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
5 Ways to Get More Bourbon In Your Life
We are still a few weeks away from when sweet corn is stacked as high as an elephant’s eye at farmers’ markets, but there is a way for you to enjoy corn in the interim. And that way is bourbon. The spirit of Kentucky must be distilled from grain that is at least 51 percent…
Tap List | Black Labs Craft Meadery to Debut at Brew Lab
The black raspberries came in June to the fields behind his grandparents’ house in Kansas City, Kansas. Carl Hinchey remembers braving the thorns or sweating in long sleeves, all in pursuit of the tart, dark berries. “We’d pick them and make them into cobblers and jam,” Hinchey said. “They grew wildly and they were just…summer.” The berries…
Cheese Slipper Saturday & Other Weekend Possibilities
See if the cheese slipper fits as Cheese Slipper Night has returned to Fervere (1702 Summit St.). The Saturday summer special (the doors open at 6 p.m., but the line typically starts before then) is warm ciabatta out of the oven topped with all manners of cheese, seasonal vegetables and an occasional egg. Wine and…
Order Up | Eden Alley’s Avocado Sammy
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 | East Forty Brewing Set to Open in Blue Springs
When East Forty Brewing opens this Thursday, you can add Blue Springs to the local craft beer map. “There’s not a lot of places to get a craft beer here,” founder and brewer David Mann said. “We heard from a lot of people that this is exactly what Blue Springs needs.” East Forty Brewing (1201…
City Barrel Brewing Finds a Home in The Crossroads
“This just feels like a place where you should drink beer,” said James Stutsman, co-founder of City Barrel Brewing. He is standing just inside a set of rolling garage doors at 1740 Holmes St., the future home of City Barrel. Brewery visitors will enter into what will become the beer hall, where exposed brick walls and…
Patio Party for Karbon & Other Weekend Possibilities
There’s a patio party from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Sturgis Materials (550 South Packard St.) to raise funds for chef Rachel Rinas, who is opening Karbon in Parlor KC. The party comes with a unique twist: Jarocho’s Carlos Falcon will be cooking with meat, while the Local Pig’s Alex Pope will be using seafood…
Tap List | Boulevardia: A Guide To Eating & Drinking
Boulevardia is about to take over the Stockyards District for a weekend. The fifth annual mashup of a music, food and beer festival, thrown by the Boulevard Brewing Company, is Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16. “We want the food to compliment the beer and music, so it’s a three-headed monster of enjoyment,” said Chris Phelan,…
Downtown Days Festival & Other Weekend Possibilities
The Downtown Days Festival is Friday through Sunday in downtown Lee’s Summit. There will be a talent show, live music, science demonstrations, a beer tent and lots to eat (KC Kona Ice, The Filling Station) and drink (Keck’s Longhorn Root Beer). Cobbler Night is back at Dolce Bakery (3930 W. 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kansas)…
Tap List | Beer, Buns, Brilliant
It’s a solid four-pack of beer. Literally a solid. Farm to Market Bread Co. has teamed up with Boulevard Brewing Company to make Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Hot Dog Buns, which are out now and will be available until Labor Day. “Boulevard was gracious enough to work with us,” Farm to Market Vice President John Friend…