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

09/25/07

Delicious food but not very cozy atmosphere

by pixiedixie

I always read reviews before I go out on a special occasion, but I?ve never written one myself, so this is my review-writing debut? My husband and I were at Leon for our wedding anniversary. Here?s what I liked about the restaurant: food. Simply delicious. All the three courses were very tasty, with the veal (main course) being one of the best I?ve ever had. I find the food a little pricy (if I recall correctly, we spent close to $200 with wine for the two of us), but since its quality was exceptional, I think it was worth the expense. What I didn?t like: I expected a more cozy environment that it turned out to be. The restaurant space is a big rectangular hall with tables located very closely to each other. The wall decor is nice but in my point of view is not sophisticated enough for a pricy French restaurant. My biggest complaint is that the tables are so scrunched in the space, it?s hard to keep your conversation private on a busy night (the night we were there, it was very busy) and it?s hard to hear your companion because of the noise. Overall, it?s just not the right atmosphere for a romantic date - it?s a very nice, but not cozy restaurant. They would definitely win my heart if they redesigned the restaurant floor to make it look less like a dining hall. Also, I find that the waiting time was somewhat longer than expected, though it was not disturbing. However, I think the restaurant deserves the ?recommended? rating simply because the food was exceptional. My compliments to the chef!!!

• Pros: Simply delicious menu!!!
• Cons: Not a very cozy place, tables too close to each other, somewhat noisy on a busy night

09/25/07

My favorite restaurant of all time

by intranzit

We spent 4 hours for dinner here. The price fixe menu is fantastic, with different offerings each day. Be prepared to spend upwards of $120 for dinner with drinks and tip.

Service was fantastic, the waiter even comes and scoops your bread crumbs up after each course.

Every bite was amazing. I had Es Cargo for an appetizer, Roast duck with a cherry sauce for the main course, and an orange custardy sort of cheesecake for dessert.

The environment was beautiful too. Seating fills up quickly, I would suggest reservations.

This restaurant is the one thing I wish I could have brought with me when I moved to Seattle. I haven't found anything comparable to replace it.

• Pros: The food was heaven, the wine and coffee delicious, ambience was very romantic
• Cons: I wish I could afford to eat here more than once a year.

10/12/03

Wonderful Experience

by plapoint

Chez Leon was wonderful for a special occasion. The service and food was outstanding. The veal was especially good and the desserts top notch. Order a 3 course meal (for a special price) just like in France. I couldn't have been more pleased with the whole experience.

• Pros: Authentic French, Oustanding Desserts, 3 Course Special

08/14/03

French fare finds its way to the Central West End.

by Contributor

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.

02/21/03

Good food w/o so so service

by shatty925

My girlfriend and I recently had dinner at Chez Leon. The good was delicious, but the service wasn't in line with the price of dinner.

• Pros: good food, parking
• Cons: so so service, price