Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
Home of the One and Only Kansas City #BBQBible!
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Devan’s (Double) Dozen: BBQ Edition, Part I
After a year that took me to nearly every barbeque restaurant, joint, stand, pop-up, and concept in the Kansas City metro, a lot of readers were left asking the one question I had failed to answer, “Which is best?” Here in Kansas City, talking about barbeque is as common as discussing the weather or the local sports team, but far more precarious. The BBQ joint one person swears by will be the one another swears they won’t visit again. That didn’t stop me from weighing in with the first-ever double edition of Devan’s Dozen. This part contains a countdown from #24 to #13!
FCS: BBQ Sides
Oftentimes, my recommendation on what BBQ joint a person should try is simply based on the question of “What do you like?” While that typically is all about the meats, the fact is that the side dishes are just as much a part of the barbeque experience. Typically, BBQ restaurants aren’t judged on everything else but as a follow up to my meat rankings, I decided to rank, well, everything else that can be found at KC BBQ joints.
Bar-V-Que
Barbeque is a community food. It is best when shared with others. And yet? Not every member of every community eats meat. Year after year, vegetarianism becomes more popular in the United States. And whether it’s a lifestyle, or just for a meal, more and Kansas City pitmasters are flexing their creative muscles to serve up Kansas City flavors that are inclusive to a much wider audience. These are some of the best places to enjoy bar-v-que in the city.
Devan’s Dozen: Burnt Ends Edition
While it is unclear exactly how long the beef burnt end has been a part of Kansas City’s barbeque tradition, they have been our national calling card for over half a century. These delightful chunks of meat candy are often replicated in other regions but have no doubt, they were created and popularized here. In honor of National Burnt End Day, I talked about my own love affair with burnt ends and ranked my Top 12, make that 13, places to find them in KC.
Devan’s Dozen: BBQ Sandwiches Edition
I have ranked the BBQ joints and their sauces but now I tread into new territory - the specialty sandwich! It is hard to believe but 25 years ago, the BBQ specialty sandwich was largely unheard of but due to the creation of the Z-Man and its popularity, nearly every restaurant has at least one specialty handheld they are known for. These are my Top 12 in the city.
KCRW 2023: A Preview
Every January, for 10 glorious days, the Kansas City restaurant community bands together to offer “affordable, adventurous dining” for all. As an added caveat, a portion of all proceeds always are donated to a worthwhile local cause. With the KC Restaurant Week menus starting to be released and so many options, here’s a few recommendations. Last year, I did a review of KCRW. This year, I offer a preview.
FCS: Best of 2022
Every year brings its own path of discovery. 2022 was not only a big year for Kansas City but for me and my own attempts to be more of a tourist in my own city. Of all the new places and things I tried this year, these were my favorites. And so once again, I bring you my end of the year Fountain City Superlatives.
Devan’s Dozen: Fried Chicken Edition
When I was a kid, fried chicken was a special treat. It wasn’t that fried chicken was reserved for special occasions. Instead, it was that fried chicken made any meal a special one. A friend asking me the question a couple years ago of, “What’s the best fried chicken in KC?” spawned a very intentional quest to answer that question. So here are my Top 12 Fried Chicken Spots in KC. If you’re expecting Stroud’s or Go Chicken Go, you won’t find that here.
Mr. Monopoly Goes To Kansas City
Last Monday, it was announced that Hasbro would be releasing an official Kansas City edition of the popular Monopoly boardgame later this fall. With the company taking suggestions from Kansas Citians, I decided to design my own gameboard. And let me tell you, with so many great neighborhoods and landmarks (and so few spaces!), it was much tougher than I could have imagined.