CLICK HERE for KC's famous #BBQBible!
CLICK HERE for KC's famous #BBQBible!
FLYOVER
COUNTRY
IS A MYTH
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Devan’s Dozen: (Pork) Ribs Edition
When it comes to barbeque, I consider few meats more luxurious than a properly smoked pork rib. Given the wide range of ribs present in KC, from the truly great to the utterly inedible, I decided to rank the 12 best slabs of ribs in the city. But first, I laid out my own 4 C’s as it relates to ribs for explaining what one should look for in a truly great rib. After all, every single great rib has one key characteristic in common.
A Year at the Theater
Intrigued by the amazing line-up that was coming to town, I decided to pull the trigger on PNC Broadway tickets this year. The chance to catch eight shows at The Music Hall and the Kauffman Performing Arts Center was one that I had to take advantage of - especially given the chance to add-on Hamilton and Les Miserables. More than anything, each show brought with it the opportunity to have a standing date, downtown, with local dinner and drinks prior in a city where that’s not possible for sports.
Devan’s (Half) Dozen: Ted Lasso Edition
Last week, millions around the world said a bittersweet farewell to Ted Lasso and Premier League club AFC Richmond. Here in Kansas City, the finale hit especially hard as over the past three years, Ted became one of this city’s favorite sons. Given the love that Lasso always showed to his hometown, this edition of Devan’s (Half) Dozen ranks the best Kansas City / Kansas references from the show’s run.
The KC “BBQ Bible” (KS)
Setting out to try every single Kansas City barbeque spot, it can be easy to know where you start, but where does one finish? There’s no set checklist of every BBQ joint in the metro. There’s no order guide of what you must, and mustn’t get! That is, there wasn’t. As I recorded my own decade-long pilgrimage through the Q Capital, one friend joked this was a “BBQ Bible”. Not only did I confirm it, I got a little carried away with the concept.
Part 2 / 2 explores the 5 Kansas counties that comprise KC.
The KC “BBQ Bible” (MO)
Setting out to try every single Kansas City barbeque spot, it can be easy to know where you start, but where does one finish? There’s no set checklist of every BBQ joint in the metro. There’s no order guide of what you must, and mustn’t get! That is, there wasn’t. As I recorded my own decade-long pilgrimage through the Q Capital, one friend joked this was a “BBQ Bible”. Not only did I confirm it, I got a little carried away with the concept.
Part 1 / 2 explores the 9 Missouri counties that comprise KC.
Lucky 63
In a football-crazed town like KC, the NFL draft is always a big deal. Of course there is excitement since Kansas City is the reigning Super Bowl and AFC champs, but more than that - the NFL Draft will be in Kansas City! Brett Veach and company have a whopping 10 picks this year. In exploring those picks and the best player ever taken at each of these picks, I found a pattern that bodes well for KC in this year’s draft.
Minor Hub? Major Grub!
When I travel, it is not only important to experience the sights and sounds of a place, but also the tastes and smells. While I have asked, or been asked, the best places to dine in a certain area, I have never thought to ask, “What should I eat at the airport?” and nobody has ever asked me. Now, that’s changing. There’s been much to-do about our glittering new airport but the part of the story that’s been missed - the Northland now has a gigantic food hall. All the options can be overwhelming so these are my top picks.
Devan’s Dozen: Part 2 Hearts
After the overwhelming success of the Parade of Hearts in 2022, it was announced that the public art installation would return in 2023 and 2024. Initially, the hearts will be rather concentrated for the NFL Draft but then will be relocated to spots all across the city. Having had the opportunity to see them all in one place last weekend, I decided that, once again, I would rank the 12 you should prioritize. That said, with only 40, it should be much easier to get out and see them all.
Destination Q
As a self-designated rib snob, I am quite particular about my pork ribs. I hold very specific standards for the texture, taste, temperature, moisture, and even the cut! Then, I made a long overdue trip to a barbeque joint on the outer edges of the metro. One bite into a slab of ribs that did not fit my usual preferences immediately changed everything that I thought I knew. These most unlikely ribs were some of the best I have ever had! In the same way that a book should never be judged by its cover, I will never again make the mistake of judging a rib by its cut - without at least taking a bite.