Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl have succeeded in bringing some of the freshest seafood to Kansas City with their East coast inspired restaurant, Earl’s Premier. Now, they’re on to their next venture, an Italian restaurant called Bacaro Primo. The Italian concept will take over the former Café Europa space in Brookside’s Crestwood Shops (323 E. 55th st., KCMO).
Just as Earl’s is dedicated to raw oysters, featuring an oyster bar that holds some of the best seats in the house, Barcaro Primo will specialize in deli meats. A salami bar will be the center of activity with a fire engine red hand slicer that will slice meats to order for meat and cheese boards. Wood-fired pizzas, pastas and steak Fiorentina will grace the menu as well with an emphasis on imported products that would be hard to find anywhere else in Kansas City.
“I think one of the things it will allow us to do is really expose people to a different variety of selections as opposed to just getting a plate of prosciutto,” says Schulte. “We have an Italian imports supplier to give us access to a lot of products that aren’t available in this market here in Kansas City. Quality is the name of the game first and foremost.”
Despite the high-quality ingredients, Schulte and Dannehl want to create an approachable dining spot in which patrons can comfortably indulge in shareable plates and thoughtful Italian meals. A curated wine, beer, and cocktails menu will be offered with a special program for negronis and amaros.
When asked about the benefits of slicing meats to order for a meat and cheese board, Dannehl says that it is similar to why Earl’s lists all of their oysters varieties – to educate the customer so they can curate their meal and potentially have something they’ve never had before. “Our meats will all be listed. You’ll order it by what you want, not what’s decided for you,” says Dannehl.
Bacaro Primo is expected to open in Spring.
