Bleu Christmas

The Bleu Tomato in downtown DeSoto, Kansas

It's actually been anything but a Blue Christmas for me this year, but a bleu Christmas? Absolutely. I have been reading reviews, seeing Facebook comments and had numerous friends tell me I needed to try out this off-beat little restaurant in downtown DeSoto, Kansas. I had a great excuse to do so when having lunch with my friend Jeff who works about as close to it as you can get without working in DeSoto.

The restaurant is owned by Karen Mitchell who took her love of catering and evolved it into a sit down restaurant. Don't let the exterior (or interior for that matter) fool you though -- this isn't your down-home country (= fried) restaurant. After you maneuver past the Dollar General next door and inside, you will find a small and simple dining room, with a rotating artist featured.

My sandwich and salad combination

I immediately opted for a combination selection so that I could try at least two things. The Kill Creek Salad consisted of spring mix, roasted sweet bell peppers, fried goat cheese (OK, so there was something fried but it's light and delicate), ruby red grapefruit, all tossed in a bleu cheese vinaigrette. This was paired with the Griddled Salmon Sandwich served with herbed caper mayonnaise and fresh basil on a brioche roll. Isn't that just about the prettiest, most colorful plate of food you've seen in this dead of winter?

Jeff uses his best Vanna skills to present the dessert

Jeff was the professional here and I was the rookie, he having eaten at this restaurant a few times with co-workers. I followed shortly after Jeff as Kansas City IABC chapter president and can't help but smile when I think of all the good friends I've made through being active in that organization. And it always seems that when we get together we're either eating or drinking!

Warm Chocolate Phyllo Dough Brownie

I had to take a look at the dessert tray and to my delight, they had my all-time favorite dessert. I had pretty high expectations for this one as my favorite is served by the local PB&J restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised to find the dessert not only elegant, but the brownie contained three different kinds of chocolate and was richly flavorful. It has become my new favorite.

After checking out the menu online, I definitely have to make it back for dinner since it looks like a completely different experience. Reservations are recommended and they are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (lunch served on weekdays only). So, if you're going to have to be bleu, I recommend you indulge in this little gem.

www.bleutomato.com