Aixois - Simple French Food Done Well
Right near Brookside, between Waldo and downtown Kansas City, lies one of the best restaurants in Kansas City: Aixois, the culinary vision of Chef Emmanuel Langlade. Chef Langlade, professionally trained as a chef in France, worked all over the world and in the United States including in France, London, New York, and Austin, Texas, before marrying a native Kansas Citian and moving here to open his restaurant.
Chef Langlade bills Aixois as “simple” bistro or brasserie style eatery. While he does present a plate that is neither fussy or overly complex, diners at Aixois should not confuse simple with plain or unappetizing. The food at Aixois is amazing, and contrary to the popular myth that French food has to be heavy, it is very light. It’s the type of meal that just makes you feel good.
The menu at Aixois is pure French bistro as well. Start with the cold appetizer tray complete with cheese, salami, pate, and olives. Even if you think you don’t like pate, Aixois will change your mind. Some pates are overly bitter, but what I had at Aixois was creamy, mild, and almost sweet. I barely realized what I was eating until most of it was gone.
After the appetizer course, there are several excellent choices for a main course. In addition to nightly specials, which include cassoulet (a French meat/bean dish) and couscous (inspire by Chef Langlade’s family), there are several excellent dishes to choose from including duck and a succulent ruby trout. To end the meal (if you possibly have any room left), Aixois makes all of their desserts from scratch on the premise.
To go along with your meal, Aixois keeps a well stocked wine bar. You can order by the glass or by the bottle. I had an amazing pinot blanc suggested by my watier which had a great citrus taste to go with the lemon in the ruby trout’s sauce.
Now, for those days when you’re just looking for a quiet place to relax instead of a full meal, Aixois is great for that, too. Located near a beautiful jogging path lined with trees and shrubs, there’s no better place in Kasnas City to grab a cup of coffee from the barrista inside Aixois and sit at one of their outdoor tables. There’s plenty of sun and if you get hungry, there’s always one of those homemade pastries…
Aixois is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner whenever you’re in the mood for great French food. You can check them out at Aixois.com or just stop by and ask for Chef.
