Westport Café’s (419 Westport Rd, KCMO) longtime Executive Chef Romain Monnoyeur recently brought on Chef Thomas Milesi, a fellow Frenchman, to elevate the beloved bistro’s traditional menu. Milesi is from Menton in the south of France and brings a Mediterranean sensibility with him.
More refreshing fare such as marinated and slow braised pork belly, shrimp scampi and steamed halibut with Japanese inspired Dashi bouillabaisse are featured on the summer menu. For the loyal clientele, favorites such as steak frites and the truffle risotto with seared scallops remain on the menu.
“In France, there’s pretty much about the same food everywhere, Monnoyeur says. “It’s not the same menu everywhere but it’s a lot of the same technique and product.”
In an effort to switch up the French bistro’s usual dishes, Monnoyeur and first time Head Chef Milesi, who has worked in France, Switzerland and Boston before coming to KC, collaborated on their first menu just in time for summer – and Bastille Day.
Guests can feast on baby artichokes pan seared with basil pesto sauce and then there’s the escargots tarte, served with roasted shishito peppers, giving this French classic an unexpected twist. For dessert, thin layers of puff pastry delicately sliced in front of guests and crepe suzettes flambeed table-side are a definite treat.
Bastille Day – July 14, 4 – 10 p.m.
This Friday evening, the Westport bistro will be focused on seafood. From 4 – 7 p.m., an oyster bar will feature grilled and half shell oysters from Quebec. Salmon will be smoked by Harp Barbecue and sliced in front of guests (a French tradition) then served with caviar cream. The menu special for the evening will be whole grilled branzino.
Dessert consists of a Missouri peach melba made by Pastry Chef Nicole Taylor accompanied by a raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream and almonds. Reservations are sure to fill fast, so don’t delay.
