IN Kansas City March 2026

The Home Issue

A CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CHATEAU

Q+A WITH NYC DESIGNER JASON CHEN

20 WOMEN WHO SHAPED KANSAS CITY

ATIVE CHRONO CIALLY CERTIFI SMOGRAP

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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

Raised in Shawnee, the NYC designer, recently named AD’s New American Voice, shares why he appreciates growing up in Kansas City and his philosophy behind interior design.

From pioneering business leaders to fearless activists, visionary artists to philanthropists, these 20 women have not only contributed to Kansas City, they built it.

Bring on the food and the fun at these Kansas City indoor entertainment spaces.

Chateau style for a modern

XOXO

This issue is brimming with stories about women. We celebrate 20 women who shaped Kansas City—from its beginnings until today— and I’m thrilled to say I know a few of them. And as a partner in a women-owned business, it’s a special pleasure to celebrate other women-owned businesses that are thriving and building Kansas City for tomorrow.

It’s said that a major difference between men and women is the extensive web of deep friendships that guide women through our lives.

My own life can be defined by the women who have surrounded me throughout adulthood.

I’m still close with the network of women from my college years who my late husband dubbed my “Big Chill” group. If you’ve seen the classic movie, you know. We’re far flung now, but still when we get together, it’s like we’re all 20 again.

For 25 years, three friends and I have gathered monthly for dinners at Lidia’s and traveled together, too, including to celebrate milestone birthdays.

There’s the brunch bunch that’s been my place to be every Sunday at noon for a few years now. Our conversation varies wildly, but there’s always discussion of what shows to watch and what books to read.

And there’s the next-door neighbor from 30 years ago (who moves more often that I do), a small dinner group that’s all about trying new restaurants, the women on our IN Kansas City team (we’ve been creating magazines and sharing lives much longer than the seven years we been publishing INKC), the ones I see too rarely for a quick catch-up at an after-work drink or dinner, and too many others to name.

One common denominator is all these women carried me through my grief when my husband died and pushed me back into the world when they decided it was time. They cheered me through joining a dating app and reveled in the tale of the very worst date of my life. (Remind me to tell you about it sometime. It’s a doozy.)

They also encouraged me to persevere so I would go on to meet the man who holds my heart now.

I hope every woman reading this feels the same about her friends.

This editor’s note is my love letter to all the women who have been there through the worst of times and the best of times. You know who you are.

Vol. 9 | No. 2

MARCH 2026

Editor In Chief Zim Loy

Digital Editor Evan Pagano

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan

Contributing Writers

Susan Cannon, Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Damian Lair, Liz Schroeder, Jenny Vergara

Contributing Photographers

Bridget Chang, Nora Gordon, Aaron Leimkuehler, Nate Sheets

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

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Secure your legacy

An era of significant wealth transfer has begun.

Strategic gifting to family members before you pass can be an effective strategy for providing for your family’s needs while creating your lasting legacy. And if done thoughtfully, it can provide tax efficiency benefits for your estate plan at the same time.

Whether leveraging the annual gift tax exclusion, making accelerated gifts to a 529 plan, or using medical and educational income tax exclusions, your seasoned team of private wealth management professionals at Commerce Trust will collaborate to assess various tax-efficient giving strategies and assist with providing an impactful, thoughtfully timed plan for giving to your family that aligns with your long-term wealth goals.

Through our holistic, team-based approach to servicing private wealth clients, your team of Commerce Trust estate and tax planning, investment management, and trust administration professionals can help turn your success into a lasting legacy that starts today.

Secure your legacy by contacting Commerce Trust at www.commercetrustcompany.com/estateplanning.

Giving to Family: Tax Efficient Gifting Strategies for Your Estate Plan

By Scott LaPresta, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Director of Private Client Advisors, Commerce Trust, and Amy Stiglic, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Kansas City, Commerce Trust

Gifting to family members provides for their needs while advancing your estate plan. In addition to the benefits your relatives receive, strategically gifting may decrease your transfer tax liability by lowering the value of your estate. Below are five methods to maximize the value of family gifts for donors and recipients.

1.Annual gift exclusion

For tax year 2025, the IRS allows you to gift up to $19,000 tax-free to as many people as you want, and married couples can give up to $38,000 to an individual without triggering a taxable gift.

Both recipients and donors can benefit from annual gifts. In contrast to an inheritance, recipients can enjoy the gift immediately without losing any value to pay transfer taxes.

Donors can coordinate annual gifts to achieve estate planning objectives like potentially decreasing their estate tax liability by lowering the value of their estate.

2.529 accelerated gifting

By making an accelerated gift to a qualified tuition program (QTP) like a 529 plan, you can contribute up to five times the annual exclusion ($95,000 for individuals and $190,000 for married couples in 2025) in a single year tax-free.

This strategy can provide significant value for those aspiring to attend college while lowering the value of the donor’s estate.

3.Lifetime estate and gift tax exemption

The 2025 federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amount is $13.99 million for individuals and is effectively doubled to $27.98 million for married couples.

This means the total value of one’s estate plus any taxable gifts can generally be transferred tax-free up to that amount. Using the lifetime exemption now, at its historically high level, may lower your eventual estate tax liability.

4.Medical exclusion

The medical exclusion is another way to give a gift to family members by paying for their medical expenses without triggering a taxable gift. The payment must be made directly to the care provider and be solely used for qualifying medical expenses as defined by the IRS. Donors

GIFT STRATEGICALLY WITH COMMERCE TRUST

Gifting to family members may seem straightforward, but care is needed to ensure the value of the gift is not diminished by taxes. If gifting is a priority for you, contact Commerce Trust at www.commercetrustcompany.com/estateplanning to learn how our tax management,* estate planning, and education planning professionals collaborate to execute a customized estate plan that is unique to you.

*Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice to customers unless engaged to do so.

The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of January 16, 2025. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.

This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.

Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee

This Month IN KC March

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

by Evan Pagano

Kansas City Current vs. Utah Royals

CPKC Stadium kansascitycurrent.com

The road to redempSince the first kickoff at CPKC Stadium in 2024, the Current have been one of the hottest tickets in Kansas City. The heat intensifies in the 2026 home opener; with two consecutive record-breaking seasons ending in playoff defeats, the Current will look to begin a third-time’s-thecharm season with a win over the Utah Royals.

MARCH SPOTLIGHT

Spring Market & Shopping Stroll February 21 Country Club Plaza countryclubplaza.com

Stroll into spring. On the last Saturday afternoon of March, a spring market will flow through the Country Club Plaza on Nichols Road. Artisan vendor booths in the streets, special promotions in the shops and restaurants, and an oh-so-Kansas City start to spring.

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

Various dates and locations

Lucky you! Kansas City is brimming with St. Patty’s Day fun.

If you keep your revelry to the weekends, block out Saturday, March 14, for the St. Pat’s Warm-Up Parade (brooksidekc. org) in Brookside and the Snake Saturday Parade (snakesaturday.com) in North Kansas City. Snake Saturday is actually a two-day festival starting March 13; it includes a carnival, a petting zoo, a car show, and a charity cook-off.

St. Paddy’s–themed concerts pop up at venues across North Kansas City on Snake Saturday, but the granddaddy of them all is in the East Bottoms. On March 14 and 15, the local Celtic rock band The Elders will throw its 24th annual hoolie (read as: wild party) at Knuckleheads (knuckleheadskc.com)

On St. Patrick’s Day itself (Tuesday, March 17), the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade (kcirishparade.com) rolls through Westport with a theme nodding at this summer’s FIFA World Cup: “Irish Kicks in 26: A Celebration of Sport.” After the parade, parts of Westport Road will stay closed to accommodate outdoor beer gardens, live entertainment, and the jam-packed jolliness of the day.

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3.1 PHILLIP LIM

AERON

AEYDE

AGOLDE

A.L.C

ALEMAIS

ALEX MILL

ALIX OF BOHEMIA

ALLUDE

ALOHAS

AMERICAN VINTAGE

ANINE BING

APPARIS

ASKK NY

ATP ATELIER

AUTRY

BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN

BOUGUESSA

BY MALENE BIRGER

CIAO LUCIA

CLAIRVAUX

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

CLARE V

DAMSON MADDER

DEHANCHÈ

DOEN

ELIOU

ELODIE

ENZA COSTA

EMERSON FRY

ÉTOILE BY ISABEL MARANT

FARM RIO

FAVORITE DAUGHTER FLATTERED

FREDA SALVADOR

GANNI

GUEST IN RESIDENCE

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NUDE LUCY

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RE/DONE

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THE GREAT

TIBI

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XIRENA & MORE

by Merrily Jackson mjackson@inkansascity.com

The Guest’s Guide to ‘Bringing Something’

It ’s just another manic Monday, and then your day gets lifted by a fun invitation from a friend, God bless her, who’s hosting a casual dinner on Saturday night. Naturally, you want to offer to bring something, and you hope she’ll take you up on it. Here are a few guidelines for doing so with ease and good sense, whether you like to cook or very much do not.

Make a clear offer. “Can I bring anything?” is polite, but vague. A better approach is to suggest something specific. You could say, “I make a mean / stuffed mushroom/guacamole/dirty martini dip. Would that work with your menu?” (Email me for those recipes or any mentioned herein.) This signals genuine thoughtfulness and gives the host an easy yes-or-no. If cooking isn’t your thing, try, “There’s a wonderful bakery near me. Could I pick up bread, or cookies for dessert?”

Bring it ready to serve. If you’re making something yourself, prepare it entirely in your own kitchen. All chopping, stirring, cooking, and fussing is best completed before you ring the doorbell. If your dish needs refrigeration, freezer space, or oven time, check with your host in advance. Beautiful oven-to-table dishes make this easier; they travel well, look handsome on the table, and can even double as a hostess gift if you leave them behind.

Not a cooking competition. I’d be hard-pressed to enjoy a party so

fixated on the food that a high-quality store-bought offering would feel unwelcome. The best gatherings leave room for conversation, connection, frivolity, and a bit of ease for both host and guest. If something purchased is happily accepted, simply take a moment to make it look good. Transfer it to a pretty platter or bowl and add a small flourish, such as fresh herbs, citrus peel, or a sprinkle of chopped chives, to show a little care.

When in doubt, bring booze. One of the nicest things you can offer to bring is a simple pre-dinner cocktail, mixed by the pitcher and ready to pour. Think classics with just three ingredients: a Negroni, a gin gimlet, an Aperol spritz, or a whiskey sour. Coordinate with your host about glassware, arrive on time, and take cheerful responsibility for pouring the first round. Bonus points for creating a non-boozy version for nondrinkers. (Mike’s Wine & Spirits has Phony Negronis.) Showing up late when you’re in charge of the aperitif is a special kind of rude.

Start with the starter. When a host does take you up on your offer to bring something, it’s usually an appetizer, the easiest thing to add without disrupting the main event. Punctuality matters here, too. Appetizers are meant to start the party, not trail behind it. Aim for crowd-pleasers that travel well, hold their own at room temperature, and can be set out the moment you arrive: shrimp cocktail, sugared bacon, or a baked Brie all fit the bill. See page 18 for instructions.

Mind the menu. When offering a soup, salad, or side, always coordinate with the host to avoid duplication or ingredient overload. Email me for my favorite list of sides, including Ina Garden’s Potato-Fennel au Gratin, and salads, such as Dan Nilsen’s mom’s molded Cobb salad.

Dessert does travel well. Desserts are often ideal contributions, especially those that are sturdy and happy at room temperature. Tarts, pies, cobblers, and simple fruit desserts made with what’s in season are nearly always welcome. I have great recipes for highly portable homemade desserts, such as apple tart cake and toffee pie, and I will send them to you if you ask. But remember there’s no shame in bringing a topflight storebought dessert. My current fave is the peanut butter pie from Ashleigh's Bake Shop, inside Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities in Westport.

The power of a good tote. Finally, invest in a truly great tote bag: flatbottomed, sturdy, and large enough to hold a baking dish, a bottle of wine, and a small gift. Sling it over your shoulder, keep your hands free for hello hugs, and glide in like the guest everyone wants to have.

Entertaining IN KC THINGS YOU COULD BRING and how to make them pretty

WARM AND WINNING

Place a wheel of Brie in a small baking dish and bake at 350 degrees, just until soft and yielding. Drizzle generously with honey and scatter chopped walnuts over the top. Serve, rind on, with crackers or sliced baguette in a linen-lined basket. Seasonal swaps work beautifully here: fig jam in place of honey for fall and winter, peach preserves for spring and summer.

COLD, TASTY, AND FRESH

Fill a large, attractive bowl (glass is ideal) about halfway with cubed or crushed ice. Nestle a small bowl in the center for cocktail sauce, then top off with more ice and arrange shrimp neatly around it. Lemon wedges on the side are never wrong. Pro tip: Ina Garten has a terrific cocktail sauce recipe available online, and it’s worth the minimal effort.

When a host hints that the menu needs something starchy and rich, potato-fennel gratin is an especially smart contribution. Thinly sliced potatoes and fennel baked with cream and Gruyére cheese make a rich, composed side that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, beef, or pork. It travels well, holds its heat, and can be served straight from an oven-to-table dish. Email me for my favorite version of this dish.

NO COOKING REQUIRED

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

To make sugared bacon, line a sheet pan with foil and set a nonstick metal cooling rack on top. Arrange center-cut bacon slices in a single layer, sprinkle lightly with freshly cracked black pepper, then generously shower with light brown sugar. Bake until glossy and crisp, about 15 minutes, watching closely near the end. Let cool briefly, then arrange in a glass lined with parchment.

Drain good mixed olives and toss with olive oil, citrus peel, a smashed garlic clove, and a pinch of chili flakes. Let them sit for an hour if you can. Spoon into a pretty bowl and add cocktail picks.

SIMPLE AND TRANSPORTABLE

Lemon olive oil cake is a dinner-party dessert that feels simple but luxurious. Bake it in a round pan, let it cool completely, and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. It travels beautifully, slices cleanly, and is just as good at room temperature as it is slightly warm. The recipe is yours for the asking.

Entertaining IN KC

Deviled eggs are almost always the first thing to disappear at a party. They’re familiar, satisfying, and just indulgent enough to feel festive. They also happen to be a particularly smart thing to serve with drinks: all that protein quietly offsets the booze, which is no small kindness to guests.

This version is gently spiced with curry powder, nothing aggressive, just enough warmth to make people pause and ask what that lovely flavor is. I’ve also included a foolproof method for

A Smart Appetizer for Any Party

CURRY DEVILED EGGS

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled*

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon curry powder

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

12 small parsley leaves for garnish

Slice each egg in half lengthwise with a sharp paring knife. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Arrange the whites on a serving platter.

Mash the yolks with a fork until no large lumps remain. Add the mayonnaise and use a rubber spatula to press and smear the mixture against the side of the bowl until a thick, smooth paste forms, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice, mustard, curry powder, cayenne, and minced parsley, and mix until fully incorporated.

Transfer the yolk mixture to a sturdy plastic bag, pressing it into one corner. Twist the top of the bag to secure, then snip about ½ inch off the tip. Pipe the filling evenly into the egg white halves. Garnish each with a small parsley leaf and serve.

*EASY-PEEL HARD-COOKED

EGGS

Bring 1 inch of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Place 6 large eggs in a steamer basket, then set the basket into the saucepan. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 13 minutes.

While the eggs cook, prepare an ice bath by combining 2 cups ice cubes and 2 cups cold water in a medium bowl. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to the ice bath, and let them cool for 15 minutes. Peel before using.

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An Invitation

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As Portfolio steps into an exciting new boutique studio chapter, we are delighted to extend a private invitation to preview select signature pieces from our showroom collection.

As Portfolio steps into an exciting new boutique studio chapter, we are delighted to extend a private invitation to preview select signature

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Private Viewing Times:

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Saturday the 7th, 11 AM-3 PM

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Thursday the 12th, 3-6 PM

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Friday the 13th, 10 AM-12:30 PM

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Friday the 13th, 10 AM-12:30 PM

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As Portfolio steps into an exciting new boutique studio chapter, we are delighted to extend a private invitation to preview select signature pieces from our showroom collection.

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Viewing

Entertaining IN KC

ASK MERRILY

Find answers to all your entertaining questions.

Q: Is it rude to ask the host what other people are bringing?

A: Not at all. In fact, it’s considerate. A quick, “just so I don’t duplicate anything, what else is coming?” shows you’re thinking about the whole table, not just your own contribution. It’s especially helpful with appetizers, where overlap is easy. It also happens to be a perfectly polite way to find out who else is coming, since asking that outright would, in fact, be rude.

Q: If I offer to bring something and the host says, “Oh, don’t worry about it,” should I still bring something?

A: Probably so, but think of it as a thank-you, not a contribution. When a host says “don’t worry about it,” she means she has the menu covered, not that she doesn’t appreciate the gesture. A good bottle of wine or champagne, a hot new cookbook, or a box of chocolates are all gracious options. Fresh flowers are lovely, but have them already arranged in a vase so your host isn’t forced to drop everything to hunt for one. (You’ll find gorgeous grab-and-go flowers at The Little Flower Shop and Trapp and Company.) Hostess gifts are nice but not obligatory. The best gift you can give is to show up with your A game, ready to make merry and socialize.

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

Our Man IN KC

by Damian Lair dlair@inkansascity.com

Aura-scope

When I learned that my friend Liz Aron was tiptoeing back into aura photography, my curiosity was piqued. This ultimately led to an evening at her Crossroads studio—talking, learning, and sitting for photos.

What is aura photography, you may ask? Now that I’ve been so fully briefed, I can offer a bit of foundation. The practice draws from Eastern spiritual beliefs about auras—an electromagnetic field that surrounds a person—and chakras—a person’s spinning, internal energy center that influences physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. A person’s aura is the external reflection of their chakra; so if the chakra is the body’s engine, the aura is a collection of dashboard lights, flashing information regarding the body and engine’s overall health.

The photographic capture of auras has been refined over the decades. In 1939, Semyon Kirlian used high voltage, a metal plate, and film to capture the electrical discharge around a subject’s finger, effectively showing an invisible energy field. In the late 1970s, Guy Coggins advanced the Kirlian method by developing a camera that connects to hand sensors that measure electro-dermal activity. He created a proprietary algorithm for converting the biofeedback data into a range of colors, which are layered atop the subject’s portrait. The results can then be interpreted by a trained aura reader, matching the captured colors with corresponding character traits. This is the process Liz uses today.

I should note that Liz’s camera is Coggins’s original camera. Only 20 to 30 of Coggins’s original cameras—called Biofeedback Imaging Color Spectrometer 3000s—exist today, and Liz has the unique distinction of saying she has the first one. So cool. The name alone has almost a flux capacitor ring to it. And the vintage, boxy camera, with its delayed, hollow clicking sound and what felt like an unusual amount of whirring noises, gave major Marty McFly vibes. Hands on the sensors, I felt like one click by Liz might inadvertently transport me back in time.

us as having pretty different personalities. Final point—unlike, say, a sun sign horoscope that could generically apply to just about anyone, each of our readings seemed to be a perfect match.

Liz learned to read auras in probably the most unique way possible—by spending a week with Coggins himself. In her interpretation, the color closest to you (red here) is your core, or what grounds you. The outer layer (blue for me) is the crown chakra—your spirit guides or filtering system.

OVERHEARD

“Your blizzard essentials are milk and bread. Meanwhile, I’m rushing out for heaps of fresh flowers.”

Pray, what knave was being solaced by one on bended knee amidst the revelry?

I entered this process skeptically, but a few things melted my doubts. Liz, my friend Mark, and I each sat for multiple photos across the session while she adjusted the room’s lighting and various other conditions. During the process, each of our individual auras remained consistent—and they differed from each other’s wildly. This tracked, as I’d describe

It feels raw and exposing to have my photo here, like I may as well be posing nude. My aura and the invisible aspects of my being—in print for anyone to see.

Red signifies desire, strength, and passion. It signifies the urge to succeed, a sense of adventure, an intensity of experience, and survival instinct. It can also indicate challenges with action, like a packed schedule with little time to breathe or sleep. Red auras are associated with leaders with large personalities, those who find themselves in the limelight due to their attention-grabbing energy levels. “Your enthusiasm may exhaust people around you,” was Liz’s intrepretation. No comment.

Adolescent boys often project red auras—energetic and curious, with a sense of adventure and discovery. It strikes me as appropriate. For seven years, I’ve been chronicling my local curiosities here.

The middle layer of purple and magenta represents an ability to charm, delight, and connect. And finally, the blue. Blue is loyalty. According to Liz, “It’s a prerequisite for you. It’s your filter. It’s your shield

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Our Man IN KC

for protection. Even though you’re surrounded by red/action, you don’t want complications. You value peace.”

Wow. Hearing this holistically was so incredibly insightful and unified the various parts of my being that I’ll occasionally consider piecemeal. It did so in a way that was astoundingly clean, clear, and succinct. To say the least, it’s interesting to “see” your invisible aspects all in a photo. The camera is a magical box. And for people who really know themselves, they’ll often say this makes perfect sense.

The experience is an exercise in self-assessment. Knowing what you’re working with and how you operate may provide clues for how to harness or fine tune those traits to one’s advantage or to have deeper connections with others. It’s also useful to know what sort of energy you’re putting out into the world—how a room full of strangers might viscerally perceive you. A 10/10 experience. See her work @aurasbyliz on Instagram.

AT A CROSSROADS

ELSEWHERE in the Crossroads Arts District, I recently took the occasion to check out a couple of new outposts. It was the perfect day for a little adventure in my backyard.

Joined by a handful of friends, we met at Beckett’s. It’s a relatively new bar and restaurant that’s been on my to-try list. They call it a sports bar, “but not your dad’s.” I’d say that’s a pretty fair description. There were the requisite walls sheathed in giant televisions, yes, but the crowd was unmistakably on the younger side. An especially big game was ongoing—don’t ask me what—and the place was filled to the brim. Oblivious to it all, we were there for lunch.

And some drinks.

HOT GOSSIP:

Who had a summer breakup and finally told their parents at the holiday airport pickup?

As I like to do, we ordered one of everything and shared. Our very own tasting menu. Toward the rear of the establishment, there’s Dusty’s, a kitchen window cleverly dressed as a food truck. You order from the wandering staff but pick up your bags here. Everything comes tucked in a stapled,

OVERHEARD

“You can’t miss him. He’s dressed like a traffic cone.”

white paper bag. Food-wise, they have your standard fare—wings, tendies, and fries. I wish the cheese curds had been a little warmer and gooier, but the fried pickles made up for it. My friends were eager to try the Stoney Bologna (fried bologna sandwich). I was not. For the bologna fans out there—they gave it five stars. I was crazy for the Chopped Cheezus (chopped ground beef, American cheese, grilled onion, shredded lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayo). I’d heard of a “loose meat” sandwich, but this was my first go at one. And the Smashy B burger more than lived up to my diner-style expectations. For dessert, we split a few Uncrusties—the pancake-battered and fried PB&J, dusted with powdered sugar. They were the sleeper hit we all loved.

Drinks at Beckett’s are available in normal size and via bucket. Take your best guess on what we opted for. In addition to any possible sports event streaming on the TVs, you’ll find a full-size free-throw lane, darts, foosball, bumper pool, and even a claw machine. It’s a really fun, high-energy spot.

Afterwards, we slipped into a place I’d been so pumped to try, but its recent opening events fell around the holidays when I was traveling. Welcome to KC, Jade Jaguar

In partnership with David Manica’s Exit Strategy, the creator of the Mercury Room, Monarch, and Verdigris bars, Manny Gomez and Seth Goldwasser have created a space honoring the legacy of the jade-inlaid jaguar throne at Chichén Itzá. The bar mixes bold spirits and vivid flavors meant to channel the energy of Mexico City’s cocktail bars (like the renowned Handshake) that dominate the world’s best bars list. Gomez grew up in Mexico City’s dynamic Roma Norte neighborhood, which is, interestingly, where I sit writing this. As a super fan of Mexico City, I can say he’s absolutely nailed the aesthetic and vibe.

Design-wise, this former pop-up offers the chicest menu I’ve seen in recent memory. In the style of a tarot card, it offers a tight selection of inventive, agave-forward cocktails with ingredients sourced from around the world. Each cocktail’s vessel is also very design oriented. I opted for La Pera with tepache (fermented pineapple brew), basil, allspice, citrus, and spiced pear. I loved it, and drinking from the handmade clay pot felt special. I followed with the Oaxacan old fashioned, which subs mezcal for whiskey. A hit for mezcal lovers like me.

And here’s something that blew me away. My friend who needed a cocktail reprieve ordered a Sprite. It was delivered with little fanfare. As we were settling our bill, Gomez, who was attending to us during our stay, asked how the Sprite turned out. Because everything is made in-house, they had no cans of Sprite lying around. So, they made it. Freshly mixed with kaffir lime, it’s probably the most decadent “Sprite” you could imagine.

Jade Jaguar also offers a menu of small bites that’s available well into the evening for when you just need a little something to keep going. We’ll have to return when not stuffed from a previous meal. They also host pop-up events, such as a recent taco omakase by James Beard Competition winner David Ruiz. Check it out!

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

Beth Grillo

ABSTRACT ARTIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS

Make a living or make art? That can be the $64,000 question for creatives, and one that artist Beth Grillo has answered.

After graduating from the former Paier College of Art in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Grillo worked as an artist in New York in a studio on Central Park West. When she was offered a job as a studio artist in Kansas City, she headed west.

After years in the corporate world, Grillo decided to paint full time. Today, she has exhibited her abstract paintings in galleries around the country. Her work is in private collections in New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Maryland.

“My technique flows freely,” she explains. “It’s controllable only up to a point, which is the opposite of my artistic training. My paintings became distillations of poignant memories and emotions. They reflect not recognizable images, but a quiet presence, an essence. My paintings explore the themes of serenity and reflection and how the boundaries of both simplicity and complexity coexist, illuminating the true nature of things.”

But it’s not all work. “When I take a break from painting,” says Grillo, “my favorite spot for creative reflection and refueling is Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. The caliber of the work is wonderful, and I appreciate the creative surprise and inspiration the museum always provides.” studiobethagrillo.com

INKC: How did you transition from creative director to painting full time?

Beth Grillo: I leaned into a question I was asked during a job interview, “what gets you up in the morning?” and my reply was “the possibility to explore and create every day.”

The company I worked for executed a series of staff reductions, and my career, which spanned several decades, ended in 2013. Exciting? Scary? I decided to go with the exciting mindset. My job loss eventually provided the opportunity to dedicate every day to exploring creative possibility. The path I followed to painting full time wandered a bit, but at some point, it was time for that one special thing to become a reality.

INKC: Your paintings are awash in ethereal color. What language does color speak to you?

BG: Color takes me to time and place. My paintings usually begin with writing a short story or poem about experiences and emotions. The brief story then takes on another life through translucent washes of color to evoke the emotion, time, and place that I have in mind. For example, blue transports me to summertime, the sound of the seagulls, sailing, water watching, and feelings of serenity and reflection. Green transports me to early spring, walks in the woods, and the excitement of growth and new possibilities. Red takes me to powerful times and deep emotions.

INKC: Tell us about your process using oil, acrylic, and gold leaf on canvas.

BG: At times I incorporate passages from the story written in graphite in large scale as a base layer before the painting begins. This serves as a good way to loosen up and feel the emotion and movement that I have in mind.

Beautiful rocks and minerals found in nature take me back to times wandering the woods or seashore and gathering beautifully shaped mica, quartz, and granite pieces, all possessing a magical sparkle. Some of my paintings incorporate not only gold or silver leafing but my favorite finds, like mica, pyrite, small fragments of distressed mirrors, Japanese maple leaves, and fabrics. Some of my paintings are purely paint.

The paintings with gold or silver leafing are executed in layers of transparent color. The gold or silver leafing process begins after the paint has dried and I apply adhesive and metallic leafing to specific areas. The leafing, just like the paint layering technique, is unpredictable. It can provide just the movement I have in mind—or not. Because the overall technique is somewhat uncontrollable, it tests my determination but in a good way. It keeps me challenged, surprised, flexible and learning.

INKC: How has this community helped nurture your creativity?

BG: Kansas City holds an amazing wealth of creative talent. I keep in touch with artist colleagues, and we exchange support and inspiration throughout the year. I’m so thankful for the many amazing artists that I worked with during my corporate career and also for the many kind and generous individuals that I have met since painting full time.

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Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER

ALVIN AILEY is one of the most important choreographers in the history of modern dance. In 1958, at just 27 years old, he founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ailey’s vision was of Black bodies unshackled and overflowing with feeling: confidence, sorrow, joy, pride, beauty, possibility.

On March 13, the company’s legendary dancers return to Kansas City with vibrant programs of new and classic works that showcase and synthesize a dazzling range of cultural influences, from spirituals and church hymns, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop to African dance and classical ballet. Ailey’s monumental Revelations serves as a beacon through it all, and as former company dancer Sylvia Waters observes, “It’s a testament to Alvin’s understanding of humanity and the human spirit. That, yes, people experience despair, struggle, repression, oppression, but they have the resilience and strength to go forward.”

The company’s current season celebrates the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison. Kansas City also has a strong link: Harriman-Jewell Series cofounder Richard Harriman was a longtime friend of Alvin Ailey and brought the dance company to Kansas City in 1968 during their first tour.

For more information and tickets, visit hjseries.org

THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS WITH LYRIC OPERA

WHEN THE OPERA Porgy and Bess debuted in Boston in 1935, it had the same cultural wallop as Hamilton had recently. It featured a cast of classically trained Black singers—as daring an artistic choice back then as periwigged Alexander Hamilton performing rap is today. Porgy and Bess is first and foremost an American opera, sung in English, set in the fictional Catfish Row neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina.

George Gershwin’s jazzy musical score with lyrics by his brother, Ira, combine for beloved American classics: Summertime, I Got Plenty of Nuthin’, and It Ain’t Necessarily So. George Gershwin visited a coastal Gullah Geechee community to get a taste of the culture, and then said of the music he wrote, “Porgy and Bess is a folk tale. Its people naturally would sing folk music. When I first began work on the music I decided against the use of original folk material because I wanted the music to be all of one piece. Therefore, I wrote my own spirituals and folksongs. But they are still folk music—and therefore, being in operatic form, Porgy and Bess becomes a folk opera.” DuBose and Dorothy Heyward created the libretto.

This production at the Kauffman Center on March 6 and 8 will be conducted by Michael Ellis Ingram and directed by Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. For more information and tickets, visit kcopera.org.

Stop in March 28th, 11-3 pm during the Country Club Plaza Spring Shopping Stroll for refreshments, drawings, savings and view our newest on-trend collections.

Stop in March 28th, 11-3 pm during the Country Club Plaza Spring Shopping Stroll for refreshments, drawings, savings and view our newest on-trend collections.

Arts & Culture IN KC

by Judith Fertig

THE SCIENCE OF SHAKESPEARE: AN EVENING WITH DAN FALK AT LINDA HALL LIBRARY

SCIENCE AND SHAKESPEARE?

Forsooth, it’s an emphatic yes.

On March 26 from 7 to 8 p.m., join award-winning author and podcaster Dan Falk in conversation with Linda Hall Library’s president, Eric Dorfman. Their conversation explores the links between the bard and the beginnings of the scientific revolution and how they changed the world forever.

Falk, the author of The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright’s Universe, explores how Shakespeare’s plays were influenced by the shocking-at-the-time scientific and astronomical theories of Galileo, Copernicus, and John Dee.

Flat-earthers, beware. Falk suggests that Shakespeare was on board with the Copernican, sun-centered explanation of our solar system, evident in his plays Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, and Cymbeline. He also gives fresh evidence that this changing world view impacted Elizabethan thought and art.

In-person seats are limited, but you can also register for a virtual program.

Visit events.lindahall.org/scienceofshakespeare for more information.

STUDIO NIGHT AT KEMPER MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

LET YOUR INNER ARTIST LOOSE in this hands-on program at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. On March 26, join artist Juan Diego Gaucin, who will guide participants through a hands-on drawing workshop focused on place and setting, directly inspired by his featured work in the exhibition The World in Kansas City

During this session, attendees will enjoy a brief gallery tour led by Gaucin, then will be invited to create their own drawings influenced by Kansas City landmarks.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore transfer techniques as well as multi-media materials throughout this engaging studio-style workshop.

Materials are provided and all levels of experience are welcome. Cash bar.

For more information and tickets, visit kemperart.org

•Live the Titanic story—from its creation to collision and aftermath

•Walk through dramatic, life-sized, Titanic room recreations

•Discover over 200 artifacts related to Titanic’s short life

•Relive the final, tragic moments from aboard a lifeboat

•Explore Titanic’s final resting place in a virtual submersible

by Judith Fertig

Postpartum Depression: How AdventHealth’s Orange Band Program Can Help

A CONVERSATION WITH TRICIA RAUSCH, BSN, RN, COORDINATOR OF PERINATAL BEREAVEMENT AND POSTPARTUM EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

The birth of a baby is such a joyous occasion that we never imagine there could be anything to cloud that. While it’s not unusual for new mothers to experience brief episodes of the “baby blues” as they adjust to this all-encompassing addition to family life, postpartum depression can be an unwelcome aftermath of the physical and emotional stress of childbirth.

Tricia Rausch, BSN, RN, Coordinator of Perinatal Bereavement and Postpartum Emotional Support at AdventHealth Birth Center Shawnee Mission, shares new information.

Why does postpartum depression sometimes occur and complicate a new mother’s recovery from childbirth? What are the symptoms?

Perinatal depression includes postpartum depression and occurs more often than people realize. Research shows that one in five women and one in ten men can experience anxiety and depression during this pe-

riod. Those numbers can be much higher in parents who are in highstress parenting groups, such as military families, teen parents, single parents, parents of color, parents of multiples, queer and trans families, and parents who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. Symptoms are different for each individual but can include anger and/or rage, crying and sadness, feelings of guilt, lack of interest in the baby, loss of interest in things that used to bring joy or pleasure, and possible thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. Some things that may put a person at higher risk for perinatal depression are an underlying or family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar or obsessive-compulsive disorders; inadequate support during pregnancy and postpartum; financial stress; history of abuse; marital or relational stress; unplanned pregnancy; pregnancy or infant loss; having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit; recent significant life events; and complications with pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

Perinatal depression is treatable. Reach out to your physician or

Health IN KC

therapist for guidance on what options will be right for you. These may include making time for yourself, reading books and listening to podcasts, and getting support from groups, family, friends, doulas, or other resources. Therapy is also a helpful tool. If you need assistance with finding a therapist, you can reach out to your obstetrician or primary care provider. Or call our Postpartum Emotional Support line (913-632-4223). Medication is another option. It is helpful to see a provider certified in maternal mental health, as they understand how a woman’s mind and body changes with pregnancy and postpartum as well as which medications are safe with breastfeeding.

Other Perinatal Mental Health conditions include perinatal anxiety, perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder, perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perinatal/postpartum psychosis.

What should a new mother do to get help for postpartum depression?

If you are a mother who is struggling during or after your pregnancy, tell someone. Ask for help. Ask a provider, a friend, a spiritual leader, a coworker… someone. We want you to enjoy being a parent. Realistically, we know every second of every day is not going to be enjoyable, but you want to feel like yourself and feel confident in caring for your new baby while also caring for yourself.

Untreated perinatal depression can last for months or longer. It

can become a long-term depressive disorder. Mothers may stop breastfeeding or have difficulty bonding or caring for their infant. Ongoing depression can also lead to an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. When perinatal depression is untreated, it can have a ripple effect and cause emotional strain to others in the household. If the mother is depressed, it can increase the risk of the other parent to also be depressed. Untreated perinatal depression in the mother can also lead to emotional and behavioral problems for the baby, including troubles with sleeping and eating, behavioral issues, and delays in language and other developmental skills.

How can AdventHealth’s new Orange Band Program help new moms and families?

Advent Health Shawnee Mission Birth Center is preparing our Post Birth Alert initiative. With this program, an orange band that reads “Post Birth Alert” will immediately be placed on the patient’s wrist after delivery. This bracelet helps quickly identify patients who have recently given birth, so health care team members are able to provide timely and appropriate postpartum support. This orange band reminds the new mother—and alerts the caregivers—that she needs and deserves special attention after childbirth.

We want the community to recognize this is a little bracelet with a big purpose. AdventHealthKC.com/BirthCenter

We proudly offer complimentary, no-obligation reviews of your current financial plan.

By leveraging our enhanced planning strategies, we help you design a taxefficient retirement plan that supports the legacy you want to leave—exactly as you envisioned.

E BLAKE & ASSOCIATES LAKE & ASSOOCCIIATTEES S

The Warmth of Wood

AND THE RESURGENCE OF WOOD-PANELED WALLS

Wood walls, both paneled or with wainscoting, have been in use since medieval and gothic times because of their insulating function. But their elegant and stately decorative features have led to their continued usage through the centuries.

The mid-20th century brought a resurgence of rich, warm-wood walls, emotionally connected to the outdoors. Yet in the 70s, the quotidian use of tongue-and-groove treatments and faux-wood paneling gave the design treatment a bad name.

However, in the last few years, minimally detailed wood paneling has begun appearing in both commercial spaces and homes, adding a modern, luxurious touch. Cicada Co. renovated the Drummond-built Kansas City home of Heidi Gardner, replacing the original wall surfaces with custom-colored redoak paneling throughout. Other designers are taking the same approach of using larger panels, which looks very elegant.

by Susan Cannon

INTERIOR JEWELS

CARLO SCARPA’S POLIEDRI LIGHTING IS HAVING A MOMENT

Left: The Chiara round chandelier from RH is inspired by Scarpa’s Poliedri lighting. Three sizes in clear or smoke glass starting at $8,385 (RH member price).

Above: A late 20th-century Poleidri chandelier in muted pastel glass, $1,680, from etsy.com. Right: A late 20th-century Italian-made Poliedri-style clear Murano glass chandelier, $4,500, at 1stdibs.com

Above: A sconce in the style of Poliedri in smoky brown Murano glass, $960, from etsy.com.

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

THOUGH THE ITALIAN MODERNIST Carlo Scarpa is primarily renowned for his wholly unique midcentury architecture and furniture design, his career began in 1932 for the luxury Italian glass company Venini, where he was the design director through 1947. Before he began designing furniture for Cassina, and while simultaneously creating brilliant architecture, his Poliedri lighting collection, in collaboration with Venini, debuted at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. The fixtures made of hand-blown Murano glass have a metal frame that supports a cascade of transparent prisms, creating a refined play of light and reflections. Each glass prism is exemplary of Murano’s master glassmakers, combining traditional techniques with Scarpa’s modern design sensibilities. Venini is still producing the Scarpa Poliedri lighting in its facility in Murano. There has been a rise in popularity of original vintage Poliedri lighting, as well as Poliedri-style lighting.

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

by Susan Cannon

Light Your Unique Way

THE TABLE LAMP OFFERS SO MANY EXPRESSIONS

WHAT KIND OF MOOD DOES YOUR LIGHTING PROJECT IN YOUR HOME? HERE ARE SOME FAVORITE TABLE LAMPS, WHICH ALL SPEAK DIFFERENT, ARTISTIC LANGUAGES

The pièce de résistance is the Nevelson Lamp inspired by Louise Nevelson, hand-carved and crafted in plaster by Lisa Bowles for Roark Modern, $4,800, at roarkmodern.com

of the

The Parasol lamp by Celerie Kemble for Arteriors in handwoven rattan wicker, $1,023, is available through LaMira Interiors in Hawthorne Plaza.

The Gio table lamp exhibits artisanally stacked folding in obsidian glazed ceramic, $1,898, by SIN, at virginiasin.com.

FAYE TOOGOOD IS HUNGRY

FAYE TOOGOOD is one of the most unique voices in contemporary design, exhibiting a cheeky sensibility and knocking down barriers in her various creative disciplines. In 2008, she founded her interdisciplinary studio in London, where she works with interior design, home objects, fine arts, and in a fashion collaboration with her sister.

Toogood recently launched a tasty little furniture collection that includes the Butter sofa and the Bread side and console tables for Tacchini Italia, available through Museo in midtown Kansas City.

“I wanted to create a chair as comforting and as tactile as soft butter. Modeling with slippery fingers, the modular Butter sofa appeared. Everyday life is a thing of beauty. Sometimes you need go no further than the breakfast table to find meaning. Slice a loaf of bread. Look at it from a new perspective,” Toogood says. museousa.com

Stumpff HomeWorks creates timeless, harmonious spaces through a rarity in the home remodeling industry: in-house design.

The founder of the high-end home remodeler, Tom Stumpff, has spent nearly 15 years meeting homeowners in their spaces and drawing precise plans for fully custom bathrooms, kitchens, and more—but he hasn’t done it alone. Among several other in-house professionals, he works with an in-house designer, Jennifer Kanan. With a clear vision, direct lines of contact with Stumpff and the homeowner, and immense talent, Kanan selects colors, materials, and finishes to ensure the high-quality product Stumpff HomeWorks is known for.

We spoke with Stumpff about this approach, the pitfalls of the alternative, and the ways it takes home remodels to the next level.

THE PITFALLS OF SUBCONTRACTED DESIGN

Most home remodeling contractors subcontract a design team, Stumpff notes. That design subcontractor selects materials, finishes, and fixtures, and then their job is done; the contractors are left to put them into place.

“They will plug and play,” says Stumpff. “Paint the walls and trim the color they are told, and install features, like trim and cabinetry, in which the final design direction may not be specified.

“So you have builders relying on decorators relying on the cabinetmaker relying on—on and on and on. It creates a precarious chain of events, and eventually, things get cobbled up and they have to stop, go back a few steps, and reset.”

That’s a costly game of telephone—to the homeowner and the project they envisioned.

“Wall sconces get placed on a vanity wall, and they could be off four or five inches—in my mind, that’s way off,” Stumpff says. “But imagine an electrician asked, ‘Where do these go?’ And then the contractor says, ‘I don’t know, put them here,’ and maybe the decorator just gave them a photo of what it looks like without any dimensions.

“I think a lot of times, they check a ‘good enough’ box and move on. That’s not applicable to us. We don’t have that box. We have a ‘make it right’ box that we have to hit.”

THE BENEFITS OF IN-HOUSE DESIGN

In-house design avoids that inharmonious approach. Nothing is too loud or off key—it strikes the perfect note.

Kanan and Stumpff HomeWorks’ other in-house professionals—in carpentry, painting, and project supervision—are specialists. Stumpff oversees the overall vision and handles the structure of the build; Kanan handpicks colors, materials, and finishes.

“She’s been with us for seven years, filling in all those intricate things, making sure everything is aligned, speaks to each other, and there’s no clashes of materials,” says Stumpff. “She does all of our design in terms of selections, plumbing, finishes, tile, color, countertops. She has a good eye, and that’s why she has the job. And there’s always communication there.”

This flow of communication ensures that everyone the homeowner interacts with shares the vision of their space. It helps the team anticipate and avoid problems, and it allows them to focus on the small things that make a difference—to ensure every element is in harmony. The countertop resonates to the backsplash which bridges to the walls; cabinets meet the wall flush, and even the custom lighting hits the cabinets just right.

“We’re making sure the reveals are right, the spatial recognition between this space and that space feels correct, it doesn’t feel cramped. Having full control over everything makes all the difference in the world, especially with in-house design. At the end of the job, we want to make sure there’s no surprises. Everything fits right, everything looks right, everything feels right.”

It’s beautiful when it all comes together.

“If you want to think of it like a symphony, it all works together and it’s full. It’s a very pleasing sound.” To get started on your remodel, go to stumpffhomeworks.com

Jason Chen IN CONVERSATION WITH

words by Cindy Hoedel

Ayoung interior designer who grew up in Shawnee landed one of the most coveted prizes in his field at age 23—the cover of Architectural Digest. Now 26, Jason Chen was discovered by powerhouse designer Billy Cotton during his senior year at Pratt Institute in New York. It was soon after joining the firm that Chen was entrusted with the exuberant, maximalist transformation of a celebrity’s Brooklyn town home that caught the eye of AD and the fancy of some 10 million viewers of AD’s Open Door.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in the leafy middle-class suburbs of Kansas City, Chen attended Clear Creek Elementary School and Monticello Trails Middle School before graduating from Mill Valley High School. At Pratt, Chen earned a bachelor’s in industrial design.

Today he lives in a Brooklyn apartment with his partner and his cat, Tintin. Chen recently chatted by phone from his home in New York with IN Kansas City about what floral-drenched surfaces have in common with sleek modernism, an unexpected destination he can’t get out of his head, and his emotional bond with Kansas City. studiochen.co

were immigrants and very frugal. So the room was basically untouched from the previous owners. It had wallpaper trim around the top and I think a little boy must have lived there because the light switch plate was a little car. And it remained through my childhood and into my teenage years.

Where did your parents immigrate from?

China, a town called Xuzhou in a province called Jiangsu.

When you were a little kid, were there signs you would end up in a design field?

Very much so. I’ve always loved drawing, and I think my parents saw that I had a talent for it at a very young age. They encouraged it and got me after-school instruction in illustration.

Did you decorate your room or just live in it?

I just lived in it. Neither of my parents was involved with the creative world, and my room was as sparsely furnished as you can imagine. They

Do you have family in China and do you go back to visit?

Almost all of our family is still there. We very rarely went back home. Things were different in the 1990s and early 2000s. We’re so lucky now to have access to technology. Even making calls back then was difficult. And my parents were both starting their careers in America and there just wasn’t the opportunity to go home. So trips were about once every ten years.

What fields were your parents’ careers in?

My mother has a medical degree. She works as a lab technician at University of Kansas Medical Center doing lab research. My father studied philosophy in China, but that track didn’t translate so well in the United States, so he ended up getting a master’s degree in therapy and rehabilitation for the blind.

Pratt Institute is far removed in many ways from Mill Valley High School. Did you feel like a fish out of water or instantly at home there?

A little bit of both. The world is so much vaster once you leave and encounter people from all over the world. You can feel very accepted and removed at the same time. People come from such different

STAY AND PLAY

BRING ON THE FOOD AND THE FUN!

words by Jenny Vergara

March is the month when Kansas City gets a little restless. We’re tired of hibernating, desperate for novelty, and still very much at the mercy of the weather. It’s not quite patio season, but staying home feels like a missed opportunity. That’s where indoor entertainment spaces, when they’re done right, step in as something more than a way to pass the time. They become dining destinations, too. The games alone are a draw, but the ability to eat well and enjoy a proper drink while you play gives us permission to settle in, stay awhile, and make a full night of it without ever battling the elements.

What’s exciting right now is how much momentum this category has in Kansas City. A wave of new indoor entertainment concepts are planned to open in 2026, signaling that play-centered hospitality is in demand. Places like NRG Adventure Park, a massive 46,000 squarefoot “extreme” indoor playground for both kids and adults planned for Metro North Crossing in the Northland, and the $115 million Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs is leaning into scale and spectacle, using nostalgic brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie to draw crowds. Others, including Michael’s Wonder World in Olathe, will redefine inclusivity with over 20 fully accessible attractions designed for all abilities. Meanwhile, K1 Speed will open a 50,000-square-foot indoor go-karting venue near Legends, and Sandlot Social in Lenexa will bring our first baseball-themed “eatertainment” bar, complete with ten baseball simulators and a massive LED screen for viewing games. All of these concepts will bring indoor and outdoor fun, appealing just as much to kids as adults looking for a date night as groups of friends craving something interactive to do.

What makes these places work isn’t just the novelty, it’s the understanding that food and drink aren’t accessories to the experience, they’re anchors. Especially in colder months, no one wants to rush through a meal or grab something forgettable between activities. We want comforting food that feels intentional in the same spot we are interacting with each other as family, friends, or as a couple. A good cocktail slows the pace. A shared plate turns a game into a conversation. When gaming concepts spend time on having good food and drinks, the night unfolds naturally, and suddenly you’re not just “doing an activity,” you’re having an entire evening out.

These spaces also fill a real social gap. Traditional restaurants can feel formal for families with little kids, while most bars don’t always offer much beyond sitting and sipping. Indoor entertainment venues

split the difference. They give families a screen-free outing, couples a low-pressure alternative to dinner-and-a-movie, and groups a built-in reason to laugh, compete, and connect. The food grounds the experience, the drinks loosen it up, and the games do what they’re meant to do—break the ice.

In March, when we’re craving warmth in every sense of the word, indoor entertainment centers that spend time developing a good food and drink program don’t just entertain us, they give us a sense of togetherness and play. So here are some of the newest spots to go and get your game on in Kansas City.

ARROW DART CLUB & SUNKEN CORK

The owners of Dodson’s Bar & Commons and Goat & Rabbit, cousins Atit and Jugal Patel, have launched their first entertainment concept just steps from their other project, Cosmo Burger XR, in the East Crossroads. Arrow Dart Club takes the beloved dive-bar pastime and gives it a sleek, tech-forward upgrade, with automated scoring and a polished, energetic room that feels tailor-made for groups. The food leans snacky and shareable, exactly what you want when you are there to play. On the menu are fried pickles, spice-bag chicken (nuggets in a golden curry sauce), potato-filled tacos, and cheesy chile rellenos. The drink list balances playful cocktails with thoughtful spirit-free options, wine, and beer, making it easy for everyone at the table to feel included. Downstairs, Sunken Cork, a hidden natural-wine bar, offers a moodier escape inspired by the French Quarter. With dramatic upper- and lower-level seating, the space feels intimate and transportive. The menu stays light and snack-focused—charcuterie, cheese, tinned fish, a beanand-cheese tostada, and classic Gilda skewers—perfect for sipping and lingering. It’s a 21+ experience, and booking a dart lane ahead is highly recommended. arrowdartclub.com

RICOCHET

A familiar downtown building is about to take on a very different kind of energy. Ricochet, a popular 21+ game lounge and social bar from Des Moines, Iowa, also known as “King Pong,” is opening a 11,000-squarefoot location inside Grand Place, the former Kansas City Star building at 18th and Grand in the Crossroads Arts District. It’s a fitting reuse for a space once dedicated to storytelling and community, only now the stories are unfolding over ping-pong tables and craft cocktails. Ricochet is built around analog fun, the kind that doesn’t require screens or headsets. Think ping pong, skeeball, shuffleboard, bubble hockey, darts, corn-

hole, foosball, billiards, and board games activities that invite trash talk, laughter, and repeat rounds. A $10 all-day GamePass offers unlimited play, making it easy to wander from game to game without constantly pulling out your wallet, while hourly rentals accommodate larger groups and private events. Food and drink round out the experience with craft cocktails, local beer, and a community-minded culinary twist: guests are encouraged to bring in food from nearby restaurants. In a neighborhood packed with great eats, this will not be a challenge. ricochetsocial.com

ANDRETTI INDOOR KARTING & GAMES

With more than 130 arcade and carnival-style games, a two-level laser tag arena, immersive virtual reality experiences, a 7DX motion theater, interactive bowling, and four separate go-kart tracks, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games came to Kansas City ready to play. The $40 million, 95,000-square-foot entertainment complex anchors the Aspiria campus on Nall Avenue, formerly the Sprint World Headquarters, and it’s hard to miss. Karting is the clear main event. The tracks, designed with overlapping, elevated sections, zigzag above and below one another, creating a sense of speed and spectacle for both racers and spectators. There are tracks for adults, juniors, and younger drivers, making it one of the rare places where a family can all participate with experiences designed for each level. The food and drink program is just as expansive, designed to keep guests staying and playing. Expect a long list of shareable appetizers with more than 21 different dipping sauces to choose from, along with burgers, flatbreads, pulled pork mac and cheese, tacos, salads, and desserts. Cocktails, beer, wine, and spirit-free drinks along with soda pop round out the drink offerings. It’s loud, energetic, and unapolo-

getically maximalist, an indoor playground that understands people get hungry when they play hard. andrettikarting.com

TAP INS AT THE GREENHOUSE

Tap Ins at the Greenhouse is a new putt-putt restaurant concept near 95th and Metcalf that blends mini golf, dining, and drinks into an all-ages destination that quite literally brings the outdoors in. Created by Leawood dad Ryan Patton, the $15 million, four-acre complex was

born from a simple frustration—there weren’t enough places where parents and kids could genuinely have fun together. The centerpiece is an indoor greenhouse-style mini golf course with 18 holes plus a challenge hole, surrounded by palms, cacti, agave, and desert plants. Outdoor holes are on the way, but the indoor course makes this a year-round destination. Overlooking the action is The Bunker Bar, serving cocktails, mocktails, frozen drinks, spiked shakes, wine, and beer, including house labels cheekily named Grip It and Rip It. Some cocktails feature

Clockwise from far left: Ricochet features a full-service bar along with classic games, such as ping pong, foosball, and skeeball. Tap Ins offers American pub fare made from scratch along with mini-golf, a beer garden, and yard games. Atlas9 is a narrative-driven immersive art experience with a ’90s-style pizza and pub spot that’s open to the public without a ticket. Hawk’s Outpost features an upstairs bar and grill serving American favorites, including burgers, barbecue, chicken wings, and pizza. The Bar & Grill at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk offers classic American dishes, including Kansas City barbecue, burgers, and fries.

spirits from J. Rieger & Co., grounding the concept in local flavor. Food comes from the E9 Grille menu, developed in partnership with Overland Park’s PB&J Restaurants. Expect wood-fired pizza, smash burgers, crispy hot-honey chicken sandwiches, salmon bowls, tacos, barbecue mac and cheese, and more. Ace’s Ice Cream Shop near the entrance scoops Summersalt Ice Cream, making it easy to end the night on a sweet note. tapins.golf

ATLAS9

Kansas City has welcomed a new kind of night out with Atlas9, a narrative-driven immersive art experience near Legends. Created by local creative powerhouse Dimensional Innovations in collaboration with Homefield, Swell Spark, and performance collective Quixotic, Atlas9 transforms a mysteriously revived 1990s movie theater into a two-story, 45,000-square-foot world where storytelling, technology, and play collide. Guests explore at their own pace, using RFID wristbands to unlock scenes, characters, and movie portals as the story unfolds around them like an escape room layered with cinematic spectacle. It’s nonlinear, immersive, and deeply Kansas City in its creative ambition. And yes, there is food and drink. A hidden speakeasy you can “discover” pours real cocktails for guests 21+ within the experience, while Splice Bros. Pizza, a ’90s-inspired pizza parlor anchors the lobby with excellent slices and pies, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Equal parts art installation and social hangout, Atlas9 proves that even the most imaginative experiences are better when there’s something good to eat and drink along the way. atlas9.com

HAWK’S OUTPOST WITHIN ADVENTHEALTH SPORTS PARK AT BLUHAWK

When Hawk’s Outpost opened along with AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk last fall, it quickly revealed itself as a key component to the success of this entertainment complex. This is an all-ages entertainment hub that will bring out the kid in everyone. Inside, a sprawling arcade balances nostalgic standbys like Skee-Ball with immersive VR racing and interactive shooters, while bowling lanes and laser tag give groups plenty of ways to play together or separately. A major draw is LEVELUP Arena, a sleek, competition-ready gaming arena outfitted with high-end monitors and popular titles that welcome both casual players and aspiring pros. The bar and grill inside leans into Midwestern comfort classics, including burgers, wings, pizza, and barbecue, alongside a seasonal cocktail menu, approachable wines, and an impressively deep bourbon selection. For adults, the sports simulator and oversized social darts add extra appeal, while a roll-glider ride zips dramatically through the space overhead. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a lowkey date night, or an after-work hang, Hawk’s Outpost and LEVELUP Arena manages to feel energetic, modern, and the place to come and play the day away. bluhawksports.com

20

WOMEN WHO SHAPED KANSAS CITY

words by Liz Schroeder

The stor y of Kansas City is inextricably linked to the innovations and contributions of its women. From pioneering business leaders to fearless activists, visionary artists to philanthropists, these 20 women not only contributed to Kansas City, they built it.

SUZIE ARON

Suzie Aron saw the potential in the Crossroads District 35 years ago when most of the buildings were abandoned or served as warehouses. Her family has ties to the garment industry, so she grew up fascinated by the architecture of the factories and the atmosphere of the neighborhoods. Keeping the authenticity and artistic heart of downtown alive, Aron has played a role in the revitalization of the Crossroads, in the formation of the Crossroads Community Association, and in establishing the popular First Fridays that bring thousands to the Crossroads every month. While she insists “it takes a village,” many have referred to her as the Mayor of the Crossroads.

KAY BARNES

In the late 1990s, many people worried that Kansas City’s best days were over. Not if Kay Barnes had a say. Elected as our first female mayor in 1999, her focus on the revitalization of our downtown area transformed the landscape of our city. During two terms, she oversaw the creation of the Power & Light District and secured the development of the Sprint Center, now called the T-Mobile Center. Her administration pushed major infrastructure projects, restoring civic pride and cultural relevance to the area. She is known for her quiet confidence and commitment to service, and she has never stopped working for us—even serving as interim Jackson County Executive last October after the recall of Frank White.

ALICE BERRY GRAHAM (1850–1913)

When Alice Berry Graham first came to town with a degree in dentistry, she and her sister, Katharine Berry Richardson, a physician, hoped to open a medical practice. But in a time when few women practiced medicine, no one was interested. Since no hospital allowed women on their staff, the sisters rented beds for their patients at a maternity and children’s hospital. In 1899, the sisters decided to purchase the small hospital, which became what is today known as Children’s Mercy Hospital, with Graham responsible for the administration and fundraising. Richardson requested that her sister be named the hospital’s founder. Due to Berry Graham’s influence, dentists remain at Children’s Mercy to this day.

SHIRLEY BUSH HELZBERG

Shirley Bush Helzberg is one of our most beloved and active philanthropists. A proponent of urban historic preservation, she was the force behind Helzberg Hall in the Kauffman Center and supported the aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo. She is a godmother to our arts community. Many nonprofits, including the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet, the Shakespeare Festival, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, have been beneficiaries of her activism. She received Starlight Theatre’s fourth ever Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Her legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and a deep love for Kansas City.

SISTER CORITA BUSSANMAS (1933 –2021)

A lifelong champion of children, Sister Corita Bussanmas was an elementary teacher in Chicago when her order sent her to Our Lady of Angels School after a tragic fire led to the death of 92 children. The experience sparked a passion for children’s advocacy and introduced her to Sister Berta Sailer. They moved to Kansas City in 1967 when Sister Corita became principal of St. Vincent's School. They opened a daycare center in the convent so mothers with young children could work to support their families, eventually forming the nonprofit Operation Breakthrough with Sister Corita as executive director. Today, Operation Breakthrough has grown to serve over 10,000 of our city’s most vulnerable children and their families.

LUCILE BLUFORD (1911–2003)

Lucile Bluford was known as the “conscience” of Kansas City. The second Black student to study in the University of Kansas journalism program, she persevered through Jim Crow-era Missouri to become a fearless reporter, using her platform at The Call , a prominent Black newspaper, to fight for racial justice. She stayed with The Call for her entire 69year career, and from 1955 to her death guided the newspaper as its editor, but her reach is felt far beyond their pages. While she was denied enrollment 11 times into the Master of Journalism program at the Missouri School of Journalism due to her race, she was eventually awarded an honorary doctorate in 1989.

TATIANA DOKOUDOVSKA (1921–2005)

The Kansas City Ballet has been a force in Kansas City for almost 70 years, and it’s all due to Tatiana Dokoudovska. Born in France to Russian parents, she trained in Paris and performed in New York before accepting an offer to create a dance program at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music, one of the first dance degrees available in the United States. Three years later, she formed the Kansas City Ballet and served as the artistic director until 1976. Miss Tania, as her students called her, dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring young dancers, molding the next generations of talent.

NELL DONNELLY REED (18

89 –1991)

Nell Donnelly Reed wasn’t just a dressmaker—she was a business pioneer. She came from humble beginnings, born to an Irish immigrant railroad worker, and became a prominent figure in fashion. She prioritized inclusive sizing and progressive workers’ rights. She established the Donnelly Garment Company in 1919 alongside her husband, and her business savvy kept the company solvent through the Great Depression. Reed eventually took sole ownership and the Donnelly Garment Company became the largest manufacturer of women’s clothing worldwide by 1953. Incredibly, her 1931 kidnapping, the subsequent media frenzy, and her release might be the least interesting thing about her.

LEA HOPKINS

ANITA B. GORMAN

There are few more passionate environmental advocates than Anita B. Gorman, whose name adorns the sprawling and beautiful Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. She led the way for women to take a role in public service and conservation, becoming the first woman appointed to the Kansas City Parks and Recreation board in 1979 and serving for over 30 years. She was instrumental in expanding the city’s green spaces and played a key role in the renovation of the Kansas City Zoo. A tireless advocate for Kansas City’s well-being, her work has paved the way for a more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable city.

Kansas City Pride wouldn’t exist without Lea Hopkins. A longtime LGBTQIA activist and poet, she organized Kansas City’s very first Pride parade in 1977. When Anita Bryant came to town promoting an anti-gay agenda, Hopkins was on the front lines protesting. Since then, she cofounded the Christopher Street Association and founded the Kansas City Gay Injustices Fund, which provides legal support for LGBTQIA people arrested for their orientation.

MAMIE HUGHES

Mamie Hughes has been fighting discrimination and advocating for civil rights her entire life. We see her influence through the preservation of Kansas City’s jazz history, in the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and through the development of the 18th and Vine District. Though she has maintained that her biggest accomplishment is being a mother of five children, it’s clear that her presence is felt all over our community. She worked as a teacher, community planner, and served as a member of the Jackson County Legislature until 1978, pushing for equal opportunities and economic empowerment.

MURIEL KAUFFMAN (1916

–1995)

Muriel Kauffman’s impact is difficult to overstate. Born in Toronto, she moved to Prairie Village with her husband, Ewing, in 1962. The couple was bound by a passion for philanthropy. Muriel focused on performing and visual arts, and though she died before it was built, the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts stands as a cultural beacon and architectural landmark for the city and a home for the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Opera, and the Kansas City Ballet. Sports fans can also thank her for bringing the Royals to the city, as she was the driving force behind her husband’s purchase of the team in 1968—earning her the moniker of First Lady of Royals Baseball.

MARY MCAFEE

ATKINS (1836 –1911)

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is Mary Atkins’s dream come to life. A retired schoolteacher, she came to Kansas City in 1878. She discovered her love for fine art after visiting Europe in the wake of her husband’s death. When she died, she willed a third of her estate to its creation—today’s equivalent of over ten million dollars. Almost half a million people every year visit the renowned art collections found at the Nelson-Atkins museum, and because of philanthropists like Atkins, they do so for free.

PATRICIA MCILRATH (1917–1999)

The origins of our theater community can often be traced back to one woman—Patricia McIlrath. She worked as a theatrical director and professor affectionately known as “Dr. Mac” at UMKC. She was passionate about integrating professional training into the academic theater curriculum, and her legacy continues through her founding of the Missouri Repertory Theatre, now known as the KCRep. In a time when the city had few theater opportunities, her passion transformed it into a national arts hub. Multiple equity theaters emerged in her wake, each headed by people who got their start under McIlrath.

CLARA REYES (1938

–2024)

NELLE PETERS (1884 –1974)

If you appreciate Kansas City architecture, you might already know Nelle Peters’s work. One of the first women to practice architecture professionally in Kansas City, she designed nearly 1,000 buildings in her lifetime and remained a working architect until age 80. Her style still stands out in our city’s landscape—numerous apartment buildings, the Luzier Cosmetics building, and Ambassador Hotel owe their ornamental terra-cotta style to her.

Clara Reyes gave Hispanic people a voice in Kansas City. A Mexican immigrant in the 1960s, Reyes found out her dentistry degree was not accepted in her new country. She pivoted, and her connection with other Hispanic professionals led her to begin a newsletter out of her home. She filled the information gap for Kansas City’s Hispanic residents, and as popularity grew, she officially founded Dos Mundos, meaning “two worlds,” in 1981. It was the first bilingual newspaper in the four-state region.

ANNIE RIDENBAUGH BIRD (1856 –1937 )

Annie Bird was thrust into business prominence after her husband’s death. While Joseph Bird served as president of Emery, Bird, Thayer & Co., his wife learned everything about the business. When Joseph passed away in 1918, Bird was voted in as the new president. She is believed to be the first woman in Kansas City to hold such a prominent position, and she directed the department store business for the next 17 years. At a time when women were not wellrespected in the business world, she made herself indispensable.

MARY ROCKWELL HOOK (1877–1978)

Mary Rockwell Hook studied architecture in a time when women were decidedly unwelcome. A true trailblazer, she enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago as the only woman in her class, facing discrimination and harassment both there and during her studies in Paris. Locals can catch a glimpse of her style around the city, marked by the arched windows, open terraces and courtyards, and an (unusual at the time) use of antique and vintage architectural details found in homes she designed in the Sunset Hill neighborhood. Though she was under appreciated in her time and even denied admission to the American Institute of Architects, she was later recognized and eventually accepted on her 100th birthday.

CARRIE WESTLAKE WHITNEY (18 54 –1934)

Our libraries were never the same after Carrie Whitney. While raised for a life of domestication, she truly loved learning. After the loss of her infant child, she left her husband to work as a bookkeeper in Kansas City. She earned a place as the district’s first librarian and changed the way the library did business—abolishing user fees, enlarging the collection of materials, and advocating for children’s literacy. She was elected president of the Missouri Library Association in 1901 and used her position to expand the public’s access to knowledge, even writing her own three-volume work on Kansas City history.

MARY LOU WILLIAMS (1910 –1981)

There is no Kansas City without jazz, and there is no jazz without Mary Lou Williams. A child prodigy in piano who started on the Orpheum Circuit at age 12, she wrote and arranged for jazz giants including Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. Born in 1910, she learned piano as a way to support her ten siblings and stop harassment from her family’s white neighbors. She brought a unique style to the jazz world, blending swing and bebop into collaborations with musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Her legacy endures through her musical compositions and her efforts to teach and mentor the musicians around her.

French Forward

CHATEAU STYLE FOR A MODERN FAMILY HOME AT LOCH LLOYD

Two busy Kansas City physicians had a vision of how and where they wanted to live. She dreamed of a French chateau-inspired stone-built house suitable for modern family living. She also wanted a community where their children could play outside with neighborhood friends. He wanted to be in the country.

With detailed planning and the help of local design professionals, the family now lives in their new French-forward stone house sitting on 1.8 acres in Loch Lloyd.

“When we started this process, we had one child. Now we have three boys—ages 4, 6, and 9,” says the wife. That comes with all the attendant muddy footprints, sticky hands, and general little kid mess. However, you would never know it, thanks to smart design choices and their desire for a house that “is beautiful, no matter what,” she says. “We wanted our home to be warm, sophisticated, and family friendly. French design doesn’t have to mean super formal. And we definitely did not want anything trendy. Twenty years from now, we want our house to still look timeless, not dated.” Three years on, they couldn’t be happier.

A pair of tall doors reclaimed from an 1800s chateau set the design tone. The wife’s father, who works for Builders FirstSource, replicated the doors’ design in custom millwork, trim, cabinets, and doors using special carpentry tools. “He touched a little piece of every part of the house, and that also makes it special to us,” she says.

Early in the planning process, the homeowners found McCroskey Interiors, known for their blend of couture and classical inspired by European design. Laura McCroskey describes the couple as ideal clients. “She was so detailed and had so many great ideas,” McCroskey says. “It was a pleasure for me to help her put it all together. With its marble craftsmanship and modern comforts, this home is a tribute to living beautifully while blending history with modernity. The result is a welcoming and timeless retreat.”

She designed the custom marble vent hood in the kitchen and the sliding marble panel on the back of the cooktop that offers hidden storage. Mirror backing highlights the herbs and spices kept there. “We added many tailored details like these that elevate this design,” McCroskey says.

“Laura was so great to realize our vision and improve on it,” says the homeowner.

They collaborated on the design elements that run through the house,

including pale colors (such as Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) on walls, but with a sheen so that it’s easier to wipe down; performance fabrics that clean up well; bleached white-oak floors and cabinetry that appear calming, but also don’t show scuffs and marks; and elegant marble coated with a surface protectant. It all works to make chic French style eminently livable.

Three sets of tall French doors lead out to the patio and pool area, where fountains splash and the panoramic view makes you wonder whether you’re in Missouri or the heart of France. Curvilinear Baker furniture pieces form a conversation area in front of the fireplace that’s topped with an oversized Victorian mirror. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail with the view or a soda while keeping an eye on the kids, it’s a wonderful space to be, lighted with a contemporary take on a crystal chandelier.

The husband’s office, with its cast limestone fireplace, is a masculine room where he can work or escape the hubbub of the household. McCroskey helped her clients choose original art and giclée prints from local and national artists that she represents. “Thoughtfully curated design elements inject

ROB’S REUBEN RETURNS

warmth and personality into each area,” McCroskey says.

The kitchen is the family gathering space, where the kids can eat or color on the generous island in Calacatta Vagli marble. The dual-fuel Lacanche range is sophisticated enough for the husband to roast a chicken à la française and entertain guests yet simple enough for the wife to make spaghetti and tacos for family meals.

The scullery, with its deep butler’s sink, is where they brew morning coffee, prep meals, and where the husband bakes bread, keeping the everyday mess out of sight.

The elegant primary bath, an example of quiet luxury, features bleached white-oak cabinetry with reeded detailing and marble floors in the same herringbone pattern as the bleached-wood floors.

Because their property is on a slope, the couple enlisted Utahbased Ryan Talbot of Northland Design Group, which specializes in challenging terrain, to design the patio and pool. “We’re outside all summer. This is where we hang out. The kids love it, so we wanted to make sure the covered patio and pool were done right,” adds the wife.

“When we come home after a long day, as soon as we drive through the gates, we relax. It feels like we’re on vacation. It’s so special to live here,” she says.

families and economic backgrounds. Where I grew up it felt more continuous, this suburban, middle class background.

Why did you want to study industrial design instead of interior design?

When I was at Mill Valley, I took AP studio art and we had a visitor one day from Savannah College of Art and Design who presented a survey of industrial design, even though it was a fine-arts course. That profession touched on everything I was interested in growing up.

Like what?

This is a little boy thing, but I was always interested in everything that moved—cars and boats and airplanes. And that translated into just beautiful products. I’ve always had a keen eye for beauty. And I’ve always loved history and beautiful historic things, even if I wasn’t exposed to it growing up, things like old ocean liners and steamships and old airplanes. They capture such a moment in history and how people before us lived.

Studying the history of industrial design gave a great background for the work I do now. It’s about finding the context with the owner and the spirit of the house or apartment. I think a good interior always takes into consideration the time and place the home was built, including what kind of objects might have been living in it. The apartment I live in in New York is 110 years old.

I was prowling around on your Instagram… Don’t go too deep!

Well, now I will.

[Laughs] I keep stuff from high school because you don’t have to hide everything, you know?

Good! Be authentic. Everyone needs to stop being so curated. Exactly. Just let it be real.

You posted a series of stills from the 1991 film Center Stage starring Maggie Cheun, set in 1930s Shanghai. That lush dramatic aesthetic is really different from some of the sleek, minimalist interiors pictured on your website. What do they have in common that excites you?

It’s about committing to something that is authentic or true. One of the Center Stage shots is of a really enveloping wall covering that covers the entire set and it’s on her dress as well. If you really commit to this whole swathing of pattern and motif, that in itself becomes a simplified palette. There can be something very modern about drenching a room in pattern, but people are very afraid of it and don’t do it completely.

Also on your Instagram is a project you worked on for Billy Cotton Studio. Those shots are like a riot of color and pattern that feels super fresh, really different. What was the project?

The project on Instagram was for British pop star Lily Allen. It was covered in Architectural Digest. It was one of the first projects Billy Cotton trusted me with.

I got a job with his firm right out of undergrad. He found me during a class critique in senior year. His company is a true interiors firm, but Billy also had a degree in industrial design from Pratt, so he was very familiar with the world of industrial design for furniture

and for the micro scale of product design as well as the macro scale of interiors and architecture.

Your travel posts are really interesting. When you travel, do you shop?

Always. [Laughs] You always pack another suitcase because you never know what you are going to come home with. I’m always so inspired by the places I go, and I seek out things to bring back. It could be beautiful remnants of old textiles, which I love, or small little objects with history.

What’s one object that came home with you recently that you really like?

I have a funny one. When I was in Rome, there was a little bookstore and art gallery, and I came back with an amazing little sculpture, very reasonably priced. It’s a funny piece because it’s a little metal box that has one plate painted red and the other brushed aluminum and four little bolts on top of it. It’s probably smaller than a shoe box and I carried it on the airplane. I was apprehensive that Italian security would think it was a dangerous object because it really looked like an explosive. [Laughs]

Where have you traveled to recently that you find keeps popping up in your brain?

That’s interesting, and this isn’t the answer I would have thought I would give, but when I worked for Billy Cotton, there was a very large project in Switzerland. And I do always go back to this particular style of regional Swiss architecture, like Swiss chalet architecture. There is something that feels so true and authentic about that spirit that is hard to replicate in America.

What is the spirit of the Swiss chalet?

It’s the correlation of something so rustic yet so refined at the same time. There is often beautiful paneling on the wall, like 100-year-old pine. In the States we think of pine as not something to line the walls with because it’s a soft wood and not very appealing to many audiences who prefer mahogany or walnut or something richer or heavier.

I love the use of that simple material in such an elegant manner and then the layering on top of that, maybe a sconce in silver, which is just such a beautiful relationship, the positioning of something so refined against something with so much character and warmth and wear as old pine. And even that old silver has tarnish and patina, so it doesn’t look so fresh and pristine.

How would you describe your emotional relationship to Kansas City?

My parents still have a home there. I have a very fond relationship with Kansas City. It was such a privilege growing up there. It’s a beautiful, old turn-of-the-century city, part of the City Beautiful movement. I’m inspired by it every time I go back because it is such a planned city, with such consideration for the ways roads are laid out and houses are placed, the styles in which houses are built and the way it corresponds to the natural environment.

Kansas City has such an abundance of great architecture and I would love to have an opportunity to do excellent work there for people who admire the same qualities in it that I do.

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

THE DEFINITIVE

BLUEPRINT

OF EXCELLENCE IN KANSAS CITY REAL ES TAT E

Built For This

Real estate runs deep in Maggie’s family. Her grandmother sold homes in Alabama, her mom built a brokerage in Kansas, her brother runs a title company, and her dad is a real estate attorney. With decades of family experience to draw from, she brings a level of insight and perspective that few agents can match.

Trained to Win

Maggie studies every angle of a deal with the same determination she had as a three-sport athlete. Sports taught her how to keep fighting when things don’t go as planned, and she brings that mindset to every transaction. No stone is left unturned until she’s certain she’s negotiated the best possible deal for her clients. “I want to instill that they’re making confident decisions.”

The mentorship Maggie received at ReeceNichols transformed her career. She learned the ins and outs of the Kansas City market from one of the best in the business. Years later, she still leans on her mentor and broker whenever tough situations come up. “I know I have a team of experts behind me,” she says. “I don’t think I could move the way I’m moving without that.”

Maggie credits much of her marketing success to the support she gets right in her office. From social media help to beautifully designed listing presentations, everything she needs is at her fingertips. The turnkey materials and hands-on admin team free up her time to focus on clients.

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Here’s to the Lady Bosses Who Elevate Our City

TRENDSETTING. INNOVATING. SHATTERING CEILINGS AND RESHAPING INDUSTRIES

Across Kansas City, women entrepreneurs are building companies, creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods, and redefining what leadership looks like in our community. As a majority women-owned and women-run publication, IN Kansas City takes particular pride in recognizing and amplifying the voices of the women who are driving our local economy forward

The impact of women in business is not just inspiring—it’s measurable. For the past two decades, women-owned businesses have been the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy. Every day, more than 1,800 women launch new ventures nationwide, contributing innovation, resilience, and fresh perspectives across every industry imaginable. Here at home, those national trends translate into thriving boutiques, creative studios, professional firms, restaurants, nonprofits, and startups that strengthen the

REGAN ROMERO DESIGN

Impactful Design, Expertly Crafted

At the intersection of creativity and clarity stands Regan Romero, founder and principal designer of Regan Romero Design, a women-owned interior design firm known for its bold yet intentional aesthetic and client centered approach. With an eye for detail, Regan has transformed residential spaces around the Midwest, ranging from thoughtful room makeovers to full scale remodels and new construction projects.

Regan’s journey into design is rooted in more than just aesthetics; it’s built on a passion for elevating the everyday and a deep commitment to collaboration. Her work is characterized by clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a belief that good design should feel both personal and timeless. Whether she’s guiding clients through finishes, furnishings or architectural layouts, Regan champions a process that welcomes clients into every step of the creative journey.

Beyond her craft, Regan advocates for women in design and construction industries—where female leadership is still emerging. Inspired by the strong women she worked with early in her career, she actively fostered opportunities for women in the field by sharing her

fabric of our city.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the trailblazers who opened doors and the leaders who continue to widen them. In this special advertising section, we are proud to spotlight Kansas City women business owners who are not only succeeding in their fields but also mentoring others, reinvesting in their neighborhoods, and building legacies that will endure for generations.

When we choose to support women-owned businesses, we do more than make a purchase. We champion equity. We fuel local economic growth. We help cultivate gender parity and create opportunities for future leaders. Most importantly, we invest in a stronger, more vibrant Kansas City—one shaped by the vision, determination, and talent of the women who call it home.

We invite you to meet them, support them, and celebrate them.

Owner: Regan Romero In Business Since: 2022

8119 Robinson Street, Overland Park, KS

Live Well // Dress Well

Founded in 2020 by Joni Johnson, Clairvaux is a specialty women’s fashion boutique focused on emerging and heritage designers that reflect Johnson’s signature blend of Parisian chic and California cool.

Driven by a vision to help women look and feel their best, Clairvaux offers an unhurried, inviting environment featuring thoughtfully curated ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Clients are supported by a dedicated, knowledgeable team prepared for everything from personal styling sessions to full closet reviews and edits.

Johnson travels the world attending markets in New York, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, and Paris to bring exceptional designers to Kansas City. “I love curating collections that inspire,” she says. “When

Owners: Joni Johnson

In Business Since: 2020

shopclairvaux.com

•913-499-6660

Fairway: 2710 W 53rd Street, Fairway, KS 66205

Hawthorne Plaza:11934 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209

you come into Clairvaux, you can always expect to discover emerging talent and best-in-class pieces across a variety of price points. No matter your age or budget, you’ll find something you love.”

Clairvaux currently serves the Kansas City metro from its Fairway and Overland Park locations—and they’re excited to share that the Fairway store will be relocating to Prairie Village in Spring 2026. Clairvaux’s new home will be just steps from Café Provence, and they’re looking forward to welcoming you into this beautiful new space. ShopClairvaux.com carefully packs and ships designer styles nationwide. They invite you to join them in discovering your personal style and living their mission to Live Well // Dress Well.

Founder: Melanie Bolin and Lina Dickinson Year Founded: 2013

mersea.com

The Corner Candleshop Thrives Under Female Leadership

Lori Block has owned The Corner Candleshop, a staple in Brookside boutique storefronts, for 23 years. After migrating from St. Louis to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University, Lori eventually opened her shop in 2003.

Though she originally began a career in elementary education, Lori has always felt called by an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong independent streak. “I was always that kid selling items to the neighbors in my driveway,” Block recalls.

The shop specializes in fragranced, hand-poured container candles and votives. Their wax is USA sourced, a combination of coconut and veggie wax, and boasts over 175 different scents. With clever names like Serenity Now, Tomato Vine, and City of Fountains, the shop also features vintage treasures, custom pouring, and wholesale orders.

Crafted for the Journey. Anchored in Friendship.

The MERSEA story began on a Kansas City playground, with swings and schoolyard mayhem in the backdrop when founders Lina Dickinson and Melanie Bolin first met. After years of friendship as West Coast transplants and a shared desire to create something outside of motherhood, they launched MERSEA in 2013—proving it’s never too late to start a good thing. Since its inception, the duo has guided the brand’s evolution from nostalgic coastal scents to an apparel and lifestyle brand all with the spirit of a sailor ready for adventure.

MERSEA is more than just a business–it’s a journey of making friends all over the world with stories to tell. Lina and Melanie personally visit the factories in their supply chain to ensure safe, sustainable practices, forming a trust so deep they’ve even sent their children to intern at these global facilities. This network of makers has become an extended family—from Moroccan weavers and Paraguayan denim experts to artisans in dyeing and applique in Turkey, to name a few.

As a WBENC-certified women-owned business, Melanie and Lina continue to create a brand that champions adventure, integrity, and artisanship, crafted entirely with your journey in mind.

Owner: Lori Block In Business Since: 2003

Leading and Growing a Championship Restaurant

As cofounder, CEO, Kelly Magee is the driving force and heart behind Q39. She has more than three decades of experience in developing, and building businesses and strong, inclusive teams. Kelly was instrumental in developing and launching Q39 with her husband and barbecue champion, Rob Magee. With the belief that great restaurants are powered by great people, she’s led Q39 to become the most reviewed and highest rated restaurant in all of Kansas City

Q39 was founded in 2014, but it was envisioned long before by her husband, Rob Magee, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef. When Rob moved to Kansas City, he became passionate about barbeque, competing nationwide over ten years. He led his team, Munchin Hogs, to achieve top honors to become true champions of barbecue.

Rob’s innovative approach to a barbeque restaurant included brisket sliced fresh to order, a full-service dining room and bar, and an open, scratch kitchen with no microwaves for an Always Pit to Plate experience.

CEO and Co-Founder: Kelly Magee

In Business Since: 2014

The Legacy Continues: When Chef Rob passed away from cancer in 2021, Kelly decided to carry on his legacy with the same standards of excellence. Her dedication to competition quality barbecue, chef-driven menus and elevated hospitality earned her recognition as 2024 Restaurateur of the Year from the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, a Kansas City Barbecue Society Ambassador Award, and a Kansas City Women of Influence honoree.

Kelly continues to lead the Q39 brand, growing in 2026 from two locations to four locations. She’s built a collaborative leadership team and together they are extending Q39’s impact far beyond the walls of the restaurant. Q39 is poised to be the top world-class BBQ and national destination.

Kelly is deeply committed to giving back to local communities, forging meaningful partnerships, and using the brand as a platform to create positive impact. One plate, guest, and restaurant at a time.

q39kc.com •Midtown: 1000 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO •816-255-3753

Overland Park: 11051 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS •913-951-4500

Lawrence: 1639 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS •785-330-5830

Owners: Kristen Christian & Lisa Foley In Business Since: 2015 beeorganized.com •913-735-6409 4350 W 107th Street, Overland Park, KS

BOOTLEG BOURBON BALLS

Made with Love in Kansas City

Tucked away in Riverside, Bootleg Bourbon Balls is The Sweetest Little Chocolate Speakeasy in Town . With a playful nod to Kansas City’s Prohibition-era reputation, owner and founder Lisa Fitch invites guests to indulge in handcrafted, bourbon-infused confections that are as daring as they are decadent. Each small-batch, hand-rolled creation pairs fine couverture chocolate with local and regional distilled spirits, delivering a perfectly balanced flavor that lingers long after the last taste. Each bourbon ball is cleverly named after Prohibition-era slang, giving every piece a backstory as rich as its flavor.

As a woman-owned and women-run business, Lisa built Bootleg Bourbon Balls on grit, creativity, and a passion for doing things differently. These aren’t just chocolates—they’re conversation starters, celebration centerpieces, and unforgettable moments. In a city that values heart and hustle, she proudly raises a glass—and a bourbon ball—to innovation, community, and sweet rebellion.

BEE ORGANIZED

Organizing Solutions Designed for Real Life, Every Season, and Every Home and Business

Best friends since junior high, Kristen Christian and Lisa Foley turned their shared passion for organizing into Bee Organized in 2015 with one simple goal: help people move from chaos to calm. Built on friendship, trust, and a love for creating functional, simplified spaces, their small business quickly began transforming homes, businesses, and lives. What started as a local idea soon grew beyond anything they imagined. Today, Bee Organized is a nationally recognized franchise with more than 40 Hives across the United States, all rooted in the same people-first approach. Headquartered in Kansas City, Bee Organized offers professional organizing, moving and life transition support, and customized systems designed to bring clarity, peace of mind, and lasting simplicity to homes and businesses.

Owner: Lisa Fitch In Business Since: 2017

Owner: Cindy Barnhill

In Business Since: 2002 peartreedesignantiques.com•816-333-2100 303 E. 55th Street, Kansas City, MO Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm

KANSAS CITY FASHION WEEK

How One Woman Led the Rise of a Midwest Fashion Powerhouse

Teisha Barber has been shaping the Midwest fashion landscape since helping create Kansas City Fashion Week in 2010. After more than a decade of guiding its growth, she purchased the company in May 2023, solidifying her vision for a professionally produced, designer-focused fashion platform in Kansas City and beyond.

Her mission is centered on elevating emerging and established talent, strengthening creative industries, and championing fashion as both an art form and an economic driver. That mission expanded in June 2025 with her acquisition of St. Louis Fashion Week, creating new opportunities for designers across the region and further uniting the Midwest fashion community.

Now celebrating its 28th season, KCFW S/S 2026 runs March 20–28. Tickets available at kcfashionweek.com

A Taste of European Charm

Located in the historic Crestwood Shops, Pear Tree Design & Antiques has been a destination for French and English antiques for many years. Owner Cindy Barnhill has a passion and an eye for antiquities for the home and garden along with a lovely selection of gift lines, many from abroad as well.

The shop is brimming with treasures that Barnhill discovers on her frequent buying trips to Europe and England where she unearths pieces that find their way to Kansas City’s homes and gardens. Along with her team, she provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the shop with excellent customer service, a strong on-line presence, and shipping that’s never an issue. Follow Cindy’s travels on Instagram @ peartreeantiqueskc!

Whether you are drawn to traditional or contemporary design, Pear Tree has that touch of European charm that will be the pièce de résistance in your home and garden.

Owner: Teisha Barber In Business Since: 2010

kcfashionweek.com

Owner: Jen Macias-Wetzel

In Business Since: 2018

InspiredClosetsKC.com•913-730-3000

13745 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS

INTERNATIONAL

MATERIALS OF DESIGN

A Global Collection, a Local Legacy

International Materials of Design is a locally owned tile showroom spanning five decades specializing in luxury, designer, and custom tile sourced from around the world. From heritage European manufacturers to skilled American artisans, every collection is carefully curated for quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style. They partner with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders to transform spaces with materials that feel intentional, timeless, and one of a kind. Their commitment is simple: bring the finest tile to the community and provide expertise that matches the quality of their products.

INSPIRED CLOSETS

Calm Your Chaos

As the owner of Inspired Closets Kansas City, Jen Macias-Wetzel thrives in transforming often-overlooked yet frequently used spaces into luxurious, functional areas that enhance everyday living.

Life gets messy—your home doesn’t have to. Whether you crave a closet overhaul, a garage transformation, or a multifunctional guest room/office with a space-saving Murphy bed, Inspired Closets delivers custom solutions tailored to your lifestyle and budget.

Tame chaos in entryways, laundry rooms, and pantries with smart, stylish organization designed for real life. Macias-Wetzel and her expert team blend premium materials and innovative layouts to turn cluttered spaces into serene, functional retreats.

Ready to reclaim your home? Schedule a free consultation today and let Inspired Closets bring order—and peace of mind—to every corner.

Owners: Cindy Cleveland and Amy Sanders

In Business Since: 1976 imdtile.com •913.383.3383

4691 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS

by Jenny Vergara

Reservation for One NOUR’S

photos by Aaron Leimkuehler

Along a busy stretch of 39th Street, and only a couple of blocks east from the new streetcar extension on Main Street, Nour’s (rhymes with yours) feels like exactly the kind of restaurant Kansas City has been craving. The new Lebanese restaurant from Marwan Chebaro sits at 3855 Warwick Boulevard, tucked into the Park 39 development, a mixed-use campus steadily transforming this pocket of Midtown into a true neighborhood anchor.

The location matters. Park 39 brings together apartments, offices, and community spaces, creating built-in energy throughout the day. Nour’s feels well positioned to serve everyone passing through, be they neighbors grabbing coffee, co-workers meeting for lunch, friends having happy hour on the patio, or hungry diners drifting in for dinner

to reconnect. There’s ample free parking in their lot at the corner of 39th and Warwick, but the restaurant is also easily walkable, bikeable, and streetcar accessible, making it one of the more connected dining rooms in the area.

Step inside Nour’s and the room immediately sets the tone. John O’Brien, owner of Hammer Out Design, whose work on many beloved local restaurants is legendary, has leaned into color, light, and texture here. Light-washed tables anchor the dining room, while rainbow accents, playful details, and a mix of his own personal and local art give the space a real warmth and soul. A massive handwoven rug from O’Brien’s personal collection hangs like a tapestry on the east wall, grounding the room in history, craftsmanship, and color. Garage doors open to a spacious patio strung with lights, expanding the restaurant’s footprint

and creating an indoor-outdoor flow that will be especially magnetic during spring and summer evenings.

The dining room occupies one side of the restaurant, and the cocktail bar and open kitchen are on the other, an intentional choice that keeps the energy moving and the experience transparent. You can watch plates come together in the kitchen, or chat with the bartender without ever feeling rushed. Nour’s seats about 50 people inside, with room for roughly 50 more on the patio and at the bar, making it equally suited for an intimate dinner or a lively group gathering.

The cocktail menu is equally thoughtful, built around house-made syrups that can swing spirited or zero-proof depending on your mood. Drinks like the rose margarita strike a balance between floral and bright, pairing beautifully with the bold, garlicky flavors coming out of the kitchen.

Chebaro, who previously operated Cafe Rumi and Tribal Grill on 39th Street, brings decades of experience to the kitchen. After spending recent years developing corporate dining concepts across the Midwest, Nour’s marks his return to public-facing hospitality and to the kind of food Chebaro clearly loves cooking most. The menu focuses on Lebanese comfort food rooted in tradition and stripped of unnecessary complication.

The menu opens with mezze, both cold and hot. One insider move: ask your server if you can order all three cold mezze dips together, even though it’s not printed on the dinner menu. It appears during happy hour, and it’s hands-down one of the best ways to start a meal. The baba ghanoush is smoky and silky, the hummus impossibly creamy, and the muhammara, a bold blend of red pepper, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, is sweet, savory, and just a little addictive. Scooped up with warm pita, it’s the kind of appetizer that quietly disappears while everyone debates ordering another round.

The handhelds are built for the lunch crowd and includes chicken shawarma, lamb burrito, and the halloumi wrap, which is generously stuffed with fresh tomato,

EARTHY NATURALS

EARTHY NATURALS

at Rensen House of Lights

at Rensen House of Lights

Soft neutral colors, natural textured materials and artistic shapes are ‘must have’ features in this seasons newest lighting designs. We’ve curated an outstanding collection of natural beauties for you to SEE, TOUCH and TAKE HOME today!

Soft neutral colors, natural textured materials and artistic shapes are ‘must have’features in this seasons newest lighting designs. We’ve curated an outstanding collection of natural beauties for you to SEE, TOUCH and TAKE HOME today!

Ask about our Lighting Design Service

Ask about our Lighting Design Service

R ENSEN

R ENSEN H OUSE OF L IGHTS

Kansas City’s Most Recognized Name in Lighting

Kansas

Flavor IN KC

cucumbers, olives, arugula, and mint wrapped in soft lavash bread. The za’atar-crusted chicken Milanese sandwich is served with sumac French fries and eats like a Lebanese version of a fried chicken sandwich. Salad bowls range from lentil tabbouleh to traditional fattoush garden salad drizzled with a tangy sweet sumac-pomegranate vinaigrette.

After only few meals at Nour’s, however, it became crystal clear to me that the heart of the menu lives in its quietly elegant Lebanese plates, each of them unique in flavor. The samke harra is a favorite, a tender, baked branzino fillet resting in a spicy tahini sauce that’s nutty, warm, and gently assertive with spice without overwhelming the delicate white fish. It’s served over vermicelli rice that soaks up every bit of sauce. The laban emmo leans in a completely different direction, even though it looks similar to the fish dish. This dish is rich, cozy, and creamy. A generous amount of slow-cooked shredded lamb tops vermicelli rice that melts into a generous pool of simmered yogurt sauce punched up with bright hits of chopped mint. It’s simple and satisfying.

Vegetarians and vegans should make a beeline for the mujadara.

This humble bowl of rice and lentils is anything but an afterthought. The caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth, while a citrusy cabbage adds lift and crunch, keeping the dish from ever feeling heavy. It’s grounding, satisfying, and deceptively complex, proof that Nour’s understands how to make plant-based dishes feel just as special as anything coming off the grill.

You won’t want to skip dessert, especially if there’s coffee involved. A rotating selection of petite Lebanese pastries, including pistachio baklava, knafeh that’s soaked in syrup, and namoura, a semolina cake, offers just two perfect bites, sweet without being cloying, ideal alongside a cup of coffee to close the meal gently and on a high note.

More than anything, Nour’s feels designed to bring people together. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for large and small groups, a grab-and-go market, and plans for farmers markets and community events, the restaurant leans fully into its role as a “third place.” The sign near the entrance says it best: “ours, yours, Nour’s.” And once you’re inside, it’s hard to argue. nourskc.com

Thank you to our gala patrons!

Kings and Queens

Edward P. Milbank

Dr. Marc and the Hon. Stephanie Taormina

Princes and Princesses

The McMeel Family

Dukes and Duchesses

Dr. Scott and Bernie Ashcraft

Peter G. & Elizabeth Torosian Foundation

Sarah Yé

earls and COuntesses

Andrews McMeel Universal

Jim and Diana Cusser

Shirley & Barnett C. Helzberg Jr.

Donor Advised Fund

Kauffman Family Foundation, Muriel McBrien

Pat Konopka

Seigfreid-Bingham, Dan & Michele McClain

Dr. Marc and the Hon. Stephanie Taormina

Kamal and Mary Lynn Mikhail

Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Tiffany Patterson

Theater League

UMB, Chris and Kathryn Bannister

Table HOsts

Robert and Barbara Bloch

Creative Planning

Eric Dorfman

Chris and Sheila Gramling & Gabe and Megan Egli

Husch Blackwell, Wade and Jessica Kerrigan

Jason and Susan Waldron

LOvers

Andy and Kathy Anderson

Peggy and Andy Beal

Nicole and Richard Browne &

Mr. Erik Bergrud and Mrs. Kimberlee Ried

Dan and Ginnie Bukovac

Don and Patricia Dagenais

Dean and Patricia Davison

Tim and Deanna Diebolt

Bev and Erik Elving

Victoria James and Drew Hodgdon

Tom and Loretta Mentzer

Rob & Amy Pennington

Drs. Charles and Susan Porter

Jill Ingram Reynolds

John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro

by Jenny Vergara

In Your Cocktail

MOONSTONE

From the moment you step inside Moonstone, it’s clear you have landed somewhere between heaven and earth. It’s a deliberate shift in mood from the outdoor beer bar, Two Birds One Stone, that’s located imme-

diately below. Part of the ongoing riverfront redevelopment led by PortKC, Moonstone rises above the bustle. Floor-toceiling windows stretch along the Missouri River, offering sweeping, cinematic views that feel especially moody after sunset.

The space leans fully into its celestial theme. Designed by KEM STUDIO in collaboration with Thrash Group Design, Moonstone blends a moon-rock terrazzo bartop with sculptural space-age furniture and round tables that are subtle nods to ’60s and ’70s futurism. An almost eerie purple hue dominates the lighting, giving the room an otherworldly glow, while the vinyl HiFi setup spins records throughout the evening, keeping you grounded to the earth with song. The result is refined and atmospheric, but still approachable. It’s elegant without being intimidating, stylish without being stiff.

The executive chef, Rob Sorg, has crafted a menu designed for sharing and pairing with the bar’s cocktail-driven energy. Small plates set the tone, with the star being an elegant smoked tomato and mushroom tar-

tare made with miso and topped with chives. Salads and vegetable-forward dishes, such as beet carpaccio or cauliflower and Brussels sprouts with apple-bacon dressing, feel polished and intentional. Even the bread basket of grilled brioche and cultured butter is made in-house.

For heartier appetites, Sorg delivers comfort through a refined lens. The beef tips arrive with a creamy corn soubise and walnut gremolata, while the braised short rib and the bone-in pork chop are especially welcome for heartier appetites. Desserts toe the line between luxe and nostalgia, like the pecan pie topped with bacon ice cream and bourbon caramel that’s unapologetically decadent, and the walnut-cherry semifreddo sandwiched between two brownie cookies that feels playfully familiar.

Then there’s the bar—the gravitational center of Moonstone’s orbit. The drink program, created by the general manager and certified sommelier, Stephen Krantz, is both playful and suitable for sipping slow.

The eight core cocktails span spirits and styles. From light, gin-forward selections to smoky mezcal and bold bourbon, there’s something to suit your every mood. A thoughtfully curated wine list offers global selections by the glass, and for those inclined to sip and settle in, there is also a list of Moonstone sake in flavors like coconut and lemongrass, Asian pear, and summer plum. One standout you’ll want to save for last is the Brew Moon Rising cocktail, Moonstone’s elevated take on an espresso martini.

Inspired by the carajillo—a Spanish and Mexican coffee cocktail traditionally made with espresso and Licor 43—Brew Moon Rising deepens the concept with mezcal, coffee liqueur, and amaretto. The result is smoky, bittersweet, and warming, with enough sweetness to round out the edges of the coffee while quietly upping the ABV. It’s the kind of drink that signals the evening’s final act, best enjoyed slowly as vinyl crackles in the background and the river glides past outside.

Moonstone doesn’t try to shout its presence on the riverfront. Instead, it hums at a lower frequency—glowing, intentional, and quietly magnetic. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., reservations are recommended if you want a table, but bar seats are available for walk-ins.

Make Brew Moon Rising at home and see if you aren’t transported to another galaxy far, far away. moonstonebar.com

Brew Moon Rising

.75 ounce Licor 43

.75 ounce amaretto

.75 ounce mezcal

1 ounce coffee liqueur

1 ounce shot of espresso

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker tin, add ice, shake for at least 20 seconds in order to achieve a frothy foam on top of the drink. Then double strain into a rocks or cocktail coupe glass. Garnish with three whole coffee beans.

Classic & Modern

Designer Katy Sullivan loves combining classic pieces with unique and unexpected elements to add personality to a home.

But above all, she enjoys the process of getting to know her clients, designing to their style, and creating a space that reflects their lives and personal aesthetic.

Come explore your style with Katy at Madden McFarland.

Flavor IN KC

by Jenny Vergara

STREATS

AFTER BUILDING a loyal following as a ghost-kitchen favorite, Streats has officially opened its first brick-andmortar location downtown at the Skyline Collection, located at 1111 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri. The 1,389-square-foot restaurant takes over the former KC Mac N' Co. space, placing Streats in the heart of downtown’s daily flow of office workers, residents, and visitors. Founded by Ashton Shelby and Tony Gordon, Streats is known for bold, comforting Mexican street food, especially its deeply flavored birria tacos, shrimp quesabirria, and cult-favorite birria ramen, all served with rich consommé for dipping. The downtown spot is a natural next step for the concept, which previously operated out of the Crossroads Food Stop ghost kitchen that closed last summer. For fans, it’s the same crave-worthy flavors, only now with seating and a downtown address.

Visit StoryB in our new location in Ranch Mart Shopping Center, down the sidewalk from Dewey’s Pizza, just past Fry’s Car Care.

Everyone has a story. What will be yours?

Visit Story Boutique for your next unique find.

• Designer, vintage and gently pre-loved clothing

• Fine jewelry and statement fashion pieces Shop for a cause!

Each purchase, donation and volunteer hour makes a difference in our community.

Learn more at StoryB.org

Boutique Hours

Monday from 11 am to 4 pm

Tuesday – Friday from 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday Closed

Ranch Mart Shopping Center 95th Street & Mission Road 913.642.2292 | Storyb@KCHospice.org

@StoryKCH @storyb4kch

Visit our sister store for home decor items!

Tuesdays from 12 to 8 pm

Thursdays from 12 to 4 pm

Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm

by Jenny Vergara

THE DELI GRIND

ALLIE “VEE” TONEY has long been a fixture in the Marlborough neighborhood and beyond. Her beloved restaurant, Vee’s Sweets & Treats Deli, located at 8005 Paseo Boulevard, was open from 2008 until last year. Vee’s wasn’t just a place to grab a sandwich or one of those famously oversized donuts, it was a well-loved community spot. After closing her doors on Christmas Eve, Toney is stepping into a well-earned retirement, but the story doesn’t end there. The space recently reopened as The Deli Grind, led by a longtime family friend, Sheree Hudson. The name is new, but much of what locals loved about Vee’s remains, including the same comforting recipes, fresh breads used to make house-made sandwiches, and fresh donuts and pastries made daily, all served with a side of neighborhood warmth. It’s a thoughtful handoff, rooted in trust, history, and heart. For Kansas City, it means a familiar favorite lives on. It has the same soul, just a fresh new chapter.

Spotlight KC ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN MARCH

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Ranked #5 in USA Today’s 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best History Museum. ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org

HyVee Arena

Host your next company team building, corporate meeting, or holiday party here! Contact Steve Maxey at 660-359-7244.

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center

Connect with nature in the heart of KC. Sign up for free programs at mdc.mo.gov/kansascityevents or drop by.

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Hailed as the new standard for presidential libraries, the Truman Library is a can’t-miss experience for all ages.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date on Greater Kansas City Attractions Association

My Essentials IN KC

Ashton’s essentials...

BEST BITES: One spot I go to constantly is Grünauer. I went to Austria last year, and since then all I crave is Austrian/German food. My next go-to is Westside Local. Their mac and cheese and pints of fries? I think that explains itself.

CAFFEINE FIX: My regular spot for coffee is Cafe Cà Phê I love Jackie Nguyen, the owner, and the entire staff. I always look forward to seeing who’s working that day and snagging an Electric latte.

ASHTON BETHEL

CERAMACIST. ENTREPRENEUR.

Aby Evan Pagano

shton Bethel took up pottery on a whim, and spun it into something whimsical.

In January 2020, she was a music teacher and miserable—she loved playing music but not teaching it—so she signed up for a wheel throwing class at Belger Arts Center. Six years later, she’s the hands behind her own pottery brand, High Noon Pottery.

Bethel’s ceramics are laced with that initial whimsy: trinket dishes shaped like avocados, plates shaped like fried eggs, mugs with pretzel handles, ghostly spoon rests, and serpentine-covered wall altars. A line of “blobby” dishes spill out of their perfect forms. Some pieces are irreverent, others look delicious, and most are just plain cute—but they’re all a little different.

“My work a lot of times is very joyful, silly, and unserious. In my own home I love to surround myself with nonsensical items that just make me laugh or bring joy to my day,” says Bethel.

“I think sometimes things are almost too curated to a specific aesthetic to the point that it kills creativity. At the end of the day, I make functional art. Art is messy, joyful, weird, uncomfortable, it’s whatever you make it—and I want High Noon to be an example of that.”

You can see Bethel’s work on Instagram @highnoonpottery and purchase it at highnoonpottery.com

PERFECT PIZZERIA: The pies at Il Lazzarone are amazing, and the bartenders Taylor and Ian are my favorites in the city! Taylor is always making incredibly unique drinks, I feel like this spot is slept on.

HIDDEN GEM: someone, I always pay so much time trying to decide on what to get because there is so much! A couple months ago, I bought a big ol’ scarf there that was very bright and colorblock-y, and every time I wore it, I thought, “This was so worth it.”

LET LOOSE: much a homebody, but I consider “letting loose” to be going to Casual Animal Brewing Co. some friends, yapping about the same five things we always yap about, and then going to grab a burger at

LOCAL MAKER: I routinely snag clothes from Wasteland Society. I adore the owners, Sarah Dye-Nonprasit and Peter Nonprasit, just as people, and their work is incredible. I love that they’re unapologetically them, and it shows through their clothing.

HONORARYCHAIRS

MARNY AND JOHN SHERMAN

EVENTCHAIRS

KAREN AND STEVEN PACK

AMY AND ZACHARY PACK

27TH ANNUAL DINNER ADVANCING THE PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY AND LIBRARY OF HARRY S. TRUMAN

z O ::c: (,J 1z-3:

KEYNOTESPEAKER

&HONOREE

CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIROFTHECARLYLE GROUP, BESTSELLING

� AUTHOR, HISTORIAN,

� CHAMPION OFPATRIOTIC

� PHILANTHROPY AND

� PRINCIPAL OWNER OFTHE BALTIMORE ORIOLES

DOUGLAS BRINKLEY PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN

WE ARE THE FOUNDERS OF THE NEXT 250 YEARS