#i can also pronounce root beer and fried chicken sandwich

[incorrect-hs-quotes]

Feferi: It's not )(ealt)(y if you can't pronounce it.

Tavros, who knows how to pronounce buttered noodles: oH THANK GOG,,,

[rheisa-midnightfury]

Ninjago OC: Rheisa part1

Trees crumbled to the ground, making the earth tremble in the feeling of a dying field. Tearful eyes caught on the site and revengeful shouts filled the dry-cold air as half of the pine forest had been destroyed. Workers were sent to collect woods for the next building project in Ninjago city. A city to be rebuilt over and over again. It crumbles a day and stands again in another. Reborning from its own ashes like a phoenix.

Little did they know that the woods won’t forget.

As the lumberjacks shut down the machines, they were already making a table out from one of the pine-trunks covering it with a red-flannel cover. Sandwiches, cookies, fried chicken and beer, lots of beer was placed on the trunk. Lunch break. The perfect time to strike, the last time they expect it. 

From one of the still-standing trees, a lean shadow was watching, waiting. Eyes closed, try to contain her feelings. Clothing as dark as the night, such as her brown hair. It was almost like a catsuit, but with fabric. She had steal plates, protecting her hips and leather ones on her shoulder. Numerous weapons were gripped to her legs-mostly daggers - and one big polearm on her back.

 “Their life doesn't worth not a single cut to just blunt my blade.” The shadow stood up from her kneeling position, leaning to the tree.

“I don’t even know why I chose to be a lumberjack. I HATE the woods!” 

“Ya became a lumberjack, for da reason we are. To destroy what ya hate, mate.” 

Endless laughs. Laughs at the ancient innocent. That wasn’t a wise pronouncement.

The shadow had almost left the place, returning to her place to mourn the lives lost today. But, at the last moment, she stopped. Blunt tumps, she climbed down and approached the workers. Slowly, silently. Her dagger was pulled out from the scabbard, readied. No one noticed her. At least that was what she thought. Slow steps. Breath hold. Eyes sharp. No sound. And…

The dagger fell from her grab, landing on the ground. Taking a closer look at her palm, she recognized a scar. It was slightly bleeding, and she hardly felt any pain. She looked at her right and her left. A throwing star stuck to a trunk, from a pile of many others. She stepped closer, pulling out the sharp weapon. Easly holding it between her fingers she bent her head, looking directly at the splint covered ground. Like the blood of the woods.

“This… shall… stop… NOW!” And the throwing star was fired again, from the direction it had been shot in the first place. A figure stepped closer, in full black armor. Not even paying attention to the star fired directly at him. He just casually leaned his head, dodging it. His face was covered with a bandana, the light wind was playing with his also black and messy hair.

“You’re right.” His approach wasn’t threatening, not even rude. She found it… friendly? “This shall stop.” The stranger got closer to her. Too close. Judging by his body, it wouldn’t be a wise idea to put up a fight with him. However, the woman would gladly punch him in the face. Instead, she just grunted, eyes sharp as a knife. Purple, transparent fog festered around the woman, her body lowered and in another second she wasn’t anymore in the stranger’s corner. 

“Wha-“ Blinked the man, stepping back while his eyes were scanning the place, looking for the woman who was just standing right in front of him. He almost gave up, when… a swift shade made his move into the remaining part of the pine wood. “There you are.” Without hesitation, the stranger ran after her. He won’t let her escape that easily, he wanted to know why was the woman so desperate of killing the lumberjacks. The man followed her, restless, not slowing down, not even a bit. The stranger was fast, yes. But the shadow was faster. When she almost escaped and disappeared from the stranger’s sight, the man decided to play dirty. He pulled up his right leg, bending the knee. He stomped, the ground trembled, the shadow stopped as the ground raised up in front of her, blocking her way.

“You thought you can escape, didn’t you.” Laughed the stranger cheerful, which made the woman even more frustrated. The purple fog reappeared when the man stepped closer. He saw a feline-like creature vanishing and finding the woman in its place. He rubbed his eyes, blinked and took some more steps. This time the woman also got closer, pulling out another dagger which had been held in her tight’s pocket and placed directly to the stranger’s throat.

“Laughing?” She snickered ironically. “This is just game for you, isn’t it.”

Hands placed up, the stranger raised his head, as the sharp tool reached his neck. Maybe his mouth was covered, but his eyes surely told his emotion of surprise.

“A game…?”

“Do you have any idea what those men are about to do?”

 “Doing their job, to collect wood, to rebuild the city?”

“NO!” The dagger was eased, and taken away from the stranger’s throat. “No! They… they go to other places to get materials. They are here to kill, to murder. They are up to no good. I’m telling you.”

“Look! All I know is that YOU tried to kill some innocent men who were just trying to do their work. So… in my eyes, you are the bad guy.” Yet again, his eyes revealed his smile, underneath the pitch-black cloth.

The woman growled in frustration and shook her head. “So you don’t see it.” Suddenly, her voice filled with sadness. An uncomfortable lump was in her throat. A lump that she wanted to spit out so badly. A secret, which she wasn't sure if she can share.

Taking a big breath she closed her eyes and sat down. Making no sound, no motion. The stranger stood there in silence in some seconds, staring at the woman, eyes wide open. She was so furious, then confused and in another second, she was just sitting there silently.

“Er… what are you doing?”

“Hush!” Said harshly. “Just… listen.” Taking another slow breath and her words were like a soft stroke. She’ll see if the stranger is worthy of the secret. If he has the eyes to see. 

The man waited again, slowly sat down as well, and waited even more. Who knows how many minutes had passed, when the woman finally spoke again.

“Can’t you hear it. It’s not far away.” A soft chuckle. “And he’s mad at you.”

“Mad at me?” Shaking his head in disbelief he asked. “Who?” He did hear some weird noises, which he couldn’t understand. Almost like words in a different language. But before he could fully give himself to the strange sounds, the woman opened her eyes, stood up and walked towards him, offered a hand. “Come!” She smiled. “He wants to see you.” As the man got in his foot, the woman started running again in another direction. Slow this time, so he can keep up.

“W-wants to? Who?” The stranger freeze for some seconds before he ran after her… again. Strangely, the deeper he got in the forest, the brighter it became. Soft green and yellow light filled up a place, deep in the woods that supposed to be dark. Step by step he slowed down and stopped. He had been here with his friends on missions many times, but they never saw this. He took off his mask, his mouth was slightly opened, eyes widened from the wonder. His breathing stopped for some seconds. He turned around slowly, taking steps backward. The whole pine wood, that was dark suddenly became… bright, filled with life. Green grass, flowers in every color, bird song and animals were everywhere. He turned around once again, and he spotted a tree. Bigger than any other, denser and mightier than anything he has seen and older than his master, and perhaps the city itself. He approached it, sizing it up from roots to the almost infinite hight of it. Slowly he placed his palm on the bark, the moss gently stroke his hand. 

“You see it.” The woman’s sound was like a hug from the warm sunshine. She lay on one of the branches of the magnificent tree. Her clothes weren’t dark anymore, but green with brown details, such as her hair. 

“What is this place.” The stranger took his hand down from the bark and looked at the woman, pointing around. “I’ve been in this woods with my team many times, but I've never seen this place… it is… it’s….”

“Beautiful.” 

“Yeah.”

“You never saw it, because you never wanted to see it. You didn’t know it existed.” She jumped down, gently, landing in front of the stranger, poking his nose. “Someone had to open your eyes.”

“Open my eyes?” He hitched to his head and rubbed it hard. “You’re saying this place was here all along, I just simply didn’t have the eyes to see it?”

“Exactly.” She smiled and nodded gently. “Sometimes you don’t know the value of something until you dug deep down and see it yourself.” She pointed to his chest, poking it gently. “But you haven’t dug deep enough.” And she jumped up, grabbing a branch and climbed up to the top of the tree. 

 The stranger, trained he was, climbed after her. Many branches and even more leaf got in his was, making the climbing a bit difficult. After some small scars in his face and some leaves in his mouth, he finally reached the top. His eyes found the woman who changed in look again. Her armor was still green, but not as bright as before and her hair was brown again. The top of the tree looked like a grass field, so thick you can easily walk in it. Catching his breath the man laid down on his back. 

“This is not bad, but I still prefer the mountains. You don’t get to swallow this many leaves on your way up.” He laughed, placing a hand on his chest. “I never was a salad man anyways.” Another solid laugh and his hands were placed under his head, making himself comfortable. Still not looking to the direction of the woman he kept talking. 

“You know, I never followed anyone this long without knowing her name.” 

“And I never led anyone to this sacred place without knowing him or his name. Actually, I never showed this place to anyone else.”

“Then why you wanted to show it to me?”

“Not me. He.” She stroked the leaf-cover underneath her. “He told me to take you here.”

The woman stood up and looked over her shoulder. “I’m Rheisa.” And slowly started walking. The stranger not noticing that Rheisha left, he started talking. Since his introduction got no reply, he looked around and realizing the woman had long last were left him there. Quickly standing up he made some fast steps towards her, looking at her.

“I’m Cole. Master of earth.” He backed out a little and gave a typical of a gentle smile.

“Earth? I could have guessed from your little trick. Now I understand why he was about to see you.” Her face was motionless, her voice was cold. Not the warm hug from the sunshine that Cole heard previously. And then… he understood why. He suddenly looked where the Rheisa was looking with almost tearful eyes. 

In front of them laid the field that the lumberjacks had already cut. The elemental master now understood the woman. He saw, what she saw. It wasn’t just some cut tree trunks anymore, but a shambles. He saw the dead, he saw the blood on the floor, he saw what will happen to the rest of the place. 

If they don’t stop them. 

[badreturns-m]

American VS Australian Names for Things

lol that title could of been better. basically aussies call things different thinsg to american things and things. things. the list will be as follows: 

what an australian calls the thing vs what american call the thing. 

hope that makes sense. hopefully i get it right cos americans like yelling at me when i get things wrong. some most of these i also found online cos i dont know everything anything. so lets not shoot the messenger aka ME.

bonnet ... hood boot ... trunk bumper bar ... bumper mud guard ... fender windscreen ... windshield indicators ... indicators, blinkers, turn signal petrol ... gas bitumen ... asphalt sealed road ... paved road gravel ... road metal ute, utility ... pickup truck 3 or 5 door ... hatch back give a lift ... give a ride lorry ... big rig car park ... parking lot bowser ... gas pump gallon ... gallon (is nearly 20% smaller, 3.8 litres instead of 4.5) overtake ... pass pass ... pass each other driving in opposite directions

A4 ... lettersize (lettersize is shorter and wider than A4) foolscap ... legal size rubber ... eraser blackboard ... blackboard, chalkboard blackboard duster ... blackboard eraser sticky tape ... scotch tape  elastic band, lacky band ... rubber band biro ... pen post a letter ... mail a letter display on notice board ... post a notice postman ... mailman drawing pins ... thumbtacks paper knife ... letter opener golfballs (selectric typewriter) ... elements ground floor ... first floor (Oz floors are US floors less 1) lift (building) ... elevator notice board ... bulletin board lavatory, toilet ... washroom, restroom

biscuit ... cookie, cracker scone ... biscuit (nearest equivalent, made with yeast instead of self-raising) lolly ... candy, treat icey pole ... popsicle, ice pop plain flour ... all purpose flour whole meal (bread) ... whole wheat castor sugar ... confectionary sugar rockmelon ... cantaloupe paw paw ... papaya shallots, spring onions ... green onions, scallions capsicum ... bell pepper silver beet ... Swiss chard punnet of strawberries ... pint, small basket of strawberries sultanas ... yellow raisins jam ... jam, jelly jelly ... jello chips ... French fries potato chips ... potato chips fairy floss ... cotton candy ginger ale ... root beer lemonade ... 7-up (not the same but similar) lemon juice ... lemonade tomato sauce ... catsup, ketchup polyunsaturated margarine ... low cholesterol margarine entree ... appetizer main course ... entree tea (tea in this context, meaning the main evening meal, may be short for high tea, although no one ever says that in Australia) ... dinner tea time, morning tea, afternoon tea ... coffee break half milk, half cream ... half and half black or white coffee or tea ... coffee or tea with or without cream, coffee light serviette ... napkin scroggin ... gorp, trail mix tucker ... grub meat and salad roll ... hero, dagwood, submarine, hoagie sandwich ... blt (bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich) make a sandwich ... make or fix a sandwich packed lunch ... sack lunch or box lunch hundred and thousands ... sprinkles (nearest equivalent) custard sauce ... --- jug of beer ... pitcher of beer schooner, midi, pot ... small, large beer restaurant bill ... restaurant check, restaurant bill shout a round ... buy everyone drinks tin ... can mince steak ... mincemeat chicken, chook ... chicken meat pie ... --- pastie ... --- pavlova ... --- sausage roll ... --- lamington ... --- pudding ... --- stew ... --- cooked in a pan, a bit like a pieklet ... drop scone a rich confectionary cut into bars ... fudge like a rich chocolate cake ... brownie clam soup, the most common New England clam chowder is creamy, but there is also a less common red tomato based version ... clam chowder --- ... clam juice to bake under an open grill, i.e., bake and grill food simultaneously ... broil

bring a plate (Oz) =pot luck (US) adj In Oz, one might say "All invited. Bring a plate." In the US, it's a "pot luck dinner". In either case, all guests bring a plate or dish of food which can be shared. In Britain it is apparently called "Dutch treat". crumpet (Oz) n 1. vaguely like an English muffin, only much better. Commonly eaten in place of toast during winter. 2. woman considered as a sexual object (seldom used now). vegemite (Oz) n Wholesome and sharp tasting black spread for toast and crackers. The definitive Australian icon, and there is definitely no US equivalent. University

year 7, year 8 year etc ... freshman, sophomore, junior, senior university, uni ... school, campus at university ... in college masters, PhD student ... graduate student thesis ... dissertation supervisor ... adviser term ... quarter autumn ... fall sit in on course ... audit course primary school ... elementary school maths ... math stats ... stat sinh, cosh, pronounced "shine", "cosh" ... "sine h", "cos h", hyperbolic sine and cos beta, pronounced "beeta" ... beta, pronounced "bayta"

flat ... apartment kitchen tidy ... trash can rubbish bin ... garbage can bucket ... pail tap ... faucet, spigot letter box ... mail box verandah ... porch, deck footpath ... sidewalk lounge ... sofa lounge room, sitting room ... living room wardrobe ... cupboard dresser, dressing table ... sideboard cutlery ... flatware knives ... cutlery freezer ... freezer, icebox kitchen bench ... kitchen counter door frame ... door jam

verge (the grassed area between the footpath in front on your house and the road which you look after as part of your own front yard but which actually belongs to the city council) "You can park on the verge." ... easement (usually used only in legal language), swale (on a property that doesn't have a sidewalk/footpath or a cement curb, the grassy area closest to the road)

laundry trough ... laundry tub clothes hoist ... clothes line clothes pegs ... clothes pins billy (usually a blackened tin pot used on a bushwalk) ... pot billy tea (tea made in a billy on a bushwalk) ... ... escrow (the period between offer and settlment when buying a house) "How's the house buying going? We're in escrow." estate agent ... realtor block of land ... lot of land cubby house ... tree house, play house (baby's) dummy ... pacifier lane ... alley tomahawk ... hatchet cotton wool ... absorbent cotton rates ... local taxes tidy up room, house ... pickup room, house heating outlet ... register

bedsit (Oz) = studio apartment (US) n An apartment with kitchen/living room and bathroom, but no separate bedroom. The US version can be very comfortable (I had one in Goleta, California), while British-style bedsits are often very cramped. A British style bedsit would probably attract the description "toy studio" if found in the US. I noticed the term "studio apartment" in use in Australia (Brisbane) for the first time in 1992, in a real estate advertisement. Obviously it sounded more impressive than "bedsit". In any case, this type of apartment is relatively uncommon in Australia. continental quilt (Oz) n See doona. doona (Oz) = comforter (US) n Quilted eiderdown with a down or synthetic filling. "Doona" is an Tradename. "Doona" is apparently used in Australia only, and is unknown in New Zealand and Britain, let alone the US.

dill ... fool wowser ... teetotaler, non-gambler etc

jumper, pullover ... sweater polo neck (jumper) ... turtle neck (sweater) ... jumper (in the US jumper means a loose fitting sleaveless dress worn over a blouse. This is an older British usage - it's in the OED of 1933 - but is not in current Australian usage.) singlet ... tank top, athletic shirt nappy ... diaper sanitary towels ... sanitary napkins hair pins ... bobby pins press studs ... snaps track suit ... sweat suit, sweats clothes horse ... clothes rack (?) person who buys lots of clothes ... clothes horse reel of cotton ... spool of thread

spanner ... wrench torch ... flashlight oxie welder ... torch

spellings:

ardour, behaviour, colour, honour, glamour, flavour, labour, neighbour, odour, valour, vapour ... no "u" arse ... ass analogue, catalogue ... analog, catalog analyse ... analyze centre, litre, theatre... center, liter, theater cheque ... check computer disc ... computer disk enquire ... inquire enrolment ... enrollment grey ... gray instal ... install, instal -ise, -ize (most words which are spelt with the -ize suffix in the US, can be spelt with either -ise or -ize in Australian English, although the -ise is more common) ... ize modeller, modelling ... modeler, modeling programme (music etc) ... program sulphur ... sulfur

Pronunciations

beta: "beeta" ... "bayta" quay: "key" ... "kway" sinh, cosh, tanh: "shine", "cosh", "thahn" ... "sine ach", "cos ach", "tan ach" z: "zed" ... "zee"

Measures

Celsius ... Fahrenheit (temperature measure are converted by F = 9/5*C + 32) stone ... 14 lb gallon (= 4.5 litres) ... gallon (= 3.8 liters) metres ... yards kilometres ... miles fortnight ... two weeks Saturday week etc ... a week from Saturday Saturday last, Saturday next ... last Saturday, next Saturday 1 cent, 2 cent etc ... penny, nickel, dime, quarter dollar note ... dollar bill thousand million ... billion

Country:

bushwalk ... hike station ... ranch droving ... muster, roundup cocky (not derogatory) ... red neck (derogatory) swagman, swaggie (not derogatory) ... bum, pan handler (derogatory) mate (not derogatory) ... sidekick (slightly derogatory) jackaroo ... cowboy jilleroo ... cowgirl woop woop ... boondocks, boonies behind the black stump, back of Bourke ... podunk bush bashing ... brush busting outback ... --- walkabout ... --- creek ... creek (used in the East by not in California in my experience), stream creek ... brook

Music

semi-quaver (Oz) = sixteenth note (US) quaver (Oz) = eighth note (US) crotchet (Oz) = quarter note (US) mimim (Oz) = half note (US) semi breve (Oz) = whole note (US) breve (Oz) = double note (US) Note that the American terms "quarter notes" etc are also in use in Australia, but the decriptive words are far more common. Other

barrack for team ... root for team sport ... sports stocks (ski) ... poles football ... Australian rules gridiron, American football ... football hockey ... field hockey ice hockey ... hockey noughts and crosses ... tic tac toe newspaper cuttings ... newspaper clippings queue ... line quay ... wharf busker ... street artist unreliable ... flaky, flake out home and hosed ... home free homely ... homey plain ... homely glandular fever ... mono (nuclesis) rsi (repetition strain injury) ... repetitive stress syndrome (less serious), carpal tunnel syndrome (more serious, may even require surgery) doggo ... play dead galah ... wise guy drongo ... bore cinch ... sure thing Father Christmas ... Santa Claus g'day ... hi, howdy ta-ta, seeya ... take care, take it easy tar, thanks ... thanks good on you ... good for you blacklist ... --- (now understood) poker machine ... slot machine shaggy dog story ... --- (now understood) lawyer ... lawyer, attorney (lawyer in generic casual use, attorney in professional contexts) aluminium ... aluminum chemist's ... drug store caretaker ... janitor warder ... prison guard engine ... locomotive shareholder ... stockholder plane ticket ("airticket" now used by travel agents in Oz also) ... plane ticket (colloquial), airticket (formal, in travel agency) disembark (from plane) ... deplane trendoid ... yuppie trendy suburb ... gentrified suburb sus (that's a bit sus) ... suspect sus out (we'll have to sus it out) ... check out only (he's only covered completely in mud) ... bloody (general emphasis, not polite but not real bad either) ... damned tick off (items in a form) ... check off tick off (the teacher caught the boy and ticked him off) ... scold, dress down piss off ... go away, get lost, shove off irritate ... tick off "his bogoted attitude really ticks me off!", miff "That screaming child really has me miffed.", piss off (very common but also vulgar, borderline profane) "That rude sales clerk pissed me off."

dole (Oz) n Unemployment benefits. Father Christmas (Oz) = Santa Claus (US) n Although never used when I was a child, "Santa Claus" is now, in 1997, in common use in Australian department stores. funky adj 1. Oz and US: eccentric, stylish, pleasant, as in good jazz or folk music. 2. US only: dirty or smelly, as in "the bicycle chain is funky". innings (Oz) = inning (US) n Turn to bat, as in cricket or baseball. gaol (Oz) = jail (US) n, v Same pronunciation. often times (US) adv The emphatic form "often times" in place of simply "often" is virtually never used in Australia, but it's quite common in the US (usually pronounced "offen-times"). The Oxford concise lists it as an older usage in British english. paye-as-you-earn (PAYE) (Oz) v Pay income tax automatically at source. Employer deducts a standard amount from each salary or wage payment, and forwards to the tax office. rafferty's rules (Oz) n no rules at all, as of a chaotic contest or organization. reckon (Oz) v In Oz,  "I reckon" translates simply to "I think", but there is no real US equivalent for this very common Australian construction. (September 1999: Kent Parks of Raleigh, NC, writes that "reckon" is also used in the same sense in the Southern US.)

[the2travel]

* World Travel Tips : Top 10 Kansas City Favorites -- Food And Drink Edition

Travel Tips -

It's no secret that Kansas City is a wonderful place. It is lively, young, and only getting better. One of the best things about KC is that there are so many stellar and unique restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, distilleries, and so much more. I’m still finding new gems after calling KC home for nearly 5 years now. Today, I’m sharing a handful of my favorites. These are the places I take visiting friends and family, recommend to out-of-town guests and co-workers, and will keep returning to as long as I live in this wonderful city.

Succotash - Midtown area

One of the most artistic and quirky restaurants I've ever seen, Succotash has definitely proven itself as a favorite among Kansas-Citians, as witnessed by the out-the-door lines on weekends. The vibe here is colorful, lively, and loud, especially on a crowded Saturday morning. I love their fresh-pressed juices. The unmistakable signature of Succotash is the enormous wall-hanging of a woman slurping on a spoonful of tomato soup. Hundreds have posed for pictures with this weird yet intriguing photo. Don't forget to try the sumo-food challenge, if you dare: eggs, ham, peppers, onions, fries and cheese wrapped in a giant pancake topped with sausage gravy. If you manage to eat the entire breakfast set before you, the meal will be on the house, and your name will go up on the wall. I also love that they have a signature dessert, which is a rainbow 8-layer citrus cake.

What I've tried: Farmstand, Body Builder, short stack pancakes, Little Richard, Burrito of Love, mexican coke, Cubano juice, Lawnmower juice, Sexy Beast juice, Ninja Sunrise juice

What I can’t wait to try: Veggie wrap, eggs benedict, zesty dipping platter, Mr Green Jeans juice, 8-layer citrus cake

Favorite(s): Lawnmower juice, Body Builder, chocolate chip pancakes, Cubano juice

Succotash

2601 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64108

816-421-2807

The Farmhouse - River Market

This little treasure is one of my favorites. I love coming here for weekend brunch. I have not yet made it here for lunch or dinner, but from what I've heard, it's delightful. The staff is dedicated to merging local, high quality ingredients and food with great customer experiences. They work with local farmers and always have a fresh, seasonal menu. I have never been disappointed here.

What I've tried: Eggs benedict, steak & eggs, cinnamon roll, Midwest Croque Madame

What I can’t wait to try: KC Hot Brown, Airline chicken, pan seared duck breast, pumpkin flapjacks, veggie benedict

Favorite(s): Eggs benedict, cinnamon roll

The Farmhouse

300 Delaware Street Kansas City, Missouri 64105

816-569-6032

The Sundry - Midtown area

After one visit, the Sundry became my new go-to lunch spot. It's close to my work, uses local and organic ingredients, and is fairly priced. Something unique about this place is that you can buy grocery products from local vendors here. The interior is spacious and bright with various seating, and they also offer outdoor patio seating. I love the pop of yellow that they incorporate along with the finished wooden tables and chalkboard walls. Fun fact: They are now expanding to add a full service espresso bar and plan to serve coffee, beer on tap, wine, kombucha, and cocktails.

What I've tried: Lamb & beef gyro, greek chickpea wrap, quinoa salad, Yudon bowl, falafel & hummus, chicken & rice soup

What I can’t wait to try: Sundry club, chicken & bacon carbonara, Bruschetta, soon-to-come breakfast items

Favorite(s): Lamb & beef gyro, Yudon noodle bowl, quinoa salad

The Sundry

1706 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, MO 64108

816-844-7878

Beer Kitchen - Westport

This is one of my husband's top 3 go-to places - it's a good thing we both love it! It is very loud here, always boisterous and alive with excited conversation and laughter. We've been able to enjoy this restaurant at all hours of the day, so we know it's amazing for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cocktails are the some of the best I've had, and if you're into beer, they have a huge selection, hence the name.

What I've tried: Mint julep, moscow mule, blackberry margarita, turkey-turkey sandwich, mushroom flatbread, zucchini-potato latkes, black-eyed pea hummus, chicken & waffles, veggie benny, fish & chips

What I can’t wait to try: Dutch babies, eggplant muffuletta, Oral Fixation, Ginger Tango, root veggie pot pie, red velvet waffle

Favorites(s): Blackberry margarita, veggie benny, zucchini-potato latkes, turkey-turkey sandwich, mint julep

Beer Kitchen

435 Westport Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111

816-389-4180

Columbus Park Ramen Shop - Little Italy area

What I love most about this restaurant is its uniquely creative personality. I found it in passing, on my way to Happy Gillis for weekend brunch. At the time, I wasn't even aware of the Ramen trend, and assumed the place was a buffet of sorts. I was very wrong. Their menu is small, simple, and oh so tasty. This little restaurant introduced me to one of my now favorite cuisines - Japanese noodle bowls. They are filled with a delicious broth, spinach, meats (or none, if you've vegetarian), tons of fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, soft boiled eggs, scallions, bean sprouts, sometimes seaweed and, of course, noodles. These bowls are filling, but I never leave with that uncomfortable "stuffed" feeling, or like I ate too much. They are comforting, healthy and so flavorful. To put it bluntly, I'm obsessed. The atmosphere here is fun and very inviting. You can tell that it's a family-owned business by its welcoming and homey vibe. It's compact, but no one seems to mind. A few tables and a bar seating outside allow for a warm summer night under the string lights with friends. The place definitely draws a crowd, especially on those balmy, late spring and early summer evenings. The shop is only open during evening hours from Thursday - Sunday, but right next door sits Happy Gillis for breakfast and lunch!

What I've tried: Shoyu bowl, Chicken Miso bowl

What I can’t wait to try: Mushroom bowl, Daily Pickle

Favorite: Chicken Miso bowl

Columbus Park Ramen Shop

549 Gillis Street Kansas City, MO 64106

816-492-5549

Komatsu Ramen - Westport

Another excellent place for noodle bowls, is this new addition to the Westport area. Komatsu was just opened in 2016 and has already made quite a name for itself. The unfinished wooden interior is an intriguing and modern touch. The menu is organized by the type of broth (pork, soy, or miso) and type of noodle (hakata, tokyo, or hokkaido), and from there, you choose a combination. They have a full service bar and make some great cocktails, for a reasonable price. One thing I like about this place is that they have a daily special for $8. Each day, one of their bowls is chosen and made available for a discounted price. With long, late hours and an extensive menu including salads, hot steamed buns, and even a shaved ice dessert, this place is a crowd-pleaser.

What I've tried: Oishi bowl, Susaki bowl, Takaida bowl

What I can’t wait to try: Seaweed salad, cucumber salad, pork belly buns, Kama bowl

Favorite: Susaki bowl

Komatsu Ramen

3951 Broadway Road Kansas City, MO 64111

816-469-5336

Novel - Westside

One of Kansas City's hidden gems, Novel is one of those places you'll miss if you're not looking. It's located in an old house in the Westside area. Novel serves very creative and gourmet dishes, and the menu consistently rotates. This place is top notch quality, and it's definitely for special occasions. With an organically rustic and modern atmosphere, meals at Novel are a wonderful experience. I wasn't exactly sure what some of the menu items were, but the wait staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and love giving recommendations. You can tell that everyone here, from the wait staff and bartenders, to the chefs, are proud of what they do. This is upscale dining at it's finest. You'd be hard pressed to find another restaurant like Novel, and that is what I love most about it. Everything I have had here was excellent and delicious.

What I've tried: Duck neck dumplings, soft shell crab cake, fried KC shrimp, crispy egg, seared diver scallop, chicken porchetta, coconut pavlova, carrot cake, Chocolate

What I can’t wait to try: Potato bisque, Alaskan halibut, fried blueberry pie, sticky gingerbread

Favorite(s): crispy egg, seared diver scallop, duck neck dumplings, Chocolate

Novel

815 W 17th Street Kansas City, MO 64108

816-221-0785

Quay Coffee - River Market

Besides being adorable, the coffee here is excellent. Quay (pronounced "Key") is one of those coffee shops in which you snuggle up with your favorite book when it's cold outside. I really enjoy the taste of the espresso here, and the cold brew is outstanding. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable. Bonus points: Their space is highly Instagram-able, so if you want some picture-perfect style, you'll find lots of potential here. The famous window framed by string lights, the farmhouse tables featuring a single vase of a few delicate blooms, and the high ceilings will have you swooning.

What I've tried: Black coffee, cold brew, Americano, spice brown sugar latte

What I can’t wait to try: Fresh vanilla latte, honey latte

Favorite(s): Cold brew, Spice brown sugar latte (hot or iced)

Quay Coffee

412 Delaware Ste. B Kansas City, MO 64105

816-844-7829

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda - Westside

Formerly known as Little Freshie, this space has now become a darling coffee shop serving espresso drinks as well as keeping the house made sodas and snow cones from Little Freshie. The decor is absolutely perfect - simple and clean, yet colorful and trendy. The small menu is not underwhelming; it is just right with enough options for everyone to find something that they like without having a hard time making a decision. They partner with Post Coffee (located in Lee's Summit) for their espresso beans. I have always liked the taste of their espresso, it is more earthy and muted as opposed to sour like some shops in the area. Their flavored lattes are not too sweet, just how I prefer. It is such a bright and cheerful little shop.

What I've tried: Americano, lavender latte, blackberry lavender soda

What I can’t wait to try: Blood orange rosemary soda, vanilla latte

Favorite(s): Lavender iced latte

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda

811 W. 17th St. Kansas City, Missouri 64108

816-491-3832

Hi Hat Coffee - Westwood, KS

Not only is this place cozy and adorable, it is also the home of my absolute favorite latte of all time - the Butter Bean latte. They have some of the most creative latte combinations I've found. As anyone who's visited knows, the place is very small, but the quaint outdoor seating and storybook scenery, especially in the fall, are enchanting. With kind and friendly baristas, delicious menu options, and the slow, scenic feel of a morning spent with friends, this coffee shop is one of the most delightful.

What I've tried: Americano, black coffee, Butter Bean latte, Almonette latte

What I can’t wait to try: Bam Bam, Aztec Mocha, Bee High

Favorite: Butter Bean latte (it's a winner hot or iced, and I usually don't care for hot lattes)

Hi Hat Coffee

5012 State Line Rd. Westwood Hills, KS 66205

913-722-5000

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It's no secret that Kansas City is a wonderful place. It is lively, young, and only getting better. One of the best things about KC is that there are so many stellar and unique restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, distilleries, and so much more. I’m still finding new gems after calling KC home for nearly 5 years now. Today, I’m sharing a handful of my favorites. These are the places I take visiting friends and family, recommend to out-of-town guests and co-workers, and will keep returning to as long as I live in this wonderful city.

Succotash - Midtown area

One of the most artistic and quirky restaurants I've ever seen, Succotash has definitely proven itself as a favorite among Kansas-Citians, as witnessed by the out-the-door lines on weekends. The vibe here is colorful, lively, and loud, especially on a crowded Saturday morning. I love their fresh-pressed juices. The unmistakable signature of Succotash is the enormous wall-hanging of a woman slurping on a spoonful of tomato soup. Hundreds have posed for pictures with this weird yet intriguing photo. Don't forget to try the sumo-food challenge, if you dare: eggs, ham, peppers, onions, fries and cheese wrapped in a giant pancake topped with sausage gravy. If you manage to eat the entire breakfast set before you, the meal will be on the house, and your name will go up on the wall. I also love that they have a signature dessert, which is a rainbow 8-layer citrus cake.

What I've tried: Farmstand, Body Builder, short stack pancakes, Little Richard, Burrito of Love, mexican coke, Cubano juice, Lawnmower juice, Sexy Beast juice, Ninja Sunrise juice

What I can’t wait to try: Veggie wrap, eggs benedict, zesty dipping platter, Mr Green Jeans juice, 8-layer citrus cake

Favorite(s): Lawnmower juice, Body Builder, chocolate chip pancakes, Cubano juice

Succotash

2601 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64108

816-421-2807

The Farmhouse - River Market

This little treasure is one of my favorites. I love coming here for weekend brunch. I have not yet made it here for lunch or dinner, but from what I've heard, it's delightful. The staff is dedicated to merging local, high quality ingredients and food with great customer experiences. They work with local farmers and always have a fresh, seasonal menu. I have never been disappointed here.

What I've tried: Eggs benedict, steak & eggs, cinnamon roll, Midwest Croque Madame

What I can’t wait to try: KC Hot Brown, Airline chicken, pan seared duck breast, pumpkin flapjacks, veggie benedict

Favorite(s): Eggs benedict, cinnamon roll

The Farmhouse

300 Delaware Street Kansas City, Missouri 64105

816-569-6032

The Sundry - Midtown area

After one visit, the Sundry became my new go-to lunch spot. It's close to my work, uses local and organic ingredients, and is fairly priced. Something unique about this place is that you can buy grocery products from local vendors here. The interior is spacious and bright with various seating, and they also offer outdoor patio seating. I love the pop of yellow that they incorporate along with the finished wooden tables and chalkboard walls. Fun fact: They are now expanding to add a full service espresso bar and plan to serve coffee, beer on tap, wine, kombucha, and cocktails.

What I've tried: Lamb & beef gyro, greek chickpea wrap, quinoa salad, Yudon bowl, falafel & hummus, chicken & rice soup

What I can’t wait to try: Sundry club, chicken & bacon carbonara, Bruschetta, soon-to-come breakfast items

Favorite(s): Lamb & beef gyro, Yudon noodle bowl, quinoa salad

The Sundry

1706 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, MO 64108

816-844-7878

Beer Kitchen - Westport

This is one of my husband's top 3 go-to places - it's a good thing we both love it! It is very loud here, always boisterous and alive with excited conversation and laughter. We've been able to enjoy this restaurant at all hours of the day, so we know it's amazing for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cocktails are the some of the best I've had, and if you're into beer, they have a huge selection, hence the name.

What I've tried: Mint julep, moscow mule, blackberry margarita, turkey-turkey sandwich, mushroom flatbread, zucchini-potato latkes, black-eyed pea hummus, chicken & waffles, veggie benny, fish & chips

What I can’t wait to try: Dutch babies, eggplant muffuletta, Oral Fixation, Ginger Tango, root veggie pot pie, red velvet waffle

Favorites(s): Blackberry margarita, veggie benny, zucchini-potato latkes, turkey-turkey sandwich, mint julep

Beer Kitchen

435 Westport Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111

816-389-4180

Columbus Park Ramen Shop - Little Italy area

What I love most about this restaurant is its uniquely creative personality. I found it in passing, on my way to Happy Gillis for weekend brunch. At the time, I wasn't even aware of the Ramen trend, and assumed the place was a buffet of sorts. I was very wrong. Their menu is small, simple, and oh so tasty. This little restaurant introduced me to one of my now favorite cuisines - Japanese noodle bowls. They are filled with a delicious broth, spinach, meats (or none, if you've vegetarian), tons of fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, soft boiled eggs, scallions, bean sprouts, sometimes seaweed and, of course, noodles. These bowls are filling, but I never leave with that uncomfortable "stuffed" feeling, or like I ate too much. They are comforting, healthy and so flavorful. To put it bluntly, I'm obsessed. The atmosphere here is fun and very inviting. You can tell that it's a family-owned business by its welcoming and homey vibe. It's compact, but no one seems to mind. A few tables and a bar seating outside allow for a warm summer night under the string lights with friends. The place definitely draws a crowd, especially on those balmy, late spring and early summer evenings. The shop is only open during evening hours from Thursday - Sunday, but right next door sits Happy Gillis for breakfast and lunch!

What I've tried: Shoyu bowl, Chicken Miso bowl

What I can’t wait to try: Mushroom bowl, Daily Pickle

Favorite: Chicken Miso bowl

Columbus Park Ramen Shop

549 Gillis Street Kansas City, MO 64106

816-492-5549

Komatsu Ramen - Westport

Another excellent place for noodle bowls, is this new addition to the Westport area. Komatsu was just opened in 2016 and has already made quite a name for itself. The unfinished wooden interior is an intriguing and modern touch. The menu is organized by the type of broth (pork, soy, or miso) and type of noodle (hakata, tokyo, or hokkaido), and from there, you choose a combination. They have a full service bar and make some great cocktails, for a reasonable price. One thing I like about this place is that they have a daily special for $8. Each day, one of their bowls is chosen and made available for a discounted price. With long, late hours and an extensive menu including salads, hot steamed buns, and even a shaved ice dessert, this place is a crowd-pleaser.

What I've tried: Oishi bowl, Susaki bowl, Takaida bowl

What I can’t wait to try: Seaweed salad, cucumber salad, pork belly buns, Kama bowl

Favorite: Susaki bowl

Komatsu Ramen

3951 Broadway Road Kansas City, MO 64111

816-469-5336

Novel - Westside

One of Kansas City's hidden gems, Novel is one of those places you'll miss if you're not looking. It's located in an old house in the Westside area. Novel serves very creative and gourmet dishes, and the menu consistently rotates. This place is top notch quality, and it's definitely for special occasions. With an organically rustic and modern atmosphere, meals at Novel are a wonderful experience. I wasn't exactly sure what some of the menu items were, but the wait staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and love giving recommendations. You can tell that everyone here, from the wait staff and bartenders, to the chefs, are proud of what they do. This is upscale dining at it's finest. You'd be hard pressed to find another restaurant like Novel, and that is what I love most about it. Everything I have had here was excellent and delicious.

What I've tried: Duck neck dumplings, soft shell crab cake, fried KC shrimp, crispy egg, seared diver scallop, chicken porchetta, coconut pavlova, carrot cake, Chocolate

What I can’t wait to try: Potato bisque, Alaskan halibut, fried blueberry pie, sticky gingerbread

Favorite(s): crispy egg, seared diver scallop, duck neck dumplings, Chocolate

Novel

815 W 17th Street Kansas City, MO 64108

816-221-0785

Quay Coffee - River Market

Besides being adorable, the coffee here is excellent. Quay (pronounced "Key") is one of those coffee shops in which you snuggle up with your favorite book when it's cold outside. I really enjoy the taste of the espresso here, and the cold brew is outstanding. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable. Bonus points: Their space is highly Instagram-able, so if you want some picture-perfect style, you'll find lots of potential here. The famous window framed by string lights, the farmhouse tables featuring a single vase of a few delicate blooms, and the high ceilings will have you swooning.

What I've tried: Black coffee, cold brew, Americano, spice brown sugar latte

What I can’t wait to try: Fresh vanilla latte, honey latte

Favorite(s): Cold brew, Spice brown sugar latte (hot or iced)

Quay Coffee

412 Delaware Ste. B Kansas City, MO 64105

816-844-7829

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda - Westside

Formerly known as Little Freshie, this space has now become a darling coffee shop serving espresso drinks as well as keeping the house made sodas and snow cones from Little Freshie. The decor is absolutely perfect - simple and clean, yet colorful and trendy. The small menu is not underwhelming; it is just right with enough options for everyone to find something that they like without having a hard time making a decision. They partner with Post Coffee (located in Lee's Summit) for their espresso beans. I have always liked the taste of their espresso, it is more earthy and muted as opposed to sour like some shops in the area. Their flavored lattes are not too sweet, just how I prefer. It is such a bright and cheerful little shop.

What I've tried: Americano, lavender latte, blackberry lavender soda

What I can’t wait to try: Blood orange rosemary soda, vanilla latte

Favorite(s): Lavender iced latte

Goat Hill Coffee & Soda

811 W. 17th St. Kansas City, Missouri 64108

816-491-3832

Hi Hat Coffee - Westwood, KS

Not only is this place cozy and adorable, it is also the home of my absolute favorite latte of all time - the Butter Bean latte. They have some of the most creative latte combinations I've found. As anyone who's visited knows, the place is very small, but the quaint outdoor seating and storybook scenery, especially in the fall, are enchanting. With kind and friendly baristas, delicious menu options, and the slow, scenic feel of a morning spent with friends, this coffee shop is one of the most delightful.

What I've tried: Americano, black coffee, Butter Bean latte, Almonette latte

What I can’t wait to try: Bam Bam, Aztec Mocha, Bee High

Favorite: Butter Bean latte (it's a winner hot or iced, and I usually don't care for hot lattes)

Hi Hat Coffee

5012 State Line Rd. Westwood Hills, KS 66205

913-722-5000

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.