For me, Kansas City, MO is about Country Club Plaza (Spanish-inspired architecture with Moorish buildings, fountains and statues), Jack Stack BBQ (within The Plaza) and Nelson-Atkins, one of world’s great art museums.
But first, after pulling in from after traversing the state, the iconic Winstead’s.
Because sometimes what’s needed most is their steakburger, fries and a chocolate shake.
Then a jaunt around the Plaza, especially important for Lulu, cramped in a car for three-and-a-half hours—what a road warrior!
For dinner, some go to The Capital Grille, others to Seasons 52.
But for me there’s only one go-to for a cocktail and dinner: J.J.’s—a one-off conveniently tucked mere steps away from The Fontaine, my hotel of choice.
Come morn, The Messenger serves up a fine brew of caffeination, charging me up for a charge through Nelson-Atkins, whose meditative grounds promote great thoughts.
Inside: A treasure trove of inspiration, starting with Mark Rothko and his theme of mortality and transcendence.
When I was in Houston (what, three weeks ago?) I visited The Rothko Chapel. I did not write about that experience because I was not moved the way some folks are.
But here at Nelson-Atkins, in a large room that also displays Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, I am energized.
Onward to Any Warhol, who painted Campbells Soup cans because that’s what he lived on for over 20 years.
And this…
Always Drink II by Walter Dahn.
Jack Stack for lunch, a feast of flavors: BBQ shrimp, cheesy potatoes and Hickory Pit Beans.
And after resting up for the long haul across Kansas tomorrow, it’s back to J.J.’s for ambience, a dry martini (Sipsmith gin, cheese-stuffed olives) and light bites.
A special shout-out to Casey, a server/bartender extraordinaire (and apparently a great singer). And the kind of spiritual dynamo whose company one welcomes while on the road.
Later, Zoomed into a Santa Barbara book club to participate in a lively discussion about one of my road novels…