Sometimes I like to walk around Loose Park in Kansas City and pretend like I just walked out my back door. And the park is my own private rose garden.
If it was, I could walk around as soon as I got out of bed. In my pajamas. Leaning over to close my eyes and breathe in the fragrance every few minutes.
I might pull a few stray weeds here and there if I noticed any.
I could wander inside and get the coffee going and then walk back outside with my clippers and a big flat basket. And I could make jumbled up arrangements of roses, carelessly arranged, yet always managing to look just right.
As it is, I am grateful to have the opportunity to wander through it on a regular basis. And when I do, I thank Ella Loose who gave the property to the city in honor of her husband AND the Kansas City Rose society who started their work way back in 1931.
Joan was sporting her newly knitted poncho on our excursion this week. This makes the 7th person I know who is currently knitting, or just finished this project. It looks good on everyone. Which is the best reason to make it.
She wore it for our "first of the year" visit to the Kauffman Gardens, where we spotted a blooming horizontal espalier, one of my adopted cats, a beautiful orchid, some johnny-jump-ups, and a new garden sculpture project to figure out how to make.
All this beauty worked up a powerful hunger in us so we went and got lunch. Followed by dessert. We could not decide between the cranberry oatmeal cookie and the nut bar so we did the smart thing and got both. A very wise choice.
If you find yourself around 18th and Baltimore you will need to check out Mildred's Coffeehouse... and everything else in the neighborhood. On my way home I bought pansies and put them in pots on the front porch. I couldn't stop myself after seeing these.
City excursions are the best. Especially with a good friend. I hope you have one planned soon.
Looking in the windows at the Crestwood Shops got me all excited last week. They filled my head with possibilities.
New things I could do with yarn and lemons.
Or pine cones and and old suit? Mary Stanley could school me for sure in how to approach the building of an owl from such materials.
I never get enough of itty bitty flower arrangements. Especially when they are in blue bottles. And don't you love the color choices and striping pattern in this sweater? Such clean nautical lines.
This house has not one thing to do with the windows in the shops, but I just wonder what kind of person would think to put hello on their door in a sweet font. I think they might want to be my friend.
And, if all that wasn't enough, guess who just figured out what to do with the contents of Angie's sewing box?
In addition to sipping on lattes, taking a walk, knitting, and trying to decide when I should finally break down and buy one of those wind sculptures, Joan and I also went out to lunch this week.
We settled on a little french bistro where they started us off with a thick slab of butter and a crusty baguette, which we decided would pair well with a couple of hard ciders.
Then, while we were waiting for lunch to arrive, we pretended we had arrived in Paris last night and this was our first meal out. We discussed what we should do on our first day in the city. Chocolate croissants, cafe creme's, a garden stroll, and train rides were all on the list.
Then Joan's "salade de chevre chaud" arrived, as did my "salade nicoise" and we oh-la-la'd and mmmm'd to our hearts content.
We sat up straight in our chairs and smiled in delighted contentment over the sheer luxury of a simply prepared, beautiful meal. Then, when we were done, we locked arms and strolled out of the restaurant in true Parisian style.
I might have made up that last part. But the next time we go that's what we will do. Right Joan?
In keeping with my premise that it is vitally important to know a great coffee spot in each and every section on the map, I present to you Second Best Coffee - 328 West 85th Street in Kansas City. There are 4 essential things you need to know about this java spot.
#1 They have a barista who is a perfectionist - he remade my coffee because he wasn't satisfied with how it looked the first time.
#2 An exceptionally fine preparation of my Gibraltar. Smooth and dark without being bitter.
#3 A small pastry case containing baked goods. Not too little and not too big, just the right size - so as not to overwhelm with too many choices. And in that case ... was this sour cherry pop tart from Heirloom Bakery.
#4 I love that the name describes their philosophy about coffee, and it was clearly on display during the preparation of my drink. "Second Best is not about self-deprecation, but a way for us to acknowledge and pledge that tomorrow's coffee will clearly make today's Second Best".
This was truly an enjoyable coffee experience. I feel that the sour cherry pop tart accompanied by the Gibraltar is likely the very best combination to be had there. However, I do not want to be hasty in my judgement. Therefore, I am making it my mission to return and consider other pastry selections to accompany the Gibraltar. Stay tuned.
I made my first trip of the year to Kauffman Gardens recently. No matter what time of year there is always something to see. This year I expected to see bulbs sprouting and buds bursting forth and maybe some Witch Hazel. And I did. See all of that I mean.
I did not expect to see all these decorative cabbage that looked as though they had been wintered over in pots. Will they replant them? Now? Later in the fall? I gotta find someone who works out there and get them on the payroll. To answer all my questions.
Nor did I expect to see this clever use of a "twisty" - Angie would have been delighted. Twisty lovers UNITE!!
And you can bet I will be back to see this Wysteria put on it's show like the ones in Carpinteria are doing right now at my friend Sharron's place.
If you live in the area, and you have wysteria, please send me an alert when yours start to do something so I won't miss this event.
A working knowledge of the location of the best coffee hang outs in my geographical area is something I consider my duty to possess. So whenever I hear about a spot that I haven't been to, I make it my business to get there. What follows is a thorough report on two places that have recently been brought to my attention.
I began my study at Crows Coffee, where I discovered the Gibraltar and a group of extremely nice baristas.
It turns out the Gibraltar is a rich smooth combination of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. I would consider it equivalent to the Cortado or the Flat White.
When I arrived and ordered our drinks the barista on the left told me he would make mine but hold on the other one until my friend arrived because the microfoam is best when you drink it right after it's made. Say what? Someone who wants to make sure my coffee experience is the best it can be? I'll be back here for sure. With a sketchbook.
As soon as I saw they also had a Gibraltar on the menu, my selection was made. I wanted to do a head to head comparison with the one I had earlier. I was extremely tempted to get the v60 pour over when I watched the care this fellow took as he made them. But there will be another visit for that.
I did not get a decent photo of my drink, but you get the idea (the Gibraltar was apparently named for the glass it is served in). It was also well prepared here. Rich and strong but still smooth and creamy. A perfect coffee drink.
Crows Coffee and Quay Coffee get high marks from me. They each had a good atmosphere and the people who were working were friendly. BUT the best thing about both places is the reason you go to a coffee shop is to get GREAT coffee. The coffee was excellent and my Gibraltars were skillfully prepared.
I had a most enjoyable time today strolling through the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City. Modern sculpture under blue skies = a most lovely way to spend an hour or so.
There are a quite a number of Henry Spencer Moore pieces here. Sigh.
My favorite part of the experience was watching this little girl run up and TOUCH a sculpture despite the fact that it reads "please do not touch the sculpture" on the bottom of every sign that explains each piece. She couldn't help it.
My second favorite part of the experience was that when we got back to my car both of our purses were still in the trunk despite the fact that I had somehow managed to leave the trunk open after we placed our purses in the trunk for security reasons.
Every year around this time two great companies in Kansas City come together to create something special. Something known as chocolate ale. They don't make a ton of it and once it hits the market it flies off the shelves.
Which is why Chris bought several bottles this week. I decided tonight, after getting home from work, that Friday, February 6th was the perfect day to open up the first bottle.
I know, I know, I should have had a frosty mug but I didn't want to wait for that.
I was thirsty. The odd combination of chocolate in beer is just as good as I remember it being last year. I do believe the brewmaster and the chocolatier achieved their goal of "harmonizing the interplay of chocolate and malt" (dang I wish I would have come up with that line).
If there is a better way to start the weekend that sipping on some chocolate ale I don't know what it is. Oh, and we're having pizza for supper while we watch this past week's episode of Master Chef Junior. As my dad used to say "it's a hot time in the old town tonight".
While we were at the knitting retreat I told my wine-drinking, chocolate-eating partner (aka Ann) that she had to model my recently completed Aran Wrap so I could take some pictures. She offered to take the photos of me in the wrap but that would have required me bossing her around about how to take the photos to my exact specifications.
It was when we reached this point in the photo session that I could see my model was reaching the limits of her patience with my precise instructions about exactly the shot I was going for. It might have had something to do with me telling her to angle her head slightly to the left while turning her torso to the right and asking if she didn't have some lipstick in her pocket that she could apply.
It was at this point that I called a halt to the photo shoot and we moved on to exploring the building you see in the background. We tried all the doors and looked in all the windows to try and determine just what it was. We are curious by nature.
When the security guard pulled up to see why we were trying to break in, he told us it was the gardening shed. He also provided his contact information in case we had further questions about other buildings on campus. To save us from conducting any further investigations on our own.
I tried out a new bakery the other day. I did it as an early "one and done" for February. See there, I am now officially ahead of myself in the resolution revolution game. Sasha's is technically in the library district, not far from the river market area in Kansas City, and worth the trip.
I forced myself to move away from my usual morning pastry selection. I did not get a scone, but rather let my inner Parisian come out by ordering instead, Pain au Chocolat.I was instantly transported back to a cold day in February of 2005 when I ate my very first chocolate croissant.
My sister and I had tumbled out of our hobbit hotel (Hotel du Bellay) in Blois, at the crack of dawn and we ventured out into the world of cafe creme and croissant for breakfast. Such a lovely and civilized custom.
Michelle, was the very nice young woman behind the counter who made every single person who walked in the door feel right at home by calling most of them by their first names, and if she didn't know your name she found something else to talk to you about. In the pastry case were many reasons to come back. And I haven't even told you that my cappuccino served in an apple green porcelain mug was warm and creamy and the perfect ratio of foam to espresso.
I did already mention the croissant was sheer perfection didn't I? Oh it was. It surely and purely was.
On Friday, in Kansas City, when it was almost 60 degrees out, I went to Loose Park. I saw a giant pin oak, and a bunch of other cool trees, played ring-around-the-rosy with a squirrel, stared with amazement as the flippers of the geese turned into ice skates as they came in for a landing on the frozen pond, and learned about the last major civil war battle west of the Mississipi (the battle of Westport) which took place on October 23, 1864.
I also studied the habits of the 4 year olds at recess, noting that girls like to hold hands and boys like to put stuff in their pockets.
There were crinkly leaves, Hi Ho! Cherry-O trees, and last but not least I swang on a swing for the first time in many years.
And that my friends, is my idea of a perfectly splendid day.
The other day as I was driving by a book store in Kansas City, my car veered off the road and I was compelled to go in. It's been too long since I have been inside the haven that is a local independent bookstore. Getting books from the library, or buying them on-line is so easy that I have forgotten what a wonderful experience it is to wander around a bookstore.
I love the "virtual exploration" of books as much as the next guy, and getting a free sample on a reader is great. But there is something about the smell of a bookstore, and the way that books are grouped in unexpected ways that just can't be beat. I had so much fun in the one in Kansas City that I went to two more in Lawrence when I got back to town.
I made extremely good use of my time during these explorations. I found one book I have been planning to buy, 2 that were on my "must check out" list, and one I had to pick up (and ultimately purchase) because of the cool cover. I have been sitting in front of this pile running my hands over the covers and the pages. Do you do that too? I like to see with my hands. It's been a problem my whole life.
The same day I came home with my 4 new books I also got "Can't we Talk About Something More Pleasant?" in the mail from my friend Joyce. I feel like a queen surrounded by luxury! Reading by the fire is on the agenda for the upcoming cold months. My neatly typed book reports will be coming shortly.
Today I ditched all the other things I thought about doing yesterday and instead I went on an urban hike. Whenever you finish working on a Saturday, in November, before it gets dark, when it is not cold or raining, and you are in Kansas City, it is BEST to go on a hike. A hike on the plaza is nice. No boots required.
I spent a perfectly delightful 2 hours or so strolling around, walking in and out of stores, looking in windows, taking pictures, buying a few presents, and if that wasn't enough... at the very end of it all I had a baked maple pumpkin latte at Kaldi's Coffee - formerly known as Latte Land. It was thick and creamy and completely delightful and not one bit frightful.
Tommorrow I may do all that other stuff that I had considered doing today. Unless I get another idea. Which is very possible. I am finally beginning to fully appreciate the fine art of very loose planning. I am pretty sure I just heard my two sisters fall out of their chairs laughing over that one.
Joan and I went on a scouting expedition to Succotash the other day.
I had been once before when it was in the City Market area, but it had been a long time. Way too long as it turns out.
The woman who took our order had meticulously applied lipstick and a to die for upsweep. But do not for one minute think that she was just another pretty face.
It was she, who suggested when we ordered the 7 layer citrus cake for dessert, that we consider starting with it as an appetizer.
Appetizer? Cake? Certainly not. Much better for dessert we said to each other. Not wanting to hurt her feelings though, we took a few bites when she brought it to the table.
Which led to a few more bites. Which led to our conclusion that she knew exactly what she was talking about when she suggested we begin the meal by awakening our appetites with dessert.
Joan had the monte cristo sandwich which is served on french toast and has the perfect blend of smoky ham and sharp cheddar.
I had the chicken salad along with the tomato soup and as you can see I cleaned my plate despite the 7 layer citrus cake appetizer.
We saved just enough of the 7 layer cake appetizer (which on the day we were there had 8 layers by the way) to polish off our meal.
If you are in the area you MUST consider a visit. In addition to a most excellent meal, the atmosphere is great, and the service first-class. Not to mention the advice which I believe should be considered life changing.
Joan and I went on a scouting expedition to Succotash the other day.
I had been once before when it was in the City Market area, but it had been a long time. Way too long as it turns out.
The woman who took our order had meticulously applied lipstick and a to die for upsweep. But do not for one minute think that she was just another pretty face.
It was she, who suggested when we ordered the 7 layer citrus cake for dessert, that we consider starting with it as an appetizer.
Appetizer? Cake? Certainly not. Much better for dessert we thought. We didn't want to make her feel bad though, so we took a few bites.
Which led to a few more bites. Which led to our conclusion that she knew exactly what she was talking about when she suggested we begin the meal by awakening our appetites with dessert.
Joan had the monte cristo sandwich which is served on french toast and has the perfect blend of smoky ham and sharp cheddar.
I had the chicken salad along with the tomato soup and as you can see I cleaned my plate despite the 7 layer citrus cake appetizer.
We saved just enough of the cake so polish off the meal with a few more bites of the 7 layer cake (which on the day we were there had 8 layers by the way).
If you are in the area you MUST consider a visit. In addition to a most excellent meal, the atmosphere is great, and the service excellent. Not to mention the advice which I believe should be considered life changing.
Today Jeanette and I met to draw each other, eat toast and drink coffee, talk about art, and in general have a meeting of the minds.
It is my firm belief that meetings of all kinds are most productive when accompanied by a nice refreshment. The toast at the Black Dog Coffee House filled the bill in that department.
I had the cranberry walnut toast with almond butter, honey, and a light sprinkle of sea salt. Crunchy on the outside, chewy warm on the inside, with just the right amount of almond butter and honey to complement the flavor without overpowering and then, just when it can't get any better, a touch of salt. This girls knows how to make some toast.
Did I mention that I had a cappucinno with flower art on top?
I did not get any sketching done during our appointment time because there was too much talking going on. PLUS I got to look at Jeanette's amazing (and I do mean amazing) book of watercolor flowers that she finds on her daily walks. Her command of color and texture is inspiring.
I did get some pictures so I can do blind contour drawings of her. She promised to still be my friend after she's seen them.
If you haven't scheduled your "beginning of fall art booster shot" you better get a move on. I left after mine ready to dive into my sketchbook with renewed vigor. I will be arranging another one for the winter. In the meantime if you want to see Jeanette's fabulous drawings...you can go to her flickr site.
Saturday we went to the Alexander Gardner exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. It's a collection of photographs from 1867-1868 and focuses on his work in the American west.
Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas 1867.
This is a lovely textural composition that is made from the caps of liquor bottles. It has absolutely nothing to do with the photography exhibit but I liked it very much all the same.
The exhibit is free and runs until January in case you live in the area. May I suggest Cafe Trio as the perfect setting for a lively post-exhibit discussion. It's just a few blocks away and if you get there in the next several months the patio is a lovely place to sit.
As I was driving to El Patron on Southwest Blvd in Kansas City Thursday night I happened upon this. Some mighty colorful street art. Even in suboptimal light, it was pretty spectacular.
Then I thought I saw what looked like a plane. Perched on top of some buildings. Right on Southwest Blvd. Flying perilously close to the power lines!
How was I to know that one of my favorite coffee places in KC had a DC-3 aircraft suspended over their factory? I crossed several lanes of traffic and pulled over to investigate.
It was cool to look at from all angles.
Had I been to El Patron and had my classic margarita on the rocks (with a salted rim) before I found the plane it is very likely that I would not have taken this photo. As it was it made me a little bit dizzy looking up from that angle.
While I am at it, the guacamole at El Patron is second only to the guacamole I had in San Miguel de Allende at La Gruta. In other words, exceedingly good. I had the fish tacos which were sublime but will also admit that I ate one third of Joan's chicken enchillada with mole sauce. I only did it because she is going on vacation soon and wants to look good in her bathing suit. I don't plan to wear one anytime soon myself and just wanted to be helpful.
P.S. if my bouncing from topic to topic while reading this post made you feel like you were in the cockpit of a plane doing loop-de-loops ... I just want you to know, I meant to do that.
I made it down to the River Market area in Kansas City today to check out The Farmhouse.
We started out with some crazy good fried green tomatoes that were served with onion & pepper jam, goat cheese, and mixed greens. They were creamy, crunchy, spicy, sweet. Seriously good. If you are an aficianado of the FGT - you must go. These are the best I have had in the area. They rank right up there with the ones I had in Asheville NC last fall.
Before heading down to the farmhouse I stopped to pick up my friend Joan. All her fountains were going and her angel wing begonias were eye-poppingly georgeous. I don't know why I didn't get a photo of them (probably because I was lamenting the fact that my fountain isn't working). Here is what I do have a photo of.
My fountain that I just put a new water pump in because the old one was broken. I did it all by myself because Joan made me think I could. That, and the strength I got from eating fried green tomatoes.
Next step - silicone application. Photo of successful addition of water to follow. Fingers crossed everyone.
If you find yourself in Kansas City with no plans for the day, may I suggest a vist to Loose Park followed by lunch at Webster House. I'm pretty confident you will enjoy both. Liz and I did last week.
Warning: Be aware that there is some interesting shopping to do at Webster house as well. If you are planning to have a drink with your lunch, shop first. No telling what you might decide you need after a cocktail.
I would like to report that the "celebration of spring" ceremony went off without a hitch today. Blooming baby bulbs that look like japanese iris, magnolia trees preparing to bloom, the amazing swirls of the ranunculus petals, and a redbird calling for his mate. The scent of gardenias drifting out to us. Not one speck of beauty escaped our notice.
We went to the Blue Bird Bistro for lunch. I couldn't decide between the vegetable stuffed sweet potato or the bacon corn chowder.
I did what any smart person would do. I had both. The sweet potato seemed so healthy. I felt it only right to balance it out with some bacon. When trying out a new restaurant you have to sample more than one dish. I can now say with some authority that Blue Bird Bistro was consistently delicious today.
My friend Joan and I ventured out into the heatwave of 20 degree temperatures yesterday. We usually like to go and find a new place to try out for lunch. Not this time. We both agreed that the comfort of the familiar was just what was needed.
We went to "You Say Tomato" and sat at our favorite yellow formica table and feasted on a sweet potato, corn, and onion gallette. I have a hard time not ordering the gallette of the day whenever we go. Reliably delicious.
I had my fingers crossed for grapefruit cake or strawberry rhubarb pie but found an acceptable substitute. When Joan and I go out for lunch at a place where dessert is worth eating, we believe in indulging.
Joan's sweet mom, Mary, died a little over a year ago. She has been on the roller coaster of good days and sad days that I am on right now. She can look at me and know when I might be on shaky ground.
Never, under any circumstances, should you underestimate the healing power of a shared piece of lemon coconut buttermilk pie from You Say Tomato. Think "freshly made lemon curd meets a newly baked macaroon", and put that in a flaky pie crust.
Angie and Mama Thompson were with us in spirit. They tried to talk us into getting 2 pieces of pie but we kept them in line. With some difficulty.
Because I only take my sister to the best places, we went to Room 39 tonight for dinner. The one down on 39th street by KU Med center. This is an under appreciated area of town. Completely magical at dusk with the lights and snow.
We dined on local cheeses, balsamic reductions, butternut squash spaetzle, herb encrusted sea bass, kale, goat cheese cheesecake with fruit compote and red wine syrup. Oh me, oh my. We melted into 2 puddles of contentment at the conclusion of our dining experience. Room 39 we officially bestow our highest praises on your dinner service.
I ambled into the Black Dog Coffeehouse the other day to see what kind of special latte they were brewing up for the holidays. Last year (or was it 2 years ago?) they had a sugar cookie latte that was perfection.
I found this instead. Toast! At a coffeehouse?
Oh yes. Toast at a coffeehouse. But not just any old ordinary toast. This is the king of toasts... and there were choices.
I selected the cranberry walnut and Liz decided on the pumpkin. Then we settled in and waited.
Blackdog you have reached a new pinnacle of "sublimeness" in my book. I hope this is going to be a regular item on your menu. If not you may have a riot on your hands when my sister comes to town for Christmas and I bring her here for toast.
Move over scones, lemon pound cake, and biscuits. Toast has come to town!
I finally got around to taking Dottie to Cafe Gratitude while she was here to see Angie.
They are an organic plant-based restaurant but anyone can find something to LOVE on their menu.
After much internal debate, I selected I am Humble.
Dottie went for I am Fortified.
We ended our dining experience with a chocolate macaroon ...
...and left feeling delightfully satisfied. Next time you are in Kansas City and want a uniquely delicious dining experience head for this place on Southewest Blvd.
Last week I spied some amazing pumpkin and gourd carvings on display at a place in the Crestwood Shops in Kansas City.
There were many more inside the store but it was a bit on the hoity-toity side so I kept the lens cap on while I was inside. The carving was done by a talented group of students at the Kansas City Art Institute. I'm not sure how much longer they will hold up, so if you want to see them get there soon.
While you are in the area, stop by Cafe Europa for a snack.
Request a seat by the window if it's available. The people watching in the area is something else.
Get the pumpkin tart if it's on the menu when you go. The waiter was kind enough to split it for Joan and I so we wouldn't stab each other with our forks in our haste to see who would get the first and last bites.
I finally had the chance to check out Oddly Correct this week.
I am going to admit from the get-go that I went with a teensy weensy bit of concern and a small bag of sugar in my purse. Yep. At this place they believe that coffee should be enjoyed for the pure unadulterated flavor of a straight-up cup of Joe. I am a cream and sugar girl. I also believe in being prepared.
This place has a good vibe and the baristas are skilled AND friendly. I decided to go with a cappucino and Joan got a latte. We sipped and went "mmmmmm". Joan said "do you taste molasses?" I said "I taste GOOD". It went back and forth like that for a few minutes as we let the silky smooth concoctions roll around in our mouths.
Maybe it was the use of the whole milk. Perhaps it was the perfect temperature. It could also have been the correct ratio of espresso to foam. Whatever. I can admit to the possibility that in this world there exists a cappucino so perfect that it does not need sugar ... because I have now tasted it.
In the midst of all our rhapsodizing this woman walked in and sat down for a pour over and a cruller. It was all I could do not to stand up and yell BRAVO at her sense of style.
I'm going back soon to try the pour over myself. I will of course get the cruller on the side. If I can't look like Lyndsey I can certainly follow her lead on the menu.
Nestled on a hill right up from the Crossroads Arts district, just adjacent to the Quality Hill neighborhood, is this totally funky area in Kansas City that I think is called Westside. It's where I went last Friday. Last Friday when I was not working. Unlike this Friday when I am working.
There is a lot to see here - people, buildings, restaurants, porches, flowers, crepes.... We ate at Chez Elle which was a totally delightful eating experience. I had the one with smoked salmon, artichokes, carmelized onion, herbed cream cheese, creme fraiche and capers. I gave it a 100 + swoon rating. We also walked by plenty of other places that demand closer scrutiny on another day off.
I love it when one adventure leads to another adventure.
Every single time I go to Kauffman Gardens, I swear I am going to go more often. And yet ... somehow 11 months have gone by since I last visited. That situation has now been rectified.
It's a restful place. Perfect for sitting and staring. Or chasing butterflies around.
I love getting ideas here for things I could do in my garden. Even if I never seem to do any of them. I like to live in the possible.
Not that this makes any difference, but there is also a guard cat there. A guard cat that is always on duty but will take time from his schedule for a bit of petting.
Unless there is an intruder that needs to be attended to. Then watch out, he's all business.
If you come to Kansas City, Penn Valley Park is a good place to get a great view of the city.
BUT... the reason I came here last Friday on an "exploring the city day" with Joan was to see this.
This is Scout, a sculpture created by Cyrus Dallun for the Panama-Pacific Expo in San Francisco in 1915. As he was making his way back east after the Expo, he stopped here for a viewing. Legend has it that the people of Kansas City liked him so much they raised $15,000 to buy him.
He looks like he belongs here to me. I can't believe I have lived in the area for almost 30 years and haven't seen him until now. Better late than never I guess.
If you are going to explore your city, it is important to have an adventurous partner to enjoy it with. If she happens to have a daughter who is available by phone with all sorts of helpful hints and factual tid-bits, so much the better (thanks Laurie Birt!).
Joan and I have already picked out another area of the city to explore in August, including a crepe restaurant to check out. Details will be forthcoming in our thorough report which will be respectfully submitted for your perusal as soon as the assignment has been completed.
I have been to cemeteries all over the world. Famous ones like Père Lachaise in Paris and Colonial Park in Savanah Georgia. When we were in Lisbon, my siser and I almost got locked in a cemetery for the night because we did not pay attention to the time when we were poking around. But I had never been to the oldest public cemetery (founded in 1857) in Kansas City Missouri ... until last Friday.
Union Cemetery is a peaceful spot in the middle of the city. There are no flowers on the graves and the grass is pretty tall in some spots. Just enough dilapidated-ness to give you that feeling of moving back in time, but not enough to make it feel neglected. A lovely setting to let the imagination roam as we worked to make out names and puzzle over the details on the markers.
I don't recall seeing markers in the form of a cut tree before. This one told a sad tale of a young woman who apparently died shortly after having a baby.
In case you decide to go, Sexton Cottage is open from 11am to 3pm on Fridays. We were there about 9am. The crows informed us they are in charge of things up on union hill when the cottage is closed.
If you ask they will tell you anything you want to know about the place. Shiny objects appreciated in exchange for information.
On the exploration of Kansas City this past Friday, Joan took me by Janssen Place, where the lumber barons lived at the turn of the century. She used to live in Central Hyde Park and my head was spinning this way and that as she pointed things out.
There are examples of Italian Renaissance, Jacobethan Revival, Neoclassical, and Georgian Colonial Revival house styles. I have no idea which is which. Here is what I do know. These houses are impressive. I wished someone would walk outside to shake the tablecloth after breakfast and invite us in, but they did not.
We also drove by "The Teddy Roosevelt House" where he may or may not have lived for awhile and where Earnest Hemingway may or may not have stayed for a period of time. It is best on these types of explorations to focus on innuendo and not concentrate on facts. Except for when it comes to lunch. Lunch must be at a place you are absolutely certain is good.
Keeping that principle in mind, we went to one of my favorite spots in the city. I told you about their grapefruit cake back in February.
I had the gallette of the day (sweet potatoes, tomatoes, yellow squash, sweet onions and smoked blue cheese), Joan had the pannini (ham, bacon, roasted pineapple, cumin cream cheese) and if that wasn't enough we split a piece of strawberry rhubarb pie with homemade vanilla ice cream. Joan is a rhubarb expert. She was raised on it up in North Dakota. She proclaimed this to be an excellent example of what can be done with rhubarb. I don't know anything about rhubarb. But I do know good when I taste it. Holy smokes!
After lunch we went outside and ran up and down the street about 25 times and each did a set of jumping jacks before we got back in the car to continue our day. Listen, if you live in the area and haven't been to YST. Make a date with yourself to GO.
On today's exploration of Kansas City we made it to Clark's Point. An area where the Corps of Discovery, led by Lewis and Clark, camped for 3 days in 1804 on their journey back home. Lovely views from up here, plus nice benches so you can sit and enjoy the sites from a shady spot.
A little treasure right in the middle of the city.
As we explored the area further, I spotted a man unloading supplies from his truck with a practiced hand. While he drove off to park I ran over to confirm my suspicions that he was a painter getting ready to set up.
When I saw him walking back towards his supplies, I couldn't help myself. I had to go and talk to him for a few minutes. He said he was about to get set up. I asked if I could take his picture and he said "sure let me just walk over there". I assured him that this spot was perfect.
When I asked, he told me his name was Wilbur Niewald. How was I to know he was the former chair of painting and printmaking at the Kansas City Art Institute? Actually, I could tell by the confident and unassuming way he went about his business he knew just what he was doing.
I love crossing paths with people like this. Just the kind of greatness I want to run into. At the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers no less.
I went to Loose Park last week on a field trip. The sky was gray and overcast on the day of my outing.
The grayness however, did not detract one iota from my enjoyment factor. As I walked through the paths I could feel the weight of the day slipping away from me... and how could it not?
First I looked. Then I sniffed. Then my eyes rolled back in my head. And it went on and on and on. Beauty upon beauty upon more beautifulness.
After I made a loop under the arbors I sat by the fountain for a rest. I thought about how nice it would be to live really close to this park.
Maybe in a storybook cottage with a sloping roof and a secret path that led right to the rose arbor. Imagine the bouquets I could make with Loose Park for a cutting garden. Of course I would never actually cut flowers from a public park for my own personal use. Just a little fantasy of mine you understand.
Besides, I have a perfectly good rose bush in a pot on my deck and 2 knock out roses that are putting out some decent blooms in spite of the whole witches broom problem. As soon as I get back from South Dakota though... I am putting 2 more rose bushes in pots out back. I got a rose monkey on my back and it ain't going away anytime soon.
If you are looking for a different sort of dining experience in Kansas City, get yourself over to Port Fonda. We had a Quail outing the other night and because we heard it was for the hippest of the hipsters we headed down to Westport to see what all the fuss was about.
The guacamole was PERFECT. Thick and chunky without a lot of sour cream or anything else. It is served with chips or vegetables. We got both. You MUST get the vegetables - cucumber, radishes, jicama, sliced and served cold with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of spices. A taste treat. The chips were thick and crispy and looked like they were fried on the premises.
I had the Shrimp Veracruzano. Shrimp, peppers, onions, spinach, in a spicy sauce served with really excellent soft, warm, corn tortillas. After I got the eyes and legs off my plate my squeamishness calmed right down and I tucked into this dish with gusto.
Jamie had to leave her sunglasses on for the first 90 minutes of our dining experience because she was facing the window. She got a new lip gloss recently. Nancy was smart enough to set with the window to her back and were therefore not in the least bit bothered by the sun.
Getting dessert after eating mexican food is something I usually don't do. Please do as I did if you come here. You must try the Donas de Requeson. A ricotta "doughnut" with a maple-mezcal tres leches poured on top. It made my knees weak, in a very good sort of way.
Yesterday while making our way through the streets of Kansas City we stumbled upon love central also known as The Gratitude Cafe.
Behold the pesto pelenta over spaghetti squash and spinach sauteed in a puttanesca sauce topped with brazil nut parmesan. If that isn't interesting enough, how about a CLT? That's toasted chipotle maple coconut, romaine, tomato, and guacamole on a bun with a spicy cashew aioli. Don't forget to top off your meal with a salted caramel macaroon and something hot to drink.
Did I mention that this is a Vegan restaurant and almost everythis is gluten free?
Hey Dottie, guess where we are going the next time you come to visit? You are gonna LOVE it!
We had the pleasure of dining at Starkers Restaurant on the plaza last night. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the butternut squash bisque. Before you die, promise you will make a pilgrimage here to try it. It's that good. I broke out of my usual routine of ordering scallops and instead selected the pistachio crusted lamb with a cherry gastrique accompanied by kale and pureed parsnips. I was quite satisfied with my selection. But the thing I keep thinking about is the drink I had to start the meal. With a name like this I am almost embarrassed to tell you about it. But tell you I must, because when you go I implore you to try it. It is the Libido Lifter. Made with Saint Germain Liqueur. I am going to have to pay someone off to get me the exact recipe. It's that or get a standing reservation for Tuesday nights and have them make it for me. Either one will work.
We went over to Kansas City to see the Titanic exhibit today.
It was an "ok" way to spend an hour or so. There were some interesting artifacts on display that have been recovered from the ship and I learned some things I hadn't even thought about before. I am curious enough to want to do some more reading but overall I was underwhelmed.
These were NOT a part of the exhibit. But someone at the exhibit was wearing them so I felt it was ok to include them here.
I popped in over at Hammerpress last week when I was exploring in Kansas City.
They are really nice there. They always say YES when I ask if it's ok to take pictures. They never seem to mind if I pick up and look at every single thing in the store. They don't give me the old evil eye when I run my hands over the samples that are there for that purpose. This last time I could tell the woman behind the counter really WANTED to say yes when I asked her if it would be alright if I ran the printing press thing-a ma-jiggy. I'm almost positive if I would have called it by it's proper name she would have let me.
Please ignore that rude fence that got in the way of my picture taking. Does that M not make you want you to sit down and practice your cursive writing because you know in your mind if you just practice and practice and practice some more you could do it exactly like that?
The M is just the start. I am equally in love with the i and the c and oh that h. And the curve of the a and the swirl of the e and that big show off L followed by the understated s.
If I could change my name to Michael's and write it just like that my life would be complete.
This place has been on my "get-to" list for a while now.
When you plan your trip to Fervere be sure and check the hours. They are limited. But oh, it's worth working around their schedule.
This is my loaf of orchard bread in this bag right here (their logo reminds me of the man from "Caps for Sale", but I digress). I have had several of their breads. All of them delicious, but orchard is my favorite.
It makes the perfect breakfast. Nutty, fruity, and chewy all at the same time. I like mine lightly toasted with a generous drizzle of honey on it. You knew I was going to say that didn't you? I am so predictable when it comes to bread and honey.
This whole area of town deserves a day of exploring. The views to downtown are great and I saw some interesting buildings. I am seriously going to have to cut back to half-time on my day job so I can have more time for my true calling. Messing around.
Can you say Polenta fries with sun-dried tomato catsup and spicy aioli? Lord, have mercy!
How about the chef's creation of grilled salmon served over a bed of vegetables with a honey orange beurre blanc sauce? Or maybe you are in the mood for a juicy burger and sweet potato fries? You can get it all at Urban Table.
Just be sure and save half so you can end the night sitting outside eating frozen custard on a Kansas summer night when it has cooled down into the 80's and the cicadas are making their music.
On Saturday we went to the Nelson Atkins museum in Kansas City to see a collection of art from the World's Fairs from 1851-1939.
We saw some cool stuff. Porcelain pottery so thin you could see through it. A 3 panel wooden framed screen with ocean waves done in silk embroidery that caught the light and created an unbelievable feel of motion.
Amazing bookcases and desks and chairs that were so beautiful I just wanted to run my hands over them. But ... there is a strict "no touching" policy at most art museums in the United States. Don't get me wrong. I understand the need for such a policy.
But that doesn't mean I have to like it. I don't think it's because I am a natural rebel. I truly believe it's because I experience things fully only if I can touch them. It also explains why I feel so much more comfortable out on the lawn with the shuttlecocks.
Just to be clear though. I was NOT escorted out of the Nelson. I was very good for 90 minutes until my hands could no longer behave themselves and then I went outside. Voluntarily.
Today I went to the Dolce Baking Company in Prairie Village. They have my favorite scone in the entire world there. The sweet potato scone. Unfortunately they did not have them today and I found out they will not have them again until the fall. Unacceptable. I didn't want to make a scene at the counter but I feel a petition coming on. "We want the sweet potato all year 'round!" I think it has a nice ring to it.
In the meantime I made do rather nicely with the cranberry-orange scone. I brought my everyday journal with me and had a grand old time sitting there writing as I listened to the conversations around me. As he got up to leave the man at the table next to me said "I don't know what you are doing, but it looks interesting". I smiled at him mysteriously so he would continue to wonder.
Meanwhile the flower shop next door has me all inspired to drag my pots out of the garage and go get some geraniums.
When we heard you opened a restaurant in KC we couldn't wait to try it out. Then we read the reviews. Uh oh. Let's just say they weren't very positive. We kept an open mind, determined to give you a chance.
From the moment we walked in the wrong door and were ushered up front to be seated, we found your staff to be friendly and attentive. Chris is really not praying the food will be ok. He's just waiting politely for me to make my selection.
My Mestizo margarita was appropriately tart without making me squint, the guacamole had a very pleasing earthy quality to it. Chunky but smooth and perfectly seasoned with cilantro. Some of the very best I have had anywhere.
Our dinner selections were very good. You don't find platanos on many menu's in KC. Their slight sweetness combined with the black beans and the very thin crisp outer layer melted in my mouth. The char on the skirt steak combined with the tomatillo sauce and sliced radish - authentic and delicous. The tamale del dia was a black bean with very thin salty plantain chips on top with a touch of queso fresco. Nice combination of textures and flavors.
We'll be back to Mestizo for sure. Aaron Sanchez we knew you wouldn't let us down.
and ended up at Liberty Memorial. We went into the National WWI Museum.
There is a lot to see there. It's well laid out and the displays are easy to walk through. Chris and I are compatible (and very sensible) museum goers. Spend only as much time as you want, go out to lunch, talk about what you saw, reinforce your learning. Plan to go back.
One of my favorite parts is just looking out over Union Station and downtown Kansas City. I love that old Western Auto sign.
The next time we are going to go up in the tower. Today we were too hungry. One of us thought our blood sugar might get low 1/2 way up the stairs and didn't want to have some kind of medical emergency that would cause a traffic jam.
If you want some good grub for breakfast in Kansas City high tail it on down to Room 39. It's right up the street from KU hospital - yes, right on 39th street.
They can also whip you up a first rate cappucino with perfect foam in a nice sturdy cup. Just the right size to go with breakfast. Not too little and not too big. Did I mention the totally cool art work on the walls? That alone is worth a visit.
If you're lucky, on your way out the door a very nice amateur photographer will offer to take your picture. In the event that your set-up shot happened to be a bit on the blurry side. Always better safe than sorry.
