Your home: Hidden gems to get you settled in the area

By Chad Taylor

Question: If someone has just moved into the area, are there any particular stores or restaurants you recommend they be sure to check out?

We actually get questions like this all the time from clients, and even though it is not exactly in the realm of real estate, I think it’s very relevant for new homeowners. When someone is new to town, our team makes it a goal to help them get acclimated quickly and make KC feel like “home.” Our metro area has a lot to offer, but I’ve selfishly picked a few spots that I think offer a a unique experience. 
 
Let’s start with a subject near and dear to my heart: food! Dining out is a passion for my wife and me. Having both worked in the food service industry, we appreciate great food and knowledgeable, timely service. That is exactly what we get at The Westside Local.  Managing partner Brandon Strick and business partner Lon Booher have created an unassuming and authentic atmosphere coupled with a farm-to-table philosophy that brings you the freshest ingredients possible. The cuisine is sophisticated and exciting yet very approachable.  We have yet to have a guest of ours not be blown away by what they have to offer. Booher, who owns the restaurant building, is also an architect and is passionate about preserving the incredible Westside architecture — and it shows!
 
Our next stop, in the heart of Prairie Village, is an oasis. That oasis is Bijin Salon and Spa. Co-founders Connie Suss and Mary Jane Van de Castle founded Bijin is 1988 in the historic Westport district and then later moved it to its current location at The Village Shops. Bijin’s salon services offer an escape from the pressures of life. Slip away to the lower spa level and experience a full body massage or a facial, and come out a new person. Bijin is not just about customer service. Every employee assists is creating a customer “experience.” 
 
On that note, one of the best examples of customer service that I have experienced in KC is Rydell Tailor Shop in Brookside. Eric Blond, the owner, and his team are magicians with a needle and thread. Eric stays current with fashion trends (which I need and appreciate) and always helps his clients look their very best. I always feel a little like a celebrity with my own personal tailor at Rydell’s — not just like another customer. Kudos Eric!
 
It is appropriate that Glace Artisan Ice Cream is tastefully concluding this column. Unbelievable flavors and textures created by master artisan Christopher Elbow will knock your socks off. It is almost unfair to just call it “ice cream.” That doesn’t quite do it justice. Glace has two locationsÚ just south of the Plaza on Main and on 119th Street in Leawood.

This weekly sponsored column is written by Chad Taylor of the Taylor-Made Team and Keller Williams Realty Key Partners, LLC. The Taylor-Made Team consistently performs in the top 3 percent of Realtors in the Heartland MLS. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email. You can find out more about the Taylor-Made Team on its website. And always feel free to call at 913-825-7540.