Danya’s Favorite (KC Local) Things
I’m mixing up my Danya’s Favorite Things a bit this year. None of us has been immune to the supply chain issues of 2021. I remember not being able to buy Siggi’s Yogurt once and melting down in the refrigerated foods section of Hen House. (Probably because it was a full moon and I was about to start my period. I am basically a werewolf these days). One of the ways I am trying to make this holiday season a little less of a tire fire is by shopping inside my favorite stores or giving experiences from places unique to the Kansas City area. We are a metropolitan area flush with cool shops and artisans, as well as major retailers who have stocked shelves. So this is a list of My Favorite Things ready for purchase or experience in my hometown. Click the pink hyperlink to view the webpage of each vendor. And share your own favorites! I need ideas, too!
Family Tree Nursery, Wildflower Seed Mix - $14.95
The aging-hipster vibe is intense at Family Tree Nursery, but we have been shopping this hometown gem since waaay before all the Instagram #PlantMoms. In the early pandemic days of April 2020, I bought a huge curbside order here for all my Emotional Support Plants. Included in this order was this mixture of pollinator flower seeds. It is the easiest and most cost efficient way I have found to fill up my little patch for our beloved pollinator friends. The flowers shoot up quickly so you get that instant gratification of garden success. Plus it is just straight fun.
Guy’s “Joe’s KC French Fry Seasoning” Potato Chips, Local Grocer - $2.99
This is a new favorite of mine. While a bit on the salty side, these light and airy chips pair perfectly with a cheap red wine or a tuna sandwich. Full disclosure: I have never had the fries at Joe’s KC. I know, I know, I know. How can you be from KC and not be obsessed with Joe’s? It’s probably because it is at nearly every catered event I attend. And while I enjoy it occasionally, I am not a person who regularly craves BBQ. So these instances are enough to scratch that itch for me, meaning I never need to dine there. But these chips are insatiable enough to make me consider it.
Ritual Beauty KC, Sacred Ritual Facial - $140
I have had a few facials here with Julie, the esthetician and proprietor of this dreamy space. My skin is super sensitive and tricky for me to figure out, even after 40 years. But Julie customizes products to each client and wants to hear your needs for skincare rather than try to sell you product. I went here for the Sacred Ritual Facial on a day when I was super stressed and feeling anxious. But in the hands of Julie I was putty and after only 30 minutes I woke up from the sound of my own snoring. That’s how good she is. Oh, and she used this Gua Sha stone that I want to carry with me in my pocket and bring out whenever I need to calm down.
Hoopla Nail Studio, Hoopla Pedi - $42
I’ve been gettin’ my nails did here for years. Everywhere else just pisses me off. I was first attracted to this shop by their cool aesthetic and approach to “clean” nail care. I saw Paula Abdul testify before Congress once about this heinous infection she got from a nail salon that used contaminated tools. She had a cast and everything! I was NOT going to be a victim of what she was describing. So Hoopla never uses those icky jetted tubs that get clogged with the grated off dead skin of the people before you. Instead they focus on non-toxic nail care and quality massages. Hoopla has its own line of polish so you can avoid the standard OPI hues.
Raygun, Cool T-Shirts - $24.95
I walk in here and just start laughing. Like, need-to-hobble-into-a-bathroom-stall kind of laughter. If you are easily offended, don’t bother going in. But if you need to immerse yourself in the subculture of the Midwest, this is your jam. Tons of product you won’t find anywhere else and will be a sure-fire hit for even your pickiest friends. Think a classier, locally focused Spencer Gifts.
The Pantry KC, Cruffin - $4.95
I almost don’t want to post this because I don’t want my favorite local spot to get found out. But the world shouldn’t be deprived of the metro's best pastry. Dee Patel serves the flakiest croissant I’ve ever tasted. She has used this magic to create a “cruffin,” part croissant, part muffin, and fully delectable. I woke up one morning with a craving for this triumph in pastry and I knew if I didn’t have it, I should just go back to bed because what is the point of life? I ate it with such fervor in the car that I had to vacuum out the front seat from the crumb factor. Set in an unassuming strip mall in Lenexa, Patel elevates even the simplest desserts to expert level. She’s even been on the Food Network. That is her level of legitness.
Cellar Rat, Wine Club - $29.99/month
I don’t have a great wine palette. For as much as I drink, one would think I can sniff out the best of the barrel. Nope. Luckily, Cellar Rat does that for me. I’ve been a member of the wine club here for about a year. Each month I stop by for a white and red handpicked by the owner of this Crossroads haunt. There is usually a featured region and I recently had a duo devoted to Greek wines that made me want to smash dinner plates on the floor. While the wine is that star of the show here, they do offer whiskey tasting and have a solid beer selection as well.
Ruby Jean’s Juicery, Cold-Pressed Juice - $7.50
Nothing makes me feel lighter and like a quasi health aficionado than this cold-pressed juicery. I relied on these nutrient-packed juices after I had surgery and couldn’t eat much for a few days. I’m trying to get brave enough to do the 3-day cleanse they offer, but I’m worried I will freak out on Day 2 and end up stuffing mini marshmallows in my mouth as fast as I can when I get hungry. They also offer the best protein balls I’ve ever had - I recommend the vanilla flavored!
No Vacancy KC, Overnight Stay - $250
My husband and I spent a rainy weekend here over my birthday last year. It was new-ish then, but I have since seen pics of it popping up all over my Instagram feed because it is oh-so photogenic. This boutique hotel boasts exquisitely decorated rooms, as well as a gathering space with a kitchen and plenty of space to lounge. We listened to records (this place had a serious vinyl collection) and played with the Tarot cards. It’s walking distance to two of our favorite restaurants, Affare and Corvino, so we parked never had to drive the rest of our stay.
