Charisse Plans A Perfect Dinner for Fall!
Nothing screams “Fall” like the sighting of pumpkins! The smell of pumpkin spiced lattes brings a comfort that we can put our flip-flops away and rejoice in cooler weather and comfort food. In the past few years, pumpkin beer has become a popular fall beverage of choice.
Charisse, a charming “Old French-New American” restaurant owned by Chef Jason Craine and his wife Charisse, is quickly becoming one of the “best kept secrets” in KC. Originally the downtown Aixois, Craine bought the bistro from former owners and hired Alex Maggard, formally of The Girl and the Goat in Chicago, as Sous Chef. Charisse was born and is rapidly gaining recognition.
toasted baguette and Gruyere cheese
For this French teacher by day, and Foodie by night, I thoroughly enjoy everything about this place. The Croque Monsieur and simple Soupe à l’oignon takes me back to when I lived and traveled in France and the “to die for” profiteroles made with local Poppy’s vanilla ice cream and Boulevard Chocolate Ale reminds me that French food does not have to be extravagant, pretentious offerings, but classic, elegant dishes that leave you wanting more.
Back to pumpkins. Charisse will be offering a Pumpkin Beer Dinner, a 5 course meal, each course paired with a popular pumpkin beer. Boulevard Brewing’s Funky Pumpkin, Crown Valley’s Imperial Pumpkin Smash Stout, Red Hook’s Out of your Gourd Pumpkin Porter & Southern Tier’s PUMKING will be featured and the final course will be paired with a pumpkin craft cocktail! This special event will take place on September 30th and the menu that was released this week looks amazing. With courses of sweet potato gnocchi, roasted hen, and pumpkin bread pudding with pumpkin ice cream, this meal will surely take us into fall in the most delicious way!
Added plus: a lot of the menu items at Charisse come from local venues and we love supporting local!
Details for this special night can be found here and reservations are required. Whether you can make the Pumpkin Beer Dinner or not, I would highly recommend this very cool and relaxed, modern French bistro in the heart of downtown KC.
