Chances are, you have someone on your holiday shopping list who’s a big-time food enthusiast. Whether you’re buying for the home chef or aspiring bartender, this list of local food and drink favorites have you covered.

1. Tyler Kingston Acacia Wood Cutting Board, $25 
   A stylish cutting board? Yes, please! Your foodie friend will be cutting and chopping in style.
2. Boulevard Brewing Beer Bread Kit, $12.95
   Kansas City’s favorite brewery and our favorite choice of carb. Can you say “add to cart”?
3. Tyler Kingston Vintage Inspired Pour Over Coffee Stand, $59
   If you have a serious coffee snob on your holiday gift list, they’ll love this oh-so-chic pour over coffee stand from Tyler Kingston.
4. Golden & Pine Bar Set, $62
   Give a gift that will absolutely go to good use this season. This bar set is practically screaming for a drink.
5. Thou Mayest Alter Ego Coffee, $17.50
   The perfect pairing for the (above) Tyler Kingston Pour Over Coffee Stand, this bag of beans is a holiday win for the coffee-lover in your life.
6. The Last Bite cookbook, $19.95
   If you have a serious foodie on your list, they’ll be thrilled to get this local cookbook filled with 100 recipes from Kansas City chefs and James Beard award winners.
7. Kansas City Canning Co. Small Batch Favorites, $30
   Spreadable deliciousness is our jam – especially this four pack from Kansas City Canning Co., featuring: 7-Pepper Jelly, Clementine-Thyme Marmalade, Balsamic Pickled Grapes, and Ancho Date Butter.
8. Christopher Elbow Gourmet Holiday Collection, $38
   Not sure what to get the sweet tooth in your life? Christopher Elbow comes to the rescue with this stunning 16-piece truffle assortment, featuring a personal favorite – Spiced Caramel Apple.
9. Easy Tiger Co. Cocktail Shaker, $40
   Shake things up this holiday season with this gold cocktail shaker from Easy Tiger. Pro tip: This gift will certainly come in handy for the hostess in your life.
10. Easy Tiger Co. Brunch Lady Tray, $30
    This is not your traditional lunch tray – which is why this adorable dusty pink tray makes such a unique gift. Breakfast in bed (should be) included.

Which gifts will you be getting for your foodie friend? Let me know in the comments below!

This post is sponsored by, and created in partnership with, CommunityAmerica Credit Union – but all opinions are my own. Check out CommunityAmerica’s blog for more budget-friendly dining tips. And thanks for supporting the brands that make Out to Eat the best blog it can be!

Explore Downtown Overland Park’s growing food and drink scene during the city’s Local Life Third Friday events, happening now through December. More than 10 bars and restaurants will offer specials, samples, giveaways and live music each month from 5-9 p.m. Be sure to check out these Third Friday food stops when you visit.

• The Upper Crust Pie Bakery: $8 Pie Flights and wine
• Ambrosia Cafe: sandwiches, vegan offerings, salads and dessert
• Aubrey Vineyards: free wine tastings (and a look at Overland Park’s first winery and vineyard!)

• BrewLab: local craft beers, kombucha, charcuterie and sandwiches
• The Culinary Center of Kansas City: live music, free food tastings, local beer and spirits
• Homer’s Coffee House: coffee, sandwiches, pastries and live music
• Papa Keno’s Pizzeria: pizza and beer specials – including any two-topping pizza and Free State or Boulevard pitcher for $29.99
• The Tasteful Olive: food samples featuring the shop’s oil and vinegar, live music and discounts on your next purchase
• Doughnut Lounge: classic, signature and savory doughnuts and coffee drinks

In addition to Third Friday’s food scene, Downtown Overland Park also features art galleries, gift shops and clothing stores.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming Third Fridays:

• Friday, April 20
• Friday, May 18 | Downtown Dog Day
• Friday, June 15 | Movies in the Park
• Friday, July 20 | Movies in the Park
• Friday, August 17 | Movies in the Park
• Friday, September 21
• Friday, October 19
• Friday, November 16 | Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Friday, December 21

For updates on events each month, be sure to follow LOCAL LIFE on Facebook. Let me know where you plan on dining by commenting below!

This post is sponsored by Downtown OP, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Out to Eat the best blog it can be!

It’s the best time of year for food enthusiasts…KC Restaurant Week! More than 150 restaurants are participating, offering two-course lunches for $15 and three-course dinners for $33. Restaurant Week runs through January 21, but let’s face it: two weeks isn’t enough time to try each eatery. To help narrow your focus, I’ve partnered with my friends at Kansas Beef to bring you five must-try beef dishes during KC Restaurant Week.

1. Grunauer’s Slow Roasted Beef Shoulder
Why we love it: Tender, marinated beef – accented with Dijon sauce and horseradish – sets the stage for this hearty dinner dish. And even the sides shine when it comes to Grunauer’s roasted brussel sprouts and creamy mashed potatoes. Pro tip: try this dish with a glass of the 2014 Esterhazy “Granauer” if you’re looking for a great beef + red wine pairing.

Grunauer
101 W 22nd St.
Kansas City, MO 64108

2. Corvino’s Cheeseburger
Why we love it: The words “burger” and “gourmet” rarely go together, but Corvino pulls it off beautifully. Chef Michael Corvino starts with two thin chuck patties, topped with thick layers of muenster cheese, garlic aioli, housemade dill pickles and caramelized onions, then sandwiches it all between a sesame seed bun. Pro tip: have a couple napkins handy when consuming this juicy burger.

Corvino Supper Club
1830 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64108

3. Brewery Emperial’s Flank Steak
Why we love it: steak and beer? It’s a no-brainer at Brewery Emperial. Especially when it comes to this flavorful, chili rubbed flank steak, thin sliced and topped with chimichurri. If you can make your way through all the layers of tender beef, you’ll be rewarded with sides of creamy polenta and sautéed mushrooms. Pro tip: order the brewery’s Biscuit beer for a beef-friendly drink pairing.

Brewery Emperial 
1829 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64108

4. Boru Ramen’s Curry Beef
Why we love it: big cuts of beef and no steak knife required…yes, please! Boru adds extra wow-factor to this lunch and dinner entree by using Japenese-style curry to accentuate tender portions of meat. Chef Po Wang rounds out the dish with roasted fingerling potatoes, carrots and steamed rice. Pro tip: save room for dessert, the cotton cheesecake with yuzu sauce is not to be missed!

Boru Ramen
500 W 75th St.
Kansas City, MO 64114

5. Summit Grill Waldo’s Angus KC Strip
Why we love it: Let’s face it, any time KC Strip is on the menu it’s worth sinking your teeth into. But especially during Restaurant Week, when you can get this flavorful, finely marbled cut that made Kansas City famous for it’s beef – for a steal. Not to mention, there are two other courses that accompany this dish. Pro tip: wear your stretchy pants.

Summit Grill Waldo
520 W 75th St.
Kansas City, MO 64114

Beef is a great way to go celebrate any out-to-eat experience, especially during Kansas City Restaurant Week. Where are you getting your beef fix? I told you, now you tell me! Give me your suggestions in the comments below.

This post is sponsored by Kansas Beef, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Out to Eat the best blog it can be! 

You’ve got your family gift exchange, office Secret Santa and stockings to fill – and a December deadline fast approaching. But don’t panic: shopping is a breeze when you hit up Parkville for the holidays. Check out these five shops that sell something for every wish list. Plus, enter to win a Parkville shopping spree at the end of this post!

1. Old Towne Sweets & Antiques: Gifts for the Collector
For that friend who collects everything from retro candy to vintage salt and pepper shakers, Old Town Sweets & Antiques has their holiday gifts covered. Start on the first floor and browse the shop’s selection of homemade fudge, old fashioned salt water taffy and sodas. Then, move to the second floor and shop a wide range of vintage and antique finds.

Old Towne Sweets & Antiques
7 Main St.
Parkville, MO 64152

2. Samsara Home: Gifts for the Decorator
Samsara is THE place to shop for the person who loves to deck out their home. Whether their style is rustic or retro, you’ll find unique home decor and furniture to match every taste. Best of all, owners Alex and Carlos bring an infectious enthusiasm to the shopping experience, along with an expert eye for decor.

 Samsara Home 
12 E Street
Parkville, MO

3. La Bottega Vintage Market: Gifts for the Antique Enthusiast
Have an antique enthusiast in your life? You’ll hit the motherload when you head to La Bottega for your holiday shopping. From dolls to vintage clothes and maps to lamps, there’s no way you’re walking out empty handed. I had my eye on a copper cookie canister, in case anyone wants to know what’s on my wish list.

La Bottega Vintage Market
173 English Landing Dr.
Parkville, MO 64152

4. Cool Vintage Watches: For the Timeless Gift   
This shop definitely earns the “cool” in its name. Not only can you find the most unique watches around, but vintage cameras, pens, typewriters and records. Plus, it has all your man cave elements, too, including old beer signs, camping gear and sports memorabilia. And the shop’s coolest claim to fame? A visit from former President Obama in 2014.

Cool Vintage Watches
105 Main St.
Parkville, MO 64152

5. Parkville Jewelers: Gifts that Sparkle 
If you want to make someone’s holiday really special, there’s no shortage of bling and sparkle at downtown’s Parkville Jewelers. For the ladies, you’ll find a beautiful selection of custom made rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Guys will also love the latest watches and watch bands from Bulova, Tacori and more.

Parkville Jewelers
106 Main St.
Parkville, MO

Ready to head out on a Parkville Holiday Shopping Spree? Enter below for a chance to win:
Old Towne Sweets & Antiques – $10 gift card
Cool Vintage Watches – $15 gift card
Parkville Jewelers – Royal Blue Watch ($69.95 retail value)

This post is sponsored by Downtown Parkville, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Out to Eat the best blog it can be!