Ratamacue Stew

I've traveled to Kansas City twice in the past several months.  On my trip back in September, I found myself looking for a place to eat one evening as I was on my own for dinner that night.  Kansas City is a great place for steaks as well as excellent barbecue but I wasn't really in the mood for either that night.  So, I pulled out Yelp and started looking for a different type of place to eat.

Le Fou Frog came up in Yelp and the name immediately drew me in.  The reviews on Yelp were positive and after taking a look at the menu decided I had to check it out.  Kansas City is not the place I expect to find a french bistro and as my taxi approached the restaurant, admittedly I wondered if I had made the right choice.  The restaurant is in a location not far from downtown but has a very plain facade and it's plain enough from the outside, it makes you wonder if you're in the right place and if a french bistro is really behind the door (as opposed to a bar with pub grub).

I was immediately at ease when I walked in.  The decor has a decidedly French influence and I really did feel a bit like I walked into a Paris bistro.  I had such a great dinner there that night (see the photos below) that on my most recent trip back to KC, I was able to convince my coworkers and our gracious vendor we were visiting to go back to the restaurant for dinner.  We had 13 people there and while I think our group size was a bit of a challenge for a kitchen I suspect is more used to preparing for tables of two or four than 13, they did a great job and everyone really enjoyed the experience. We happened to show up on the monthly "Night of Song" and were entertained as several of the wait staff sang songs to the guests.

I have quickly grown fond of Le Fou Frog for both the food and the atmosphere.  I will definitely make it a regular stop as my travels take me back to Kansas City.  I ran across the following description of Le Fou Frog and think it's very fitting:

Le Fou Frog has been lauded in local and national newspapers as an authentic, hip, quirky, yet romantic French bistro. The Daily chalkboard of entre selections range from traditional Bistro fare such as: Steak au poivre, bouillabaisse, escargot, mussels and onion soup. Some of the offerings have a distinctive Southern French accent, being that the Chef owner hails from Marseille. However other entre offerings show the worldly influence showing impact on Chef Manos style. Diners have become accustomed to trying new and exotic offerings such as: Kangaroo with a sweet spice reduction sauce, or interesting pairings like sweetbreads and diver sea scallops in a truffle vinaigrette. Le Fou Frog is many things to many different people. There is always a happening at The Frog.

Prince Edward Island Mussels steamed in a broth of white wine,  bay leaf, mustard and cream

Duck Confit with lentils and mixed green salad with a raspberry vinaigrette

Amuse-Bouche : pate mousse with chicken liver

Seared Kangaroo Loin in a game stock reduction with sweet and savory spices

Tarte Tatin paired with a 2005 Le Tertre Du Lys D'Or Sauternes

Truffle