Foodservice Ideas and Tips ˜ Casual Dining

Chef Andre Leger

Palomino Restaurant Rotisseria & Bar

Palomino has built its reputation on American Cuisine inspired by the rustic dishes of Europe. While the ambience is casually elegant, enhanced by hand blown glass chandeliers and Italian marble, the focus is on the food. Chef Leger prides himself on Palomino's innovative menu. "Our chefs are always thinking of new items and new ways to dress up old favorites."

What does Chef Leger look for in choosing his ingredients? "Quality, first last and always. I only work with those who send me the best," he says. "That's one reason I buy Sunkist. It has a reputation for quality. I know it, and my guests know it."

Citrus, he said, is a versatile fruit with a bold flavor profile. It enhances the food it is paired with, and it harmonizes well with so many different ingredients.

"Citrus adds its unique flavor to salads and entrees as well as desserts and beverages. It helps my chefs to be creative. And there are so many different varieties -- from the lemons and oranges we all grew up with to the unique new flavors of blood oranges and the sweeter grapefruit varieties."

Chef Leger put himself through college working as a prep and line cook, and in the process, discovered both his passion for food and his life's work. He has opened three restaurants for Palomino and is now in Cincinnati perfecting the localized and seasonal direction for their menu.

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