New Food Truck: Strips Chicken-Now in Waldo

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

You’ve probably heard that many of us are craving good old comfort food these days, as we change our patterns and habits due to the pandemic. Little things you can look forward to—like trying a new eatery—can lift your spirits and provide a happy diversion to your day. And especially as the cooler weather sets in, indulging in comfort food is a treat for yourself!

Make plans to stop in and try Strip’s Chicken, a food truck parked at the southwest corner of 85^th and Wornall, next to the Price Chopper. Owner Todd Johnson opened the original location of Strip’s four years ago at 1110 Sante Fe in Olathe. Based on the success of that restaurant, he started looking for another spot in Waldo. Right now he’s operating out of the food truck; next month he’ll open in the adjacent former KFC/Long John Silver’s building. Todd grew up on a farm in Kansas and has a degree from Kansas State in Agronomy. He started out as an agricultural banker; owned a microbrewery and started food consulting; eventually he moved to Kansas City to focus solely on consulting. He even consulted Real Housewives star Lisa Vanderpump on her Bravo show “Vanderpump Rules”. After repeatedly tinkering with recipes and coming up with his own special seasonings and cooking methods, he decided to open his own place again focusing on chicken.

What’s unusual about Strip’s Chicken is this: it’s basically a scratch kitchen. Todd and his staff hand cut all the chicken breasts to the same thickness for quick, uniform cooking. They make all of the sauces and breading; they grind the pork for the pork burgers and make the white chili from scratch; everything is cooked to order. A few other notes about the breading: the strips are coated in a zesty batter, then a pretzel breading (he even grinds the pretzels!). Todd also offers chicken nuggets that are gluten free, specially fried in a dedicated fryer with its own filtration system. The nuggets are “honey kissed” for a slight sweetness and the breading is made from sorghum that’s grown and milled by Kansas farmers. No MSG is used in anything he cooks. “We serve generous portions here” says Todd, “and having signature items is incredibly important to me. My customers can taste the difference”. Chicken strips are the most popular menu item, along with the strawberry BBQ dipping sauce and his own “secret sauce” recipe. Other offerings include onion strings, fries, mac and cheese, and donuts—and a “family feast” .

Next time you are craving comfort food, stop in Strip’s Chicken at 85^th and Wornall. Hours are 11am-8pm, Monday through Saturday.

New Floral Shop Opens in Waldo

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Flowers! Can’t help but smile when you walk by a colorful floral garden, a unique centerpiece or receive a blooming arrangement that fills your space with a soft, fresh scent. Waldo has a new flower shop, Botanica Flower Studio at 7443 Broadway—and I stopped by last week to find out more.

Owner Heather Coones has been a florist for eighteen years. Back in her college days at K State, she would walk the campus dreaming of owning her own shop. She earned a degree in geography as she loves to travel—and eventually got a job at The Fiddly Fig. After a while, she struck out on her own, doing wedding and special events out of her Leawood home. Finally, she just fulfilled her dream and opened the small shop, sandwiched between Hiles Two and Soap Station, a couple of storefronts south of Waldo Pizza. Heather grew up in Brookside, and explained why she picked this Waldo spot: “ I love this area. It’s a good location and I know the community supports local businesses. There is easy access to many special event locations. And I like to connect with people on a daily basis—flowers make people happy!”.

I asked Heather what makes her bouquets and arrangements different from others. Her approach is to offer a “really good value. When you order from me, I look at what flowers and greenery are at their best at the time, and I get my product from local growers as well as wholesalers. I like unique color combinations; I use lots of different textures, incorporating greens and herbs. I like to use flowers and greens that you don’t always see in a shop. The trend in arrangements now is the loose, gathered garden look —not a tight, stiff, rounded arrangement. I like to work with my customers to create something different that still looks fresh, eye catching and expressive.”

Botanica Flower Studio also has several kinds of vases and potted plants for sale; Heather plans to add Cedar Street Toffee treats for sale if you want to add sweets to your bouquet! Behind the store is a shady, cozy, open air patio that’s available for small private wedding showers. Current hours at the shop are 12-5 Monday through Friday; delivery is available. The best way to order a single special bouquet or arrangement right now is to email Heather from the website—however, walk ins are welcome!

Botanica Flower Studio is located at 7443 Broadway in wonderful Waldo!

Be Social, Get Out and Join “Waldo Walk” Sept 19-26, 2020

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Usually I would be posting about the annual Waldo Fall Festival right about now…but, as with all of our treasured fall activities (Plaza and Westport Art Fairs, Renaissance Festival, etc), it’s not happening this year. The Waldo Business Assn has come up with another event you can participate in: the Waldo Walk, starting Saturday and running until Sept 26.

You can do the Waldo Walk virtually or in person! Download the Racery app to go digital or get out in the fresh air and walk or bike the six mile route in person. (You do not have to do all six miles!) Teams are encouraged! There are many local merchants with special giveways and offers throughout the walk, including McLain’s Bakery, Crows Coffee, Bier Station and Geo’s Cheese. Special thanks to Mike’s Wine and Spirits for being a sponsor of the walk!

Get more details here. Remember, Waldo Walk lasts seven days so you have plenty of time to get out and explore Waldo during this Fall season, enjoy the cooler weather and (socially distant) mingle with friends and merchants along the way. THANK YOU for supporting our locally owned businesses!

Sierra Winter Jewelry Now Open in Brookside

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

When strolling around art fairs, I always stop at the jewelry booths. There are so many different styles and types of metals—and usually a wide range of prices. Due to the pandemic–no Brookside/Westport or Plaza art fairs this year…However, last week I stopped by Sierra Winter Jewelry, a unique shop at 7017 Oak next to Eclectics to get my jewelry fix. This showroom has been open for several months now, but somehow I missed it!

Owner Sierra Otto had the urge to make jewelry early—she started back in high school. At KU, she studied metal smithing and jewelry design. She spent several years designing for Silpada (a now-defunct KC company) and finally went out on her own. She sells direct to consumer via her website and to wholesalers around the country. Earlier this year she opened this showroom and now operates the business just a few blocks from her Armour Hills home, where she lives with her husband and young daughter.

Sierra explained her designs are “globally inspired” and she releases a new collection two times a year that consist of about 15 pieces—her next one will debut in October. I asked Sierra about her best selling pieces, and she says the simple and classic “Eclipse” is very popular, along with the “Easy Rider” horseshoe ring and the “Mama” collection, featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets often given to new Moms as shower and new baby gifts. All of her pieces are sterling silver or 18K gold vermeil, and some feature precious stones such as turquoise, lapis and opal for a special focal point. In addition to jewelry, the shop also sells specialty bandanas, candles, incense, cards and nail polish for sale.

Business has been brisk, despite the pandemic and Sierra plans to host private events and trunk shows once we return to a more ‘normal’ lifestyle. In the meantime, stop by the store—or website. Sierra Winter Jewelry is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am-5pm, and noon-4 on Saturday at 7017 Oak St.

Brookside Shops Host Summer Sale Today Through Saturday

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a bonus sale! You may remember that Brookside hosted it’s annual Sidewalk Sale last month–starting today, there is another sale you can take advantage of: the Brookside Summer Sale!

Beginning today, Aug 20, 2020 through Saturday–many shops and restaurants are offering special discounts, clearance items and some dining deals. Participating stores include COCO, LEOPOLD Gallery, LadyBye, Brookside Toy and Science, Brookside Party Warehouse, The Roasterie and Michael Forbes. Check www.brooksidekc.org for a complete list, and details on the coloring contest.

Remember to wear your mask and respect each store’s social distancing policy. Thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside and Waldo businesses!

South of Summit Taco Joint (has been) Open in Waldo

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

One of my favorite Waldo restaurants is Summit Grill. In the Before Times, I would often take clients there for lunch, or meet friends for happy hour. They have an extensive menu, prepare their own salad dressings on site (very important to me!) and have the best French Dip sandwich I’ve tasted in KC. The food is always fresh and the service is good. Hubby and I went there recently for an early dinner.

Anyway, I was excited to hear the same owners opened up South of Summit Taqueria and Tequila right next door, in the former Summit Grill events space. I visited this new taco spot in early March, all ready to post a blog about it–then BAM, the Shutdown. Posting it now!

South of Summit is a smaller space than Summit Grill, with an open and casual vibe. The servers wear tee shirts that state Viva Waldo! printed on the back–gotta love the Waldo pride! After examining the menu, there are a couple of things to point out: all tacos are priced under $4, and sides are just $2-$4. The taco shells are made fresh in house, and can include a crispy melted cheese, grilled on the flat top. There are larger main dish items as well, including an enchilada and burrito. I appreciate the smaller portions–so you can have just one taco and a side–as well as a larger, full meal. If you are a tequila lover– South of Summit has a huge selection ! Happy hour happens every day from 3-6, featuring $4 house margaritas, $3 beers and a several half price appetizers plus discounted tacos. Dine in service is back; there is also a shaded outdoor patio. And you can order online for pick up.

South of Summit is open seven days a week, at 516 W 75th St, just west of 75th and Wornall.

summit patio

New Shop “Homesong Market” Now Open in Brookside

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside is known for browsing…leisurely walks through the shopping district, stopping here and there to check out the unique clothing, jewelry, art and everyday necessities. And we have a new store to tell you about today: Homesong Market , at 6213 Oak St.

Owner Amanda Waters is promoting not just products here, but a lifestyle: her philosophy states that “homemaking is heartshaping” – as you create and nurture your home and family, you can realize a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle by using well made, earth friendly and natural products. This shop is full of items you use everyday: laundry baskets, linens, produce bags, candles, stylish dog collars/leashes, incense, kitchen and gardening tools and much more. Best sellers include the baskets, Noah bells, and cleaning products. Amanda personally knows all the brands she sources, both overseas and domestic companies.

How did Homesong come about? Like so many small businesses—at the dining room table! Amanda is a blogger, and writes about homemaking. “I’ve always had a passion about homemaking; about creating a nurturing environment for our family. “ She decided to sell some of the products she uses in her own home as readers would ask about them. She started a website, filling orders and shipping from the family compound (Amanda is a mother of four) and finally decided she wanted her own space. At Homesong Market, just about all of the products on her website are on display in the store and for sale; it’s also used as a staging spot for shipping (she will ship overseas); and there is room in the back for upcoming (when possible) special events and workshops for the public on candle making, crafts for kids, whatever creative idea she comes up with! Another unique thing about the store is all of the actual displays (tables, shelves, chairs, etc) are second hand finds and most are available for purchase. She also hosts a flea market online sale on the first Friday of every month.

Homesong Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm at 6213 Oak, just south of the new Brookside Barkery location. Stop in for a browse soon!

Brookside Sidewalk Sale/Shred Event July 9-11, 2020

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Supporting our local merchants is more important than ever at this time…please considering checking out the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Many shops will be offering special discounts and sales–some eateries as well–starting Thursday July 9 through Saturday July 11. A partial list of participants include 5B&Co Candlemakers, Tuesday Morning, Lady Bye, COCO Brookside and Charlie Hooper’s.

Also on Saturday is the annual Brookside Shred Event. A paper shredding truck will be stationed in the parking lot behind Jalapeno’s starting at 8am. Limit of two boxes of paper per household for shredding.

Thank you for supporting our local businesses and remember to WEAR A MASK when shopping!

Geo’s Cheese Now Open in Waldo

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Geo’s Cheese in Waldo 221 E Gregory

During these warm, humid summer nights, it’s just too hot to cook. It’s easy to make a light meal of cheese, fresh bread, salami and wine..does that sound tasty? One of our new neighborhood shops is ready to help—Geo’s Cheese has opened at 221 E Gregory Blvd!

Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”

Geo's cheese display

There are SO many kinds of cheese here. Spencer says what sets this store apart is the unique assortment, including aged cheddar from 1-15 years, and the competitive prices. I even saw chocolate cheese displayed (!?), cheese curds, and imported cheeses from France, Brazil, Spain and Bulgaria. The shop is full of other goodies too: crackers, specialty mustards and nut mixes, summer sausages, olives, salsas and jellies, chocolate. Within the next several weeks, Spencer plans to add wine for sale and host wine tasting events. Geo’s Facebook page hosts special cheese cooking challenges that have become quite popular!

As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!

Geo’s Cheese is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am-6pm, at the SW corner of Gregory and McGee.

Fiddly Fig Closing in Brookside, Moving to South KC

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

For the past 25 years, The Fiddly Fig has been a fixture in Brookside, located at 22 W 63rd St. This historic brick building was a police/fire station back in the early days of our neighborhood. Owner Sheryl White and her father purchased the building in an auction in 1995 and have been there every since.

Recently, White sold the building to local businessman Joe Zwillenberg. She wasn’t thinking of selling, but he made her an irresistible offer. The Fiddly Fig will move to it’s new location at 9716 Holmes on March 20. Right now, everything is on sale at the store.

I stopped in last week to use a gift certificate I had won in a raffle. I always enjoyed shopping there. In addition to the beautiful fresh flowers, there was always an assortment of unique gifts and accessories, jewelry, baby gift items, candles and table decor. During the holidays, the shelves were stocked with unusual ornaments, decorating items and gifts, all attractively displayed in the back rooms of the shop. It was another locally owned boutique, with excellent friendly service.

No word yet on what will house the new space. Zwillenberg owns a lot of buildings in Brookside, including the one across the street where Mike’s Liquors and Jimmy Johns are located. Hopefully another unique shop or service will take over the space. I’ll be watching for updates! Thank you,Fiddly Fig, for your many years of being a treasured Brookside shopping destination!

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Category Archives: Waldo Community News