Downtown Dish 5.15 – redux, episode 1
Big weekend at City Market, Tannin gets creative + takeout recommendations
By Katy Schamberger, host
It’s no coincidence that the Downtown Dish, a new virtual event held at noon Fridays, launched today. As part of the citywide plan, Downtown Kansas City restaurants and retailers are starting the reopening process. And what better way to celebrate than by recognizing their efforts?
Each week, the Downtown Dish – a partnership between the Downtown Council, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Downtown Neighborhood Association and Lynchpin Ideas – will welcome guests to create a pipeline of information. You’ll hear stories about Downtown districts, retailers, artists and events, as we all collectively define a new normal in Downtown Kansas City. You can join us by watching the first episode (see link below) and making plans to join us next time.
From the full reopening of the City Market Farmers’ Market to the story behind a Kansas City carryout food and liquor database, the first episode of the Downtown Dish on May 15th had no shortage of conversation, insight and, most importantly, things to do, see, eat and drink!
What we’re eating: Barry Tunnell, general manager of Tannin Wine Bar + Kitchen, has embraced carryout and walk-up ordering. Enjoy favorite dishes from Tannin’s original chef, Brian Aaron, who returned in February. Oh, and there’s plenty of wine and cocktails, too. Daily specials are listed on Facebook. Try the hot crab dip!
We’ve also got our work cut out for us, thanks to Danielle Lehman. The brains behind CurbsideKC.com and the Open Belly podcast dished on her favorite Downtown carryout meals, including The Antler Room, Happy Gillis, Poi-O, KC Pinoy and Ravenous.
What we’re doing: The City Market Farmers’ Market fully opens this weekend! You’ll see new protocols in place, including directional signage and mask requirements for vendors.
Be sure to swing by 3rd and Walnut to see new modern signage that marks the opening of Walnut Street to two-way traffic for the first time since the 1980s! The street will be closed during market hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday) but open to traffic otherwise. Don’t forget that City Market shops, including produce vendors, are open 7 days/week. Keep up with the latest City Market news on Facebook.
What we’re buying: Menswear boutique Houndstooth is one of several Kansas City retailers that’s launching appointment-only shopping. Visit the Houndstooth website to schedule your own personal shopping experience. There might be a big sale happening now, too!
What we’re drinking: Lifted Spirits Distillery recently unveiled a guest bartender partnership, which features a weekly selection of cocktail kits created by local bartenders. Next week, they join forces with Extra Virgin! Bookmark the website now and start ordering on Tuesday, May 19. Kits are available for pick-up and delivery.
What we’re playing: There’s no better way to put Danielle Lehman’s CurbsideKC.com database of Kansas City carryout options to work than with Boulevard Brewing Company’s Curbside Carryout Bingo! Print the Downtown, Midtown & Westport card and mark off a restaurant every time you order. Once you hit bingo, send in your card and receipts to get some sweet Boulevard swag. Full details and bingo cards available on Boulevard’s website!
Watch the full Downtown Dish episode for even more scoops from our guests, including input on how to feel comfortable as you continue to acclimate to dining out.
Join us next Friday for another episode of the Downtown Dish! Register on Eventbrite for your free ticket. The show starts at noon and you’re encouraged to enjoy your own carryout meal during the discussion! If you have any Downtown KC-related questions or feedback for future episodes, please share on social media with hashtag #DowntownDishKC. Happy eating!
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Katy Schamberger, host of the Downtown Dish, had a front-row seat to Downtown Kansas City’s revitalization while writing for the Kansas City Star. Now, 15 years later, she’s built a successful career writing about Kansas City for local and national outlets, including a published travel guide, Moon Kansas City. From social media takeovers to feature stories, Katy looks for any resource to tell the captivating stories that truly make Downtown the heart of Kansas City. Connect with Katy online at @katywrites.
