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United Gravity

I’ve always been a big fan of variety. Especially when that variety consists of greatly differing things, such as hair salons and rock ’n roll. That’s why I was super pumped to head over to the Silver Screen Salon for United Gravity’s launch party.

United Gravity is a newly formed artist collective whose main objective is to bring together local artists or anyone wanting to be creative and collaborate on a multitude of projects. A base of community is the central focus, according to founder and resident painter Patrick Kenemer. It is his hope to bring an even stronger bond between creative people and local businesses while pursuing ideas that may have otherwise never come about.

Patrick has roots in Wichita, KS and the San Francisco Bay Area. He has already begun building a foundation for United Gravity in those markets and plans to bring those individuals into KC to share the projects they have going. Additionally, he is working to send local KC artists out to San Fran, Oakland, and Wichita to spread around Kansas City’s talent and influence.

To celebrate the birth of United Gravity, I gladly obliged an invitation to their launch party. One thing was for certain, I hadn’t expected to be spending such an occasion inside of a hair salon… but I’m sure glad I did. In fact, this was the second time in the last few months in which I had attended a non-hair event at a salon. Back in November, I checked out a runway show at Pinkie Couture, featuring music by Mime Game and the models of We Are Fine Line. For someone who hates having their hair cut, I’m finally starting to warm up to these sorts of venues.

The evening's festivities included another performance by local rockers Mime Game (I told them they should probably try booking a tour exclusively in hair salons,) as well as acoustic singer/songwriter Sara Morgan. Looking around the split level space I spotted several oil paintings by Garret Fausset, United Gravity’s current featured artist. Like any great party, there was a stash of complimentary libations - plenty of beer, wine, and even a couple bottles of tequila were available on the premises.

I had stated this was a non-hair event at a hair salon… Let me retract that statement, because about halfway through the evening, the Silver Screen’s owner broke out his clippers and began going to work on one of the patrons. Beer in hand, live music playing, fine art on display, and positive high energy resonating - all while having your hair fixed up. Now that’s what I call a full service experience!

The event boasted a respectable turnout and provided a nice introduction and foundation for United Gravity. An ongoing aspect of United Gravity is an original clothing line featuring artwork of the collective’s participants. Patrick is hoping to expand this endeavor as time goes on, but so far it has been a pretty good way to help support the cause and get the word out. He was happy to announce they had sold quite a few t-shirts at the event!

Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to join. Just drop Patrick a line and see what you guys can come up with: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/unitedgravity https://www.facebook.com/silverscreensalon

Best Old Fashioned in Town

We here at Project KC enjoy going to hotels. Maybe it is the innate traveler’s soul within us that inherently pops up even when we are at home, but we find that it is a real treat to occasionally explore the image of Kansas City as seen by the out-of-towner. This week, I present to you such an image as seen from the Oak Bar at the Country Club Plaza's Intercontinental Hotel.

The Oak Bar is adjacent to the Oak Room, the formal dining establishment at the Intercontinental. The Oak Bar is a regal fixture, ideal for socializing over cocktails, grabbing a quick appetizer, or joining the well-dressed crowd to enjoy some live music. The lounge boasts cavernous ceilings ornamented by chandeliers pouring cool tungsten light. Take a seat next to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows to admire a premier view of the plaza. Or perhaps you’d rather step onto the balcony to catch an even closer look of Brush Creek and the full array of shops and restaurants that line Ward Parkway and beyond.

It quickly became a favorite spot of mine after meeting with a friend to celebrate the holidays back in 2012. I don’t know if it was atmosphere, drinks, or the service - but I am guessing it to be a combination of all these things. Especially the drinks. Explore the premium range of scotches, cognacs, and wines, to name a few. I had the pleasure of sampling a 21 year Macallan, one of my all time favorites.

Speaking of drinks, my bartender announced he was told their Old Fashioned is the best in town, and he confidently confides he has been unable to find any evidence to refute this claim. I have to agree, as well. While some variants can have a certain polarizing taste, I have found their concoction to be a perfect marriage between the bitter and the sweet. The blend of orange peel and lemon crushed with a sugar cube, mixed with the strong kick of Maker’s Mark and Angostura bitters proves to be a real winner.

I always look forward to talking with Ben, the bartender whom I have had the pleasure of being served drinks upon each of my visits. Our conversation topics range anywhere from sour cream and onion popcorn to social norms. In addition to being a connoisseur of popcorn, he also proclaims himself an esteemed connoisseur of burgers. This was good news, as this last trip to the Oak Bar I had not only my regular thirst for libations but also a growing hunger to satiate. He recommended the “Icon” burger, confirming my consideration to order it in the first place.

The burger is a complex offering topped with goat cheese, bacon caramel (which is just as good as it sounds), tomato marmalade, and arugula leaves. There is a lot going on in this burger, but somehow the contrasting flavors all combine rather gracefully to present a truly unique taste. Top that with the Kennebec fries and my orange-infused bourbon cocktail, and I had quite an exercise for my palate!

Looking to mingle with some bigwigs and fat cats? Swing over to the Oak Bar on a Saturday night. If you prefer a more low key experience, head over on a Sunday to have a drink and treat yourself to a game on the flat screen wall-mounted TV. Whether you are a hotel guest or just happen to be in the neighborhood, the Oak Bar will be there to add a little class to your day.

Caddy Shack

For Flashback Friday, I thought I'd post this gem from last March. One of our first reviews from Facebook.

Roll on over to 3rd and Locust, and you'll be in for a real treat. Whether it's the fairway green walls, the autographed photos of Bill Murray, or the Michael Jackson on the stereo, it doesn't take long to realize you're in a different kind of dive bar. As I sat down for a scotch on the rocks, the owner, Jim, handed us a menu proclaiming we had arrived at the site home to the "Best Pizza in Kansas City." The obvious thing would be to order one of these provocative pies of provel and pepperoni, and settle the score once and for all. However, Kyle and I were both a few drinks deep and wanted to be completely lucid as to provide an objective review, void of any typos. So we came back the following weekend...

As we awaited our delectable dish, my partner in crime and I decided to pass the time by watching a little golf. I can't remember the last time golf was playing at a bar, but I recall it being somewhere in the neighborhood of never. If golf isn't your thing, you can check out the hockey game on the other side of the bar. If hockey isn't your thing, at least come for the pizza. If pizza isn't your thing, well.... we need to have a talk. The verdict? Caddy Shack talks a big talk - claiming the best pizza in any location unless you're the only source in town is a high standard to fulfill. Luckily, Project KC willfully gives our stamp of approval. I'd go as far to say it is the best St. Louis style pizza this side of St. Louis. The provel is a must - for only $1.00 extra you can dress your pie in that thick, creamy goodness as a perfect companion to the subtly sweet tomato sauce and the crispy thin crust. We opted for the Canadian bacon, I think because the hockey game was on. However, they have the standard assortment of meats and other toppings. I'll probably give the Italian sausage a shot next time. They deliver until 2 am, which is perfect for nights like tonight when you find yourself caught in the midst of a spring time blizzard. I live in midtown and work just north of the river; they'll deliver to both. If you live a little further away, try coercing your driver with a nice tip; you won't regret it.

KC Restaurant Week with Ariel Eve

Tomorrow marks the start of the 5th annual Kansas City Restaurant Week. This year, the event is bigger than ever and features dozens of locals on the list! Participants will be offering up $15 lunches and/or $33 multi-course dinners. Not only that, but 10% of all sales will be donated to charity!

I teamed up with the lovely Ariel Eve to check out a few of this year's choices. Here's the rundown... Blue Bird Bistro

Blue Bird is located in the heart of KC's Westside, at the corner of 17th and Summit. They opened their doors 13 years ago and quickly established themselves as a pretty unique destination. While many establishments are working to make their entrees more healthy and incorporate "superfoods" into their menus, Blue Bird has been following this philosophy since day one.

All ingredients are made from scratch and obtained directly from the farm. Depending on seasonal availability, menu items will vary. In addition to Blue Bird was one of the first restaurants in Kansas City to have viable choices for both vegetarian and vegan guests.

Their Restaurant Week menu includes lunch and dinner. Both menus includes a starter, entree, and dessert. Lunch choices include the house cured salmon crostini, hummus and pita, Two Sisters farm salad, Thane Palmberg Farm squash soup, meatballs, Bahn mi on a baguette, smoked tofu barbecue on a vegan bun, and a sweet potato pancake or vegan orange cake for dessert. Dinner offers up similar starters and adds pastrami made from oat-fed brisket, tagliatelle pasta, shrimp and grits, sweet potato bread pudding, and pear cake. By the way, there's a story behind that oat-fed brisket... Dallas, the resident farmer at the Oatie Ranch had received strict orders from his doctor to cut down his intake of beef to avoid adverse health effects. The doctor suggested enriching his diet with foods like oats. Dallas had the thought that perhaps if he fed his cattle oats and, in turn, ate the beef from his cattle, he may kill two birds with one stone: continue eating what he loves and also improve his health. The family contacted researchers at Kansas State University to put his idea to the test. It turns out that the oat-fed beef indeed had lower cholesterol and an impressive 3.17 to 1 ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 balance!

If you can't make it for restaurant week, I'd suggest trying one of their Wednesday Night communal dinners or the monthly Farmer's Table, a five-course meal featuring locally raised food! Regardless of your Restaurant Week plans, Blue Bird Bistro is a must try!

Nara NeoJapanese

Nara is a pretty sentimental place for me with a lot of memories tied to it; many fond, some slightly embarrassing, but they were all in good fun. On more than one occasion, I had made the drive from North Kansas City to downtown while on my lunch break to get their delicious Vegetable and Tofu Tempura. It was usually enough for two meals.

As you may have guessed, most of my experiences occurred at the bar. Nara is one of the few places I can always count on to have a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label on the shelf. If you aren't in the mood for scotch, they have a wide range of unique cocktails, including a pomegranate cosmo, the wasabi-infused "Blood Nara," and sake bombs! Also, if you are a college girl or just not ashamed to admit that you like Rumchata, definitely order "The Yakuza" while you're there.

Nara has lunch and dinner options for restaurant week. Their lunch menu includes a choose of the Crab Crunch Salad or Temari Sushi to start things off, and finishes things with an entree choice of either Mongolian Beef or Crispy Cashew Chicken. For dinner, you get an appetizer of chicken and veggie Potstickers, Crab Crunch Salad, or Albacore Tuna Salad. The second course is either a Sushi Bento Box, the Trio Green Tea Soba Noodles, or Orange Flavored Beef. For dessert, they are offering Chocolate Creme Brûlée, Chocolate "Lava" Cake, or Pumpkin Cheese Cake.

I may be a bit biased here, but I can't think of another place I'd rather get sushi at in KC. Located just south of Power & Light, it is right in the middle of all the action. They also have an event space, so keep them in mind for your next get together or celebration!

Cafe Trio

Cafe Trio has been stacking accolades since 2006, among them being named as one of KC's "Top Ten" Businesses. They offer live music five nights a week, mostly jazz acts consisting of a pianist sometimes accompanied by a standup bass player. The low key music is a perfect companion to the ritzy and modern decor. They have a rotating art program that boats some of Kansas City's best local paintings. For a more laid-back feel, the heated back patio allows guests to admire some of the best views of the Country Club Plaza.

As for the food, it is largely New and Traditional American Cuisine, but their diverse range of chefs has helped introduce Italian, French, and Asian cuisines as a complement. They have an interesting selection of signature cocktails, which are all named after celebrities and prepared to match. For example, the Ricky Martin is made with Malibu Mango Rum, Strawberry-Mango Puree, muddled mint, and a splash of soda.

Cafe Trio has been involved in Restaurant Week since it started; this marks the fifth year of restaurant week and the fifth year they have participated. This year, the lunch is a two course meal with such choices as Crispy Calamari, Apple Nut Salad, Mac Daddy (voted best Mac & Cheese in KC, and I can vouch for that!), Catfish Po' Boy, Back Bean Veggie Burger, and Warm Chocolate Truffle or Lemon Icebox cakes for dessert! Their dinner adds a course and offers more choices, including the Brussels Sprouts with pan-roastsd bacon, braised Vintage Beef Short Rib, or the rolled and loaded Stuffed Catfish.

If you are looking for a classy dining experience with a good amount of variety, you will be in good hands at Cafe Trio. In addition to their Restaurant Week selections, they have a full lunch and dinner menu, wine list, seasonal cocktails, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Needless to say, there is something for everyone.

Tannin Winebar-Kitchen

Love wine? Love food? You're in luck! Just a block east of Nara, Tannin stands at the corner of 16th and Walnut in the Crossroads Arts District. They serve up a sessional menu of contemporary American food with a fierce wine menu to boot! If you were raised in the Napa valley, you will have no trouble finding something to suit your taste. Conversely, if you're like me and have an experience limited to finding the best-looking bottle of red wine for $4, you will be pleasantly surprised.

If you are unsure what type of grapes you are looking for, they offer two ounce glasses for sampling. Once you've decided on something good, the five ounce glass should suit you well. Either that, or get a whole bottle. In fact, I recommend it! BOGO bottles are available all day Sunday and Monday, and if you are not opposed to day-drinking, wine by the glass is 50% off during the week between 11:30 and 4. Nice!

Next Wednesday, Tannin will be featuring Jann Forth of Forth Vineyards to pair her wines with their Restaurant Week offerings. Connoisseurs, take note and plan accordingly. Their dinner is a three course meal. Start off with a Beet & Pear Salad, Jumbo Lump Crab Dip, or the Braised Burgers' Bacon with creamy polenta. The main course is a choice of Roasted Scottish Salmon, Crispy Confit Chicken, or Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs. Hopefully you've made room for dessert, which comes in the form of an Espresso Molten Chocolate Cake, a freshly baked Fudge Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookie, or a Hazelnut Custard Napoleon puff pastry. Vegetarian options are also available!

Tannin also has their own selection of wine clubs that gives customers access to special discounts and events at great values. Whether you are the budding enthusiastic or a heavyweight Dean Martin, there is a program to suit your needs! They also have options for private dining, ranging from rooms with seating for around 20 all the way up to large scale parties that can reserve the whole restaurant! Or you can just swing by to enjoy a Chardonnay and decide the rest later.

For more information on Kansas City Restaurant Week, check out the official site here: http://www.visitkc.com/kc-restaurant-week-14/index.aspx Be sure to check out more of Ariel on her website and follow her on Facebook: http://www.arieleve.com

http://www.facebook.com/arielevee Sincerely, Joey

#kcrestaurantweek #kansascity #kcmo #restaurantweek #projectkc #arieleve

Film's Not Dead

Happy New Year! It is January 1st and we thought we would celebrate today with something a little different.

We live in a digital age; it is inescapable. Laptops, Smartphones, tablets, eReaders, MP3 players, and global position systems have all assimilated themselves to be integral parts of our lives. Just about every basic (and advanced) function that we perform can be completed on one or more of these devices. In the days of Facebook, Twitter and eBay, it may be difficult for some to justify the use of such primitive technology as a 35mm camera. Not for us...

When we went out on the road in November to film Headed West, I made a conscious decision to shoot photos from the entire trip on film. Without the advantage of digital technology, I had to plan every shot carefully, frame with care and precision, and consider things like light and exposure before I hit that shutter to advance the next frame. I used two cameras: the manual focusing Leica M7 rangefinder, and the auto-focusing Canon EOS 650. I brought 10 rolls of film: Fuji Velvia 50, Kodak Ektar 100, Ilford Delta 100 and Ilford HP5 Plus 400. No editing or post processing. Here are the highlights: Kansas City

Albuquerque

Tucson

San Diego

Los Angeles

Santa Barbara

Las Vegas

...what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. On the Road

We hope you enjoyed the photos. Keep an eye out for more on Headed West, including the official trailer! Happy New Year, Joey B.

Halloween at The Brick

The Brick was always a place I had known about, but for the longest time I had been too young to enter its doors. Even with a beard, I stood no chance slipping past the door guy with my unforgiving learner's permit. I didn't even drink back then! All I could do was sit and cry about it like emo kids were supposed to.

Well, I've gotten much older and had several more drinks and don't cry nearly as much. I also finally saw a few shows at The Brick. For this Throwback Thursday, I thought I'd give my account of one particular show from this past Halloween. The lineup were three locals: Lazy Motel, Real Sugar, and Jib Jab Jones & the Indigo Circus.

While waiting for the show to start, I decided to hit the bar and get my usual glass of Templeton Rye, neat. For some reason, this is about the only thing I'll order when I'm at The Brick and The Brick is generally the only place where I'll order it. Call me crazy but something about the stark contrast between fine Prohibition whiskey and a KC dive bar just sits so well with me.

As I took the first sip of my drink, I quickly scanned my environment. If it weren't for the familiar Día de Muertos decorations, and the occasional costume (but who can tell what is and is not a costume these days?) I would have totally forgotten it was Halloween. That was fine by me… Otherwise, everything was business as usual. I could smell a chili dog being delivered to another customer at the bar and I even glanced at a plate full of baked goods. Too bad I wasn't hungry. Speaking of food, The Brick has a lot of it. Their full-size menu includes a whole slew of hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Go ahead and try the fish and chips... And vegetarians, rejoice! There are plenty of options for you, too...

Kicking off the show was one-man act Lazy Motel, fronted by KC resident Brad Peknik. With just an acoustic guitar and a microphone, Brad was able to captivate the crowd with his slow and eerie folk rock (think more on the folk side). Brad's stripped down style was a perfect method for delivering each chilling ballad and his calm yet grounded voice had just the right amount of twang. This candid performance proved to be a good guide to introduce the evening's festivities.

Next up was Real Sugar. I had never heard of this band before but I knew their drummer. His name is Meatball. That alone was sufficient reason to pay close attention. I'll also mention that their guitarist was wearing a bright Hawaiian floral shirt, which amused me greatly. My excitement only grew as they went through some quick jazz fills and scales during soundcheck. Not only was the sugar real, but so was everything else about this band. Imagine a fusion of jazz with funk, R&B, and even some metal undertones. Take notice: this band may be a suitable replacement for bedroom music if you ever lose your Isley Brothers Greatest Hits cd.

Closing the show out was none other than Jib Jab Jones & the Indigo Circus. This trio packed quite a punch with their fast-paced and fun breed of folk punk. If I had only had a few more whiskeys, I surely would have torn up the dance floor and possibly have been asked to leave. Their songs were catchy and made you want to sing along, though I probably would have gotten strange stares reciting lines like "So who are you to tell me I'm not black enough?" Their set consisted of plenty of pop culture references, as well as political and social commentary. This all reminded me that you really can rock out with an acoustic guitar!

Located at 17th and McGee, The Brick has always been a convenient spot to catch a great local show, and from the looks of it, this hasn't changed at all. They open by 11 am most days (9 am on Saturday, so feel to come by for breakfast!) They stay open until 1:30 am Tuesday through Thursday or 3:00 am Monday, Friday and Saturday. Expect to see live music most nights. Also, if you are an aspiring singer or just drunk and overconfident, be sure to check out karaoke on Mondays!

http://www.thebrickkcmo.com http://lazymotel.bandcamp.com http://jibjabjonesandtheindigocircus.bandcamp.com http://realsugar.bandcamp.com

#tbt #thebrickkcmo #kansascity #kcmo #projectkc

The Lady is Green, The Walls are Red

Looking for a place to watch live jazz nearly any night of the week? Enter, Green Lady Lounge. This recent addition can be found right at 18th and Grand, just east of the Crossroads Art District. It is here that you can enjoy live jazz 6 nights a week for no cover, and they even stay open until 3 am, Tuesday through Sunday!

The dim lighting and scarlet walls give a similar aura as to what we experienced at Manifesto, but with an even more upscale presentation. The 1890's-inspired furnishings make you feel as though you stumbled into the restaurant of a luxury hotel near the turn of last century. There is plenty of seating, whether it be at the bar or in a booth.

You can be right in the action while the musicians play, or appreciate the sounds from afar and still be able to engage in conversation with your friends. It is dark, but not so dark that you can't admire the red dress of your attractive bartender as she mixes your Old Fashioned.

Their menu is extensive, offering up premium cocktails made with brandy, cognac, gin or bourbon. They also have a nice wine list and plenty of beers to choose from, including several Boulevard Smokestack brews. If you get hungry or just need a quick way to sober up, they do serve cheeseburgers, hummus, tortellini, and even a couple of dessert items.

By now, we've been here several times (including my first time which was spent mostly drunk at the piano bench - no one even tried to stop me) and this lounge is still one of our favorites in town. It is a charming and swanky spot where you can throw back a few while reveling in the sweet, sultry timbres of timeless jazz, both local and global. Come in between 4 pm and 3 am; no reservations, no cover.

Manifesto Destiny

Since probably none of us were ever around to experience the prohibition era, one may venture to ponder what it may have been like. When something we have grown accustomed to is suddenly taken away, its overall appeal drastically heightens in its absence. The speakeasy was the most prevalent vessel for sustaining the lucrative enterprise of bootleg liquor.

Manifesto is a modern establishment, but don't let that fool you - it may as well have come straight out of 1926, when silent films still dominated the silver screen. Located in the basement of the Rieger Hotel, this adaptation of the prohibition speakeasy may have you forgetting what year it is. You will need to gain entrance by ringing a bell in the back alleyway, and it's best to have a reservation in advance.

Descend the steep stairwell, watch your head, and pull the curtains back to reveal a narrow corridor that opens up into an old school lounge, illuminated solely by candlelight. Once you are seated, be sure to have a good moment to look the menu over. Manifesto has a full line of artisan beverages, inspired after the many classic cocktails whose dominance greatly diminished after prohibition. It doesn't matter what you drink, as long as you enjoy liquor, and lots of it.

They offer drinks of two main varieties: If you relish the stiff taste of alcohol, go with the stirred variety; on the other hand, if you fancy something infused with fruit or other masking flavors, try a shaken mixture. At $11 a pop, these drinks are certainly not offered at 1920's prices, but no worries - as long as you plan on walking out of there on your own two feet, you shouldn't need more than a couple. Manifesto is a delightful throwback that has a unique niche in our world of technology overload and automatic everything. If you plan on going, it is probably best to leave your smartphone and tablet in the car; it will be much easier to enjoy the intimate ambiance and appreciate the timeless splendor.

Never Trust a Rabbit, Always Trust Elmer Fudd

Earlier this spring, we stumbled upon a place that really impressed us. We had spent several previous months driving past their sign at 16th and Main, making some excuse or another to "check it out the next time." Well, this time we were out of excuses and were ready to catch what we had been missing.

Anton's taproom is a unique blend of steak house, pub, butcher shop, and art gallery. Seriously,though... Throughout the week they have a killer happy hour from 3 to 6 that features $3 beers, $5 glasses of wine, $1 tacos, $3 brats, and much more. In addition to offering gourmet appetizers, a nice array of seafood, hormone-free pork and poultry, Anton's also offers up premium steaks - cut to order - that are butchered and aged in-house.

We had a chance to spend a few minutes shooting the breeze with Mr. Fudd, resident butcher and lifelong artisan of his craft. He was kind enough to treat us to some samples of his freshly cut jerky, taken literally straight off the smoker. For a Wisconsin man, he also whips up a pretty good barbecue sauce!

There are three levels at Anton's: the ground floor that houses the bar and dining area, an upstairs art gallery with additional seating - perfect for large parties, and a downstairs Aquaponics system where they raise their own tilapia! Anton's Taproom opened its doors only late last year, but we have a feeling it will be around for quite a while. Come and check it out if you haven't already!

The Hardest Table to Get in Kansas City

The food truck has long been a godsend for satiating relentless hunger worked up after long nights of drinking, as well as a means to avoid horrendous drive-thru windows and even worse drive-thru food. Depending on the street corner or event, you may have access to a decent variety of choices, from hot dogs and hamburgers to gyros to jambalaya, just to name a few. Our nocturnal selves are grateful for such establishments, and rejoice in their convenience. However, one can rarely reflect back upon the previous night and think, "That Los Pollos Hermanos food truck we went to was superb! I do believe I will be returning at my nearest convenience."

As I said, such an occasion is rarely, if ever encountered. Unless you happened to be referring to the food truck run by Patrick Ryan. His four-wheeled mobile Mexican powerhouse was the exception to this rule. Ryan's truck was such a magnificent and well-received fixture that it was possible to "dine in" - there was actually a single table in the back of truck. Moreover, I was told that it was the hardest table to get in Kansas and, possibly the entire midwest.

In light of such distinguished successes, a space will eventually reach its carrying capacity and must therefore expand into a bigger arena. Enter, Westport's own Port Fonda. This is not your run of the mill Mexican restaurant; it is not the place you grab a quick taco and side of rice - though these things are certainly available. Port Fonda is a much more gourmet experience.

I've never been much of a "soup guy." Sure, it's a perfect remedy for my occasional sinus infections and has proven to be a cheap way to dodge starvation while in college. Otherwise, it's not my overwhelming first choice when deciding on what to eat when I'm out. The Sopa Port Fonda is a selection that turned that mentality completely on its head. I read the description and was sold. You see, my Spanish is limited to "tequila," "banyo," and well.. that's about it. So when a steaming bowl of pork belly, pork shoulder, masa dumplings, corn cobs and other veggies, all in a thick bacon broth was placed in front of me, I was surprised and delighted at the same time. I must have had dreams about this soup, because I can't seem to keep the taste of it out of my mouth. And I have no complaints about that, whatsoever.

In addition to their premium cuisine, Port Fonda can also be a great place to have a drink and shoot the breeze. Their tequila and mezcal selection puts those of most liquor stores to shame, but they still have tons of wines, whiskeys, cervezas, and plenty of other spirits to fit anyone's palate. Step up to the bar and your bartender - who may or may not be stylishly repping Kansas City with a Baldwin baseball cap - will gladly help you pick your poison, should you have any uncertainty. They offer a first rate selection of unique craft cocktails that are presented to you shaken or stirred by a first class staff, which includes past participants in Kansas City's famed Paris of the Plains bartending competition.

Port Fonda has also been known to host live music and feature DJ's of various genres. My favorite time to come is hip hop night: there is nothing quite like eating a chimichanga and taking shots of mezcal as the soothing voices of Dr. Dre and Eazy E serenade you. If that isn't enough, you can always join the Tecate Social Club on Thursdays and Friday between 3:30 and 6pm for some 24oz cans for $3.

Port Fonda is a lot of things, but it is definitely not ordinary. When you find yourself craving a superb Mexican dish that you've never had and probably never heard of - but will wish you had - or simply want to indulge in a complex tequila-based cocktail, do yourself a favor and head over to 4141 Pennsylvania.

#portfonda #kcmo #kansascity #projectkc #mexican #craftcocktail #tecatesocialclub #portfondakc

The Oddfellows

I’ve always been a pretty skeptical person, almost to the point of cynicism. Yet a large part of my former teenage self seemed obsessed over the supernatural, mystical and extraterrestrial phenomena that occasionally pervaded and overlapped into our otherwise drab and predictable humanity. I rejected the possibility of such elements, but was still desperately intent to change my mind. For example: I extensively researched Area 51 and visited Roswell, the Hornet Spook Light, and Stull, Kansas… just to name a few.

Finally, I may be giving my curmudgeon-like skepticism a run for its money. When I heard there existed a haunted winery just miles outside of Kansas City, I knew I had to investigate…

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is an international secret society that was started in the early 19th Century. The Odd Fellows Home was the society’s first lodge, located in Liberty, MO. It provided protection to members of the society and their families when they required it. It served as a home and education center for many orphans with connections to the Fellows. The original home burned down and was rebuilt in 1900. Legend has it the orphans whom inhabited the structure are still there today.

The entire complex sits on 240 acres and consists of the main home, schoolhouse, hospital, and cemetery. Oh, and let’s not forget the vineyard!

So let me get this straight… Vintage architecture, ghosts, wide open land, and wine? Please, someone sign me up!

Driving up to the vast estate gives one a slightly eerie feeling, even in the daytime. The growing sense of excitement and discovery quickly overwhelms what unease or fright may initially develop. The enormous front lawn is decorated with beautiful fountains and an ornate gazebo. A staggered stairway leads all the way up from the bottom of the hill to the front of the house.

When taking in such an overload of majestic scenery and historic significance, it is easy to lose sight of the original reason for your arrival. Once we gathered our bearings and walked inside, we quickly gravitated to the bar to make acquaintance with owner Jesse Leimkuehler. He treated us to free samples of a variety of red and white wines, varying from very dry to very sweet. My favorite was the Casanova, a semi-dry red.

Jesse not only dispensed wine to please our palates, but also appealed to our curiosity as he told his own ghost stories. One such account included an occasion in which he saw a young child, dressed in the high fashion of 1890 whom appeared and disappeared within seconds, right in front of his eyes. During our short stay, we did not encounter any such stirring experiences. However, my traveling companion was able to capture some photos containing a couple of questionable figures, if you are looking closely enough.

If you aren’t convinced yet, I don’t blame you. Luckily, in addition to wine tastings and weddings, Belvoir occasionally offers overnight paranormal investigations. We plan to attend one and if you are feeling adventurous - or just want to disprove your inner skeptic - I highly recommend you check out their website! If that is too much, you can always just watch the episode on Ghost Hunters…

The Joy of Serendipity

The human experience gives way to an endless range of possibilities and circumstances. Somewhere in between the stresses of our careers, personal relationships, front page news stories, and our precious comfort zones, it is natural to lose sight of this very elegant and beautiful thought. You never know where life may take you, so long as you adopt a little flexibility and open your mind a bit. Without advocating carelessness or neglect, I invite the adventuresome to throw out the road map for a moment and see where they end up. If only just once.

A healthy injection of spontaneity can often be the perfect remedy for a bad day. Earlier this week, I was having one of these "bad days" and was fighting desperately to kill off the negative energy radiated as a result. I decided to make a short trek up north to Penguin Park. The only additional companion (other than my camera, of course) was to be a steaming hot cup of black coffee. The only obstacle remaining was where to obtain said coffee. I was determined to get something good from somewhere I had never been. I was also adamant on reaching this destination without the aid of Google Maps, FourSquare, or Yelp.com. That's right, this time I was counting only on my sharp intuition, 20/20 vision, and the faith that my aging car would get me from point A to unknown point B.

As my seemingly aimless journey began to yield no leads, I saw that I was getting further and further out of town. Once I passed through some place called Mosby, I knew I was going to have a tough time succeeding in my original objective. Also, this reminded me of "How I Met Your Mother," which in turn reminded me of Barney Stinson. From this point, I made the mental jump to curse myself for not dressing more sharply that day.

I eventually reached the intersection of US-69 and MO Highway 10, realizing that I was approaching Excelsior Springs. The only other time I had made it up here was for a family getaway when I was just 14 years old. We had stayed at the Elms Hotel. This particular day seemed to be as opportune an occasion as any other to revisit this famed location.

The 5 o'clock hour had arrived and so I cleared my conscience to make the shift from coffee to liquor. While sitting in bar at the 88, I sipped the Macallan 12 year and marinated in my surroundings. I admired the two story dining room, with each table elegantly set and waiting for just the right party to come by to justify its arrangement. On the walls hung wide canvases of Al Capone and Harry Truman, invoking the rich history this place can boast as a legacy. To my right sat a small number of guests: an older gentleman glued to his late-model Apple PowerBook, and a casually dressed couple who seemed to be receiving some financial advising. By the looks of things, they did not appear to be too pleased with their counseling.

A couple of glasses of scotch later and I found a steaming plate unveiled before my eyes. A 12-oz Kansas City strip steak lay atop a bed of Kennebec potatoes, green beans and tomatoes. The only thing missing was a glass of red wine; however, I intended to walk out on my own two feet and therefore had no problem enjoying my steak with some good old dihydrogen monoxide (water, for laymen and anyone who hasn't balanced a chemical equation lately). Finally, I satisfied my prevailing sweet tooth with a slice of caramel cheesecake, embedded and topped with succulent dark chocolate.

The Elms also houses a cafe and a second floor bar, the Tavern. I plan to visit both of these upon my return, which I hope will be soon. Had I packed an overnight bag and another roll of film, I would have taken the plunge and booked a suite to indulge in the full experience - the Elms does have a spa, after all.

The main draw from my perspective is the hotel's history as a haunted landmark. Legend has it that people were originally drawn to this spot due to the alleged healing powers of the mineral springs, though there is little evidence to support this. There do exist countless reports of paranormal activity, and Project KC therefore pledges to return for further investigation! We hope to book a couple of rooms later this year and see just what sort of happenings manifest during our stay.

Voltaire

Voltaire is a classy bistro rather discreetly located on the 1600 block of Genessee Street, just a stone’s throw from Kemper Arena. If it weren’t for my newfangled GPS machine, I may have missed it a couple of times circling the block. It seemed a suitable venue for a first date, and I felt I was scoring some points for such a prime choice of dining location We walked through the door and found ourselves amidst a clamor of patrons eating, drinking, being merry, and filling nearly every seat in the joint. I made us a reservation for an hour later and made it our plan to return promptly at 9 pm.

I wish I could say we wisely spent our wait time next door at Grandma’s Bar, but I thought I’d save that for another night. Instead, we hit up Zoo Bar downtown - and I’m glad we did. We happened to meet a very bizarre Southern woman who claimed to be a model for Halls, daughter of a prominent congressman, member of the witness protection program, and probably many other things that I can no longer remember. Thanks for buying all of our drinks, Carmen.

By the time we returned, I was more than a little tipsy. Luckily for me, my fair lady volunteered the role of designated driver. As long as I didn’t need to be carried out of the restaurant, I’d say it would be a great victory for everyone involved. My date was a vegetarian, but it turned out there were plenty of options for her. I almost went the veg route myself and considered the Ratatouille Eggplant, but changed my mind once I saw they had Pork Belly Tacos with Kimchi. So good! My date ordered something with the word “Pigeon” in the name, but turns it out did not contain any pigeons.

Voltaire has a very extensive cocktail menu and will be especially appreciated by those who enjoy gin and tequila. I, myself do not discriminate when it comes to alcohol; I enjoy a little bit of everything. But I must admit I have a strong affinity for whiskey and scotch. Therefore, the K.C. Sour was calling my name from a mile away. This drink won my heart first with its local name and later with its Old Fitzgerald bonded bourbon and smoked lemon. It is sweetened with demerara sugar and topped off with claret wine that slyly sinks in to add a delightful complexity to the drink.

This week, I came back to Voltaire with a clear mind and much enthusiasm. The trusty turntable was playing Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” one of my all-time favorite albums.. I couldn’t help but revisit the Kansas City Sour, my own version of whiskey heaven. After one of those, I did decide to switch things up slightly. I did so with a drink simply referred to as “Sour.” This is similar to the K.C. Sour, except it’s made with different bourbon and is shaken with lemon and sugar. It also comes in an even fancier glass…

Call me crazy… but if I travel to a bar unaccompanied, I like to enjoy a book with my drink. On this particular night, a glass case behind the bar caught my eye. A book entitled “Drunk” sat on the outside of a stack on the lower shelf. On it, one can plainly spot a stool in motion and at the complete mercy of gravity as it is just about to hit the ground. Moments before, my camera bag shifted and knocked a stool over. I think it may have startled a couple of guests and prompted them to leave. I took this all as an omen and asked the barkeep for permission to indulge in this hilarious collection of synonyms (nearly 2,300) for the act of being or becoming intoxicated.

Just like the eccentric French writer, Voltaire is a place that has it all: You can sample a wide variety of cuisine from a frequently changing menu whether you are a carnivore or herbivore, you can enjoy a multitude of craft cocktails for only $8 a pop, you can read up on the history of drunkenness, and you can even chill out on the love seat near the entrance and listen to Radiohead. All in all, it is one hell of a place.

How about a Pigwich?

We were recently introduced to a true hidden gem of Kansas City. Tucked away ever so slyly near I-35 and Front Street is the happy marriage of butcher shop and food truck. Hidden amidst the hodgepodge of residential and industrial development that is the East Bottoms, you can follow the smell of delicious smoked meats and fresh garnishes to The Local Pig.

If it weren't for the rather imposing sight of a bright yellow trailer labeled with purple script letters proudly exclaiming "Pigwich," you may never even have noticed the structure at the corner of Guinotte and Montgall. Before entering the storefront, we decided to sample the merchandise by getting a couple of these "Pigwiches;" in my case a Cheesesteak, while Kyle chose the Cuban, which consisted of roast pork, smoked ham, a dijon sauce and swiss cheese. We both chipped in an extra buck for the homemade potato skins and drink combo (a no-brainer) and were glad that we did.

While speaking with Alex, one of the shop's owners, it was revealed that the Local Pig gathers all their inventory from local farms and uses only free-range pigs, chicken and cattle. This fact began to bring quite a bit of clarity to the slightly overwhelming character of flavor we felt when first biting into our sandwiches - the quality was unsurpassed and everlasting.

Fresh does not even begin to explain the taste; to merely say the food was rich and complex would be unjust. We later learned that whatever cuts didn't make it behind the counter would be contributed to the food truck - meaning that nothing but their top shelf selections would be available to take home. Considering how pleased we were with our lunches, this was a very exciting prospect.

A little unnecessary background on me - I am 26 years old and my greatest cooking accomplishment to date most likely begins with the word "frozen" and/or involves the use of a microwave. Alex assured me that one focus at the Local Pig is to provide tips to their customers, regardless of experience level (or lack thereof.)

Our first visit struck such a positive chord with me that I came back, as promised, to not only make a purchase from the meat counter but to also sample another offering from the lunch menu. This time I switched gears and went for the double cheeseburger, which in spite of its accurate description, I believe it to be inaccurately named as "Double Cheeseburger." This simple designation frankly does not capture the gourmet essence of the dish. Yet, at the same time, I take it as an enticing understatement that makes its discovery that much more rewarding. The aioli gave it a nice tangy zest, while my selection of pepper jack cheese provided just the right amount of heat. I believe it was somewhere halfway through Steely Dan's "Black Friday" that I made the executive decision to adopt this place as our new regular hangout.

I took Alex's advice and picked up some bone-in pork chops to take home for dinner. On this particular evening, I went to visit my father at his home outside the city. Lucky for me, he happens to be an exemplary cook (it seems that this trait must skip a generation) and was more than happy to grill these prime cuts. The shop's pre-smoking had a tremendous effect on the taste, and left little to be done in terms of preparation - again, I can't really comment on this part because I can't cook. The important thing is this: my good old dad was so taken by this pork that he said it was the best chop he'd ever had, and he's been around for a minute! I had to agree. Get yourself down to the Local Pig to see for yourself!

Good afternoon, Kansas City

We've been toying with the idea of starting a blog for quite a while, and finally caved in. Here you will find an ongoing record of news stories, venue and event reviews, photo shoots, exclusive interviews, the occasional rant, and anything else we may feel like posting. We plan to post frequent updates, so make sure to follow us! To start things off, we'd like to share a recent photo shoot we did with Courtnie Marie Ross. She is a triple threat that specializes in hair, makeup, and of course, modeling. Check her out here: http://wwww.facebook.com/CourtnieMarieRoss

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