say yes to cafe al dente.

last night, after running and a shower, i headed to cafe al dente in the river market. i'd never been. now i'm determined to become a regular.

it's been there for more than 20 years. you know, back when the river market was the home of kansas city gangster activity. a lot didn't survive the demise of the "river quay," but cafe al dente did. and it's no wonder.

walking into this little mom and pop place is like stepping into a small town where everyone is treated like family. the pizza was good and the menu is surprisingly vast and cheap.

jacqueline, the perfectly little, perfectly grandma-ish italian owner, greets everyone as they come through the door. if there's room, she sits at each table while taking the order. and when diners leave - after wine or beer and a stomach full of quality cooking - she's genuinely glad they came.

i left jacqueline and crew with a box full of pizza, a bit of wine in my belly and a smile. and when they shouted to come back. i said i would. and i meant it.