Chez Leon Restaurant
(314) 361-1589
4580 Laclede Ave
St Louis,
MO
63108
38.64
-90.2615
Neighborhood: Central West End
What People Are Saying About Chez Leon Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Chez Leon's cheerful butterscotch-colored facade is lined with small-paned glass doors that open into a breezy, sophisticated space. Wrought-iron baker's racks stand along the room's perimeter. The walls are adorned with vintage cognac posters and a playful mural depicting an expanse of jauntily pitched rooftops. The tables are draped with the requisite white linen and set with oversize silverware that all but the most hulking of diners will find unwieldy. Your waiter will bring you an amuse-bouche from the chef--a cardinal's tidbit to whet the appetite. Then prepare for your dinner to unfold, course by tantalizing course.
The Food
Many St. Louis diners will be treading on unfamiliar culinary ground at Chez Leon. Expect traditional French dishes served up with unconventional meats like frog legs, skate and wild boar. French cookery's classic "mother sauces"--béchamel, velouté and hollandaise--are expertly prepared.
User Reviews
Anonymous
November 18, 2008
I love Chez Leon. It's very eclectic, the menu offers great choices, the food is prepared and served very elegantly ... a great place to take someone whom you want to impress! Outstanding traditional french cuisine!
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sternkoch
February 19, 2008
I haven't recommened CL to anyone and I don"t plan to. CL attempts to achieve the level of a French Bistro but succeeds only superficially. Let me start first with the service. We were never brought a wine list and were never offered a wine. We were also never given the attention that one would expect to receive at such a restaurant because, as our waiter explained, they were understaffed and just were caught off guard by the amount of people coming in. Hello? Upon ordering our food I asked about what sides came with the entrees. He said vegetables. Yeah guy, what type? How are they prepared? Do all entrees get the same sides? He just wasn"t being all that specific. Let's talk about the food(and just know that I am a classical trained chef who went through a three year culinary program in the south west of Germany). We first had appetizers and my wife ordered the seared scallops and there were actually perfectly cooked. My mother's shrimp with bacon were also good, but both apps were smothered in rich, heavy cream sauces that, yes, I know, are familiar to french cooking but not necessary for an appetizers, who should normally be light as not to effect the following courses. I went with the seared foie gras because they paired it with cabage and bacon. Normally one would pair something as rich and fatty as foie gras with something sweet and fruity like figs or raspberry. I was curious and unfortunately disappointed. The sauteed cabage and bacon completey ruined the flavor of the foie gras, which wasn't seasoned to begin with. I guess choosing it was my own stupid mistake. As for the entrees, my black bass and my wife's salmon were overcooked. My beurre blanc sauce tasted more just like plain old melted butter. My mother had the roasted chicken, that was burnt and dry, with "truffel" sauce. I was disappointed overall and will never go back nor recommend Chez Leon to anyone.
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ConcernedCustomer2008
February 12, 2008
I went there for my friend's birthday party. He made the reservation and told them that it was his birthday. The service was not that great. We had a party of 15 and they had us at three different tables. My friend was served last and had to wait an additional 20 minutes for dessert. I asked the owner about this and he made up a story about where he was from France. More less, he could not find a valid excuse. He said that the host was always served last and that is his policy. I told him that he was not the host and that it was his birthday. He apologized, however did not do anything about it. I ordered a pork dish and it was very dry. I will not return to this establishment. And to add fuel to the flame, the waiter gave the entire bill to my friend. This place is a complete joke!
read full reviewThe Details on Chez Leon Restaurant
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Online Reservations, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Eric Brenner
