Italian Beef and Pasta Salad at Cupini’s. // Photo by Joe Ellett
Italian beef has always been a favorite sandwich of mine. But, unless you’re in Chicago, finding a spot that makes it the right way can be challenging. Don’t fear, Westport friends; Cupini’s has you covered.
This little hole-in-the-wall right off of Stateline and Westport Rd. on the Missouri side is your typical homey Italian shop. As you order your food from the counter, the sights and sounds of employees making homemade pasta, chicken cutlets, pizza, and everything else under the Italian sun can be made out from the back.
Cupini’s Italian beef ($12.97) is what you would expect: Roast beef that has been marinated in au jus, topped with provolone cheese (costs an extra dollar) and pepperoncini, squished inside of French bread, with an extra side of au jus for those who don’t mind a little mess. I also chose to get a half pint of their pasta salad ($3.50), which I think pairs quite well with the sandwich. The olives, celery, and diced tomatoes coupled with the penne noodles make for refreshing bites in between each mouthful of meat and peppers.
Biting into the toasty concoction, there is a very pleasant contrast between a crispy, fine crust and the meat it holds within that tears at ease with every chomp. Finding a nice balance of how much au jus is worth your while is key to crafting the best possible bite. Not too soggy, but a nice damp is what I aim for.
With the owner Franco Cupini having cooked for the former President of Italy, Giovanni Leone, at one point, we’d say it is a pretty safe bet for those looking for some solid Latin eats within the walkable Westport neighborhood
Cupini’s is located at 1809 Westport Rd. Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64111.