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.

alberto s.

Alberto S. | Head Barman / Bar Manager

Extra Virgin » Crossroads

Years of Industry Service: 16

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Alberto moved to Kansas City when he was 18. He bartended at P.F. Chang's for eight years, been a server and bar manager, but says, "Bartending is definitely the coolest thing I've done work wise." He has been raised in the restaurant business since he was a little kid. He bussed tables at his dad's restaurant in New Jersey and his mom, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a sommelier. However, he doesn't think his parents wanted the service industry life for him, but says it's their fault! With all the fanfare he gets from the local press, Alberto says, "My grandma is really proud of me."

Over the years, with all the great information gleaned from his experience, Alberto said all of sudden, he knew the answers people kept asking. That confidence and knowledge has led him to playing with some fun things behind the bar at Extra Virgin, like infusing Samogon with golden delicious apples, bartlett pears, all spice, berries, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks so he can make a punch. Or barrel-aging rye whiskey for Manhattans and Negronis. He continues to hone his drink-making and service skills by reading cocktail books, experimenting with infusions and barrel-aging, and working with all the fresh, seasonal ingredients that he gets to rifle through at Extra Virgin. There's always something fun and delicious going on.

When he's not playing mad scientist with his cocktails, he's playing video games and watching movies. Plus he reads a lot, autobiographies, some Eastern philosophy and of course, cocktail recipe books. 

  Make KC Better » Have a chapter of the United States 

 Bartender's Guild in Kansas City. 

"small" and tasty

Extra Virgin

Kansas City, Missouri » Crossroads

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Tina and I ended our day on the patio at Extra Virgin. It was a gorgeous but windy day so no cocktails, just hot coffee and cozy cardigans. The patio was full and we ran into an old friend, it made for a perfect afternoon. Their happy hour is fantastic. Select food items are half off and there are also drink specials. After the miserable weekend we just had, the sunshine this week is even more wonderful. So get yourselves away from your desks and go have some fun down at EV!

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Chorizo & Fig Filled Chicken Thighs, $4.50 HH price

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Huitlacoche & Cheese Empanadas, $4 HH price

Mozzarella and Aji Amarillo. FYI - Huitlacoche is a fungus that

grows on the top of ears of corn. We didn't know either. :)

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Crispy Pig Ear Salad, $4 HH price

Spinach and Radishes.

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Wood Fired Hanger Steak, $6.50 HH price

Fried Egg and Soffrito.

aaron c.

Aaron. | Server

Extra Virgin & Michael Smith

Years of Industry Service: 8

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Aaron's first job was at Cafe Luciano in Chicago and it was hard because he wasn't very good at it. "I had to basically lie myself into it." Although they had figured him out, Aaron got to stick around and get better at his job, so much better he even ended up managing there. For years, Aaron left Kansas City, traveling and living in Ireland, Tuscon and Chicago. He finally returned to KC four years ago. "Everything was different," he said. "Everything changed." His first job when he came back was at the Hereford House. "I worked lunches with five crazy women who hated my guts." Why? Because he was acting all tough after having lived in Chicago. He quickly figured out, "you can't act like that here."

In his free time, Aaron reads Stephen King; the Dark Tower Series is his favorite. He also hangs out with his girlfriend doing restaurant stuff, cocktails, social events and seeing service industry friends. "We like to support our friends because they support us."

  Make KC Better » Public transportation could be better, I know it's difficult. 

tyler f.

Tyler F. | Server

Extra Virgin

Years of Industry Service: 7

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Tyler works at both Extra Virgin and Michael Smith. Serving, for Tyler, is definitely a transition.

He would rather be a farmer, live outside the city, working and living off his own land.

  Make KC Better » We need a professional basketball team.  

angie k.

Angie K. | Server

Extra Virgin

Years of Industry Service: 9

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Angie is a diehard, loyal employee of one Mr. Michael Smith. Her entire nine years of industry service has been with the James Beard award-winning chef because he treats his employees so well. Angie graduated with a degree in financial services and marketing, but for now she is happy where she is, working for someone she admires and being able to enjoy brunch at Grünauer on Sundays.

  Make KC Better » More events downtown.