Peek into Extra Virgin

Extra Virgin

Kansas City, Missouri » Crossroads

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I still remember the first time I was in the Extra Virgin space – it was a gallery then, Zin was in the Michael Smith space next door and we were there for the very first Urban Picnic fundraiser for The Kansas City Originals. That was an entire decade ago! Now the space is warm, vibrant and lively as Extra Virgin. I love how the bar is the main focus since that's often my favorite place to sit at any restaurant. Add their fun menu and excellent beverage program and it's no wonder that they are rocking it out on a regular basis.

Sammiches

Bella Napoli

Kansas City, Missouri » Brookside

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This little deli/restaurant/grocer/coffeeshop basically has it all.

We stopped into this neighborhood favorite for a late lunch.

Both Tina and I chose a sandwich and added something.

They have half-price wines on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!

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Nopalitino, add turkey, $6.49

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic vinaigrette

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Giorgio's, add tomato, $6.99

Prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, arugula

Pierpont's

Pierpont's at Union Station

Kansas City, Missouri » Crown Center/Crossroads

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Many restaurants have come and gone at Union Station, but only one has stayed true and fast through the years, Pierpont's. Opened after the renovation of the train station, like any restaurant, business has gone through its highs and lows. With the shuttering of the Hyatt and Crown Center hotel restaurants, they seem to be on their way back up. It has been years since I've stepped inside Pierpont's, but it was still wonderfully unchanged. The decor is just as beautiful and awe-inspring as the first time I was there. I spent my last year of college hostessing at Pierpont's and easily recalled all the questions customers asked. Like who the architect and designer was, Matthew Connelly and Paul Robinson. Or who made the hand-blown glass fish at the bottom of the lamps – Rock Cottage Glassworks in Merriam, Kansas. We saw plenty of marriage proposals and special occasions celebrated in the restaurant, but the actual asking of the hand in marriage usually happened under the clock in the middle of Union Station.

One of the main features of the restaurant is the 18-foot bar with liquor stacked to the ceilings. Once, years ago, the bartenders made a signature cocktail called the Library Ladder. The bartenders would climb to the top, make their cocktail in the shaker and slide down all the way down. It was quite the spectacle – cheers, applause and delight were a guaranteed reaction. They'll still make you the drink, but the show requires fool-hardy bartenders who will absolutely ruin their shoes for your moment of distraction. And those crazy bartenders, they've long left the building.

Library Ladder

1/2 oz. Licor 43  +  1/2 oz. Grand Marnier  +  1/2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream

Shake and serve as a shot or over ice.

Louie, Louie!

Bar Louie

Kansas City, Missouri » Power & Light

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The day we had lunch at Bar Louie was kind of like today, sunny but a bit cold on the patio with the wind blowing. They had just opened and didn't have hot tea yet, but our server kindly offered her own tea bags that she brought from home. I love a good cup of hot water though, so no tea? No problem.

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Potstickers, $8.5

Pan-seared pork dumplings, szechwan sauce.

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Chop Chop with Shrimp, $14

 Iceberg, bacon, tomato, avocado, carrot, blue cheese crumbles,

onion, garbanzo beans, egg, cucumber, tortilla strips, house dressing.

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Luigi Sandwich

Shaved ribeye, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, olive oil, hoagie roll.

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Full Disclosure: Blair bought our lunch. We gladly accepted.

BFF: Burger, Fish, Fries

Beer Kitchen

Kansas City, Missouri » Westport

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It was a Friday afternoon when Tina and I went in for a late lunch at Beer Kitchen, it was a gorgeous, warm, sunny fall afternoon. Sometimes, when we start the day, it's easy to forget that other people are ending theirs....until you see them order PBRs and realize, oh right, it's Friday afternoon and they're probably starting the weekend early. Westport was buzzy and alive....it was great to see a lively crowd inside, even during the supposedly quiet hours.

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Their housemade ketchup, a smoked chipotle and an original blend.

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Fish & Chips, $14

Tempura ale-battered whole cape capensis filet,
malt vinegar aioli, cider slaw & a bucket of hand-cut fries.

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American Kobe Burger with "Small Fry", $13 + $2.50
Heartland creamery goat cheese croquette, shitake mushrooms,
red onion jam & white truffled micro-greens on brioche bun.

The Roasterie Story Brunch

Story

Prairie Village, KS » The Village

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You may remember, but last month, our friend and General Manager of Story invited us out for a special brunch out the restaurant. It was a five-course breakfast paired with Roasterie coffees, but you could order off their regular menu as well. I am the only one who splurged for the tasting menu AND a Bloody Mary. The French Toast and Chicken and Waffles on the regular menu were amazing, but really, everything was beautiful. Five coffees, even half cup tasting pours, were a bit much for me though, and it was difficult coordinating the timing with the kitchen. We even saw some familiar faces, Nancy and Michael Smith, out with their family (last picture, above).

On a side note, the busboy, someone we noticed when they first opened for his nervous energy and saggy pants, is getting our thumbs up. He was a bit green and there was some breakage during those early weeks. But during this meal, we were the clumsy ones. He was at our table immediately, expertly and quickly removing all the linens and resetting the table. His pants were firmly up on his hips, he was friendly and we just want to say, job well done!

See their full brunch menu here.

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Full Disclosure: Sloane treated us to brunch. All of it. And it was so good. Thanks Sloanie!