by Paul Donnelly, On-Site Liaison, 2016 | Feb 28, 2016 | Featured, Kansas City
If you’re staying downtown or at any of the conference hotels, the Power and Light district provides convenient places to eat, drink, and connect with friends due to its close proximity. Only a couple of blocks from the convention center, this district offers a WIDE variety of retail & restaurants. Although some of the restaurants are national or regional chains, the offerings here represent a variety of ethnicities and styles of food and many are roomy enough for large parties of people. Cosentino’s Market is right on the edge of Power & Light. If you missed our earlier blog about the magnificence of the market, check that out here. 
Johnny’s Tavern, which is a small regional chain that began in Lawrence, KS, is always a great place for an incredible “world famous” burger, or wings. And while Johnny’s also has delicious Pizza, it’s hard to compete with the an actual Pizza Bar, which is a Kansas City original. Take a few friends and share a few ‘zas, because with the wide variety of options, it would be hard to pick just one! Looking for a healthier option? Locally owned and operated, the Mixx offers the freshest ingredients and a variety of creative concoctions in the form of its homemade salads, soups and sandwiches. 
The Mixx serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also features seasonal grab-and-go meals and advance ordering options, which are ideal for conference attendees! On the other hand, if you want to treat yourself, try the family owned and operated, Mema’s Bakery. If you’ve never had Povitica, definitely don’t have theirs. It will spoil you for the rest of your life. Power and Light is also one of the biggest hotspots for night life. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and often live music. You can Howl at the Moon at a trendy dueling piano bar, or feel a little devilish at Angel’s Rock Bar, or be independent and do your own thing at the 
Indie Bar, which, although it’s designed to be a pre-show-at-the-midland drink or post-show nightcap spot, is too hip & chill to skip. Wherever you chose to get your groove on, know that bars in KC close at 3am. Check out Dine-Drink-Play for a list of more places to eat, shop, and drink in the nearby Power and Light District.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, The Plaza is Kansas City’s upscale central district for shopping and dining and is a short drive from the exhibitions located at the Nelson Atkins, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City Art Institute and UMKC. It’s Spanish architecture is covered with vast amounts of tile work and is surrounded with fountains. There are many chain clothing stores there including H&M, Banana Republic, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters to name a few. You can also catch a movie at the Cinemark Palace at the Plaza for an evening break from shopping. If you’re in the mood for some family size portioned Italian eats, head to Buca di Beppo. Their maze-like restuarant could keep anyone entertained, as the walls are covered with hilarious decorations (just be sure to ask where the bathroom is before you go looking for it). From just spaghetti to Chicken Parmesan, their food is exceptional. Here are a few more of the many choices the Country Club Plaza has to offer:
Buca di Beppo
310 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
Chuy`s
209 W. 46th Terrace Kansas City, MO 64112
Tomfooleries Restaurant and Bar (Breakfast Buffet)
612 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
Scooter’s Coffee and Yogurt
446 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
P.F. Chang`s
102 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
4725 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64112
Zoes Kitchen
100 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112
The Cheesecake Factory
4701 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 64112
Cold Stone Creamery
114 West 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112
Bo Lings
4701 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
222 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112
by Anthony Merino | Feb 27, 2016 | 2016 Exhibitions, Featured, Kansas City
Ceramics is more than just a few hundred famous artists or those who teach it in the US. Ceramics are independent artists—successful and struggling; Instructors and students; young and old; working in many disciplines. Ceramic artists use an infinite number of fabrication, firing and finishing methods. For this momentous conference, I teamed up with celebrated artist and dedicated instructor, Alex Kraft to put together 50 Women: A Celebration of Women’s Contribution to Ceramics. Artists representing 13 countries make up the roster.
This exhibition will be featured on the NCECA Bus Tour North Route.
Ms. Kraft articulates the intent of the exhibition by stating:
Our exhibition provides a new model of engagement reaching far beyond individuals in the field of ceramics, arts and crafts.
This is definitely the case. Alex and I started with an exhibition idea and ended with an event with global impact. From having feminist icon Gloria Steinem tweet about the exhibition to creating a Facebook page with over 6,500 likes internationally, we continue to work to expand the audience for ceramics.
Kansas City’s beautiful and iconic American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine hosts this spectacular tour de force of women in ceramics.
Here’s an appetizer for you:
If this makes you hungry for more, buy your bus ticket now, and if you’re hungry in general, be sure to also check out some of these great places to eat in the neighborhood.
by Paul Donnelly, On-Site Liaison, 2016 | Feb 21, 2016 | Featured, Kansas City
Beignet’s
Nguyen Pho and Grill
500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 569-2262
Pho KC
315 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 471-2224
Vietnam Cafe
522 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 472-4888
The Farmhouse
300 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 569-6032
Minsky’s Pizza
427 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 421-1122
Beignet’s
307 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816)472-0777
Habashi House
309 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 421-0414
Bo Ling’s
20 E 5th St # 100, Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 423-8036
Hien Vuong Restaurant
417 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 842-1020
Kansas City’s historic Jazz District is remembered by its blues, barbecue, and baseball. There you can find the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum, and the Mutual Musicians Foundation. Kansas City native, Charlie Parker transformed the Kansas City music scene in the twentieth century with fast tempo and improvisation to form a Jazz style called Bebop. Without the Kansas City Jazz District,
Gates
Grinder’s
417 E 18th St Kansas City, MO 64108 (816)-472-5454
Humdinger Drive In
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 (816) 231-1123
Gates BBQ
1221 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 (816) 483-3880
Hum Dinger Drive In
2504 E 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64124 (816) 231-0888
The Kansas City Juke House
1700 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 472-0013
Danny’s Big Easy
1601 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 421-1200
by Paul Donnelly, On-Site Liaison, 2016 | Feb 21, 2016 | Featured, Kansas City
Close to downtown, The Crossroads Arts District is known to be particularly crowded on “First Fridays” because of the numerous art galleries situated there. Many of the exhibitions for NCECA will be taking place here and it is just a short walk from the convention center. 
Several NCECA sponsored exhibitions that you will want to visit are the National Juried Student Exhibition, the Honors & Fellows Exhibition and The Emerging Artists Exhibition at the Leedy Voulkos Art Center. Also located in the west crossroads is La Esquina which will be hosting Across the Table Across the Land a HUGE NCECA 50th anniversary project curated by Michael Strand and Namita Gupta Wiggers connecting community, stories and food. Scattered between many of the other galleries are many choices of tasty eats such as
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Extra Virgin, and Jackstack. If you’re in mood for some classic American greasy fried foods, head over to Town Topic, The Brick or Grinders. The Crossroads is located just south of the convention center and will allow for a full day of taking in exhibitions and other engaging activities like the video arcade Up-Down. Looking for another restaurant in the Crossroads, check out these places to eat and drink:
Michael Smith / Extra Virgin
Michael Smith
1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Lulu`s Thai Noodle Shop
2030 Central Street Kansas City, MO 64108
The Boulevard Tavern
320 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Up-Down
101 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Ricos Taco Lupe
802 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grinders West serves Deli items but shares a menu with Grinders Pizza. The restaurant’s modern tone contrasts Grinders Pizza grittier feel.
Extra Virgin
1900 Main St.
The Brick
1727 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grinders
417 E. 18th St Kansas City, Mo
Manny’s Mexican Restuarant
207 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grunauer
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Grunauer
Nara NeoJapanese
1617 Main St Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64108
Howards
1708 Oak St (btwn E 17th & 18th St), Kansas City, MO 64108
Lideas
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
The Rieger Hotel Grill and Exchange
1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Pizzabella
1810 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
Town Topic
Jack Stack
The Brick
by Cindy Bracker, Communications Director | Feb 14, 2016 | Featured, Kansas City
Cosentino’s is just a couple blocks from the Kansas City convention center and they have just about everything you could need. From fresh fruits and veggies to other grocery needs, even alcohol and a cafeteria style restaurant, including my favourite – the Gyro counter, where they make amazing sandwiches right in front of your eyes (if you like spicy food, don’t skip the hot pepper relish sauce stuff…it’s awesome!) There’s also a whole case of decadent delicacies for those of you with a sweet tooth. It’s just a short walk straight down 13th street, and you’ll be glad you went!
10 E 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 595-0050
Open 6am-10pm daily
by Paul Donnelly, On-Site Liaison, 2016 | Feb 7, 2016 | Featured, Kansas City
Kansas City is not shy on BBQ joints but also holds its own in the Vegetarian/Vegan cuisine Category. Whichever you crave you will want to check out the following restaurants based on your interests. If you find yourself in the Crossroads exploring exhibitions and hunger strikes check out Cafe Gratitude located at 333 Southwest Blvd. Their vegetarian and vegan menu is one of the best in KC. Serving raw food, salads, wraps and beautiful desserts with gluten free options, their menu is sure to please. Impower yourself with an “I am Magical”, one of Kansas City’s best veggie burgers served with LTO, pickles, hummus and a side salad. Their business practice is modeled after the term “Sacred Commerce”. They select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth while supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. Lets just say their food is prepared with love to say the least. If you find yourself in mixed company and need restaurant options for for both vegetarian and non vegetarian parties the Mix should be the first in your list. Located at 1347 Main st in the Power and Light District, not far from the convention center, area hotels and area exhibitions, The Mix serves up some of the best salads and tasty sandwiches with gluten free options. The sheek environment is only good for lunch crowd as they are only open til 3:00 PM. If you find yourself staying in the Plaza or are visiting exhibitions near KCAI, Kemper Museum, or Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Eden Alley Vegetarian is a short drive away and also serves some of the best vegetarian food in KC with many vegan options.
The Mix located at 1347 Main
Edden Alley at 707W 47St
If the craving for piles of smoked meat appeals to your carnivorous side then you will want to stomp over to Jackstack located at 4747 Wyandotte st. just footsteps away from the Leedy Voulkos Art Center which is hosting the National Juried Student Exhibition, the Honors and Fellows exhibition, and the Emerging Artists Showcase. Their lunch specials won’t disappoint and Jackstack is a Kansas City favorite with their burnt ends, brisket, and other delicious smoked treats. The debate never ends in Kansas City as to what place serves up the best BBQ, and with so many scattered about convenience might be a deciding factor. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque is located in the 18th and Vine Jazz District, not far from the The American Jazz Museum, which is hosting “50 Women: A Celebration of Women’s Contribution to Ceramics”. Belger Crane Yard Studios and Vine Street Studio Art Gallery are also hosting multiple Concurrent Exhibitions and are located near by Arthur Bryant’s. If you are looking for a great afternoon of Art and BBQ then planning an afternoon trip to the 18th & Vine Jazz District should be on your to do list.
If you have a car and can venture out into the midtown region or over to Kansas, then Q39 or Joe’s Kansas City Barbeque are two of my favorite BBQ places in Kansas City. Joes Kansas City Barbeque, located in an old gas station is known to have a line wrapping around the building but is well worth the wait.
Joes KC at 3002 W 47th St
Jackstack at 4747 Wyandotte St and 101 W 22nd St #300
For more listings on great BBQ, Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants check out the following links .
BBQ
Jackstack
4747 Wyandotte St (816) 531-7427
101 W 22nd St #300 (816) 472-7427
Gates BBQ
1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd (816) 531-7522
3205 Main St (816) 753-0828
1221 Brooklyn Ave (816) 483-3880
Q39
1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 255-3753
Joe’s Kansas City Barbeque
3002 W 47th St, Kansas City, KS 66103 (913) 722-3366
Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 (816) 231-1123
Vegetarian/Vegan
Cafe Gratitude
333 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 474-5683
FUD
813 W 17 St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 214-5025
Eden Alley Vegetarian
707 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112 (816) 561-5415
The Mixx
4855 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112 (816) 756-2300
1347 Main St (816) 283-0300
11942 Roe Ave (913) 338-4000
Blue Bird Bistro
1700 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 221-7559
Johnny’s Tavern, which is a small regional chain that began in Lawrence, KS, is always a great place for an incredible “world famous” burger, or wings. And while Johnny’s also has delicious Pizza, it’s hard to compete with the an actual Pizza Bar, which is a Kansas City original. Take a few friends and share a few ‘zas, because with the wide variety of options, it would be hard to pick just one! Looking for a healthier option? Locally owned and operated, the Mixx offers the freshest ingredients and a variety of creative concoctions in the form of its homemade salads, soups and sandwiches. 
The Mixx serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also features seasonal grab-and-go meals and advance ordering options, which are ideal for conference attendees! On the other hand, if you want to treat yourself, try the family owned and operated, Mema’s Bakery. If you’ve never had Povitica, definitely don’t have theirs. It will spoil you for the rest of your life. Power and Light is also one of the biggest hotspots for night life. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and often live music. You can Howl at the Moon at a trendy dueling piano bar, or feel a little devilish at Angel’s Rock Bar, or be independent and do your own thing at the 
Indie Bar, which, although it’s designed to be a pre-show-at-the-midland drink or post-show nightcap spot, is too hip & chill to skip. Wherever you chose to get your groove on, know that bars in KC close at 3am. Check out Dine-Drink-Play for a list of more places to eat, shop, and drink in the nearby Power and Light District. 
