Billie’s Grocery: Nutrient-Dense Whole Food to Make You Feel Good!

Few things have as profound an effect on our health as what and how we choose to nourish our bodies. About five years ago, Robin Krause made this her north star.

For 20 years, Robin has helped Kansas City wake up and power through their day with coffee and delicious bites as the owner of Coffee Girls, the Filling Station coffee shops, Soho Bakery, Unbakery and Juicery. This level of success is available only to those who have goals and who hustle till they achieve them. Robin was feeling the effects of this grind at about the same time her dad, Billy, suffered a heart attack and passed. Robin pressed pause, took a breath and was motivated and inspired to begin her wellness journey.

Robin wanted to learn about the many ways food can heal and the powerful connection of mind and body. Through curiosity and education, Robin became a certified herbalist, holistic health coach and a nutrition therapist practitioner. She chose to close all but two of her businesses and combine everything she learned with everything she knew about cooking to create a new culinary experience.

And now, Robin has opened her second location of Billie’s Grocery in Leawood, Kansas, at 3614 West 95th Street, at Ranchmart North. It’s white, bright, cheery and filled with green plants. The staff is friendly and ready to answer questions or make suggestions because, just like Robin, they want you to leave feeling like you took a mini vacation to nourish your body and restore your soul, even if it was for only an hour or two.

Robin had the very best ingredients on hand when creating Billie’s Grocery. Those are countless hours in the kitchen; clearly a head for business; a crystal-clear understanding of what customers like, want and need plus a deep desire to introduce mindful eating to her community.

Mindful eating sounds simple, but it eludes many of us. Life moves fast and, sadly, we don’t take time to enjoy meals. We eat in our car, at our desk or at the kitchen counter and often, we eat alone. Mindful eating means you eat slowly, chew thoroughly, enjoy friendly conversation and avoid distractions. This will not only improve digestion; it guarantees you’ll recognize the hormonal messaging from your gut telling you that you are, in fact, full.

Be mindful about what you’re eating, slow down and notice the sweet that turns to heat or the satisfying crunch hidden in a gooey bite. Welcome to Billie’s Grocery—a food experience.

Robin wants all of us to eat our veggies and discover that you can get all your veggies without living on salad! Much of her menu is inspired by her time in California and travels to New Zealand. It’s super-clean plant-based eating. You won’t find processed oil, flavored powders or iodized salt in her kitchen. The full bakery is gluten free, with some itemsdairy and nut free. She uses non-GMO oils, sea salt, coconut oil, fresh herbs and preserved lemon to prepare every dressing and sauce in-house.

While Billie’s menu is mostly plant based, those who like animal proteins will find slow-roasted pork carnitas, grass-fed steak and even gluten-free fried chicken! And of course, Robin sources most of her high-quality meats from Salt Creek Farms and Buttonwood Farms.

If you’ve read past reviews, you know I love eggs cooked any and every way. The Turkish Eggs + Grilled Halloumi may be the very best egg dish I’ve tasted, ever. Halloumi is a high-quality, savory, grilled cheese and is plated as the base for this dish. A dollop of house-made labneh cradles two perfectly poached eggs that are topped with micro greens, chili oil and tomato confit. I will order this again.

The Spring Roll Bowl contains marinated rice noodles, jalapeño pickled mushrooms, organic carrots, Asian pickled cucumber, purple cabbage, sautéed shrimp, zesty lime peanut sauce, coriander, crispy rice noodles and sesame seeds. It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses! On the handheld side of the menu, the Miso Wild Caught Salmon Burger is filled with brown rice miso salmon burger, organic wild greens, tomato, pickled onion, tangy herb “mayo,” all on a brioche bun. Tangy and satisfying!

Unknowingly, I may have saved the best for last. The aroma reminded me of sunshine and summer. Bok choy, Japanese eggplant, yellow onion, brown rice, quinoa, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, organic white miso and of course shrimp, come together creating a Miso Lime Shrimp bowl that is light, bright and making me wish I had more for leftovers.

Every dish I tasted felt really good going down and when I was full, I wasn’t that heavy and uncomfortable kind of full. This was a soul satisfying meal and I knew my body loved it.

The original Billie’s Grocery is in Midtown at 3216 Gillham Plaza; if you haven’t been there, do yourself a favor and check it out. Both have bright, energetic interiors with a coastal vibe, an open kitchen and jaw-dropping pastry cases. The Midtown location offers classes, workshops and private parties in a gorgeous kitchen built adjacent to the restaurant space. For details, check their website under the Cooking School and Events tab.

If you’re hanging out with friends and need to bring something to the party, Billie’s grab-and-go will be a hit! Hey, maybe you just don’t want to cook tonight; take advantage of the grab-and-go options, with pickup at Gillham and coming soon to Leawood. Whatever the reason, or for no reason at all, do yourself a favor and visit Billie’s Grocery.

For menu previews, events and ordering, visit billiesgrocery.com or call 913-415-2222.

Art director, illustrator and entrepreneur Sheryl Hammontree is happiest when creating. As a freelancer, she creates visual styling and targeted messaging to strategically solve challenges for clients. As the owner of Thoughtful Threads, she creates expressive apparel to empower people and build a community of kindness. Sheryl heads outside to find energy, inspiration and calm, whether in the garden or on a trail, her soul is fed by creating memories with her husband, Joel, family and friends.