Chez Leon Restaurant

02/19/08

NO!

by sternkoch

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.

• Pros: $38 for 3 courses
• Cons: Food not good.

02/12/08

I will not return!

by ConcernedCustomer2008

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!

02/12/08

Sacre-bleu! Great food!

by stlfoodcriticwannabe

My girlfriend and I went to Chez Leon to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. The first thing I noticed was that our two person table was was situated extremely close to the table next to us. We received water and bread promptly from the busboy, but then we were forced to sit for well over fifteen minutes without even having menus to look over. When our waiter finally noticed us, he was very apologetic and offered us some complimentary drinks. It was there that the night pulled a complete 180. Five minutes later we not only had two complimentary glasses of some nice bordeaux but were surprised with two glasses of fine champagne, also on the house. We received five star service the rest of the night.

We ordered the escargots as an appetizer, a new experience for me. They come in a wonderful buttery sauce which has a a garlic and basil flavor.

I ordered the salade vert (green salad) which was very basic: lettuce and oil and vinegar with a cracker which was covered in some deliciously stinky french cheese. In such a simple salad, there is little room for error. The salad was good, but I will be trying a different salad on my next visit.

For the main course, I ordered the Duck a l'orange. It blew my mind. It was juicy and bursting with great balance of the two main flavors. It had just the right amount of orange without overpowering the succulent flavor of the duck. It was served with sides of creamy potatoes, carrots, green beans, and sweet red cabbage (surprisingly tasty).

Dessert was an apple tart served a la mode. It did not disappoint.

If you're willing to drop a decent amount of money (our bill was $100 without the wine - escargots, 2 salads, 2 entrees, and dessert) this is a great french restaurant. Although someone obviously screwed up in having us sit unattended for fifteen minutes, but they went out of the way after that to show that they truly value their customers. The chefs know their way around the kitchen, and it really shows on your plate.

• Pros: Great food, kind service
• Cons: price, seating can be crowed