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
Order Up|The Sundry’s Blackberry Creme Soda
Order Up is a regular series that takes a layered look at drinks and eats across Kansas City. Got a dish you think we should feature? Drop us a note below or on Twitter @FlatlandKC.
SantaCon & Other Weekend Possibilities
No, that’s not your imagination. Santa is taking over Lawrence this weekend. SantaCon is back at The Sandbar (17 E. 8th St., Lawrence, Kansas) on Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. It’s a pub crawl and meet up and there are more beards on ladies than you can believe. Santas are asked to contribute $5 to…
On Tap | Brewery Emperial gearing up to open in the Crossroads
After 20 months, an urban beer garden is nearly ready to open at 1829 Oak. Brewery Emperial, a joint project from Room 39’s Ted Habiger, brewmaster Keith Thompson and Rich Kasyjanski, joins the growing microbrewery district in the east Crossroads this month. “I’ve always liked what a brewpub represents for the community and neighborhood,” Thompson…
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Other Weekend Possibilities
This is why you buy Christmas sweaters and wear them in public. The 12th annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is tonight from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Tower Tavern (401 E 31st Street). The party is a benefit for Operation Breakthrough. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets, which include entry at…
On Tap | Rare Pairs: Brown & Loe’s Doughnut & Tusker
Brown & Loe (429 Walnut Street) opened in the City Market in August. The American bistro offers up refined takes on comfort dishes. So, for the first edition of Rare Pairs, we asked executive chef James Paul and sous chef Aaron Salinas to dive into their beer cooler. They decided to pair Tusker, a Kenyan…
An Evening With Marcus Samuelsson & Other Weekend Possibilities
If the fusion movement had to elect a chef representative, chef Marcus Samuelsson would be on the short list. Hear him discuss his latest cookbook, “The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem,” and his inspirations during Harvesters Community Food Network’s Food4Thought: An Evening With Marcus Samuelsson. The Saturday night conversation,…
Handmade in KC! & Other Weekend Possibilities
Find some local eats and treats this weekend courtesy of a series of pop-up shops featuring local makers. Handmade in KC! is a local artist sale, including Lyndsey’s Sugar Shop, at the NEAT Artist Studio from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Handmade Holidays (11545 Ash St., Leawood, Kansas) on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m….
Lifted Spirits Distillery Opens & Other Weekend Possibilities
[Update: The Lifted Spirits Distillery announced this morning that their grand opening has been pushed back until December 2.] Based on our collective mood, new additions to the liquor cabinet are most welcome. Lifted Spirits Distillery, a new microdistillery in the Crossroads, is holding its grand opening tonight at 5 p.m. at 1734 Cherry St. The…
On Tap | Crane Brewing Company’s Taproom Is Ready To Serve Flights
Grandma’s fridge is gone, and the mismatched tables will go back to bingo halls or Rotary clubs or wherever mismatched tables retire. Crane Brewing Company is gearing up to open its permanent taproom on Friday, November 25. “We always wanted a spot where people who enjoy our beer can come to the source and meet…
Thanksgiving on The Grill & Other Weekend Possibilities
Give yourself over to Thanksgiving early with Pie Night at Glacé Artisan Ice Cream (4960 Main Street). Dolce is bringing the pie that Glacé will top with paired ice cream, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle sauce. Pie is served beginning at 5 p.m. The 2016 Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner is Sunday at 4 p.m….