New Johnson County Thai restaurant opens, serving old favorites. ‘The buzz is palpable’
Penny Mufuka is no stranger to many Kansas City foodies.
If they don’t know her for KC Thai at 12250 W. 135th St. in Overland Park, it’s likely Bamboo Penny’s at 5270 W. 116th in Leawood. Or perhaps they’ve become acquainted with her upscale seafood restaurant, Aqua Penny’s, which opened near Bamboo Penny’s in April at 11652 Ash St.
It’s no surprise, then, that Mufuka’s newest concept already has a following.
Penny’s in the Village softly opened this weekend at 4160 W. 71st St., in The Shops of Prairie Village. It’s taking over former American bar and restaurant Gravity, which closed last year.
Managing partner Michael Werner said Mufuka’s customers have been asking him frequently when the new space would open.
“We know that the buzz is palpable in the neighborhood, and we’re excited to finally come online,” he said. “We know there’s a great opportunity to expand our reach.”
Penny’s in the Village offers several favorites from Mufuka’s other restaurants, including the mango duck, which was featured in The Star’s series Let’s Dish, Kansas City. But Mufuka is also bringing some new items to the table.
Her new restaurant offers a selection of Thai street food: barbecue and fried sticky rice rolls, Thai orange chicken, beef noodles and more. She also added Thai treasure bags — pouch-shaped dumplings — to the menu.
Mufuka hoped that, by including some street food and other offerings, she could increase exposure and appreciation for authentic, perhaps lesser-known Thai dishes.
“What I’m most excited for is to bring … something Prairie Village is excited about,” Werner said. “The feedback has just been amazing.”
The restaurant has a similar aesthetic to Bamboo and Aqua. Faux greenery and flowers crawl up the walls. Dozens of glass birds hang from the ceilings.
Penny’s in the Village also offers a wide variety of cocktails and spirits. Some offerings on its drink menu: Saved by the Bell (Tito’s Vodka, homemade red bell pepper shrub, spiced cream cheese stuffed olives), One Night in Bangkok (Don Q rum, mango puree, lemon juice, Thai basil syrup and dark rum float), and Faler Nom Nom Nom (Soju, Falernum, lemon juice and soda water).
All of the cocktails can be made without alcohol.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.