Celina Tio’s professional pedigree is hard to beat. With a James Beard award and a Top Chef appearance, she’s one of KC’s prized chefs. Like many in her industry, Tio likes to keep busy and isn’t one to rest on her laurels, always moving onto the next project. Most recently, her Crossroads restaurant and bar The Belfry, which specializes in whiskeys, has morphed into a larger concept, The Belfry Collective. Her line of spirits, ANNX, is the catalyst for the expansion.
For the last 10 years, Tio has been assembling one of the largest collections of whiskey in the Midwest at The Belfry. Her love of whiskey—American bourbon, to be exact—led her to create her own line of spirits, ANNX, two years ago. Her label’s name honors her time attending a private Quaker boarding school outside of Philadelphia. The Annex was part of the school that connected the boys’ and girls’ wings, and that’s what Tio wants her line of spirits to be about—connection. Her chef’s palate also makes ANNX particularly exceptional.
“It’s similar to being a chef,” Tio says. “I don’t grow the ingredients, but I put the flavors together. It’s the same with whiskey.”
Tio focuses on small-batch spirits, tasting each individual barrel and then blending based on their flavor. Her diligent process differs that of others, who might slap a label on a distillate without testing for each barrel’s specific flavor. This isn’t uncommon, and Tio says small-batch spirits can be made with up to 200 barrels, so it’s possible that any flavor defects will be masked. But with Tio’s meticulous process of tasting each and every barrel, she ensures each one’s aged flavor is up to par.
ANNX features four spirits: bourbon, rye, gin and vodka. You can try them at restaurants like Farina in the Crossroads and Hi-Dive Lounge on 39th street. They’re also available at liquor stores on either side of State Line road. Better yet, just head to The Belfry Collective.
Tio began a partnership with Denver-based developer Ken Wolf several years ago with the goal to activate all of the rooms in The Belfry’s building. They added a pool hall, Gerard’s, in the space next to Tio’s restaurant two years ago. Recently, Tio began hosting private dinners in the building’s basement tasting room called Ground Control, which anyone can attend Wednesday through Friday. Sitting adjacent to Ground Control in the basement is the Wolf Den, a sleek, modern hangout space perfect for grabbing an ANNX craft cocktail with some light bites made from Tio’s kitchen.
Tio likes to grow things organically, so despite the tasting room having been open now for several months, it still feels like a Crossroads hidden gem. The Wolf Den, however, is an exciting and more recent opening, and it’s a great happy hour spot.
If you’re ever at a loss for what to order at The Belfry, start with Tio’s bourbon Moon Age. It’s relaxed yet sweet with notes of caramel and chocolate. As for food to pair it with, Tio recommends the cheddar bread pudding with bourbon caramel.
Celina Tio’s Perfect Day in KC
Morning Run
I like running on the Trolly Trail. I also like running on Line Creek Trail in Riverside. It’s long enough for me to run a half marathon.
39th Street Dive
I’m probably saying hi to the crew at Hi-Dive. I got them to carry my favorite ranch water, Lone River.
Live Show
I’d probably see a show at recordBar—probably some kind of stoner metal or stoner rock band.
Whiskey
Harry’s Country Club has a great selection.
Chinese Food
At ABC Cafe, I’m ordering chilled beef tendon salad, shrimp dumplings, tofu skin rolls and Singapore noodles.
