Magnolia’s Fresh Bloom

While hundreds of thousands gathered to watch the Kansas City Royals in downtown Kansas City this Tuesday, chef Shanita McAfee was holding a bullpen session of her own. The owner of Magnolia’s, which opened yesterday at 9916 Holmes, had gathered six of her staffers on stools at the bar and was reviewing the restaurant’s policies…

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A confector, a baker, and a candy-tree maker

Salt & Flints's shrubs, infused syrups that can be used in cocktails and sodas, begin with a base of organic cider. (Photo: Jonathan Bender | Recommended Daily)

Kristina Briseno is about to invent a new species of tree. A redbud tree is being reborn – a statement piece for a local wedding with pink and white cotton candy in lieu of fall leaves. She knows this sounds fantastical, but to her this is simply another Thursday. “Anything creative, people just come to…

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Awaiting an oasis, in KCK’s food dessert

It’s a challenge for Shawn Owens to find fresh food in his neighborhood. He walks or uses the bus for transportation, and quality fresh produce and meats are scarce within a reasonable distance from his home. The life-long Wyandotte County resident does most of his grocery shopping at convenience stores and Aldi, but those places…

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Giving that moment of happy, GF-style

The remains lay open on the stainless steel table. The knife just a few inches from a deep cut that has split the victim down the middle. “This is what we do,” said Robin Knight, owner of Emily Kate’s Bakery, nodding her head toward Erin Brown and the flayed cinnamon roll on a white plate…

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The variety of life with spice and pancakes

Nick de Feo, Jr.grabs a pancake during the morning breakfast rush. The pancakes are so big that if you took them for carry out, "we’ve got to put it in a pizza box," he says. (Photo: Jonathan Bender | The Recommended Daily)

Six words changed Nick DeFeo Jr.’s life. He was in the middle of his route, delivering spices for R.L. Schreiber. It was one of dozens of stops — a luncheonette run by a wily old cook. Jerry’s Café, 1209 W 103rd Street, was the second go round for Jerry Naster, the cook who once made Jerry’s…

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