Being an Independence resident, but knowing somewhat about the history of Kansas City (my dad…read moreworked for KCPL for 35 years, and used to take me up and down those streets), I was vaguely familiar with some of the history. It's quite fascinating. But the little bits and pieces I didn't realize were so deeply important.
I'd only been to 2 of the locations on the food tour, Grinders, and Grunaer's. That is funny cause I thought I'd been to more places around the area.
The American Royal Parade was going on, and parking was an issue, if I'd not found a spot in Grinder's across the street parking lot, I don't know what I'd have done. I never intend to learn to parallel park. It scares me to death.
We met Rebekkah at Grinders, and she presented us with maps of where we were going, with facts on the pages. Frankly, it'd be easier to park kind of in the middle of the tour. That maybe something worth mentioning. I don't know the significance of the Crossroads itself, other than I am drawn to that area, as opposed to the Power and Light District which I try to avoid.
There is alot of history in the Crossroads that is important, and it was touched upon in this tour. It also gave me an idea to keep an eye out for other city's walking food tours, as I travel sometimes for a month. I felt like I wanted to know more history. I wanted to dig deeper. I don't know why I feel this way. Maybe I want to know the very importance of the area, besides Tom Pendegrast, which is extremely interesting.
The tour touched on a few restaurants along the way. There were a couple I wondered why they weren't mentioned, and I'd love to know the history of the Manny's Building, though Manny's isn't a favorite of mine, the building is interesting. And why is Town Topics just in this area? And Lulu's? Hammer Press as well, even though it's not a place to eat...oh well, can't cover everything...I thought there was something missed, but also alot of interesting history gained.
As far as food, each place provided a very small amount. A variety was present and they were able to accomodate both vegetarians and meat eaters. There isn't that much food. I would tell someone that, as well. The places that stood out in my mind were Snow and Company, Grinders, Elbow's and Cafe Gratitude. Tons of walking to get back to our cars. We stopped back at Christoper Elbow Chocolate. Rebekkah created a customer out of me, and I will be eating at Cafe Gratitude and going to Snow and Company.
With these thoughts in mind, I would recommend this to an out of towner if you were in the city for a while. But be prepared to eat afterwards. it's a great way to find out about Kansas city and what it has to offer. Knowing the history of Kansas City makes me appreciate it a bit more.