Kansas City is the coolest!

Well I’ve been saying that for awhile, but now you can see for yourself by watching Season 3 of Queer Eye on Netflix. What a great feel good show! The entire Season 3 was shot in Kansas City, and much of it right in my neighborhood. Prior to this season I had never watched the show, but then it’s all everyone is talking about here so I binge watched the whole season, and it was so good I think I will watch the first two seasons shot in Atlanta. I’m adding group hug from the Fab 5 to my bucket list. I love them all!

Tan, Antoni and Jonathon riding the bus in KC.

Outside of my little trip to NYC in February you might be wondering what I’ve been up to. Well I’ve been enjoying much of what KC has to offer, which currently is a lot! At least a lot of what I love. Museums, theater, restaurants, coffee shops, and catching up with all my great friends! Plus I’ve been doing a little free lance work for a friend of mine in the bookkeeping/accounting area. More spending money is almost always a good thing right? And for me that means more money for my travel budget! After being gone for almost half of 2018 I was looking forward to letting my passport cool a little and reacquainting myself with my own city - but now it’s almost time for me to get back on the road and in the air!

So just a sampling of all the fun I’ve been having in Kansas City, and even if you don’t live here I really encourage you to get out in your own town and support the things you love and want to make sure will continue to be available.

Food!

Ragazza has finally re-opened in their new space. One of my favorite restaurants in KC and they have been closed for 6 months moving and renovating a new larger space. Incredible Italian food and right on the corner of Main and 43rd. Reservations necessary. Welcome back!

Another spot that is more casual that has quickly become a favorite is Parlor. Best description I have heard for it is an upscale food court. Located at 17th and Locust in the East Crossroads it is two levels with a huge bar on each level, 6 awesome unique restaurants, and lots of cool areas to visit with friends and watch sports etc. Open from 11 AM till late so give it a try!

I love a good crepe and Seven Swans even makes vegan options. Really a food truck but for the winter was located in a warehouse Thursday to Sunday. This is their last weekend in the warehouse because thank goodness it looks like spring is here. Look for them when you see foodtrucks and give it a try!

Lastly I’ll highlight the opening on the Plaza of True Food Kitchen. It just opened 2 days ago so I have a reservation to eat there tomorrow night, but I have eaten at the one in Phoenix. I have been so looking forward to their opening here as it is a restaurant focused on healthy delicious food - much of it plant based. Since the start of the new year I have been following a predominantly plant based diet and I feel great, but sometimes eating out can be a little challenging so this will be a welcome addition to the food scene here.

Museums!

The museum scene is strong in Kansas City, so I had some catching up to do. The fantastic Nelson Atkins Museum of Art hosted an incredible special exhibit of Napoleons riches. I saw it three times!

So sorry if you missed it. It’s on its way back to France now.

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has a cool exhibit currently by Polly Apfelbaum that is bright and fun. And as always totally free.

I didn’t really understand it but it just made me happy to see it.

I finally made it to the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio located on Belleview. Considered to be one of the great American painters he was born in Neosho MO and trained in New York. He moved to KC in 1935 and lived and painted here till the day he died in 1975. His home was given to the state by his heirs and you can tour the home and studio for $5. Everything is totally as he left it the day he died.

Thomas Hart Benton was the first artist ever to appear on the cover of Time Magazine.

I love the Missouri Repertory Theater and went to see both shows they have done so far this year, Pride and Prejudice and School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Both excellent! If you’ve never been to the MO Rep you are missing out. Professional theater at an affordable cost.

In addition to seeing more great ballet and symphony then I deserve by ushering at the Kauffman Center, a group of my good friends and I had a fabulous time hearing the symphony and enjoying wine together a fun night in January. Luckily there was no blizzard that night so everyone was able to attend.

A special treat for me - my kids got me tickets to Cirque du Soleil Crystal when it was here in Kansas City. I love any and all Cirque du Soleil shows and this one was all on ice! Fantastic! Thanks Tom, Keeley, Matt and Anna!

Last but not least lots of stops at fun coffeeshops! And every once in a while I go rogue from my plant based diet and have a special treat! Mildred’s is my current favorite spot.

I can never remember what this little nugget of deliciousness is called but it’s great!

I have a few more weeks to keep enjoying the sweet life in KC and then I’m dusting off my passport and taking off! Check back soon!