By Mary Bloch

One of the great things about Kansas City's nightlife scene is its ability to stretch a dollar. Check out these options for an evening that will satisfy your taste buds without busting the piggy bank.

A Slice a Sophistication

Slip into a spacious booth or hijack one of the more prominent cocktail tables at trendy J. P. Wine Bar, in either the Crossroads Arts District or Leawood’s One Nineteen Center.

Pretend you’re a wine snob by trying one of the many intriguing wine flights. The fare is a pleasing deviation from typical bar food.

Delightful cheese flights resemble an artist’s palate with colorful accompaniments, and creative small plates include plump scallops, silky tuna tartare, and perfectly grilled shrimp with fruit salsa.

Downtown Pizzazz

The certified Italian wood-fueled oven at Pizza Bella turns out blistering and chewy crusts, the perfect foil for imaginative toppings. But there are other irresistible reasons to give it a try.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta vinaigrette--even among those who profess to normally disliking this lonely vegetable, these are a hit;
• Nightly specials, including expertly prepared lamb shanks, skirt steak, and short ribs;
• Calamari tossed with white beans, arugula and lemon vinaigrette, and;
• The laid-back atmosphere, especially on a glorious day when the entire front wall opens onto a sidewalk patio.

"Adventurous" Eaters Wanted

With its brick walls, open kitchen and oh-so-cool bar, Extra Virgin is an extremely genial spot to try dishes not encountered elsewhere in Kansas City.

Although a special section on the menu targets the “adventurous” eater, mainstream diners will find even the less exotic offerings, from chorizo and fig stuffed chicken to marrow bruschetta, a bit unusual.

“The tapas concept makes it especially fun. Order lots of plates and pass them around, ” advises local dining aficionada Janet Miller.
 

North is South

An outpost of the original in North, this lively bistro in Johnson County is developing a reputation for fresh, light, modern Italian cooking, and attentive, pleasant service.

Can’t decide what to try? Here are some favorites:

• The signature “zucca chips” could easily be confused with homemade potato chips and are just as addictive.
• Pizzas have a feather-light crust, with toppings that are both unique and inventive. Truffle oil enhances the Arugula Mushroom pie, and fig jam is an unconventional base for the Prosciutto and Goat cheese pizza.
• The “Not Your Typical” Chicken Lasagna, a deconstructed version with spinach, mushrooms and Parmesan Reggiano is a testament to the creativity in the kitchen.

Men Welcome!

With new owners, expanded hours and now a liquor license, Café Europa in midtown’s Crestwood district is no longer only for “ladies who lunch”. The menu features salads, pizza, and sandwiches as well as traditional entrées at lunch and dinner, most with a European flair and at prices that are mindful of our current economic woes.

Bread is made in-house, as are the scrumptious desserts. According to patron Debbie Smith, an accomplished baker in her own right, the adjoining bakery “has fabulous layered carrot cupcakes”. Sunday night features a price fix menu with comfort food specials.

Related Links

• www.cafeeuropakc.com
• www.jpwinebar.com
• www.pizzabellakc.com
• www.extravirginkc.com
• www.foxrc.com/north.html