A taste of France in Westport, the Mission Taco’s Pride special and an outdoor spicy Thai noodle classic

Ça Va à Westport brings French-inspired luxury to the Underground

Although everyone prefers to frolic through European streets, vineyards and Bridgerton-like courtyards in real time, this Westport champagne bar will offer French fare without the expensive airfare.

Ça Va is a bubble-obsessed, French-inspired wine bar with a roster of stacked, worldly bottles from France, South Africa, Missouri, and more. They believe in “champagne for the people” and their happy hour reflects that with fairly priced sips and bites.

From 4pm to 6pm, enjoy a selection of savory snacks including cheese (sliced ​​cheese with fennel crackers and candied fruit), marinated olives or bread service with roasted garlic butter and Ibis country bread .

All of the above for less than $7? I can’t beat that. But I would also recommend venturing into their regular offerings for their crusted Brie. This dish is the epitome of all things delicious: flaky puff pastry and warm, gooey brie smothered in strawberry jam. There is also a good scattering of Marcona almonds for a bit of crunch.

When it comes to bubbles, the wine bar keeps things simple. Choose between a $6 glass of prosecco or go for the Cappelletti spritz for $7. The latter will delight all Aperol lovers, retaining the same orange hue and garnished with a lemon zest.

Ça Va is located at 149 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Mission Taco Joint’s Pride Month hot dog inspired taco. // Courtesy of Cara Gallagher

Mission Taco Launches Pride Month Special

Is a hot dog a sandwich? The world may never know. But Mission Taco Joint thinks a hot dog can inspire a taco.

The taco shop is collaborating with St. Louis-based Steve’s Hot Dogs for a Pride Month special called “Hot Dog Taco.” It features a soft flour tortilla stuffed with hot dog, spiced, beer-braised pork, hibiscus-marinated onions, cilantro, Mission Taco’s signature queso, and fried jalapeños.

All seven Mission locations statewide will feature the taco, and a portion of KC Subway sales will go to Pride Haven, an emergency shelter for transition-aged LGBTQIA+ youth facing homelessness. The 20-bed facility provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth can work with case managers to achieve their goals.

The taco hot dog will be available now through June 30.

Mission Taco Joint has two locations in Kansas City, one in Crossroads and one in South Plaza. Both locations are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Chicken Pad Thai from Baramee Thai Bistro. // Photo by Liz Goodwin

Revisit a classic at Baramee Thai Bistro

Everyone needs a place to go – some “old staunch” food if you will. If Baramee Thai Bistro isn’t on your favorites list, then you’re missing out.

This Crossroads Thai joint is perfect for a quick, casual bite between meetings or after a long day. It offers many comforting classics, including their ever-popular Panang Curry, crab rangoons and fluffy spring rolls to keep it light on hot days.

My go-to is always pad thai, although stir-fried cashew thai is very close.

I have to estimate that Baramee produces hundreds of noodle dish orders a week, and there’s a reason everyone loves it. Tamarind and finely ground peanuts give it a zesty, nutty flavor profile, and if you order it with chicken, it’s thinly sliced ​​and very tender.

If you’re craving black sauce noodles, Pad See Eawe is also a mainstay here. You will definitely see more than a few orders decorating table tops throughout the space.

They also have many Thai cocktails on the menu, such as a mango margarita or the Massamanhattan made with palm sugar and massaman curry simple syrup, Four Roses Yellow Label bourbon, sweet vermouth and a Thai cherry. Restaurant staff recommend it with noodle dishes, so order.

If you stop, be prepared to eat to a packed house. You may be able to snag a table when the weather is nice and the patio doors are open, giving diners inside and out the chance to enjoy their meals alfresco. Rest assured it’s worth the wait.

Baramee Thai Bistro is located at 1810 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108. It is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays.