TASTEBUD Magazine
Table Hopping – July 2009
“Cute, Craveable Cafes” Bleu Tomato
33080 W 83rd St
De Soto, KS 66018
(913) 585-1232
www.bleutomato.com
Chef Karen Mitchell was looking for a commercial kitchen to cook out of when she stumbled across an old pizza joint in downtown Desoto. With sister, Marcy Bray, as her partner, they took over the space and transformed it into a charming little cafe called Bleu Tomato. Lunches are light and breezy, but dinners take on a cozy, laid back vibe with warm candles and guests popping open their own bottles of wine to share as they have no liquor license. Try the special of the day marked on the chalkboard. I enjoyed housemade pasta with shrimp, kale and fresh pesto with a cup of red pepper soup for $17. Entrees come with soup or salad. CALL: weekends to make dinner reservations, and don’t forget to BYOB, no corkage fee.
Songbird Café
1315 Fairfax Trafficway
Kansas City, KS 66115
(913) 281-9101
www.songbirdcafe.blogspot.com
NOTE: Songbird Cafe is currently closed for the summer, as the restaurant has no air-conditioning, which is why we chose not to run this review in Tastebud Magazine. I ate here and wrote this recommendation in March when the weather was still manageable. I am not sure if Courtney plans to reopen her cafe this fall, but if I hear something, I'll let you know. Wishing her continued success. Courtney Wasson drove by the building that was destined to be her Songbird Cafe and wonder why someone had not found a use for it. Located across from the grain silos on Fairfax Avenue it is not exactly a retail hub, but it is down the street from her hubby’s machine shop and she knew she could get a steady stream of workers, friends and foodies stopping by to enjoy her own funky Austin-like, blue grass style. Get the Turkey Panini with turkey, pesto and swiss on hearty wheat bread perfectly toasted with housemade kettle chips for about $7. ASK: when you visit if they are serving ice cream. Creamy homemade vanilla base transforms into flavors like Coconut Chili and Blackberry Cilantro.
Le Monde Bakery
308 Armour Road
North Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 474-0055
Jef Dover’s place first became famous for the French baguettes made by a Vietnamese family, who worked with Jef, the owner, from the beginning. This bakery has flaky croissants, a mean cheese danish and, of course, terrific baguettes. But the regulars know, Le Monde also sells fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Wed.-Fri. only. An order comes with three large rolls bursting with shrimp, sliced pork, rice noodles, carrots and fresh mint. Do get their Chicken Curry soup. Sweet and sour broth has coconut milk and huge chunks of chicken, potato and carrots. It’s another Vietnamese dish this quirky little bakery offers. An order of 3 Spring Rolls and Chicken Curry soup cost around $10, with plenty left-over. TAKE: it to-go if the little four-table dining area is full.
Café Augusta
12122 West 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 859-9556
www.cafeaugusta.com
This café is owned by Micheline Burger a local attorney, and her daughter, Mijanou Cackler who both have had culinary training from JCCC before coming together to open what they are calling a “new world bistro” in Lenexa. Menu is full of family recipes from a grandmother who hails from the German/French border in Europe. They have spent much time and effort transforming this former Chinese restaurant into pretty and restful spot for a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat with friends and family. For lunch, try the Combo and get half a sandwich and a cup of soup for $8.50. I enjoyed the Curried Squash soup with just a hint of sweet spice. SIT: outside on one of the lovely tiled table in the shade.
Jay WaLe’s Bakery-Bistro
503 North 6th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913)220-2286
www.letseat.at/jaywalebistro
Ellen Hume is the owner of Jay WaLe Bistro which she named the place after her daughter, Jacy “Jay”, son Wagner “Wa” and grandson Leonardo “Le”. This little place feels more like a quaint little dessert shop on Strawberry Hill and although the desserts are stunningly good, the pretty dining room is packed for lunch with local folks looking for a tasty bite on a short lunch hour. Get the Vit-A-Man Sandwich and enjoy pesto cream cheese with thinly sliced layers of carrots, lettuce, avocado, cucumber, red onions, tomato, lettuce and fresh mozzarella on a toasted French bread for $7. SAVE: room for dessert, it’s what they are known for, and the spinning pastry case shows off their work with pride.
You Say Tomato
2801 Holmes Street
Kansas City, MO 64109
(816) 756-5097
www.YSTKC.com
I say, “Delicious!” Seek out this red brick grocery store/restaurant that is a popular lunch spot for corporate Hallmark employees. Try the Panini of the Week with your choice of side for $8. Featuring thick slices of perfectly toasted cornmeal-flavored yeast bread with rotating gourmet fillings such as goat cheese and roasted vegetables. The Quiche is heavenly, and if you like Egg Salad sandwiches, try one from here. The quality of their ingredients is really what makes the food shine. PICK: Up and purchase staples such as local butter, fresh eggs or milk or choose from a selection of organic salads from their refrigerated cases.
Do you know if Le Monde has banh mi sandwiches? When the Vietnamese place on Burlington closed, I lost my hook up!
Posted by: heatherkay | July 16, 2009 at 02:49 PM
They do not offer Banh Mi Sandwiches, but the type of french bread Le Monde makes would make it a perfect lunch special.
I am with you the closing of Vinh Hoa did mark a loss of great Banh Mi sandwhiches in KC. I have had the Banh Mi at the Vietnamese Market where Jennie's Italian Restaurant used to be, but it was traditional cold cuts and not the grilled meat of Vinh Hoa.
There are several Vietnamese restaurants around the River Market that might make it, but I haven't found a replacement for it.
Posted by: Jenny V. | July 17, 2009 at 06:37 AM