An uncomfortable but timely reminder follows Kansas Food Bank donation

Kansas Food Bank CEO Brian Walker with Denise and me.

Kansas Food Bank CEO Brian Walker with Denise and me.

There was an interesting little juxtaposition of events in my life on Friday.

First, Denise Neil and I stopped by the Kansas Food Bank to drop off the $1,316 raised at our second On the Town With Carrie and Denise event.

Then, that night, I came down with a horrible stomach bug that has left me fairly miserable since then. What does one have to do with the other?

Well, after days of not eating much, I woke at 5 a.m. Tuesday with maddeningly loud, almost painful hunger pangs. I was so hungry I couldn’t get back to sleep. I rolled out of bed, dragged myself downstairs, still sort of stunned at what I was doing, and ate a piece of bread and some crackers. Finally, I could concentrate on getting some rest.

It was a sad glimpse into what life must be like every day for thousands of Kansans who don’t have enough to eat, except they don’t have cabinets full of food at the ready when the need strikes.

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On the town at the new Newport Grill

I’ve done a little reconnaissance and can report there are a number of good reasons to visit the new Newport Grill at Bradley Fair tonight.

First, it will be fun to see the space, which has been transformed from the former Cibola restaurant. Cibola had a darker, clubbier feel, while Newport has a lighter atmosphere with a cool blue bar.

And I can sum up the food in one word: Yum. There are a lot of nonseafood options along with traditional and inventive seafood fare.

You’ll have a chance to sample a number of dishes at our On the Town With Carrie and Denise event tonight. It’s a cocktail mixer that, with your suggested $10 donation, will benefit the Kansas Food Bank.

It’s from 5 p.m. to 7, though I’m sure that will stretch a little later. Hope you’ll stop by.