Standard Italian Fare/Marco Polo

To get an above average score on the Mrs. Ref 5 star dining review, I have to be surprised (in a good way) someplace along the line.  It can be the taste of the food, the neighborhood, the art, the ambiance....You get the picture.  Marco Polo didn't surprise me, so the rating is just average.  But don't let that dissuade you from trying this very casual Italian restaurant.  It's another "find" that Mr. Ref and I are sure to visit again.  If I lived in the neighborhood, I'm sure we would place it in our regular rotation of weekday dinner fare! 
There is really no ambiance to speak of at Marco Polo unless you count the adjoining bar which can be reached through a pass-through into Jaspers--it's worth a visit just to see the cardboard cut-out of the chef, Jasper Mirable.  Chef Mirable graced the bar with a cameo appearance right next to the cut-out when I stepped over to check the wine list.  Just like a sighting of a Hollywood Star, Chef Mirable is quite a celebrity in KC foodie circles!  Well, at least in the GAS CLUB circle.
It's all self serve here--step up to the cash register, browse the menu above the deli case, recite your order and wait for your number to be called. While you are waiting, grab your silverware and fill your water glass.  I ordered the special which was delightful cheese ravioli boiled to a perfect al dente and drenched in a slightly sweet, super delicious meat sauce.  Accompanied by a bowl of soup (too greasy for my taste) and lettuce salad (nice Italian dressing over crisp iceberg lettuce), it was quite a bargain at $8.00.  I learned my lesson with all that food, but I wasn't content until I tried dessert.  Still--I'm not likely to order the special again unless I stop by after running a marathon. The menu at Marco Polo's begs a return visit in the not-too-distant future.  I can't wait to further check it out--pizza, salads, hearty sandwiches and pasta!   Rating 3 out of 5.