Jonathan Bender
Reporter
Jonathan Bender is a former KCPT Food Content Editor and the founder of the Recommended Daily. He is the author of "LEGO: A Love Story," "Cookies & Beer" and "Stock, Broth & Bowl." He lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where has judged the American Royal World Series of BBQ, eaten sandwiches for a month, and pitched grain as a brewer’s assistant — all in pursuit of learning more about what Kansas Citians eat and drink.
Stories by Jonathan Bender
Best Eat In The House | Manila Bay Ihaw-Ihaw’s Halo Halo
Best Eat in the House features dining recommendations from people in and around Kansas City. For this episode, chef Katee McLean of Krokstrom Klubb & Market shares her love for Manila Bay Ihaw-Ihaw’s HaloHalo. We went to chef Norma Thayer’s restaurant at 4800 E. Bannister Road to learn about the Filipino dessert, which translates to “mix…
Tap List | Kaw Point Meadery Build-Out Continues in Strawberry Hill
Daniel Bauer said he thinks he’s put about 30 gallons of paint on the side of the building at 613 N. Sixth St. Bright yellow accents flash out from the windows on the second story, a clear beacon drawing you in like bees to a flower. This is the future home of Kaw Point Meadery. Bauer,…
Grilled Cheese, BLTs & Other Weekend Possibilities
We’ve had peach season and heirloom tomato season (it’s still happening), but now it is time for you to get your fill of fried foods. The Johnson County Fair runs through Saturday in Gardner, Kansas. There’s a carnival, chainsaw art auction, goat milking demonstrations and all the fried dough you can handle. The humble grilled…
Tap List | New Axiom Brewing Co. Opens in Lee’s Summit
A beer rainbow arrived in Lee’s Summit Saturday. New Axiom Brewing Co. (949 NE Columbus, Lee’s Summit, Missouri) opened at noon and began pouring fire engine red sours and luminescent peach-colored Hefeweizens. “We want to make beer for everybody,” taproom manager Joe Migletz said. “That’s why you’ll find sours and stouts and pale ales.” New…
Bennie, Basie and Bird & Other Weekend Possibilities
Discover Kansas City’s rich history of jazz at Bennie, Basie and Bird: An Evening of Kansas City Jazz at the Mutual Musicians Foundation (1823 Highland Ave.) from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Listen to live jazz and learn about jazz icons who played and lived in KC. Tickets, which include food and drinks, are $35…
Order Up | LC’s Burnt Ends & Polly’s Pop Strawberry Soda
Order Up is a regular series that takes a layered look at drinks and eats across Kansas City. You can see previous selections here. Got a dish you think we should feature? Drop us a note below or on Twitter @FlatlandKC.
Tap List | Hip Hops Hooray Beer Fest is Back
Woodie Bonds would like the world to drink a beer in perfect harmony. Or maybe just with a Biggie track on the speakers. “I’ve had a beer with so many different type of people,” Bonds said. “Kansas City craft beer culture is starting to become something that a lot of people need…it’s something to watch…
Equal Minded Cafe Is Open in the Ubuntu Village
A small, round crystal hangs from the ceiling just inside the front door of the Equal Minded Cafe (4327 Troost Ave.). It’s easy to miss. Your eyes naturally go to the large wooden coffee bar, the whiteboard menu offering avocado toast and affogatos (espresso topped with a scoop of ice cream). “There’s been a lot…
The Business of Donuts & Other Weekend Possibilities
Ever wanted to open a donut shop? Ever eaten a donut? All you needed was to answer yes to one of those questions and you’re in for The Business of Donuts. The latest discussion from Square One Small Business Services and the Mid-Continent Public Library dives into what it takes to sling donuts in the…
Tap List | Double Shift Turns Three
Bryan Stewart pauses in the middle of a story about a beer made with birthday cake to take a delivery early on a weekday afternoon. A farmer from Wellsville, Kansas, is dropping off bags of malt, which he stacks on the wooden tables inside of Double Shift Brewing Company (412 E. 18th St.). “I want…