CLICK HERE for KC's famous #BBQBible!
CLICK HERE for KC's famous #BBQBible!

FLYOVER
COUNTRY
IS A MYTH
www.kcdiscovery.com
The KC “BBQ Bible” (MO)
Setting out to try every single Kansas City barbeque spot, it can be easy to know where you start, but where does one finish? There’s no set checklist of every BBQ joint in the metro. There’s no order guide of what you must, and mustn’t get! That is, there wasn’t. As I recorded my own decade-long pilgrimage through the Q Capital, one friend joked this was a “BBQ Bible”. Not only did I confirm it, I got a little carried away with the concept.
Part 1 / 2 explores the 9 Missouri counties that comprise KC.

Lucky 63
In a football-crazed town like KC, the NFL draft is always a big deal. Of course there is excitement since Kansas City is the reigning Super Bowl and AFC champs, but more than that - the NFL Draft will be in Kansas City! Brett Veach and company have a whopping 10 picks this year. In exploring those picks and the best player ever taken at each of these picks, I found a pattern that bodes well for KC in this year’s draft.

Minor Hub? Major Grub!
When I travel, it is not only important to experience the sights and sounds of a place, but also the tastes and smells. While I have asked, or been asked, the best places to dine in a certain area, I have never thought to ask, “What should I eat at the airport?” and nobody has ever asked me. Now, that’s changing. There’s been much to-do about our glittering new airport but the part of the story that’s been missed - the Northland now has a gigantic food hall. All the options can be overwhelming so these are my top picks.

Devan’s Dozen: Part 2 Hearts
After the overwhelming success of the Parade of Hearts in 2022, it was announced that the public art installation would return in 2023 and 2024. Initially, the hearts will be rather concentrated for the NFL Draft but then will be relocated to spots all across the city. Having had the opportunity to see them all in one place last weekend, I decided that, once again, I would rank the 12 you should prioritize. That said, with only 40, it should be much easier to get out and see them all.
Destination Q
As a self-designated rib snob, I am quite particular about my pork ribs. I hold very specific standards for the texture, taste, temperature, moisture, and even the cut! Then, I made a long overdue trip to a barbeque joint on the outer edges of the metro. One bite into a slab of ribs that did not fit my usual preferences immediately changed everything that I thought I knew. These most unlikely ribs were some of the best I have ever had! In the same way that a book should never be judged by its cover, I will never again make the mistake of judging a rib by its cut - without at least taking a bite.

Fit For a King
Tomorrow is a big moment for Kansas City. We are opening an entirely new airport that firmly thrusts this city into the 21st century. By any measure, it seems tired that a brand new airport would keep the boring name of the old one. Especially, when we have an opportunity to name it for an oft-overlooked artisan who is responsible for putting Kansas City on the map.

A Chance Encounter
It seems that everyone in Kansas City has a Patrick Mahomes story and in that regard, I guess I am no exception. This may not be the best Mahomes story that you have ever read, or your favorite. However, it’s my favorite because, well it’s mine. What it may in fact be is the first Patrick Mahomes story that any Kansas Citian has ever had, and that’s why it must be told.

Devan’s Dozen: BBQ Sandwiches Edition
I have ranked the BBQ joints and their sauces but now I tread into new territory - the specialty sandwich! It is hard to believe but 25 years ago, the BBQ specialty sandwich was largely unheard of but due to the creation of the Z-Man and its popularity, nearly every restaurant has at least one specialty handheld they are known for. These are my Top 12 in the city.

KCRW 2023: A Preview
Every January, for 10 glorious days, the Kansas City restaurant community bands together to offer “affordable, adventurous dining” for all. As an added caveat, a portion of all proceeds always are donated to a worthwhile local cause. With the KC Restaurant Week menus starting to be released and so many options, here’s a few recommendations. Last year, I did a review of KCRW. This year, I offer a preview.