Date Nights: Exploring the letter J in KC
This month’s date night roundup is brought to you by the letter J!
Jump Session
On a recent Saturday morning, the hubby and I headed to Above All Trampoline Park in Liberty for a 60-minute jump session. I had never been to a trampoline park before and wasn’t sure what to expect. The open jump area was my favorite, and the ninja course was the hardest. I couldn’t make it through successfully. Of course, leaving it for the end might have had something to do with it. Trampoline parks are exhausting, especially if you are over 40! And my sweaty, tired body definitely was not up for a ninja course. My husband did much better than I, but even he was too tired to complete the entire thing. All in all, I thought it was a pretty fun date. Other trampoline parks in the area include Sky Zone in Lee’s Summit or Shawnee, and Urban Air in Lenexa or Overland Park.
Jasper’s
If you are looking for a real treat, run—do not walk—directly to Jasper’s Italian Restaurant in South Kansas City. On the night we went, we got to enjoy his highly acclaimed mozzarella theater, which is only done in the summer when they can get fresh, local, heirloom tomatoes. What could be more fun or better for a date night than having fresh mozzarella made tableside by Jasper himself! It was sooo delicious with the tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic. My husband and I could have eaten just that and their rolls for dinner. But, of course, we didn’t. Approximately 4,326 calories each later (courtesy of our dinner salads, entrees, wine and desserts), we left fat and happy and with leftovers for the next day. Be sure to check out their amazing dessert cart. There are at least 10 things on there guaranteed to tempt you. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices, of course, but both the coconut cake and strawberry cake are amazing!
Julie & Julia
Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, is based on the true stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell. The movie tells the tale of how Julia Child became a culinary legend in French cooking and how she subsequently inspired Julie Powell, a fledgling writer, to cook 524 recipes in one year—all from Child’s book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Powell’s efforts are on full display in her tiny New York City apartment kitchen and memorialized in her blog. At times, she is successful in her efforts. At other times, she fails miserably. And not just with the food. During those 365 days, Julie discovers herself and what her true priorities are. It’s a charming movie, easygoing and, at times, hilarious. And it was an absolutely superb performance by Meryl Streep. Bon appétit!
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.