Exciting Developments in the Kansas City Food and Drink Scene

The recent accomplishments of two local breweries at the Great American Beer Festival have generated significant attention in the Kansas City food and drink community. Pathlight Brewing and Cinder Block Brewery both received accolades at this esteemed event, known as the largest beer competition in America. With over 2,000 breweries from all 50 states submitting 9,298 beers across 99 categories, the competition was fierce. Pathlight Brewing was honoured with a bronze medal in the “Herb and Spice Beer” category for their Kha Point brew, while Cinder Block Brewery claimed a silver medal in the “Other Hoppy Lager” category for their Juicy Pils.

Following their successes at the festival, both breweries are eager to share their award-winning brews with the Kansas City community. Cinder Block Brewery has made their silver medal-winning Juicy Pils available in their taproom and in six-packs. Meanwhile, Pathlight Brewing enthusiasts can now savour the Kha Point brew, a Thai Rice lager, at their Shawnee-based brewery.

In other notable news, a prestigious wagyu meat market has recently opened in Overland Park. Booth Creek Wagyu, a renowned wagyu beef producer based in the Flint Hills, has expanded its offerings with the launch of a second meat market in the Kansas City metro area. This new 1,400-square-foot store, situated in the Deer Creek Woods shopping centre, provides a wide array of high-quality wagyu beef products, including steaks, hot dogs, burger patties, ground beef, roasts, and various snacks. Furthermore, Booth Creek offers nationwide shipping for those unable to visit the store in person.

Booth Creek Founder and CEO Dave Dreiling expressed enthusiasm about bringing wagyu beef to the Overland Park community, emphasising the exceptional taste and health benefits of wagyu compared to traditional commercial beef. Wagyu, originally from Japan, is celebrated for its marbling, resulting in incredibly tender and flavourful meat. Its popularity has significantly increased since its arrival in the US in the late 1970s, with numerous American wagyu varieties now available.

The Kansas City Power and Light District is also preparing to welcome two health-conscious restaurants in 2024. HomeGrown and Modern Market Eatery, both part of the Thrive Restaurant Group, will open new locations in the district and are poised to offer a diverse range of ethically sourced dishes. HomeGrown, known for its breakfast and brunch offerings, will occupy the former Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, while Modern Market Eatery will be located on Main Street. Both establishments are expected to provide a fresh and health-conscious dining experience to the area, catering to the growing residential population and the millions of guests who visit the district annually.

The recent developments in the Kansas City food and drink scene are certainly cause for anticipation, highlighting the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. Whether it’s the enjoyment of award-winning craft beers, indulging in premium wagyu beef, or sampling exciting new dining spots, there are certainly a plethora of options to satisfy every palate in Kansas City.