things say romance like leaning across a table, enjoying several dishes and a few drinks together, while also leaving room to share dessert.

As entrée prices inch higher and a night out starts to feel like a splurge, diners are getting strategic. Data from industry tracking firm Buyers Edge Platform shows appetizer orders jumping roughly 20–30 percent year over year, while entrée and dessert sales remain flat or decline, a shift some have started calling the “appetizer economy.” You can see it playing out everywhere, from happy-hour crowds building a meal out of small plates to couples opting for four starters instead of two mains.

But appetizers aren’t winning hearts simply because they’re cheaper. They’re winning because they’re fun, flirty, and designed for connection. Restaurants have become wildly good at pouring creativity into the start of the meal, when we’re hungriest, most curious, and most willing to share. For Valentine’s Day, that makes a table of small plates the ultimate love language. There’s no pressure, no rigid courses, just a stream of bites that encourages conversation and the subtle intimacy that comes from passing plates back and forth.

In Kansas City, our devotion to a great starter is easy to spot. When an appetizer becomes a hit here, it rarely leaves the menu. It simply settles in and becomes part of a restaurant’s identity. Think Corvino’s cult-favorite seaweed doughnuts with trout roe cream, JJ’s horseradish and bacon-wrapped Paco shrimp, J. Gilbert’s blue-cheese sauce laced potato chips, Garozzo’s hands-on Sicilian stuffed artichokes, or Tasso’s tableside flaming cheese. These aren’t throwaway plates but instead signature dishes that define the dining experience at that particular place.

This way of ordering also mirrors how we want to dine now, more social, more fluid, and perfectly suited to the classic “I just want a bite” dynamic, especially on a date. One person wants something light, the

other wants to try everything, and suddenly the table becomes a shared project rather than two separate plates.

Even the word “appetizer” is getting a makeover. Menus now open with sections labeled “Now,” “Soon,” “Snacks,” or “For the Table.” It can feel like jargon, but it reflects a real shift in how meals are structured. When plates arrive as they’re ready and everything is meant to be shared, the old appetizer-entrée boundary starts to blur.

Entrées aren’t disappearing—there will always be something comforting about committing to one beautiful plate—but small dishes have become a chef’s creative playground: bright condiments, pickles, heat, crunch, global flavors, all delivered with low commitment. For restaurants, they’re smart business. For diners, they’re an invitation to linger, to add “just one more thing,” to turn dinner into an experience rather than a transaction.

And honestly? If the best part of dinner is the part you can share several dishes at once, maybe that’s not a trend at all. Maybe it’s a movement and simply how we want to eat right now.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the pressure of matching entrées and build a meal you can share. Think of it as a progressive dinner, one bite at a time.

OF COURSE KITCHEN & CATERING

Egg Curry & Toast

Swetha Newcomb turns a humble egg into a revelation with this signature South Indian meets New American appetizer. Her egg curry starts with a spicy tomato curry sauce with one perfectly cooked jammy egg on top, served with thick toasted sourdough and finished with cashew-curry leaf tadka and a cooling chili crema. It’s warm, bold, comforting, and quietly addictive. ofcoursekc.com

ABC CAFÉ

Barbecue Pork Buns & Roast Pork Plate

For four years, Derrick and Joanne Lam have quietly perfected the casual dim sum dining experience in Kansas City, with food that continues to impress both chefs and diners alike. Their pillowy barbecue

pork buns arrive impossibly fluffy, hiding sweet-savory pork inside, while the roast pork plate shows off slices of slow-cooked juicy pork loin basted with that sweet red sauce until sticky. abccafeop.com

AAHAA INDIAN CUISINE

Grand Maharaja Dosa

This popular modern Indian restaurant in south Overland Park offers a four-foot dosa that is less appetizer and more spectacle. Crackling crisp and filled with fragrantly spiced masala potatoes, Aahaa’s Grand Maharaja Dosa is made for sharing unless you’re feeling ambitious. Served with a trio of chutneys for dipping and dragging, it’s dramatic, delicious, and one of the most fun ways to start a meal in town. aahaakc.com

JAROCHO

Oysters, Grilled Baby Octopus, & Seafood Ceviche

Carlos Falcon cooks like someone who grew up on Mexico’s Veracruz coast, because he did. At Jarocho, you’ll find pristine oysters, tender grilled baby octopus, and bright seafood ceviche with lime, tomato, cilantro, and cucumber that tastes like a seaside vacation. These aren’t “starters,” they’re transportive little love letters to the Gulf of Mexico. jarochokc.com

LAZIA

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio

Inside the Crossroads Hotel, Aaron Wells-Morgan has elevated carpaccio to an event. Thinly sliced wagyu is draped with black truffle, pickled shimeji mushrooms, fennel, and pecorino, then scooped up with gnocco fritto—long and thin Italian fried crackers heaped with a heavy snowfall of Parmesan. It’s rich but restrained, decadent yet balanced, and impossible to stop nibbling with a glass of red wine. crossroadshotelkc. com/lazia-restaurant

Q39

Q Chips ’N Dip

Only at Q39 would barbecue potato chips become a statement dish. Their new housemade Q chips are smoky, sweet, and crisp, made from their own barbecue seasoning and served with caramelized onion dip studded with burnt ends. It’s Kansas City barbecue translated into snack form—salty, rich, and built for sharing. Order your favorite beverage and ruin your appetite for dinner with this dish. q39kc.com

WANDERING VINE

Ham & Cheese Popovers

Chef Bryan Sparks is the king of the culinary castle at Wandering Vine in Shawnee. With a menu that leans into contemporary classics, their list of small plates includes ham and cheese popovers that arrive impossibly light, like edible clouds. Each golden puff is split and stuffed with shaved smoked ham and sharp cheddar, then served with a tangy Dijonnaise sauce. It’s cozy, whimsical and with two to a plate, perfect for sharing. wanderingvine.com

THE ROCKHILL GRILLE

Stuffed Tater Tots

The Rockhill Grille takes the nostalgic tater tot and gives it a grownup glow-up. Their house-made tots are golden and crunchy outside, molten with pepper jack inside, and served with garlic aioli and ketchup. They’re fluffy and playful and exactly what you want to snack on while slowly sipping a glass of ice-cold craft beer. therockhillgrille.com

HANK’S GARAGE AND GRILL

Frito Pie

Sometimes perfection is a pile of corn chips drowning in chili. Howard Hanna and Zac Sachs nail the classics at Hank’s Garage & Grill. Most people mention the Spam fries served with banana ketchup at Hank’s (which you should also get), but it is their unassuming Frito pie that is the G.O.A.T. here. The dish is made with crunchy corn chips, beefy chili, a shower of shredded cheese, a squirt of sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions. It’s simple, shameless comfort food that tastes like every great childhood memory you’ve ever had. hanksshawnee.com

CHEWOLOGY

Xiao Long Bao

At Chewology, Katie Liu-Sung hand-makes dumplings at a dedicated counter because she wants you to see all of her hard work. Serving a delicious selection of steamed or pan-fried dumplings, her xiao long bao or soup dumplings arrive plump and delicate, each one hiding hot, savory broth with a pork, shrimp, and si gua meatball tucked inside. Bite carefully, sip slowly, and prepare to order another round—you’re not leaving with just one order. chewologykc.com

BAMBOO PENNY’S

Spicy Thai Sausage

Penny Mufuka’s house-made sai krok is a masterclass in balance and flavor. The sausage is made with minced pork scented with lemongrass, kaffir lime, chilies, and herbs, pan-fried until the skin is crispy, served in crisp lettuce cups with ginger, jalapeños, and roasted peanuts. It’s bright, spicy, crunchy, and wildly aromatic—an appetizer that announces itself the moment it hits the table. bamboopennys.com

MINERAL LOUNGE

Bakoula Hand Pie & Lamb Kibbeh

Brian Aaron’s newly refreshed menu at Mineral Lounge on Broadway Boulevard is full of fresh Mediterranean flavors. The bakoula hand

pie—stuffed with Swiss chard, feta, and pine nuts—comes with cool tzatziki, and the sumac-roasted lamb kibbeh croquettes have baba ghanoush, feta, and grilled fennel salad served with pita bread. They are both hugely flavorful and deeply satisfying dishes that would go great with a bottle of wine recommended by the same team that runs Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen. mineralkc.com

URBAN

Kung Pao Cauliflower

Justin Clark proves vegetables don’t need to whisper. The kung pao cauliflower at his midtown restaurant, Urban, is loud and proud in the best way—roasted florets tossed in spicy Thai chili sauce served with kale, Brussels sprout salad, and crunchy cashews. It’s vegetarian, yes, but also bold and craveable. You’ll never miss the meat. urbanontroost.com

NOUR’S

Muhammara with Pita

At his beautifully appointed midtown Lebanese restaurant, Marwan Chebaro delivers some seriously soul-warming flavors, starting with muhammara. The red pepper-walnut dip is smoky, nutty, and lightly sweet, drizzled with pomegranate molasses, and served with warm pita. This, and an order of hummus along with a round of cocktails, and you can watch as dips become dinner. nourskc.com

EXTRA VIRGIN

Grilled Octopus or Prawns, & Cucumber Salad

Michael and Nancy Smith’s Extra Virgin menu continues to evolve, but its Mediterranean heart remains for this small-plates concept in the Crossroads. Start with charred octopus or juicy grilled prawns, then don’t skip the cucumber salad tossed with peanuts, cilantro, onions, and cumin dressing to add a vegetable to your meal. It is a dish built to cleanse your palate before the rest of the evening unfolds. extravirginkc.com

ROOM 39

Roasted Carrots with Dukkah

At Room 39, Ted Habiger always manages to make vegetables feel like a main course. His roasted carrots come silky and caramelized, sitting in garlicy yogurt sauce and showered with crunchy, nutty Egyptian dukkah seasoning. It is the kind of dish that reminds you why this neighborhood favorite still feels so special. rm39.com

GILDA’S BAR DE TAPAS

The Gilda

Stephanie Cashion’s Shawnee pintxo and tapas bar blends Spanish tradition with a dash of Hollywood drama, which makes its namesake Gilda a must. A skewer of olive, anchovy, and pepper, it’s briny, punchy, and impossible not to love. Inspired by Basque bar culture and Rita Hayworth herself, it’s small, bold, and unforgettable. Pair with a fizzy gin and tonic or glass of wine and you’ll be in Spain in no time. gildaskc.com

Ham

Sarah Rector THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND REDISCOVERY OF

words by Shawn Edwards

LONG RELEGATED TO THE DUSTBIN

OF HISTORY, KANSAS CITIAN SARAH

RECTOR’S STORY AS THE WEALTHIEST BLACK GIRL IN AMERICA IS NOW INSPIRING A FILM, A DOCUMENTARY, A BOOK, AND A PLAY

At age 11, Sarah Rector became one of the wealthiest people in the United States. The story of how she amassed such wealth in 1913 is told in the feature film Sarah’s Oil , which was released last year by MGM/Amazon. The movie, starring Naya Desir-Johnson as young Rector, did very well at the box office and further ignited interest in Rector’s incredible story.

She became instantly wealthy after oil was discovered on land in Oklahoma that was given to her by the U.S. government in accordance with an 1866 treaty that awarded land to Blacks who were enslaved by Creek Indians before the Civil War.

Her unique situation led to sensationalized headlines in newspapers around the world. She quickly became known as the “richest colored girl in America.” The amount of money involved attracted widespread attention, particularly because of Rector’s racial identity and young age.

Rector soon received a substantial number of international marriage proposals, many of them from white men seeking control of her fortune. Because of her massive wealth, she was also declared to

be white. It was a contrived designation designed mostly as a ploy to statistically benefit the white population of the state of Oklahoma.

Rector’s situation wasn’t nearly as glamorous as it seemed. Throughout her life there was a litany of court cases and legal challenges. She had to continually fight to retain control of her finances during an era of heavy corruption and extreme racism. In Oklahoma, itt wasn’t uncommon for courts to appoint white guardians in order to “protect” any profits.

But although much has been made about her life as an adolescent, very little has been publicized about her adult life.

Around 1920, Rector and her family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. It’s widely believed that the move was made due to safety concerns. In early 1900s Oklahoma, two Black children who had oil rights were murdered for their land. At the time Rector relocated to Kansas City, the city was considered the New York of the Midwest, and it also had a thriving Black community on the east side of town.

Rector graduated from Lincoln High School. She married soon after to Kenneth Campbell, a local businessman. The couple had three sons and divorced in 1930. In 1934, she married William Crawford, a restaurant owner, and they remained married until her death.

Her entrepreneurial spirit made an immediate impact upon arriving in Kansas City. She launched several businesses and built several homes. Little is known about her philanthropic endeavors; however, family members have openly talked about how generous she was with her money when it came to helping family members and those in the community who were close to her.

She loved to shop, and although Blacks weren’t allowed in stores, she was often given the opportunity to buy clothing after hours.

Rector appreciated fancy cars (Cadillac was her brand of choice), purchasing a new one every year. She also loved to drive fast, unbothered

In the living room, plump pillows add color and graphic pattern to the largely neutral space. The black-and-white photograph in the center is by

has collected over the years.

a collection of vintage figurines

It’s a Dog’s World

LOTS OF LOVE FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND SCAMPERS THROUGH THIS KANSAS CITY HOME

words by Judith Fertig photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Not everyone has what you might call a “dog room.”

Yet the home of this Kansas City collector has not one, but several spaces that celebrate our beloved canine companions.

“Short-muzzle dogs—pugs, boxers, Boston terriers—stole my heart long ago,” says Mike Dry, the retired installation specialist for George Terbovich Design. Wilbur, his fifth and latest “snuggle-bug” Boston terrier, “is all about unconditional love,” says Dry. “Dogs don’t judge you. They don’t say ‘are you going to wear that?’ They’re glad to see you whenever you get home.”

After down-sizing from a three-bedroom to a one-bedroom home, this dog-lover wears his heart on every wall, each flat surface. Even bookcases topped with 38 vintage Boston terrier doorstops prove his commitment.

Dry’s canine collections charmingly sit, give you their paws, wag their tails, and almost woof for your attention all throughout the house. “I’ve been collecting for 30 years,” he says. “It just sort of started by accident. I find things at antique malls. Some are gifts from friends. When I pick up a figurine, I think of the person who gave it to me. I also love to look at framed pictures of my dogs or friends’ dogs. It makes me feel good.”

On a recent trip to Dallas, Dry found a drawing of a Boston terrier he

just had to have. When he turned it over, he was surprised to see it was from Leawood, Kansas.

To keep the home canine-friendly, Dry prefers earth tones on walls and furniture, the colors of dogs’ coats. “All my furniture is secondhand,” he says. “I go to Leon Puga to have it reupholstered, and I prefer

plain fabrics or a muted stripe, like on the dining room chairs. I want you to look at the art.”

If you had to say which room was the “dog room,” it would be the den. “This is where Wilbur and I hang out,” he says. Dry might throw a ball for Wilbur to fetch, over and over, until Wilbur takes a break for

a snack. “He is not a food-motivated dog,” claims Dry. “He nibbles all day, all night. I just keep his food and water bowls filled.” What does motivate Wilbur is a trip to the dog park where he loves to hang out.

The den is also home to Dry’s amazing floor-to-ceiling gallery walls. After years of working with Terbovich, Dry has his own way of arranging it. First, he says, make sure everything is framed well, but simply, which he does at Dolphin Frames. Secondly, he gets out a tape measure to maintain a three-inch standard spacing around each picture. Thirdly, he arranges the gallery on the floor to make sure he likes the pattern. Then it all goes up on the wall. “I try to avoid the big picture in the middle. I want it all to look organic, but organized,” he says.

In the living room, behind an antique drop-leaf table, another gallery wall features photos and prints by artists he admires. “My favorite piece is Sunday Morning by photographic artist Deborah Luster. It’s in black and white, a little Black girl in a cotton dress in a cotton field. It speaks volumes,” he says. Dry also prizes early works by Kansas City artists Archie Scott Gobber, known for his graphic wordplay, and Michael Sinclair, whose photos and paintings celebrate a sense of place. Dry has also framed and displayed his own photographs.

“When you start a collection, you have to be patient,” he says. “You are not going to get everything all at once. I am always finding new things at estate sales, on my travels, or even in the occasional dumpster,” he says. “Collections are organized hoarding. But you always find room for what you like.”

Yet collections don’t have to be fusty and dusty. Dry doesn’t arrange things once and keep them that way. “Every so often, I change things up. I might redo a gallery wall or rearrange a display or a tablescape to keep things fresh and interesting,” says Dry. “Your house is either growing or fossilizing.” Or going to the dogs—and that can be a good thing.

Custom Upholstery

Leon Puga 816-679-1598

Chile Colorado sauce in that recipe was a revelation. I recently started using dried chiles instead of bottled chili powder… That’s a game changer.

...but I was guessing about quantities and varieties. Now I use that sauce as the seasoning base for my chili as well as for braised bison. Where did the recipe come from?

Growing up, I had a few family members that owned restaurants in Kansas City. One of my uncles had Donny D’s Taqueria, off Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kansas. He always had Chile Colorado with pork. That was his prized dish that he loved making, and I grew up eating it. I just changed out the protein with bison.

I also had an uncle who had Nito’s Cantina, which was right down the street from Harmon High School, so after school my friends and I would go there and spend time, play pool. They also had Chile Colorado on the menu there.

And growing up, Chile Colorado was always something we had at family gatherings. You put it in your burrito; you eat it in tacos or with a side of rice and beans. That dish was always on the table. When I started making it on my own, I remember calling my grandma and saying, “I don’t know why mine doesn’t taste like yours,” and she would ask, “Did you put bay leaf in it?” Her secret ingredient was always bay leaf. It was important to me to put that recipe in the cookbook. I think once you discover the world of dried chiles and what they can be transformed into, it’s an amazing segue into many traditional foods. And it’s wonderful to see the beauty of the chiles themselves, how they go from fresh to being dried to being rehydrated and how the flavors evolve and

infuse the meat they are stewed with.

And braising is a great technique for bison because it is a lower-fat meat. Braising keeps the moisture locked in.

You talk in your book about the overlap between Mexican and Indigenous cuisine. What Indigenous ingredients were a game-changer for you when you discovered them?

Definitely the different varieties of corn. Blue corn wasn’t something I ate a lot of growing up, and rainbow corn was something you hung up as a decoration. I didn’t realize that is something you can eat. So learning that there are over 2,000 varieties of corn of all different colors and tastes was a revelation for me.

Learning the stories about corn and how tribal nations connect corn to things that happened in the past has been fascinating. For example, in the Apache Nation, you had settlers that came in and burned down all the Apache corn crops. And now the Apache incorporate charred corn or ash from the husks into their recipes.

After learning how integral corn is to both of my cultures, I ended up getting a corn tattoo because I feel such a deep connection with it.

You seem unusually down-to-earth, not the kind of person I would expect would compete on a celebrity-driven reality show like Next Level Chef. What was that like?

It was like being a little fish out of water, definitely. Trying to find my grounding and my placement in that scenario was very interesting. I really had to connect deeply with myself and my purpose being there.

I experienced a great loss at the beginning of filming. I had a friend

who took her life, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue to compete. I had a conversation with my mom, and she said, “Just because her journey is over doesn’t mean that this has to be over for you. Think about what you are going to do.” So I allowed the experience to anchor me and reflect on what I was doing there.

Which was what?

I went in for the clout and the popularity and to be on TV and to have my name in a sentence next to Gordon Ramsay, but then I shifted gears and decided to use the opportunity to talk about my community

Romantic Dining

and my upbringing and the importance of seeing Indigenous people in these spaces.

A lot of people spend more time watching cooking shows than cooking. What is your best advice for people who don’t naturally love preparing food but want to do better?

Always remain curious. I grew up in an environment where my dad was always having us try new things and cook new things. We siblings had to prepare meals for the whole family sometimes, and had he not given us that task, I don’t think I would be as interested in cooking.

My best advice is, just start somewhere. Get a cookbook that interests you and just start from page one and read. Read your butt off! [Laughs] Read the ingredient list. Read the cooking method. Read the story behind why that chef picked those ingredients. Just dive in.

You write about giving love through cooking. Do you believe state of mind plays an important role in cooking?

Yeah, for sure. I put a lot of intentionality into both cooking for people and just cooking for myself at home. I like to think about the energy I’m putting into the food and the people that are going to eat it. For me the kitchen is a sanctuary. I try to go slow and not rush through it. Life is too short to not cook with passion and joy.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

by speeding tickets and unafraid of the police officers that issued them.

What’s often talked about is the lavish parties she would throw in her home that featured the who’s who of Black celebrities at the time. Rector partied with composer and band leader Duke Ellington, author and poet Langston Hughes, boxer Jack Johnson, jazz great Count Basie, jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams, and many of the Kansas City Monarch baseball players, as well as many of their opponents, including the great Josh Gibson.

The first home she and her immediate family lived in, known as the Sarah Rector mansion, is still standing at 12th Street and Euclid Avenue, and she eventually purchased the entire block between Euclid to Garfield.

And then there are the rumors that have never been officially verified. Like how she possibly loaned money to Walt Disney to help with his Laugh-O-Gram Studio only to not be paid back. How she secretly met with Harry S. Truman and donated to his campaign. Or how she was constantly at odds with both the Italian and Irish mafia over her real estate ambitions.

Regardless of the validity, Rector’s life has increasingly become attractive for professional storytellers and filmmakers.

Kansas City filmmaker Jacob Handy has produced a documentary about Rector that focuses on her entire life, with reenactments and testimony from actual family members. Aunt Sister , a moniker given to her by her nieces, will air on KCPT this month after a premiere screening at KCPT’s Reel Black Film Festival.

“When I was in post-production for my last project, The Potato King , KCPT reached out and asked me to submit a proposal for a story they had aired a few years earlier,” explains Handy. “It was only a short clip about Sarah Rector, maybe a couple of minutes, but they wanted to explore it more deeply and asked me to develop a treatment. As someone who loves uncovering hidden-gem Black historical figures, I was immediately intrigued by Sarah Rector. After watching those first few videos about who she was and what she accomplished, I knew I would be honored to tell her story. My first step with projects like this is always to find the family and get their blessing, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Rector’s family is also protecting her legacy and telling her story in the form of a book. A Name Worth Millions: The Story of Sarah Rector and Her Family by Karen Carter Riffle is an attempt to wrestle back Rector’s narrative. It’s based on court documents and family member accounts. “It was important to me to have this book written because my

sisters and I wanted to tell the true story of Sarah Rector and our family,” says Debbie Brown, Rector’s niece. “So much of the information on the internet is only partially true or tells just part of Sarah’s story. I felt it was important that this book not only talks about Sarah’s entire life but also tries to dispel much of the misinformation that has been written about her. Through writing this book, the legacy of Sarah Rector will be preserved for countless others to read. Sarah Rector was an inspiration to me because of the way she carried herself. Growing up around her, Sarah was just like all our other aunts; she didn’t act or dress differently around the family just because she had money. I often reflect back and cherish the time spent with Sarah and the rest of the family.”

Local actress Karen E. Griffin has produced a one-woman stage play that chronicles Rector’s life. The production will take place at the newly renovated Boone Theater in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District during the FIFA World Cup. It’s being produced and directed by the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City’s founder, Damron Armstrong.

Rector’s complete story is one that has always been full of intrigue and mystery. So it makes perfect sense that so many are interested in her life. After years of misinformation and inaccuracies, the pieces of Rector’s life are finally coming together.

Born in 1902 during a time where it would have been extremely difficult for a young Black girl to just exist, let alone manage millions of dollars and navigate all the challenges that came with her instant wealth, she died in 1967 in a vastly different country that was on the verge of civil rights and gender equality.

As she grew older, she found comfort and refuge on a farm she purchased in Kansas City, Kansas. The farm was a place where she entertained her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews. Gone were the days of the lavish parties and splashy dinners. However, in many ways it was a reconnection to her roots and the tiny town of Taft, Oklahoma, where she was born.

reenactments and conversations,

E BL KE & SSOCI TES LAKE & ASSOOCCIIATTEES S

Weddings

BRIDAL FASHION

RUNWAY REPORT

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

See more from KERRI STOWELL & MARK MOBERLY'S Kansas City wedding on page 66

Weddings

CONTENTS

66 REAL WEDDING: KERRI STOWELL + MARK MOBERLY

One Kansas City couple found themselves in the right place at the right time, again and again, on their way to an unforgettable union at the Kauffman Center.

68 AISLE STYLE

From runway to your day, the latest wedding dress trends from top designers.

We know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with countless decisions to make after saying “yes.”

We’re here to help.

Nothing is more inspiring than seeing what other couples have planned. Check out the impressive real Kansas City wedding that's chock full of exciting ideas and a complete list of who did what and where.

What are the top 2026 wedding dress trends? This season, look for gowns that make a statement with unique embellishments, reimagined lace, or dramatic silhouettes.

We hope the photos, ideas, and local businesses featured within these pages will inspire you to create the perfect wedding experience.

Cheers to friends, family, and gorgeous nuptials!

The Editors

Real Weddings IN KC

Some love stories hinge on impeccable timing—and for Kerri Stowell and Mark Moberly, being in the right place at the right moment has been a recurring theme. Their first serendipitous meeting came in 2018 at a charity event benefiting FOX4’s Band of Angels. Kerri, a broadcast journalist, attended on behalf of the station; Mark, a real estate developer, was there as a Band of Angels board member. During cleanup, Kerri playfully called out Mark and his friends for not pitching in. Later, at the after-party, Mark seized his moment—asking

for her number under the pretense that he might need “an extra girl” for his sand volleyball team.

A few months later, for their first date, the pair made a last-minute decision to try their luck scalping tickets to see Maroon 5 at the former Sprint Center. “We landed great seats and had a blast,” Mark recalls. “She did sub for volleyball—but not until after the first date. So the number trick worked.”

Fast-forward to a spring evening in 2023. After dinner at The Town Company inside Hotel Kansas City, Mark's friend at the hotel invit-

Ceremony & Reception

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Invitations

East + West Designs

Wedding Programs

Yours Truly Flowers

Good Earth Floral Design Studio

Rings

Meierotto Jewelers

Ceremony Music

Carray Music

Reception Music

Lost Wax Band +

DJ Ashton Martin

Wedding Dress

Justin Alexander Signature from Bridal Extraordinaire

Alterations by Elsa Bleeker

Groom’s Tux

Custom tuxedo from Paolini

Garment Company

Hair

Lou @lvhairdos on Instagram

Makeup

Kati Swegel

Dinner Catering

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Late Night Snacks

Shake Shack, Imo’s Pizza,

KC Scoop Coupe with Betty Rae’s

Cake

Blue Thistle Cakery

Wedding Planner Weddings by Hannah

Photographer

Claire Ryser

Drone Glenwood Weddings

Aisle Style

HAVE A BALL

The classic ball gown is back with modern, romantic details.

1. Ines Di Santo, inesdisanto.com

2. Sareh Nouri, sarehnouri.com

3. Pnina Tornai, pninatornai.com

4. Eva Lendel, evalendel.com FROM RUNWAY TO YOUR DAY, THE

STAND OUT

Three-dimensional appliqués put a fashion-forward spin on traditional floral details.

1. Monique Lhuillier, moniquelhuillier.com

2. Justin Alexander, justinalexander.com

3. House of Idan, houseofidan.com

4. Maggie Sottero, maggiesottero.com

LACE IT UP

From bold graphic lace to delicate floral motifs, designers are reimagining all-over lace in a way that feels fresh and new.

1. House of Gilles, houseofgilles.com

2. Nicole + Felicia, nicoleandfelicia.com

3. Jaclyn Whyte, jaclynwhyte.com

UNITY VILLAGE

STUNNING VENUES. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

BRING YOUR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR WEDDING VISIONS TO LIFE.

UNITY VILLAGE OFFERS A SEAMLESS AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE IN A SETTING THAT BLENDS ELEGANCE WITH NATURAL BEAUTY.

ed the couple to preview the rooftop event space. When the elevator doors opened, Kerri spotted glowing marquee letters lining the balcony: MARRY ME. For a moment, she thought she’d stumbled into someone else’s proposal. She hadn’t. It was the right place, right time.

As the sun dipped below the Kansas City skyline, Mark dropped to one knee. She said yes. Friends and family waited downstairs, ready to celebrate.

When it came time to plan their wedding, Kerri and Mark knew they wanted something timeless, elegant, and unmistakably their own. They set their sights on September 13, 2025, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Their ceremony unfolded on the Arts District Terrace, just beyond the building’s iconic radial glass façade. The reception was just inside, in the soaring Brandmeyer Great Hall. Wedding planner Hannah Schumm helped bring their vision to life.

“We couldn’t have pulled this off without Hannah,” Kerri says. “Her experience at the Kauffman Center and her relationships with our vendors made planning seamless—and the wedding day completely stress-free.”

As guests arrived, the evening already hummed with energy: champagne flowed, friends mingled, and the Carray Music string quartet set a romantic tone with live, Bridgerton-inspired melodies. Officiating the ceremony was Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, a longtime friend of the couple, who delivered what Mark calls “perfectly personalized” remarks.

Rather than a traditional wedding party, Kerri and Mark chose meaningful roles for loved ones: Jet and Harlow, their friends Ali and James Thabuteau’s children, served as ring bearer and flower girl. Kerri

and Mark’s one-year-old dachshund, Queenie, shared flower girl duties. FOX4 colleagues Abby Eden and Michelle Bogowith delivered a reading titled Lessons in Love, From Queenie the Weenie—a moment that delighted guests and reflected the couple’s playful spirit.

The reception was a celebration in constant motion. Guests grazed on chef-driven dishes—from crab cakes to steak bites and creamy cheddar polenta—while violinists wandered the room and ballerinas danced through the crowd. Instead of formal speeches, five friends offered brief, heartfelt toasts. Desserts came courtesy of Blue Thistle Cakery, with vanilla, dark chocolate, and lemon poppy-seed cakes, followed by latenight favorites from Shake Shack and Imo’s Pizza.

The Lost Wax Band kept the dance floor packed, with DJ Ashton Martin—also a friend of the couple—joining in for an unforgettable collaboration. LED accessories lit up the night, but the most magical moment came during Kerri and Mark’s first dance.

“We were the only ones in the room who knew the music was about to transition and an amazing fireworks display would kick the party into high gear,” Kerri says. “That fireworks show gave us both two full minutes of goosebumps and chills. We were truly on cloud nine.”

After one final, private dance to Luke Comb's Beautiful Crazy, the couple exited through a tunnel of sparklers—then headed to Mosaic to keep the celebration going.

Their advice to future couples? “Make it your own, and don’t be afraid to step away from traditions,” says Mark. “Some of the most memorable parts of our wedding came from doing things our own way rather than following a prescribed formula.”

Historic Loose Mansion

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Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City is the ultimate destination for that last fling before the ring! Celebrate with your bride tribe by the outdoor resort-style pool, indoor pool, or at the lively lobby bar. Soak in good vibes year-round with live music, tropical cocktails, and island-inspired bites. Let the good times roll!

THE DEFINITIVE

BLUEPRINT

OF EXCELLENCE IN KANSAS CITY REAL ES TAT E

A Designer’s Eye

Joshua’s landscape architecture background gives him a perspective most agents don’t have. He’s used to collaborating with developers and multiple consultants to find a path forward when plans change. For clients, that means smoother transactions because he’s meticulous and anticipates every detail. “Things most people would overlook, I’m able to see in detail.”

Community Champion

As a bilingual agent, Joshua is proud to serve members of the Korean community in their language with a keen cultural understanding. He’s also working to expand opportunities for Korean culture in Kansas City by building bridges through his local and international network.

Built on Collaboration

ReeceNichols’ people and culture have been a steady source of support as Joshua grows his business. When he brings an idea, leadership listens and follows through by introducing him to local business leaders so he can execute. Those connections help him serve more clients and deepen community ties. “They’re always asking, ‘How can I help?’”

방향을 찾아온 경험이 풍부합니다. 고객에게 이는 더욱 매끄러운 거래를 의미합니다. 조슈아는 매우 꼼꼼하며

볼 수 있습니다.”

구사하는 에이전트인 조슈아는 한국 커뮤니티를 대상으로 그들의 언어로, 깊은 문화적 이해를 바탕으로 지원하고 있습니다. 또한 지역 및 국제 네트워크를 연결하는 가교 역할을 통해 캔자스시티에서 한국 문화의 기회를 확장하는 데 힘쓰고 있습니다.

ReeceNichols의 사람 중심 문화와 조직력은 조슈아가 비즈니스를 성장시키는 과정에서 든든한 지원 기반이 되어 왔습니다. 조슈아가 새로운 아이디어를 제안하면, 리더십은 이를 경청하고 실제 실행으로 이어질 수 있도록 지역 비즈니스 리더들과의 연결을 적극적으로

by Jenny Vergara

Reservation for One AKOYA OMAKASE

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

An akoya pearl is born from irritation. A fleck of grit that lodges inside an oyster and, through time and persistence, becomes something lustrous, round, and rare. It is an apt metaphor for the restaurant that now bears its name in downtown Kansas City.

Akoya Omakase is the culmination of the chef Peter Hoang’s culinary journey, after years spent sharpening his knives in other cities, including Chicago, New York, Denver, and Jackson Hole. Hoang grew up behind a sushi counter in Kansas City. His father, Sam Hoang, has quietly shaped Kansas City’s sushi culture for decades through restaurants, including Parkville’s Sakae Sushi. When Peter left home at age 18, he had a hunger to learn more, and he came back years later with a contact list of elite seafood purveyors and a refined culinary point of view.

I first encountered Hoang in 2017 when, between gigs, he was hosting invitation-only omakase dinners inside his father’s sushi restaurant in Parkville. While diners in the main room ate familiar maki, those lucky enough to land one of Peter’s seats were tasting quietly audacious sashimi courses that hinted at what Kansas City was missing. When those dinners disappeared as Hoang headed west again, it felt like a door closing. So news of his return, this time with his wife, child, and first brick-and-mortar, was a moment to celebrate.

Akoya Omakase now occupies the former Hilton Honors lounge inside Hotel Phillips downtown. Accessible from the street or through the hotel lobby, the space feels deliberately insulated from the bustle of 12th Street. There are just ten seats at the sushi counter, the best place to be, plus a scattering of tables for à la carte diners. Light wood wraps

the bar and ceiling, glowing against charcoal walls. Low ceilings, soft music, and a packed room give the restaurant an electricity that feels more like Tokyo than a Midwestern hotel lounge.

With four sushi chefs working the line, Hoang and one partner devote themselves to the omakase counter while the others handle nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls for the rest of the dining room. You lean forward instinctively, eager to hear each detail as your chef introduces the fish, places a single piece of nigiri on a platform before you, and moves seamlessly to the next guest, never losing track of where you are in the process.

Omakase here is less classroom lecture and more convivial dinner party. Questions are welcomed, conversation flows easily with your neighbors, and in just under two hours you are shepherded through a choreographed procession of fish.

There are three experiences: the $85 Umi omakase with two composed sashimi dishes and eight individual pieces of nigari; the $165 Akoya with three sashimi dishes and ten pieces of nigari; and à la carte nigiri and sashimi for those who prefer to curate their own evening instead of letting a chef choose for them. I opted for the namesake Akoya, which is three composed sashimi courses, ten nigiri, a hand roll, soup, and dessert. I paired it with a recommendation from my waiter after reviewing the succinct sake list and chose a 300-milliliter bottle of Onikoroshi Demon Slayer. Rich but dry, with whispers of melon and stone fruit, it was so perfectly suited to the meal that I ordered a second before the night was over.

Our container gardens pack a big impact in your garden PAIRadise. We do it all, from design to install to maintenance.

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Our container gardens pack a big impact in your garden PAIRadise. We do it all, from design to install to maintenance. Just call us today at 816-523-1516, scan this QR code or simply go to thegreensman.com

r ee ns man t he

r ee ns man t he

ments and crisped green onion on top. It was at once briny, citrusy, and faintly campfire sweet.

Then came the parade of nigiri, each one a small, fleeting study in balance. Striped jack-topped warm rice with fermented yuzu kosho and a drizzle of five-year-aged koshu sake. Ocean trout followed, silky with chopped yuzu peel and kelp salt. Akami bluefin was brushed with emulsified A5 wagyu fat and soy—meaty, savory, irresistible.

Olive flounder was barely adorned with lemon and a tiny bit of rendered fat. The Hokkaido scallop, sweet as custard, was jolted awake by pickled plum Maldon salt. Mackerel came alive with yuzu, shiso, and sesame. Golden-eye snapper shimmered under nothing but kelp salt.

Then came the standout: thornyhead rockfish, a prized delicacy known in Japan as kinki. Garnished with grated daikon and lemon zest, it was rich yet ethereal, the most memorable bite of the night. Chu-toro arrived marinated with uni—briny, fatty luxury— followed by blackthroat sea perch, or nodoguro, crowned with grated sweet onion and lime juice, its depth of flavor lingering long after the fish itself had disappeared.

Hoang slipped in a few surprises: a fatty tuna collar, a decadent bite

of A5 wagyu topped with caviar, and pillowy Canadian sablefish, smoked lightly and finished with lemon and kelp salt. Each piece was placed, explained, and eagerly consumed before I had time to overthink it.

A simple tuna hand roll reset the palate, which was followed by a warming miso soup—grounding after so much opulence. Dessert came from pastry chef Hayley Crawford of Hayley’s Eatery in Weston. It was a petite square of Asian-influenced tiramisu dusted with matcha, delicate, elegant, and quietly perfect.

When I asked Hoang about the order of fish he served, he explained it simply: white fish first, then shellfish, then the fattier cuts and beef.

In Japan, omakase is far more casual than the formal coursed tasting menus Americans have come to expect. Diners can pause or continue at will, request specific fish, or simply say, “I put myself in your hands.” The spirit, however, is the same, with complete trust between chef and guest. At Akoya, that tradition is filtered through Hoang’s hard-earned instinct, the kind forged over years of quiet persistence. Like the pearl it is named for, Akoya Omakase feels rare, luminous, and undeniably precious—a gift Kansas City didn’t know it was missing. akoyaomakase.

by Jenny Vergara photo by Bridget Chang

In Your Cocktail BEVERLY’S

Some people will never know that Kansas City, Kansas, has enough locally owned neighborhood bars to build an action-packed, soul-restoring pub crawl. Nowhere is that truer than Strawberry Hill, a tightly knit hillside neighborhood where strangers are still invited to pull up a stool and neighbors turn into friends by the second round. It’s a place that runs on warmth, loyalty, and long memories, and Beverly’s fits into that culture like it has always been there.

The woman behind the bar is Andi Ryan, a Strawberry Hill na-

tive whose career helped shape Kansas City’s modern cocktail scene long before she ever imagined opening her own place. She spent time working at Ryan Maybee’s former Crossroads speakeasy, Manifesto, then went with him to J. Rieger & Co. in the East Bottoms, where she became an integral part of the distillery’s early momentum. But when Ryan discovered an available bar located in the neighborhood where she grew up, something clicked.

Beverly’s is co-owned by Andi and her sister, Denise Whiteman, with Andi running the day-to-day operations and Denise managing the admin-

istrative side. It feels less like a business partnership and more like a family effort, the kind Strawberry Hill understands and supports instinctively.

Beverly’s occupies a handsome red brick building at 401 N. 6th Street, a spot that had great bones before Ryan ever touched it. Inside, a long, welcoming bar anchors the room, flanked by generous tables built for groups, exposed brick walls, and hardwood floors worn in just the right way. It’s casual without being careless, polished without feeling precious, a bar that invites you to linger, even if you only meant to stop in for one.

The food menu leans into comfort, led by kitchen manager Mela nie McDowell, who makes the pizza dough and sauces inhouse. Piz zas come in small or large, but the large is the clear choice—after all, leftover pizza is a gift to your future self. You can build your own, but house creations make the decision easier. The Good Boy Combo piles on sausage, onions, black olives, and green peppers, while the Canine Classic is unapologetically loaded with all the meats. For something a little “swicy” (that’s both sweet and spicy) the Sweet Heat layers Canadian bacon, pineapple, and jalapeño and red-pepper flakes. It’s the kind of pizza that disappears before you realize you’re full. Starters include jalapeño-popper cheese bread you’ll regret not ordering, plus a house salad for balance, or at least the illusion of it.

Behind the bar, Beverly’s showcases spirits from J. Rieger & Co., a nod to Ryan’s roots in the East Bottoms distillery. Every cocktail on the menu is named after a dog, and at least one cat, belonging to Andi’s friends and family, an endearing detail that turns the drink list into a living scrapbook of sorts. Ryan works closely with bartender Kaleb Sweet to develop the cocktail program, and the team plans to roll out rotating drink specials that benefit local animal shelters.

The drink that best captures both the bar and its owner is the Old Bev, Beverly’s take on an old fashioned. “Beverly is my dog, and we named our signature cocktail after her,” Ryan says. “It uses Amargo-Vallet, a Mexican amaro that’s similar to Angostura, and it felt right. Our neighborhood is known for incredible taco spots and vibrant Hispanic culture, so using a not-so-well-known but really high-quality Mexican spirit just made sense to me.”

Like Beverly’s itself, the Old Bev is simple, familiar and just unexpected enough to make you order another. @beverlysstrawberryhill

Old Bev

2 ounces J. Rieger & Co. bourbon

.5 ounce rich simple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

2 dashes Orange Angostura bitters

2 dashes Amargo-Vallet Angostura Liqueur

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Stir until cold. Pour into a rocks glass and add ice. Garnish with an orange half-moon and a cocktail cherry.

by Jenny Vergara

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

AFTER 25 YEARS as a fixture on the Country Club Plaza, The Capital Grille is crossing the state line. The upscale steakhouse will open a second Kansas City–area location in Overland Park at 115th Street and Nall Avenue, inside Aspiria, the former Sprint campus. This particular corner is being transformed into a mixed-use destination with an AC Hotel by Marriott and several new restaurants slated for early summer openings. Owned by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Eddie V’s, The Capital Grille has always felt more personal here than its corporate roots suggest, thanks largely to the longtime managers and staff who have built deep relationships with local diners, along with consistent execution of their food and beverage programs. Guests can expect the same menu of crowd-pleasers, from the pineapple-infused Stoli Doli and cherry-pepper calamari to blue-cheese wedge salads, dry-aged steaks, seafood, and classic sides.

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

MO’ PIES

AFTER FIVE YEARS as a farmers market favorite in Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and Parkville, Mo’ Pies is finally getting a permanent home. Former Tippin’s Pies executive Curt Lafferty is opening a 2,500-square-foot bakery in Leawood’s Somerset Shops at 7956 Lee Boulevard, taking over the former Classic Kitchen Designs space. The shop will act as a pickup hub for online Valentine’s Day and Easter orders while Lafferty completes his buildout, with a full bakery debut planned for late spring or early summer. When the doors officially open, expect his signature fruit and cream pies—key lime, banana cream, apple, peach, cherry, German chocolate, and French silk—available in both nine-inch and four-inch mini versions, plus cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, cornbread, and savory staples, such as quiche, chicken pot pie, and shepherd’s pie.

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

THAI STORY

AFTER MORE THAN a decade of delighting guests at her beloved Pad Thai restaurant, Niramol “Ann” Riensin is ready for the restaurant’s next chapter. The southern Overland Park favorite has become so popular it regularly hits hour-long waits, prompting Riensin to move into a larger, newly built space at 14459 Metcalf Avenue, not far from her original location. This spring, Pad Thai will reopen as Thai Story, a rebrand that reflects her goal of sharing Thai home cooking with heart—and a modern twist. Expect familiar curries, stirfries, and noodle dishes, alongside new cocktails and graband-go options with each dish carrying its own “story.” The 3,600-square-foot restaurant will feature a greenhouse-style patio lush with plants that’s designed to make diners feel like they’ve stepped straight into Thailand. Pad Thai will remain open during construction before closing permanently once Thai Story debuts.

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My Essentials IN KC

Lena’s essentials...

AMAZING APP:

The crab rangoon from Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop are so good that my sister had them DoorDashed to our hotel room during my bachelorette party! The Thai chili sauce sets them apart from others in the area.

BEST BAND: We first saw Madd Honey play at Tin Roof and loved their energy and the variety of music they played. We loved them so much, we hired them to play at our wedding!

BURGER BOSS:

Danny’s Burger Shack is so good. They have a Sweet Heat Burger that has jalapeño jelly on it, and it is magical.

LENA EICKMANN

ENTREPRENEUR. EXPERIENCE BUILDER.

Lby Evan Pagano

ena Eickmann, a lifelong Northlander, saw her first charcuterie board on a 2019 trip to Pensacola. She and her dad tried different pairings, talked through each item in the spread

“It was such a fun experience,” says Eickmann. “It wasn’t just a pretty meal, it was a point of connection.”

She thought she could make boards like it herself. During the pandemic, she built them to add something special to private family gatherings. Before long, she launched a charcuterie company, Graze & Gather KC, as a way to do the same for couples on date nights in. It worked, and in the five years since, Graze & Gather’s offerings have expanded to include elaborate grazing tables—visual and literal feasts of cured meat, fruits and vegetables, cheese, and more—for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings across the Kansas City metro.

“We’ve gotten to create tables and boards for some big names in the area, and across the country, and that’s always a huge honor,” Eickmann says. “I love that we get to celebrate the small things, like a date night at home, as well as the big things, like wedding days.”

In that time, she’s learned a lot about building memorable charcuterie experiences. A parting tip?

“In order for a board to be pleasing to the eye and the palate, variety is key,” she says. “Mixing types, flavors, and textures of cheese is a huge game changer. We like to ensure that we include at least one cow’s milk, one sheep’s milk, and one goat’s milk cheese on all of our boards. There should be a mixture of soft and firm cheeses. Fresh fruit and veggies can add a wide variety of color to boards.” Learn more at grazeandgatherkc.com and on Instagram @grazegatherkc

CHEESE CHAMP: My favorite cheese dish in the city is blue crab pimento cheese fritters from Lula Southern Cookhouse. Pro? Best thing I’ve ever eaten. Con? Lula changes their menu seasonally and it’s not currently on the menu.

HEAVENLY HONEY: Based out of Excelsior Springs, Hitch Hive Honey is the best honey that we have found! It’s always so fresh, and local honey is so good for your allergies. I also love their YouTube videos where they walk you through the beekeeping process.

HIDDEN GEM: Heading a little further out of KC proper, I love Tin Kitchen in Weston. It has been a go-to for birthdays in my family for years! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

SHOP SMALL:

I’ve always loved all of the KC-themed jewelry at Annie Austen! My sister-in-law just got me a necklace with “KC” on it for Christmas, and I love that it is simple while still showing my KC pride.

DATE NIGHT:

We love a little morning breakfast/ brunch date! You can find us at Ginger Sue’s on the square in Liberty regularly. Their bacon and quiche can’t be beat!