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 | Jul 12, 2019 | Cities, Hotels, Travel & Resorts, What You're Missing KC!
Kansas City will be celebrating Irish heritage with the Kansas City Irish Fest, the ‘luckiest’ event in town providing attendees with top Irish entertainment, which begins August 30 and Marriott Hotels in the Midwest are joining in on the festivities, as well as providing guests with the best places to stay near the event.
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center have collaborated with the Kansas City Irish Fest to offer special packages for festival goers with both event and hotel perks.
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
Deal: It is $130 per night, plus taxes. This price includes two tickets to the Kansas City Irish Fest for every night you stay. Tickets can be picked up at the hotel check-in.
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Deal: It is $135 per night, plus taxes. This price includes two tickets to the Kansas City Irish Fest for every night you stay. Tickets can be picked up at the hotel check-in.
Those looking to stay near the event from August 30-September 1 can book a room at Courtyard Kansas City Airport, Courtyard Kansas City Overland Park/Convention Center, Kansas City Marriott Downtown, or Marriott Kansas City Overland Park, which are all just a short drive away from the celebration.
Founded in 2003 and located in the heart of Kansas City at Crown Center Square, Kansas City Irish Fest hosts more than 90,000 people each Labor Day weekend. The KC Irish Fest annually presents dozens of musicians, dancers, comedians and entertainment from around the world on 8 stages.
by Sharm | Apr 19, 2019 | Articles, Beauty, Healthy KC!, Lifestyle & Technology, What I Love, What You're Missing KC!
My niece works at a dermatologist office here in KC and offered me the chance to try out some lip filler at cost to check it out. In my opinion here are five things you will want to consider before pulling the trigger on the procedure.
Number One: I’ll tell you, although there is a little numbing cream involved, there are still some needle sticks that can be felt and bring tears to your eyes. Especially in the cupids bow area which are the two lines at the top of the lip that go up toward the nostrils.
Number Two: There are many choices of filler to choose from. It is important to do your homework before you go to get an idea of what you want your outcome to be as the different formulas can create different results. You may even want to take in a photo to give the injector an idea of your desired results.
Number Three: It is not permanent. Lip filler will likely last 6 months to a year depending on how your body metabolizes it.
Number Four: For not being permanent it can get quite costly. Prices can range from $400 – $1000.
Number Five: As you can see below, you also need to be aware that bruising can be quite sever and your lips will look quite odd and swollen for a couple of days. But once the bruising and swelling subsides, you will love the results. See photo after one month at the bottom of the post.
Lip Filler Bruising
I’ve done the lip injections three times now. I have to say although I love how they look a few days after, I feel like my body metabolizes the filler quite quickly and I hate that it is not a permanent fix so it is getting quite costly to keep them filled.
Before Lip Filler Injection
After Lip Filler Injection
On month post fill
If you are considering getting lip filler I hope these tips will help you make the decision that is best for you. Also when you do decide to do it, make sure you go to a practice that specializes in filler such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or aesthetic medical spa and that your technician is a trained professional in that area.
If you have any questions about it please feel free to contact me or comment below.
Sharm
by Sharm | Mar 18, 2018 | Articles, Events, Local Restaurants, Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
There is a new craze in sports and it’s called pickleball. I know it’s a crazy name for a game but it is so fun and I have become slightly addicted playing 11 hours a week!
So, for those of you who don’t know about pickleball, it is a combination of tennis, wiffle ball and life-size ping pong. My best description is that it is played on court similar to tennis but is smaller and the net is lower.
Your paddle resembles a large rectangle ping pong paddle and the ball looks like a wiffle ball.
Chicken N Pickle in Kansas City is spot on with this new craze. With a restaurant on one side and play area on the other. The restaurant specializes in chicken of course and along with amazing food, offers indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. There is also a yard area with life-size versions of dominos, Battle Ship, Connect Four, Jenga, and dice. So even if you don’t play pickleball it is still a great place to hang out and have fun.
In addition to getting your pickleball fix, you can help a good cause as Chicken and Pickle are hosting a variety of charity dinners throughout the year.
For these events, head chef Alex Staab creates upscale gourmet dishes that you won’t find on the everyday menu. Each dish is prepaired using the kitchens rotisserie oven and paired and with a variety wines distributed by the Terra Firma Wine Company.
For this dinner, Chef Alex created dishes using wild boar, ravioli, field greens, lamb and pears. Talk about refined! As you can see by the pic of the menu and dishes, this was no ordinary chicken dinner!
The event I attended was for Jamies Wish Foundation who’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of those fighting cancer, by providing a more healing and comfortable environment for receiving infusions.
The dinner was amazing and the dishes elegant and refined. The wine pairings from Terra Firma paired perfectly. It was a delightful evening. The next event coming up is April 4 and will be a benefit for Wayside Waifs, one of Kansas City’s best no kill animal shelters.
If you are into helping a great cause while enjoying a phenomenal dinner. You must attend a charity event at Chicken N Pickle. If you are just into having a great time, you must take a few pickleball lessons and spend some time on the court. Or simply gather some friends and play some games in the yard all while enjoying a great meal! Dishes on the menu include rotisserie chicken, a variety of salads and sandwiches, tacos, pulled pork and more! Chicken N Pickle can also host your next event.
For more information on the dinners, event planning or playing pickleball visit Chicken N Pickle’s website.
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by Sharm | Jun 5, 2017 | Food & Drink, Giveaways, Kansas City, Local Restaurants, Restaurants, What You're Missing KC!
When Chef Thomas Salamunovch of the fine-dining restaurant Larkspur in Vail, Colorado had a desire to bring fine dining to the masses, the fast-casual concept of Larkburger was born.
Larkburger is a Colorado based fast-casual gourmet burger chain that is quickly expanding beyond it’s borders. Overland Park, Kansas is the first city outside of Colorado to score this restaurant which opened in early 2017. Another location is in the works for the Missouri side just off of the County Club Plaza in Kansas City.
I recently had the chance to try it out thanks to a couple of “free burger” cards they sent me.
Guess what? They want to give you some too along with some other Larkburger swag. Two winners are eligible for that and details are below, but first here are the details on the menu and some really cool things you should know about Larkbrger.
The menu is diverse and a perfect place to take the whole family. From burgers to kale and a few things in between everyone can get something they like. I think one of my favorite options is the steamed edamame.
Larkburger Edamame. Chicken and Tuna burgers
Although, I am a sucker for fries, which are hand-cut in-house and are amazing, it is nice to have an unfired option when I am trying to cut back on calories.
The day I visited I had to grab a to go order for my son and I. The sweet girl taking my order was so patient with me as I could not decide what salad to get. I finally decided on the kale salad.
I knew my son would go for a burger but being the picky eater he is I knew I had to order it plain. I got him the traditional Larkburger with meat, cheese and bun which means he missed out on the special sauce which is made from scratch and what I think is the best part! All burgers are cooked to order at your desired temperature and of course served however you want it. All of Larkburgers sauces and dressings that accompany their array of burgers, sandwiches and salads are made in-house using only the freshest ingredients.
Although, I scored a bite of the burger which was tasty even without the sauce, I really enjoyed the kale salad and appreciate the diversity of the menu items Larkburger offers. It makes it super easy for carnivores and vegetarians alike to both order something that will satisfy their appetite. As I mentioned before it is great place to take the whole family. Not only do kids under 12 eat free on Monday’s with an adult purchase, it allows mom who may be watching what she eats get something satisfying when the rest of the family is craving burgers and fries.
I do need to mention that although a burger is going to have more calories then kale, you don’t need to feel as guilty if you indulge in one at Larkburger. The burgers are fresh and made from local Black Angus beef. That in itself is already going to be lower in calories than the average processed fast food burger that is shipped frozen from who know where.
Everything is fresh at Larkburger including the tomatoes which ripen in an in-house cabinet until they are at peak flavor and the house-cut fries are cooked in a trans free canola oil.
The Larkburger with Hand-Cut Fries
I recently attend a blogger event they had and got a little swag myself along with some tasty samples.
Larkburger Swag
Larkburger Chili
Larkburger Rocket Power Salad
Larkburger Salted Caramel Shake
Apart from having great food, Larkburger is also kind to the environment and takes sustainability seriously. Outside of the condiment packets and juice and milk cartons, everything is compostable. Every napkin, utensil, wrap, cup, bag, box and straw! The size of the restaurant trash can is no larger than a 9×13 baking dish. The space and decor is sleek and clean with the chairs made from recycled materials and the walls are reclaimed cypress wood. In addition, their fry oil is recycled and converted into alternative fuel and 100% of the electricity usage is offset by purchased wind credits.
Larkburger Decor
Larkburger also is committed to supporting local and will source beer and soda from the region the restaurant is in to serve at that location. For a list of all Larkburger location visit their website.
Now in order to get free burgers and swag from Larkburger all you have to do is comment below on how you top your burger!
Two winners will be drawn using random. org from the number of entries. Example first commenter is number on and so on. Contest ends midnight Monday, June 12. Winners will be notified via email so be sure to leave a valid email with your comment. Good Luck!
by Sharm | Apr 21, 2017 | Food & Drink, Local Restaurants, Recipes, What You're Missing KC!
Hey Kansas City! If you live in Blue Springs your lunch and dinner wait just got shorter!
MOD Pizza is a Seattle based fast casual pizzeria that allows customers to create their own pizza and salads with unlimited topping and is opening in their first location in Blue Springs on April 22. Pizza and salads are passed through a line by employees, named the MOD Squad, and customers can request toppings they would like added. Pizzas are then quickly cooked in a brick-style oven and called out for pick-up at the register when complete.
Below is more information and details from their official press release. I am set to visit later in May and will update with my take on the space so stay tuned!
“MOD offers a truly unique concept by serving customers their own, original creations, while still providing quick service. Everyone can get exactly what they want at no additional cost,” said Scott Womack, president of Womack Restaurants. “Beyond the great pizza, we’re passionate about building a company where we value lifting people up as our first goal.”
The 2,711-square foot location will feature MOD’s signature “Wall of Fame,” an assortment of photos from the community and customers, original artwork from local artists and a patio.
Dedicated to giving back, MOD will be donating 100 percent of their sales to the local non-profit, Drumm Farm, on opening day. The organization helps children in foster care, homeless young adults and those aging out of foster care build successful lives by providing programs and services that support forever family environments, emotional and physical well-being, educational opportunities and personal growth.
“We are honored to partner with MOD for the Blue Springs location opening,” said Brad Smith, executive director of Drumm Farm. “The proceeds will truly make a substantial positive impact on the lifelong success of children and young adults in need of a family and stable environment.”
MOD is known for providing job opportunities to former incarcerated individuals throughout their locations as a way of giving a “second chance” to those ready to integrate back into society.
For more information on the new Blue Springs location or to learn more about MOD Pizza, visit https://www.facebook.com/modpizzabluesprings/.
ABOUT MOD PIZZA
A pioneer of the fast-casual pizza segment, MOD Pizza was founded in Seattle in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD’s individual artisan-style pizzas and salads are made on demand, letting customers choose whatever they like from over 30 toppings, all for one set price. At the core of MOD is a purpose-led culture that’s committed to being a force for good in the community – creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. MOD was recently ranked as America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic; earned a spot on the 2016 Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies; and was recognized by Fortune as one of the 20 best workplaces in retail for its progressive hiring practices and career-growth opportunities. MOD currently has over 220 locations across 20 states and the U.K. To learn more, visit modpizza.com.
About Womack Restaurants:
Womack Restaurants is a multi-concept restaurant franchise operator based in Terre Haute, IN with development markets in Kansas City, Tulsa, Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. The Womack team has extensive development and finance experience, having developed nearly all of the IHOPs since 1990, in sometimes complex situations. Womack Restaurants divested its IHOP business in 2014 to focus on expansion of its Popeyes franchise and pursue other concepts. Womack Restaurants is committed to community engagement and partnership, as well as connecting with our country’s leadership.
