Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
FLYOVER
COUNTRY
IS A MYTH
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KCRW 2024 in Review
Every year, Kansas City Restaurant Week (KCRW) creates a golden opportunity for Kansas Citians to try new restaurants and visit familiar favorites, and enjoy unbelievable deals on multi-course meals. Despite the weather and a busy schedule, I found a way to enjoy KCRW as I do every year. And while I enjoyed three fantastic meals, I found myself asking, “Is KC Restaurant Week really the unbelievable deal it once was?” This was my experience.
FCS: Best of 2023
For me, this edition of Fountain City Superlatives is always special as I get a chance to recap the year that I had. However, after a year of focusing on almost-exclusively barbeque, I worried that I may not have much more to give. Thankfully, that was not the case. This breaks down the best new things I tried in Kansas City in 2023. Some of the categories you know and love are missing. Some others are brand new. But here lies a, mostly, non-barbeque recap of my year.
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.
FCS: Best of 2022
Every year brings its own path of discovery. 2022 was not only a big year for Kansas City but for me and my own attempts to be more of a tourist in my own city. Of all the new places and things I tried this year, these were my favorites. And so once again, I bring you my end of the year Fountain City Superlatives.
On the Corner
The ever-popular Parade of Hearts pushed me to explore a number of Kansas City neighborhoods, and Armourdale was among them. While it was a giant “Charlie Hustle” heart that first brought me to the neighborhood, it was a old school burger stand across the street that captured it, and has kept me coming back for more.
Mi Armour
Before I made Kansas City my home, I will admit that I did not know much of anything about North Kansas City, the suburb just over the Heart of America Bridge from downtown, or its major thoroughfare - Armour Road. With a mix of historic Kansas City institutions and exciting new restaurants, bars, and businesses, every Kansas Citian should make it a point to cross under the Armour Road arch and discover North Kansas City.
A Model of Consistency
The owner of Harold’s Drive-In, Deb Walker, is very steadfast in her belief that, “Consistency is what keeps places open.” She would know. For over 60 years, Harold’s Drive-In in Columbus Park has been delighting the people of Kansas City with their quick-serve, but made-to-order, sandwiches, sides, and shakes.
FCS: Best of 2021
As the year comes to a close, I award my Fountain City Superlatives for the 2021 year. As a deviation from what many publications do, these superlatives are much more personal. They are not necessarily the best in KC - they are just the best new experiences I had in KC in 2021. As always, there’s no voters - it’s just me.
Seasoned.
Over the past few months, I had heard whispers of a burger joint in the Crossroads called Sauced, that was a must-try place. After some co-workers let me know that it was within walking distance of the office, I knew I had to give it a try. Hidden away in a courtyard near Corrigan Station, I found the small white kiosk and was reminded that not all gems are meant to be uncovered.