Warm Up Around Town
The best thing about braving December's cold is remembering the many agreeable ways to warm back up. Hearty meals and cozy cafes abound in Kansas City, which is known for its fantastic dining. "The best restaurants in the world are, of course, in Kansas City," wrote Calvin Trillin, a KC native and New York writer who has tasted his way around the globe. Warm your own ribs with authentic barbecue (Trillin claims Arthur Bryant's is the single best restaurant in the world). Better yet, take our own critic's pick and get toasty with the namesake dish at PotPie, a small lunch spot with fancy yet affordable comfort food.

left: One way to warm the heart is through the stomach: Fall in love with PotPie's favorite steaming dish.