Local Expert: DeBarre Johnson
Your Favorite Foodie Friend
DeBarre with a capital B—describes herself as “just a girl from around the way, LFK (Lawrence)-raised, Jackie of all trades, trying to be the change.” By day, she works as an estimator for a national architectural planning and industrial design firm, and in her free time she becomes “your favorite foodie friend.” She regularly tours the city’s new and established eateries, looking for the next great dish. Her favorite toast, “Good friends, good wine, good food … good times!” exemplifies her unmistakable zest for life.
DeBarre's Top 5 Foodie Picks
CHEBARO MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
What it’s known for: Located in a Quick Stop Gas Station on 23rd Street, this hidden gem is home to some majorly flavorful shawarma you’ve ever had. And the falafel… OMG!
Why she loves it: Food as simple as falafel is made to order so you’re guaranteed to be getting the best flavor possible.
Favorite Dish: So many choices: lamb, beef, chicken, vegetables, wraps, rice bowls, salads, kebobs … and every.single.thing.is.good. Oh, and baklava! *faints*
STANLEY JAMES SMOKEHOUSE
What it’s known for: They have a $5 deal every single day that includes a sandwich and a side dish.
Why she loves it: I have always been a fan of the half-slab though, particularly with a side of baked beans and mac and cheese (heart eyes!), and Stanley is a great place to grab a complete meal where everything on your plate is good and the dessert is even better!
Favorite Dish: I wasn’t a fan of cobbler of any kind, but now I am a fan of apple cobbler, but only from Stanley James BBQ,
LADYBIRD DINER
What it’s known for: All your vintage diner faves with a midwest twist. Fun decor… salt and pepper shaker heaven. And do not forget the pie… or the donuts!
Why she loves it: Their portions are more like your Midwestern grandmother’s, which means they are perfect.
Favorite Dish: Ladybird has the bomb biscuits and gravy! Pair your dish with one of Ladybird’s mimosas or a chocolate shake and you’re all set.
HAWAIANN BROS. ISLAND GRILL
What it’s known for: The signature teriyaki chicken dish, Huli Huli Chicken. Specializes in the plate lunches that come with white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad and one portion of meat (or grilled vegetables)
Why she loves it: I am a meat eater, and all of the meat at this place is GOODT! I am also a vegetable eater. All of the vegetables at this place are GOODT!
Favorite Dish: My go-to is the #2 Molokai Chicken, hot with a side of mixed vegetables and extra teriyaki sauce.
BON BON!
What it’s known for: An ever-changing food and drink menu featuring what’s in season. FRESH food – they have their own garden directly across the street. Don’t miss happy hour for the best prices on specialty cocktails and small plates.
Why she loves it: The restaurant is right next door to the Cider Gallery, so you can have some lunch and then take a few steps to see some really cool art or attend a gallery-hosted event.
Favorite Dish: Bon Bon’s wings are sweet and spicy.
DeBarre's Event Recommendations
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE RESTAURANT WEEK
Almost all of the Downtown Lawrence restaurants have discounted prices on fixed menus for about a week in early January. It’s an awesome time to experience the talent of the great chefs we have in Lawrence and to sample their three-course meals, cocktails, desserts and other specialty foods at extremely friendly prices.
JANUARY 17-26, 2020
LAWRENCE FARMERS MARKET
The Lawrence Farmers Market is a gem. It’s not just veggies—though the summer farm fresh veggies are awesome. There are also pies, cookies, awesome breakfast sandwiches, the best lemonade and many other great foods. You’re supporting local businesses while enjoying fresh produce and live music with some warm summer morning weather. Rise and shine for some farmers market time!
SATURDAY, APRIL - NOVEMBER
KANSAS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Food trucks converge on town with classic favorites like pizza and burgers as well as new takes such as chicken stuffed with fried rice. Then there is my personal favorite, the bochi truck. The festival also has bounce houses and games for the kids to enjoy, along with live music and optional craft beer and cocktails for 21+. What makes the food truck festival a must is that it benefits local nonprofit Just Food, which feeds many local families each day.
MAY 2020
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The annual celebration of the emancipation from slavery is held across the nation, and for the last several years the NAACP of Lawrence has joined with community members and partners to hold a free, community-wide celebration. There is soul food, musical performances, poetry reading and—most importantly—the community. Everyone shows up to celebrate in a big, family-affair atmosphere that is getting bigger and better with every year.
JUNE 2020
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY ART MARKET AND POWWOWS
Haskell Indian Nations University is a huge part of Lawrence, and with Haskell comes the awesome cultural presence of indigenous people, traditions and food. Come for the dancing and stay for the Indian tacos, fry bread and various soups and stews. (By the way, did I say I love fry bread? If not, I LOVE fry bread!)
SEPTEMBER 2020
Plan your day of Unmistakably Lawrence, Kansas fun with our online events calendar and discover great events, fairs, festivals, activities and things to do!
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