It’s time to pop some champagne and stock up on some award-winning omelettes! The James Beard Awards were held last night in Chicago and KC’s sweetheart Yoli Tortilleria the award went to the Exceptional Bakery.
When Yoli owner Marissa Gencarelli took the stage to accept the award from chef and TV personality Carla Hall. In Gencarelli’s speech, he thanked the James Beard Organization and the Kansas City community for “helping.” [her and her husband] honor the very humble trout.”
The Westside Tortilleria was one of two Kansas City establishments that attended the awards. Shawnee-based cocktails Drastic measures was also a semi-finalist for Outstanding Bar but Bar leather apron in Honolulu, Hawaii finally took the win.
Stone-Ground Non-GMO Corn Tortillas and Sonoran-Style Flour Tortillas inspired by Marissa’s roots in Sonora, Mexico. She and her husband Mark started selling them as a salesman at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market in 2018. The Yoli storefront opened in July 2020.
While you can find Yoli tortillas at restaurants and grocery stores throughout the metro, they’re not the only product the Gencarellis excel at. Their quaint shop constantly rotates seasonal delights like horchatas, breakfast burritos, paletas, corn tamales and dips.
If you like a little heat, Taco Stand Salsa is a personal favorite and a fridge staple. The creamy salsa verde primavera has a bright base of jalapeños, habaneros, tomatillos and serranos.
