Le Sel Opens In Nashville With Chef Rene De Leon At The Helm

Le Sel, a "New French" restaurant whose name means "the salt" in French, opened in Nashville on Wednesday night. The eatery, located in the base of The Adelicia condominium in Midtown, is the latest venue from Benjamin and Max Goldberg of Strategic Hospitality, who were James Beard award semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur this year.

The duo brought on Rene De Leon, formerly of Chicago's Alinea and Next restaurants, to head the kitchen and create the restaurant's brunch, lunch, dinner, and bar menus. The chef told Nashville Guru that "Le Sel will offer classic French dishes most people recognize and love. There will also be dishes that represent the current style of cuisine that has emerged in France today, consisting of food that is no longer dependent on dairy or sauces made from reducing stocks. Instead the style focuses on making the food delicious while using simplicity in the presentation and preparation."

In addition to the main dining room's menu, there is also a raw bar with chilled lobster, crab legs, and oysters. A full bar occupies the lower space and offers a healthy bar program that includes extensive cocktail and wine lists.