Grilled jerk pork. Beet hummus. Cocktails. European-style cafe opening in Kansas City

Joyce Smith
·2 min read

Entertainment entrepreneur Chad Alexander wanted to create a small European-style cafe for people who “appreciate the finer things at a reasonable price.”

Now Bijou is scheduled to open Tuesday at 301 Westport Road. The Peacock formerly operated in the space.

Chad Alexander chats with employees at a preopening event for Bijou.
Chad Alexander chats with employees at a preopening event for Bijou.

Alexander has a Master of Fine Arts in directing from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He has worked at Warner Bros. and had his own company, Heart of America Entertainment, from 2012 until he sold it in 2019. He traveled for six months during the pandemic.

“Santa Fe was a bit of a launching point for Bijou. I loved the intimate, small curated restaurants that didn’t try to be everything to everyone, and I started seeking them out in the Hudson Valley, Bar Harbor,” he said.

After returning to Kansas City, he knew the cafe would be his “next creative adventure.”

Brian Mehl, formerly executive chef at Plate Restaurant, is Bijou’s executive chef, and Robert Burns is the sous chef.

Sous chef Robert Burns grills shrimp at Bijou.
Sous chef Robert Burns grills shrimp at Bijou.

Menu items

▪ Small plates and shareables: Including classic beef tartare, beet hummus, harissa shrimp, miso mushrooms, grilled jerk pork, short ribs, pimento risotto, pommes frites and charcuterie boards.

▪ Large plates/entrees: Beef fillet with black pepper sauce or Mediterranean salmon.

▪ Sweets: Tamari caramel budino (caramel custard, tamari caramel drizzle, gingersnap cookie crumbs and whipped cream); limoncello pound cake with herb fruit compote; chocolate espresso ice cream; and the flavor of the month from Kansas City’s High Hopes Ice Cream.

Tristan Uhl, formerly with Julep, is beverage director. Cocktails will include the Roman Holiday with orange bitters, prosecco and a thyme garnish.

Bijou’s harissa shrimp with walnut pistou.
Bijou’s harissa shrimp with walnut pistou.

A large black and white photo of actress Farrah Fawcett hangs behind the bar. Bijou also will rotate art pieces in partnership with Heidmann Art Salon.

A retail section will have ceramic dinnerware by Convivial Production, hostess gifts, bouquets, candles, soaps and other products by Kansas City area companies.

Hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It will add a Sunday brunch this summer.

The bar at the new Bijou.
The bar at the new Bijou.