Category Archives: Waldo Community News

Feel Like A Massage? Try Crossing Paths Massage Therapy

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“Treat yo’self” – one of the memorable lines from the TV series Parks and Recreation.  We all feel the need to pamper ourselves every so often, and there’s a new massage therapy studio in Brookside that will do just that!  Crossing Paths Massage Therapy opened recently in east Brookside,  at 751 E 63rd St.

When I heard about Crossing Paths, I had tto indulge in a massage for myself—research for the blog of course! I had the basic 60 minute relaxation massage, and it was…wonderful!  A couple of days later I called Stephanie Cross, the owner, for more information about her and her business.

Stephanie Cross

Stephanie started as a nail technician, yet always had it in the back of her mind that she also wanted to do massage therapy.  She enrolled at WellSpring School of Allied Health (massage therapy is their main program) and graduated in September 2019.  While working at The Elms Hotel  and Spa, she decided to open her own studio as well after seeing a friend’s space in the building—“I really like the vibe of Brookside”.  She also wanted to make more of a personal connection with her clients, as the people she sees at the Elms are more transient.  “I have seen the change massage therapy can make in your life and wanted to offer those services to regular customers”. 

Stephanie offers 60, 90 and 120 minute relaxation and therapeutic massages.  All include hot towels and aromatherapy.  She offers add-ons including  foot and back scrubs, CBD  and cupping therapy.  Services are offered Saturday through Tuesday, and gift certificates are available (still looking for a Valentine’s day gift??).  The studio entrance is on the south side of the building, easily accessible on the ground floor and right next to the covered (free) parking garage.  The best way to reach Stephanie is via text (417 894 2456) or  her Facebook or Instagram (@crossingpathslmt) page.  Mention this blog post and get $10 off your first massage, valid through June 1st.

Next time you need to treat yo’self, try Crossing Paths—another locally owned and operated Brookside business!

The Classic Cookie Reopens in Waldo

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You may have heard that Waldo’s beloved Classic Cookie has reopened again under new ownership. It’s true—and the new owners are ready to welcome you back into this warm and cozy neighborhood café with a new menu and redesigned interior. 

Bryan Sparks and Hailey Allen

Owners (and engaged couple) Bryan Sparks and Hailey Allen, along with Anthony Quirarte, purchased the business  last November.  Both Bryan and Hailey have extensive restaurant experience: Bryan as the Executive Chef of True Food Kitchen, and Hailey has worked with her chef/father.   The duo started a meal prep service that was so successful they expanded to catering events.   They were renting a commissary by the hour but wanted their own kitchen, so when Bryan’s family saw that the Classic Cookie space was available—they jumped on it. With help from family and friends, Hailey and Bryan redesigned and remodeled the space themselves: moving the main counter, adding a full expresso bar, revising the menu and adding a a few more seats.  Plenty of sun streams in to accent the light wood surfaces and white walls; tables are set with fresh flowers and cloth napkins and diners are greeted with a sincere hello! The restaurant has that loose, friendly, local corner spot vibe. Even the background music changes to set the mood! 

Now a few words about the food…  Classic Cookie is open for breakfast and lunch.  Just about everything is made from scratch:  a pastry chef bakes fresh breads, cookies, granola and other sweet treats, and locally sourced produce and meats are used as much as possible (easier in the spring and summer growing season). Hailey says the menu items are priced to be “approachable for any budget” – you can get half orders of several menu options.  When I asked Hailey if the cookies are the same as in the “original” restaurant, she explained  they were given ingredients for the cookies, but no measurements!  So they are experimenting with different combinations. ( I noticed the cookies are much larger than before!).  The beloved chicken salad is the same though, and  Parisi coffee is served. 

Something else the new owners are planning: once a month special dinners, collaborating with local chefs.  They have a special Valentine’s dinner planned on February 14, with two seatings offered at 5 and 8pm.  For $75 per person, you’ll enjoy a four course meal with wine pairings!  The earlier seating is almost sold out—so if interested, make reservations soon.  The Classic Cookie can also be rented out for private evening functions.  Hailey and Bryan are very excited to have this new space; “The feedback from the customers has been wonderful “ Hailey says, “we are overjoyed with the reception we’ve been getting from the neighborhood”.

Treat yourself to a meal at Classic Cookie soon—you’ll feel right at home once you walk in and a friendly server greets you.  Take out and delivery are also available.  Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 7am-2pm and Saturday/Sunday hours are 7am-3pm.  The Classic Cookie is located at 409 West Gregory.

Waldo Welcomes Back Price Chopper Grocery Store at 85th and Wornall

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Have you stopped in the newly remodeled Price Chopper grocery store in Waldo?  It’s worth a visit! We now have a large, full service grocery with all the extras to serve our neighborhood…just like the suburbs.

The new Waldo Price Chopper at 8430 Wornall
David Bardwell

After a complete remodel, this store at 8430 Wornall reopened December 8.  Inside you’ll see new coolers and freezers, updated  lighting and flooring and peppy pop music piped through the speakers.  There’s a bakery, deli, liquor dept, large meat counter, pharmacy (COVID shots available!)  and prepared food section next to a café.  I recently spoke with David Bardwell, Store Director, about the special features of the remodel.  “We have a very nice meat department, and the butchers will do special cuts for customers in advance.  Our sushi counter is unique to this area—it’s owned and operated by a privately owned company that rents the space.  The bakery department takes special orders and I think our liquor department offers the lowest prices around”.  And in the check out area…seven self check out stands and four staffed stands. I also like the new grocery carts with a few storage areas instead of one large basket.

Part of the fresh Produce Section

David grew up in the grocery business-his father was a grocer with Payless Grocery.  Unlike the Price Chopper in Brookside and the one on 103rd off Wornall (both owned by the Cosentino family), this store is owned by Balls Foods, which will celebrate it’s 100th anniversary next year.  David says prices can vary from store to store, but the weekly ad specials are always the same at every Price Chopper. You’ll experience a very friendly staff when you visit; if you are looking for a particular item, someone will walk you  to the exact spot in the aisle that has your item!  During the many months this store was closed, David had a van and drove several  carless teammates to work in the  Bannister and Grandview stores.  Of the 83 current employees, 30 worked at the store previously and came back so you may see some familiar faces.  The Ball’s Food Stores vision is “To be the best run, friendliest supermarkets in town where teammates are passionate about providing excellent customer service and where customers love to shop.”

Large Selection of Wine, Beer and Spirits!

I asked David if he was having any supply chain issues regarding keeping the store stocked during the pandemic.  He explained they have approximately 4000 items delivered per week, and there are a few things are in short supply:  paper products, children’s drinks and canned pet food.  But overall, he can get everything needed to keep the shelves full.

It’s easy to run in and out of this store if you just need a couple of things; or stock up with a big load of groceries.  There’s plenty of parking out front; and you can create orders online to pick up in the store later or have delivered to your car.  Stop in and check out the new Waldo Price Chopper! The store is open seven days a week from 7am-10pm.

Make Reservations Now for Kansas City Restaurant Week

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During this rather boring time of year (unless the Chiefs keep winning!)….we have KC Restaurant Week to break the monotony! This is the time to check out some eateries you haven’t been to before…and there are so many to choose from. Over 180 restaurants are participating in this year’s event!

Kansas City Restaurant Week is happening January 14-22, 2022. A portion of the earnings will be donated to the Guadalupe Centers–KC’s largest Hispanic association, providing education, health care and other social services in our area for over 100 years now. Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends, so make your plans now if you plan to dine in. Some places are offering delivery and carry out options.

Below is a list of the participating restaurants in Brookside and Waldo. The fixed lunch price is $15; dinner price is $35 or $45. Not all of the special menus are posted yet–check the website or the KCRW app for updates.

Aixois French Restaurant * Charlie Hoopers * Michael Forbes * Red Door Grill

Boru Asian Eatery * Lews Grill and Bar * South of Summit Taqueria * Summit Grill* The Well * Waldo Pizza.

Note that most of the restaurants are locally owned..and we know how much local businesses have suffered during the COVID pandemic. Thank you for supporting our locally owned restaurants and please tip generously!!!

Need Last Minute Unique Gifts? Try Waldo’s Green Utopia!

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Yes, friends, there is another new locally owned shop in Waldo to tell you about today…and it’s quite unique!  Called Green Utopia, it is Kansas City’s “zero waste” shop, selling useful gifts and household goods using recycled materials.  This is the place to stop by if you need last minute gifts or stocking stuffers—so many great ideas here!

Green Utopia in Waldo

Owner Gabriella Sanders started her shop in a vintage camper, parked at places like the Crossroads on First Fridays and other lots around town.  Then the pandemic hit, and she decided to take some time to reassess and find a small retail space.  “ I just had this crazy idea to create a store based on zero waste.”  She chose Waldo in part because she has family nearby that can help watch her son.  Green Utopia opened in November, tucked away in a small space at 329 B E Gregory, behind Governor Stumpy’s.  Sanders is committed to a zero waste lifestyle – she says the Lees Summit and Blue Springs landfills are already out of space-and we can all make relatively easy changes to our daily habits to end up throwing  less in the trashcan.  “Just change one habit”, says Gabriella, “and soon it will become second nature to reduce your personal everyday waste.” 

I was amazed at all the unique, clever items for sale in Green Utopia:  earrings made from plastic found in the ocean; washable fabric sandwich bags; shampoo and conditioner bars (rather than liquid in a plastic bottle); tote bags made from yoga mats; wall clocks made from albums; coffee and tea “socks” ; biodegradable scrub pads and natural tooth powder…everything  has a green component.    There’s stuff for the kids and dogs too.  She also resells some vintage items: tins, napkins, handkerchiefs.  Gabriella will also rent you a  “party box” of dishes and flatware to save on paper items that just get thrown away after the meal.  If you are looking for a knowledgeable speaker on how begin a greener lifestyle  for your business or club—Sanders does that too.  

Gabriella Sanders

Green Utopia can be challenging to find due to it’s tucked away location—she has some signage coming but for now, the best way to reach her shop is driving (or walking) just south of Gregory and Oak; on the west side of Oak you’ll see a driveway to the parking area just past Gregory.  Turn west into the lot and you’ll see Green Utopia on the right.  Hours are 11am-6pm Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays 10am-5pm.  Stop in soon—you’re come out with something useful for yourself or a friend!

Fun for Everyone–Create Something at Waldo’s Create Space KC!

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Today I’m writing to tell you about a new business in Waldo that appeals to people of all ages; it’s a place everyone can enjoy and feel welcome; it’s a spot where you can spend the afternoon just having fun with an art project or learning a new skill…it is Create Space KC at 209 E Gregory, just a few steps east of McLain’s Bakery.

Create Space KC is the invention of Meghan Throckmorton, an art teacher at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  Meghan says she “daydreamed about something like this for a long time.  I wanted a place the community could use; where people could come together and interact in person, putting away the screens for a while.  I also talked to many neighbors about they wanted to see in a place like this.”

So what exactly is Create Space KC? It’s a versatile, open space of 1500 sf, where Meghan and other local teachers host workshops in art, dance, yoga, gift-making and music.  Meghan stresses it’s not school, it’s recreation:  parents and kids can take a painting class together or drop in an ‘open studio’ to create their own projects.  There’s yoga for all ages (even “goodnight yoga”), plus ballroom dancing, juggling and ukulele classes. Meghan wants to add even more options. One of the unique things about Create Space KC  is that outside clubs can rent the space for get togethers and to teach classes; for example, there’s a photography club that gathers at the space and offers a class; same with ballroom dancing. Prices are very reasonable; averaging around $15 per session. Meghan encourages teachers and club leaders to contact her to discuss details of what they can offer for the monthly calendar of events. She’s actively looking for people who would like to come in and teach other special skills. 

Create Space KC also has winter break and snow day camps for area kids; parents can register for a morning or afternoon session or several sessions in the same week. Meghan also rents the space for private parties, holding up to 30 people or so.

Check out the Create Space KC website for more details or just drop in sometime as you are walking by! This is a very creative and useful addition to our neighborhood, especially during the colder winter months when you are longing to get out and do something different with the family. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses!

World’s Window–A Unique Brookside Shop Still Going Strong!

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This is the time of year when many people focus on gift giving…and often think “where can I buy something that’s a little out of the ordinary?”.  For many shoppers, the answer could be World’s Window in Brookside.

I wanted to write a blog about Worlds Window because this is one of the oldest, locally owned stores in the Brookside shops, serving our neighborhood for the past 23 years! Stopping by the shop recently, I chatted with owner Jan Buerge.  She explained how World’s Window came to be.

 Before Brookside, World’s Window was located in Westport—the shop started off in a small stall off Pennsylvania.   When Westport started focusing on bars and eateries, Jan and her husband decided to move the store to Brookside—close to their home.  They focus on “folk art and fine design”, says Jan.  “We like to sell interesting, well made things, from companies that commit to Fair Trade principles.”.  Jan  values talking directly to many of her suppliers and artisans based around the world.   

Of course like so many other retailers, World’s Window has been affected by the COVID pandemic.  The shop was closed for several weeks, and Jan quickly pivoted to online sales.  One unique way she kept sales going via the web was by publishing a newsletter every day, with the theme  Around the World in 80 Days.  Jan wrote about individual vendors  and told their very personal stories.    “The resilience and creativity of the human spirit is amazing” she explained, regarding how her contacts throughout the world were dealing with the pandemic and yet kept going. You can read the 80 days of stories at the World’s Window website.

Jan hopes to resurrect her annual Rose Brooks “Flipping Favorites”  fundraiser next year, where shop patrons bring in gently used clothing to donate to Rose Brooks, in exchange for a discount coupon for the store.  Throughout the holidays, you  can still donate to Rose Brooks (a domestic violence emergency shelter) when shopping in the store by donating $5 through a “dip jar” as your purchases are festively wrapped for the season.  “Of course you can dip your credit card in the jar as many times as you would like”, says Jan.  “What a great way to share in celebrating this Season of Joy”.

There are just so many fun things to explore in this store: you’ll find comfortable and festive clothing,  colorful scarves, stocking stuffers, candles, jewelry and even jeans!  There’s all kinds of folk art, candles, ZUM products, socks and gloves, tree ornaments and a large section of children’s items in the back of the store. 

World’s Window is sure to have something unique and special for that hard to buy for person—and for yourself!  Stop in the shop at 332 W 63rd St; hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday.

Waldo Welcomes Waldo Flats!

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Being a homeowner isn’t for everyone…many people prefer the “lock and go” convenience of an apartment or condo. However, there are very few apartment/condo complexes in Waldo. That recently changed as Waldo now offers a brand new apartment building, located in the heart of our neighborhood.  222 Waldo Flats recently opened at 222 W 75th St, just steps away from the lively 75th and Wornall intersection, and I stopped by recently to take a look.

Andrew Ganahl and Diane Botwin

Upon entering the spacious lobby, featuring a colorful, commissioned textile art piece,  I was greeted by co- owners Diane Botwin and Andrew Ganahl.  You may have heard of Diane—she owns several commercial properties in Waldo; Andrew is originally from California, now lives in Kansas City and has developed two apartment projects in the Crossroads.  Partnering with Slaggie Architects, they have created   sleek, modern, yet very comfortable flats.   Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units are available.  Each comes with all the necessary appliances, including washer/dryer, and most have balconies.  There is a secured package room and bike room; parking is available for an extra fee; pets are OK and the building is wired for Google Fiber.  Littlefield Eye Associates has commercial space on the first floor, and there is another smaller spot available for retail or service business.

What impressed me about these apartments are the extra details:  not all are exactly alike. Some have darker cabinets; some have traditional white. There are high end finishes, including tiled showers, quartz counters and large windows (that open!) to bring in plenty of natural light and fresh air.  Even the smaller studio apartments “live”  like a one bedroom unit. Monthly rent starts at $1025. 

Of course, one of the best features of this building is the location.  As Diane said, “Our amenity is Waldo.  Waldo has its own personality and our building fits in.  We have a great group of multigenerational tenants; it’s very inviting to young and old.” Andrew continued:  “We wanted to be in an area where people could walk to everything”.  Within a few steps of the front door: pharmacy, grocery,  library, several restaurants, coffee shop, bike shop,  hardware store, bars and convenient bus stop. Everything Waldo is right here!

If you are interested in touring Waldo Flats, you can request an appointment or find more information on their website. 

Wine Tasting Room Opens in Waldo

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Waldo is known for it’s small specialty shops, restaurants and services.  Now thee is anotherunique new place just opened you should know about…Marco Polo Selections.  It’s a wine tasting room and event space at 336 W 75th St, a few steps away from the new West Waldo 222 Flats. 

I stopped in recently and spoke with co owners Emily Maher and Nate Riley, who have been friends since high school.  Emily has been raising a family and ran a personal organizing business; Nate has extensive experience working with restaurant suppliers and wine distributors.  One day Nate called Emily saying “I have an idea…..” and Marco Polo Selections was born.

Their tagline is “rare times, rare wines”—and that phrase works on so many levels!  The pandemic has reworked the way we think, play and travel—every moment of a “normal” life is a gift so don’t waste it!  Explore new places, new foods, new wines..and this is a shop where you can get wines you can’t get anywhere else in the city.  Started as an online liquor store, Marco Polo Selections features all “old world wines”,  as Nate explained, from small family run vineyards in  Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Argentina.  Wine flights of four varieties are $25, and most bottles range in price from $13-$25.  The space is small, intimate yet casual and very friendly.  “There’s no pretense or intimidation here” said Nathan.  “It’s a big old world out there and we want to help people enjoy it”.

One of the unique features of Marco Polo Selections is you are welcome to bring in your own food:  grab some take out from nearby Jovito’s or Waldo Pizza; or have Uber Eats bring you a meal.  You can take your time tasting various wines while enjoying dinner!  There’s really no other place like this in Kansas City.  You can also  book Marco Polo Selections for a private event, and they have access to the shaded outdoor courtyard in the back for extra space.  Currently the hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm-8pm.  Nate explained they were very busy several weeks ago when the mask mandate was dropped and we all thought most of the population would be vaccinated by summer’s end.  Now that the mask mandate is back in place, traffic has dropped off some.  Still, this is a new, locally owned business and the buzz is spreading.  It has a totally different vibe from your usual Waldo bar—a place where you can taste and learn about different wines, have a conversation without shouting and enjoy yourself chatting with friends.

Next time you are looking for something a little different to do–make a visit to Marco Polo Selections at 336 W 75th St. Catch them on Instagram at marcopoloselections.

Taco Cacao Now in Waldo

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Just about every week I find myself craving Mexican food…especially in the warmer summer months. Do you feel the same? We have several local options in the Brookside/Waldo area, so why drive into a generic chain for the taco fix? Support Local!

Taco Cacao opened several weeks ago at 7927 Wornall. This is a taco and burrito food truck. Readers, usually I contact the owner/manager to get some background information for the blog–but the contact I had for Taco Cacao did not return my call. So this blog is just the basics…

The food is hot and inexpensive. There are all kinds of taco and burrito combinations, vegetarian included, and all items are to go. Beverages include Coke, Sprite and Jarritto Mexican Soda. There is a picnic table next to the truck–however it’s pretty noisy with all the Wornall traffic whizzing by. I saw several customers eating in their parked cars! Other options include purchasing “family packs” and three salsas by the pound! When I stopped in, it was around 2:30 in the afternoon and for a snack, I ordered a black bean/rice taco topped with guacamole. By the time I got back to my office about ten minutes away–the food was still hot, wrapped tightly in foil inside the styrofoam box. Fresh guac!! The man I spoke with was friendly and service oriented. I’ll be making this a regular stop for a quick lunch or dinner!

This photo above is actually on the building just behind the truck. I was wondering if the food for the truck is cooked inside? But as I was not able to speak with a manager, it’s a mystery–along with why the logo is a pig in a taco??

TacoCacao is located at 7927 Wornall, that’s on east side of Wornall, on the corner next to 79th Terrace. It’s actually easier to park on 79th Terrace and walk up the street to order. The food truck is open Monday – Saturday 11-3 and 5-8; Sundays 11-3. You can order online as well. Thank you for supporting small business in Waldo!