You may already know that I reside in the ‘burbs, or, perhaps more succinctly, the middle of nowhere. But what you might not know is that it hasn’t always been this way. I lived in Wichita for many years, and bought my first home in the booming metropolis of Derby, Kansas. And though I do love my rural life, sometimes I miss the relatively urban existence I once lived. I think that Derby is a very happy medium; it is outside the “big city”, but still …

Last week, I wrote a post lamenting the loss of Red Mesa Grill and their excellent white cheese dip. Reader Josh left a particularly eloquent comment on this article, simply stating, “Super strong margaritas + great queso – huge bill = Los Cocos!” Coincidentally, I already had dinner plans at Los Cocos (1335 N. Tyler Rd.) for Sunday, and I was excited to put Josh’s proclamation to the test. The restaurant did not disappoint.
We started our evening at the bar, where I ordered a margarita the size of my head …

That store where they always have your size in your new favorite pair of shoes. The restaurant where they cook your steak just right. The bar where they always know your name. These are the things we love about our favorite local businesses. But what do you do when these places close? This feature is designed to spotlight some of those options.
Victory Sports Bar and Grill (formerly located at 2319 N. Ridge Rd.)
For several years, Victory was my Cheers. I would sit down and almost immediately a nice, cold Miller …

I know, I know: the cheapest way to get your java fix is to brew it up yourself at home. But there are some days when that’s just not going to happen, and a quick coffee run on the way to work is required.  Luckily for the financially challenged among us, several local coffee shops offer special deals to help you stretch your latte budget.
This is pretty much the best-kept coffee secret in Wichita. Are you ready? Go to Watermark Books between 7 and 9 a.m. Monday-Friday and order a …

I guess I should start with a disclaimer. I’m a Finn’s guy. I’ve been going to Finn’s for the better part of a decade. I danced with and kissed my now-wife for the first time at Finn’s. I’ve celebrated and grieved at Finn’s. Greg, the head man, and Jason, his steadfast employee, are great bartenders and hosts and are counted among my friends. So the idea of going on a Thursday  to hang out and take a look at their signature drinks struck me as a fine way to kill …