Although I lived in Europe for a few years, I try not to compare that experience to life in Kansas City too often, as it’s a case of apples and oranges (or, if you prefer, cranberry and redcurrant). But one thing I’ve never understood is why there aren’t more bakeries here in the Midwest. It’s not that bakeries here are unheard of (my wife and I stop in Wheatfields every single time we go to Lawrence), but most of them specialize in sweet treats that, if consumed for breakfast, will put you in a Level II sugar coma by 10:30 a.m.

So it was with a deep sense of appreciation and satisfaction that I recently set foot in Le Monde Bakery, a bakery and cafe in North Kansas City that serves up buttery pastries and lunch specials with equal aplomb.

Le Monde has an array of delicious croissants with fillings including fruit, cheese, ham and chocolate, as well as giant cinnamon rolls and crispy, light, sugary palmiers that my parents pick up a bag of almost every Saturday morning. A popular lunch spot for those who work downtown or in the Northland, Le Monde also serves delicious chicken curry, plates of spring rolls, sandwiches and soup.

True to its name (“Le Monde” translates to “the world”), Le Monde attracts patrons of all ages and places, and is the perfect spot for an early breakfast or mid-day snack. The service is friendly, and the items are very reasonably priced as well. A ham-and-cheese croissant, plate of chicken curry, giant cinnamon roll and Lost Trail root beer set us back only $13.30 on our last visit, not including the complimentary mini-croissant they gave to our daughter. The bakery is located at 308 Armour Road in North Kansas City and is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays until noon.

While you’re in the Northland, travel a bit farther down North Oak Trafficway to Waterworks Park, a hillside green space with great views of the Kansas City skyline. The park also overlooks the downtown airport, and you’ll see smaller plains whoosh by over the park’s blinking water towers. I usually go there to play disc golf, but there’s good play and picnic areas as well.

Concerts

Best known for their 1969 hit “It’s Your Thing,” The Isley Brothers will take the stage at the Midland Theatre next Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. show spanning their almost 60 year-career. Tickets range from $35 to $99 and are for sale at midlandkc.com.

While The Isley Brothers’ long and soulful career is legendary, imagine a musical group whose history spans back 800 years. That’s the historical depth of the St. Thomas Boy’s Choir of Leipzig, Germany, where the choir was founded in 1212. The “Thomanerchor” was even led by Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death in 1750. The choir will be performing as part of the Harriman-Jewell Series at the Folly Theater on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and up and are for sale at hjseries.org.

On Friday night at 8 p.m., country music superstar and American idol judge Keith Urban will be bringing his “Light The Fuse Tour” to the Sprint Center. Tickets start at $37 and are available at Sprintcenter.com. Dustin Lynch will open.

On Saturday at the Midland, singer-songwriter Sam Beam will be performing under his recording name, Iron & Wine, whose newest album, “Ghost on Ghost,” is a breezy, bouncy affair pleasantly haunted by a few minor moods and baroque flourishes. Tickets cost $35 and are for sale at midlandkc.com. Jesca Hoop will open the show, which starts at 8 p.m.

Dance enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to see the Shanghai Ballet at Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. The ballet company will be performing The Butterfly Lovers, a Chinese folk tale reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at JCCC.edu or by calling 913-469-4445.

— Lucas Wetzel is a KU graduate and Kansas City native who has worked as a writer, editor and language trainer in the U.S. and Europe. Know of an upcoming event in Kansas City you’d like to see featured in Kansas City Connection? Email us about it at kcconnection@ljworld.com.