What Makes You Happy?
When Daniel was in high school, he found himself experimenting with drugs and skipping class. He wasn’t happy with the way his life was going, so he began researching a variety of spiritual practices and discovered Hare Krishna, a strain of Hinduism. With that, he found peace and relief from stress and anger. Daniel’s faith makes him happy; what makes…
Do You Know Twelfth Street’s (Famous) Past?
If there’s a street that defines Kansas City, Missouri, which one would you say it is? Obvious candidates include Ward Parkway, The Paseo and Southwest Boulevard. But what would you say to the dark horse selection of 12th Street? It’s a relatively pedestrian thoroughfare now, but it has a bawdy history that reaches back to…
KCATA Hopes New Transit Center Will Spur East Village Redevelopment
By Kevin Collison The groundbreaking for the $5 million East Village Transit Center at 12th and Charlotte is being viewed partly as a catalyst to attract more investment to a multi-block redevelopment area that has languished more than a decade. “We’re looking at getting input from developers for transportation-oriented development, possibly affordable housing, retail…we’d like…
Cuento Coffee’s Andy Gallant Wants To Tell His Story in Coffee
There’s a reason a rainbow-colored zebra appears on Cuento Coffee’s bags delicately holding a coffee bean between its front hooves. “It’s super juicy, super-fruity,” Cuento Coffee founder Andy Gallant said of the Kenyan coffee in front of him. “And then it’s coffee from Africa…so…the Fruit Stripe Zebra.” Cuento Coffee is a new micro-coffee roaster based…
Missouri Exoneree Using Ministry To Help Other Freed Prisoners
While he spent some 24 years in Missouri prisons, Darryl Burton — wrongfully convicted of capital murder — wrote letters to everyone he could think of. From presidents to governors to Hollywood stars. Eventually he wrote to Jesus but hid it from prison guards, he told me, believing that if they found it they’d think…
Spectacular Liberty Memorial Poppy Display to Honor Centennial of World War I Armistice
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row…” “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae in 1915 to honor a fallen comrade. By Kevin Collison More than 5,000 poppies, the symbol of the fallen soldiers of World War I, will illuminate Liberty Memorial beginning next Friday to mark the centennial…
This foolproof French toast recipe guarantees crisp slices
This foolproof French toast recipe guarantees crisp, custardy slices by keeping things simple. Stale bread is standard, but we got better (and more efficient) results from oven-dried slices. [FLEX-CONTENT] For the batter, we beat milk, egg yolks, and melted butter for an indulgent coating; brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon added warm, sweet flavors. After soaking…
Historic KC Club Reopens as Event Space Following $3M Renovation
By Kevin Collison A former downtown gathering place for Kansas City power brokers back in the day has reopened as spiffed-up venue for a new generation of festive occasions and business gatherings. The historic University Club building at 918 Baltimore, which opened in 1923, has been converted to a four-level event space that can accommodate…
Hallowing Voodoo Dance Party & Other Weekend Possibilities
Have you heard the one about the bookstore that walked into a bar? Afterword Tavern & Shelves (1834 Grand Blvd.) is a new bookstore-bar hybrid that opened last month in the Crossroads. “We liked the idea of bringing the community together,” co-owner Luke Pitz said. “And we want to help people find things they haven’t experienced…
Have You Ever Had to Fight to Pursue Happiness?
Tiffney’s good friend doesn’t get to live her truth, but according to Tiffney, her friend is the strongest person she knows. Hear what she thinks about living your best life, regardless of what others think. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of February, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find them online here…
Meddys Bringing Eastern Mediterranean Cuisine to Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Meddys, a popular Wichita restaurant serving healthy dishes from Lebanon and the Eastern Mediterranean region, plans to open its first out-of-town outlet in the Crossroads by next summer. “We love that market and we feel there’s a lot of energy in it,” said Alex Harb, founder of Meddys. “It’s a beautiful city…
Alma Mader Brewing Finds a Home on Southwest Boulevard
It took Nick Mader seven years to go a half-mile. Mader got his start as a bartender at Boulevard Brewing Co., walking distance to the low-slung brick building at 2635 Southwest Blvd. that is the future home of Alma Mader Brewing Co. “Boulevard teaches you how to talk about beer and present beer,” Mader said. “And like a…
Climbing The Career Ladder
There is a lot of talk in workforce development circles about “middle skills” jobs, career opportunities that fall between minimum-wage positions and others that require at least a four-year degree. But Ryan Meador has a different phrase for that wide swath of workers in the center of those two occupational poles. He calls them the…
Drury Checks Out on Proposed Downtown Hotel
By Kevin Collison Drury Hotels has scrapped its plan to build a 242-room downtown hotel, saying the incentive package recommended by SB Friedman, a city consultant, would not provide what the firm believed was a “reasonable” return on its investment. Drury had wanted to demolish the vacant Board of Education building at 1211 McGee and…
What Do You Wish You Knew Sooner?
Growing up, Regina thought things would get easier as she got older. Instead, rent has skyrocketed and the city has changed, along with Regina’s plans for her life. Her advice, and something she wishes she knew 30 years ago, is to have a better plan for your life Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of…