Today, I smiled to see Kansas City make the Washington Post's In & Out List as "In for 2017." So many things have contributed to that including our sports teams, the new streetcar, "Silicon Prairie," a thriving downtown, our cost of living, but probably none so much as the burgeoning art and food scene that continues to grow in The Crossroads area.
Steve Revare was kind enough a year ago to invite us to the New Year's Eve Grand Opening of Kansas City's first downtown legal distillery since Prohibition. Tom's Town name was inspired by one of Kansas City's most polarizing figures, Tom Pendergast, and when you enter the front doors you are transformed into the sights and sounds of the Gatsby era. According to Tom's Town website, legend has it that when a newspaperman asked Pendergast how he justified ignoring the federal statues behind Prohibition, he shrugged and said "The people are thirsty" (hmm, might make a great tagline).
Last night, the crowds quickly trickled in after 5:00 and the noise, laughter, leather decor and craft cocktail scene started hopping.
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| Tom's Town Main Bar Area |
It was date night and a Christmas gift to my husband who is mesmerized by the time period and the distillery. I'm sure he was one of their first followers on social media and the trip was a gift to go with his whiskey glassware and Tom's Town apparel.
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| Tom's Town's Biggest Fan |
Little did I know that what was really going to wow me was the updated food menu.
At the risk of making you hungry, let's start with the cocktails. Tom's Town offers three craft spirits. I'm a white fan and Derek likes the dark.
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| As A Marketing Gal, Love the Spirit Artwork |
Derek started with a flight of all three to get a clean taste. Shout out to Olivia who helped me choose my first and favorite craft cocktail of the evening - Ransom Note.
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| Olivia |
The lime was very refreshing and allowed me to still savor the flavors of the unique gin.
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| Ransom Note |
Dante's Inferno was Derek's top choice, enjoying the balance of the bourbon, vermouth, mezcal, fresh orange juice and port wine syrup.
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| Dante's Inferno |
With dinner we also enjoyed the Fallen Angel and an Old Fashioned. However, our first round were our evening winners.
And now, back to the food. Don't be fooled by the limited small plate and entree menu. If our four selections were any indication, each one is artfully and carefully prepared, and a generous size. I can happily say I enjoyed mine again today for lunch. The crab dip easily ranks as one of the top 10 food items I've ordered.
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| Front to Back: French Onion Grilled Cheese, Crab Dip, Dilly Deviled Eggs, Shrimp & Grits |
Maybe we were lucky since the regulars next to us ordered almost the identical foods, but I think it's worth another trip to continue sampling. After all, the people are thirsty. And, I have volunteers to join me.
