KANSAS CITY RESTAURANT WEEK 2024 PREVIEW AT J RIEGER

I'm beyond excited to spill the beans (and savor the flavors) about my recent escapade at the Kansas City Restaurant Week 2024 preview event held at the fantastic J Rieger Co. Picture this: good vibes, tantalizing aromas, and a feast fit for a foodie like me!

Let's kick things off with the liquid magic – J Rieger's Monogram Lounge served up signature cocktails that made my taste buds do a happy dance. A Horsefeather whiskey wonder and a Blackberry Gin & Tonic that was pure refreshment set the tone for an epic night.

Now, let's talk eats. J Rieger's spread was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Shrimp & Grits were pure bliss. 

1889 Pizza Napoletana stole a pizza from my heart with pesto pasta, goat cheese-stuffed pepper, and more. And get this: they're unveiling their pizza line during KCRW – pizza enthusiasts, rejoice!

But hold your forks; there's more! Eight different restaurants showcased their A-game.

Lulu's Thai Noodle brought the heat with Fried Pork Wontons, Spring Rolls, and Banana Rolls. Noka rolled in with Spicy Tuna and Spicy California rolls, which were sushi heaven. 

Our House KC dished out comfort with a Chicken Salad Slider, Brisket Chili, and a Carolina BBQ Cup. Ocean Prime sealed the deal with a Five-Layer Carrot Cake, a dessert dream come true.

Mannys KC served up a Shrimp and Steak Tostada that was a flavor party. 

Silo Modern Farmhouse took us on a farm-to-table journey with a Buttonwood Farm Rabbit Ragu, Kabocha Squash Gnocchi, and Crispy Parsnips. Talk about a culinary adventure!

Now, what makes this feast even more awesome? It's not just about devouring fantastic food – it's about giving back. KCRW is partnering with Kanbe's Markets, a nonprofit tackling food waste and food deserts in KC. They're on a mission to provide fresh, affordable, healthy foods to communities that need them most. 

And it doesn't stop there. KCRW supports local restaurants and gives back to the community through its founding beneficiaries – the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater KC Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. They're all about supporting the workforce in tourism and hospitality, two areas that have faced their fair share of challenges.

Here's the best part – you can savor these incredible flavors however you fancy, whether dine-in, carryout, or delivery. The official hub, KCRestaurantWeek.com, lets you dive into menus and choose your foodie adventure.

As a long-time KC foodie, please join me in celebrating our local gems during Restaurant Week. Let's support our community, relish every bite, and share the love. Share your foodie journey with #KCRW2024, and let's make this a culinary experience to remember!

Cheers to good food and even better company. KC Restaurant Week runs from January 12-21, 2024. 

JINYA RAMEN: EATING OUT

My blog has been on the back burner for a long time now. 2023 can be considered one of the most challenging years for me. Manifesting positive vibes to start the new year. So here's promising to update the blog like I used to. 

 As winter wraps Kansas City in its chilly embrace, one place has become a go-to haven for this foodie mama and her hungry crew – Jinya Ramen Bar. Join me as I share our ongoing love affair with this spot, a true gem that's been a big hit with our foodie family since the Kansas City chapter opened last spring.

Once again, the snowy streets led us to the familiar doors of Jinya Ramen Bar, promising not just a meal but a cherished experience. As a mom always looking for family-friendly dining options, Jinya Ramen has consistently delivered.

Our ramen escapade started with old favorites – the Spicy Chicken Ramen and the indulgent Tonkotsu Premium Ramen. Each slurp brought back fond memories of previous visits, reminding us why we keep returning. The broths, simmered for over 20 hours, continued to be the heart and soul of each bowl, a testament to Jinya's commitment to authentic Japanese culinary traditions. 

What sets Jinya Ramen apart is its unwavering appeal to our diverse tastes. Whether you're a devoted ramen fan or craving a different flavor journey, the menu caters to all taste buds. The Crispy Chicken and Gyoza, our tried-and-true companions, once again added a delightful crunch and savory note to our feast, ensuring smiles. 

The ambiance at Jinya Ramen Bar continues to strike the perfect balance between tradition and trend. The sleek interiors at the Overland Park location, thanks to @bluhawkkc, create a welcoming space for our family outings. As the first Kansas location of the LA-based micro-chain, it consistently brings a touch of the West Coast to the heart of the Midwest, and we revel in the familiarity.

Beyond the food, Jinya Ramen Bar is an artful experience. The signature mural, painted by the talented @designedbyruthie, remains a captivating centerpiece that adds a creative touch to the space, making our meal a visual feast.

Our visit to Jinya Ramen Bar wasn't just about the food; it was a celebration of family, flavor, and the warmth of sharing a bowl of joy. If you haven't experienced the magic of Jinya Ramen yet, consider this your reminder to bundle up, head over, and create your own winter memories with loved ones. As a foodie mom, Jinya Ramen Bar has secured a special place on my list of family-friendly favorites. Here's to embracing winter warmth, one slurp at a time!

Have you visited Jinya Ramen Bar with your family? Share your ramen tales in the comments below! 

PINK FOR SPRING: STYLE DIARIES

 

Pink is always a good idea especially when it's Spring. Chunky knits, jeans, and boots are some of my favorite outfit items when the temps drop. the best part is how I can dress it up or down. I can pair it with a blazer and looks very business casual, or throw on a utility jacket and change to sneakers and you are ready to chill with your friends. I have opted for skinny jeans here, as I am not ready to retire my stash. But you can pair this with mom jeans or straight-leg jeans too. I love to balance out the proportions in my outfit so a baggier fit sweater pair well, in my opinion, with a fitted pair of pants. Are you a fan of chunky knits? 

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Trying the NEW Cluckin’ Hot Chicken Tender Sandwich & Triple Chocolate Chunk Custard Sandwich at Lion’s Choice

 

Just can’t get enough of the New Menu items at Lions Choice  - The Cluckin’ Hot Chicken Tender Sandwich and Triple Chocolate Chunk Custard Sandwich. Whether you are Team Spice or Team Sweet, Lions Choice has you covered!  Lion’s Choice, the St. Louis-based family of restaurants known for its famous roast beef sandwiches, crave-worthy fries, and frozen custard, added these two new items to its menu recently, and we got a chance to try them out. 

The new spicy sandwich features crispy chicken tenders, with the addition of Franks Red Hot sauce and ranch along with tangy pickles on a toasted, buttery brioche bun. As someone who is a fan of all things spicy loved the balance of heat and the cooking effect of the ranch! The rice-flour coating of the chicken not only makes it extra crispy but also one of the only gluten-free chicken tender options on the market. 

If that was too hot then you need the Triple Chocolate Chunk Custard Sandwich to sweeten the deal! It is made with Lion’s Choice’s famous vanilla custard, sandwiched between two triple chocolate chunk cookies, making it the perfect dessert.The brand’s creamy custard is whipped with more air to offer a satisfying and smooth consistency and is always served at the perfect soft-serve temperature. Guests can purchase one for $2.49 or two of the treats for $3.99.

The new menu items are available at all Lions Choice locations across Kansas City and St. Louis! So whether you are looking for a quick lunch or making plans for what to take for the Super Bowl party, both these new options will be a crowd-pleaser! 

Savor the Flavors: Exploring Sichuan Dynasty - A Local Gem in Overland Park for Authentic Chinese Cuisine

In the hustle and bustle of daily life as a working mom with an insatiable love for local flavors, finding the perfect dining spot that caters to family and foodie cravings can be a true gem. Enter Sichuan Dynasty, an unassuming yet extraordinary Chinese restaurant tucked away in Overland Park, Kansas, that has become a go-to for my family's Chinese cuisine fix.

Our love affair with the Sichuan Dynasty is no secret – it's a family favorite that has withstood the test of countless meals eaten in or savored through takeout. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend treat, the consistent quality of the meals is nothing short of amazing. If you're a fan of Chinese food, this local spot is an absolute must-try.

Sichuan cuisine from the Chengdu province of China is special in our hearts and taste buds. The distinctive flavors of Sichuan peppercorns and peppers are not just about heat; they bring forth floral notes that elevate the entire dining experience. It's a culinary journey that you can't afford to miss.

During our last weekend indulgence, we opted for a delightful array of dishes – Sichuan Chung King Spicy Chicken, Braised Beef Brisket with Potatoes, Jha Ziang Noodles, and Sam-Sun Dumplings. Each dish showcased the authenticity and expertise that the Sichuan Dynasty brought.

Sichuan Dynasty's roots as a local small business in Johnson County make it even more special. Having started in Olathe and now calling Overland Park home for the past few years, they've successfully captured the essence of Sichuan cuisine with a menu that boasts two sides – one American and one Chinese. The true gems, however, lie on the Chinese side, where the Sichuan dishes take center stage.

Supporting local businesses has always been a priority for me, and the Sichuan Dynasty aligns perfectly with that ethos. Their dedication to providing an authentic dining experience, combined with the warmth of a local establishment, makes it a standout choice for any foodie in the area.

So, head over to Sichuan Dynasty the next time you yearn for a culinary adventure. Bon Appétit awaits, along with a taste of China right here in Johnson County. Let me know in the comments if you've explored this local treasure or if you have any other hidden gems to share – after all, discovering local delights makes our foodie journey so rich and fulfilling!

Leather & Cashmere: Express Style Files

 

The Midwest may be known for its friendly faces and charming landscapes, but our holiday fashion can still pack a punch! Join me as we dive into a festive ensemble featuring a cozy red sweater from the local gem Pretty Posy Boutique and leather pants from my go-to brand, Express.

In the spirit of embracing recycled fashion, my holiday OOTD is a delightful mix of textures and styles. The star of the show is the vibrant red sweater from @theprettyposykc. Being a proud petite fashion enthusiast, finding pieces that flatter my frame is always a priority. This red gem not only exudes holiday cheer but also offers the perfect balance of comfort and style.

The sweater, a timeless piece from last year's collection, showcases the boutique's commitment to quality and enduring style. Pretty Posey Boutique, nestled in the heart of the Kansas City metro area, has become my go-to destination for curated fashion finds that celebrate the essence of the Midwest. And the best part? Everything at Pretty Posey is currently 40% off – a holiday gift that keeps giving!

To add a touch of edge to this festive look, I paired the cozy red sweater with sleek leather pants from @express. As a brand ambassador for Express, I've come to rely on their petite-friendly options that effortlessly elevate any outfit. The leather pants, a recent addition to my wardrobe, are a testament to Express's commitment to chic, inclusive fashion.

The juxtaposition of the soft cashmere feel of the sweater against the sleek leather pants creates a harmonious blend of sophistication and contemporary style. The outfit speaks to my love for petite fashion. It showcases each piece's versatility as they seamlessly transition from last year to this season.

And here's a delightful surprise for all you fashion enthusiasts – Express is currently having a spectacular 60% off Holiday sale! It's the perfect opportunity for some last-minute shopping or to treat yourself to a well-deserved holiday splurge. Share your holiday style in the comments – I'd love to hear your fashion inspirations! Cheers to a festive season filled with fashion-forward choices and Midwest warmth!

VEVET FOR THE HOLIDAYS: EXPRESS STYLE FILES

The holiday spirit is in the air; nothing says festive glamour like a velvet touch. I recently found the perfect holiday dress that complements my curves and adds a luxurious feel to my festive wardrobe. Join me as I unravel the details of this stunning velvet dress from Express that has become the focal point of my holiday ensemble.

Velvet is always a good idea, and I couldn't resist sharing my latest find from @express. This dress effortlessly combines style and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any holiday gathering.

This dress complements my curves and gives me a luxurious holiday look. What sets it apart, you ask? The perfect puff sleeves add a touch of retro flair, emphasizing the shoulders and taking attention away from the tummy area.

Speaking of fit, I opted for a size Small, a match made in fashion heaven. The dress fits true to size, draping beautifully on my frame and enhancing my silhouette. What's more, I've decided to skip the Spanx this holiday season, and the drape of the dress works its magic, making me feel confident and comfortable without compromising style. The rich texture of the velvet fabric adds a touch of opulence, and I'm absolutely smitten with how it drapes on me. 

What I love most about this velvet dress is its versatility. Whether you're attending a formal soirée or a cozy family gathering, this piece adapts seamlessly to the occasion. The deep, festive color exudes warmth and holiday spirit, ensuring you stand out.

And here's the cherry on top – the fabulous news that you can enjoy a whopping 40% off on this dress or any other delightful finds from @express. 'Tis the season for giving, but who says you can't treat yourself to a little holiday splurge? In the comments, share what you're eyeing from Express – I'd love to know your festive favorites!

As we embrace the holiday season with open arms, let's do it in style. Head to @express, snag your favorite pieces, and let the festivities begin! Cheers to a velvet-filled holiday season, where elegance meets comfort, and style knows no bounds. 

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