The Making of a Foodie

The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge Taps Liquid Minded Concepts Team To Run Operations

The hottest new bar opening in Kansas City this summer has now hired one of the most talented and well-rounded group of bartenders in the city to run it.

David Manica, president and owner of Kansas City’s MANICA Architecture, and force behind the new The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge, has announced that he has tapped the team from Liquid Minded Concepts to manage his new bar.

Brock Schulte, Kenny Cohrs and Mark Church, all three managing partners in Liquid Minded Concepts, will be joining The Monarch full time, while Brandon Cummins, also a partner in Liquid Minded Concepts, will serve as a consultant.

Schulte left his full-time head bartending position at The Rieger several months ago to begin his work as the new bar manager for The Monarch. In this new role, he will oversee cocktail menu and recipe development in addition to customer cocktail and spirits education.

While he was shaking things up at The Rieger, Schulte, under the Liquid Minded Concepts umbrella, also developed full service craft beverage programs for restaurants like M&S Grill, The Drum Room and Providence New American Kitchen in addition to competing and winning several national bartending competitions around the country.

The “face” of The Monarch bar will be Cohrs, who will be stepping into the role of service manager, managing the front-of-the-house operations and guest experience.

With over a decade of experience behind the bar, Cohrs’ reputation as a gentleman bartender makes him the perfect person for this role. Most recently he was the lead bartender at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, which is located next door to The Monarch, but before that he has also contributed his talents to other prominent bars in the city, like Manifesto and Café Trio.

Adding his 12 years of experience into the mix is Church, who headed up Grünauer’s Wunderbar for years. Church is looking forward to settling into his new role as the general manager for The Monarch. As a board member of the United States Bartenders’ Guild’s Kansas City chapter, Church’s bartending talents have also been acknowledged with many awards and accolades.  

“As managing partners, the three of us are very excited to collaborate full-time with David on The Monarch Cocktail Bar,” says Cohrs. “From the atmosphere to cocktails to hospitality, our focus will be to create an exceptional experience.”

Finally, Cummins will serve as a consultant on The Monarch project, drawing on his 18 years of industry experience to help guide the new West Plaza bar and lounge. His insightful intelligence about how the bar industry works and what it needs to push forward has translated into professional accomplishments which include founder of the Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival, a member of the Tequila Interchange Project and in his full-time work as the Director of Marketing & Education for Altamar Brands – a boutique spirits importer.

“As a team, we have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time, and now we are looking forward to bringing our talents together, to make The Monarch one of the best cocktail destinations in the city,” said Schulte.

 

The Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge, 4840 Roanoke Pkwy., West Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, themonarchbar.com

J. Rieger & Co. Releases 2017 Rieger’s Monogram Whiskey

It has taken nearly a hundred years, and four very special sherry barrels just as old, but Rieger’s Monogram Whiskey is finally ready to hit the shelves in select area retailers on Thursday, March 30.

Rieger & Co. much anticipated Rieger’s Monogram whiskey is a blend of 11-year rye and 9-year corn whiskey, but what truly makes it unique is that the whiskey has been finished for 18 months in four, 500-liter sherry botas, or wood barrels, that are each over a century old.

The large botas, painted matte black to help spot any leaks in the barrels, were sourced from Williams & Humbert, one of the oldest Sherry producers in Jerez, Spain, who also supplies J. Rieger & Co. with the 15 year old Oloroso sherry they blend into their Rieger’s Kansas City whiskey.

Although the new 2017 release of Rieger’s Monogram has no additional sherry added, it simply gets the essence of sherry imparted through a system of fractional blending inspired by the solera system in Jerez, where small portions of the blend are extracted each time, always leaving something left in the barrel to give to the next batch its rich character and flavor.

Steve Olson, a sherry expert and partner in J. Rieger & Co., worked on all the “sacas” or transfer-and-removals of the whiskey to create the 2017 release of Rieger’s Monogram Whiskey.

“It was a special day when we unloaded the 500-liter botas from the solera of Williams & Humbert at the distillery,” notes Olson. “We had selected 8- year old Corn Whiskey to place in three of the Botas, and we added 10-year old Rye Whiskey to the fourth. The Whiskey entered the Botas on June 29, 2015. Two months later, we barrel-tasted for the first-time. It was mind- blowing! That’s when we decided to go beyond traditional blending and start to selectively draw out the whiskey to find the depth that only these special, old barrels can deliver.”

With only 1,000 bottles available, each retailing for $100 a piece, the Monogram label was planned from the beginning to represent the highest standards in quality and creativity for the brand, produced in limited numbers, and presented as an annual series, that will change from year to year.

Rieger’s Monogram does not replicate the original recipe, but instead showcases the 2 year-old distillery’s highly innovative approach to what great whiskey can, and should be.

The tasting notes for the 2017 Rieger’s Monogram Whiskey would start with rich, deep, dark fruit and nuttiness from the Oloroso sherry, mixed with the spices and confectionary tones of the of the old oak botas. At 104 proof, the lovely dark fruit and caramel notes come together in perfect harmony for a creamy, full taste.

The Rieger’s Monogram whiskey represents the sixth product in a line that already includes Kansas City Whiskey, Midwestern Premium Vodka, Midwestern Dry Gin, Left For Dead, and Caffé Amaro.

“This officially marks the new launch of the original Rieger’s Monogram label for our company,” said Andy Rieger, co-founder of J. Rieger & Co. “Monogram was one of the first original Rieger labels that we came across that we knew we wanted to do something special with.”

One taste, and you’ll be celebrating this unique new product in Kansas City.

For more information, go to jriegerco.com.

10 Best Patio's to Hit This Spring in Kansas City

When the hot sun warms the cool breezes in Kansas City, it is time to find a nice new patio to land on to take advantage of the gorgeous weather.

Whether you are just looking for a place to land for a drink with a friend, or perhaps thinking about dining alfresco, here are 10 patios you should definitely consider in Kansas City right now.

There are only a few short months during the year where this kind of outdoor entertaining is possible, so be sure to take advantage of it while you can.

 

Aep

One of the things that Aep, the new regional Thai restaurant on 39^th Street, inherited when it opened in the former Thomas location, was that fantastic rooftop patio. To the east, you’ll enjoy colorful views of 39^th Street, but to the west you’ll marvel at the space age look of the new KU medical buildings that are nearing completion at 39^th Street and State Line Road. Gone is the old patio furniture, soon be replaced with new tables and chairs, and owner and executive chef, Jakob Polaco is thinking about creating a special menu just for rooftop revellers.

815 W 39th St, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.832.8866, aeprestaurant.com.

 

Affäre

Maybe one of the best kept secrets about the modern German restaurant, Affäre, located in the Crossroads, is their hidden courtyard that sits just outside their back door ready to welcome guests for happy hour or dinner when the good weather hits. Surrounded on three sides by the neighboring buildings and businesses, it feels like you are tucked into the perfect urban oasis for private dining or drinking. Request the long picnic table set with linens and flowers for communal dining or larger parties and order one of the Affäre to Share plates featuring charcuterie, local Green Dirt Farm cheeses or German sausages, or grab one of the more intimate two tops for outdoor dining and drinking experiences that will have you feeling like you are dining in the city square of one of Germany’s most stylish restaurants.

1911 Main St, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.298.6182, affarekc.com

 

Brick House

A new owner has brought new life to a patio that has been rocking it since its days as the Velvet Dog. The Brick House is the new steward of this popular Martini Corner patio, and they have now added wooden picnic tables, more television screens and spruced up yard games to the red brick patio, making it a more casual spot to socialize when the weather gets nice. Stop in during the week and take advantage of their happy hour specials or enjoy a tall glass of Boulevard’s Tank 7 to go with your K.C. Burger that features pepper jack cheese, burnt ends and BBQ sauce with French fries and kick back with your friends and catch up on the game as the sun sets. 400 E 31st St, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.255.3912, brickhousekc.com

 

Bella Napoli

This neighborhood charmer is cozy during the winter, packing customers from Brookside, and beyond, into every nook and cranny for lunch, dinner or really any special occasion. But when the weather gets warm, owner, Jake Imperiale, sets tables and chairs underneath his signature royal blue and maroon striped awnings that provide the right amount of shade to make the sidewalk feel as intimate as any Italian bistro in Rome. Over the years the patio went from being a mere suggestion, to a full-on must do, now featuring handsome wood panel walls that define the space and give this pop-up patio a sense of permanence. Come for lunch for an extraordinary soup and salad experience, or for dinner order a bottle of wine and meet friends for an authentic pizza or pasta dinner.

6229 Brookside Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.444.5041, kcbellanapoli.com

 

Brown & Loe

You’ll have to decide whether to end your day with happy hour or dinner, or start your weekend with brunch before hitting the Farmers’ Market. Either way, the patio at Brown & Loe is the place to accomplish both of those goals surrounded by unique views of the downtown Kansas City skyline and the bustling market all around you. If you prefer a quiet place to land during the week for happy hour, then this red brick perch is the perfect spot to watch the sun set while enjoying cocktails from the bar and comforting and creative nibbles from the kitchen. But brunch on the weekend is a hustle and bustle affair with a comforting and cozy menu full of favorites like sweet potato waffles, shrimp and grits and jerk chicken chilaquiles.

429 Walnut St, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.472.0622, http://www.brownandloe.com

 

Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements

To call the Beer Garden at Char Bar in Westport a patio, is an understatement. It is a playground for adults complete with a firepit, croquet court, bocce ball field, ping pong tables and a corn hole toss. Not to mention plenty of picnic tables to sit at and a large outdoor bar that keeps the games going as long as there is a cold drink in your hand. Sitting outside in the beer garden is the right time to order something messy, like a half a slab of ribs or jumbo smoked chicken wings to share with the table. Smoked meats, ice cold beer and a couple of friends to play games with will make you feel like you are at the best backyard barbecue ever.

4050 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.389.8600, charbarkc.com

 

Il Lazzarone

If authentic traditional Neapolitan-style pizza is what you are craving, then Il Lazzarone is the right patio to find yourself landing. One of the best parts about this patio, aside from the large pizza oven and matching bright red chairs that seems to becon you onto it, is the fact that it stays open until 1:30 am Monday-Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. This means you can get your favorite glass of wine and a pie after your event, concert or show, and eat it outside on the patio. With plenty of outdoor seating underneath several large trees that provide the right amount of shade and plenty of cool breeze, Il Lazzarone will begin or end your night out on the town on the perfect note.

412 Delaware Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.541.3695, illazzarone.org

 

Novel

Although Chef Ryan Brazeal and his wife and pastry chef, Jessica Armstrong have announced plans to move Novel their new restaurant location in the Crossroads before the end of this year, there is still time this year to enjoy one more season of their glorious outdoor patio located in front of the darling house on the Westside that serves as their current home. Get there early on a gorgeous day to get the primo seats outside, as the neighbors tend to come early and steak out their claim for the evening.  Enjoy their 6-course Chef’s Prix Fixe dinner for $45 that includes savory and sweet dishes – that coupled with a seat on the patio, has the makings for a great day, indeed.

815 W 17 St, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.221.0785, novelkc.com

 

Rye

For a patio with a little southern exposure, it doesn’t get more peaceful or relaxing than the waterside patio at Rye located in Mission Farms shopping center. Take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch out on the patio, where you and a friend can get caught up over a quinoa and smoked salmon salad or a cup of loaded baked potato soup. But for a bit of whimsy, why not just stop in almost any night of the week for dessert only. Get a delicious and decadent slice of homemade pie or cake, made by Chef Megan Garrelts, like Chocolate Mint Grasshopper or Banana or Coconut Cream pie. That, along with a cup of coffee, or an after dinner drink out on the spacious and welcoming patio is a great weekday treat when the weather is nice.

10551 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas, 913.642.5800, ryekc.com

 

Stock Hill

Kansas City’s newest local steakhouse also has a fabulous patio that takes advantage of the sun and shade provided by modern façade of the glass and steel building that is home to this luxurious new restaurant. Handsome wood tables and mesh chairs are scattered on the patio right outside the front door of the restaurant. Order a steak and sides and share it alfresco with your significant other on the patio. Add in a couple of great cocktails from the bar and you have yourself a great date in the making when Mother Nature works her magic on the temperatures outside. 

4800 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.895.8400, stockhillkc.com

CanIHaveABite Opens In New Location in East Brookside

It has taken over a year, but Kathy Hale finally opened her clean eats café, CanIHaveABite, over the weekend.

“It has been a long time coming, but I’m now finally ready to reveal my new logo, new menu and a fabulous new location in Brookside East for CanIHaveABite,” says Hale.

Hale closed her original kitchen in Waldo during the summer of 2015, and had planned to open in a different location just down the street from where she ultimately landed in Brookside.

When that deal fell through in early 2016, she had been shown a space owned by Butch Rigby, owner of Screenland Theatres and Film Row Company, and the two worked together on a deal that would allow Hale to add a commercial kitchen to the space, allowing her packaged meal business and healthy eats café to open there.

“I had no idea how long it would take to outfit this space with a new commercial kitchen, so it took much longer to get this place open than I anticipated,” she said.

But one look around and you can tell the hard work was all worth it. Her new café is significantly larger than her previous spot in Waldo, with a dining room filled with tables and chairs for people to sit down and enjoy a healthy meal, snack or drink Monday-Saturday 10 am -7 pm.

There is a deli case with both her packaged grab-and-go food options, as well as some “design your own” dishes that can be customized just for you.

“We believe in real food and eat the spectrum of choices, so we prepare dishes that cover all dietary choices – like vegan, vegetarian, paleo and simply real food,” Hale says.

During her grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 25, Hale offered a nosh for tasting some of her most popular dishes and gave away sampled of special "cocktails" and tonic from her healthy belly bar.  

“Our 'healthy belly' beverage bar features a draft kombucha, organic teas, medicinal teas, sparkling balsamic waters and more,” Hale says.

She is also hosting in her new space a Healthy Happy Hour series that will begin the second Thursday in April. These after work events will give guests a chance to learn from health and nutrition professionals, while tasting samples of the healing foods they recommend.

Her new 3-day detox and 28-day challenge cleanse were both rolled out to her new and existing customers this weekend at the grand opening. Both programs rely on a schedule of health tonics, juices and bone broths as well as a meal plan created from fresh local produce which sits at the core of all of her products. 

“Local produce is always my biggest inspiration,” she says. “ We work with a number of great local farmers for our produce, for example a new micro green farm has inspired us to create nutrient dense salads to give our grab-and-go salad a super energy boost, as well.”

CanIHaveABite, 633 E 63rd Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.381.9101, canihaveabite.com

 

6 Drinking Spots to Explore in North Kansas City

North Kansas City is shaping up into a new and interesting entertainment area.

Located just 5 minutes from downtown, North Kansas City was known as a mostly industrial area, but is now becoming a place where beverage businesses are booming, finding space plentiful, rent reasonable and its central location appealing.

Now, all you have to do is travel just a few block off Burlington Road, and you’ll find an area of North Kansas City where several new breweries, distilleries and bars have set up shop and are ready to welcome visitors.

So, the next time you find yourself headed out for a drink with friends, consider heading north and stopping in to visit any of these six new drinking spots.

 

Colony Espresso & Beer Company

Colony Espresso & Beer Company opened their doors last year ready to pour great local coffee, beer they make themselves and handcrafted cocktails. They serve pastries from Scratch Bakery, but not full meals. Instead, they encourage you to order from any of the local restaurants and have it delivered, or you can simply bring in your own food from home. Enjoy a drink of your choice in their social surroundings. They also host fun pairings events like a Girl Scout cookies and beer pairings, with cookies for sale to benefit the Girl Scouts of America.  

312 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.800.4699, www.colonykc.com

 

  

Velo Garage & Tap House

Velo Garage and Tap House serves bike, and beer fans, alike. They are a full service bike shop and tap house. Stop in after a ride and enjoy a cold beer in their taproom, with around 10 selections from several local breweries, or grab a cup of coffee from Maps Coffee Roasters, while you wait for the folks at Velo + to assess the repairs you may need. Velo Garage and Tap House is also home to the VeloWagon, KC's only mobile bike repair and beer bus. The VeloWagon has four beer taps to serve ice cold beer, that is available to book for your next event.

1403 Swift Street, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.491.8174, www.facebook.com/velogaragekc

 

 Cinder Block Brewing

 Locally owned, Cinder Block Brewery is a small craft beer brewery dedicated to developing unique, high quality, artisan beers and ciders. These guys have continued to develop some craveable beers and ciders while serving them on their beautiful outdoor patio or in their spacious tasting room where they are happy to serve you a flight of their beers, so you can sample them all before making your decision on a glass. You are guaranteed find something you may want take home in a growler before you leave. No food is served, but food trucks regularly pull up to sell their grub to those willing to line up outside.

110 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.298.6555, www.cinderblockbrewery.com 

 

The Big Rip Brewing Company

A growing brewery that opened in May 2013, The Big Rip was founded by two friends who caught the beer and wine making bug years ago and decided to start a brewery together. Their goal is to create unique beers that appeal to both beer-nerds and people new to craft beer. Their taproom is decked out like a local clubhouse featuring 6-10 of their beers on tap, local wine and a full bar that includes their homemade root beer that they suggest you pair with local SD Strong Vodka that they infuse with vanilla beans. They do not serve food, but Hawg Jaw Que & Brew is located right next door and is happy to deliver food over to the taproom.

216 E 9th Ave, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.866.0747, www.bigripbrewing.com

  

Chicken-N-Pickle

Chicken N Pickle is a chef-driven, casual eatery & bar with pickleball courts, shaded beer gardens and backyard games. They proudly serve wood-fired rotisserie chicken rubbed with herbs or spices, that you can enjoy along with a handful of comforting sides – like cathead biscuits, spicy slaw and smoky baked beans. A full bar serves beer, wine and cocktails to those who are playing, or simply watching the game play. Chicken-N-Pickle delivers an all-inclusive experience that combines entertainment, sports, food and drinks in the most delightful way.

1761 Burlington, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.537.1400, www.chickennpickle.com

 
Restless Spirits Distilling Company

Located directly across the street from Cinder Block Brewery, and right next door to Chicken-N-Pickle, is the home of Kansas City’s first distillery specializing in making an Irish-style whiskey. Restless Spirits Distilling opened their tasting room and distillery in North Kansas City last year, and owners Benay and Michael Shannon are proud to show off their 6,400-square-foot space, which includes a tasting room, traditional copper pot still, mashing, laboratory, event space and barrel room. They have produced a delicious vodka, gin and 100% Irish Whiskey called the Sons of Erin, in addition to a blended whiskey called Irish-American Stone Breaker Whiskey, but over St. Patrick Day weekend they officially released their first Padraig's Rebellion Poitin.

109 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, Missouri, 816.492.6868, www.restlessspiritsdistilling.com

Forks & Corks, Harvesters Annual Food Fundraiser, Hosted on April 27

Forks & Corks, Harvesters largest food-focused fundraiser, celebrates its 21^st birthday on Thursday, April 27, from 6:30 to 9 pm, and they would like to invite you to help them eat, drink and feed many.

Held each year at downtown at the Grand Ballroom inside of the Kansas City Convention Center, Forks & Corks guests will be able to sample gourmet food along with wine, beer and cocktails provided by over 50 of Kansas City’s finest local restaurants and beverage producers, all to help feed the hungry in Kansas City.

At Forks & Corks, 100% of the ticket sales goes directly to Harvesters, and this event alone, raises enough money to serve over 1 million meals to the hungry in Kansas City.

“Forks & Corks is a wonderful event showcasing some of the city’s finest culinary talent all in support of our mission of feeding hungry families, children and seniors in our community,” said Valerie Nicholson-Watson, President and CEO of Harvesters. “We are grateful to our partners in the restaurant and beverage industries who lend their time and talents to make this event possible.”

Chef Megan Garrelts of Blustem and Rye will be the honorary chair of the event this year. Every year the Forks & Corks committee looks to add new and exciting restaurants and beverage producers into the mix, and this year was no different.

“This year, our focus was on securing as many local food and beverage businesses as possible,” says Julia Hansen, Special Events Manager for Harvesters. “I’m particularly excited about our first-time participants this year.”

Look for these first-time participants at Forks & Corks this year:

• Aep Thai Restaurant 
• Betty Rae’s Ice Cream 
• Krokstrom Klubb and Market 
• Shanita Bryant’s Magnolias On The Move 
• Yummylicious cookies teaming up with author, Jonathan Bender
• KC Bier Co. 
• Stockyards Brewing Company 
• Torn Label 
• Vox Vineyards 
• 360 Vodka from the Holladay Distillery in Weston

In addition to the fine food and beverage stations, there will be a silent auction featuring amazing food, drink and entertainment packages, that you can bid on right from your phone, and it’s not a party without live music, dancing and an exclusive VIP lounge.

Tickets for Forks & Corks are $100 each and are available online at www.forkscorkskc.com or by phone at 816.929.3010. Tickets will be sold at the door for $120.

Forks & Corks will take place at The Grand Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13^th St., Kansas City, Missouri, www.forkscorkskc.com

 

Seafood Soiree at the Kansas City Zoo Spotlights Sustainability

We have the fish–loving penguins at the Kansas City Zoo to thank for the creation of the Seafood Soiree event that will celebrate its fifth year at zoo on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Several years ago, the Kansas City Zoo was ready to open their new Helzberg Penguin Plaza, and they wanted a strong conservation message associated with the exhibit and so they decided to become a Seafood Watch partner, a group committed to helping the public find and source ocean-friendly seafood.

This is important because choosing sustainable seafood helps the conservation of animals such as sea lions and penguins.

As a member of the Seafood Watch program the zoo was required to host more sustainable seafood-specific events, and they saw it as the perfect opportunity to host an adult-only, food-oriented event, thus raising awareness and possibly attracting a new clientele to the zoo.

This year as guests gather among the popular penguins in the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, five of Kansas City's premier chefs will come together to demonstrate how to prepare sustainable seafood while guests sample their amazing creations.

Speaking and preparing a dish at this years Seafood Soiree at the Kansas City Zoo is:

• Chef Carlos Falcon, owner of Jarocho, serving Ceviche Jarocho
• Corporate Chef Sheila Lucero and Chef de Cuisine Theresia Ota of Jax’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, shucking their signature house oysters
• Chef John C. Smith, owner of EJ’s Urban Eatery, serving Shrimp Remoulade
• Chef Calvin Davis, owner of Freshwater, serving Bagna Cauda
• Chef Ed Cockman, representing Hy-Vee, serving Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes

The event will be somewhat informal with guests grabbing a drink of their choice from the bar, while they wander from chef’s table to chef’s tables sampling each seafood dish. Throughout the evening each chef will do a cooking demonstration, and talk about how their dish is sustainable.

Guest will also enjoy live music, educational speakers and hear from the penguin keepers, themselves.

Nick Philipp, Teen & Guest Experience Supervisor for the Kansas City Zoo explains that this event has evolved from a formal sit down dinner to a more informal cocktail party.

“The first Seafood Soiree was very different, as it was a very education-heavy event, which guests seem to enjoy, but with everyone seated for a coursed seafood dinner, we could only reasonably serve about 100 people,” says Philipp.

This year they are expecting over 350 people to attend this event.

“I hope that the increased participation of these local “sustainable-seafood savvy” restaurants and chefs will bring a wider audience of people excited to learn how to make sustainable seafood choices for themselves,” he said.

Tickets for this adults-only event are $35 for Friends of the Zoo members and $45, for non-Friends of the Zoo members. They include two drink tickets, live music and savory seafood selections from Kansas City’s top chefs.

For more information, or to purchase your tickets for the Seafood Soiree, go to www.kansascityzoo.org.

American World Series of Barbecue Moves To Labor Day Weekend In 2017

Barbecue and a long Labor Day weekend just seem to go together.

The American Royal seems to agree as they announced today that the 2017 World Series of Barbecue will return to the Kansas Speedway, but this year the competition will take place over Labor Day weekend – August 31 through September 3.

This move places the American World Series of Barbecue securely in the middle of the competitive barbecue season, when most professional contenders are thought to be at the top of their game.

It is also a change from 2016, when the competition was moved to late October, at the end of the competitive barbecue circuit, making Kansas City’s contest the finale of the smoky season.

However, it was also the first year this world-famous barbecue competition was held at the Kansas Speedway, and The American Royal said the new venue was met with overwhelming approval from the participants and the public, which made it an easy choice for 2017.

The American Royal Barbecue typically attracts over 50,000 attendees every year, and last year’s substantially larger venue allowed for additional space that was enjoyed by both the contestants and spectators alike.

Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren said he welcomes the chance to once again host one of Kansas City’s great annual festivals.

“The Barbecue was an ideal fit for our venue and the feedback from attendees and teams exceeded our expectations,” Warren said. “We look forward to hosting this iconic event again, this year."

Celebrating its 38^th year, the 2017 competition and event weekend will once again bring together over 550 competitors, including world-renowned pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts to compete for the title of Grand Champion in both the open and invitational contests.

“I’ve seen them all, and the American Royal BBQ is head and shoulders my favorite event”, said Rod Gray, Pitmaster, Pellet Envy. “What better way to celebrate the end of summer, and pay tribute to hard working Americans, than with the event that best celebrates Kansas City’s true heritage, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, and where better to do this, than the awe-inspiring venue of the Kansas Speedway on Labor Day weekend.”

Attendees to the weekend long barbecue competition and celebration will be able to feast on delicious BBQ and local food from local vendors and food trucks, enjoy a local live music festival while shopping for unique souvenirs at a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts.

A full line-up of kids activities have been planned over the weekend, with fun and entertainment for all ages. 

“Expanded programming this year will grow this highly anticipated public event into a dynamic holiday festival that will attract attendees and BBQ fanatics from across the country and around the world,” Angie Stanland, chairman of the board of directors for the American Royal.

Amigoni Urban Winery Acquires Adjoining Space for Production and Tours in Kansas City

Being an urban winery, there were only two things that Michael and Kerry Amigoni could not show guests when they visited their tasting room and event space at Amigoni’s Urban Winery – the grapes growing on the vines, and how they turned those grapes into wine.

Their vineyard, which grows only vinifera or European grape varietals, is located 30 miles east of Kansas City in Centerview, Missouri, so showing the grape vines will never be possible, but they recently acquired the space adjacent to their tasting room in the historic Livestock District in the West Bottoms and have begun producing wine and barrel aging in that space.

The couple announced this week that they had acquired the former Bill Brady Gallery space, located to the north of their tasting room, but connected through a garage door in the back of the building. They have, at this point, moved their entire production facility and barrel aging racks into the 3,000 square-foot building.

Previously, their wine production took place in various off-site industrial spaces, where they sometimes had to share the space with other people or businesses, which was sometimes a challenge.

Michael Amigoni, who is the winemaker, says he is thrilled to have his own production space located right next door. “I love it, not only for the short commute, but also because of the control I have over the entire production area and process,” he says. “It is all mine now.”

The new space with its soaring ceilings and small windows placed just high enough to allow for lovely light to pour into the space is more than just a production space, it will also allow them to offers tours of the entire production facility in addition to the straight wine tasting flights of 5 wines for $6 they had been offering in just their tasting room.

“We will be offering two types of public tour and tasting experiences everyday, along with other private tastings, parties and hopefully maybe even some private dinners in our new space,” says Kerry.

In addition to the current wine or beer tasting flights that you can easily do with no reservations in their tasting room, there is now a Level 1 and Level 2 tour and tasting option that you must make reservations to be able experience.

The Level 1 tour and tasting offers a VIP tour of the production facility where guests will learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle, including how grapes are crushed and pressed, how fermentation happens and the process for aging wine in oak barrels and steel tanks. After the tour, the group will get a private tasting where they’ll sample a selection of five wines with a member of the Amigoni’s winemaking staff and learn tips on how to get the most out of a wine tasting experience. This is $30 per person with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 20.

The Level 2 is the same as Level 1 but here they have added the additional personal experience of drinking wine straight from the barrel or tank. A Level 2 tasting costs $35.

Both of these new tour and tasting opportunities are by appointment only, Tuesdays through Sunday, and can be made by calling 816-890-3289 or emailing [email protected].

Sip, swirl, taste and tour now you can all of these things at Amigoni Urban Winery.

Amigoni Urban Winery, 1505 Genessee St, Kansas City, Missouri, 913.890.3289, amigoni.com