the employee lounge

westport cafe & bar

2012-01-06T12:29:00.005-06:00

Westport Café & Bar

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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We're here for brunch more than any other meal, but they

have a great lunch too. We were on our sandwich kick at the

time so a few more bread pictures for you guys.

---{1}---

Strawberry Hill, $8

Not currently on the menu or in season, but a refreshing and lovely cocktail.

You'll have to take our word for it.

---{2}---

Grilled Chicken Sandwich, $11

Croissant, Gruyère, roasted tomato.

---{3}---

Bar Steak Sandwich, $11

Horseradish cream, sautéed onion

dan d.

2012-01-06T12:28:00.001-06:00

Dan D. | Server

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

Years of Industry Service: 15, on and off

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Dan grew up in blue collar Cleveland, Ohio in a "very strong-willed family" with parents who always taught him that if he wanted something, he'd have to work for it. With that upbringing, Dan has always been and continues to be a total workhorse. "To me working 60 hours a week is completely normal," he says. " I love my time with my friends and girlfriend but I need to work or I get bored."

He left home when he was twenty-one to work on the Vans Warped Tour and has not looked back at Cleveland since. With no connections in the scene and only the desire to be a part of the music tour, Dan e-mailed the tour organizer, offering his services, saying he would do whatever, for no pay if necessary. Although he didn't hear anything for a couple of months, Dan happened to catch the organizer on instant messenger and tried again. The very next day they sent him a plane ticket. Persistence pays off when you really want something. Dan's just-go-for-it attitude has taken him all over the country and to where he is today.

Whether he was part of the music world or selling steel, which he successfully did for six years, Dan has always been a part of the restaurant industry. "I worked 7 days a week for 12 years," he said. "It just never felt like it." Four years ago, Dan made his way to Kansas City where he found like-minded friends in food, art and music. He finds Kansas City to be a vibrant, quickly growing city with a hometown feel and a genuine enthusiasm for the food, art and music scenes that he loves.

When he's not working, Dan loves to read, often times reading a book a day. He loves trivia, movies, cooking and working out. "I'm a big nerd when it comes down to it."
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Dan was photographed at Westport Cafe & Bar.

Make KC Better » Educating people about how important locally-owned business are in the community.

matt l.

2011-12-07T12:03:00.001-06:00

Matt L. | Manager, Sommelier

Avenues Bistro

Years of Industry Service: 17

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Sometimes you learn from your past. Sometimes you don't. One of Matt's first jobs in the service industry was a concession supervisor at a movie theater. "I got to work with all my friends," he said. "It was like a party every day." But he got fired because he was dating a co-worker and like many youthful relationships, they broke up. They also went to school together. Awkward, right? He hasn't learned not to date co-workers, but he has learned that you can't let your relationships affect your work. Matt says he's somewhat shy; at work, relationships tend to form a lot easier, it's where he spends most of his time anyways. "It's more intimate, more intense. You're working together under high stress." He thinks relationships should be easy even though he knows they are not. "Ten years ago, I would say we wouldn't be friends (after a break up). In this industry, at this level of service, you just can't bring that stuff to work."

Matt has come a long way from movie theater popcorn and soda though. These days, he's working with what he loves, wine. The bottle that opened his eyes to the wine world was J. Lohr Chardonnay. Since he got hooked, Matt says it's taken a while to gain the knowledge to share his passion, including years of tasting, talking about the subject with his peers and training and educating others. "I love everything about wine, all styles, the history, how it's made, it's awesome," he says. His favorite wine is one that smells so incredible that you don't want to drink it.

Matt says he tends to be an workaholic. He even passed up a free trip to California to work. A recent trip took him to Columbia, Missouri where he met his friend and co-worker's Timothy's parents. Aside from not traveling, he likes to unwind at dive bars, drinking cocktails, playing pool and Megatouch and visiting industry friends, like Van at bluestem for brunch.

The service industry has changed for Matt. He says that people are more appreciative of servers now than they used to be. "We are providing a service and not slaves to them. We make people see that by giving the best service day in and day out."

Make KC Better » Bring communities together.

Sammiches

2011-12-06T10:01:00.001-06:00

Bella Napoli

Kansas City, Missouri » Brookside

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This little deli/restaurant/grocer/coffeeshop basically has it all.

We stopped into this neighborhood favorite for a late lunch.

Both Tina and I chose a sandwich and added something.

They have half-price wines on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!

---{1}---

Nopalitino, add turkey, $6.49

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic vinaigrette

---{2}---

Giorgio's, add tomato, $6.99

Prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, arugula

Up Goes the Tree

2011-12-01T10:30:00.001-06:00

Happy first day of December! These images are from Union Station, the trees were being put up and decorated and as most of you probably know, the light that streams in through the big windows is just gorgeous. In years past, they would set up the train village right up front, but they've moved all that to the back of the hall. It's a great place to bring your kids for a train ride and to see miniature train villages. Hope you all have a wonderful month!

ginna

2011-11-29T11:59:00.001-06:00

Ginna | Manager

Pierpont's

Years of Industry Service: 42

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When she was 14-years-old, Ginna (pronounced Jenna) began her service industry career at H Salt Fish & Chips. Forty-two years later, she has worked in a variety of roles and positions and it has become a career she embraces. "I always say I wish I could get a job that gets me off my feet, especially at my age," Ginna said. "The restaurant business gets under your skin. I can't get away from it, but I do it for one reason. It's for the people."

For twelve of those years, Ginna has been at Pierpont's, where she was originally hired on as the day hostess, then hostess supervisor and now as a manager. When she first started, Ginna never thought she'd last this long. She says, "I didn't think this would be my last job, but I hope it is." Monday through Friday, every lunch shift, you could count on Ginna to answer the phone in the morning to find out if, after a heavy night of drinking, whether you could please, please, pretty please be cut from the floor. She has become friends with so many servers, bartenders, managers and kitchen staff alike, that there is not a person she doesn't know in the building.

Now that she's a manager, everyone still considers Ginna their friend and confidante. When she was promoted, Ginna was advised to distance herself from the staff, but she said, no way is that going to work. "If I can't be friends with them, I don't want the job."

A server ends her shift by giving an envelope of money and credit card slips to Ginna, who checks her out for the day. She leaves quickly, but not before saying, "Love you, Ginna." That is a small, telling moment of the special relationships she develops with people. The friendships sustain her love for the job.

But family comes first for Ginna. She is the second oldest of four girls. Her mom, 78-years-old and her father, 84, are originally from Sicily. She has a daughter, a son and four grandchildren. They all live in Kansas City. "I have an awesome family. I don't know what I'd do without them. I have wonderful kids who have never given me any problems. My parents are alive and kicking, and they're old. I'm damn lucky they're still in my life."

Ginna loves to travel. Like many people, she said if she she didn't work and had the money, she could live out of a suitcase. "But it has to be warm and be by the water," she says. "[The water] is serene and I love the sun. I love being tan." Her last vacation was a family cruise that included both her parents and all her sisters. "I had more fun with my mom and dad than I ever thought I could have."

Although she doesn't have much time for travel these days, especially around the holidays, she still dreams of her next vacation, a tour down the Amalfi Coast. She went to Italy for her 50th birthday, visiting Tuscany, Florence and Rome and it is a trip she will never forget. She would like to return to Italy with her boyfriend, who speaks the language fluently. Ginna and her sisters never learned to speak Italian. Although she didn't think anything of it when she was younger, she would give anything to know the language now. Her beau is encouraging her to learn, even if it's only a few phrases at a time.

When she's not working and dreaming of Roman holidays, Ginna's vice is gambling. She loves going to the casino and says she can spend more time there than at her job. Before she came to Pierpont's, Ginna worked at Station Casino. "I went to work there so I could quit gambling," she says. "But I just went to other casinos." She was hooked by blackjack, moved to craps and now loves the slot machines. You will most likely find her at Ameristar Casino because that's where she has built up most of her comps. "It's just fun." She also got hooked on Indy racing, embracing a sport that her boyfriend enjoys. In addition to the excitement of the vrooming-engines, Ginna says. "I think it was more the drinking that got me. It's a big party."

She smokes. She drinks. She gambles. And she tells you exactly how it is.

Pierpont's

2011-11-28T09:46:00.001-06:00

Pierpont's at Union Station

Kansas City, Missouri » Crown Center/Crossroads

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Many restaurants have come and gone at Union Station, but only one has stayed true and fast through the years, Pierpont's. Opened after the renovation of the train station, like any restaurant, business has gone through its highs and lows. With the shuttering of the Hyatt and Crown Center hotel restaurants, they seem to be on their way back up. It has been years since I've stepped inside Pierpont's, but it was still wonderfully unchanged. The decor is just as beautiful and awe-inspring as the first time I was there. I spent my last year of college hostessing at Pierpont's and easily recalled all the questions customers asked. Like who the architect and designer was, Matthew Connelly and Paul Robinson. Or who made the hand-blown glass fish at the bottom of the lamps – Rock Cottage Glassworks in Merriam, Kansas. We saw plenty of marriage proposals and special occasions celebrated in the restaurant, but the actual asking of the hand in marriage usually happened under the clock in the middle of Union Station.

One of the main features of the restaurant is the 18-foot bar with liquor stacked to the ceilings. Once, years ago, the bartenders made a signature cocktail called the Library Ladder. The bartenders would climb to the top, make their cocktail in the shaker and slide down all the way down. It was quite the spectacle – cheers, applause and delight were a guaranteed reaction. They'll still make you the drink, but the show requires fool-hardy bartenders who will absolutely ruin their shoes for your moment of distraction. And those crazy bartenders, they've long left the building.

Library Ladder

1/2 oz. Licor 43 + 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier + 1/2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream

Shake and serve as a shot or over ice.

hayden

2011-11-22T12:01:00.001-06:00

Hayden | Server+

Bella Napoli

Years of Industry Service: 1.5

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Although this is Hayden's first go-round in the service industry, he's already figured out that every job is essentially yours, especially in a small restaurant. "This is a big family here," he says. "You do what you need to do to get stuff done: hosting, dishes, grimy stuff." At twenty, he's in the tenuous stage in life when you realize you're not a kid anymore, but neither are you old enough to say things like, "when I was a kid" without a bit of self-conscious reflection. He's still in college studying architecture. "I want to give myself that foundation. If I don't like it, I'll go into industrial design. I like making spaces and nooks." Hayden father is a private contractor and "has always been one to tackle 20 different things." As for his mom, Hayden says, "She is where I get all my artistic abilities." He has two older sisters and a younger brother. In his downtown, Hayden focuses on hobbies like pottery, spending time with his nieces and nephews, hanging out with his buddies and studying KC's downtown architecture.

Make KC Better » Downtown stadium and more community garden and projects like Tulips on Troost.

Occupy Kansas City

2011-11-17T09:39:00.001-06:00

We were up at Liberty Memorial and took a walk around the tent encampment of Occupy KC. It was quieter during the week than it has been on weekends. Someone told us it this was their sixth week in front of the Federal Reserve building. Waste was separated into compost, recycling and general trash on the side of the foot path. Blankets hung from tree limbs, trampled signs littered the grass and one woman was folding a cardboard box of laundry. The "End War" sign makes us ask whether this is still about protesting corporate greed. As Occupy Wall Street is being dismantled in New York, we wonder how much longer the remaining Occupies around the country will last.

emmanuel

2011-11-17T09:21:00.001-06:00

Emmanuel | Private Dining Captain

Pierpont's at Union Station

Years of Industry Service: 33

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Emmanuel has been at Pierpont's for a third of his career, but way, way back in the day, his first job was at Putsch's Coffee House (you can read more about Pustch's 210 here and see the old coffee house menu here) on the corner of 47th Street and Broadway. It was 1978. "It was booming. It was was busy," he says. "There were lines around the corner. People were spending money. They would have a martini lunch and then have lunch." After working on the Plaza for so many years, he rarely finds himself down there, or even at the newer Power & Light district anymore. He doesn't feel like it's in his age bracket anymore. A grandfather (not that he even looks like one!) of thirteen and a father of three, he's focused on family and work. Six of those grandkids belong to his son Ricky. "Remember I told you to stay away from him?" Emmanuel asked. "Now you know why."

Since he's taken over PDR, business has gone up 150%. In addition to leading the private dining service at Pierpont's, E-Man has also had a catering business on the side, a secondary job he's been doing for 20 years. The catering flourished from his years working at a country club; some of his clients he's known for at least a quarter of a century. "A lot of their grandkids are in college now and I knew them since they were three or four," he says. "I'm like Mr. Belvedere....or Benson."

Emmanuel is really into sports, but always, work and making a living comes first. He spent many years partying and going to bars after shifts and finally realized how much money he was throwing away. "You know how this business is, no rest for the wicked."

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On a side note: I used to work with E-Man at Pierpont's. He has HUGE hands.

Make KC Better » Open my own restaurant, have my own food and show them how black people do it (....but it's cheaper working for The Man).

timothy o.

2011-11-15T12:08:00.001-06:00

Timothy O. | Wine Director

Avenues Bistro

Years of Industry Service: 20

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Tall and lanky in a long, black coat, perfectly worn-in black jeans, with a cup of coffee in his hand, Timothy looked like the Neo of wine standing in the back alley of Avenues, as he took advantage of the quiet time between lunch and dinner, confident and at ease. When he started in the restaurant business 20 years ago, he was more of a scared-y cat than the Matrix. His very first job was serving ice cream; that led him to restaurants which led to seven years of bussing tables. He said, the first five years, he was too scared to even talk to people. As his restaurant knowledge grew, so did his confidence, and wine was his gateway. "When I started knowing more about wine, and knowing more than the guest, that was the confidence I needed," he said.

As a wine director for Avenues, Timothy has to analyze cost benefits for a profitable list. But if had carte blanche on creating any wine list he wanted, he said he would probably price it so low, he'd be out of business. He doesn't personally believe in a big wine mark up. It would be expensive to maintain that kind of list, but he said he'd love to do that.

In addition to managing wine lists for both Avenues restaurants, he also writes for Sommelier Journal (he has a feature in the the Nov. 30th issue) and is pondering the idea of book. For now, he is developing a blog, writing about restaurants, management and other stories. He says that the restaurant business will be the "trunk of the tree" but he'll be focusing on other things too. Tentatively called The Dirty Sommelier, Timothy says, "Right now, I'm just working on writing. You hit a point when you've seen enough to warrant enough material to put in a book."

Timothy was born in Holland and grew up in St. Louis. He likes art and going to museums. He's a regular at the Nelson-Atkins, but his favorite is the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. He moved to Kansas City seven years ago after leaving a restaurant that was "pulling a Titanic" and he also left a relationship. He spent one year at JJ's as a server and walked into Avenues during construction to land his sweet, wine gig in Brookside.

Make KC Better » Put terms on Congress.

It would make KC and everyone else better.

Louie, Louie!

2011-11-11T11:57:00.001-06:00

Bar Louie

Kansas City, Missouri » Power & Light

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The day we had lunch at Bar Louie was kind of like today, sunny but a bit cold on the patio with the wind blowing. They had just opened and didn't have hot tea yet, but our server kindly offered her own tea bags that she brought from home. I love a good cup of hot water though, so no tea? No problem.

---{1+2}---

Potstickers, $8.5

Pan-seared pork dumplings, szechwan sauce.

---{3+5}---

Chop Chop with Shrimp, $14

Iceberg, bacon, tomato, avocado, carrot, blue cheese crumbles,

onion, garbanzo beans, egg, cucumber, tortilla strips, house dressing.

---{4}---

Luigi Sandwich

Shaved ribeye, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, olive oil, hoagie roll.

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Full Disclosure: Blair bought our lunch. We gladly accepted.

Paper Lanterns

2011-11-11T08:06:00.001-06:00

FOR THE LOVE OF KANSAS CITY

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Where are we?

What local furniture store hangs these mod lights in their window?

Leave your answer in the comments section below or

send us a message via facebook or twitter @ELoungeKC.

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~~Michaela Witzke, you are right! This is the space next to Grinders.~~

~~Send us your address for a cool prize, employeelounge@gmail.com.~~

Ummmm, dammit copy and paste! This is at Retro Inferno.

No guesses so no prize to award for this one. :)

tom f.

2011-11-10T11:15:00.001-06:00

Tom F. | Owner

Fidels Cigar Shop

Service Industry Detour

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Tom, born and raised in Kansas City, is one of five children, and he's the baby of the family. He says, "the oldest gets what they want and the youngest has to fight to get what they want." (As an oldest, I personally think it's the complete opposite!) Tom and his slightly older brother, Edward, who is the second youngest and an attorney, co-own Fidels'. Before Tom owned Fidels', he had been managing the shop. When the opportunity to buy it came up, he gladly took over and improved it, adding small touches like a smoking lounge for customers to hang out. "It became a place where people wanted to congregate." Tom says that on any given day, you will find a varied mix of people here, from FBI agents and CEOs to bike messengers and truck drivers. Once they sit down, relax and enjoy their cigars, all the titles and job stuff goes away. "It's a melting pot back here," he says. "When they're here, all that doesn't matter."

Tom is an occasional cigar smoker himself and does not smoke cigarettes at all. He doesn't smoke that often because "a cigar is meant to be enjoyed and I don't have the time." What he does have time for is fitness. Tom is an exercise nut and enjoys working out and lifting weights. He also like reading, some sports and travel. You can see inside Tom and Edward's cigar shop here. It's beautiful.

Make KC Better » Get the community together better,

helping each other when you need it.

Link Love for the Weekend

2011-11-09T09:36:00.003-06:00

All the pretty horses. At Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, Missouri.
Photo by Linh Trieu

Mmmmmm, Cheddar Drop Biscuits.
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Minneapolis design always knocks my socks off.
This burger joint got a complete rebrand and it looks fantastic.
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Another one from Allan Peters. He's a gold mine. Type Sandwiches!
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This is the kind of menu I love to steal.
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Instead of a whole turkey for Thanksgiving, how about turkey meatballs instead?
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The Runcible Spoon has their new foodzine up for the holidays.
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Gorgeous and kind of expensive cheeseboards.
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It's finally feeling like chicken pot pie weather.
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Pumpkin Soup with Chanterelles.
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Going girly - these are amazing dresses.
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Watch this cool video of how to syphon coffee.
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Link Love for the Weekend

2011-11-04T06:36:00.002-05:00

Six-Layer Rainbow Cake made by Rachel Feldkamp. Photo by Linh Trieu.

This week's link love is a bit different. It's a round up of food blogs. Enjoy!

Roost

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Sunday Suppers

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What Katie Ate

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Give Me Flour

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A Cozy Kitchen

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Evan's Kitchen Ramblings

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Sprouted Kitchen

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Fussing with Forks

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I Made That!

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Eating and Living

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BFF: Burger, Fish, Fries

2011-11-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

Beer Kitchen

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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It was a Friday afternoon when Tina and I went in for a late lunch at Beer Kitchen, it was a gorgeous, warm, sunny fall afternoon. Sometimes, when we start the day, it's easy to forget that other people are ending theirs....until you see them order PBRs and realize, oh right, it's Friday afternoon and they're probably starting the weekend early. Westport was buzzy and alive....it was great to see a lively crowd inside, even during the supposedly quiet hours.

---{1}---

Their housemade ketchup, a smoked chipotle and an original blend.

---{2+4}---

Fish & Chips, $14

Tempura ale-battered whole cape capensis filet,
malt vinegar aioli, cider slaw & a bucket of hand-cut fries.

---{3}---

American Kobe Burger with "Small Fry", $13 + $2.50
Heartland creamery goat cheese croquette, shitake mushrooms,
red onion jam & white truffled micro-greens on brioche bun.

gregory k.

2011-11-01T08:58:00.002-05:00

Gregory K. | Owner, Coffee Blacksmith

Oddly Correct

Years of Industry Service: We didn't ask (oops)!

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When Gregory started Oddly Correct, he roasted beans out of a friend's garage in Raytown, Missouri. The only rent he had to pay was to share his coffee knowledge and teach that friend how to roast beans. Since then he has moved into two other spaces, finally settling into his current location at the intersection of Westport Road and Main Street after a year-long process of "clawing out the space."

Oddly Correct started out, and still is, a mail order and wholesale coffee business. "You can do those things out of a very small space," Gregory said. With this latest move, they now have a storefront to brew and serve coffee. Their space also functions as a small letterpress printshop. He calls it expanding the basis of their success, saying, "You build it. You buy it. And you hope people will find it."

Oddly Correct is one of those shops you hear about by accident. Then another person mentions it and then someone else. You start saying to yourself, I have to check this place out. It's the small rumbling you hear before everyone else knows what's coming. Although Oddly Correct is located on a busy, high profile road, it was still not easy to find. After looping around the same intersection three times, we spot a painting with the word coffee and an arrow leaning against an obscure storefront. That must be it....right? And it was. Everything in their shop is the work of one artist friend or another. The awning was no exception and it was currently being worked on, thus the challenge in finding it that day.

"You go back and forth between being a rockstar and enjoying your obscurity," Gregory says. "[Obscurity] allows us to make mistakes without too much pain." His vision for Oddly Correct is to help bring life and honor back to Main Street. He wants to encourage people to think differently and slow down. "It's a counterculture refuge for people to come and get recharged," he says.

Whether it's recyling their chaff (coffee waste) and sending it to Nebraska to be made into paper, or designing and printing his own packaging, it's all about find ways to maximize their potential while finding ways to be creative. It's a weird general store of sorts, where he gets to feature artists from muralists to furniture makers, transforms his walls-on-wheels-shop to work for cupping classes and jam sessions, and literally climbs the walls to reach a bookcase situated above a door.

Gregory grew up in Chicago and lived in North Carolina before moving to Kansas City in 2007. He's married, has two kids and is committed to Kansas City. "It's long-term for us," he says. His non-work life is spent with his family. "That's what I like to do." He's also a bass player, rock climber, bicyclist, illustrator and painter.

With his business, he hopes what he has started is a revitalization for the soul of Main Street. He has the noble goal of "pioneering a spirit of local quality and craftsmanship." His commitment to making the community he lives in better, is heartening to hear and his passion is contagious.

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To read more about Gregory, click here for a great piece written by Jonathan Bender in The Pitch. Gregory and Oddly Correct were featured there last week. Chris Mullin did the photography on their article and it was really nice seeing it from another perspective.

Make KC Better » If you have a problem, come up with a solution.

Peek Into Oddly Correct

2011-10-31T08:14:00.000-05:00

Oddly Correct

Kansas City, Missouri » Midtown/Westport

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This coffee shop/letter press print shop sits on the corner of Main and Westport Road. Its charm and warmth lies in the abundance of textures and handmade details, from the the custom furniture in the relaxing area to the climbing bookcase wall in the back of the store. Exposed brick walls, raw plywood, transformable walls, a sweet rainbow mug nestled in between letterpress blocks and a vintage typewriter sit comfortably amongst all the beaker-like tools of this coffee purveyor. I grabbed a cup of coffee and read a wonderful children's book while I waited. Each coffee they roast has its own special packaging designed by owner Gregory Kolsto (who you'll meet tomorrow) and is printed in-house. Locals get their coffee delivered by bike. A quirky coffee storefront that will win you over with its distinct personality and product. They just put up a new sign, I can't wait to see it!

Smoke 'Em

2011-10-28T11:31:00.002-05:00

Fidels'

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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There's nothing like the smell that embraces you when you walk into a cigar shop. It smells like a man, a manly man. Fidels', a Westport icon for many, many years, has been expanded (slightly–the space is still wonderfully intimate and cozy) and improved upon when it changed ownership in 1998. A lounge with a large round table and a smaller sitting area were added as well as private lockers in the back of the shop. Although we've stopped into Fidels' for the occasional cigar over the years, we didn't know about the lounge or lockers. There's a waiting list for the private lockers, they're all full up right now as annual membership is a mere $200 a year. The lounge, however, is open to anyone who wants to have a seat and have a nice, slow smoke. They don't sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of scotch or whiskey to enjoy with their cigars. Fidels' was voted by Best Cigar Shop by Pitch readers this year, and now we know why. What an awesome space. We love the varying shades of dark brown, from the cigars and their boxes, to the tobacco leaves in glass jars and the furniture. The typography and design in cigar culture are wonderful. We think Fidels' would be great for a sophisticated bachelor party or a birthday gathering. And definitely just for an unexpected smoke.

Link Love for the Weekend

2011-10-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

Light play in a barn in Weston, Missouri. Photos by Tina Magee-Jenks, Backyard Ink.

With holiday parties right around the corner, these fancy little snacks

would be great whether you're hosting at home or for bringing to a party.

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Ohmygawd. Too funny. Teenage Mutant Ninja Noses. via @FrancisLam on twitter

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Kansas City - Top 10 Destination of 2012, World's Most Beautiful Museums,

one Personal Top 10 of our city.

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A Donut Tree! This post was for Halloween, but great for any day really.

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A blog for our gluten-adverse readers.

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Life on a Cocktail Napkin – really lovely writing, I was only one post in

and hooked. Sad, heartfelt in one, then, next post, I was cracking up.

Thanks to David from Tips for Tips for sharing this link!

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Even though they don't need anymore sweaters for penguins

affected by the old spill, we think this is still a great project.

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Two things I like about this: it's a folded pie you can eat with

one hand and it has goat cheese. via Jennifer Young Photography

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My shower curtain rings/hooks drive me absolutely crazy.

This is an ingenious trick and the photos, of course, are pretty nice.

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33 Ways to Stay Creative - I think we do a lot of these but we'll keep doing it more!

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terry

2011-10-27T13:17:00.002-05:00

Terry R. | Owner

Colfax – Market Femme

Service Industry Detour

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Thirteen years ago, when Terry was going through breast cancer treatment, she underwent a stem cell transplant. She is survivor, but one of the side effects of the procedure left her with a memory short circuit. Terry says she has great long-term memory, but her short-term memory from the last three to five years, everything runs together. "Sometimes I don't know if I've seen someone 10 years ago or this week," she said.

Before she opened Colfax, Terry had Revue, a boutique that for 17 years, was a go-to dress shop for 39th Street. It was further west on 39th Street in the row of shops across from where Donna's Dress Shop currently sits. After she closed the doors on Revue, she didn't think she would be back in the retail business. "I really didn't think I could top Revue,"she said. "I was fairly played out. I did everything I wanted to do. I was winding down. But apparently not." After buying their current building with the owners of Boomerang, Terry and her business partner are back with Colfax, named for the county in New Mexico which is also the longest street in Denver.

Terry is married to a psychologist, they have a great dog named Diablo, a Black Lab-Blue Heeler mix and together, they develop small properties. "Most of our tenants are independent," she says. "We're real pro-small business. It's a lot of fun seeing small businesses develop."

Take a peek inside Colfax. Our original post here.
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Terry was happy to speak with us, but for the love of all that's decent, no pictures.
Tina snuck in a far away shot that I'm in too. That's my "deep listening" pose.

Make KC Better » A really cool light rail.

I think the city is still divided in many ways.

The Roasterie Story Brunch

2011-10-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

Story

Prairie Village, KS » The Village

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You may remember, but last month, our friend and General Manager of Story invited us out for a special brunch out the restaurant. It was a five-course breakfast paired with Roasterie coffees, but you could order off their regular menu as well. I am the only one who splurged for the tasting menu AND a Bloody Mary. The French Toast and Chicken and Waffles on the regular menu were amazing, but really, everything was beautiful. Five coffees, even half cup tasting pours, were a bit much for me though, and it was difficult coordinating the timing with the kitchen. We even saw some familiar faces, Nancy and Michael Smith, out with their family (last picture, above).

On a side note, the busboy, someone we noticed when they first opened for his nervous energy and saggy pants, is getting our thumbs up. He was a bit green and there was some breakage during those early weeks. But during this meal, we were the clumsy ones. He was at our table immediately, expertly and quickly removing all the linens and resetting the table. His pants were firmly up on his hips, he was friendly and we just want to say, job well done!

See their full brunch menu here.

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Full Disclosure: Sloane treated us to brunch. All of it. And it was so good. Thanks Sloanie!

The Art of Gifts

2011-10-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

Mash Handmade

Kansas City, Missouri » 39th Street

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This little shop nestled between Boomerang and Colfax is a treasure trove of handmade gifts and wonderful art. If you've ever wandered around a big box store looking for that special something for someone, then you know how that feeling of, "ugh, not another candle." Even though I personally love candles, to give and receive, a beautiful cutting board, little apron full of crayons, classic country star doll or Roasterie coffee bag pillow would be much, much cooler. Mash Handmade belongs to Miss Amanda and her mother business partner. You can read her post here.

Sadness

2011-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

For our friends who are hurt and grieving. This is a version of something I wrote and designed for myself when I was personally going through a hard time. It gave me hope and encouragement during the dark days and I only mean as it comfort to you all now. Life invariably goes on, but never like it once did.

goodbye

2011-10-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Rest peacefully, John. We all loved you and will miss you so much.

Apologies

2011-10-18T09:12:00.001-05:00

Tina and I took a disco break these last few weeks. We had family in town, life, work, you know, all that stuff that goes on when we're not on the computer. Our next few posts will not restaurant related, but we're back out this week and will have new content lined up. We'll be back to being your blog bitches soon! Okay? Okay. Good.

Retro Inferno

2011-10-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Retro Inferno

Kansas City, Missouri » Downtown

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This is one of the coolest furniture shops I've ever been to and I'm embarrassed to say that this was my first time in. I still remember when they were in their original location across the street from the Bulldog on Main. The large inferno sign in the window always caught my eye. Their style is definitely in the mid-century modern era and it's all so gorgeous. The wall of starburst clocks and gray, tailored sofa were some of my favorites. Their second floor is chair heaven. If you love chairs as much as I do, then do yourself a favor and go sit in some of theirs. Super great collection.

Congrats Brenda!

2011-10-18T08:55:00.000-05:00

August Employee of the Month

Brenda E. // Chop Tops

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We have another lady taking home the prize this month, Brenda of Chop Tops! Her friends and fans really rallied during the last two days to bring her 48% of the votes. Brian from Kennedy's was really close behind her though. We have more booze for this month's EOM, a four pack of big beers and pint glasses from Stone Brewing Company! I'm reminding them to deliver the prize today and then it's off to the salon for our drop off. Thanks everyone for voting and playing again this month. We love to shower our peeps with fun gifts and prizes. We'll be doing a special post on Stone Brewing soon and we're going to give away more beer for one of our lucky, local readers. Keep an eye out for it. Brenda, keep up the great work you're doing and good luck with your studies!

Thank you for being our prize sponsor!

The final poll.

T is for Tile

2011-10-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

FOR THE LOVE OF KANSAS CITY

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Where are we?

This beautiful tile sits at what T-intersection?

Look up and think hard. Tell us where we are.

Don't forget to check here for last week's answer and winner.

Leave your answer in the comments section below or

send us a message via facebook or twitter @ELoungeKC.

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Happy Birthday Nara!

2011-10-14T15:01:00.002-05:00

Nara

Kansas City, Missouri

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Nara is celebrating five years tomorrow and we want to blow them a big kiss and wish them a happy, happy birthday! Of course, they're throwing a big party to celebrate. You should stop by and high five Casey, Anita, Koji, Diego and the rest of the gang. Five years in the restaurant business is a big deal. They also got a fancy, new facebook page that you can just "like" and not have to be invited to join. Good move, guys.

---PARTY SCHEDULE---

3:00 pm M80s in the parking lot.

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6:30 pm Three Trails Taiko, Japanese Drum Performance.

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9:00 pm Body Sushi.

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Plus live geisha models and loads of $5 food and drink specials.

Sounds like a blast....hopefully, we can stop by for some salmon sashimi and sake tomorrow

and party till the wee hours in the morning with you.

I also want to take a second to thank Casey for his generous support of all my fundraisers in the past. Like many restaurants, he gets asked for donations all the time so it's hard to pick and choose who you can help. Casey and the Nara staff always bring amazing sushi to our events and we very much appreciate his generosity and the professionalism and hard work of his staff. Mmwah!

blair h.

2011-10-13T08:40:00.001-05:00

Blair H. | Marketing Manager

Bar Louie

Years of Industry Service: 4.5

----------------------------------------------------

When Blair graduated with her degree in communications, in no way, shape or form did she ever think she was going to end up in the service industry. But never say never, especially when there's alcohol involved. She was drinking at The Gaf after a charity fundraiser, there was a now hiring sign up and some joking about applying for the job. A manager, however, happened to walk by and overhear their conversation. An immediate interview occurred and she started less than a week later. "It was a drunk accident," Blair said. "I was scared of it (serving) but I was there for four years and ended up semi-managing the place."

Blair met Jarrod, who is now her fiancé, during her time at The Gaf; he was conveniently working next door at Swizzle. At first, they tried to keep their relationship under wraps lest all the gossiping started. But one day, they were sitting at the bar and started making out. No one blinked, no one said a word....because everyone already knew what those two were up to. That's how the service industry is. Absolutely no secrets.

Just this summer, Jarrod called Blair's parents to ask for her hand in marriage. He planned a Napa trip and during a winery tour at Von Strasser, he got down on one knee and proposed. His family was there to witness, her family knew and all the people on the tour knew as well. "It was perfect," she said. "But it happened so fast, it's like a dream." They plan on getting married next year, but have not set a date yet.

Currently, they're living in sin and working at making their house into a home. She goes antiquing, reads a lot, plays tennis and runs to alleviate the stress in her life. Blair moved to Kansas City in 2003 to attend the University of Missouri Kansas City. She's originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, a small town about an hour outside of KC where smoking is still legal inside public buildings. Blair loves St. Jo; it's home and to her, it's still awesome.

Make KC Better » Public transportation.

Peek into Le Petit Rouge

2011-10-12T07:49:00.001-05:00

Le Petit Rouge

Kansas City, Missouri » Brookside

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This little cupcakerie shares the same space as the best children's bookstore in town, Reading Reptile. Stacey Neff from One More Cup in Waldo directed us here and we fell in love with it right away. From the hand-lettering and silhouettes on the logo to all the handmade signage, you can clearly see the thought, care and charm put into each piece. The painted letters against the back wall reminds me a bit of Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

The simply decorated cupcakes are named after storybook characters; Tina and I each tried one and they are delicious. You must stop by for a visit, whether you have a little one to treat with a sweet and a carton of milk or you're a big kid wanting a bit of fun in your day. They also carry the wonderful amezaiku candies by Joy Joy Confections.

Prizes

2011-10-11T14:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I get a little bit behind sending out our For the Love of KC prizes. As in a month behind. A big thank you to our prize winners for being very patient. For some reason, I pull out all the stops for our blog readers, hoping the something special we send brings a smile to your face. I love that our readers are not limited to Kansas City. These pilot maps were purchased at a recent garage sale and they make the best envelopes. The lining for the envelopes are old math notes from my high school algebra class.

Jess D // Wilmington, North Carolina

A pack of You are Exceptional note cards by Fresh Fish Creative

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Carlos C. // Kansas City, Missouri

$10 in burger bucks, courtesy of BRGR Kitchen + Bar

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Josh K. // Kansas City, Missouri (two-time winner!)

"Smoke Me" Bag of hickory wood from Northwestern, Missouri;

wood chopped and bag handmade by Sam Carter.

All prizes are sealed, stamped and ready to be posted. Check your mailboxes soon!

mike s.

2011-10-11T09:02:00.001-05:00

Mike S. | Coffee Smasher

Oddly Correct

Years of Industry Service: Oops, forgot to ask.

----------------------------------------------------

Mike is a total newbie to Kansas City, he's been here for less than a month and at the time we talked, it was a mere two weeks. Originally from North Carolina, he was "romanced" into moving to Kansas City by his brother-in-law and Oddly Correct owner, Gregory Kolsto (who you'll meet soon). After his third or fourth visit, he was convinced that Kansas City would be a good lover. Mike discovered local restaurants like Rm 39 and Kitty's Cafe, fell in love with the Western Auto building, and poured coffee at a Maifest event where he saw beer being siphoned through coffee. "It was cool to see people come together and enjoy the quality of coffee, the quality of beer and to geek out," he says.

Through the years, Mike has kind of moved through what he wanted to do. He's been a barista, a roaster and most recently, he was a brand manager, babysitting 30-40 employees. But, "I wasn't living a lifestyle that was sustainable to my life and family." Mike likes learning and says he is really good at finding a new hobby and totally investing in it for a couple of months, like woodworking. He also plays the drums and enjoys spending time with his wife, which may be evident since the two have a little bun warming in the oven.

Mike says you can find anything to fit the things you left behind. All your favorite places can be filled with new favorites, but the people you leave, that's harder. "We miss the people," he says. "We'll always go back (to North Carolina) because of that." For now, he says it's more of a joy to discover new things in Kansas City. "It'll be a beautiful, new challenge."

Make KC Better » I would love to see more freaks and nerds, people who have a passion come to Main Street.

September Employee of the Month

2011-10-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

Place your votes! These are the top four most viewed posts for the month of September.

The poll is to your right and will be open for one week. We're still working on a great prize

for this month's employee, but jeez, did the month have to go by so fast or what?

We completely lost track of the days!

This month, our ladies are service industry detours representing the great shops at

39th and Pennsylvania and the guys are service industry, a newbie and a pro.

You can re-read their profiles below. As always, good luck to everyone this month!

You have until midnight October 14th to cast your vote.

Brenda » Chop Tops

Nicholas » Grünauer

Amanda » Mash Handmade

Brian » Kennedy's

Link Love for the Weekend

2011-10-07T10:08:00.002-05:00

Happy October!
Illustrated and designed by Linh Trieu.

A great Halloween candy jar.

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Wouldn't this menu be perfect for a pop-up restaurant or special wine dinner? It would take some forethought and planning, but what a nice way to incorporate hand-lettering and art to your night.

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More food blog love. Read, drool, bookmark.

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So many moving stories about Steve Jobs all over the web. Some of my favorites here, here and here.

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No plans this weekend? Then consider taking a historical tour of Westport. Follow this.

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Are these dogs spoiled or what???

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Rachel Blakley of elephantine makes the most beautiful, delicate jewelry.

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An interesting mix of fine art and fashion.

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You are the Map Maker, a book to inspire with stories from the "most creative and resourceful entrepreneurs on the planet." You can buy the book in softback or hardback, and you can also download it for free. Read it, don't be discouraged and keep doing what you love. via Designed by Good People

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Pasta, noodles, carbs make me weak in the knees. Pasta for breakfast? A double whammy.

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Buy Art

2011-10-07T08:23:00.000-05:00

FOR THE LOVE OF KANSAS CITY

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Where are we?

What corner reminds you buy art? This sign takes up the entire window

space on a corner storefront. If you're out and about on First Friday, this

should be an easy one. Look for it and tell us where we are this week!

Don't forget to check here for last week's answer and winner.

Leave your answer in the comments section below or

send us a message via facebook or twitter @ELoungeKC.

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Michaela Witzke, you are right! This is the space next to Grinders.

Send us your address for a cool prize, employeelounge@gmail.com.

Peek Into Pryde's

2011-10-06T09:03:00.001-05:00

Pryde's Old Westport

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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Pryde's is hands-down, the most well-stocked kitchen and gift shop you will ever set foot in. Whether your tastes run for all-white ceramics or rainbow-colored Fiesta ware, whether you need just one thing or dozens for a dinner party, they will most likely have you covered. It's actually kind of hard to photograph a shop like this because your eye doesn't know where to focus. There's not one big thing that's amazing, but rather piles and rooms full of wonderful.

Every time I need cheesecloth, I run to Pryde's because it's not stocked at most grocery stores. I need to remember to stop by more often for gifts. During our visit, I saw an adorable whale sugar and creamer set, their vast collection of wooden spoons and the entire line of Grinders hot sauces, which I didn't even know Grinders did hot sauces! They've got a great specialty foods and candle selection too.

Even though this shop is probably more woman-focused, guys need kitchen stuff too. I am speaking directly to my bachelor buddy who moved into his loft several months ago, invited us over for dinner and asked us to bring a cutting board and knife. I won't go so far as to name names, but I think you need to get yourself down to Pryde's right now and stock up.

Campfire Cocktail?

2011-10-04T10:33:00.001-05:00

Bar Louie

Kansas City, Missouri » Power & Light

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As a vodka rocks, two-limes power drinker, girly drinks like these have left my repertoire long, long ago. But after lunch, instead of dessert, it was kind of nice. With the cooler weather and the fact that we were sitting on the patio, we chose a fall sounding cocktail to try, S'Mores.

---{1}---

S'Mores Martini, $8.58

Absolut Vanilla, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Toasted Marshmallow Syrup,

Cream, Floated Marshmallows and a Graham Cracker Rim

kristin & stephen

2011-10-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

Kristin & Stephen | Winemakers

Middlecreek Winery & Graue Vineyards

Service Industry Detour

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Seven years ago, Kristin and Stephen found a grapevine on their land, an Old Wild Hedgerow. When they bought their Louisburg property in 1995, they had no intentions of starting a winery. But just for fun, they decided to restore the grapevine and in the process of bringing it back to life, got hooked on winemaking. Both went to school to learn enology and came away with completely different perspectives, showing that there is no one way of making wine. It's all about the passion from the people who make it.

By day, Kristin is Vice President of Finance and Administration for The Family Conservancy and Stephen is a Human Resources Director for Comanche Construction in Olathe. But when they punch the clock at the end of they day, it's all about their grapes and the agriculture and chemistry of wine making. Kristin is the vintner while Stephen the cellar rat, does all the heavy lifting.

"This year was tough," Kristin says. "The hot weather has mummified the grapes and harvesting takes a bit longer." What she means by "a bit" is that it takes twice as long. First, you have to cut the grapes from the vine and then remove the dried grapes from the bunch. "I'm lucky that Katrin (her daughter) brings all her friends out here to help us pick."

In addition to growing and tending their young vineyard, they also play host to visitors who stop by their tasting room every weekend. Kristin knew she would enjoy working the vineyards, she just wasn't so sure she would like being open to the public. "I found out that the people part is what I love," she says. "The people are so interesting and want to learn. I didn't know I would like that part so much." Between her job in the city and her life on the farm, Kristin says she has the best of both worlds.

With their 40-hour work weeks and work on the farm, there's not a lot of time to laze about and watch television. Kristin and Stephen had placed most of their belongings in storage while their home was being built and way, way back at the end of the storage unit, was the television. Placed there by accident, they lived without reality television, commercials and sitcoms for an entire year, and afterwards, realized they didn't need it. "We don't have TV at all," Kristin says with a laugh. "We missed the whole Seinfeld thing."

Stephen definitely does not need television: he writes poetry, paints, is a musician and teaches the art of t'ai chi. He is also a witty and funny facebook netizen. His on-line persona allows him to be someone different than he is in normal, every day life.

Stephen said they had a kid out at the farm last year, about eight or nine-years old, who had never seen a walnut before. "What's this?" the boy had asked. "A walnut," Stephen said. "Can I have it?" the boy said, completely covered in walnut ink. He told this story with a big smile and that joy of teaching and sharing is evident in both Stephen and Kristin. There is no artifice about the winemaking couple. Dressed comfortably and casually in jeans and t-shirts with green aprons, they seem to have mastered the art of living simply.

You can visit Kristin and Stephen most weekends at the Graue Family Farm. They are part of the Somerset Wine Trail and during the third week of October, they will also be part of the annual Miami County Farm Tour. You can taste their wines, check out their vineyards, meet their farm dogs and maybe, just maybe, Kristin and Stephen will let you have a walnut of your own.

Make KC Better » Kristin: I would try to improve the outcomes and learning conditions in the KCMO School District. Good education is a basic building block for children's futures, and impacts all of our communities in the long run! Stephen: I would make KC better by smiling and spreading happiness to those I meet and try not to take serious things so seriously.

Nominated!

2011-10-03T16:22:00.001-05:00

Hip, Hip Hooray!

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We wanted to give a big, fat CONGRATULATIONS to Chef Michael Foust from The Farmhouse for being a finalist in the Chefs Collaborative 2011 Sustainability Awards. Chefs Collaborative is "the leading nonprofit network of chefs that’s changing the sustainable food landscape using the power of connections, education and responsible buying decisions." You can read more about what they do and their mission here.

There are three awards categories in this annual food summit: Sustainer, Pathfinder, Foodshed Champion. Michael has been nominated for the Sustainer award which "recognizes a chef who has been both a great mentor and is a model to the culinary community through his/her purchases of seasonal, sustainable ingredients and the transformation of these ingredients into delicious food." Twenty-one esteemed judges including chefs Rick Bayless and Michael Leviton and journalist Jane Black will be choosing this year's winners.

Michael says he doesn't know how he was nominated, but is honored to be recognized by his peers. Unfortunately, he will be out of the country during the 3rd Annual Chefs Collaborative National Summit (in New Orleans). Michael will be in Laos getting married (again) and honeymooning with his beautiful bride, Vira, instead. We wish you the best of luck and hope you have a great trip!

You can read Michael's original post on The Employee Lounge here.

middle creek winery

2011-10-03T09:35:00.000-05:00

Middle Creek Winery & Graue Vineyards

Louisburg, Kansas

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Once or twice a year, although we'd like to do it more often, my neighbor and very good friend Katrin invites us out to her parents' farm and winery out in the middle of nowhere Kansas to help harvest grapes. Over the years, we've been blessed with gorgeous weather while we pick; Kristin and Stephen (who you will meet tomorrow on the blog) are wonderful hosts who supply us with loads of wine and then feed us afterwards. The insanely hot weather this summer was not kind to the grapes so we had an extra step in harvesting this year, brushing off all the dried up yucky grapes. Our large group made quick work of the smaller than usual harvest and it really was so much fun, it did not feel like work at all! Thank you Middle Creek Winery for having us out and we will be back to see you again soon.

Link Love for the Weekend

2011-10-01T09:38:00.002-05:00

Fun with zoo animals. Get some! photo by Linh Trieu

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Lovin' this awesome identity and website for the Shake Shack.

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After seeing these pictures, I think a grilled cheese sandwich party will be underway soon.
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Can't get enough of oysters.
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Another sad effect of the on-going immigration debate.
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Jessie of The Concrete Catwalk shared some big news in a very adorable way.
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A beautiful, black and white look for a gourmet fundraiser.
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This dress is stunning. via Oh Joy!
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A low cost, up-cycle centerpiece idea is swirling in my head.
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A really gorgeous food blog that is heading straight into my bookmarks.
via Black Eiffel
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Mustard in your cocktail? I'll try anything once.
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Reading Nook

2011-09-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

FOR THE LOVE OF KANSAS CITY

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Where are we?

What restaurant keeps a wonderful magazine collection in its dining room?

Don't forget to check here for last week's answer and winner.

Leave your answer in the comments section below or

send us a message via facebook or twitter @ELoungeKC.

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Josh goes to a lot of bars and he recognized this one immediately.

Aaron of Westport Cafe & Bar keeps an awesome magazine collection.

I've read some, "borrowed" some and brought some in to replace

the ones I took. Josh, I will be by First Friday to bring you something!

Photo by Linh Trieu

Peak Performance Update

2011-09-29T08:01:00.001-05:00

Peak Performance for PDSA
I just wanted to share a quick news clip of Lance and Jacob talking about PDSA and ITP.
Our goal was to raise $50,000. I am proud to report that we met and exceeded that goal by
over $30,000. The amount below is what was donated to PDSA after expenses.
You can read our original post about Peak Performance here.

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$82,657.57
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I would once again like to thank our restaurant
and wine and liquor sponsors for their support:

La Bodega
Healthy Meals
The Capital Grille
Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
Major Brands
Cellar Selections

brenda e.

2011-09-29T07:14:00.003-05:00

Brenda E. | Salon Coordinator

Chop Tops

Service Industry Detour

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Before Brenda stood behind the desk booking appointments at greeting guests at Chop Tops, a salon on 39th Street, she was sitting was sitting in one of the stylist chairs as a customer. They needed someone; she did it because she likes all the girls at the shop and "it's a sweet job." A student in x-ray technology, Brenda will be graduating in May. She says, "It's kinda nerdy and satisfies my need to not be broke, do something with people and makes me think."

Originally from Puerto Rico, Brenda lived in Florida for eight years before moving to Kansas City three years ago. She says she loves Kansas City. "It's really easy to make friends here. I think I'm going to stay a while." She likes going to shows when she's not studying or working: Adam Lee & the Dead Horse Sound Company, Whiskey Breath and other local honky tonk bands. Brenda's tattoos are the work of Cory Farago.

Make KC Better » It would be good to see more people out to see shows. For people to support art and music. More person to person community building.

jimmy s.

2011-09-28T10:58:00.001-05:00

Jimmy S. | Manager

The Classic Cup

Years of Industry Service: 10+

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Since Jimmy became a father twice over in the last few years, going to "local, hip bars" has become a thing of the past. Although most nights he goes home after work to be with his family, he still tries to visit old favorites like McCoy's, The Union, Record Bar, Harry's and the now defunct Gusto and Ledger. Jimmy says he has a "pimp record collection" and plays the trumpet and guitar. He was once in a band called 30 Minute Recess and they played "shitty music from the 90s."

A former Volker resident, Jimmy and his family now live in Roeland Park, Kansas. He loves Kansas City, especially Midtown and says, "I used to have a lot of awesome parties." Before he became a manager at The Classic Cup, he was a breakfast/lunch server. He admitted that during the transition he was a little green. And he's also learned that managers are at the restaurant a lot longer than servers.

Make KC Better » Better public transportation - a railway system.

The Morning Room

2011-09-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

Rm 39

Kansas City, Missouri » 39th Street

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Once in a blue moon, I get to enjoy a breakfast date with the husband. Like everyone else out there, we play a mad game of dashing out the door every morning to start our days and our jobs. So unexpected breakfast dates are a nice surprise. After a brisk walk to pick up our bikes from the Plaza and a short ride back to 39th Street, we cruised into our neighborhood breakfast place and took a seat by the window. Our server Adam looked so familiar (because he worked with George at The Lodge six years ago). Adam has just been back in Kansas City for six months and it just goes to show, we really do live in such a little big city.

---{1+7}---
George's a la carte Brekkie, $10.25
Half Order Biscuits & Gravy ($4), 2 Eggs ($4), Bacon ($2.25)
Their eggs are from Campo Lindo farms in Lathrop, Missouri
and Doug Schroeder in Higginsville, Missouri.

---{2}---
Cup of Drip Coffee, $2.50
Arabica beans from Costa Rica blended with Ethiopian yirgacheffe and roasted
by the Broadway Roasting Company. Date with hairy arm-ed man optional.

---{3, 4, 5}---
A peek at our table: condiments, eggs close up and fall flowers.

---{6}---
Smoked Salmon Scramble, $8.00
House cured and smoked salmon with cream cheese, scallions and
soft scrambled eggs with breakfast potatoes and toast.

Photos by Linh Trieu

chris & jo ellen

2011-09-27T09:03:00.001-05:00

Chris & Jo Ellen | Servers

Starker's and Story

Years of Industry Service: Chris (8) / Jo Ellen (14)

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You will be hard-pressed to find Chris and Jo Ellen apart. Married for eight years and working together for most of that time, they even spend their time off with one another. Set up by mutual friends, they met on a blind date. Each had asked to be introduced to someone and finally, one and one were matched perfectly in this adorable pair. They typically work the same schedules, splitting their time between two chefs, two cities in two states and ever-changing menus. "It's a nice change of scenery," Chris says while Jo Ellen remarks, "It's fun to work with two menus and two wine lists. It's always something new."

Chris and Jo Ellen work hard so they really enjoy their leisure time. They love to go out to eat and "abuse the wait staff." They're working on their house, enjoy cooking and love wine, which they like to study. And they travel as often as possible – don't be surprised, but mainly it's to eat...and drink wine. A recent trip took them to Dallas for Taste of the NFL, where Chris says there was a foot of snow. Next month, they are planning a trip to Santa Barbara and they for sure, have a reservation to eat at acclaimed French restaurant, Bouchon. They also love music and try to do a music cruise once a year. They said they might get a dog, but it was followed by a big "but".

They live a Jersey Shore kind of life. "Pool. Gym. Travel." I don't know about you guys, but I'm completely jealous. Work hard and play hard. Keep it up guys.

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Chris and Jo Ellen were working at Starker's when we caught up with them.

Make KC Better » Jo Ellen would like better public transportation while Chris wants to change the weather (too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter).

on the street: danna s.

2011-09-26T08:43:00.001-05:00

Danna S.

Kansas City, Missouri

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Danna is a fashion merchandising student and was waiting for her friend on the Plaza. She also works for Lucky Strike in the Power & Light District. There's something about a red dress that stops you in your tracks. Hers had a wonderful stripy texture and her accessories were really nice, especially her belt and heels. Although we didn't capture the side view of those shoes, they were two-toned, nude and black and sexy as hell.

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Photographed on Nichols Road in front of Peruvian Connection on the Country Club Plaza.

Sunday Brunch

2011-09-24T12:08:00.001-05:00

Our good friend Sloane and fellow Supper Clubber invited us to a special Sunday brunch tomorrow at Story. It's a four-course prix fixe with coffee pairings from The Roasterie. I unashamedly try to never get up early on weekends to cook for myself and am a huge, huge fan of weekend brunches. At restaurants. (I only get up early for estate sales. Priorities, people.) So I'm super excited to go tomorrow. Tina will be there too and we'll be doing a post later for the blog. If you're there, hopefully we'll see you too! You can see the full menu here.

Photos by Matt Kocourek, provided by Story.

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Full disclosure: Sloane said she'd buy us brunch tomorrow so we said okay! But this is not a paid post.

We just like to help our friends promote whatever they need to and be successful at their jobs.

Link Love for the Weekend

2011-09-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

Photo by Tina Magee-Jenks - taken with a vintage SX70 Polaroid camera with Impossible film

Elsie from A Beautiful Mess gives some great tips on how to

photograph your home. The picture above is of Tina's house.

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A super fantastic collection of vintage fashion covering every decade from the 1950s on.

In mint condition. I can hear the dollars draining from my wallet now.

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Our new favorite blog....LA in Bloom.

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Everything comes back. Even punch bowls.

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Even though the weather is cooling way, way down from our 100°F summer,
this Rosemary Lemonade Gin Slush still sounds really good.

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Coding. It's a mind trip. But never fear. It's not too late to learn.

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A wonderfully creative way to use cake sprinkles for an embroidery effect.

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Peanut Butter & Jelly Pancakes. Enough said.

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The assault on smokers continues. But in a funny way.

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For the adult and the kid in you. A bourbon chocolate milkshake.

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Bottles in the Sky

2011-09-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

FOR THE LOVE OF KANSAS CITY

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Where are we?

What Kansas City restaurant has this fantastic bottle chandelier in their dining room?

Don't forget to check here for last week's answer and winner.

Leave your answer in the comments section below or

send us a message via facebook or twitter @ELoungeKC.

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This wonderful bottle collection is at Starker's Restaurant on the Plaza.

Brian from Cellar & Loft, you nailed it first! I know where to find you,

just have to think of a something fun for you.

Doughboys & Bootleggers

2011-09-22T11:00:00.001-05:00

Doughboys & Bootleggers

Kansas City, Missouri

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We know the Plaza Art Fair is this weekend, but you get three whole days to check it out. Why not take one of those days and go to this instead? We have the ONLY World War I museum in the country, so you'll get to stand in the midst of greatness while learning about Kansas City during Prohibition. Appropriately, our friends at The Rieger (who are such classic cocktail nerds) are part of this fun event. Thank you Megan for sharing this with us!

Peek Into 715

2011-09-22T08:06:00.001-05:00

715

Lawrence, Kansas » Mass Street

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This is just a really beautiful restaurant. From the metal chairs on the patio which were super stylish and comfortable to the naked light bulb fixtures in the dining room, there is a lot of attention to detail and style. Pots of fresh rosemary on the window sill and a basket filled with loaves of fresh bread at the open chef's window are two cues that there is thoughtfulness to what is being served. A wall of green water bottles separates the bar from the dining room and brings to mind the jugs of wine at Macaroni Grill, where I once hostessed, but done it in a much, much nicer way. I like how the repetition of design elements and clean lines draws you right into this long space. And the hidden bonus is their cellar kitchen downstairs. We sat on the patio and there is so much going on on Mass Street, it's constant entertainment. We did a restaurant snapshot of 715 a couple of months ago, and you can read it again here.

Zuccotto

2011-09-21T09:14:00.000-05:00

Cupini's

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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This dome-shaped cake looked so exotic that we had to try it. I'm not a sweet-sweet dessert kind of person so this was absolutely perfect. There are so many different textures and flavors playing in your mouth all at once. There's a cake layer at the top and bottom but most of the sweetness came in tiny bites of the raspberry roulade. The center was rich and creamy. It was wonderful.

---{1+2}---

Zuccotto, $4.29 slice, $38.99 whole

Swirls of delicate raspberry roulade encase a light and luscious orange mousse laced

with Grand Marnier, this domed shaped speciality is finished with apricot glaze.

boomer

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Boomer | Server

Avenues Bistro in Waldo

Years of Industry Service: 20

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Boomer lied to get his first serving job and it did not go well. At all. He worked at a now long-gone Italian restaurant in Topeka, Kansas and was waiting on a large group of speedway drivers, promoters and owners. With no experience, he said, "I had absolutely no business waiting on them." As he carried a tray of salads to the table, a cherry tomato committed suicide and jumped off onto the floor, unbenownst to poor Boomer, who stepped on and slipped on said tomato. The entire tray of salad came crashing down around him and thus started the worst experience of his entire life. "I literally crawled on my hands and knees from the table to the kitchen and cried for five minutes because I was so embarrassed," he said.

Twenty years later, Boomer is veteran of the industry. His best compliment came from a black couple who thanked him for not stereotyping them because of their race. Boomer doesn't care what his customers look like, jokingly saying, "if you got some money, give it to me." All joking aside, he said, "it made me feel nice because I was doing my job, doing it well and got recognized for it."

In addition to serving, Boomer also has a side business called Flowers by Pansies designing floral arrangements for weddings and other special events. Boomer said although they are just starting and business is a bit slow, it's still a great creative outlet.

Boomer has been in a 12-year relationship with his sweetheart Brian and they are still holding strong, "both fat and sassy." With three dogs and two cats, they have a full house in Waldo. Boomer does the cooking, but he sometimes has to make separate meals for their differing palates. He made a delicious swordfish with lime glaze and saffron risotto recently but his man is a steak and potatoes kind of guy. Now that he's older, Boomer keeps pretty low-key, doing housework, going to lunch with friends and playing trivia at Missy B's in his free time. "I don't do the club life," he says."I'm too old for that."

Make KC Better » My biggest thing is people who bitch and complain about the city not going anywhere but don't want to pay for it. Quit complaining.

"small" and tasty

2011-09-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

Extra Virgin

Kansas City, Missouri » Crossroads

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Tina and I ended our day on the patio at Extra Virgin. It was a gorgeous but windy day so no cocktails, just hot coffee and cozy cardigans. The patio was full and we ran into an old friend, it made for a perfect afternoon. Their happy hour is fantastic. Select food items are half off and there are also drink specials. After the miserable weekend we just had, the sunshine this week is even more wonderful. So get yourselves away from your desks and go have some fun down at EV!

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Chorizo & Fig Filled Chicken Thighs, $4.50 HH price

---{2}---

Huitlacoche & Cheese Empanadas, $4 HH price

Mozzarella and Aji Amarillo. FYI - Huitlacoche is a fungus that

grows on the top of ears of corn. We didn't know either. :)

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Crispy Pig Ear Salad, $4 HH price

Spinach and Radishes.

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Wood Fired Hanger Steak, $6.50 HH price

Fried Egg and Soffrito.