Speak Easy: A Visit KC Podcast

Ardie Davis, better known by many for his larger-than-life, 'cue-themed alias, Remus Powers Ph.B., knows a thing or two about barbecue. He invented the American Royal's Sauce Competition, has authored 12 books on the topic and he's in the Barbecue Hall of Fame. We picked some bones together and talked KC-style smokin', regionalism and what's next for the cuisine.

Ça Va revels in being KC's only champagne bar. New bubbles, delicious Midwestern cuisine and laid-back vibes make it one of the best hangs in town, whether you're stopping by after work, gathering your group for brunch or celebrating New Year's Eve in style. We talked to Managing Partner Caitlin Corcoran about champagne, pairings and Westport.

Known for his design work on New York Times bestsellers and Boulevard's new Beer Hall (among countless other projects), Tad Carpenter is clear that he's a Kansas Citian, through and through. We spoke with the designer/illustrator/children's book author about inspiration and KC's creative culture.

Whether complementing artisan sandwiches or served as sliced accompaniments on charcuterie boards, Kansas City bread is having its moment in the spotlight. We talked to Kate and Chris Matsch from Ibis Bakery about grain milling, crumb and the impact of fresh, local bread. Photo by Paul Versluis; published in August 2016 "Johnson County Lifestyle"

Long-celebrated as one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Manifesto represents so much of what people have come to love about Kansas City. Artisan approach. Off-the-beaten-path cool. Midwestern hospitality. Behind it all is bartender Ryan Maybee. We talked to him about his roots, creating recipes and developing talent.

Between impressive galleries in the Crossroads and colorful, back-alley graffiti, it’s clear that art is everywhere in Kansas City. We talked to Kim Weinberger from Weinberger Fine Art about supporting creators, building relationships and celebrating the city’s creative scene.

A former college football player turned health food aficionado, Chris Goode is advocating for more than just clean living. His shop, Ruby Jean's Juicery, presents a new kind of gathering place that's changing perceptions and empowering people from all backgrounds. We talked to him about KC's health food scene and building communities.

Kansas City's coffee scene is brewing. Between large, wholesale roasters and quaint, family-owned shops, there's quite literally a cup of joe for everyone in town. We talked to Bo Nelson about his shop, Thou Mayest, and the impact it's had on the East Crossroads.

Midwest cuisine is having a moment in KC. That said, it's a little more difficult to pin down than other regional flavors. We talked to local writer, entrepreneur and foodie Jenny Vergara about defining Heartland fare—and how it's defining itself in Kansas City.

From retro designs to screen printing and everything in between, Kansas City loves its T-shirts. We spoke with Dan Mahaney from Normal Human about the KC apparel craze, his creative process and where the trend is heading.

Boulevard Brewing Co.'s founding in 1989 marked the beginning of the craft beer movement in Kansas City. In recent years, more than a dozen independent brewers have opened in the metro, offering up unique flavors and regional favorites. We sat down with Boulevard's Jeremy Danner to talk about KC craft beer, unique pairings and what's next for BLVD.

The maker movement in KC is more prevalent than ever. We take a deep dive into the world of locally made, artisanal goods with Savannah Northcraft from Urban Provisions.

Known in the 1920s and '30s as the "Paris of the Plains," Kansas City was once home to the wettest block in the world. With free-flowing drink came new forms of art and music—all thanks to Tom Pendergast. We spoke with David Epstein from Tom's Town Distilling Co. about KC's Prohibition past—and its craft distilling future.

No drinks, just dialogue, with Kansas City's doers and makers. A new podcast from Visit KC.