World Renowed Italian Restaurant Group to Open Three Concepts In Kansas City Power & Light District.- BICE BISTRO, BICE Cafe AND BICE LOUNGE
KANSAS CITY, MO – Today The Cordish Company announced that the internationally recognized Bice Restaurant Group will open a Bice Bistro, a Bice Café and a Bice Lounge all within a two-story, 8,600 sq ft space located at the northeast corner of Main Street and 14th Street in the Kansas City Power & Light District.
“The Ruggeri family and their Bice Restaurant Group is one of the most respected restaurateurs in the world with premier restaurants in sophisticated cities such as Milan, New York City and Abu Dabai,” said Blake Cordish, vice president of The Cordish Company. “The Ruggeri family is world renown for their authentic Italian cuisine. We are extremely fortunate to have a restaurateur of such high caliber establishing roots in Kansas City within the Kansas City Power & Light District. Bice will be an amazing addition to the culinary scene in Kansas City. Although admittedly I am a little biased, I think multi-generational family owned businesses like Bice are very special.”
The first concept, Bice Bistro, is a sophisticated, urban, upscale Italian bistro featuring authentic Italian cuisine with an international touch. Bice Bistro will offer a niche dining experience in a luxurious yet traditional Italian atmosphere featuring mahogany floors and outdoor dining. The 6,000 sq ft restaurant will also feature a private dining mezzanine which overlooks the dining area below. Bice Bistro’s moderately priced menu will include an extensive array of international appetizers, pastas, pizzas, and a great selection of entrees. Main courses may include traditional pastas like Pappardelle al Telefono (large noodles with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and touch of cream); fish and meat entrees like Sesame Ahi Tuna (Ahi tuna loin in a sesame crust, light miso sauce with grilled asparagus) and Risotto con Gamberi (Arborio Italian rice with fresh prawns and asparagus); and pizzas like Pizza ai Frutti di Mare (sautéed seafood with tomatoes).
“In addition to our time-proven, favorite dishes, Bice Bistro features a Chef’s Special Choice menu each week, and we will hold different promotions each month introducing different delicacies that coincide with seasonal availability,” said Raffaele Ruggeri, president, Bice Restaurant Group. “No visit to Bice need ever be the same.”
Bice Café will specialize in quick service, walk-up Italian fare including sandwiches, light pastas, and authentic Italian gelato (an Italian frozen dessert made from milk and sugar and combined with various flavorings). The 1,500 sq ft café will be located immediately adjacent to the Bice Bistro.
Bice Lounge will offer one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the entire city. Located above Bice Café in the absolute middle of the Kansas City Power & Light District, this 1,200 sq ft second-floor space is surrounded by downtown skyscrapers and iconic buildings such as the H&R Block World Headquarters and the Sprint Center. The outdoor deck also offers amazing views of the water and fire feature that anchors the open European piazza area in the middle of the block. Bice Lounge will have a full-scale wine bar and will serve a limited menu from the Bice Bistro. The lounge will also feature great music every night.
“We are making a significant commitment to Kansas City with not just one concept, but with three, and this is because we truly believe in Kansas City’s revitalization efforts and the ensured success of the Kansas City Power & Light District,” said Ruggeri. “The Cordish Company is the premier developer in the country with a perfect track record of success. This development is their gold standard and, and we are extremely proud to be a part of it.”
Bice started as a neighborhood trattoria in Milan, Italy in 1926. Beatrice Ruggeri, affectionately called Bice by her family and friends, was urged to extend her well-known culinary skills and hospitality beyond her home, and so she established Il Ristorante Da Gino e Bice. Years later her son, Roberto Ruggeri extended Bice’s vision by establishing a second Bice restaurant in Port Cervo, on the island of Sardinia and a third in New York City. With the help of Bice’s grandson, Raffaele Ruggeri, the Bice brand has since expanded internationally very rapidly with over 40 restaurants in five continents.
About the Kansas City Power & Light District
The Kansas City Power & Light District will create a vibrant, new nine block neighborhood in downtown Kansas City which will redefine the City from its skyline to its sidewalks. The District will link together the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the new Sprint Center, offices, hotels, entertainment, cultural destinations and residential developments. Developed in partnership with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri, the $850 million mixed-use District will anchor $4 billion of complimentary development efforts in downtown Kansas City, such as the new H&R Block world-wide headquarters. The combination of entertainment, retail, nightlife and residential with imaginative and innovative design will create a unique and vibrant neighborhood. The retail and entertainment portion of the Kansas City Power & Light District will feature the country’s premier concepts. Bice Bistro, Bice Café and Bice Lounge will join previously announced tenants such as Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Tengo Sed Cantina, Angel’s Rock Bar, Ted’s Montana Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant, Mosaic Lounge, Famous Dave’s Barbecue, Jos. A. Bank, Howl at the Moon, Lucky Strike Lanes, Chipotle, Bristol Seafood Grill, ChinaBAR, Vinino, Cosentino’s Downtown Gourmet Market, AMC’s flagship arts movie theater in the revitalized Empire Theater, and a 3,000 capacity live music venue in the Midland Theater. The Kansas City Power & Light District will feature vibrant lighting and landscaping, outdoor seating for restaurants, and a permanent performance stage to provide live entertainment.