Cupini's

So my friend is taking a girl out for their first date tonight. He asked where he should go for good, inexpensive food. There are few places in KC that fit this category that you could actually take a date to, but one certain crowd pleaser is Cupini's. Cupini's on Westport (across from Yoga Fix) is one of my favorite eateries in KC. I had always wanted to try it when I first moved here three years ago, and about a year later, my friend Steven and I finally went for the first time. We (and our friend Brandon) have been going there ever since. I like it there so much, I have their takeout menu permanently affixed to my fridge.

When you walk into Cupini's, you are greeted with a huge display case with some of their premade items, from assorted salads, lasagna, spanakopita and vegetable dishes. You can order those to be heated up or something off of their menu. You place your order with the guy standing behind the display case of desserts, and then you take your number to the room next door. It is a classic italian bistro setting with a down home feel, with the classic red and white checkered table cloths--a perfect, yet inexpensive (most dishes are under $6, pizzas are all under $9) place to take a date. The atmosphere is really warm and inviting, with the hot dishes arriving at your table in a timely fashion. I really like the chicken panini, the salsiccia (sausage) panini, and the mostaccioli. The food isn't 100% perfect in terms of the savory element, but it is still a homemade, fresh taste.

Afterwards, you can step in next door to the Cupini's Market, with as many fresh pastas, deli meats and cheeses as your heart could desire. It is a thing of beauty in there, I love strolling around the small area looking at the different items they've got. There's also Italian gift packages you can purchase, and the restaurant caters as well. They've just opened up a second location downtown (12th street?), so there's twice the fun. You can visit them at www.cupinis.com for an online menu and information about their products.