The real trick to beating the heat is a huge, leisurely lunch followed by an extended afternoon nap. The first step of that plan is Lost Lunches at the American Restaurant, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu that's offered only on First Fridays focuses heavily on what's in season and displays the creativity of the kitchen, especially pastry chef Nick Wesemann. Call 816-545-8001 to make a reservation.
Whether you consider butchery an art or a skill, you still need somebody to teach you the proper way to work from nose to tail. And that's where chef Alex Pope comes into the picture. The proprietor of the Local Pig is leading a series of butchering classes for Slow Food Kansas City. The Nose to Tail Series has three two-hour classes held at Pope's butcher shop, and it kicks off with a class on tenderloins, chops and T-bones Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Pork belly is the subject of the next class on Sunday, September 9, which focuses on spare ribs and curing bacon. The final class (Sunday, December 2) is on breaking down a pig into ham hocks and making copa. Each class costs $35. You must be a Slow Food member to take the class, and an annual membership costs $25.
The party you should have had on July 4 is Saturday at Magnolia's (2932 Cherry). The all-you-can-eat crawfish boil starts at 7 p.m. and lasts for three hours. It's crawfish, shrimp, potatoes, corn, barbecue ribs and smoked brisket with lemonade and iced tea. Snow & Co. will be providing a cash bar, and Shades of Jade will be playing live jazz. Tickets cost $25.
Truck Stop in the Crossroads (21st Street and Wyandotte) will have 16 food trucks in one place from 6 to 11 p.m. tonight. 3 Girls Cupcakes will be celebrating its anniversary (Sarah's Cake Stop — a mobile cupcakery from St. Louis — will be on hand) by giving out free samples. There will also be a DJ and beer garden.
What have you got on tap for the weekend?
