Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
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FCS: Best of 2024
No matter how aware I am of it, this exact article sneaking up on me is becoming a bit of an annual tradition. I am always thankful for this time to reflect on the year that was. So as I recount the “Best of 2024”, and the “Biggest Loss” of the year, it is important to remember that the places named within were not necessarily the very best in KC of a given category or that they were brand new, they were just the best of things that were brand new to me. That distinction is always important.
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.