We popped in to Bloom Baking Company before the crowd at the farmers market on the weekend. We were…read moreon the hunt for a loaf of sourdough and they did not disappoint! The store itself is so cute stocked with unique trinkets and a wide variety of fresh bakery and pastry items. We bought a loaf of sourdough bread and let me tell you - it was one of the most delicious sourdoughs we have ever had. This is a must stop if in the area or looking for bread/unique pastries.

We stop in Bloom almost every weekend when we are at the City Market. Their macarons are wonderful,…read morethe garlic sourdough is so good, love their flourless chocolate torte, the homemade oatmeal cream pie... and last time we were in they had strawberry cruffins! A croissant in a muffin shape with strawberry and cream inside... it was SO GOOD (very messy, but good).

In the storied enclave of Waldo, where the rhythm of Kansas City pulses with a quiet, neighborly…read morecharm, there stands a sanctuary not of silent stone, but of flour, butter, and memory: McLain's Bakery. To step through its threshold is to surrender to the siren song of warmth that curls from the oven like a whispered secret. I have made it my pilgrimage to traverse the entirety of their menu, a culinary odyssey that has yielded no false steps, only a symphony of consistency that borders on the miraculous. Each offering, from the flaky, golden architecture of their pastries to the robust, honest comfort of their savory fare, is a testament to the artisan's hand. Here, affordability is not a sacrifice of quality but a generous invitation, a rare confluence where the exquisite meets the accessible. There is a certain magic in the air at McLain's, a sweetness that feels woven into the very fabric of the establishment. It is a place that understands the language of comfort, speaking it fluently in the dialect of a perfect crust or the rich, dark notes of a expertly pulled espresso. It is perhaps no surprise that such a bastion of authentic delight has garnered a reputation that extends far beyond our local borders; if the standard of excellence is high enough to grace the plate of Taylor Swift, then surely, it is more than enough for us, the grateful residents who claim this treasure as our own. Yet, beyond the flour-dusted counters and the glowing glass cases, my deepest admiration is reserved for their spirit. In a world that often measures worth in cold, transactional metrics, McLain's chooses to honor those who pour themselves into the future of our community. As a teacher, I feel that recognition in the small gestures, the welcoming nods, and the genuine appreciation they extend to educators. It is a profound kindness, a recognition that the work of shaping minds requires nourishment, both intellectual and literal. They understand that a classroom is a marathon, and they act as the essential pit stop, providing the fuel that keeps the light of inquiry burning bright. To dine at McLain's is to participate in a ritual of belonging. It is a place where the passage of time is marked not by the ticking of a clock, but by the turning of the oven trays. It is a reliable heartbeat in the neighborhood, steadfast and true, offering a reprieve from the clamor of the outside world. Whether one seeks a quiet moment of reflection over a cup of coffee or a celebratory feast that honors the simple, profound joy of eating well, McLain's remains an unrivaled steward of taste. It is not merely a bakery; it is the living, breathing soul of Waldo, a place where every bite serves as a reminder that some things in this life are exactly as good as they ought to be.

The young man at the register was so helpful!!! He made it fast and easy. The cake decorator even…read moreput my daughter's name on it in GOLD! All in 15 minutes! Thank you.

They have made this place larger so it feels a little too cold. They also used to make these…read morewonderful Portuguese pastries called Pasteis de Nata - little tarts made with a flaky crust filled with a custard and caramelized on top. Wonderful! We picked up what we thought were these special pastries that looked similar but no comparison. Now they are just a cheesecake filling in a cookie dough like crust - disappointing. They must have changed owners.

I went here for the first time a few weeks ago and have come back once a week since... I love that…read moreyou get to walk around and pick your own pastries. They also are some of the best pastries I've ever had! I love the garlic pull apart bread, croquettes, croissants, filled donuts, and literally everything. A lot of it is sweeter than I first expected but makes a perfect blend of savory and sweet. The inside has plenty of tables and space it was a great spot to meet up with my book club. The honey lavender matcha is also delicious and I only had to wait a couple of minutes. I will clearly be back probably next week..

To wander into French Market, the lively and lovely sister brasserie to Café Provence, is to step…read moredirectly into a vibrant watercolor painting of community life. Here, the strict, timeless geometry of the Left Bank softens into a warm, sun-lit casual elegance, a neighborhood sanctuary where the hum of local politics replaces the brooding silence of the philosopher's corner. It is a space where the Democratic social scene is always in full, effervescent effect, a kinetic theater of ideas where local strategists, organizers, and policy wonks gather over marble tables to debate the future of the state while tearing apart freshly baked croissants. The air thickens not with existential dread, but with the electric, hopeful prose of a collective striving for progress, making it the definitive salon of the modern suburban landscape. The beauty of French Market lies in this seamless blending of civic passion and culinary delight. Every corner of the room feels curated with a benevolent affection, an atmosphere fueled entirely by a staff that can only be described as thoroughly fabulous. From the front counter to the busy kitchen, the team moves with a synchronized, smiling grace that makes every patron feel like the guest of honor at an intimate neighborhood gathering. They navigate the bustling room with a genuine warmth, pouring drinks and delivering plates with an infectious energy that elevates the casual setting into something truly extraordinary. It is a rare, beautiful thing to find a restaurant where the hospitality feels less like a service industry transaction and more like a generous act of civic kinship. On the plate, the market routinely touches the sublime, offering dishes that sing with a clear, poetic precision. The crab cakes are a revelation of coastal longing, packed with sweet, tender lump meat and boasting a delicate, golden sear that yields effortlessly to the fork. Nearby, the croque madame arrives as an opulent, dripping monument to breakfast-time indulgence, a decadent tower of savory ham and melted Gruyère crowned with a perfectly runny egg that coats each bite in a rich, golden velvet. To wash down these triumphs, one must order the French press coffee, a dark, aromatic brew that arrives in a slow, plunging ritual, delivering a bold, robust punch that commands your full attention and jump-starts any morning debate. While the kitchen operates at a remarkably high standard across the board, a discerning diner must exercise a small measure of tactical restraint when navigating the entrees. For all the brilliance on display, it is best to gently bypass the steak frites for the time being, steering clear of the dish until the kitchen source a more premium quality of beef to match their otherwise flawless standards. But this minor detour is easily forgotten the moment you glance toward the pastry case. The desserts here are an absolute, transcendent poetry of sugar and butter, offering delicate tarts and airy confections that are nothing short of sublime. French Market remains a triumphant, essential neighborhood jewel, where the food is exceptional, the people are magnificent, and the conversation never stops flowing.

Fantastic. The quiche is perfectly portioned and cooked…read morewell; neither runny nor dense, with a delicious crust that is just crispy enough. The passion fruit coconut water drink (I forgot the name, something including oasis!) was also a refreshing treat in the summer heat. The Hannah fries have stayed in my mind ever since we ordered them, the blend of seasoning is very delicious. Very friendly and attentive staff as well.

A quaint chocolate shop. Reasonably priced for quality. Helpful and friendly service. Worth the…read moredrive. Good parking. I got 2 peanut butter cups for Mr. G. And the truffles for me. A perfect paring for my coffee from Hi Hat down the street.

SUMMER GELATO IS BACK AT ANNEDORE'S! This is huge for us as we live in the neighborhood and it's A)…read moreDelicious and B) Incredibly convenient. Everyone loves going out for ice cream. I love a lot of spots around the metro, but let's be honest, some of them get crazy busy and you end up waiting in line for a while. That's not a dealbreaker, but with a summer of social distancing, it's nice to have a spot like Annedore's that is tucked into the neighborhoods, has outdoor seating, and is never too busy. Their gelato is so good, and the service is friendly as it gets. We've made a tradition of walking up here as a family once a week, and together we've ordered or sampled: Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Mint Chip, Chocolate Chip, Coconut, Strawberry, Berry Sorbet, Vanilla, and Lemon Basil. All are great (not crazy about the birthday cake one my kiddo always gets), the Berry Sorbet and Lemon Basil are standouts on a hot day. Their portions are generous, prices are very fair, the outdoor seating is great, and it's a very clean shop. Oh, and I recently discovered that macarons are delicious, and theirs are some of the best around. They're around $2.50 a pop and well worth it. I cannot recommend this place enough for gelato, macarons, and of course chocolate if that's your thing. Want to skip lines for ice cream (well, gelato) this summer and still support local? This is your spot. Bookmark it!

Such a cute little spot! Very girly, very pink. Felt like I was in Paris the moment I stepped in…read more Definitely IG worthy. The staff were friendly, the space is spacious with a lot of cute decorations. They have a great selection of pastries on display, and everything looked delicious. I'll definitely be back to try another drink and their macarons. It's in downtown Overland Park, which makes it a fun stop. A lot of nearby eateries and shops to explore. Try to go on Saturdays when there's a farmers market.

If you want a devilishly delectable dessert, this is a little hidden gem In the middle of several…read morehidden gems in downtown OP! This is another relatively small establishment, but it's set up very well and the line flows quickly. The people behind the counter are very friendly as well and they even warmed up my pastry. The Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll caught my eye. There was no cutting carbs and calories today and who would want to after tasting this sweet treat! It was an explosion of red velvety, ooey, gooey, cinnamon-y goodness and you can't forget the teeny tiny Oreo playing the role of the cherry on top!

First of all, my oatmilk latte - which is what I came for - was absolutely perfect. Smooth and just…read morestrong enough but not bitter at all. I was super impressed with the quality and amount of berries in the fruit bowl, and the burrito was packed with the right amount of crisp to it and a delicious salsa on the side. So definitely five star on food and coffee The atmosphere was slightly loud for what I wanted but the place is cute. Just could've done with a lower volume of music. But the staff are super friendly and I would definitely go back.

I went for a late casual lunch at Banksia Bistro. I've been to their original location in the…read moreGarment District (now closed) and their newest location Banksia Cafe in Downtown KC. What I love about this location is you can get something super quick to go (an Aussie Pie or Sausage Roll for example) or something fast casual to eat a quick meal . Their hours are targeted for Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch. It's very Aussie influenced with sections Breakfast, Lunch and Hotbox. I ordered off the lunch menu and got the Cuban Confit Pork sandwich and my partner got the Chicken Banh Mi. We split a bag of chips and walked out for a little less than $40 with tip. The service was friendly and "order at the counter." The worker was quick to give suggestions and a layout of the menu. My Cuban sandwich was awesome and had a little bit of a Chinese Five Spice kinda vibe. Unexpected but pleasant. There are so many other things I want to try when I go back!