By Lisa Weeks

The Cup and Saucer on Delaware Street
412B Delaware Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: (816) 474-PERK (7375)

Lunch Menu $6.95 – $7.50
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

I took advantage of my new assignment to write the Lunch Bites column by inviting two friends to The Cup and Saucer on Delaware Street. On a previous visit, I had a very enjoyable lunch while devouring a Chicken Tapenade Focaccia ($6.95). Sure, it was a challenge to retain my dignity in front of my business associate while trying to keep the fontina cheese and olive Tapenade from dribbling down my chin, but sometimes food takes precedence. With this savory experience fresh in my mind, I arrived in the River Market area on a cool Monday about 11:30 a.m. to meet my lunch mates.

Grey clouds loomed overhead, deterring us from sitting in the cheerful patio area. So, two of us ducked into the welcoming bar and were quickly seated in the dining room. We flagged our third associate away from her co-workers, who were seated near a window. They often come to linger over large cups of Fair Trade coffee ($1.65), with a new flavor featured every month.

The waitress took our drink orders promptly, and we browsed the menu, delighting in the choice of soups, sandwiches and salads. When she returned, we asked about the daily specials. Two quiches were available that day: Italian sausage or basil, potato and goat cheese. There was two soup choices, as well: chicken noodle and French onion. Paula ordered the Italian veggie sandwich ($6.95), and April requested the French onion soup ($4.75) and Italian sausage quiche. I decided on the Tuscan chicken and bread salad ($7.50), which the waitress confirmed was “an excellent choice” and “one of her favorites.”

We chatted away the time and admired the work of local artists on the walls. The restaurant offers two art exhibits each month, featuring one in the bar area and one in the dining room. Speakers and a small amplifier nearby hinted at the evening atmosphere, which is more Bohemian in flavor.

The waitress delivered Paula’s mocha ($2.65), which is a rich concoction of espresso, chocolate syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with more chocolate syrup.

Our food arrived, and we eagerly dived in. There seemed to be some miscommunication between the kitchen and wait staff on this particular visit, because one of the orders was incorrect and some key ingredients were missing from my salad. But the waitress quickly corrected the errors, and we got down to the business of eating.

The Italian veggie was loaded with eggplant, red peppers and artichoke hearts. Paula proclaimed it as “excellent.” All sandwiches are available with a choice of side dishes: vegetable of the day, French fries, potato salad or fresh fruit. You can add a bowl of soup or side salad for $1.95. The French onion soup arrived steaming hot with the proper amount of melted cheese covering the crouton. The Tuscan chicken and bread salad featured grilled chicken, raisins, pine nuts and mixed greens tossed with large homemade croutons and warm sherry vinaigrette.

It was with little arm-twisting that I convinced my companions to order dessert. The waitress offered several freshly made options from the daily selection (prices vary). April decided on the chocolate chip cookie, Paula requested a blueberry muffin, and I ordered the vanilla-bean cheesecake. The cheesecake was especially creamy and flavorfully adorned with a strawberry sauce. We agreed that each of our selections was great, and the portions were generous.

The dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes many of the same lunch choices, along with other tempting possibilities. Appetizers include bacon and cheddar risotto cakes and baked Brie; each is $6.95. Entrees include pork medallions with potatoes ($11.95) and fettuccine marguerite ($10.95). Wednesday through Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight, you can listen to live music in a variety of genres: organic rock, eclectic jazz and urban folk, just to name a few.

Lunch hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boxed lunches are available, as well as onsite catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ratings: Quick Lunch, Take Out, Working Lunch and Friday Fun.