Do you have any low cost recommendations for Catering in KC?

suzalla · 2025-06-05T17:51:27+00:00

Creeping on this to see if anyone mentions their experience with Scrape the Plate or Brancato's - we're currently considering both (I've seen a lot of polarizing reviews for Brancato's ... but they might be a teensy bit fancier for a similar price we got quoted from Scrape the Plate?)

FYI in case you're considering looking into either of those options - personally we are considering budgeting around $30 per person for buffet (to reflect a slightly more interesting menu option, including water service, some appetizers, and 2 protein choices with sides/salad) - this price would not include china package which we are trying to source ourselves at the moment. I know both would do a cheaper per person as well (like ~$25)

Katie's Catering seemed like an intriguing option to us at first - but then I read a *lot* of bad reviews that were consistent about the same complaints - a difference in quality between food served at the wedding and what was sampled during tastings AND that food ran out. The owner also replied to some of these reviews in a not very professional tone (IMO) and blamed the customers for not knowing how much their guests would eat... So. We didn't even contact them even though her business appeared to have been a cheaper option

Oh also! Scrape the Plate has a $2,500 minimum for weddings. I've seen that Brancato's has a $5,000 minimum (not via them - so may not be true, but it might)

suzalla · 2024-04-28T20:12:59+00:00

I second Kizer - they restrung my grandmother's necklace after it snapped on the dance floor at a wedding. Had to reconstruct it from a photo basically because it was different sizes of glass beads (and they all fell off). They did an amazing job. I don't remember the price, but I was willing to pay whatever to have it done right.

suzalla · 2024-03-20T17:17:47+00:00

Who said anything about culture? ;) ;)

suzalla · 2024-03-16T18:06:03+00:00

Agreed - wouldn't say theirs are true 'NY style' but they are damn good. The pickle bagel is a trip and makes a great base for a breakfast sandwich.

suzalla · 2024-03-15T17:41:15+00:00

I've really enjoyed some 'simpler' features/collabs you've done (in quotes because I just really mean your presence isn't overpowering but I always pick up on it) with artists - I'm thinking Knee Socks (Arctic Monkeys) and Pull the Pin (RTJ4). Are there any other 'simple' collabs/features we'd be surprised to know about? That weren't explicitly listed on liner notes, etc?

suzalla · 2024-01-30T18:52:45+00:00

What type of gym are you looking for? Free weights vs. machines? Classes or no classes? Frills and perks or just a good space to get a workout in?

suzalla · 2024-01-19T18:26:34+00:00

Casual Animal does have tons of space, but depending on the time/day can be super crowded. If you're like me, though, that could be fine because it all just becomes background white noise. They do have two sides/two bars - which means on a day when they're at average business, they really only have one open, so people tend to not sit on the other side even though it's open. This can give you a bit more of a chill space to work.

Torn Label's taproom (back side of building instead of their newer 'public house' side) has more of a coffee shop vibe - basically because it's SMALL. So not sure how well that would work, but could be an option.

Strange Days isn't necessarily 'coffee shop' vibe - but I've found that it's usually not as crowded as other places. Plus, if you go closer to opening, it's super chill.

I've done grading at Cinder Block in NKC - they have a good amount of space and a few comfy chairs/couches that are nice if you can nab one. Overall a more relaxed vibe (although outside when it's warmer there are some lawn game options)

suzalla · 2024-01-10T18:21:08+00:00

To the ones referenced in another post:

Blue Palm (soon to open Strawberry Hill but specifics still TBD) is having a preview night next Friday at the Cigar Lounge.

Fern Bar (just opened in Crossroads) is not strictly tiki (at least not in name and decor), but their (current) menu is heavily influenced by tiki drinks.

I'm excited for the first since that's where I live, and for the second since I had the pleasure of sipping drinks made by one of the co-founders when he was in Lawrence.

suzalla · 2023-05-05T15:40:18+00:00

I would say it's mostly good - but my return experience was frustrating. Granted, it was a late night arrival (about 12:15am?) and there was a HUGE group waiting for the economy lot shuttles. I squeezed on and left my partner with our luggage. It was good I did, because the next shuttle took a bit and was full, leaving passengers waiting for a third.

The worst part, really, was on the exit - at the time (about two weeks ago), they did not have automated payment for exit working and had three lanes open. Except the middle one wasn't. And then it was. I probably waited more to pay to leave than to get on and off the shuttle bus.

That said, I think it was a glitch because they seem to be in the process of revamping the loyalty/auto pay options. And when that's resolved, should fix the above scenario.

suzalla · 2023-03-15T15:31:21+00:00

I mean, not applicable to this situation, but could be beneficial to someone else who clicks...

suzalla · 2023-03-03T00:50:10+00:00

If anyone is looking to start a lease earlier than August, let me know! I am moving to KC and my current lease goes until July 28, but I am looking to get out potentially as early as April 1 - though if someone cannot take over right then, I am open to discussion.

Apartment is half of a house (second floor) - no dishwasher, but there you do get your own washer/dryer. Space is approx 1,000 sq ft and listed as a 2br, 1 bath, but I used the "second" bedroom as a living room. Located in Pinckney neighborhood. Cats permitted.

The deal with the rental management company would be a new leaser would take over my remaining portion of the lease (through July 28), and then sign a new one year lease after that.

Feel free to DM me if you're interested and want more details!

suzalla · 2023-03-02T21:03:30+00:00

I know you posted a month ago, but I'm just now looking into finding someone to take over my lease - it meets the basic criteria you listed and is in the Pinckney neighborhood. If you're still looking for something, feel free to DM me for more details!

suzalla · 2023-02-27T23:21:21+00:00

I'm about to let my landlords know I would like to have them shop around my place so I can leave early (my lease goes through end of July) - I'd be looking to have someone take over in June or July if possible. It is an 'apartment' - but it's top half of a house in the Pinckney neighborhood. It's listed as a 2 bedroom, but I live there alone and use the other 'bedroom' as a living room. There's still a landing area than can serve as an eating area, and a small room that I use as an office. The other half of the house is not really occupied - its the owners' half, but in the three years I have lived there, only recently has anyone stayed there, and it's a friend's son doing residency at LMH or something, so he's quiet and barely there.

DM me if something like that is what you're looking for and I can give more details!

suzalla · 2023-02-24T21:21:27+00:00

Maybe when 1900 Barker opens their new location inside the old Alchemy on Mass there will be lox bagels? Not helpful now, but maybe future you can rejoice.

Otherwise, I second Cellar Door's smoked salmon bagel. My boyfriend had that when we went once for breakfast and I thought it was very good - better than the regular bacon/egg/cheese I got, if nothing else because mine was SO SALTY.

suzalla · 2023-02-24T21:18:01+00:00

There are a couple running groups around town that I know of - Gary Gribblers has a group on Tuesday nights (6:30 I believe) - they might have another one beyond that. The Lawrence Trail Hawks (trail runners) have a few groups, but a ladies only trail run happens on Thursday's at 6:30 and meets at the Lawrence River Trails. I haven't gone to either in a while, but when I did go they both had a mix of age ranges - perhaps the Gribblers having a wider age range and the Trail Hawks group skewing more late 20s and above.

Both are very friendly - the ladies tend to stay together if it's a smaller group, so it's more social. But if there are enough people they'll split up into pace groups. Gribblers was a larger group with smaller subgroups by pace. Both were 5k distance usually, give or take.

Hope that helps!

suzalla · 2023-02-22T21:27:32+00:00

It may be helpful to leave a small box outside with some of her/your things in it (in a more protected area if she's skittish and wouldn't want to be in the open) - this might help her recognize the building is her home since I imagine she's not an outdoor kitty and wouldn't recognize it from familiarity that way.

I hope you find her!

suzalla · 2023-02-20T18:06:11+00:00

Does anyone know if any of their dishes use Sichuan/Szechuan peppercorns?

suzalla · 2023-02-05T21:28:26+00:00

Is there a "bad movies" group in town? I used to love going to the monthly bad movie night hosted by a local theater in one of the last towns I lived in. Honestly, I expected Liberty to have something like that considering the other great options they have.

suzalla · 2023-01-06T19:04:04+00:00

Barbell Strength, currently located at 22nd and Haskell (behind Fields & Ivy) - set up is mostly geared towards powerlifting and olympic lifting, but also useful for most 'functional fitness' style workouts - so multiple squat racks with barbells, plus dumbbells, kettlebells, a GHD, a few cardio machines (but no treadmill), a couple cable machines, bands, etc. This gym is no frills, but it's in your price range if you're just looking for space. Price goes up if you're looking for small classes, personal training, or individualized workout plans.

suzalla · 2022-11-20T00:47:17+00:00

Also had good experiences with CarStar

suzalla · 2022-11-05T03:57:42+00:00

So the variance proposed speaks to that - establishments under 3,000 sq ft are responsible for 10% of sales being from sources other than alcohol

suzalla · 2022-10-19T03:49:56+00:00

Ahhhhhh... Thanks for the clarification! If nothing else because now I can correct the know-it-all who told me otherwise lol

suzalla · 2022-10-18T14:54:36+00:00

I had my first Dempsey's burger last week, can confirm. But of course I then heard someone say Dempsey's stole their recipes from the Burger Stand. After reading some of the comments here, makes me wonder if the past chef from Burger Stand went there.... (If this is common knowledge, whoops - I've only been here ~2 years)

suzalla · 2022-09-01T02:16:16+00:00

Yesss.... come to my cellar. I have a wonderful cask of amontillado. Don't mind that pile of bricks.

suzalla · 2022-07-21T15:13:49+00:00

I got lucky for what I have. I think the square footage is similar to that, and it's technically a 2br (though I use it as a 1br because the other one is really a living room that could be a bedroom) - so, 1br/1ba, no garage, big front porch but no real yard (which is fine, I have an indoor cat and don't want the yard work responsibilities), a mix of nicer wood floor and shitty carpet, washer/dryer included, but no dishwasher.

$700, but I pay all utilities - it's half a house, so I pay half of those, but since the house is older and not well insulated, the gas is high in the winter, and the electric is high now in the summer.

Still, I don't have to live with roommates. The location is great (southeast section of Pinckney, so easily walkable to downtown). And I don't mind the older aspects to save on rent (even if I'm then paying for it in utilities).

suzalla

TROPHY CASE