CC: [email removed] La Toque French Cafe and Restaurant in Leesburg has recently changed their chef. Paul Petrillo, formerly the food manager at the Purcerville Country Club, has taken over the kitchen. He and his staff have also changed the menu and improved the service, which has always been a problem at this restaurant. The new version of this Leesburg establishment brings back the promise of comfortable and quality Continental dining that La Toque has always promised. It is worth a visit for dinner or lunch. The new menu is a mixture of classic French dishes and some old world favorites, with an Italian accent. The daily specials are made from local ingredients and the staff plans to change them to fit the seasons. The appetizers are Gallic standards such as Escargot and Baked Brie, with continental choices such as Scottish Smoked Salmon with capers, red onions, and toast points; Grilled Portobello Mushrooms; and Mozzarella en Carroza, made with home-made mozzarella egg dipped and sautéed and served with a light anchovy sauce. There is a special salad each day and a Caesar Salad of course. A sample of the entrees include Chicken Francais; Chicken Kiev; Veal Cordon Blue; Raspberry Grilled Duck; Frog Legs; a daily special Choppino, which consists of seasonal seafood in white wine and plum tomatoes served over gnocchi; Steak au Poivre; Grilled Veal Chop; and a house special Lamb Chops Balsamic, which is pan seared loin lamb chops with a balsamic vinegar demi-glace with pearl onions. There are also daily specials. The other night it was Shrimp Francaise with Caviar served with sautéed fresh vegetables and gnocchi. Desserts are home made with fresh fruits and real whipped cream. A variety of coffees (expresso, cappacino, etc.) are prepared in the main dining room. After dinner drinks are also available. The wine list is currently in transition; but, promises to be a mixture of quality European wines along with a good choice of Virginia and California selections. The best news of all is that the new menu is less expensive, putting dinner at La Toque in the moderate price range. Appetizers run about $6.00 and most entrees are from $14.00 to $20.00, with most in the $16.00 range. An average dinner for two, with a drink and coffee is about $50.00 - $55.00. La Toque is located in historic downtown Leesburg at 107 Loudoun Street, in a very quaint old building. It has two dining rooms and an outside garden area for dining and cocktails. The main dining room is very modern in decor and has a semi-formal feel to it. There is live piano music in this room on Friday and Saturday nights. The other dining room fronts onto Loudoun Street and has a French country feel. It also has a real fireplace. La Toque is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Saturday, and for dinner all day Sunday. The telephone number is 703-777-5142 and when you stop in for a meal tell Paul I sent you ---- Jim Dart !!!
Virginia