DISH

Shown Clockwise from Top:

Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Caprese Sandwich with a Beet Salad, Cacio e Pepe, and Fig Prosciutto Pizza

Va Bene: Where All Is Right

WRITTEN BY T.E. CUNNINGHAM / PHOTO BY DANA PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY

Va Bene, a new neighborhood eatery located in the Corinth Square shopping center, gives locals a taste of Italy. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. SIMPLYkc sat down with managing partner Kristi Burns, who runs the day-to-day operation; Kevin Fossland, assistant general manager and beverage manager; and executive chef Nathan Deters.

What is Va Bene’s customer experience philosophy?

Va Bene, which means "all is right" in Italian, focuses on Italy's simple, straightforward, fresh flavors. We let authentic and sustainable ingredients shine in our food.

Who owns Va Bene?

Local restaurateur Whitney VinZant owns Va Bene, so you are supporting local when you dine with us! VinZant also owns his own concept, Louie's Wine Dive, along with two former Bread and Butter concepts, Taco Republic and BRGR (which has a location just 300 feet from Va Bene). Va Bene is an original concept—the first one for his restaurant group in the last five years.

Describe the atmosphere of Va Bene.

Va Bene uses those same vibrant colors found in the fresh ingredients of Italy to provide an entertaining atmosphere enjoyable to friends and family. Va Bene features a full bar with a special focus on Italian cocktails, wine, and beer. Va Bene also features a large covered and uncovered patio space, which seats around 50 people. We also pride ourselves on having a great service team. Our employees are friendly and knowledgeable about our dishes, our wine list, and our specialty cocktails. They are happy to make recommendations.

How does your menu differ from other Italian restaurants in town?

Our menu is approachable, fresh, and craveable by all ages and all palates. We are family-friendly with kids meals— including multiple pasta selections, grilled cheese, pizza, and more. Additionally, we enjoy special menus from time to time. In January, we participated in KC Restaurant Week, and we had a Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu that was well received. We are also proud to source locally.

What are some of the Italian specialty cocktails you offer?

We feature a delicious house-made limoncello, and we also make our own seltzer. Offerings like our Italian Mule 5, Aperol Spritz, Va Bene Italian Old Fashioned, and Tito Lido are fantastic!

Restaurants have never had to work so hard to give customers options. What are some of your convenience features?

We offer online reservations, dine-in, carryout, curbside service, and delivery. Customers can purchase gift cards in-store or online. Also, we feature a Monday-Friday happy hour with excellent drink and fare at very modest prices in terms of value. Patrons can also enjoy our wine specials on both Wednesdays and Sundays.

What are you doing to keep customers safe during this time?

We are continually evolving our efforts to ensure the highest sanitation and safety levels by following all local service guidelines.