Miami Ice

The hottest place to cool off this summer is Miami Ice. Located on 39th Street, Miami Ice offers frozen treats of all varieties including custard, shaved ice, scooped ice cream, smoothies and shakes. Their flavorings are made with real cane sugar - no high fructose corn syrup here! - and range from pineapple to pink lemonade. 

What makes Miami Ice the coolest of them all? Their shaved ice comes with a thick layer of vanilla custard on the bottom, which takes on a creamsicle effect mid-way through your cup. 

Favorite flavor combination so far: strawberry and pina colada. It combines perfectly with the vanilla custard and tastes similar to a Miami Vice. Coincidence? I think not.

For ice cream, try the S'mores mixer - vanilla ice cream, marshmallow topping, chocolate syrup and chunks of graham crackers. 

The guy behind the counter was the perfect guide after I walked in the door and announced I was a Miami Ice first-timer. I received great service and recommendations from the staff and at $2.75 for a sweet treat I can definitely afford to be a repeat customer all summer. 

Bring your pup when you visit, Miami Ice is dog friendly!

The Corner Restaurant

As someone who works, lives and plays in Westport I was estatic when I heard that The Corner Restaurant was reopening. A place that serves brunch seven days a week will immediately peak my interest. My first visit was on a busy Saturday morning.

 

 

I was seated within 10 mintues of walking in and I found the staff to be a bit jumbled but friendly and accomodating. You could tell they were still working out a few kinks but the service was never lacking. Someone was always checking on our table, refilling coffee and our server, Stephan, was funny and entertaining - a perfect fit for a breakfast spot.

 

In addition to great service, I appreciate that The Corner Restaurant uses local establishments such as The Roasterie coffee, Bloom Baking Company and several local farms.

 

(A cup of Kansas City's finest from The Roasterie.)

 

For breakfast I ordered the The Babe - two scrambled eggs, bacon, sourdough bread and house potatoes.

 

 

 Although I chose some pretty basic breakfast items, there was nothing ordinary about it. The presentation was beautiful. The potatoes were garnished with fresh herbs and spices, the bacon was cut thick and even the butter was fancy looking.

 

I also ordered the whole grain waffles.

 

 

Check out that butter! It was mixed with some type of herbs and possibly lavender? Still trying to figure that out.

 

The unique aspect of The Corner Restuarant is that it's both a bar and a breakfast spot, serving to drinkers and diners until 4 a.m.! The cocktail menu includes some phenomenal drinks. You must try the Blood Orange Mimosa or the White Peach Belini.

 

For a bar/brunch/lunch spot I think The Corner Restuarant has a good thing going. I'll be back for more, you can bet your loaded grits on it.



Hot Basil Thai Cuisine

Located in an Overland Park strip mall, Hot Basil Thai Cuisine is, by appearances, understated - with sparse decor and simple aesthetics. There is a small patio for outdoor seating with a view of the parking lot. Inside, the floor plan is open with two large dining rooms and a tiny bar. The lunch hour was busy, a positive sign, and we waited a few minutes before being seated. Each lunch entree comes with a starter of soup or salad. Both are delicious but the peanut dressing that accompanied the salad is out of this world. Unfortunately, I ate the salad and forgot to take a picture.

I was able to control myself long enough to snap a pic of the hot and sour soup. Patience is a virtue I'm still working on.

What to order of the lunch menu? First off, the Pad Thai. I would say it's in the top three that I've had in Kansas City.

I usually order the shrimp, but got the chicken instead. The sauce is a little sweeter than anything I've ever had with Pad Thai, but still delicious.

Also, the Gapow entree is AMAZING.

The dish includes your choice of meat (I chose beef) stir fried with Thai basil and bell peppers, served over rice with an egg fried over easy.

I ordered the dish spicy, which paired well with the beef and fried egg.

The service is fantastic and our food came out within 15 minutes of ordering, making Hot Basil a perfect place to go for lunch. Lesson learned: sometimes the most unassuming places have the best food. I'll definitely be a repeat customer at Hot Basil Thai Cuisine.



T. Loft

I love everything about T. Loft, the newest juice bar to open in Kansas City. The gorgeous decor and chic environment will greet you as soon as you walk in the door. 

Soft grays, cozy couches and a family style seating arrangement make for the perfect spot to hang out, sip on fresh juice, premium leaf tea or coffee. 

Choose from a variety of juice blends depending on your needs or interests - boost immunity,  enhance energy levels or improve brain function based on the mix of fruits, vegetables and teas. I ordered the Easy Breezy made with blueberry, spinach, orange, carrot, lemon and green tea. 

The mixture of fruits and vegetables make for a refreshing and healthy drink because everything at T. Loft is made with fresh produce and all natural products. 

Although I don't normally eat gluten free, I had my eye on these cookies from the moment I walked in. 

At $2, these Gluten Free Cocoa Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic and inexpensive sweet treat. 

Upon first bite, I was instantly pleased with the rich chocolate and soft texture of this cookie. Another T. Loft treat you must try is the Sweet Potato Brownie, made with sweet potato, apples, ginger, maple syrup, cocoa, almond flour and walnuts. 

Make T. Loft your next stop and get a little goodness that's good for you. 

A damp and dapper Kentucky Derby 2013

This weekend marked the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This was my second time attending the "the greatest two minutes in sports" and I felt lucky to experience firsthand this longstanding tradition in American sports history.

 

 

My favorite part of the Kentucky Derby is the feeling you get once you walk inside the gates of Churchill Downs. Men in seersucker suits, ladies holding champagne - everything exudes an old-world style class and sophistication. Being at the Derby makes this small town Kansas girl feel like anything is possible - like you're big time, only if just for a day.

 

I had a great view of the red carpet, but I left my post and wasn't able to secure another good spot. I also missed the moment Lauren Conrad walked in.

 
Luckily, a friend was able to snap a picture of her.

Near the red carpet is Millionaire's Row, where Annie and I spotted Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, Warren Moon and Smokey Robinson.

Although he wasn't seated in Millionaire's Row, local celebrity Johnny Kane did a "step and repeat" on the parking lot of the Baymont Inn, pre-Derby.

Yes, the Kentucky Derby is a great place for photo opportunities. Including these...

And this is what I like to call...

#DerbyHatProblems (Poor Annie.)

It was a damp and dreary Derby Day, but with mint juleps this strong the rain and cold could be easily forgotten.

Here's a look at the trophy that went to the Derby winner, Orb.

Despite a wet weekend, good times were had by all, although I think everyone is praying for sun next year.

Plastic ponchos are not a good look on me. 



Boulevard Brewery Tripel Julep

Whether you're a fan of horse racing or not, the Kentucky Derby offers something for everyone. Maybe you're into the big hats, placing a few bets or just boozing, the popularity of the Derby has turned into a celebration across the nation. This weekend, Derby Day parties will be taking place across Kansas City and you will want to get your hands on the latest from Boulevard Brewery.

In honor of Derby weekend, Boulevard Brewery has released a small batch of Tripel Julep, a limited-time beverage, made with their Long Strange Tripel beer aged in whiskey barrels and infused with mint leaves.

Do not wrinkle your nose and think "eww, I don't like the thought of mint and beer." Buck up and try it! It's like nothing you've ever had before - I'm willing to bet on it. The mint is a mild after taste, but definitely contributes well to the flavors of sweetness, whiskey and beer. I don't even like traditional Mint Juleps, but I love this beer.

I had to do my research when it came to tracking down the Tripel Julep. Central States Beverage Company released a list of every bar in town that will have this beer on tap. They will be delivering kegs from now until Friday and once it's gone, it's gone. I found mine at The GAF in Waldo.

Here's where else you can find it...

In Kansas:

Barleys on 119th, Barleys Midland, Blanc Burger in Leawood, Brewbakers, Burg & Barrel, Danny’s on College, J. Gilberts, Johnny's on 95th, La Bodega, Nick & Jakes, The Peanut on Metcalf, Pig & Finch, Quasimodo, Rye, Tanner's on 143rd, Minsky's on College, Minsky's in Olathe, O’Neill’s, 403 Club, Saints, Jazz, Blue Moose in Overland Park

In Missouri:

The Majestic, Amigoni, Bar Louie, Nara, Jack Stack, La Bodega, Green Lady, Farmhouse, Tannin, Harry’s Country Club, Alamo, Blue Bird, Brick, The President, Westside Local, Davey’s Uptown, Rhythm & Booze, Helens, Jack Stack, Westport Flea Market, Beer Kitchen, Gram & Dun, Levee, Green Room, Accursos, Fric & Frac, Beacon, High Dive, Record Bar, BD Mongolian, Smoke House, Brewtop, Do Drop Inn, Governor Stumpy’s, The Well, Brooksider, GAF, Remedy, Swagger, Murrays, Lews, Next Door Pizza, Jess & Jims, Tanner’s, Blue Grotto, Michael Forbes, Loch Lloyd, Ugly Joes, Conrads, Trezomare, Cork & Brew, Brass Rail, Landing, Em Chama’s, Stone Canyon, Antons, Flying Saucer, Snow & Co, Grunauer, Jacobsen, Hotel Phillips, Genessee Inn, Johnny’s, Blanc, The Foundry, Bluestem, Grinders, Riot Room, Record Bar, Waldo Pizza, Bier Station, Martin City Brewing Co., Julian, Charlie Hooper’s, Rusty Horse, Smoke House, Nick & Jake’s, Rieger, Yard House

Stay tuned as I make my way to Louisville this weekend for the real Kentucky Derby. Pictures and posts to follow!

Blue Koi

 

I was actually on my way to another Midtown restaurant when I walked by Blue Koi and changed my mind. I looked through the front window at all the happy people sucking down noodles and sipping tea and I couldn't resist.  

 

Walking in, you're met with the warm scents of curry, garlic and soy sauce. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming and the staff reflects that mood. The bar offers a small selection of local beers, along with the usual libations. I enjoyed a Boulevard Wheat while looking over the menu.

 

I ordered the Shrimp with Chinese Curry Sauce.

 

 

This dish includes ginger, onion, mushrooms, snow pea pods and fresh basil sauteed with sesame oil and spicy Chinese curry sauce. There isn't a lot of heat in this dish, which allows you to enjoy the flavors of the ginger and basil.

 

 

You can order this dish with shrimp, tofu, chicken or beef. I thought the shrimp with the spicy Chinese curry was a good pairing.

 

If you need a little more heat with your meal, order the Fire Bird. 

 

 

 The boneless roast duck is sauteed with chili peppers and scallions and large chunks of bamboo strips accompany the dish. This was my first taste of duck and I was pretty surprised with how tasty it was. I was worried about the consistency of the meat but it reminded me of pork. This dish is a must-have.

 

If you don't live close to Midtown, Blue Koi has a second location in Leawood. I highly recommend checking this place out.