Billie’s Grocery: Inspiration for a Lifestyle
Take a trip to Midtown’s Billie’s Grocery for nutritious eats that taste as good as they look.
All photos by Anna Petrow
It’s hard to believe that there ever was a day where I would actually drive through a McDonald’s or Burger King. It took me a long time to finally look at foods as fuel for my body, and to become much more aware of what I was feeding it.
It seems as though more and more people are catching on to a healthier way of eating here in the Midwest, or simply have to because certain foods are creating health struggles. Labels like “gluten, grain, dairy, and soy-free” and “organic, grass-fed, and wild caught” have become common to many households. For myself, in particular, it has become about eating whole, clean foods, as often as I can. I only get this one body, and I’d like to keep it around as long as I can.
Not far from Hyde Park, tucked away in a tiny piece of Kansas City history called the Nelle Peters building (a female architect in Kansas City in the 1920s) is an inspirational little food destination that will have your head swimming with words like grass-fed, gluten-free, organic, and wild-caught. Sounds pretty boring, huh? Not even close! Billie’s Grocery does all of those, and more, in the most beautiful, and inspirational way.
Breakfast can be anything from a bacon & banana-gluten free waffle, to a salmon bowl with wild greens. I mean, it’s all about balance. Speaking of, I picked up one of Billie’s popular gluten-free sugar cookies to take home to my boyfriend. I broke off a small piece in the car to taste, then just one more small bite...then, well…it didn’t make it home. Shhhh.
Lunch options range from a sauteed Caesar salad (which I hear is a crowd fave), to a gluten-free fried chicken sandwich. Billie’s is one of those places that has “something for everyone,” as their website claims. You can’t skip the bakery when you go either, even if it’s just to look at the assortment of cakes, cookies, brownies, and bars. That sugar cookie was the best I’ve ever had.
The food isn’t the only thing that’s inspiring at Billie’s. The bright white walls, towering greenery, and walls of arched windows seem to lift your spirit when you walk in the doors. The eclectic corner with fresh flowers and goodies to purchase will peak your curiosity. I’ve spent some time just sitting at a table, working on my laptop, sipping on a golden milk latte, and my workload just seemed lighter. You don’t have to sit and stay, though. You can order at the counter to-go for those busier days.
Either way you go, you’ll leave Billie’s feeling inspired to care for your body, and to get back there for more.
3216 Gillham Plaza
Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64109
