A New Rhythm of French Cuisine -
A NEW RHYTHM OF FRENCH CUISINE
Classic & Contemporary – French Comfort Food Arrives in St. Augustine May 15th
St. Augustine, Florida (May 2008) Chef/Restaurateur Jean-Stephane Poinard has finally come to America. His arrival in St. Augustine, Florida isn’t for a brief visit, but to realize his childhood dream of living and owning a restaurant in America. The City’s European atmosphere lured Jean-Stephane and his wife Valerie to the ‘ancient city’. Bistro de Leon opens THURSDAY, MAY 15TH within steps from the famous Bridge of Lions on Cathedral Place. They both agree “This is a restaurant that fits into its neighborhood – Bistro de Quartier. It’s a small cozy café in a cozy town, like at home in Lyon”.
French home cuisine “la cuisine de meres” is what propelled Poinard to the top of the elitist gastronomic scene since 1998. Proud of being a 5th generation chef and then owning Lyon’s Hotel Restaurant de Paris (in the family since 1962) brought this splendid young restaurateur with a pedigree into the limelight – delighting international celebrities with his exuberant youthful passion and pleasure in cooking.
As a member of the exclusive Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises, Poinard is one of the honored chefs invited into the rare fraternity of only 100 members. The organization is led by Paul Bocuse, recognized as the finest chef of the 20th Century and ambassador of modern French cuisine. During their lifetime, these chefs have been held in high regard for their contributions to the culture of the country.
The new Bistro de Leon begins early, authentic French breakfast served when the rhythm of St. Augustine wakens as the clock towers chime eight o’clock. Carrying the integrity forward from the farmers and fishermen who nurture their produce and fresh seafood, Poinard’s dishes taste like the ingredients that he carefully selects daily. The kitchen is alive with the surprises of each day’s bounty through lunch and into dinner, where guests can enjoy a 3-course meal for approximately $20!
The new Bistro closely resembles the style and spirit of his 5 restaurants in Lyon:
• Le Panier a Salade
• Les Ventres Jaunes
• Le “Un, deux, trois”
• Les Pampres Rouges
• Hotel Restaurant de Paris – acclaimed
In his alluring accent Poinard exclaims “When you cook, you have to love people. My cuisine is like a symphony; I cook to the rhythms of music – and it’s fun. I don’t make my food adapt to me…I get a feeling for the food that’s the freshest I can procure. The menu changes often, serving only homemade breads & pastries, entrees, salads, ice cream and sorbet…everything authentically from home”.
Valerie brings her family’s winery savoir-faire to the new St. Augustine dining experience. From Domaine de la Fond-Moiroux, where many respected Beaujolais, Brouilly and Gamay wines were produced, she was the Maitre de Chais winemaker, winning awards like the Golden Medaille Nationale of ‘Caves Particulieres’ (independent winery).
Together, Jean-Stephane and Valerie Poinard invite their guests to ‘Enjoy the Bistro as if it were ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ every day of the year and live the moment with us”.
Bistro de Leon
#12 Cathedral Place
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
www.bistrodeleon.com
|
|
|
