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
Oddly Correct Launches Domain Cold Brew
When Gregory Kolsto opened Oddly Correct (3940 Main St.) in 2011, he wanted it to be a force that helped to build community on Main Street. Six years later, he’s thinking a new project might take some of the spirit of Oddly onto shelves nationwide. “Daniel Lance came into our shop and freaked out on…
Meshuggah Bagels Opens in Overland Park & Other Weekend Possibilities
Meshuggah Bagels has opened its second area location at 7096 W. 105th St. in Overland Park, Kansas. It’s a little piece of New York City in Johnson County. At Meshuggah, the dough is boiled and then placed on a wet bagel board (a piece of cedar wrapped in burlap) before being baked in the oven. The…
Amigoni’s Fifth Anniversary & Other Weekend Possibilities
Amigoni Vineyards and Urban Winery (1505 Genessee St.) is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. They’ll stretch their patio out in the parking lot so you can sip outside and taste their anniversary release: Telegram 5. Named for the Daily Drovers Telegram building where they are located,…
13th Annual Troost Festival & Other Weekend Possibilities
The 13th annual Troost Festival is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The free festival, put on by the Troost Village Community Association at 31st and Troost, has vendors, kid’s activities, and plenty to eat (JC Popcorn, Jerusalem Cafe, among them). The stage lineup includes dance troupes and musical acts. Forget glass, Cinderella should have been…
Splitlog Coffee Perks Up Central Avenue
A young man in a checkered shirt and jeans sips an iced latte while trucks and traffic rumble by on Central Avenue. He pauses to take in the view of downtown — the pings from his laptop momentarily forgotten. This might be the best $4 view in the city, only it’s not in Kansas City,…
Farmer/Veteran Pop-Up & Other Weekend Possibilities
Farmer/Veteran explores the idea of what happens you come home and try to make a life on the farm. The latest Indie Lens Pop-Up from KCPT features the documentary about Alex Sutton, a veteran in North Carolina trying to make it as a farmer. The screening, along with a discussion with the film’s director Jeremy Lange and representatives…
Vox’s Jupiter Viewing & Other Weekend Possibilities
If playing softball beer in hand is not your thing, perhaps you’d consider astronomy with wine? Vox Vineyards is hosting a party to view Jupiter on Saturday night from 8 to 10 p.m. The Astronomical Society of Kansas City is bringing telescopes and Vox will provide the wine and a spot to see the stars….
5 Ice Cream Scoops You Need Right Now
Long before we turn on the air conditioning in Kansas City, we seek other forms of sweet relief. And tops on your list should be ice cream. Since there are new treats and flavors to explore, we decided to put them all in one handy little round-up for you. Here are the five ice cream…
The Day Before The Fall of Saigon
Nguyet Ha-Le was born in Thai Binh, Vietnam, in 1953. She was born into a large family – the fifth of 10 children. Life was comfortable in North Vietnam. Her parents were teachers with generational wealth that allowed them to live in a three-story, stone house with maids for each of the children. But only…
Pig & Swig & Other Weekend Possibilities
B is for barbecue. And it’s for bourbon. And it’s for bliss. Pig & Swig is Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Power & Light District. The outdoor festival features samples from Kansas City barbecue joints (Joe’s Kansas City, Plowboys BBQ, and Hawg Jaw Que & Brew, among them), as well as bourbon and…