Bar Medici: Where World Class Cocktails Meet Italian Fare
Take a peek behind the curtain at KC’s swankiest new Italian joint in the Crossroads:
Photos by Aaron Leimkuehler
Hey peeps, hope y’all have had a wonderful start to 2025!
This delicious morsel is finally coming to you: highlighting one of KC’s swankiest, most delicious new restaurants! I am talking about Bar Medici in the Crossroads. Have y’all basked in its glory yet?
The delectable, beautifully adorned Italian eatery sits on the first floor of the Reverb apartment complex– and is the suave debonair brother of the sexy minx Mercury Room (also located on the top floor of Reverb). Bar Medici is the fourth brainchild of Exit Strategy, the group that also created The Mercury Room and Verdigris Bar! Now if you have not heard the name Christian Moscoso, well then, you need to get out more. Moscoso is one of two owners of Exit Strategy with David Manica. YES, that David Manica who is a world renowned architect who specializes in sports stadiums. One of Manica Architecture’s famous stadiums is the Raider’s Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Let me give you a little brief backstory on how I met Christian Moscoso. It was about 7 years ago when he joined The Monarch Bar’s team as their new General Manager. The first time I walked into The Monarch Bar under the helm of Moscoso with my beautiful close friend, Noelle Manica (David’s wife) and saw this tall, handsome, dark featured authoritative young man, I asked Noelle, “Who’s that tall drink of water?” Of course, I had to introduce myself! Since then, Moscoso can’t get rid of me. Christian comes with an extensive hospitality background and is a numbers wizard. Soon after due to Moscoso’s skill-set he and David Manica founded Exit Strategy with their business partner at the time Brock Schulte. With a team like this, it’s easy to see why I became a regular!
Now, let’s get back to Bar Medici. It opened up at the end of 2023 under the watchful eye of David Manica and Hive Design. The inspiration behind this bistro is the culture and the mouth-watering cuisine of Florence, Italy. The muted tones of bone and grays mixed with metallic gold and silver, with the three oversized round chandeliers floating above, really transport you to an uber-chic intimate space.
Make no mistake, the cuisine and the cocktails are just as luxe and delicious as the ambiance. Behind the beautiful mirrored shelving of exquisite spirits is the kitchen team that is led by the genius culinary director Mitch Fettering. A MUST as soon as you take your seat: order the house-made Focaccia with both the Meredith Dairy Feta and Calabrian chili butter. Plus, the Porcini Ciambella– they are most savory mushroom powder donuts. Obviously, dip them in the rich yummy taleggio cheese sauce. Just, trust me!
There are usually around 6-7 primi entrees on Bar Medici’s menu. Think of it as an abbreviated menu but absolutely mighty. Two of my current favorites are the tagliatelle with Calabrian chili crisp, with infused olive oil and parsley. Next would be the braised pork shank gnocchi with apple cider reduction, pickled cherry and apples…SIMPLY divine!
Wash all this down with a refreshing Frizzante. I love this cocktail so much. It consists of vodka, limoncello, lacto-fermented blackberry, lemon egg white and sparking wine. You will definitely thank me later. To seal the meal, I highly recommend any of their four desserts, but their pistachio gelato is a taste of heaven. Well, now I must make reservations for myself! That reminds me, Bar Medici is open late and serves up their ambrosial entrees seven days a week. If I have tantalized your taste buds, well then I have accomplished my mission. Arrivederci!
