by Sharm | Oct 29, 2019 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Kansas City, Local Restaurants, Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
The W owners, Shane and Merideth Veritasi continue to quench your thirst as they have once again transformed a space worthy of praise.
The much awaited Hand in Glove is the product of their handiwork and is a coffee and cocktail bar open seven days a week.
Hand in Glove
Much like The W, they did most the renovation themselves over a two-year period. During the renovation they found the brick building sitting on old railroad ties and had to pour ten feet sections of concrete on three sides of the building.
The space is long and narrow but plenty of natural light flows in from the large window front. The decor is bright and features white marble imported from Turkey along with white subway tile. The red leather bar stools with brass accents add a nice pop of color. The La Marzocco espresso machine has been custom painted to match featuring red trim and brass accents.
LaMarzocco coffee machine
The Snug seating area holds up to ten and features three cocktail tables with U shaped booth seating. If you are coming in with a large party call ahead and ask to reserve the snug seating area.
The Snug
The back wall of the bar features original brick with glass shelving and a custom made library ladder.
Also be sure to notice the unique brass accented light fixtures which took over 55 hours to assemble, wire and hang.
Brass Accented Light Fixtures
Unlike The W, which features more elevated cocktails, the cocktail menu at Hand in Glove will include more familiar drinks for those who aren’t as adventurous. Although, guests are encouraged to experiment with their coffee drink orders by adding a shot of one of the many liqueurs, amaro’s or spirits Hand in Glove offers.
Hand in Glove Cocktails and Coffee
The coffee menu includes all the classic coffee drinks like cappuccinos, espressos and lattes but also features a tapped nitro espresso and tapped nitro latte. Local Post coffee is used for the espresso. The drip coffee is also locally sourced and will rotate between Kansas City area roasters including Monarch, Blip and more.
Hand in Glove House Made Syrups
Seven complementary house made syrups are available for you to doctor up your drink and add a touch of sweetness. Flavors such as honey, agave and cane will stay year around, but other flavors will change with the season so look for pumpkin pie and spiced pear in the fall. Oat milk is available for the milk alternative to avoid any nut or soy allergies and there are plenty of tea choices for those who do not want a cup of Joe.
Pumpkin Pie Flavored Syrup
If you are into day drinking the cocktail menu is available all day and features a variety of batch cocktails on tap including a steali deali which is a play on the aged vodka soaked pineapple drink called the stoli doli found at Capital Grill.
Hand in Glove Steali Deali
There is also an old fashioned, negronish, smoked vanilla, a seasonal sangria and espresso martini. Beer aficionados will appreciate the Stella Artois served from the rare gooseneck branded silver tap. The champagne of beers is available too. Built in smokers are used for specialty drinks.
As evening approaches and into the night you can still get your caffeine fix if needed. But you will notice the sound of the espresso machine is replaced by martini shakers and glasses clinking as friends gather for cocktail time.
Hand in Glove offers plenty of non-alcoholic beverages Including a classic New York egg cream which contains neither egg or cream. But how that drink got its name can be saved for a different blog post. Hand in Glove will make your egg cream to taste using Fox’s u-bet flavored syrup of choice, milk and soda water. Currently there is no food available but eventually they are hoping to add some lighter fare to the menu and include items such as croissants, quiches and pies.
The term hand in glove comes from the early 1900s where local business in the same community collaborated and supported each other. With Hand in Glove being in the heart of downtown Lee’s Summit, they look forward to being part of bars and restaurants of downtown Lee’s Summit which is becoming known as the Strother District.
Hours are Monday through Wednesday 7am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 1:30am and Sunday 9am to 6pm.
Hand in Glove
6 SW 3rd St,
Lees Summit, Missouri 64063
by Sharm | May 8, 2018 | Articles, Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Food Finds, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews, Recipes
We have all been there and know that spike and then crash and burn feeling we get after eating a high carb meal. But how can we avoid it while still enjoying some of the foods we love like pasta, bread and even cocktails.
I know it sounds to good to be true, but the makers of Good Idea Drinks, have found a solution. I had the chance to get a sample of these drinks and chat with founder Björn Öste. Keep reading to get the scoop on this sparkling water that can lower blood sugar.
Good Idea Drink
In a nutshell, researchers found a connection between the intake of dairy and a relatively high insulin response. They found that the intake of whey before and with a meal rich in fast carbohydrates could substantially lower the blood sugar spike following a meal.
The effect was also observed with protein that contained the presence of five specific essential amino acids. Repeated meal studies confirmed that the effect on insulin and glucose response from whey could be mimicked by serving a drink containing a proportion of the five essential amino acids before and with the meal.
Good Idea Drinks
As an additional development of the concept, a small quantity of chromium was added. Chromium is well known by scientists to have an important role in blood glucose regulation. Taken together, it was hypothesized that a combination of amino acids and chromium would have a synergistic effect that would further improve the effect on blood sugar rise.
After creating this dink the researchers studies results consistently showed a typical reduction of 25-30% in blood sugar rise following a meal rich in carbohydrates, compared to placebo.
Good Idea Drinks Nutrition
To get the full details of all of the science behind the drink and results of the study can be found on the Good Idea website as well as answers to some FAQ’s.
I had a few FAQ’s of my own and after my chat with Björn here is our Q&A session.
1. How did you come up with the idea for Good Idea Drinks? After learning of the research results from Lund University our company formed a collaboration to create the dink.
2. Can it help people with diabetes? Although it is not specifically targeted for that, it would be something to ask your doctor about to see if it might be a “good idea” to include it into your diet.
3. I have heard chromium can be used as a weight loss supplement. Can Good Idea drinks be used for weight loss? It is not marketed as a weight loss tool. However, studies have shown that chromium has shown to reduce the glycemic index which makes you eat less therefore could cause weight loss.
4. Why does it taste sweet when there is no sugar in it? It is flavored using natural flavor.
5. What exactly is “Natural Flavor”? How do you make it? Where do you get it? Great question.
6. Would it be helpful to drink while eating a dessert? Yes.
8. Would it be good to use as a mixer in cocktails, as alcohol is considered a sugar and most drinks are made with sugary mixers or juices? Yes.
This sparkling water is a little sweet and definitely has the flavor. I loved the idea of making a cocktail with it and had a bunch of limes on hand so thought I would take a stab at creating a “Good Idea” Mojito.
Although, this mojito recipe does not have any actual sugar in it, this flavored sparkling water will help the spike caused by the sugars in the alcohol or added sugars should you decide to sweeten it up yourself. Details on how to do that are listed in the directions of the recipe.
The Good Idea Mojito
I wish to thank Good Idea Drinks for the sample. For more information on the drinks or how to purchase them visit the Good Idea website.
Cover photo from Good Idea.
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
by Sharm | May 8, 2018 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Recipes
This skinny mojito recipe is free of sugar and sweeteners and is perfect for those wanting to watching their diet or have blood sugar issues.
Speaking of blood sugar, this mojito cocktail just might lower it. I know it sounds crazy but I came across this sparkling water called Good Idea. It contains amino acids that have show to lower blood sugar when eaten with a high carb meal or sugar. So, with alcohol being considered a sugar I am using it as a mixer in this cocktail.
Here is the scoop on Good Idea Drinks and how they work.
This recipe is free of sugars and sweeteners so it is a little tart. If you like your cocktails a little sweeter you could add a drizzle of agave nectar or sweetener of choice. I like using pure lime juice which you can find jarred or make your own by juicing fresh lime. Here is where you can purchase the Good Idea Drinks.
Mojito Ingredients
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
American
Servings: 2
-
2
Ounces
Rum
-
2
Whole
Limes
-
1/2
Cup
Fresh Lime Juice
-
1
Can
Good Idea Sparkling Water
Lemon Lime Flavor
-
4
Sprigs
Fresh Mint Leaves
-
11/2
Cups
Ice Cubes
Divided
-
In cocktail shaker add 2 sprigs of mint and 6 lime slices. Muddle until juice is released from limes and mint is aromatic.
-
Add rum and lime juice and 1/2 cup ice cubes. Shake well.
-
Divide remaining ice into two glasses. Using cocktail shaker strainer divide mojito mixture into two glasses. Top off with desired amount of Good Idea sparkling water.
-
Garnish with remaining lime slices and mint. Enjoy!
If you would like your mojito a little sweeter add sweetener of choice in with the limes and mint and muddle until sugar or sweetener is mostly dissolved.
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
by Sharm | Feb 12, 2018 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Recipes, Wineries
Cranberry and Blood Orange Cocktail
This cocktail is perfect for a variety of holidays throughout the year with just a change in the garnish. With February upon us it makes a lovely cocktail for Valentines Day.
We had an early Valentines celebration with some friends and I had the La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila that I got in Mexico while at the El Dorado Royale. I thought with it’s beautiful red color it would make a fun Valentine cocktail. After a little trial and error, I got just the right combo of ingredients for this delicious cocktail.
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
-
2
oz
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
-
4
oz
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice*
-
2
tbsp
Blood Orange Syrup
-
2
tbsp
Agave Nectar
-
1/4
cup
Sparkling Orange Water
Optional: Fresh Pomegranate Arils and Blood Orange Slices for Garnish
-
Pour pomegranate tequila, cranberry juice, blood orange syrup and agave nectar in to shaker. Shake until blended. Fill serving glass with ice. Pour drink mixture into glass add sparkling water. Garnish with pomegranate arils and blood orange slices if desired.
*If you are using sweetened cranberry juice, omit the agave nectar.
Round Pond Blood Orange Syrup
The blood orange syrup which you can see is gone, came in a set of syrups from the Round Pond Winery in Napa. The blood orange syrup is delicious and I have used it on a cheeseboard to be drizzled over goat cheese and have used it to drizzle over pound cake and ice cream as a dessert topping. The last of it went into this cocktail! I’m looking forward to cracking open the Meyer lemon syrup and see what happens. I already know it is delicious as I sampled it while on a visit there. I think you should be able to order it online at the Round Pond website.
Cranberry Blood Orange Cocktail Ingredients
I need to be clear that I am not getting any kickback on any of these products. It just happened to be the brands I had on hand or like. You can certainly find a variety of brands that make a blood orange syrup, juices and agave, so buy what ever you like! I made a note in the recipe but if you end up getting cranberry juice that is already sweetened, you should omit the agave nectar as it will make the cocktail to sweet.
I’m not sure about other pomegranate tequilas. You can do some sleuthing on your own to find a brand you like or you can find out where to buy the La Pinta in your area on their website. You could certainly use plain tequila as well.
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
I think this cocktail would be great for quite a few holidays. Just change up the garnishes a bit. For Christmas add a sprig of mint, basil or rosemary for a pop of green. For the 4th of July omit the blood orange slice and add blueberries.
I would love to hear what some of you favorite cocktails are so feel free to comment below or email me with any questions.
Enjoy!
Sharm
SaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
by Sharm | Apr 2, 2017 | Articles, Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Restaurants, Wichita
The Pharmacist will see you now at Dockum and is sure to cure what ails you with a special hand crafted elixir. Dockum is Wichita’s only underground speakeasy in the area that I know of and has whetted my appetite for the craft cocktails I have grown to love in Kansa City.
Prior to moving to Wichita I would frequent my nieces speakeasy The W in Lee’s Summit, Missouri which is part of the KC metro area. I of course am biased, due to the nature of the owners but have found that the Dockum here in Wichita is wonderful at creating amazing craft cocktails as well and am so glad to have a new place to hang out.
I absolutely love craft cocktails as they are made with fresh ingredients and premium liquors allowing the real flavors to shine. No sugary mixes allowed! I urge you to gather some friends and spend an evening at Dockum. Not only will you have amazing drinks and a great time, you will be supporting a local Wichita business! If you happen to be in KC make a reservation at The W and tell them Aunt Sharmy sent you!
The history of Dockum dates back to 1958 where Dockum Drug Store was located on the main level of what is now the Ambassador Hotel. Dockum is now located in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel and the only sign that it exists the RX symbol on the staircase.
Photo Credit: @DockumWichita Instagram
As you make your way down the stairs it is clear that this in no ordinary bar. Though no password is required to get in, you will have to knock on the solid wood door that will stand between you and hand crafted elixirs. Once in, the pharmacist can offer you the perfect remedy to cure what ails you.
I have found the the El Kabaong is the best remedy for my current condition. This concoction features Don Q Coconut Rum, Aloe, Pineapple Cream and Habanero Syrup. The sweet combination of the pineapple and coconut gives me the feeling of being by the ocean enjoying a tropical breeze while watching the palm trees sway.
El Kabong Cocktail
Although, the Peruvian Princess featuring Barsol Pisco, Fig Syrup, Lemon, Rosemary, Foam and Cardamom Bitters is not quite as sweet as the El Kabong it pairs well with the Dockums house-made onion dip and potato crisps when the script is suggested you take with food.
Peruvian Princess
The orange essence and real smoke flavor from the Old Smokin’ Cody is an intoxicating adventure for both taste and smell featuring Cody Road Rye, Cracked Pepper, Cherry Balsamic Shrub, Angostura Bitters and Orange Bitters.
There are quite a few other prescriptions to choose from so you are sure to find a cure for whatever is causing you trouble. If it must be taken with food, in addition to the onion dip and crisps, there are some other small plate options featuring charcuterie, roasted nuts, olives and lebna with pita.
Prior to being the Amabassador Hotel or Dockum Drug Store the building was home to the Union National Bank and in the basement where this speakeasy is located, you will find the original brick walls and the banks vault giving the Dockum a sleek and rustic feel. Candle lit tables and the dark wood bar add to ambiance of stepping back in time. The Vault as it is called, adds a little sexiness to the space and can and be reserved for small parties wishing for a more intimate private setting.
Photo Credit: @DockumWichita Instagram
Reservations are not required unless you are reserving The Vault but there are a few rules you must follow. Seats at the bar are on a first come, first serve bases and as the patient you must have patience, as your elixir is quite labor intensive to make and may take some time. There are some other rules to follow when consuming you elixir at Dockum including no ball caps, do not disturb others, discreet cell phone use and of course, taking two and calling them in the morning.
by Sharm | Dec 21, 2016 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Recipes
This Holiday Sangria is light and delicious and of course and will add a festive touch to your holiday table with the touches of cranberries and rosemary. For added festive flair you can coat the cranberries and rosemary in sugar to give them a wintery frosted look.
Find that recipe here.
As an ambassador for Whole Foods Market we are given content to share with you each month. This month is cocktail and holiday treats. So I decided to share my holiday sangria recipe with you.
INGREDIENTS
1 granny Smith apple
1 honey crisp apple
1 heaping cup fresh cranberries
2-3 Large sprigs of rosemary
1 bottle Pinot grigio
½ cup white grape juice
¼ cup sugar
1 can club soda
Chop apple into small pieces. Then combine all ingredients in serving pitcher. Mix well. Fill serving glasses with sugared cranberries and rosemary if desired and pour sangria over top and enjoy.
Find more holiday cocktail recipes here.
