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Noteworthy Kansas City Dishes and Drinks for Spring and Summer 2019
Patio season has arrived, meaning popular KC restaurants now showcase spring and summer menus featuring seasonal ingredients and warm-weather-appropriate options. From wine slushies to jerk chicken and everything in between, there’s no shortage of new dishes and drinks to try this season.
Sample some of the most noteworthy menu items in KC:
Caffeine & Chlorophyll at Café Equinox
One of the newest additions to Kansas City’s caffeination culture is Café Equinox, a Shawnee-based brainchild of Bo Nelson from Thou Mayest fame.
The iced Caffeine & Chlorophyll is a fitting addition to Nelson’s flora-inspired concept, as the entrepreneur is well-known for his affinity to creative coffee concoctions. The drink combines matcha, chlorophyll, mint and orange into a wonderful, refreshing espresso alternative.
Wine Slushies at KC Wineworks
Toasty summer days are meant to be spent enjoying wine in slushie form.
Swing by KC Wineworks—Kansas City’s only winery in city limits, operating in the middle of the Crossroads Arts District—to celebrate the return of one of the establishment’s most popular items.
Ambrosia Ice Cream at Betty Rae’s
One of the most sensational dessert spots in Kansas City, Betty Rae’s always delivers with unique spring and summer creations that keep people lined out the door—and its latest is no different.
Starting with an orange base, ambrosia ice cream is stuffed with pineapple curd, miniature mallows, pecans and coconut. Find scoops at both the Waldo and River Market locations.
Soft-Shell Crab at Novel
This trendy restaurant in the Crossroads regularly rolls out new menus to highlight locally sourced ingredients. Spring/summer 2019 is no different.
The new soft-shell crab plate at Novel is tempura-fried and served alongside calamansi butter and everything spice. It’s an excellent option for diners craving fresh seafood flavors in the heart of the country.
Singapore Sling at TikiCat
As Westport’s resident speakeasy, TikiCat offers patrons a decidedly tropical take on the cocktail bar, featuring rum and island-styled drinks.
Try the Singapore sling in this underground oasis to enjoy your own personal Pacific getaway—just make sure to get reservations in advance, because this subterranean hangout fills up quickly.
Burger N Shake at The Campground
The latest addition to the West Bottoms scene is a stunner. The Campground is equal parts cocktail bar and dining spot, and its new Burger N Shake deal is nearly unbeatable.
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Monday, Thursday and Friday, visitors can chow down on a burger/veggie burger with fries/greens accompanied by a Ramos gin fizz, all for only $15. That’s pretty hard to beat.
Jerk Chicken at Karbon (Parlor)
Kansas City’s first food hall is a smash-hit, thanks in part to Karbon, a Yucatan- and Middle Eastern-inspired concept helmed by Chef Rachel Rinas.
Head to Parlor in the Crossroads to try Karbon’s new jerk chicken dish, which is served with warm tortillas, fresh pineapple pieces and sliced jalapeños. It’s the perfect sweet-and-spicy meal during lunches and dinners spent soaking in the sun on Parlor’s patio.
The Contessa at Jasper's Restaurant
Classic Italian cuisine has been a mainstay at Jasper's Restaurant for more than 65 years. With a new cocktail menu that debuted this spring, there's no better time than now to celebrate the icon.
Try out The Contessa for a perfect drink after work or during dinner. The retro Italian concoction combines Aperol, dry vermouth, gin and finishes with an orange peel twist.
Local Beers on the Kansas City Tap Tour
Season 3 of the Kansas City Tap Tour returns May 1, 2019, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy local craft beers made by 23 area breweries.
With microbreweries and small-batch selections, participants are sure to sample the freshest seasonal flavors on tap. Plus, with the Tap Tour Guidebook—available to purchase for only $10—offers discounts and savings at every stop, with three separate prize tiers for earning stamps.