Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
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FCS: Best of 2023
For me, this edition of Fountain City Superlatives is always special as I get a chance to recap the year that I had. However, after a year of focusing on almost-exclusively barbeque, I worried that I may not have much more to give. Thankfully, that was not the case. This breaks down the best new things I tried in Kansas City in 2023. Some of the categories you know and love are missing. Some others are brand new. But here lies a, mostly, non-barbeque recap of my year.
FCS: The Meats
“With great palate comes great responsibility.” Perhaps that was not the line exactly as Ben Parker famously delivered it, but does it not hold true? Oftentimes, my recommendation on what BBQ joint a person should try is simply based on the question of “What do you like?” With that in mind, after a year that took me to every BBQ joint worth visiting, this column names the best BBQ joints in the metro, based on the cuts of meat where each spot excels.
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.
Fit For a King
Tomorrow is a big moment for Kansas City. We are opening an entirely new airport that firmly thrusts this city into the 21st century. By any measure, it seems tired that a brand new airport would keep the boring name of the old one. Especially, when we have an opportunity to name it for an oft-overlooked artisan who is responsible for putting Kansas City on the map.
Party in the Pit
I have long championed Kansas City’s world-class barbeque scene that makes this city the global capital of smoked meats. Getting the opportunity to attend the inaugural Party in the Pit, which featured 18 local pitmasters, reminded me that what makes this city the World Capital of BBQ goes beyond the restaurants and the offerings, it’s all about the people who are so committed to contributing to this rich history.
Devan’s Dozen: Heartland Edition
Similar to the worldwide sensation, the Cow Parade, that came to our city 20 years ago, the Parade of Hearts is a public art installation of 154 fiberglass “KC hearts” by 123 local artists spread throughout the Metro until the end of May. If you don’t have time to see all 154, no worries! These are the 12 you must be sure to visit!
KCRW 2022 In Review
Every year, Kansas City Restaurant Week (KCRW) creates a golden opportunity for Kansas Citians to try new restaurants and visit familiar favorites and get unbelievable deals on multi-course meals. As a #FountainCityFoodie, KCRW has long been a vehicle for me to try new restaurants or to eat at places that may be otherwise out of my budget. This year, I took advantage of the incredible specials that are the $15 lunches and these were my experiences.
Devan’s Dozen: BBQ Edition
More than political party, sports team, or religion; your barbeque of choice will define you in this town. While that kind of pressure can be quite daunting, this edition of Devan’s Dozen explores the 12 best BBQ joints in the World Capital of ‘Que.
New Kid on the Block
This past summer, I was bombarded with messages from friends that there was a new spot I had to try. Apparently, the word is out that I enjoy Kansas City BBQ. Last Friday, I finally had a chance to drop into Chef J BBQ and see why this pandemic pop-up turned West Bottoms mainstay has generated such buzz in a time when fewer people than ever are dining out.