Wild West Showdown Lowrider Show & Hop Contest

Today was the Wild West Showdown Lowrider Show & Hop Contest in the West Bottoms sponsored by Zach Lovely of Union Press. We had never been and since it was in the hood - well how could we not go! Urban Adventure at it's finest!
The amount of money, imagination and pride that goes into the creations is admirable and enjoyable. Everyone has a little different take on what makes it "pop". The hydraulics are really hard on the auto. But damn, they are fun to watch. It is showy and a little noisy and makes you think of movies and the coasts.

It was adult and family oriented and the shine made sun glasses a must. Everything from very old classics to very new vehicles. The roar of the engines and occasional burnout did remind me of times gone by. You don't hear it that much anymore. But, loud exhaust, booming music and revving of engines made me know I was in America. All those muscle cars in one place is a little like horsepower on testosterone - and it looked and sounded good!

There were even some bicycles involved and as they were being removed from the car - the polishing rag was applied and they were really just as interesting as the autos. Who knew they made "low rider" bicycle wheels?

These three were of the antique/classic era but were just gorgeous! They certainly made you want one!

Judging and prizes were awarded around 4:30 and after a very warm day it started breaking up and you could hear the rumbles as they faded off into the sunset. This was a well attended event, there was friendly competition and pride was on the line but there was no confrontation. Everyone was there to show off their creations - and the diverse artists kept this a very laid back enjoyable event.
Kudos to Union Press and all the attendees for making this a great day!

Wandering in a 10 mile radius

We have been randomizing our dining delights lately - trying to find something new. We like locally owned and so our new ventures are geared to local owned places. Friday we ate at The Big Grill & More on 6th and Sandusky in Kansas City Kansas. We had lunch -  pork sandwich and potato salad for Ric and Ham sandwich and baked beans for me. It comes with fries and a pickle spear.

The building alone will draw you in. The friendliness at the counter will keep you smiling but the food will make you close your eyes and say YUM!

The sandwiches were triple decker so no shortage of meat on old fashioned white bread and slathered with just enough BBQ to be good. Meat is good quality and smoked to perfection. And while all my major meat eating friends will find that alone to be exquisite - you have not got to the best part - the baked beans. We pride ourselves on making baked beans to die for at home - these were just as good. They were sweet, and smoky and delicious. They were the best I have ever had outside of my own kitchen. And then there is the potato salad - it was made with potatoes! Not lots of onion and eggs. The creamy mustardy base was perfect.

This is not fancy - this is the way BBQ should be. Home cooked and delicious!
If you have not been there - you have not had great BBQ in Kansas City. I know, some of you have your favorites - and we have probably been there too but we were very impressed with The Big Grill and will be back! I think their special on Thursday is slabs!

Lifes Small Adventures

We have survived the heat and lived to tell August to chill. In any other year, this would have sounded silly, this year, I think August might seem mild compared to July! And even though we are not traveling as such, we are still trying to find minor adventures here at home.
Lately, the only thing that has seemed possible to do is eat someplace new. So here is your updates.

 

 We tried the Freebird World Burrito which has just opened in Mission, KS. We had actually driven by and seen tents outside a few days before and had no idea that anyone, would wait for the opening of a restaurant like that. Still think they are crazy but - that is their adventure. So, we went at lunch and waited in a pretty long line. It is small, clean, and serves beer and margaritas. And the food is pretty inexpensive by the usual standard. You get to choose whatever they have to put on your burrito or taco.

We were surprised at the quality and flavor and will eat there again!

Next up - Quicks BBQ. We have told you about this one before - it is a sleeper here in KC. It is what a BBQ should "feel" like. Homey. The food is good, the beer is cold and it is a concealed carry friendly restaurant. Posted on the door. Kudos big time to the owner!

If you have not tried it - be sure and drop by - it will feel like home!

Tonight, we headed out to Gardner, KS to Stricker's Auction. It was "warmish" Sad, that 90+ seems managable because it is not 100+! Anyway, it was packed. They had 2 rings going. One outside and one inside. We didn't see anything worth waiting around for but things were going very reasonable! But we stopped at Blazers Burgers and BBQ right down the street and it made the drive worth it!
It is a restaurant built around what looks like a walk up drive in. Burger was good. Pulled Pork sandwich was good. They have sweet potato fries so you know I was happy! And the people were interesting to watch. This close to KC it felt small town comfortable. Right next to the Johnson County fair and kids were coming in to get ice cream. For some reason, it reminded both of us of how it felt in summer when we were kids. Can't explain it - but the simplicity was remarkably comforting. On the menu it lists Beer Bottle. No type - we didn't ask, but wish we had!

Portia got a good report today and she looks so much better. Another quality day! I have realized I am starting to understand life. Mine anyway. It is about the day to day quality. Not the highs, or the lows, but those defining moments that are just simply good. Heres to many more!