Manifesto is modeled somewhat on the the speakeasy - prohibition era establishments that served alcohol (illegally).  When it was illegal to operate a bar discretion was critical.  Secret knocks, code words, etc… meant you didn’t get busted by the feds.  Today it’s just part of Manifesto’s schtick and it’s kind of fun.

The process goes something like this:

1. Send text to 816.536.1325 asking for reservations. Text should include number in party and desired time.
2. Manifesto will text back a confirmation or suggest another time.
3. Arrive at Manifesto entrance (unmarked door in alley behind 1924 main Street)
4. Press buzzer.
5. You are greeted through a small intercom in the door.  (I think they said, “Yes?” )
6. State your name (name on reservation).
7. Door opens and you are invited inside by the host.

Once inside you are escorted down a narrow staircase and dark hallway to an even darker bar area – my 40+ year-old eyes took some time to adjust but no matter, on to the drinks…

The cocktail menu is divided in sections based on the base liquor of the drink (Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Vodka, Tequila).  It appears that most of the drinks are inspired by cocktails of the past but given an artistic and tasty twist with fresh new ingredients.

My first drink was a Tempest, Manifesto’s take on the Dark & Stormy – a drink traditionally made with Gosling’s dark rum and ginger beer.  Manifesto makes theirs with Gosling’s dark rum,  lime, homemade ginger syrup and five-pepper-infused tequila.  You see five-pepper-infused tequila in a drink recipe and wonder what you’ve gotten into. No need to worry.  It’s delicious. I could drink them all night (if I could sleep in the bar).

My second drink was a Smokin’ Choke. This funky little number includes Applewood & Peachwood Smoked Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Grade B Vermont Maple Syrup, Cynar, and Peychauds Bitters. It’s served over a single large cube of ice that’s so cold it never seems to melt. Cool trick.

Drinks are $11 each.  Steep by traditional KC standards but worth it in my book when you consider taste, artistry, and theater.

Went to the “new K” on Easter to see the Royals play the Yankees.  The Royals have done a great job with the stadium modifications.

One of the first things you notice is how intimate the stadium is.  By adding seating beyond the outfield the Royals have made the stadium seem smaller, more compact.  It’s nothing that seemed necessary before but is certainly welcome now that it’s here.

The boys and I took a walk around the stadium to take in all the new views.  The photo above was not even possible last season. All in all I am impressed with the additions.

Another plus – Guinness on tap.  Perfect for a cold, wet game like we experienced on Sunday.

Negative – I am told by qualified afficianados (Shelly and Noah) that the new nachos are terrible.  That’s a shame. Why mess with something as simple as that?

Looking forward to warmer, sunnier games later this season.

We recently surprised Morgan (daughter, 17 years) by sending her and boyfriend Liam to the inauguration also. This is her 18th birthday present (several days early) and she couldn’t be more excited.  They will stay with my parents in Frederick, Maryland and take the train into Union Station on inauguration day.

Visit my Flickr site to view/download these photos individually:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarshphotography/sets/72157610845883223/

Scott and Brad pulled off the impossible and coordinated a night out for about 35 of us. A school bus, dinner at Seven Restaurant and several hours of drinking, dancing and laughing with the Blasters at Knuckleheads. You could not ask for more fun.

Enough jibber-jabber. A picture’s worth a thousand laughs.

And a little video…

I love eggs.  Most of us have grown up kind of afraid of eggs – believing that eating eggs is going to kill us.  I’ve always conveniently ignored that conventional wisdom and have been vindicated by and large by recent medical research.

Anyway, if you are going to eat them (I like them either over easy or scrambled) you should eat good tasting eggs. Think about it.  The egg is a self contained meal. Everything you want or need to taste is already in the shell – no extra flavoring needed. If you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy farm fresh eggs you already know what I’m talking about. Unfortunately, here in the ‘burbs, farm fresh eggs are not always easy to find.  Enter Amy’s Meats - a small family ranch run by Amy and Dan Saunders and their three young children about 8 miles north of Lawrence, Kansas. Once limited to the Lawrence Farmer’s Market, Amy now sells fresh meats, eggs and other goodies every other Saturday in the parking lot of the Corinth Shopping Center in Prairie Village. Sign up for her newsletter for details.

At $4/dozen you’re paying about a 50% premium over the store bought variety.  But still, we’re talking about 33 cents an egg. Worth every penny and then some.  They’re also pretty darn good looking (see photo).  Colors naturally vary from off-white to rich brown with blues and greens in between.

We were lucky enough to attend the US Commodities party at this year’s American Royal Barbecue. Thank you Ross for throwing such a great party! And thank you John for the R-I-B-S!

As you can see below, lots of fun was had by all.

Some senior year pictures of my step-daughter Morgan.

On a walk with Shelly and found this cicada that had just molted (left its old shell). Managed to grab him before Sam Parker (our beagle) could snap him up as a mid-day snack.

Saw blues legend John Mayall last Saturday night with some buddies (Scott, Scott, James, Brad). Can’t think of a better venue for a Blues show like this – especially when a freight train rolls by blasting its whistle (I thought I was at a juke joint in Mississippi).

A short video. 
He can still work that blues harp.

Photos from the show.  
The great thing about Knuckleheads is how close you can get to the performer.  These were taken with a pocket digital.  Wish I’d had my Nikon DSLR.
(Click to enlarge)