Way back in January -
doesn't that seem like ages ago? - Adam and I sat down after the new year began to
create goals individually and together for 2014. Our list could've gone on for days as the great ideas poured in, but we knew we had to narrow our focus down and pick one big adventure or the year...
// Goal: Eat + Adventure Local //
This was the perfect choice, as we absolutely love our city. Kansas City is bursting at the seems with so many great hidden neighborhoods, different districts to explore, an incredible food scene, and so much culture to discover. So we were thrilled to choose to experience local restaurants and places we have never been to, and get to know our beloved city more.
At first, our goal seemed a little daunting. The planning, the options, the time. But once we kind of let go of structure, we were able to go discover so many amazing places on a whim. So here's just a few amazing things I am thankful that I/we found and love...
Although Adam and I like to adventure together, especially with this goal, we also can add to the fun by choosing new local places we've never been to as we discover them. So, since my office is just over the bridge from this gem, I decided to grab my friend Karen for a little impromptu lunch date.
We have heard amazing things about
Genessee Royale from so many of our friends. It's tucked in this tiny, adorable hole in the wall in the West Bottoms district, and who would've ever guessed something so charming could exist by old train tracks and warehouse lofts. The decor is amazing.
The menu selection rotates with the weekdays as well as the seasons, but we both just died over the amazing pulled pork tacos with fruit salsa.
Next on the list is my love affair with the monthly
West Bottoms Antique Stores. Every first weekend of the month, all of the stores that our house in these amazing old warehouse lofts open their doors for people to treasure hunt. It's a great mix of repurposed items, new creative crafts and decor, and beautiful timeless treasures.
My go to shops are
Good Juju (which is actually opened weekly as well),
Bottoms Up (this place is massive and full of awesome treasures), and my absolute favorite,
Restoration Emporium. That fun gold polka dot burlap runner is from RE, and I always leave that store inspired to try a new craft or decorate our home.
So although this monthly event isn't necessarily new to me, I am starting to make plans to go explore every single month. It's food for my creative soul.
I am praying to sweet little 8 pound baby Jesus that one of you is not from Kansas City, because if a local saw that I had not experienced the amazeball brunch at
Beer Kitchen until last month, I may get slapped! How on earth have we not ventured to Westport for this deliciousness before now?
Well, it's safe to say our lives have been changed forever. If you are in KC and decided to stop by, order the house made
Drunken Donuts. These fresh bite-sized poppers are served piping hot to your table, rolled in delicate powdered sugar, and come with a grand marnier chocolate dunk pool that I could have sipped from a straw.
One of my absolute favorite spots to spend a Saturday morning is the
City Market farmers market next to the river. Every single stall is packed with farmers and vendors from all over the surrounding states. The produce is cheap, the Amish baked goods are life changing, and they have gorgeous plants out the wazoo for pennies.
Believe it or not, Adam had never gone with me before a few weeks ago. We were close by and I wanted him to experience the fun - he loved it, duh! I even picked up my new pet, Suzi the succulent, and planted her in a cute
Anthroplogie measuring teacup that was sitting in our kitchen. Now she is basking in the sunshine through the bay window and it reminds me of our little local adventure.
Last but not least. we were celebrating a ton of family and friends' birthdays this weekend, so we picked
Taco Republic in Westwood to indulge. Holy Casa Margaritas!
Those were delish by the way...
The whole atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone sits outside at oversized picnic tables, where the margarita bar is close by, country music is playing in the background, and fun garden lights hang over head. Everything is a la cart and woah... the Del Mar taco and Camarones taco were both unreal. A side of fresh grilled Elotes on the cob was the cherry on top.
Naturally, since we were celebrating birthdays, we just had to order some brown sugar cinnamon churros so each of us could dunk a little piece in the spicy chocolate dip and swear we were in foodie heaven. And apparently they have $1 tacos from 2-6 PM on Saturdays, so that's where you can find me every weekend - ha!
.:::.:::.:::.:::.
So anyway, if you plan on sweeping through the KC metro anytime soon, I've basically laid out your entire weekend for you.
You're welcome.
Just a few months have passed and so many awesome places have been discovered, but somehow the list is getting longer. So much to see, so little time.
Bring on the next adventures!
PS - Don't miss out on the WEEK-LONG "Mingle Monday" link-up, yo! Get some exposure for your blog HERE!
