Date Nights: Exploring the letter F in KC

It’s time for a date! This month’s roundup is brought to you by the letter F!

Fitness Fun

An unconventional date idea is to train for and run a 5K together. Back in 2016, my husband and I did the Couch to 5K program and then ran a night race together in July. Since then, we have done several other races together. While he prefers to keep his mileage to 3 and under (a 5K or less), I have gone on to do as much as a half marathon, which is 13 miles. Running together is a great time to just get caught up on each other’s lives, enjoy the outdoors and do something good for your body. Running with a partner can also help you stay motivated and accountable, and it keeps you from getting bored. So why not find a fun or meaningful 5K to do together this year? Some races raise money and awareness for a specific health condition. Others are more fun-oriented, celebrating chocolate, wine, whiskey or a holiday.

Freshwater

We recently tried a new to us restaurant called Freshwater, a quaint and cozy place located on Southwest Trafficway. Freshwater opened in April 2017 but was destroyed by a fatal car crash just two months later. They were forced to close for eight months but then reopened in the same spot. Their menu, which changes often based on available ingredients, features small plates, plates to share and large plates, as well as dessert. They also have a 10-course tasting menu. Everything we tried was delicious, including the walleye, crawfish hushpuppies and sweet potato fondue. I also had one of the best salads I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The service was attentive but not overbearing, and even with the place full, we had no problem talking. We also really enjoyed the intimate setting. The price point of the menu items makes this place one to reserve for a special occasion.

Fred Rogers

As a child growing up in the 80s, I spent many hours watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood on PBS. So when I heard several months ago that Tom Hanks would be playing him in a movie, I was very excited! On a beautiful sunny Sunday, we headed to Alamo Drafthouse downtown for lunch and a movie. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a true story about Fred Rogers, but it’s even more about journalist Tom Junod and the unlikely friendship that develops between the two. It’s a story about kindness and forgiveness and becoming better people. It’s a different kind of movie for sure, but very good, and eating lunch during the show was a lot of fun. The food was quite tasty considering we were at a movie theater, but we wouldn’t recommend getting a full meal, as eating in the dark is tricky. We definitely will return another time and stick with easy-to-eat finger foods or snacks.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City. They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.