Cupini's 
25 E. 12th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 842-2002

Menu $3.50 - $9.25
Visa, MasterCard, American Express

Filled with smiling diners and bustling staff, Cupini's at 12th and Walnut is a veritable feast for the senses. Never mind the wait in line-it takes some time to decide which treat you want to enjoy! As we perused the small yellow menu filled with hot and cold sandwiches, pastas (made fresh daily), salads and pizzas, we couldn't help but notice that everyone seemed delighted with their meals. As we drew nearer to the front of the line, we took note of the specials for the day and the deli case filled with additional selections.

Once we recognized that there was an "express" lane for customers paying by cash, we hustled over to place our order with the friendly server. We chose Melanzane panini, lasagna and Margherita pizza plus a little something for dessert. We departed with the #43 table sign and gathered our drinks, napkins and flatware at the centrally located kiosk. Looking around for a spot, we noticed the place was jammed full. Luckily, we were able to share a large table with two businessmen from out of town.

The wait wasn't long, and we whiled away the time enjoying the energetic atmosphere and discussing good meals we have enjoyed at Cupini's Westport location. Past outings have included the Gangster Panini, with prosciutto, salami, roasted bell peppers, eggplant, provolone cheese and creamy garlic aioli. One of the sandwiches from the vegetable panini list features a roasted portobello mushroom, caramelized red onions, roasted red peppers, crispy lettuce, ricotta salata cheese and balsamic vinegar. Hot, cold or vegetarian panini are priced at $5.95 for a full order and $3.50 for a half order. A half order allows room to sample from someone else's generous portions or save room for a decadent dessert.

Our food arrived quickly, and we cut the idle chatter to get down to business. The lasagna ($6.40) was steaming hot and delicious, with layers of fresh pasta, ground beef and three cheeses covered in a marinara and white cream sauce. The cheese garlic bread ($1.95) was not as tempting-one piece being clearly overdone, and the other containing very little cheese or garlic. The Margherita pizza ($8.25) is a 12-inch, thin, crispy delight, with a simple sauce loaded with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil. The Melanzane fit the bill for this hot day, providing a cold sandwich of roasted eggplant with tomato, fresh mozzarella and a light pesto sauce that didn't overpower the rest of the ingredients.

Dessert at Cupini's is truly wonderful. Individual portions are priced at $3.50 or $5.00. Browse the display case as you place your order. I can personally recommend the chocolate mousse cake and the chocolate swirl cheesecake. The former is two slim layers of cake filled with a thick layer of mousse and is very rich and chocolaty. The latter is predominately regular cheesecake with a small amount of chocolate cheesecake swirled in. Rather than a thick crumb crust, this one did not include a bottom crust and was more or less dusted with cookie crumbs on the outer edge. It was smooth and creamy and very sharable among friends. Whether you prefer coffee with your dessert, or coffee in place of dessert, you'll have a fine selection from Parisi Artisan Roasters.

Cupini's makes it easy and pleasant to dine in or carry out. In addition to the 12th and Walnut and Westport locations, Cupini's recently opened in Lee's Summit and is opening soon in Liberty. Use their fax menu, available online, for ordering in advance. Place a $30 minimum order and have it delivered within three miles. A catering menu also is available online. Store hours vary by location, but you can count on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the full menu, information on gift baskets and catering menus, check out their Web site at www.cupinis.com.

Ratings: Quick Lunch, Take Out, Friday Fun