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Paulo and Bill – Cravings

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Special Occasion or Sunday Brunch
for the Family

Serving fresh ingredients and hand-crafted menu items, Paulo and Bill has been providing Shawnee and the greater Kansas City area a delicious dining experience since 1996. I visited shortly after they initially opened, but I had not been back for many years. I have been missing out! Independently owned and operated and a member of the KC Originals, this is a refined restaurant with something for everyone. If you have been searching for a nicer place to take the family for Sunday brunch or a new date night destination, Paulo and Bill is a good choice.

Conveniently located off I-435 and Midland Drive in Shawnee, they offer indoor dining and patio seating. The name originates because of the style of food, what they term American/Italian. The “Paulo” is for the Italian part and the “Bill” is for the American. I was impressed that they make everything from scratch here. The Marsala sauce takes three days to perfect!

Widely known for their famed lasagna, they also have a nice assortment of other items for lunch and dinner. In addition to a plethora of salads and pastas, they have a great list of fish and steak specialties. Their wood-fired oven is visible when you walk in the front door, and the pizzas are creative ensembles such as the Flatbread Peppered Chicken with mozzarella, feta, tri-colored peppers and hummus.

I took my family recently to celebrate Sunday Brunch at Paulo and Bill. I have been to many brunches in Kansas City, and I can honestly say this is the best spread anywhere. The variety and assortment of items is impressive. In addition to breakfast items galore, there are a huge selection of regular foods, an entire bar with dessert items, and a chocolate dipping fountain with fresh fruit. At $20.95 per adult and only $8.50 per child, it is also an excellent value. I also appreciate that all buffet choices are clearly labeled, so you don’t have to play the guessing game with wondering what some items might be! It’s best not to miss the carved prime rib with hollandaise sauce or the awesome assortment of fresh fruits. You can’t beat the tasty mimosas and Bloody Marys either.

Other noteworthy picks for those under the age of ten dining with you are house-made macaroni and cheese, breakfast pizza and the multitude of desserts. It is kid heaven! Brunch is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday.

Owners Jim and Cathy Marks care a great deal about their establishment and go to great lengths to make sure that their guests are satisfied. I found both of them there on a Sunday when we visited, overseeing the staff and making sure everything on the buffet was presented exactly right. They take an abundance of care in seeing to every last detail. In fact, the entire team is a class act.

Happy Hour specials are offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and the tree-lined private patio is a great place to unwind after work with appetizers and a cold beverage.

When you visit Paulo and Bill you will be treated to the highest-quality dining experience available. The atmosphere is different depending upon what time of day you visit. At lunch and for Sunday brunch it is bright and sunny. At dinner it is more dimly lit and romantic.

Paulo and Bill hosts many special wine dinners throughout the year. They feature various wines paired with each course and they’re always an evening to remember. Meals are typically five courses and average around $70 per person. These fill up fast, and advance reservations are required. Events for September, October and December 2015 are planned.

The next time you’re hungry for good food at affordable prices, this is your place. The food here is perfectly cooked, fresh tasting, and everything is well-balanced. It is somewhat of a hidden gem. If you don’t live or work in the area, it’s worth a road trip to Shawnee Mission just to sample the superb Italian fare served at this authentic trattoria. HLM

 

Paulo and Bill is located at 16501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, Kansas. Call 913-962-9900 for reservations or visit pauloandbill.com to preview the extensive menu and learn details of the next wine dinner.