Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the 17th annual Stems: A Garden Soirée will be held on June 22nd to benefit the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. Barbara and Mike Nicco have returned to Kansas City and are thrilled to be serving as the honorary chairs […]

March 8th was the date for the fifth annual Stanislav & Friends concert, to benefit Park University’s International Center for Music. Phyllis and Ron Nolan were the honorary chairmen for the event, which was held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The wonderful concert featured the multitalented faculty members, students, and alumni of […]

In life, our best-laid plans often take unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. Such is the case for Pam Liberda, head chef and owner of Waldo Thai. Pam has single-handedly introduced a new world of Thai cuisine to Kansas City and is on the list of who’s who among chefs. The James […]

Anyone with a penchant for the aromatic flavors of Indian food, the vibrant colors of a fine Sari, or a sporting game of cricket, may dream of traveling to the Jewel of the East. However, thanks to the India Association of Kansas City (IAKC), one needn’t make a journey overseas to enjoy these sensory delights. […]

Attend an event in Kansas City and chances are you may spot Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill, the city’s only food truck of its kind. With a unique brand, authentic Hawaiian flavors, and an equally noteworthy man behind the brand, this food truck is not one to miss.  Irvin “Irv” Der, chef and owner, worked in the […]

On June 15th, Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza will come alive with the International Dragon Boat Festival. “This family-friendly, free event features the only dragon boat racing competition held in a creek,” said Joan Pu, vice president of the Society for Friendship with China. “The races will take place from 10 a.m. to […]

She loves being an advocate for women and the Asian community; she is crazy about the arts scene in Kansas City; she doesn’t fully understand the concept of downtime; and Jasmine Thompson is passionate about tequilas! This woman of many talents and flavors is an entrepreneurial spirit at heart and in practice.  Born in Taiwan, […]

Several aspects of Benny Lee’s formative years in Taiwan became driving forces in his life, and engendered curiosity, toughness, and positivity that continue to inspire him to this day.  The death of his father when Benny was just 13 impacted him greatly: He learned much about tenacity and self-reliance watching his mother learn new job […]

Chris Constant is a beautifully complicated man, yet so very humble and charming, it’s almost hard to believe that so many talents and qualities exist in just one soft-spoken man. As he unfolds, much like a piece of origami, we find out so many endearing and intriguing pieces. Born in South Korea and adopted by […]

Book clubs provide more than just thought-provoking discussions of books. They provide connection, camaraderie, and an enriching experience for readers. Interested in the advent of fully digital book clubs, I recently got the chance to interview Alexandra and Tiffany, the founders of Subtle Asian Book Club. Childhood best friends from the suburbs of Los Angeles, […]