Marisa Hamm-Malanowski
Marisa Hamm-Malanowski moved to Kansas City for college at Rockhurst University (go Hawks!) in 2005 and has never looked back. She loves the unique neighborhoods, big city food and dining, world class cultural institutions, and the extremely manageable cost of living. These days you can find her living near Parkville with her husband and toddler daughter, working in employee benefits account management on the Country Club Plaza (or lately, in her basement - thanks pandemic), exploring kid-friendly activities in the city, eating out - and taking out! - from her favorite restaurants all over town, and dabbling in writing and content creation. Find her on Instagram @marisainthemidwest!
To get to know Marisa a little better, we asked her a few questions.
If you could create your dream meal in KC, where would you get your appetizer, entrée and dessert from?
I'd start with the Salade de Chevre Chaud at Café des Amis, then go to Affäre for Käsespätzle (which was technically on their bar menu and I hope they will bring back someday!), and then wind up at Tannin for either a cheese plate or cinnamon sugar dusted beignets.
What would you do on a staycation in KC?
I'd check-in at the Intercontinental and spend the day reading a good book and having drinks by the pool; then walk down to Gram & Dun for dinner on the patio. Back to the hotel for live music in the bar, sleep in, and then a late brunch at Eggtc. or Classic Cup. If it were winter I'd do basically the same thing but stay at the Crossroads Hotel, dinner at Farina, brunch at Blvd Tavern!
Where would you tell a visiting friend or relative to go in KC?
I always want family and friends visiting KC to see that we are more than just BBQ and steaks. No offense to either, but I know they will get lots of those recommendations from other people and I don't want them to leave thinking that is all we are! I usually try to focus on areas and restaurants between Westport and the Crossroads as well as the River Market and the West Bottoms, because I know they will see the Plaza, they might see Power and Light, but I want them to really see the heart and soul of our city and all of our cool destinations between those major landmarks.
Where would you most love to live in our city?
I'd love to buy and renovate a mansion in Hyde Park, Roanoke, or Coleman Highlands. Maybe someday!
Check out Marisa’s work below!
