Come Visit Us at Café Verona
Whether meeting for a business lunch, gathering with friends, or dining for a special night out, Café Verona’s menu includes dishes full of bold flavor and fresh ingredients. From creamy pastas to flavorful salads, from the savory to the sweet, we’re excited for you to try one of our many tempting dishes on your next visit. Savor a glass of wine or a martini from the bar. Wind down the meal with a classic Italian dessert. Enjoy a break in the day or relax in the evening at Café Verona.
Meet The Chef!
Lilian Gilbert
I grew up in France, on a small Island called Ile de Ré. I am the last in a family of 5 children. I started working very young as a dishwasher. Very quickly I felt like the kitchen felt like a second home to me. The atmosphere and the busy rhythm just suited my lifestyle and personality.
France is a country where food holds a special place in people’s lives (they spend an incredible amount of time during the day around a table eating, so much that sometimes when I go back it just feels like it’s all we do haha). After high school I decided to get an associate’s degree at the Lycée Hotelier de La Rochelle, one of the best establishments outside of the Paris area.
Being so close to the sea, I learned to prepare and cook fresh fish and made it one of my specialties. I then proceeded to go for a Semester abroad in Warrensburg, Missouri where I met my now wife Katlynn. After a little bit of back and forth between the USA and France, we decided to get married.
My first job in the USA was at an Italian restaurant. I then fell in love with American BBQ and worked my way up to a sous chef in a grill restaurant in Smithville called Kozaks. I worked very hard and dedicated a lot of time trying to become the best chef I could be as well as improving my knowledge and skills along the way.
Once my wife and I got pregnant with our son Liam, I decided to take the next step and apply for a chef position here at Café Verona. I just fell in love with the place!
Community
Revitalizing a Community.
With Ophelia’s Restaurant and Inn as the anchor, the opening of that business didn’t happen because the McClain’s wanted to own a restaurant, but instead because of a desire to revive the Independence Square.
The Square is rich with Truman history and seemed a shame to waste. A restaurant seemed like a logical place to start because it can become a destination situation unlike other types of businesses. The desire to revive the Square has grown into a total of 18 businesses (and counting!) since Ken and Cindy began this adventure. With a combination of retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, the Independence Square keeps getting better and better!
Hospitality Business of the Year
McClain Restaurant Group
Make a reservation, order online, or purchase gift cards. We can't wait to feed you!
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Delivery & Takeout
Delivery & Takeout
