KC's Foodie Culture

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That the foodie culture in Kansas City has exploded in recent years is no secret. As the city has grown and been recognized nationally as a hot spot for culture, art and attractions, an explosion of culinary creativity and exploration was sure to follow. Kansas City truly has become an oasis in the Heartland for both professional and amateur chefs. The metro now boasts several excellent establishments where you can learn to cook or take your culinary knowledge to the next level. For example, at the Culinary Institute of Kansas City in Overland Park, choose from a range of well-curated classes and events. From kids to Pro-Series classes, from flash demos to CookWell! programs and from Pop-Up Lunches to Dinners on Demand, the Culinary Institute covers it all. They even host foodie field trips! Be sure to stop in for the latest (free!) sampling of mouthwatering dishes at the next Local Life Third Fridays in Downtown Overland Park.

The Culinary Institute of Kansas City

7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS 66204. 913.341.4455, KCCulinary.com

Looking for a degree in the culinary field? Then L’Ecole Culinaire on the Country Club Plaza is the place for you. They also have a wonderful selection of public classes for all ages. Best yet? You can even eat at their restaurant, which features the students’ newest and greatest creations! Bon appetit!

L'École Culinaire - Kansas City Campus

310 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64112. 816.627.0100, LeCole.edu/Kansas-City

Once you’ve mastered the art of French cooking (or any cooking, of course), you’ll need to purchase your cookware, bakeware, tableware, cutlery, kitchen gadgets and appliances! Where to find all of your kitchen necessities in one place? Why, at the famous, beloved Kansas City favorite: Pryde’s of Old Westport, of course! For half a century, Pryde’s has garnered a near cult-like following among food aficionados near and far. From onion goggles to pasta presses, you can find it all at Pryde’s. They also have the largest selection of Fiesta dinnerware in the Midwest! While there, be sure and stop in their little pie shop for a fresh, delicious slice or whole pie to take home. Fun fact: The historic building in which Pryde’s resides was originally a ballet studio. The owners have kept history alive by decorating the walls with signed black and white photos from the ’20s and ’30s depicting the studio’s former ballerinas.

Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities: The Hardware Store for Cooks

115 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO, 64111. 816.531.5588, PrydesKitchen.com

For other unique finds, also try:

Next, you’ll need to locally source your quality ingredients for your culinary masterpieces! Thankfully, the locally-grown and organic farming movements really have taken root here. For starters, Kansas City and nearly every city within the greater metro area now boast their own farmers markets. Just about any ingredient needed for a gourmet dish can be sourced at one of these outdoor markets—from the simplest to the more exotic. Best of all, most of the vendors selling their produce are from local, or even urban, farms or plots. Many stalls also grow their food or flowers organically or as naturally as possible. By popular vote, the City Market in the Rivermarket area of downtown is the favored choice for gathering the most unique ingredients for creating delicious meals. Hundreds flock here every weekend year-round to buy exotic spices, succulent fruits and vegetables or fresh-baked breads. The City Market is well-known for offering a wide variety of international ingredients and flavors. Some featured international vendors include Al Habashi Market, Beignet, Carollo’s Gourmet Grocery & Deli and Taste of Brazil Market.

City Market 20 E. 5th St., Suite 201, Kansas City, MO 64106. 816.842.1271, TheCityMarket.org

Another fan favorite, the Overland Park Farmers Market, is visited for its selection of high-quality fruits and vegetables.

Overland Park Farmers Market 7950 Marty St., Overland Park, KS 66204 913.895.6390 www.opkansas.org/farmersmarket

And rounding out the top three, the Brookside Farmers Market is known for its affordable prices and appeal to the youngest chefs-in-the-making: kids!

Brookside Farmers Market 6321 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64113. 913.991.2595, BrooksideFarmersMarket.com

A few other establishments worthy of note for their excellent quality are:

Wondering where foodies like to dine for the latest and greatest in Kansas City cuisine? Every few months, people seem to find a new “it” place. And often, as soon as a new restaurant has become the darling of food aficionados (both amateur and professional), another arises. As of the writing of this article, here’s a highlight of a few of Kansas City’s restaurants of the moment, as well as some classics that continue to prove popular:

  • Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room: New American 1830 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.832.4564, Corvino.com
  • The Antler Room: Mediterranean plates 2506 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.605.1967, TheAntlerRoomKC.com
  • Novel: New American 815 W. 17th St., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.221.0785, NovelKC.com
  • Krokstrom Klubb & Market: Scandinavian eats 3601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111, 816.599.7531, KlubbKrokstrom.com
  • Mudbug Mobile Madness: Cajun po’ boys 4702 NE Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64119, 816.321.1087, MudbugMobileMadness.com
  • SoT: Cocktails and light bites 1521 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.842.8482, SoTKC.com
  • Vivilore: Sophisticated American 10815 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO 64052, 816.836.2222, Vivilore.com
  • Third Street Social: Classic American 123 SE 3rd St., Lee's Summit, MO 64063, 816.384.2123, ThirdStreetSocial.com

Each of these featured restaurants varies in price, atmosphere, location and menu, so you’re sure to find something for everyone’s taste! Bon appetit!  

Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native with a passion for delicious food and local dining.

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