July is one of the biggest months for sales–so plan on visiting the Brookside shops this weekend and pick up some deals!!!
The dates are July 10-12, and so many businesses are participating: A Store Named Stuff, LADYCO, EB&Co, The Grove Spa and Boutique, Homegrown, Brookside Toy and Science…and so many more! Part of the charm of this event is just wandering through the stores, finding that certain special something you didn’t know you needed but want to buy–for yourself or someone else…and at a discount!
In addition, on Saturday the paper shredding event is happening behind Jalapeno’s from 8-11am. You can bring up to two boxes (or paper bags) of shreddable paper for free disposal.
Thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside Shops!
When my husband and I go out for dinner, and when we have out of town guests visiting, dining at a locally owned restaurant is always a priority. Fortunately, the Brookside/Waldo area has plenty to choose from–everything from the upscale casual option at Plate to a slice of pizza to go at Pizza Tascio. Faculty Tables and Patio, at 600 E 63rd, is now another option—locally owned and operated, reasonably priced and a cozy, casual atmosphere.
Co-owner and chef James Landis has been cooking in KC area restaurants for 21 years now; past spots include Le Fou Frog and Blue Grotto; he also helped open Ragazza. When the owner of this space, formerly the Flying Horse Taproom, suggested he take over and open a new restaurant, he agreed–as he always wanted to run his own place like so many chefs! The name was suggested by a former St Peter’s School teacher, and as James’ parents were teachers, he thought Faculty Lounge would be a fitting homage to the family.
James Landis
Landis created the menu, leaning on his knowledge of French and Italian recipes, but with a dash of his Midwest background stirred in. On the menu you will see tempura cheese curds, deconstructed apple pie, a trout dish and the very popular butter burger. Homemade sea salt caramel corn was on the “snack” menu when I stopped by. And of course there is a full bar, with non alcoholic beverages and a “bartender’s cocktail” that changes each day. “I want this to be a neighborhood place” says James, “someplace people will visit a couple of times a month”. Faculty Tables offers a happy hour from 3-6 Tuesday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11-2:30; on the second Monday of the month, there is a ticketed four course food and wine paired meal. The website is still a work in progress and there’s a glitch with the Tock reservations system to be worked out; just stop in for a visit soon! Remember to check out their rotating display of local art on the walls when you go by. ! Faculty Tables and Patio is located at 600 E 63rd St.
As a Realtor, many buyers tell me they prefer a “walkable neighborhood”, close to shops and restaurants. Brookside is one of the best walkable areas in the KC metro area– and this Thursday June 12 you can stroll the shopping district listening to live, local music as it’s performed on patios and sidewalks during the Brookside Patio Fest.
From 6-10pm, several local businesses are hosting these performing artists for your listening pleasure! The Roasterie, A Store Named Stuff, Charlie Hoopers, Meddy’s and Jalapeno’s and others are participating; many places are offering specials as well. Gather some friends and make a night of it-or just walk over after dinner for an evening stroll to enjoy the tunes. Thanks to the Brookside Business Association for organizing this annual event!
Think of all the great locally owned places you can hang out with friends in Waldo..coffee shops, bars, restaurants. The upcoming Waldo Brews Tour gives you and your friends the opportunity to visit many of your favorite spots…and perhaps discover some new ones!
Here’s how it works–purchase your ticket online, then pick up your ticket at Lew’s or City Barrel. The day of the event you will get a wristband when you board the bus that gives you access to transportation and the special discounts and deals at each location. The bus will stop at all participating locations; the main bus pick up and drop off is Waldo Social at 75th and Wornall. Buy your ticket this week – before June1— for $15; $20 for purchases June 1 through the day of event. Besides the beverage deals, you’ll get a commemorative free band tee and koozie!
Long time Waldo residents may remember the bar crawl Waldo hosted years ago…now it’s time for a new and improved event, incorporating non alcoholic beverages and earlier hours to visit each location at a leisurely pace. Get your discounted tickets nowat the Waldo KC events page.
Good news–our neighborhood now has another farmer’s market to shop on Saturdays! The Waldo Farmer’s Market is “back”, in that a new organization is coordinating the vendors. It’s happening each Saturday at Three Trails Community Church, 7735 Main St. I recently spoke with market manager Jessica Thudium about the details.
The *new* Waldo Farmer’s Market!
Jessica and her husband Sam are members of the church, and are very dedicated to providing services for the community. They run the Christmas toy drive, the food pantry and coordinate food drives. Jessica wanted to do ever more for the neighborhood and the church leadership team supported the idea of the market. Jessica went to work, contacting vendors and making booth arrangements.Their first market was last Saturday.
Currently there is a produce booth that also sells greenhouse kits; an ice cream truck; a baked goods and flower vendor, and an upcycle clothing booth. Jessica has space for more, and is currently looking for another produce option, coffee provider, fresh eggs and honey booths. “We are so excited to create this space for the community” says Jessica, “it’s an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy local fresh food and goods and support these hard working local business folks”.
The Waldo Farmer’s Market is happening every Saturday from 9am-1pm, in the parking lot at Three Trails Community Church, 7735 Main St. You can follow their Facebook page for the most up to date information. And if you know someone who may be interested in renting space at the market, contact Jessica at farmersmarket@threetrailscommunity.com.
Friends and neighbors, gather in Brookside this weekend for the 39th Brookside Art Annual!
Tonight the booths open at 5pm and close at 9pm; Saturday hours are 10am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm; location is 63rd St and Brookside Blvd. Artists from around the Midwest and beyond display paintings, pottery, clothing, jewelry and more — all for sale…and it’s just fun to browse!! You can nosh on food and beverages from Cosentino’s Market, Charlie Hoopers, Everbowl and more; plus on Saturday afternoon there are activities for the kids. Please be extra aware of additional pedestrians in the area over the weekend… Thank you for supporting our Brookside events and hand made art!
Just the facts…note these street closures for Sunday!Another run coming through our neighborhood.
The 37th CCVI Trolley Run will close off streets the morning of Sunday April 27 . The race begins at 75th and Wornall, and runs along Gregory and Brookside Blvd north to the Plaza. Here’s the route map:
The website doesn’t share any info on an approximate end time for the race; be prepared for these streets to be blocked off all morning on Sunday and plan accordingly!
Blue Sky…those words conjure up a smile and warm vibes. That’s the feeling you get when you walk into a new Waldo shop, Blue Sky Art+Home at 408 East Gregory, a few steps from the Front Range Cafe. Owner Leslie Beck opened the space November 1, and invites you to stop by!
Leslie Beck
Leslie grew up in Brookside and graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Fine Arts. She worked out of her home for years as a graphic designer (and still does that work); after her Dad passed a few years ago she started to paint on canvas. She had pop up shows at various locations at First Fridays, and eventually wanted to have her work on display in her own space. She met up with her close friend Katherine Bramble Taylor and together they had a long collaborative “blue sky” session, talking about “what would you do if you could do anything”. They decided to look for space together in the Waldo area and found this perfect spot. Katherine’s floral and gift shop, Bramble and Stem, is next door.
Blue Sky is an art studio, gallery and boutique. Inside you’ll find Leslie’s original paintings on the walls and unique merch for sale: pottery by Rachael Akin from Lees Summit; Archive bath and body products by Margot Elena; beautiful textiles and pillows, small vases, books and a special Blue Sky candle, scented by Brookside’s The Corner Candleshop. In the back of the store, Leslie hosts creativity workshops, often collaborating with Katherine from Bramble and Stem next door. Leslie explains these workshops are not technique or skill driven. “Each one has a theme, and we start out with some journaling thoughts for inspiration. Then everyone uses paints and various marking tools to create a personal piece of art”. No judgement here–Leslie knows everyone is born with a creative spark of some sort and she works with you to naturally bring out your inspiration in a unique way.
Besides creating art in this space and offering workshops and special gifts, Leslie also works on commission. Her mission is to create art with love; her work is deeply personal and meaningful. Through the commissioned pieces she will transform cherished photos into abstract paintings or create something entirely new, guided by emotions as she listens to your favorite songs via a playlist. Every piece is very personal and lasting.
Like so many working artists, Leslie has two full time jobs: working in this space and raising a family of five children with her husband. You can email her (leslie@blueskyartandhome.com) for shop hours or pop by when you are walking in the neighborhood.
One of Brookside’s most cherished events is happening tomorrow-the annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade. I believe this is the 43rd year for the parade–and every year, it seems more and more people participate.The parade kicks off at 2pm.
Dreaming of Green is this year’s theme, and yes, there are prizes for participants! You’ll see huge colorful floats, an assortment of dogs, drill teams, crazy cars and local vendors, services and schools walking the route. Note: the streets around the parade route will be shut down starting early in the afternoon (parts of Wornall, Meyer, 63rd St and Brookside Road) so be aware and plan accordingly. The residential streets will be clogged with extra parked cars and traffic; watch for pedestrians, bikes, strollers, wagons and general merriment as the neighborhood gets out to celebrate.
Remember to stop in one of our local businesses for a beverage or shopping while you are in the area!…and thank you for supporting Brookside!
One of life’s greatest pleasures is to share a good meal with friends. There are so many options: invite a few people over for burgers on the grill, or order take out and bring it to a homebound friend. Or…set a date to meet up at “the new place that just opened in Brookside”…which would-be Cru Bistro and Bottles at 128 W. 63rd St. Try a new dish, catch up with another couple, no screens for a few hours…just good conversation and tasty food, priceless!
So if you haven’t been to Cru yet, here’s a taste: the interior has been completely remodeled from the former Michael Forbes decor. Warm and inviting, the room is anchored by a long wall of wine bottles and white tablecloths on the tabletops. The large windows that overlook the streetscape will open during warm weather. The bar is still there, up the steps on the east side if you just want a drink and a nosh. Owners Hannah Koenig and Avery Bailey have extensive restaurant and hospitality experience (Avery was the GM at Bella Napoli), and when this space was vacant, somehow Avery convinced his wife to open Cru. Hannah told me “He was so excited when the space became available. We live within walking distance and love the community here, we love the neighborhood. We are both passionate and driven and we wanted to open this nice spot where people could connect over wine and good food in a relaxed atmosphere.”
The Cru name comes from that part of the vineyard where the best grapes are grown. And if wine is your thing, Cru offers some very unique varieties. They have bottles from Greece and Switzerland; Avery and Hannah work with small family producers and know the people behind the wine. Craft cocktails feature local spirits such as Tom’s Town. But what about the food?? This is a “bistro” but not solely French focused. You’ll find plenty of cheeses and a charcuterie on the menu, plus salads, a fish and chicken option and the very popular pork schnitzel and risotto. Some menu items will change seasonally.
Cru is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday; weekends are the most popular so you may want to stop in during the week to have a more leisurely experience. Reservations can be made via their website.
Avery Koenig, center and some of her crew, ready to serve you at Cru
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 