Chambre Coffee // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Okay, so you’ve likely heard about the closure of Westport Coffee earlier this year and the subsequent takeover by Chambre Coffee. But, in case you’ve yet to hear about how delicious their matchas are and how adorable their cafe is, let me tell you all about it.
First, they’re known for their matcha drinks, and they make them well! Their matcha is smooth, sweet, and creamy, as all matchas should be.
I opted for an iced matcha latte with oat milk and sugar-free vanilla ($6.79), but they also offer strawberry, mango, and pistachio matchas if you’re feeling adventurous. You can even mix flavors to create a drink that’s tailored to your current cravings.
Other drinks that piqued my interest were the pandan coconut cream ($6.79), made with matcha powder, pandan syrup, and topped with coconut cold foam; banana caramel ($6.79), made with matcha powder, banana puree, and caramel cold foam; and the horchata ($4.99), because an iced cold horchata can change your life.
Of course, I stuck with vanilla matcha to steer clear of too much sugar, but boy oh boy did I want to dive into one of those sweet treats.
Aside from the menu, the space is beautifully decorated. Think warm, inviting, and stylish. If you’re into interior design, it’s giving Scandinavian minimalism. The furniture has light wood tones with a mix of natural textures, and it’s spacious inside, making for an airy and calming space. They even offer floor-level tables with cushions so that you can sit comfortably on the ground and still enjoy your drinks and pastries. There is also natural light beaming in from the windows and music playing low in the background.
I definitely see more workdays and meetups here in my future.
Chambre Coffee is located at 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream // Photo by Tiffany Watts
Betty Rae’s is practically a KC icon. Between their mainstay scoops and the rotating specials, you’re bound to find something for everyone in the group. Yes, even your dairy-free friends.
My daughter and I like to make midday pit stops at their River Market location here and there for a little sweet treat. It’s really the only thing I’ll step outside of my health routine for, and even that’s not really out of bounds since my favorite flavors are vegan and sweetened with agave–one of the few sweeteners I can enjoy.
This time, our close friend joined us for a little creamy debauchery after a short walk around the neighborhood.
They indulged in one of Betty Rae’s tasty specials: Olive Oil Peppercorn. I know, it sounds like a pairing that shouldn’t be an ice cream option at all, but it was rich, sweet, and full of flavor. My kiddo, who isn’t vegan but is a big fan of their vegan vanilla ice cream, got a hefty scoop of that and topped it with Fruity Pebbles.
As for me, I get the same thing every time with delight.
A scoop of the dairy-free vanilla on the bottom and a scoop of the dairy-free chocolate on top. It’s a velvety cup of nostalgia, as it reminds me of the zebra ice cream cones my mom would take us to get as kids after hours of running around in circles at the park.
Now, if you happen to land there and you’re in the mood for something new, grab one of their ice cream flights. You’ll get a pairing of select flavors to try, and you may just find a new favorite.
Betty Rae’s has multiple locations – this location is at 412 Delaware St., Kansas City, MO 64105.
Tags: Betty Rae’s, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Chambre Coffee, City Market, Dish & Drink, Dish & Drink KC, dish and drink, dish and drink kc, matcha, River Market, westport
Dining and Cooking