Northland, MO October 2023

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A Taste of Vietnam in Gladstone

PICK YOUR WAY THROUGH FALL AT THESE U-PICK FARMS

OMBRA SERVES UP ZERO-PROOF DRINKS THAT ARE 100 PERCENT FUN

OCTOBER 2023
BUDGET BLINDS OF THE NORTHLAND AND KANSAS CITY 4149 N. Mulberry Drive, Kansas City, MO M-F: 10am - 6pm Sat: by appt. only | Sun: closed (816) 307-3329 | twoblindgirlskc.com

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Filling Our To-Do Lists with Food

Our food and drink issue is always so much fun to put together. I don’t know about you, but for me, going out or traveling is almost always food-centered. If I’m in a new city, I’ve got my restaurants I want to go to and must-have local cuisine I want to eat, and everything in between is just time spent waiting to eat again!

But here at home, I don’t get to eat out as much as I’d like. There’s the busy schedule, the budget, and the babysitters — and honestly, so many good places to choose from in the Northland. It can sometimes be hard to pick!

That’s the fun part of our job here at Northland City Lifestyle magazine, though. We love finding all the fun places to eat and drink all over our great community and making sure you know where to go next time you have a chance to get out and get a table.

This month, our cover story is about a place I’ve been fascinated with ever since I discovered it — Little Saigon Plaza, a hub of Asian cuisine and culture right here in Gladstone. Tiffany Killoren profiled a few different restaurants on the plaza — primarily Broken Rice, an excellent Vietnamese restaurant with so much to offer. If you’ve never been, the hardest thing will just be choosing what to eat — everything is so tasty!

Because it’s the harvest season, I also put together a round-up of U-pick farms all over the Northland. I love writing a fall bucket list with my kids each year, and every year, it’s filled with pumpkin patches and apple orchards. But I also discovered a couple of new spots farms this year — namely, Nan’s Berry Farm in Smithville — and knew I had to share them! Log them away for the springtime.

You also might be wondering what’s up with all the Whataburgers all over Kansas City all of a sudden, and writer Diana Lambdin Meyer does the digging for us — of course, Patrick Mahomes is the reason! We also dig into the much-welcome trend of no-and-low alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants, talking to Ombra chef owner Sarah Nelson and tasting some of her delicious zero-proof fall cocktails for the season.

I hope your October is filled with tasty treats and drinks, whether they’re pumpkin-spiced, apple-chaied or just make you feel warm and cozy.

Until next month,

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Brandy Reed | brandy.reed@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Allison Swan | allison.swan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Garten, Tiffany Killoren, Diana Lambdin Meyer, Jordan Whitworth

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Garten, Bruce N. Meyer, Hannah Schreiner, Jordan Whitworth

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND | Northland City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northland City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. 4
inside the issue The Food & Drink Issue OCTOBER 2023 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 4 Lifestyle Letter 8 City Scene 10 Business Monthly 12 Local Experiences 16 Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE 22 Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE 26 Farmers Market FOOD + BEVERAGE 32 Trend Setter FOOD + BEVERAGE 36 How To FOOD + BEVERAGE 38 Events 42 Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE 26 16 22 32 FEATURED 16 Little Saigon Serves Big Flavor in the Northland Find a taste of Vietnam right off of North Oak Trafficway 22 Red Kingdom Turns Orange Patrick Mahomes brings Texas-sized flavor to KC with Whataburger 26 Pickin' and Grinnin' A round-up of U-Pick farms in the Northland 32 Zero-Proof Drinks Are Still One Hundred Percent Fun You can find the new drink trend—no-and-low ABV drinks—on menus all over KC Photography: Hannah Schreiner Broken Rice serves up authentic Vietnamese food inside Little Saigon Plaza 6
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Friday, August 18 during Parkville Days. 2:
1: KC Groove Therapy plays
The Evans Midland Empire Carnival is lit up at Parkville Days in August.
3: Daisy the dog rides in the Parkville Days Parade on Saturday, August 19.
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St. Pius X athletes featured in commercial with Patrick Mahomes

Student athletes from St. Pius X High School were surprised in April when they found out the commercial they were going to be a part of had them sharing the screen with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The commercial was for Oakley sunglasses and their Move the Game Forward campaign. You can find the final commercial, which was recently released, on St. Pius's website: spxkc.org .

BUSINESS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2023
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Get your flu shot at Priority Care Pediatrics

Our flu shot appointments are now available to schedule for both patients and their families. For family members who are not patients, flu shots are $35. For more information, visit  pcpeds.com .*Please note until further notice our vaccine supply is limited and not available for all insurance types*  Scan

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local experiences

The

We all have our go-to coffee shops with baristas that know us by name, and our favorite warm pick-me-up to enjoy on a fall morning. Have you ever wondered what your neighbor’s favorite spot is, or how your local cafe ranks with others in the area? We pulled a list of the top-ranked coffee shops in the Northland according to Yelp reviews. All of these are top-notch local spots, according to Yelpers, and we hope you find a new spot to love from this list!

Our Picks for Foods to Feast On

HAMMERHAND COFFEE: Yelpers report this is a beautiful cafe to read a book or get some work done on a crisp fall day. 249 West Mill Street, Liberty PARKVILLE COFFEE: Yelpers suggest that after grabbing one of the best coffees in the Northland you go for a walk at nearby English Landing Park. 103 Main Street, Parkville

HEADRUSH ROASTERS COFFEE & TEA: Headrush not only brews some of the best coffee in the Northland, but they are also well-known in the area for roasting their own beans. 7108 North Oak Traffickway, Gladstone

OVER FLOW COFFEE HOUSE: Yelpers love that it’s a great spot to get some work done, and that they offer house-made, mouth-watering crepes that pair perfectly with their coffee. 1005 Middlebrook Drive Suite E, Liberty

MEETING GROUNDS COFFEE: A newcomer to the Northland coffee scene, Meeting Grounds is making a name for itself, and they offer pup cups for your furry friends! 124 S Forest Avenue, Liberty

Scan

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Sarah is Senior Community Manager for Yelp Kansas City. She’s a lifelong Kansas Citian, loves supporting local businesses, and lives with her daughter and husband.

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Coffee Shops in the Northland according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the coffee and tea category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Northland area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of September 5, 2023. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of September 5, 2023.

LOCAL EXPERIENCES
OCTOBER 2023
Casie W. on Yelp
for more photos and the full list.
best places and things to do in our area.
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Case Study

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HOW WE DID IT

We teamed up with the homeowner for a smart pricing strategy, and experts staged and photographed the home for maximum appeal.

We used traditional and tech-savvy marketing to reach buyers, tailoring each plan to the sellers goals, price, area, and market trends.

Thanks to our team’s expert negotiation skills, we were able to secure the best possible deal for our clients, with terms that met their needs and goals.

WHAT’S YOUR HOME

LET US HELP

(816) 452-4200 | 310 NW Englewood Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118 Each office is independently owned and operated. KANSAS CITY NORTH 5607 SPINNAKER POINTE
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LITTLE SAIGON SERVES BIG FLAVOR IN THE NORTHLAND

Saigon, the historic name for what is also known as Ho Chi Minh City, seems about as far away from Kansas City as you can travel. With a population over 9 million, it’s Vietnam’s largest city and one known for its beautiful temples, gracious people and vivacious culture. And, yes, then there’s the food. Lucky for you, authentic Vietnamese cuisine is closer than you think.

Find a taste of Vietnam right off of North Oak Trafficway

Those who regularly travel down North Oak Trafficway in Gladstone are familiar with the little cluster of restaurants and shops known as Little Saigon, a favorite area for those who appreciate the power of a good spring roll and a vermicelli dish.

San’s Sandwiches is one of these local favorites. The description on its menu includes pate, beef, egg, xiu mai, lettuce and cucumber. You can get spicy beef noodle soup on the side, or maybe a rice cake with grilled pork or ham. All sandwiches are served with

HOT SPOT | FOOD + BEVERAGE 16

carrots, jalapenos, pate, mayo, cilantro and daikon, the last of which is a mild radish for those not familiar with the vegetable.

One is quick to realize that you’re not in Kansas (sorry, Missouri) anymore.

Known for its healthy combinations of steamed vegetables, protein and rice, the selection of Vietnamese sandwiches at San’s provides a nice alternative to the drive-thru routine that many families fall into once school and sport practice schedules start again.

Walk around the corner and there is Lotus Hot Pot & Grill and GoCha Tea & Beverages, a bubble tea store that serves Vietnamese coffee and a decadent Coconut Oh LaLa drink that is simply fun to say. Walk a bit further and you come to Broken Rice, a Vietnamese street food restaurant that greets you with a colorful scooter in the entry reminiscent of those you see on the busy streets of Vietnam. The energy, vibrancy and hustle and bustle of Vietnamese city streets is the inspiration behind this family-owned restaurant that has called the Little Saigon corner of Gladstone home for six years.

“Vietnam is known for its street food,” owner Viet Cao says. “People on motorbikes drive by, grab it and go.” Although Viet and his wife, Emma, started out small and with a focus on street food style dishes, they have grown over the years in both loyal

customer base and menu. “Although we still sell a lot of street food, we’ve adapted it to our customer base,” he explains.

What makes this restaurant extra special is that they truly cook from the heart. Not professional chefs, Viet says they cook for their customers like they cook at home, even if that means running out of certain dishes by the end of the weekend because they sell out.

As explained on the restaurant’s website, broken rice has long been a staple of Vietnamese culture. When rice was broken during processing or transit, it was sold at a cheaper price and typically served with a bowl of soup on the side to help it go down a bit easier. What was born from practicality grew into a cultural norm, broken rice is now readily available on city

LITTLE SAIGON PLAZA

LOCATION: 6583 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone

WEBSITE: Broken Rice: Brokenricemo.com

Gocha Tea & Beverages: Kcgocha.com

San's Sandwiches: Sanssandwichestogo.com

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streets in Vietnam and enjoyed by everyone as a bit of a nostalgic treasure. You’ll find broken rice items on the menu here because, well, of course you should.

When asked what sets them apart from other restaurants, Viet was reluctant to boast, preferring to let their growing customer base speak for itself. Such humility was witnessed again in his support of the entire area, stressing that he wants to see all businesses in Little Saigon succeed and become a “one stop shop” for customers. In fact, he said he’s fine with people bringing in

GoCha drinks while eating at the restaurant, happy to share in the area’s success and grow together.

The opportunity to travel to Vietnam might not be feasible for everyone, but you can literally walk around a one-block area in Gladstone and grab bánh mi – a popular baguette sandwich – or pho dish and Vietnamese coffee without traveling farther than a single zip code. It might not be the same as navigating the streets of Vietnam on a motorbike, but it sure is a sweet little taste .

HOT SPOT | FOOD + BEVERAGE
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BURST YOUR BUBBLE

New to boba? Boba tea – or “bubble” tea – is an increasingly popular drink with little tapioca balls on the bottom. Originating in Taiwan, the drinks have risen in popularity due to the novelty of the chewy little ball treats and amazing flavors that accompany them. With everything from strawberry matcha latte, brown sugar Oreo and pom hibiscus tea on the menu, GoCha in Little Saigon will appeal to both experienced bubble tea drinkers and those just jumping on the boba tea train. Swing by and enjoy the ride.

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HOT SPOT | FOOD + BEVERAGE 20
502.295.2251 hannahschreinerphotography.com NOW BOOKING 2024 SENIORS! 21 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND OCTOBER 2023

RED KINGDOM TURNS ORANGE

“But they also have this thing on Texas toast, a barbecue chicken strip sandwich which I like a lot, and Brittany always makes us get the honey butter chicken biscuits in the morning,” Mahomes said on his radio show on Sport Radio 610AM in November 2021.

Mary Ann Harvey of Parkville grew up in Tyler, Texas, same as Mahomes.

PATRICK MAHOMES BRINGS TEXAS-SIZED

FLAVOR TO KC WITH WHATABURGER

Patrick Mahomes has brought a lot to Kansas City: Two Super Bowl championships and a third appearance; an elevated women’s soccer presence; international attention to Kansas City; and just a whole lot of fun at Arrowhead Stadium.

But for some, his greatest contribution to the metro is a simple hamburger: Whataburger.

“If you want a juicy burger that tastes super fresh and a crisp side of fries, they’ve got you. And me!” says Lori Timmons Gunderson of Parkville, who admits to being a closet fast foodie.

Rebecca Pool just moved to Riverside from Atlanta last year and can’t wait until the Parkville location opens in November.

“To have Mahomes be from a small town in Texas and make a push to bring WhataBurger past its Texas roots is amazing,” she says.

A native of Tyler, Texas, Mahomes has often told the story of babysitting his younger brother while their mom worked and they would walk down the street for a burger. He’s a huge fan of the spicy ketchup and No. 1 with cheese, ketchup, pickles only, with a large fry and large Coke.

“When I was a teenager, many moons ago, I remember them as big and flat and salty,” she says. “I think they have changed since I was a kid and I think the version they are making now is better.”

There are now 11 Whataburgers in Kansas City. The fourth Northland location is set to open in November in Parkville, adjacent to Ace Hardware across from Price Chopper on Highway 45. In all, KMO Burger, in which Mahomes is an investor, plans more than 30 locations from Wichita to St. Joseph. There are 930 orange Whataburgers in 14 southern states.

But to really appreciate this little hamburger, a trip to Corpus Christi, Texas is a necessity. A guy named Harman Dobson and Paul Burton founded the company in this Gulf Coast town in 1950. Although the corporate headquarters is now in San Antonio, burger aficionados still pilgrimage to Corpus Christi for a complete immersion into the burger culture.

The original location at 2609 Ayers Street was torn down long ago. However, in 2005, the company built a replica at 4126 South Staples as a testament to the popularity of the burger chain that began there.

While you are in Corpus Christi, which is the gateway to Padre Island National Seashore, you’ll want to take in a baseball game with the Corpus Christi Hooks. They are a Houston Astros minor league team sponsored by Whataburger.

NOW OPEN | FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Make sure you take in a home game on Wednesdays, which are Whataburger Family Days. That’s when the Hooks temporarily change their name to the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits. Isn’t that the best name ever for a sports team?

The team store includes a team jersey for the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits. Although it’s orange, if you wear that to a Chiefs game, there’s a good chance #15 will surely see you stand out in the field of red and give you a thumbs up.

While people will always argue about their favorite burger joint, and not everyone is a Whataburger fan, it’s pretty much agreed that the ketchup selection at Whataburger is a fun treat.

It’s not an official title with the company, but let’s call it the “ketchup concierge.” That’s the person who, after your order is delivered to your table, comes around with a tray filled with salt, pepper, extra napkins, and an impressive selection of condiments.

In addition to barbeque sauce, dipping sauces and mustard, Whataburger has two signature ketchups. The ketchup concierge is there to answer questions.

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The "ketchup concierge"
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Photo courtesy of Whataburger
NOW OPEN | FOOD + BEVERAGE
24
Photo courtesy of the Corpus Christi Hooks

“Whataburger Fancy Ketchup is a proprietary blend of fresh ingredients and spices, giving it that “just right” combination of tang and sweetness,” says Miranda Grubbs, Public Relations Coordinator for Whataburger.

“We add red jalapeño puree to its counterpart, Whataburger Spicy Ketchup, for the perfect marriage of sweet and heat.”

An informal, unofficial survey of customers at the three Northland locations indicates the preference of Clay and Platte County burger buyers is spicy ketchup.

But after the Parkville store opens in November, let’s re-tally the votes and see how the Northland prefers its ketchup.

NORTHLAND WHATABURGER LOCATIONS

• 600 NW Barry Road, Kansas City

• 9100 Block MO-45 Highway, Parkville

• Highway 152 & North Booth Avenue, Kansas City

• 8851 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City

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PICKIN' AND GRINNIN’

A round-up of U-Pick farms in the Northland

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
FARMERS MARKET | FOOD + BEVERAGE 26
Nan's Berry Farm

While tractors are harvesting corn and soybeans across the Midwest in the fall, non-farmers like myself flock to the apple orchards and pumpkin patches, donned in our cute fall ‘fits with adorable baskets and camera phones at the ready. While most of us don’t have to farm our own food anymore, sometimes it’s nice to step into the fields to get our hands dirty and find some peak local produce that we picked ourselves, even if we give up the second it gets too hot.

While it’s fall now, and the peak of harvest for our neck of the woods, there are U-pick farms all over the Northland with produce and plants to pick throughout the entire growing season. I’ve collected them for you here so you can play farmer for a day — or, depending on your stamina, the hour.

WHAT GROWS HERE — AND WHEN

Here are the plants to find at U-pick farms in the Northland and when you’ll likely find them ready to pick. Check each farm’s website to make sure their crop is ready, because each year can vary depending on weather and availability.

Apples: September-October

Blackberries: July and August

Blueberries: June-July

Cherries: Mid-May to early July

Christmas trees: November-December

Flowers: Varies depending on variety

Peaches: July and August

Pumpkins: September-October

Raspberries: June-July

Strawberries: May-June

U-PICK FARMS IN THE NORTHLAND

Allredge Orchard

10455 North Highway, Platte City

What to pick: Apples, peaches and pumpkins

Entrance fee: $6/person ages 2 and up, with a discount on U-pick with admission. Additional costs for the slide and train ride. You do not have to pay admission to just pick apples.

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Fulk's Farm
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Nan's Berry Farm

What else you’ll find: In addition to the apple picking and pumpkin patch, Allredge has a hayride, play area, barnyard animals, barn store, and their own cafe.

Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch

17607 NE 52nd Street, Liberty

What to pick: Pumpkins

Entrance fee: Weekday tickets start at $18.95 online. Children 2 and under are free.

What else you’ll find: Carolyn’s is less of a farm and more of a fall-themed amusement park, but you can take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own! They’re known for their fall foods, like apple cider donuts and kettle corn, plus they have train rides, a carousel, lots of play areas for the kids, barn animals, live music, pig races, trampolines, slides, corn pit and more.

Fulk’s Farm

23400 State Route 92, Platte City

What to pick: Christmas trees

Entrance fee: Free

What else you’ll find: Fulk’s generational farm is solely a Christmas tree farm, though during the season, they also have other Christmas wares for sale in their farm store — and, of course, hot chocolate. On the farm, you can chop down your own scotch and white pine trees, or you can find precut fir trees like balsam and douglas firs on the lot.

The Fun Farm

650 North Jefferson Street, Kearney

What to pick: Apples, pumpkins, strawberries and tulips

Entrance fee: Weekday tickets start at $16.95 online. Children under 2 are free. What else you’ll find: The Fun Farm in Kearney is probably one of the larger farms to explore in the Northland — we typically can’t get to all the activities in one visit. Their tulip fest in the spring is huge and impressive, and things pick up again in the fall with apple picking. However, you can also entertain the family with their petting zoo, many treehouses to explore, barnyard games, slides, a corn pit, obstacle courses, trampolines, and the country store.

Historic Weston Orchard

18545 County Road H, Weston

What to pick: Apples, blackberries, cherries, peaches, pumpkins and strawberries

Entrance fee: $5 in the summer and $9 on fall weekdays ($15 for weekends), ages 2 and up

What else you’ll find: Weston Orchard has some of the biggest variety of produce of Northland farms, but they’ve got activities, too! Though some of the activities vary by season, they have obstacle courses and games for the kids, a corn pit, petting zoo, treehouses, hay rides, a zipline, carousel, corn maze and a zinnia garden for photo ops.

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The Fun Farm
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“WHILE MOST OF US DON’T HAVE TO FARM OUR OWN FOOD ANYMORE, SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO STEP INTO THE FIELDS TO GET OUR HANDS DIRTY AND FIND SOME PEAK LOCAL PRODUCE THAT WE PICKED OURSELVES.”
Historic Weston Orchard Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch
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Nan's Berry Farm
FARMERS MARKET | FOOD + BEVERAGE
Red Barn Farm Red Barn Farm
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Red Barn Farm

Nan’s Berry Farm

908 F Highway, Smithville

What to pick: Blackberries and blueberries

Entrance fee: Free to pick

What else you’ll find: Formerly Duncan’s, this charming berry patch next to the owner’s residence is such a calming place in the countryside dedicated only to berry picking. You won’t find any additional activities here, but they do sell treats at the cash register and photo opportunities abound! Make sure you sign up for a picking slot on their Facebook page.

Pumpkins, Etc

10700 Farmer’s Lane, Platte City

What to pick: Pumpkins (and other squash) and sunflowers

Entrance fee: Free

What else you’ll find: During the late summer, get a photo op and pick some tall sunflowers, or come back in the fall to take a wagon out to the pumpkin patch. If you don’t want the trek, find some pre-picked pumpkins, as well as mums and other produce. They also have two mazes and hay bales to climb.

Red Barn Farm

16300 Wilkerson Road, Weston

What to pick: Apples, pumpkins and wildflowers

Entrance fee: Free general admission, with costs for the maze, grain train, pony rides and hayrides

What else you’ll find: The Red Barn Farm now has their own barbecue for sale due to a partnership with The Rub, in case you forgot to pack your picnic! Kids will also enjoy all the rides mentioned above, plus the barnyard animals and country store. They also now have a you-pick wildflower patch in the late summer.

Taylor Family Orchard

1 Crawford Lane, Liberty

What to pick: Apples, blackberries, peaches and raspberries

Entrance fee: Free to pick

What else you’ll find: This orchard is primarily just that — an orchard! However, the family who runs the farm does have baked goods and other treats for sale, and they also offer educational tours or plein air painting sessions by appointment.

owenhomeskc.com owenhomesllc
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CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS

ZERO-PROOF DRINKS

ARE STILL ONE HUNDRED PERCENT FUN

THE NEW DRINK TREND IS NO-AND-LOW ABV DRINKS, AND YOU CAN FIND THEM IN MENUS ALL OVER KC

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

TREND SETTER | FOOD + BEVERAGE 32

Today, young adults, especially Generation Z, are drinking less than the generations before them. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, adults ages 18-34 are consuming 1.6 less drinks per week than the same age group reported 20 years ago. And it looks like local bars and restaurants are catching on.

If you’re going out for drinks with a group, avoiding alcohol can sometimes be a landmine. Perhaps you have a new pregnancy you’re not ready to announce, or you’re struggling with your relationship with alcohol and don’t want to partake, but feel pressured by others to imbibe. Sometimes, you just want to get a drink without alcohol in it and don’t want to have to explain yourself. Now, having an alcohol-free drink is easier than ever with a host of mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks on menus across Kansas City.

Sarah Nelson, the owner and chef at Ombra , a small plates restaurant that opened in December 2022 at Briarcliff, was hearing about this drinking dilemma from pregnant friends.

“I personally have a lot of friends that are having babies — I’m having a restaurant instead,” says Sarah. “And they have almost all told me stories about ‘Oh, you know, I hadn’t told any of my friends that I was pregnant yet and we all went out for drinks and then I look at the menu and there was literally nothing that I could order that was not just like “virgin this” or like something like really obvious.’ Essentially, they all just had stories of pretty much being outed by their order. So I wanted to make sure that we definitely had some options that were their own names and their own drinks.”

Sarah felt strongly that all of the drinks on her menu — whether they contained alcohol or not — did not explicitly sound like they were mocktails. All the drinks have punchy names, so it’s easy for people to fly under the radar with their order if they’re not drinking alcohol. On Ombra’s menu, there’s a “cocktails” section and then a “non-alcoholic libations” section, which includes teas and sodas, and then her list of zero-proof drinks.

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On Ombra’s menu, the non-alcoholic drinks are just as exciting as the cocktails. The drinks aren’t made with the absence of alcohol in mind — they’re just fun drinks being made to stand on their own. One of the zero-proof drinks, the Mint Condition, which is made up of handsqueezed lemonade, mint, fig and soda water, was actually such a hit that they added vodka to it and included it on their cocktail menu — there, it’s called Gettin’ Figgy With It.

Because Ombra rotates its menu seasonally, its other two mocktails are full of fall flavor. This autumn, they’re serving the Chai Tea Mar(tea) ni, made with chai tea, egg white and citrus, and the other is a riff on a classic cocktail — the Classic Americano, made with local Messenger espresso, tahini, demerara sugar and soda water and served in a sesame seed-rimmed glass. It’s a big brunch favorite.

Ombra also offers non-alcoholic beers — a Heineken and a Paulaner radler. They’ve served non-alcoholic wines in the past, but because NA wines have a shorter shelf life and there is less interest in them than the cocktails and beer, Sarah still isn’t sure if they have a place on the menu. And she’s still looking for NA liquor that is up to snuff, especially when it comes to whiskeys.

You can see the zero-proof trend catching on in other places in Kansas City, too. Wild Child opened in July in Shawnee, and is dedicated exclusively to no-and-low ABV drinks. The bar is the brainchild of owner Jay Sanders, who also owns the bar Drastic Measures, which received a James Beard Award nomination this year for outstanding bar.

As the owner of Ombra, it’s important for Sarah that all her patrons have an excellent time at her restaurant, no matter what they’re ordering.

“Everybody gets to be part of the same experience and that is really important to me,” says Sarah. “Because this is definitely an experience place.”

Ombra: Small plates and libations

Located in The Village at Briarcliff

4161 N Mulberry Drive, Kansas City

ombrakc.com

35 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND OCTOBER 2023
“Everybody gets to be part of the same experience and that is really important to me,” says Sarah. “Because this is definitely an experience place.”

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with this simple recipe.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice cream.

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37 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND OCTOBER 2023

Pretoddler (age 18-months) - 12th Grade

Oakhill Day School will seek diversity in its student body and welcome enrollment by students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law. It prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected category under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), specifically, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender or sex, race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in Oakhill Day School’s educational programs or activities.

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curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. OCTOBER 2023 facebook.com/oakhilldayschool Find us on Facebook Your Story Unfolds at Oakhill
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pumpkin-themed vendors, pumpkin-themed food, pumpkin-themed giveaways and so much more! Enjoy live music from local musicians Tica Felise, The DeeGees and Ellex and Penney! Find more information at historicdowntownliberty.org .

OCTOBER 7TH-8TH

Applefest

VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN WESTON | 10:00 AM

Come to Weston for apple alley, apple treats, an apple-themed parade starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, live music, kids' games, and an apple butter demonstration. This year, there will be music entertainment and vendors in the O'Malley's Pub parking lot. Apple dumplings are served at the Christian Church on Washington Street. For more information on vendors and parking, visit westonmo.com

OCTOBER 7TH

Oktoberfest

DOWNTOWN KEARNEY | 12:00 PM

Kearney's 12th Annual Octoberfest celebration has moved to downtown! Activities include live music, local vendors, a kid's carnival, games, and more! All proceeds of the event will go to three local charities: the Kearney Food Pantry, Fulfillment House, and the Kearney Enrichment Council. We can't wait to see you there!

OCTOBER 12TH

Make Your Own Yarn Monsters

NORTH KANSAS CITY PUBLIC

LIBRARY | 10:00 AM

Join us on a Thursday to make your own yarn monster. We will use card board, yarn, and markers to create your own monster.

OCTOBER 14TH

Kyleigh’s Gift Walk

LIBERTY HOSPITAL | 5:00 PM

Join us for our 10th Annual Kyleigh’s Gift Walk on October 14th! With your support and participation, we hope to raise much-needed funds

Your family’s comfort is important to us here at Gladstone Furnace & A/C Co. That’s why we only install the very best Heating, Air Conditioning, and indoor air quality products available in Kansas City, MO. Our trained and seasoned staff is fully equipped to handle your HVAC equipment and indoor air comfort questions and needs. (816) 452-0400 www.gfac1948.com HEATING AND COOLING SINCE 1948 GET SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS CONTINUED > 39 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHLAND OCTOBER 2023

Where every child is one-of-a-kind

to benefit the Kyleigh’s Gift, which provides infant wellness education and resources, as well as parental support for pregnancy and infant loss at Liberty Hospital. Register at:  www.libertyhospitalfoundation. org/kyleighsgift

OCTOBER 14TH

Howl-O-Ween

WAGGIN' TRAIL DOG PARK, NORTH KANSAS CITY | 1:00 PM

Dress your pups in costume for a day out at Waggin’ Trail Dog Park! Pups can participate in a costume contest, raffle, photo op, meet with dog vendors, and more. With a suggested $5 or item donation each dog will receive a trick-or-treat bag along with entry. No children under the age of 5 allowed inside the designated dog area.

OCTOBER 14TH

Weston Tobacco Fest

WESTON TOBACCO AT 357 MAIN STREET, WESTON, MO | 10:00 AM

The Weston Tobacco Festival is an annual community celebration in Missouri featuring live music, casino games, food and beer. The festival is held amidst the year’s tobacco crop, and guests can purchase cigars and other tobacco products to take home or enjoy at the event. Find more info at westontobacco.com .

OCTOBER 21ST

Cheers to Cheese Festival

GREEN DIRT EVENT BARN IN WESTON | 3:00 PM

Green Dirt Creamery has paired up some of your favorite breweries with cheeses from the area to create the best beer and cheese pairing imaginable. Each ticket holder will get a chance to vote for their favorite beer and cheese team to crown the fan-favorite pairing! Tickets start at $35. Find them at greendirtfarm.com .

EVENTS CONTINUED We provide a positive & nurturing environment for children from birth to third grade. Now Accepting Teaching Applications 816.326.8878 | NewHopeMontessoriSchool.com 4166 NW Barry Rd, KCMO 64154
New Hope Montessori School Love · Learn · Grow EVENTS 40

OCTOBER 28TH

Halloween in the Park MACKEN PARK IN NORTH KANSAS CITY | 6:00 PM

Enjoy trunk or treating, games, and treats while having some Halloween-themed fun in Macken Park from 6 pm to 8 pm.

OCTOBER 28TH

Weston Whiskey Fest

WESTON TOBACCO AT 357 MAIN STREET, WESTON, MO | 2:00 PM

Join us on October 28th for the 7th annual Weston Whiskey Festival. Explore whiskies from all around the world with hundreds of whiskey nerds just like you. We’ll have whiskey and cigar pairings available from Weston Tobacco. Tickets start at $60. Find more information at wtwhiskeyfest.com .

OCTOBER 28TH

Trick or Treat Village at PCPeds

PRIORITY CARE PEDIATRICS AT 9405 N OAK TRFY | 3:00 PM

Priority Care Pediatrics is excited to welcome back their annual Trick or Treat Village! Bring the family for some tricks, treats, and games including: spooky scavenger hunt, trick or treating, photo booth and more!

OCTOBER 31ST

Trick or Treat

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIBERTY | 5:00 PM

Are you ready to get your spook on?

We're thrilled to announce Trick or Treat in Historic Downtown Liberty on the Square on October 31st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for a frightfully delightful evening of trick or treating, where you'll get to show off your best costumes and collect some sweet treats along the way.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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A FLAVORFUL FIESTA

Located in Zona Rosa, Anejo Modern Mexican Cuisine is a brand-new restaurant that beckons patrons with its vibrant atmosphere and a tantalizing fusion of Mexican and Southwestern flavors. Having recently dined at this culinary oasis, I am thrilled to share my experience.

Upon entering Anejo, you are enveloped in a warm ambiance that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional Mexican elements. The open space exudes an inviting charm, making it perfect for a great date night spot or a lively happy hour gathering with friends.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. Anejo’s menu is a testament to creativity and craftsmanship. Their guacamole and queso are an absolute must-try. For the guacamole, the combination of perfectly ripe avocados, fresh herbs, and a hint of lime is a burst of flavor that sets the tone for the meal. For appetizers, the street corn and choriqueso are delightful choices, each showcasing a unique twist on classic Mexican fare.

Moving on to the entrees, the selection at Anejo is diverse and sure to please any palate. The carne asada, marinated to perfection and cooked with precision, practically melts in your mouth. Seafood enthusiasts will be delighted by the mojarra frita dish and the grilled fish. A friend of mine had “Angel’s Favorite,” a dish of grilled mahi mahi fish, and shrimp, cooked with mixed veggies, and he absolutely loved it.

The drink menu at Anejo is even more impressive, boasting an extensive list of tequilas and mezcal. The margaritas, in particular, are a crowd favorite, with the spicy jalapeño margarita providing a pleasant kick. They also have a painkiller margarita that will wash your cares from the busy week away with every sip. There is an incredible happy hour with great deals on specific drinks and appetizers on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Service at Anejo is attentive and friendly. The staff’s knowledge of the menu is commendable, and they are more than willing to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies.

DISHES I RECOMMEND:

Anejo Modern Mexican Cuisine is a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Mexico and the Southwest. With its inviting ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and stellar service, it’s a destination that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite sport or a visitor seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Anejo should be at the top of your list. My recent visit was nothing short of a flavorful fiesta, and I can’t wait to return for another delectable adventure.

Street tacos, carne asada, cheese dip, painkiller margarita, spicy jalapeno margarita

ZONA ROSA'S ANEJO MODERN MEXICAN CUISINE IS WORTH A VISIT - OR TWO
CULINARY CREATIONS | FOOD + BEVERAGE 42
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Walk-ins Welcome Shop Local $10 OFF $10 OFF Bring in this Ad For your Order (see store for details)

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