Opening Day
Readers of this column know I just love an opening. New store, new restaurant, new museum exhibit—I’m there! But is there anything more exhilarating and classically springtime than baseball’s opening day?
I wouldn’t know because I’d never been. Despite flagging it on my calendar every year, conflicting work plans always seem to arise. Until this year.
My friend Matt Schulte was on the final leg of his years-long Kansas City Royals career and generously had me out for the occasion. (He’s now Miami-bound to work for the World Cup, in preparation for the 2026 18-city extravaganza.)
More perfect weather could not have been possible. We arrived at Kauffman Stadium on a sunny, cloudless afternoon. In true Royal style, we were immediately whisked from our vehicle, via golf cart, straight to the VIP tent for pre-game bites and, of course, some Boulevards. Royals (and Chiefs) management, owners, and alumni were all there in their best blues, excited to kick off a new season.
Inside the stadium, a sellout crowd roared. Following a B-2 bomber flyover, Andy Reid threw the first pitch, which was received by George Brett. Clark Hunt and Mark Donovan flanked Reid with gleaming Lombardy trophies in tow.
With the game underway, I had some serious business to attend to—sampling all the new stadium food. Long gone are the days of a concession stand limited to popcorn and hot dogs. Today’s MLB stadiums are practically food emporiums (that happen to also feature baseball games). Fortunately, I was provided with a knowledgeable food sherpa—Justin Copp—to guide me on my culinary stadium journey.
We began with what I’d been most eager to try. The “Back to Blue” burger. It features an eye-popping royal-blue brioche bun seared with the Royals logo, blue cheese crumbles, bacon, lettuce, and buffalo aioli plus waffle fries. As a blue cheese and buffalo-anything lover—it absolutely hit the spot. As I was devouring, Justin gently noted that we had about ten more stops ahead of us. OK, fine.
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Here’s where I must condense and focus on favorites—though I will note I’d re-order every single item I tried. The Market Place had an incredible Hawaiian-inspired grilled teriyaki chicken on rice plate. This was a very simple dish with no visual wow factor, but it ended up being one of the options I could barely put down. It came with a watermelon, basil, and balsamic salad that had summer feels drizzled all over it. Local Buffalo State Pizza replaced a mega-chain pizza purveyor this year, and I was happy to see it. My classic pepperoni order was just as great as what I get in the Crossroads.
And what’s a trip to the ballpark without a hot dog? Admittedly, hot dogs fall in the category of things I never order, yet I somehow fell in love with the hot honey hot dog (Vienna Beef is the brand-new hot dog partner). It was topped with mozzarella, roasted red potatoes, sausage crumbles, pepperoni cups, and—you guessed it—Mike’s hot honey. Totally out of my wheelhouse, and totally worth it. Also in the hot dog family, I tried the chicken spiedini sausage sandwich at (another KC local outpost) The Italian Sausage Co. The KC-made chicken sausage is served on a hoagie with red peppers, creamy amogio and alfredo sauce, and toasted bread crumbs. It felt like the sandwich version of a birthday celebration at Garozzo’s.
Finally—saving the absolute best for last—KCQ. This spot features KC craft barbecue pit masters, allowing them to showcase all their fan favorites at The K. Chef J’s BBQ, Scott’s Kitchen, and SMOAK Craft BBQ will alternate by series throughout the 2024 season. Each pit master has their own pit right on site. This must surely be an anomaly among professional sports venues, much like our new airport is the only one in the world to proclaim that fame. And I can tell you—it matters. This isn’t barbecue that was cooked up days ago, trucked to the stadium, and reheated in a commercial kitchen. It’s every bit as good as any fine barbecue restaurant you’d visit in the city proper. I was there during Chef J’s rotation and was positively blown away. The brisket elote with smoked cheesy corn, cotija cheese, and chili lime hot sauce, topped with chopped brisket was phenomenal. And the MVP sandwich with hickory smoked chopped brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño cheddar sausage, all smattered with tangy barbecue sauce made my tight stomach nearly forget I’d just taken a trip of “around the stadium in 1,000 bites.” Helmets off to Chef J.
OK, last but not least, I couldn’t end a food tour without dessert. Back in the Diamond Club (everything else I sampled is accessible to any ticket holder), I got to try the liquid nitrogen-infused ice cream. It’s a labor-intensive process and dazzling to watch. I felt like I was back at The Bazaar by Michelin-starred José Andres, who made nitrogen dishes de rigueur. Hardly your average ballpark treat. Astonishing, I barely scratched the surface of the mind-boggling array of dining options, with so many not mentioned here.
Other new-to-the-K options I should share are the social spaces added since last year. Brew & View has a dedicated view-level section that’s general admission, and a beer is included with your ticket. Lower and closer to the field is Tavern Tables, which includes staff servers for your food and drink whims. And Lexus Complete Seats includes a luxe second-level view with an all-inclusive, dedicated concession stand.
Back at the game, I got to enjoy it on a very full stomach. Alas, the Royals did not prevail on opening day, but as I write—they’re tied with the second-most wins in the American League. Bravo!
Because baseball’s opening day is sort of like the Super Bowl, there was one more experience my friends at the Royals had in mind for me—but wasn’t possible that first day. Apparently, I’m B-list next to the likes of Andy Reid. And I’ll accept that.
So, the following week, I headed back to Kauffman Stadium. This time I invited my Royals-fan nephews along for the ride. As the game was ready to begin, I emerged from the underbelly tunnels of the K, with the Game Day Ball in hand for delivery to the pitcher’s mound. The nephews cheered as Uncle D occupied the massive CrownVision for more time than I’m likely to ever see again. It was. . .a very, very cool moment.
As the second inning kicked off, we were all invited to tour the broadcast booth where familiar announcers call all the action. With headphones, we got to listen live alongside the announcers, and we all chatted during a break. Among those announcers we had a chance to meet and spend an inning with was the legendary Denny Matthews—the voice of the Royals since the team’s 1969 inception. The nephews also got a signed copy of the game notes. They loved it, and so did I. Conveniently, this experience can be booked as an add-on to any game day ticket, online. Other incredible game-day experiences include viewing the early-bird batting practice from behind the dugout, pregame stadium tours, helping the grounds crew install bases, and watching summertime fireworks from the field during Friday games.
The Royals won in a blow-out that night, so we all got to see fireworks. It was another reminder of how swelled with civic pride one becomes when your city’s team wins big. And— sometimes even more so—when they suffer a loss. I’m unapologetically grateful for our professional sports teams and all they do—via philanthropy, sheer economics, and morale-boosting pride—to make our city enviably great. As long as I live, I’ll remember 2015—bizarrely having Eric Hosmer as a neighbor and raising a banner high on Grand Street, as the World Series parade passed by. I am optimistically confident that more championship parades are in our future. Call it a red dynasty, a Sporting spectacular, a pioneering Current, or just—Royal.
Overheard: “It’s a total CFA [cry for attention].”
Fun on the Farm
A year ago, I was tiptoeing through the tulip fields outside Amsterdam, having the grandest time. If you had told me that, next year, I’d be doing the same just miles from home, I’d have laughed.
Roughly 20 miles from downtown, in Kearny, Missouri, I drove a group of friends to see tulips. One and a half million tulips, to be specific. The Fun Farm is primarily known for its vast pumpkin patches and autumn activities, so how smart of them to diversify their offerings across other seasons. The tulip fields encompass 12 acres and include more than 40 varieties. There’s a large Dutch-style windmill and endless photo ops. We certainly achieved our step quota as we meandered through the fields on what was a lovely spring day.
What struck me—beyond the incredible tulips—was the activities abundance on this 300-acre farm. In addition to snapping photos, we hiked a hill and raced down its slide on gunny sacks. I won. We got very into the rope ‘n’ ride area where you can mount a faux horse and try your hand at lassoing a nearby hay bale “cow.” Though I kept improving, I was still never able to catch him by the horns—despite pleading with my friends to allow me “just one more try.” I believe that with some proper instruction and pro tips, I could excel at lassoing—so long as I stick with imaginary (and stationary) horses and cows. Next time.
We also shot basketball hoops in the vast carnival-like barnyard game zone. I lost (not horribly!) but was also competing against a former basketball player. Despite being at the Fun Farm for hours, there was quite a lot we didn’t get to, including: the train, massive trampolines, petting zoo, apple cannons, treehouses, tire swings, and gemstone mining. This place is perfect for letting kids roam free. Our final stop was the country store, where we stocked up on jams, canned preserves, and ready-to-bake pies—all made on the farm, from farm produce.
Beyond tulips and pumpkins, The Fun Farm is also known for its Berry Festival, where you can pick strawberries from the vine. We could see the berries just beginning to form. The dates are TBA (dictated by the strawberry crop), but it’s typically around Memorial Day. Following berries, is the popular Apple-Picking Festival (approximately late August to early September). So, if you missed the tulips (they’ll be back next year!) there are berries, apples, and pumpkins all on the way.
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J’adore!
When I learned that my friends Zach & Cecil Keyes were not only moving back to KC from Chicago, but also purchasing J’Adore Home & Garden from (retiring) owners Allan Stever & Michael Richardson—I was thrilled. I was also delighted to be invited to their official opening—a springtime soirée with bites and bubbles.
The charming Brookside home shop is chock-a-block full of giftables for oneself or someone you adore. The store is brimming with home décor, indoor plants and florals, kitchen accessories, and lots for the entertainer. More than just small treasures, J’adore has plenty of serious hard-good options, including lamps, furniture, and area rugs. In fact, most of the upholstered furniture and rugs are available in custom varieties. A new design center provides ample space for playing with fabric samples and wall covering options from venerable purveyors like Schumacher and Thibault. Drop in for a gift and give your living room a full makeover!
While sipping on my rosé, a cobalt-blue lacquered bamboo bar cart caught my eye. Likewise for the verdant green-velvet sofa and several attractive table and floor lamps. I picked up some host gifts for an upcoming dinner party, cocktail napkins by my all-time favorite, Caspari, as well as some fresh candles from Pickwick & Co. that matched my springy mood. Drop in and give the new owners a shout!
Spotted: Lon Lane, Linda Hall, Sarah Rasmussen, Nancy Brainard, Madison Hyatt, Emma McCalmont, Patty & Jerry Jensen, Marianne Callahan, Kiva Gates, Kelly Gardner, Jeff Wagner
Overheard: “She literally has meatballs for brains.”
So, KC—where do you want to go? XO
email: dlair@inkansascity.com | Instagram: @damianlair #OurManINKC