Open Belly: A Treasure Trove of Good Eats & Great Stories
Prepare to hop in the car & turn on your GPS– what better incentive is there to explore than a hungry tummy?
Design by Grace Cantril
Open Belly is going strong with its recently released second season centered on NYC– but for those of us in Kansas City, home of Season 1, this locally produced podcast hailing immigrant chefs from all over the world is a treasure trove of stories and flavor. So we present to you: the Open Belly treasure map, a guide to each of the restaurants featured in the podcast, along with a delish dish you must try.
With open bellies and open hearts, we’re ready to embrace Open Belly’s mission statement:
To break us all out of our comfort zones while exploring new foods
To share the stories of immigrant chefs in our community
To encourage us all to get to know our neighbors
To use food as a way to unite our community
To understand the world from other perspectives than our own
So without further ado, first stop:
Anita’s Cuisine | 5816 Merriam Drive
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
What to order:
Chilaquiles Platter- chilaquiles, refried beans, two eggs and choice of chorizo, ham, bacon or sausage
Why we love it:
Spices like cumin and sesame add a depth of flavor in Salvadoran food that is all at once savory and spicy. Add that to the fact that you feel like family once you walk in the door- and this might just be your new favorite spot.
Antojitos del Peru | 7809 Quivira Road
Photo by Chris Dolt
What to order:
Jalea del Mariscos- breaded and fried mixed seafood, served with fried yucca, salsa creole, choclo (corn on the cob) and cancha (fried corn)
Why we love it:
Experiencing authentically prepared Peruvian seafood dishes in the heart of the midwest is a treat enough on its own, but knowing the lengths owner Norma Palomino had to go through to bring this food here– crossing borders in Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, all of Central America and surviving the desert for three days once she reached the United States– makes you appreciate it that much more.
Desta's Ethiopian Cuisine | 13475 Switzer Road
Photo by Chris Dolt
What to eat:
Tibs- lamb, beef, fish, or chicken sautéed with red onions, garlic, jalapeno, tomato, herbs and spices. Served with injera, house salad, and a side.
Why we love it:
Desta’s transports you to the slower pace of life in Ethiopia. Tableside coffee roasting ceremonies and shared platters bring you into the moment with your dining companions– a lesson in presence we can all enjoy.
Fannie's African Cuisine | 4105 Troost Ave
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
What to eat:
Jollof Rice- fried rice with tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, vegetables, and beef, chicken, or fish. Served with plantains.
Why we love it:
Fannie Gibson missed the West African cuisine of her childhood, so she brought it to Kansas City- and people flocked to her cooking en mass (35,000 Instagram followers, to be exact!) Her hard work shines through in the food, and her passion for imparting “togetherness” to her customers will leave you smiling.
KC Pinoy | 1623 Gennessee St
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
What to eat:
Sisig- sizzling pork ears, cheeks, and shoulder in soy-calamansi sauce, topped with an egg. Served with garlic rice.
Why we love it:
This delicious spot was Caitlin Corcoran’s top pick during her Around Town interview with Food Editor Grace Pritchett, so you know it’s excellent– and adventurous. Owner Chrissy Nucum dares you to try the scariest thing on the menu– keep an open mind and “just try it.” Challenge accepted.
Pirate's Bone Burgers | 2000 Main St
Photo by Anna Petrow
What to eat:
Black bean burger- charcoal slider bun, grilled black bean and carrot patty, super greens, guacamole, jalapeños, sesame seeds
Why we love it:
This community minded spot is the first vegan diner in KC, and everything is under $5, making it an accessible and delicious way to introduce more plant-based foods into your diet, a goal owner Zaid Consuegra Sauza hopes will help change habits. Plus, you can grab a paleta for dessert!
Queen Sweets & Bakery | 4107 N Cherry St
Photo by Chris Dolt
What to eat:
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich- sliced chicken shawarma wrapped and grilled in flat bread with garlic aioli, tomatoes and onions. Served with fries
Why we love it:
The Bataineh family tells us that much like America is the melting pot of the world, Jordan is the melting pot of the Middle East- and luckily for us, we get the best of the family recipes at the bakery, which now serves savory Jordanian dishes thanks to customer demand. Be sure to get a baklava for dessert- the secret recipe is legendary.
Sohaila's Kitchen | 8750 Penrose Ln, Lenexa
Photo by Chris Dolt
What to eat:
Chicken Biryani- basmati rice flavored with exotic spices like saffron and layered in a thick gravy with chicken. Served with our signature Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (Raitah).
Why we love it:
Sohaila’s Kitchen is a true family affair- mom, dad, brother and sisters all play a part in preparing delicious Pakistani dishes. They want to show people that they’re an average American family with an American dream– and they’re using that dream and the gift of cooking to connect with customers one by one.
Sura Eats | 1707 Locust St
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
What to eat:
Bibimbap- rice bowl with vegetables, sunny side egg, and beef, spicy pork, or tofu
Why we love it:
Chef Keeyoung Kim loves being at Parlor, because “stepping into Parlor is like stepping into one venue with seven different cultural experiences.” We couldn’t agree more, and we love the experience he brings: Korean food prepared expertly and simply, without a full kitchen– it’s a wonder to experience his modern approach on traditional dishes.
Waldo Thai | 8431 Wornall Road
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
What to eat:
Khao Tod Nam Sod- crispy rice, cured pork sausage, scallion, red onion, cilantro, peanuts, dried chili, lettuce
Why we love it:
Thai food from the Bangkok region is known and loved all over the nation- but owner and chef Pam Liberda is letting dishes from the Northern region shine. And it’s a been a hit- the wildly popular Waldo Thai serves up dishes inspired by what she eats at home, and customers can’t get enough. Paired with Asian-inspired cocktails, it is the perfect date night out.
