Closings
Chingu (4117 Pennsylvania Ave., chingukc.com)
Chef-owner of Westport’s Korean restaurant Chingu, Keeyoung Kim, took to his restaurant’s social media to announce it will be shutting its doors. The last day of service will be May 24.
To read more about the beloved restaurant’s closing, read here.
Openings
Laila Lounge (1717 W. 9th St.)
Coming to the West Bottoms is the international bar and lounge, Laila Lounge.
According to The Star, Laila will offer drinks, small bites and entertainment from around the world with the owners. Farhan Shiekh and Shahzad Ghafoor, comparing it to the international club Raspoutine, which has spots in Paris, Los Angeles and Dubai.
Laila is expected to open later this month.
The Brass Monkey (307 Admiral Blvd.)
Downtown speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, The Brass Monkey, will be all about mysticism, riddles and intrigue.
“There’s going to be some trickery to activate the system to get into the door,” Owner Mark Denton told The Star. “Maybe some questions you have to answer, some switches you have to switch in the right direction.”
The Brass Monkey plans to open this summer, possibly in July. Cocktails and small bites will be inspired by global flavors and the small space, which seats about 30, will emulate a 1940s design with “dim lighting, antique furniture and a discrete entrance.”
Other News
Holy Cannoli
Two beloved Kansas City institutions are coming together for a sweet collaboration.
Just in time for summer, Chef Jasper Mirabile of Jaspers Italian Restaurant has teamed up with Betty Rae’s Ice Cream to launch Cannoli Ice Cream.
The limited-time flavor is inspired by Chef Jasper’s all-time favorite dessert—the cannoli. It’s a rich, creamy base made with smooth mascarpone and ricotta cheese, infused with a touch of orange zest and warm cinnamon. The ice cream is studded with semi-sweet mini chocolate chips and tart cherries, then crowned with roasted pistachios and crispy cannoli shell pieces for a crunch.
“This is my favorite dessert of all time,” says Chef Jasper Mirabile. “I’ve been dreaming about turning my cannoli into ice cream, and now it’s real.”
The 9 AM Latin Party
Café Corazon’s Southwest Boulevard location is turning up the heat this May with Caféton, an electrifying morning Latin party (110 Southwest Boulevard).
The party, set for Saturday, May 17 from 9 am to noon, will feature the beats of DJ Astro, a curated brunch menu and signature craft coffee and cocktails. Admission is free.
“This is more than just brunch — it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and good vibes,” says Dulcinea Herrera, Co-Owner at Café Corazon.
To read about Cafe Corazon’s upcoming Brookside location, read here.
Got Food News tips? We want to hear from you. Tyler@kansascitymag.com.
