Plate Restaurant Reopens in East Brookside

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside’s beloved Italian fine dining restaurant, Plate, has reopened! It’s been a long wait neighbors, but worth it…Plate now seats more customers and features new menu items. I recently spoke with owner Christian Joseph about the reopening and his updated perspective regarding the restaurant.

Christian Joseph, Plate owner

First, a bit of background on Christian: he started out in the hospitality business in Salt Lake City under restaurateur Valter Nassi and moved on to become the assistant food and beverage director at the luxury Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. After a while he decided to go in a different direction, returning to college and obtaining a degree in healthcare, eventually working for Cerner Corporation. He was working full time at the software company when the original Plate opened. This time around, Christian is totally focused on Plate and eventually plans to open more restaurants and businesses. He explained “I have a completely different restaurant mindset now, with a real focus on hospitality and culture, rather than just service. I”m treating this like a start-up: the money made is invested back into the business. We refer to our full-time employees as ‘professionals’, and they truly are. We provide health and dental insurance, paid time off and bonus incentives. I want the staff to have a real sense of ownership here.” Joseph designed the new space and has rehired key employees from the original location. Plate can now comfortably seat 150 people inside, and when the new wrap around outdoor patio is completed (currently under construction), an additional 50 seats outside. There will be a private dining space seating 25 just across from the restaurant entrance. And once the patio opens, he’s creating a late-night lounge called Fiamma, (it means flames in Italian), which will be the front half of the restaurant and patio. Fiamma will be open for drinks, a limited menu and tasteful lounge music on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 pm-1:30 am.

The new Plate has a much larger bar area and plenty of comfortable booths

And what about the food? Many of the old favorite dishes have returned, like the
Pappardelle Incredible. There are more pasta (fresh, made in-house) dishes to choose from with larger portions, and the lunch menu (served Friday, Saturday, Sunday) offers sandwiches, salads and pasta not found on the dinner menu. Plate has a full-time pastry chef who bakes bread in house and has created more dessert options. As for specialty cocktails, Christian offers a twist on those as well—the mixer ingredients are steeped like a tea, and then combined with alcohol. Customers can choose from 23 wines by the glass and five different water selections…plus happy hour is offered seven days a week from
4pm – 6pm at the bar with an accompanying food menu!

Exterior of the building-Plate is on the first floor. Street signage coming soon!

The new Plate opened May 17 and has been busy ever since. Reservations are available through a service called TOCK, on their website and Facebook page. Note there is no exterior signage for the restaurant yet—due to be installed with the patio roof. Plate is located on the first floor of the office building at 701 E 63 rd St, with covered parking in the garage to the east. Valet parking available Friday through Sunday.
Support locally owned businesses with a visit to Plate soon…you’ll have a special dining experience with delicious food served in the friendly Brookside neighborhood atmosphere!

Waldo Farmers Market Opens Wed 6/5/19!

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Where’s Waldo…Farmers Market? The neighborhood missed you last year!
Fortunately the Waldo Farmers Market is back for the 2019 season in a new location, opening this Wednesday June 5, 2019 at 3pm.
I recently talked with Tom Richardson, the new Market Manager (a volunteer position, thank you Tom!) about what to expect this year. Tom reports many vendors will be returning this season (Pink Pony Farms, GF+1, Seven Swans Creperie among others) and hopes to have new products and food offerings join the market. What you see at Waldo Farmers Market is grown within 100-150 miles of our city and meets KCMO health department requirements. All vendors complete an application (still time to apply for space!); food trucks are also welcome. For opening night, a few special events are planned: the first 15 people will get a reusable Waldo Market bag and Waldo resident Erin Eades will provide musical entertainment.
The new location, at 7850 Holmes in the parking lot of the South Broadland
Presbyterian Church, will provide more space for farmers and shoppers with a
larger parking area—plus regular visitors from parents and caregivers picking up
their children from the popular summer camp program at the church. Hours are
3-7, and the market will be open every Wednesday through September 25.
Please support our Waldo Farmers Market! Just about every week there is
something different to buy –you’ll be inspired by all of the fresh produce, baked
goods and other surprise finds! Bring the kids, bags for your goodies and
chat up the vendors—they love talking about what’s out on the tables.
Tom is working on a website for the market; in the meantime, find them on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/waldofarmersmarket. You can message Tom
through their FB page as well for an application or more information.

McLain’s Bakery-A Waldo Classic, Updated for Today’s Tastes

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

One of the features of the Brookside/Waldo area neighbors appreciate so much are the locally owned, ‘mom and pop’ shops and eateries. McLain’s Bakery is that type of place: it’s been serving up delicious baked treats since 1945! And although the Hirlemans are just the third owners, Mollie Lothman and her brother Jeff Hirleman remember going to McLain’s as kids for their moms favorite cookie. As adults, Mollie wanted to open a bakery; Jeff wanted to open a coffee shop—so the family decided to buy the place when it came on the market back in 2014.

A photo from the original McLain’s Bakery

If you grew up going to McLain’s (the original location was on Wornall, just north of 75^th St), know that the original butter roll dough recipe is still used for the pastries (cinnamon roll, Danish, twist, etc.) However, the siblings wanted to update and expand the bakery’s offerings for today’s customers. They added new cookies (including a gluten free double chocolate chip flavor), muffins, and more coffee options. Moving to the current spot at 201 E Gregory also gave them more space to add seating, hot breakfast sandwiches and light lunch options. They make all items fresh every day—including bread for the sandwiches and even the salad dressings! And just like the original McLain’s, custom cakes are a big seller—about 70-100 are created every weekend.

McLain’s Bakery as it looks today, with the signage from the original store

McLain’s is one of those places where the employees are sincerely friendly and service oriented. Mollie says “We promote our employees from within when we can. Our two head bakers didn’t even know how to bake when they started working here! Tips are shared with everyone. We have over 100 employees now with our three locations.” (McLain’s Market is now open in Lawrence and Overland Park.) Like the original owners from way back when, Mollie and her staff love seeing people of all ages coming into the shop and watching the kids get older, knowing they are providing special treats for a regular Saturday morning visit or special occasions. McLain’s is here to “make life’s moments sweeter”, which is part of their mission statement.

So…are you craving a treat from McLain’s after reading this blog?!? Stop in soon to the Waldo location at 201 E Gregory. They are open seven days a week!

Rockhill Gardens Home For Sale!

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Check out my new listing in Rockhill Gardens–one of the most popular subdivisions in the Brookside/Waldo area!

RG front

Built in 1939, this house has so many of the original charming architectural features: Stone front, hardwood floors, arched doorways and original doorknobs and doorplates. The living room flows easily into the dining room–which features French doors leading to a large patio!

This bonus room off the living room can be used as a media room, office or playroom.

RG bonus

Here’s another special feature: current owners turned the breakfast room into a convenient first floor laundry.

RG kit

RG laundry

Upstairs: three large bedrooms and several closets for extra storage. The basement is semi-finished. The backyard is fenced, plus the shed (wired with electricity) stays with the property. The large patio is perfect for cookouts and friends and family gatherings.

RG yard

Know someone who may be interested in this home? Contact me for details! The address is 643 E 73rd Terrace in Kansas City MO, offered at $289,000.

Happy Bottoms Moves To Waldo

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have noticed a new occupant in the former Habitat ReStore space at 303 W 79th St. It’s not a business that is open to the public, however it does provide an important community service. Happy Bottoms is a diaper bank, getting families in need diapers through several social service agencies in the six county area.

Stacks of diapers at Happy Bottoms, and their van

Current Executive Director Jill Gaikowski is the founder of Happy Bottoms. In the fall of 2009, a friend alerted her to the urgent need for donated diapers to help families in the area. Jill started a diaper drive and eventually collected 16,636 diapers, stacking up in her basement! Having found her calling, she opened a non profit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing diapers to those in need. The original warehouse location was in Lenexa; Happy Bottoms recently moved to the Waldo location for more space. Currently they are renting the building but hope to purchase it at some point.

Business and Communications Manager Beth Canipe

Business & Communications Manager Beth Canipe explained how the non profit works: the diapers are acquired through purchases (at reduced rates) and donations. The diapers are distributed through 37 area social service agencies (government programs such as WIC and SNAP do not allow diapers to be purchased under federal programs). Those families who qualify can get 50 diapers per month. Happy Bottoms also provides potty training education for parents and potty training kits.

As with most non profit programs, volunteers are always welcome! You can volunteer to help as an individual or through a “corporate engagement” program—Happy Bottoms will come to your office and set up wrapping stations to bundle up the diapers for distribution. Monetary donations are always needed. I especially like the suggestion of donating to Happy Bottoms in honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend!

Find out more information on Happy Bottoms and how to donate or volunteer at their website.

Diaper Bundle Stations at Happy Bottoms

Brookside Art Fair This Weekend 5/3-5 2019

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time once again for the Brookside Art Annual! Still going strong in it’s 34th year!

BKS.AA2019.Poster.03b

Centered around 63rd St and Brookside Blvd, this event features traditional and unusual art from makers around the country. You’ll see everything from pottery to photography; scrap sculpture to clothing; jewelry to watercolor paintings. Hours are 5-9pm Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Saturday and Sunday afternoon feature activities for the kids; during all art fair hours, enjoy food and drink from Brookside eateries including Charlie Hoopers, Avenues Bistro and Cosintino’s Market.

Be extra careful if you are driving to the event; best to park a few blocks away and walk to the Art Annual. And remember to please leave pets at home.

World’s Window Needs Your Clothes!

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

One of Brookside’s favorite shops, World’s Window, is hosting it’s Fabulous Flipping Favorites event again next month to benefit the Rose Brooks Center (you may recall they host a coat drive in the fall)

From now through May 6, 2019, bring new or gently worn clean women’s clothing (on hangars) to World’s Window at 332 W 63rd St. You will receive a ‘golden ticket’ in exchange, good for advance admission to their sale on Thurs May 9 from 5-6pm. During the sale that evening, you can shop the entire store at 20% off –and 10% will be donated to Rose Brooks.

Now is the time to clean out your closet–and donate the clothes for others to use and enjoy! You can drop off donations during their regular business hours. Thank you World’s Window, for helping Rose Brooks help women and children in Kansas City.

Brookside’s St Pat’s Parade This Sat 3/16/19

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time once again for the St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade in Brookside–2019 marks the 39th year! The parade itself starts at 2pm; the route will be closed prior to start time.

This parade is a family friendly event–many parade watchers set up chairs along the streets and kids sit on the curb, waiting for tossed candy from the participants. Some of my favorite displays are the zippy little cars, Irish dancers and bagpipe players. Expect to see several politicians waving to the crowds as well–especially with the upcoming KCMO mayoral election. The route starts at 65th and Wornall; continues north on Wornall to 63rd St; then east on 63rd to Main St; south on Main to Meyer and then west on Meyer to Brookside Road.

Streets will be very crowded with parked cars, kids, pedestrians, etc! Please plan on walking to Brookside to watch or if you must drive, park several blocks away.

Wondering how the Brookside parade got started? According to The Brookside Story by LaDeen Morton, the idea was for Brookside to piggy back on to the growing popularity of the much larger city parade in downtown KCMO. By adding “Warm Up” to the official parade name, the Brookside event would be seen as a kick-off to the city celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The first Warm Up parade started in the parking lot by the tennis courts and then traveled along Meyer, Brookside Plaza and 63rd St, lasting less than thirty minutes. This week’s parade should be almost two hours!

Remember to stop in for a beverage, lunch or ice cream treat while in Brookside for the event. Thank you for your support of our locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Try This New Burger Restaurant in Waldo

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

There’s a new burger joint in town… and oh boy, doesn’t that look tasty?? It’s called Burger State, located just south of of 89^th and Wornall at 8920 Wornall (formerly a barbecue place). Burger State opened last month, and has already become a neighborhood favorite with nearby residents.

Owner Raymond Reyes grew up in Brookside, near St Peter’s School, and has been in the restaurant business for quite a while—as a manager and consultant, opening and running local spots. Over the years, he noticed a few things: quality food, no matter what type, always sold well and when guests complained, it was mostly about service, not the food. So when he decided to open his own place, he wanted a simple, basic menu with fresh, high quality ingredients and easy, fast service. That’s exactly what he delivers at Burger State. It’s the “fast casual” format, where customers order at the counter and pick up their food when ready (always by name, as Raymond likes to get to know his guests!). The menu features grass fed, fresh ground beef burgers (he sampled six different types before choosing the beef type), chicken, fish and a hot dog plus salads and chili. There is a kids menu, soft drinks plus beer and wine. His seasoned fries will stay crispy in their to-go boxes (there were rounds of testing to offer that special feature); other sides include sweet potato fries, tater tots, slaw, onion rings. All the basics you’ll find at a burger place , with a higher degree of quality and freshness. And the burger buns are…brioche bread, another upgrade! For vegetarians, he offers two options: the Impossible burger and an a black bean patty.

One of Burger State’s specialties is the KC Fried Burger: the beef patty is dipped in batter and then deep fried. It really seals in the juices of the burger and is one of their best sellers. Raymond came up with this item after making onion rings at home with his kids—and decided on a whim to cook the burger covered in the same batter. And if you are wondering how he came up with the restaurant name, it was quite a process. He and his wife considered so many names, but most of them were already taken by other businesses. He kept thinking he was in a ‘burger state of mind’ while planning the place, and then decided to see if Burger State was available as a name…and it was! (In the USA anyway, he did find a Burger State in Bangladesh of all places).

Raymond now lives with his family in Waldo and says “The neighborhood has really embraced us. It’s nice to have so many residents support small, locally owned businesses. I try to get to every table and ask about the food and ask if customers have any suggestions for other food items to serve. “ When was the last time that happened to you when dining out?

Burger State is open 11am-9pm Monday through Saturday. Stop in and try it soon—and say Hi to Ray! Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside and Waldo businesses.

State

2019 Waldo Week Starts Tomorrow 2/22

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

waldoweek

Wonderful Waldo earns it’s name due to several reasons; one of them is the friendly, service oriented, locally owned shops and services available to neighbors and visitors. Celebrate Waldo Week, beginning tomorrow Feb 22, through Thurs Feb 28, 2019 and get 25% off select merchandise and services. Here’s a list of which places are participating so far:

Bier Station 9Round Waldo

Lew’s Bar and Grill Hiles Two

The Well Mike’s Wine and Spirits

One More Cup

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Eclectics

Family Bicycles Centered Spirit/Emilie’s French Teas

Louie’s Wine Dive

Remember, you must mention Waldo Week to get the discount! A complete list of businesses participating is at www.waldokc.org. And if you want to get out tonight..all are welcome to the kick-off party from 5-8pm at Bier Station. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Waldo Community News