Its a neighborhood "in transition" somewhat but, I take my wife there without concern. Mike is an old acquaintance of mine, I even used to have an "house account" there when I officed nearby. Columbus Park, a sort of little Italy, had some influx of vietnamese that started a new variety of traffic, but it is all adjusted now as far as I know.
Kansas City, isn't a great town for cabs, in genral. The airport up north, and the Plaza Hotels are well serviced, but the downtown and little neighborhoods like that aren't big earning areas -- they know they will 'dead head' empty back to the airport. Have the maitre de call and bitch the next time.
Be sure and let me know when you are coming, as well. We've been known to have a party for the simplist reasons.
What was the name of that barbeque joint in Mission that made the ribs you served at your house at that first picnic you threw -- I's stack those ribs up against about any in the world.