Crystal's Spot

This debut article of “Spot the Taste” is taking you to France. Well not actually France but literally the very closest French experience you can get in Kansas City. No passport needed but you may want your translator app to understand exactly what you’re ordering. This little gem of a restaurant is called Aixois and is located amongst an adorable row of shops in Kansas City. Walking past the beautifully decorated windows perfect for window shopping gave me a total Paris vibe as I made my way to the little bistro on the corner.

This place was so French the entire wait staff had to get a glimpse of what was happening with the World Cup. The bar is fully stocked with elegant French liquor such as a beautiful centennial addition of Grand Mariner. This is where you’ll hear many languages so definitely feeling like you are suddenly across the globe.

Now for the fun part, what I ate! So I’m a huge mussels fan or any seafood for that matter. These mussels are worth this entire article. The name, Moules Marinieres, which are Mussels in a shallot and herb wine broth and served with pommes frites, merci beaucoup! I was in absolute mussel heaven! I devoured the entire pile all by my petite 5’2” self. I suggest if you’re extremely hungry and feel the need to share, order 2 lunch portions. You can ever so slightly taste the buttery wine which paired with a beautiful Rose you’re immediately transported to a sea side experience of the French Riviera. You must save a little room for their decadent French pastries or desert. I did just that!

Crème Brûlée! Oui magnifique!

The silky sweet custard with the finest French vanilla of course. Then encrusted with crunchy pure golden sugar on top. Is your mouth watering yet? The perfect dessert to pair with the mussels of plenty. There’s something so simple yet satisfying about Crème Brûlée. I actually love making it at home. You can easily impress your friends by creating this elegant dessert. The very best display of only 5 ingredients, ever! Here is my favorite recipe by Faith Durand. Faith is the Editor-in-Chief of Kitchn, and the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters who I’m sure are the very luckiest of taste testers. Bon Appétit!

- Angie Campbell