52 Weeks of Dresses -- Week 26

Otherwise titled: Chez Leon

Chez Leon used to be located in the CWE - in the same spot Brasserie by Niche is now, if I'm not mistaken.  And I have to say, I liked their old space better.  They're now in downtown Clayton, which earns them bonus points for proximity and (shockingly!) ease of parking, but they've lost something in translation, as it were.

Their new spot could be cozy and intimate: the walls are dark, there are heavy drapes and pillows in the front window.  There is an interesting and eclectic collection of art on the walls.  The white tablecloths are okay, though a darker color would seem to suit the place better.  But what's really awful are the overhead spotlights.  As T said, whenever he eats there, he feels like a french fry (haha).  The light was way too bright and harsh given the other surroundings; the need some recessed lighting and wall sconces.

Despite the poor lighting choices, the food was delicious.  I of course had onion soup, which was cheesy to the extreme.  Then I had the roast chicken, which was moist and tender, and came served with saffron rice and all kinds of veggies: thin asparagus spears, a root vegetable medley (carrots, potatoes, and the like), and a brighter medley of zucchini, red onion, and....something else which I forget.

And there was dessert.  We shared a huge, fluffy souffle filled with a Grand Marnier cream sauce, and it was heavenly!  (It's not on the online menu, but they reprint menus daily so all the specials are included.)  I had the Hugel Riesling to go with my meal, and T had a glass of one of the Bordeauxs.

Our waiter was a bit casual, but knew his stuff and didn't rush us out of there, even though we were only two sitting at a table that could have held four.