Happy Birthday Brookside!

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Way back in 1919, JC Nichols broke ground on the Brookside Shops at the NE corner of 63rd St and Brookside. Oh, if only we could travel back to that time as observers: just image building a community with no computers; when electricity was still scarce, air conditioners were not common and women wore long dresses with hats every day?? That was the way we were when Brookside got started.

One hundred years later, the Brookside shops and surrounding neighborhoods are still going strong so it’s time to celebrate! Every Saturday and Sunday in August, many merchants are offering special discounts and sales for their customers. It’s a festival of customer appreciation for keeping Brookside such a strong destination for shoppers and diners who appreciate supporting locally owned businesses. Deals include 20% off at The New Dime Store, 25% off the special BKS 100 Year Candle from 5B@ Co and $5 off a $25 purchase at Brookside Toy and Science. (Visit the Brookside website for the complete list of offers).

And if you are in need of yet another tote bag, many shops are offering a commemorative canvas bag for $10, stuffed with additional coupons.

Celebrate Brookside’s 100th birthday with special deals every Saturday and Sunday through Sept 1..and thank you for supporting our locally owned neighborhood businesses!

REMIX-New Consignment Shop in Brookside

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Did you know there is a women’s consignment shop in Brookside?? I didn’t! It’s fairly new, having opened in April. Remix is a welcome addition for female shoppers who appreciate a bargain—and want to ‘recycle’ their stylish clothes.

Catherine O’Sullivan, Remix

Owner Catherine O’Sullivan moved here from Boston ten years ago. She has a background in fundraising, having worked for the KC Symphony and UMKC. But, she says, “I always had the small business bug in me”. She did a lot of shopping in consignment stores in Boston and decided to open her own shop here.

remix interior REMIX focuses on women’s fashion, ranging in sizes 00 through 18. She also sells handbags, shoes, jewelry, jeans and work out clothes. Typically her items are priced at the industry standard of 75% off retail. After 30 days on the rack, the price is knocked down 20%; after 60 days, it’s 30%. She has about 40 regular contributors now, and welcomes more. She’s looking for items that are clean, not damaged or ripped/torn, and especially appreciates unique items. Her store is easy to browse, with jeans and work out gear in a separate area; accessories towards the front; and designated racks of “new arrivals” and special dresses. As we get closer to prom season, Catherine will plan mother/daughter shopping events for STA and Pembrooke.

Catherine explained why she chose Brookside for her shop: “I knew there wasn’t a consignment store here, and I knew after living here for the past 11 years it would be a good location. I really wanted a neighborhood shop”. Business has been good! Remix is open Monday through Friday from 11am-5pm and by appointment. You can also email Catherine with photos of items and she will tell you if she’s interested. And if you find something in her store you like—she will hold it for you. Check out new items via her Instagram account (remixkc).

Remix is located at 3 W 63^rd St, directly south of Charlie Hooper’s.

Waldo Welcomes a New Restaurant-Brick+Mortar

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have heard that a new restaurant opened in the former Tanner’s location in Waldo…it’s called Brick+Mortar. I stopped by last week to check out the space and was quite surprised…the food on this menu is not your usual bar and grill fare, which is what I was expecting. Read on for details!

Brick tables and bar

First, a bit of background: This is the second location for a Brick+Mortar, following the first in Santa Monica and a third planned for Pittsburgh. The two owners, Travis Lester and Justin Schafer, started a restaurant company called BRG, with seven other concepts and restaurants. They chose to expand into Kansas City, bringing a west coast vibe to the midwest. Surrounded by neighborhoods and other local business, Waldo seemed like a great location to settle into.

Walking into Brick+Mortar, you’ll find two large garage door windows opening to the street; several TVs, two bars and a small outdoor patio. There’s a large mural dominating one wall, featuring the skyline of Kansas City. General Manager Brandi Wilmes says “Our atmosphere is for everyone, with a female driven environment. With our elevated bar food menu, we think it’s a place everyone will find welcoming. We have a full scratch kitchen, everything is made fresh in house including our hand cut pastas and the chitarra has become one of my favorite menu items. Our mixologist worked at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and has created a more sophisticated bar menu including our most popular drink- the Flower Bomb”. That’s a tequila based cocktail with citrus and in house made ginger syrup. The “bomb” aspect of the drink comes from the flower garnish that is the “buzz button” : a szechuan flower that creates a strong tingling, numbing and mouth-watering sensation, fully opening your tastebuds to the unique flavor. Popular food menu items include the ahi tuna poke, the in-house rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and grilled fish tacos. There’s also hamachi crudo, octopus, amazing burgers and several small plates. Brisket is ground in house—served with fresh cut fries. Brandi also mentioned the atmosphere is “energetic and new, with entertainment 5 days a week”, which could be a live band or DJ.

Brick+Mortar has some great food specials on Monday ($1 burger) and Tuesday ($2 tacos) 6pm-close with the purchase of a drink. Wednesday’s special is “boards and bottles”- ½ priced bottles of wine and ½ priced cheese, charcuterie and brie boards. They are open seven days a week, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6:30, a late night kitchen menu from 11pm-2:30am, and brunch 10am-4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Brick+Mortar is located at 7425 Broadway, just south of The Well. Chances are their menu has something that will catch your eye the next time you are looking for a new place to eat!

Brick front

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.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Category Archives: Waldo Community News